In a small bowl, take the 1/4 cup milk, add the custard powder or the cornstarch and mix to form a smooth paste with no lumps. Set aside.

Pour 2 cups milk into a saucepan, add the sugar and keep on medium heat until it becomes hot (Note : Make sure you stir often to prevent burning on the bottom)

Now turn the heat to low and slowly add the prepared custard paste to it stirring continuously for couple of mins or until the milk mixture turns thick. Remove from fire; add couple drops of rose essence (Note : You can use vanilla essence too) set it aside. Let the custard cool completely.

This step is purely Optional - If you're using whipped cream then in a medium size bowl; add the whipping cream to it and whip the cream using a hand mixer for about 4-5 minutes until it turns nice peak and fluffy then add the whipped cream into custard and mix gently.

In a large bowl, add all the chopped fruits; then add the custard mixture to this and mix well to coat the fruits (or) you can refrigerate the custard until ready to serve. When ready to serve pour the custard over chopped fruits.

Sprinkle chopped dates or raisins and almonds or cashews just before serving and Enjoy!