King of Sweets - Gaajar ka Halwaa

Winters always bring in these wonderful produce all over the markets. The mind is always full of recipes and ideas. I love to cook. And this is the first time I am gonna blog about it. See how the response is.

GAAJAR KA HALWAA
Now...tiny piece of advice...here are 2 ways of making Gaajar ka Halwa
1. I have used more milk. So it won't have a very shiny glaze. But will taste better.

2. Use less milk, it will look better, but won't taste as good.

Step 1: Carrots grated. Added to boiling milk
1 kilo carrots. 2 litres Milk.
Step 2: Reduce the mixture to a slurry consistency. Requires constant stirring.
Step 3: Sugar
Step 4: Khoya. (I had homemade Khoya in semi-liquid form)
Sugars from all the sources will caramelize and enhance the reddish color of the Halwaa
The entire process takes approximately 3 hours
Once Sugar is added and the consistency thickens, the flame is lowered to min
This is probably the best time to taste and have the 'Just undercooked Gaajar ka Halwaa'
Some people prefer it this way...it's got the still in liquid-ish form milk. Gives it a bubbly, milky, light taste.

Step 5: Dry fruits. Lightly roasted. Roughly crushed. Cashews. Almonds. Walnuts. Raisins. Pistachios.
I am gonna help myself with a spoonful.

Just the correct proportions. Milky. Lightly sweet. I don't like a strong sweet taste, that overpowers the carrot and the milk
And now...let the rest of the milk condense till we have the rich reddish glaze

Halwaa is ready. Serve and Garnish.
If You have a blow torch, add sugar on top and caramelize.
Final stage...
King of Sweets - Gaajar Ka Halwaa is served

Till next then

Ciao.

Mmmm… Chicken

I dedicate this post to a dear friend, Saloni Gupta, from Indore, who I have met, for a very brief 15 seconds only, and that too when I didn’t know it was her.
Today, almost a month after my b’day, I finally received the gift she had sent me. And I can’t stop wondering what I would do to her if she had handed this over to me face-to-face ( ) !

The said cookbook which is a heavenly compilation of over a 100 Chicken recipes, says:
“Chicken is one of the tastiest and most versatile meats you can use – it goes with almost every sauce, spice and vegetable under the sun! This cookbook contains mouth-watering recipes for all manner of chicken dishes, including warming soups, quick and easy lunches and impressive main courses.

With its practical advice, easy-to-follow recipes and fabulous photography of each finished dish, there is nothing difficult about this cookbook. In fact, the hardest part will be deciding which of the delicious recipes to try first!

Chicken is a popular favourite with adults and children alike, perhaps because it is such a versatile ingredient that there are heaps of different dishes to suit all tastes.  It can be prepared in lots of ways, from classic roasts to speedy fries and from spicy curries to rich and satisfying stews. It makes great sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and kebabs and is the perfect partner for pasta and rice. It is perfect for any occasion from an elegant dinner party with friends to a relaxed family barbeque.”

My Chicken Song:
When I wake up in the morning
There is one thing on my mind
Its Chicken! Chicken! Chicken!
And more Chicken all the time.
And every now and then I think
How sad this world would be
Without my tasty little friends
So plump and feathery



C – H – I – C – K – E – N
Yeah.. Chicken is my best friend
When I’m down or feeling grey
I grab my fork and clear my plate
Where am I supposed to begin
To explain how much I am in
Love with C – H – I – C – K – E – N
Breakfast Chicken!
Lunch Chicken!
Dinner too Chicken!

Now..what more can I say.. except for..
 Sweet ‘Chicken’ Dreams..!!