India, Jan. 2 -- Winter afternoons often call for desserts that feel celebratory yet thoughtful, and thandai mousse fits naturally into this moment. It combines the familiar flavours of Indian thandai with the light structure of a French mousse, making it suitable for holiday tables that welcome experimentation without moving away from tradition.

Thandai has its roots in North India, where it has been prepared for centuries as a spiced milk-based drink using almonds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom, and saffron. Traditionally associated with festive gatherings and seasonal celebrations, thandai is valued for its energy and nourishment, sourced from natural ingredients rather than processed additions.

French mousse, on the other hand...