Gulab Jamuns

If you are searching for a Gulab Jamun recipe that tastes just like you got it from a Mithiawala ( Indian sweet shop ) than stop right here, as this recipe is THE ONE.

This is one of the best tasting, made-from-scratch Gulab Jamun recipe ever. The combination of the milk powder to all purpose flour is just right to make soft, firm, super soaked, melt-in-your mouth Gulab Jamuns.

Just make sure to serve it warm and your guest will never believe you made these and that they are super easy to make.

Modak and Karanji

Modak and Karanji are sweet, coconut-filled, deep fried pastries commonly made in the month of September in India. They are said to be a favorite of Lord Ganesh.

Many a time, I have had modaks that are either so hard that you might just need a hammer to break into it or too chewy that you get a good jaw workout for free ! This recipe, however, makes the most amazing modaks . The cover is crispy, flaky and yet strong enough to hold the filling. And the filling has just the right amount of sweetness. Pop one of these in your mouth and you will be amazed at how the cover just dissolves to give way to the sweet coconutty goodness.

Karanji and modak are essentially the same thing assembled in different ways. It takes much longer to make modaks than karanjis because of the small size. So usually in many households, including mine, we make the customary 21 modaks and for the rest of the dough and filling, we make karanjis out of it. Karanjis are also be made during diwali or any special occasion.

Shortbread Cookie

It has been 19 years since I left my secondary school ( or high school as it is known here ). I was reminded of this fact, very recently, when my old school friend visited me from Ghana. It is so hard to believe that so much time has passed by. It really doesn't feel that long to me. It is as if my body and my mind are aging differently. My body, the traitor, has to be so darn honest and make sure that I look my age ! My mind on the other hand is carefree and will always remain young, forever. Now if only my body can be more like my mind then there is nothing else left to desire for. I think you should always be only as old as you think.

So all this re-visiting the past brought to mind one of my favorite cookies called the Shortbread cookie that I immensely enjoyed in my childhood. When I saw this recipe in Tartine, I knew I had to make it and I was not disappointed. She has such a wonderful line up of recipe that would make anyone drool. Next I am going to try her croissants.

This rich, delicate cookie that instantly crumbles and melts in your mouth was loved by everyone at our home. It is not a very sweet cookie, so if this is your first time having a shortbread do not be alarmed by the lack of sweetness that is commonly associated with cookies. As a matter of fact the sweetness is enhanced by the sugar that gets sprinkled on top. I will definitely be making this recipe over and over again.