The festive days of Diwali 2011 are quickly approaching and your Diwali calendar should now be bursting with things that must be done eg the greetings to send, dishes to prepare as well as other last-minute errands. The celebration of Diwali brings with it joy and absolute happiness for all as well as some wonderful culinary surprises. Here then are some straightforward and innovative sweet recipes that you might prepare at home in just about no time at all.
1. China Grass (agar-agar)Burfi(fudge)
China grass is a kind of plant jelly which is quick-setting. It doesn't have any discernible taste or smell. It's readily available in the form of strands and powder. Here is what you will need to prepare this tantalizing China Grass Burfi;
Ingredients:
Milk 1/2 litre
One packet of China grass strands (about) 8 grams.
Sugar 250 grams
One cup water
Grated cashew, almonds, and pistachios for garnish.
Edible silver leaf for decoration
Method:
Cut the china grass strands into small pieces and soak in warmed up water for 5 minutes to soften it.
Boil the milk in a pan.
Squish the china grass pieces to get rid of excess water and add the squeezed china grass to the boiling milk. Stir continuously.
Let it cook till the china grass melts absolutely.
Add sugar and stir up until the sugar completely dissolves.
Pour the mix into a greased pan or in moulds.
Garnish with dry fruits and sliver leaf.
Let it set at a comfortable temperature.
Cut into diamond shapes and serve.
2. KhoyaHearts and Stars
A toothsome heart and star-shaped candy to prepare for your special ones. Here then is what you'll need;
Ingredients:
1/2 kilo of Laddoos(any type of your preference)
Khoya ormawa (400 grams)
Powdered sugar 1 1/2 large spoon (stay light on the sugar as the Laddoos are already sweet).
Chopped dry fruits
Cardamom powder 1/4 tablespoon
Cashew nuts fifteen nos.
Ghee two spoons
Method:
Grate the khoya and fry it in ghee on an especially low heat for 1 or 2 minutes.
Cool and mix in the sugar and dry fruits. Keep it aside.
Crumble the laddoos totally and divide the crumble into 2 parts.
Spread one half on a greased pan and spread a layer of the prepared khoyaon the laddoos and then spread the rest of the crumbled laddoos overt it.
Press the spread lightly and let it set at a comfortable temperature.
Cut in heart and star shapes and decorate with the use of cashew nuts.
These delicious shaped sweets will make Diwali 2011 a very special one for your loved ones and hopefully earn you a heap of praise from family and friends.
About the Author:
About the author: Anukriti Parsai is a contributing member of the Diwali 2011 Network which can provide event stories, media, articles and Blogs for the community who celebrate Deepavali annually. Anukriti loves every aspect of the Diwali holidays and is looking forward to the preparations as well as the event each year.Check out more succulent Halwa and Bhaji recipes during Diwali 2011 as well as some of the spookiest and funniest video's we are able to find on the Internet...oh and you may find a couple of fascinating Blog entries.