Kaju Katli - Cashew Fudge - Vegan, Gluten Free, Indian Diwali Sweet

Diwali season is time to eat sweets to your hearts content. I love sweets and can never stop eating them. So to me, this season has been all about making loads of sweets. Though I wanted to try some new sweets this year, I ended up making Mysore pak and 7 cup cake a lot.



My son is the total opposite of me. He does not care much for anything sweet. But then there are a few things he eats as he fancies at that time. He used to like 7 cup cake last year. This year, he has chosen Kaju Katli. So I was all excited to fulfill his request. This sweet is usually a big hit among adults and children alike.

Boondi Ladoo - Diwali Sweet - Step by Step recipe - Vegan, Gluten Free

Diwali is just a week away. We are all busy planning what we are going to make for our loved ones. I am also working on what I am making for my family (collecting their wish list). How can I forget the blog? I need something new to celebrate Diwali with my wonderful readers. I will start off this year with an awesome sweet - Boondi Ladoo.

Chena Kadi - Yam Stew with Lentils and Roasted Coconut

Chena Kadi is a dish that invokes memories of my childhood. It is a dish my mom used to make often and we used to love it. The food prepared in my home was a wonderful mix of all the cultures we have been part of. Tamil food from our origins, Kerala food from the land we lived in, North Indian food cause my dad liked it and then many others that my mom learned from friends and family. This is probably a recipe she learned from a friend cause it is not a common dish among Malayalees nor is it a Tamil dish. This is a dish prepared by the Varma Community in Kerala. 

As I have told you before, I was not too much into cooking when I was younger. So I lost the recipe for this dish with my mom. I have been craving to make this for a long time and finally got a chance to see it being made in a TV show. I was really excited and noted the recipe. When I made it today and tasted the first spoonful, it literally brought tears to my eyes. It was exactly as I remember it. 

Mini Shape Idlis - Kids Lunch Box

Lunch - Mini Shape Idlis, Tomato Thokku (Pickle), Madeleine, Yogurt. Thokku recipe here. Madeleine recipe here.

Idlis can be prepared in regular idli molds. I got the idea of using silicone molds to make idlis from a friend. I took the idea a little further and made these mini idlis in small silicone chocolate molds. They are a treat to the eyes and my little one cannot get enough of it. These are the molds that I used.

Punjabi Rajma Masala - Red Kidney Bean Stew

Rajma Masala is basically a Kidney bean stew and is a staple in Punjabi Households. It is one of those recipes that has to be enjoyed in an authentic kitchen. I have had a few punjabi friends who have made the best Rajma for me and I totally love it (if made right). Yes, you read it. I am not a fan of it if the recipe is messed up.