5 minute read

The sweet things in life

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

Afond Diwali memory from my childhood is cooking gujiyas with my mum. She would cook the mouth-watering coconut and sugar mixture, and I would help stuff them in the pastry and wrap them into semi circles. We would then fry them together gently, as she would recount tales of how she cooked with her own mother and her sisters.

We re-enacted this private mumand-daughter ritual when my mum visited me here in Australia one Diwali. My own daughter had just been born, and as I stood frying the gujiyas, I knew there would be many Diwali rituals I would be creating with her over the years.

Here are some of my mum’s recipes still in their original format. I’ve helped her cook from these on many an occasion, and still hope to cook them on my own (or with my daughter!) some day. The honest truth is, though, that I’m more likely to wimp out and try Indian Link’s microwave mithais

But here’s to my mum, who I am missing so much as I prepare for this year’s Diwali.

Gujiya

1 cup plain flour

3 tbsp ghee

Pinch salt

1 cup fresh grated coconut

3 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups milk

8 numbers almonds, coarsely chopped

1 tbsp raisins

1/2 tsp cardamom powder

1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)

Oil for deep frying

Combine the salt, flour and ghee in a large mixing bowl. Rub the ghee in well. Gradually add water and knead to form a pliable dough. Cover with wet cloth and set aside.

In a heavy-bottomed pan, put in the coconut, sugar, milk, chopped almonds and raisins, cardamom powder and poppy seeds (if using), and cook on medium heat. When the milk evaporates and the mixture comes together in one mass, turn off the heat. Set aside to cool.

Take small portions of dough and roll out into little pancakes. Place a spoon of stuffing at one end and roll the side over. Gently press down the outer edge with your fingers to seal (make a pattern if you want), using some milk for moisture.

Deep fry gujiyas in hot oil till golden brown.

Meethe Chawal

1 cup rice

½ cup sugar

1/4 tsp saffron (kesar)

50 gms raisins

50 gms cashew nuts

1/2 cup ghee

5 cardamom pods

Wash and cook rice in four cups water. When done, add ghee and sugar and continue cooking on low flame. Stir continuously. Powder the cardamom and add to the rice. Keep cooking till the rice mixture leaves the sides of the vessel. Before finishing off, add saffron dissolve in a tbsp of hot milk. Decorate with raisins and chopped cashew nuts.

Burfi

400 gm tin condensed milk

300 gms grated paneer

1/2 tsp cardamom powder

2 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios,

2 sheets silver varak (optional)

Mix condensed milk and paneer in a heavy-bottomed pan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture starts thickening, reduce heat. When it leaves the sides of the pan and comes together as one mass, remove from the heat and spread on a greased tray. Sprinkle the cardamom powder and nuts on the mixture. Decorate with varak if using and cut into desired shapes.

Coconut Laddus

3 cups fresh grated coconut

2 cups sugar

1 cup milk

Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. When it comes to a boil, add two cups of coconut. Mix well. Continue to cook on low heat until the milk is nearly absorbed by the coconut. Slowly add the sugar.

Keep stirring the mixture continuously. Increase the heat to medium and continue to cook until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.

Empty the mixture onto a plate. When it is cool enough to handle, roll small portions of it between your palms to make the laddus Scatter the remaining coconut on another dish and roll the laddus in it.

Rawa Laddus

2 cups semolina (rawa)

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup ghee

1 tbsp cashew nuts, coarsely chopped

1 tbsp raisins, gently fried 1 tsp cardamom powder.

Heat 1 tsp. ghee in a pan and dry roast the rawa till pink. Grind the fried rawa and powdered sugar in a mixer to a fine powder. Heat the remaining ghee and add the powdered rawa, cashew nuts, raisins and cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly. While still warm, mould into small with your palms. Cool and store in an airtight container.

In summer, less is best, so here are some tips to mix ‘n’ match for a trendy, fashionable look

6. Printed tights: Prints can be tricky or downright winners. Pick a print that will work with your bright tee.

Whether you are a smart, thrifty shopper, a shopaholic deal hunter (like me), or a hoarder, the idea of a capsule wardrobe is sure to leave you impressed! If you are wondering what in the world is a ‘capsule’ wardrobe, let me explain briefly. It is a set of clothing, or rather essentials, that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. The number of items in a set need not necessarily be an accurate number, however most of my research reveals a number under 30! So why a ‘capsule’ wardrobe?

I’ve been drawn to the ‘less is more’ philosophy lately. Especially after spring cleaning not just my home but also my wardrobe, I discovered that I had way too many clothes (and shoes, bags and accessories). There would be quite a few of you totally identifying with this. So let me guess, most of the purchases were made because they were on sale and simply too good to be missed at the time!

You may not like this, but my analysis is that this is not a smart shopping approach. Because if we add up the cost of all of these impulse shopping goodies, we could’ve instead bought one versatile quality item that not only lasts and looks terrific, but also works well with a number of looks. Get the picture?

This is exactly the theory behind a capsule wardrobe, to collect quality essentials gradually over time, and mix ‘n’ match in the best possible creative way to give an illusion of a varied, beautiful and luxe wardrobe.

So how could you possibly have the same wardrobe for different seasons and where do you get started? To begin with, you don’t have to have the same capsule wardrobe throughout the year. Most experts suggest actively utilising your 20 or 30 piece set for a period of three months.

Now what are the ideal items for this summer? I have put together a list of 22 items mainly based on versatility and wearability. Just add an accessory or two to be on trend, if you like.

1. Striped tee: A timeless classic, pick a style that flatters you

2. Black tank top: Versatile and chic, pick one in short sleeves if sleeveless isn’t your thing.

3. Bright coloured tee in short or three-fourth sleeve length: Aha, now this one’s interesting because you can actually pick a summery bright colour of your choice, but some of the accessories in the capsule must have accents of this colour to work in the best possible way!

4. Neutral linen shirt: Think beige or light grey here.

5. Coloured jeans: I’d suggest cream or a lighter summer colour like mint or pink.

7. Neutral cotton shorts or Capri pants: Choose whatever is in your comfort zone.

8. Shirt dress: Light denim or a pastel shade will be great.

9. Printed summer dress: I’d suggest polka dots or a light floral print.

10. Floral scarf.

11. Light knit cardigan in a

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