HAPPY DIWALI 

Diwali is here and the festive atmosphere begins, cleaning the house to begin with preparing for the arrival of goddess Lakshmi. A festive atmosphere prevails and the hustle bustle of families and friends organising - Oil lamps ( Diyas ), new clothes, flowers, Torans and Rangolis at the entrance to the house, crackers, fireworks and Sweets galore ! 

Beginning with the Dhanteras - It is the day women beautify themselves with ground poppy seed paste, turmeric, and oil. Later in the day everyone is scrambling to buy gold or any new metal vessel as it is considered auspicious. The next day is Narkchaturdashi the day of the bath for men as similar to the one followed by women on Dhanteras .

Then comes the main day - Lakshmi Puja - the day Lakshmi is worshipped along with our ornaments Puja when the whole house is decked up and each one according to their customs preparing sweets and savories. 

This time I am on the move so could not make the traditional 5 Sweets and 5 savouries we offer and the most traditional of all the "Kanola" or "Gujiya" as they say up North. 

So before leaving I made a quick and easy to make milkmaid and coconut laddoo and kalakand - a  recipe I gave my friend and am sharing it with you. Will make the video on return .

If any one wants the recipes of savouries do let me know in your feedback comments so will write that too.

COCONUT & MILKMAID LADDOOS

COCONUT LADDOOS 

INGREDIENTS 

Grated coconut / or if you want Dry coconut powder : .250 gms / about 4 cups  - 

I made with fresh grated coconut (but it can be big flakes so give it a swirl to make them slightly smaller in size so they stick to the laddos when rolling ) 

Milkmaid -1 tin 

Cardamom Powder - 1/4 to 1/2 tsp 

METHOD

• First keep about 70 gms coconut aside and spread on thali . Invariably we need extra grated coconut if you make bigger size.
  
  

 

• Mix the grated fresh coconut with the milkmaid and cook on slow fire till the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.  Be careful not to brown or burn it.
  
  
• Cool the mixture. Add Elaichi powder 
  
  
•  Then apply little butter on hands and roll mixture into Ladoo's. Makes about 15 to 20 small size. 
  
  
• Then roll this on the coconut on thali.
  
  

It comes out nice and children love them . It can be heavy 

I made these years back. But when the girls left for college stopped 

Try them out and give me a feedback .

With 2 more days for Diwali to get over make this quick sweet for Bhaiduj  !