After a good local balti meal, i asked Chef Abbas of “Khaplu Palace & Residence“ if he has something sweet to offer with local touch. “We eat lots of apricots. Baltistan is famous for dried apricots. It keeps us warm since its cold throughout year. I can make Apricot mousse cake for you.” Said Abbas. APRICOT MOUSE CAKE? The name itself watered my mouth and i could not wait any further to enjoy it with a warm cup of tea while enjoying the view of the 200 year old Khaplu Palace.
It’s first week of June and i am in Baltistan. Karachi in southern coast of the country is experiencing extreme warm weather, Lahore in center is boiling hot while i can feel cold wind and see snow caped mountains right in front of me in Khaplu. Dried Apricots are famous in Baltistan. I have seen them available at every second shop in this region since the first time i came here in 2009. Back in times i remember a Balti school friend of mine once brought dried apricots as a food souvenir for me from Baltistan. In fact, Pakistan is one of the top 12 producers of apricots.
I love mousse cakes, my favorite had been Strawberry mousse cake but now this yummy fluffy soft apricot mousse cake by chef Abbas became my favorite one. I took my time to enjoy its every bite with tea. The only regret i have is that i had very less of it while in Khaplu. No where else i will be able to find it. I think i will have to go back there again one day. If you are visiting Gilgit-Baltistan, I would suggest you to make a special trip to Khaplu Palace & Residence in Khaplu, a town 2.5 hours drive east of Skardu. Stay there, have local meals and ask Chef Abbas to make special local Apricot mousse cake for you.