Hic, hic, hurray! Delicacies with spirits to run high on Christmas

THANE: With Christmas around the corner, the popularity of liqueur-based chocolates, rich fruit plum cakes and cocktail cupcakes seems to be catching up in the city. Chefs and bakers from Thane running cooking and baking courses are getting requests to conduct classes on these delicacies.
Priti Doke, who runs a cooking class in Kharkar Ali, said, “People always look for something unique when it comes to festivals.With residents having relatives abroad, many are not new to the concept of chocolates and cakes containing alcohol. However, we need a permit to possess liquor in order to teach people how to make these chocolates and that is a hassle. We also need to convince our students to take the necessary permit if they do use real liquor.”
The tedious legal procedure for acquiring permits to possess liquor has made these culinary artists opt for liquor flavours and essence instead.
Pranoti Borse, founder of a cooking and baking class at Ram Maruti Road, said that she has introduced a course on liqueur flavoured desserts. Cupcakes or cakes can be made with a cinnamon and honey concoction, rum essence or cocktail flavoured chocolates.
“I, however, tell my students that if they do get the permit they can easily add a little alcohol in their desserts to give the authentic taste,” she said.
State excise officials said that permits for possession, consumption and transportation of liquor are easily available. “Any individual can get this permit by submitting Rs 5 court stamp, two photographs, address proof and age proof to the excise office,” said N N Patil, superintendent, state excise department, Thane.
The permit is not very expensive as it costs Rs 100 for a one-year licence and Rs 1,000 for a lifetime licence, he added.