Kesari Karachi Halwa

Diwali is almost here, it is my favourite time of the year, everything looks so cheerful and festive.

It is the time to indulge wth the sweet and savoury treats diwali brings :)

I love to hog on chakli, chaat, dahi vada, khachori, ladoo, pedas and so many other goodies.

Karachi Halwa was in my to do list since last year and Diwali is just the perfect time to try this.

So let's make this easy and fuss free diwali mithai

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Corn flour
• 1 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 cup plus 1 1/2 cup Water
• 2 tbsp Ghee
• 1/4 th cupfinely chopped cashew nuts
• A pinch of Cardamom powder
• 10-15 strands saffron dissolved in 2 tbsp water ( you can use food colour also)

Preparation time : 5 minutes
Cooking time : 8-10 minutes
Final time : 2- 3 hours
Yields: 10-12 pieces

Directions:

• In a mixing bowl add cornflour, 1 1/2 cups of water and whisk it well to avoid lumps.
• Next, add saffron strands and mix well. Keep aside.
• In a heavy bottomed pan boil sugar and 1 cup of water till the sugar completely dissolves and become slightly thick.
• Add the cornflour mixture, keep stirring to avoid lumps while adding. 
• Cook on medium heat.
• The mixture will start to thicken and form glossy texture, keep stirring until you see the halwa texture.
• Now add ghee and cardamom powder.
• Once it is thick and comes together and starts to leave the sides of the pan add cashew nuts and switch off the flame.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased dish..
• Let it  set for at least 2-3 hours and cut into squares.

Enjoy!
Adapted from Polka Puffs

5 minute paneer peda

Deepawali is just around the corner and its time for indulge, enjoy sweets ignoring calories and guilt.

Since there is lot more to this festival than spending time in preparing sweets, I'm here sharing with you easy and quick no cook Peda with a few easily available ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 200 gms. cottage cheese.
• 2-3 tbsp. gulkand/ rose preserve.
• 1/2 bowl desiccated coconut.
• 1/2 bowl milk powder.
• Powdered sugar as per taste.
• A handful of pistachio for garnishing.

Method:

• Churn all the mentioned ingredients in a mixer except pistachio for few seconds. 
• Take out in a greased plate, also grease your hands and shape into pedas.
•  Garnish with pistachio. 

Your pillowy soft cheat pedas are ready.

Enjoy!!