INDIAN SWEETS

Red Rice Sweet Paniyaarm/fritters stuffed with Coconut and Palm Sugar

March 22, 2016 By Asha Shivakumar

It’s that time again for Indians to slap colors on each other. A festival which brings people together, a festival of camaraderie and jollity. Holi – the festival of COLORS.

India does have a lot of festivals, and the whole country turns into a colorful atmosphere. Among these festivals, some are religious, some are based on seasons, and some are of national importance. I consider this festival in particular to be a more free spirited, joyous occasion for the young and old and everyone in between. It’s a festival where people forget anger, sadness and join in for a day of fun, food and become kids at heart.

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Coconut-Cashew-Chocolate Fudge/Ladoo – Quick 30 minute recipe

September 15, 2015 By Asha Shivakumar

This Chocolate Coconut Ladoo is a must-make Diwali sweet. It’s an instant 10 minute recipe that is easy, impressive and your friends will leave with the recipe for sure. It’s no wonder the recipe is such a huge crowd pleaser!

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi to all who celebrate!!

It is one of the biggest festivals of India this week. It is the birth of Ganesha, the Elephant God. To me, I love the vibes that this festival brings. I’m enamored with the colors and the mood it creates.

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Malpua (Sweet Pancake) with Pistachio Cream(Halwa)

March 4, 2015 By Asha Shivakumar

It’s Holi!!! It’s the Festival of Colors.

I didn’t really experience Holi when I grew up. We South Indians did not celebrate it. So, my memories are just seeing few of neighbors running around and dunking each other in color.

That changed though after coming to the States. It was a Culture Adventure overload.

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Instant Jalebi – 30 minute Quick Jalebi

February 10, 2015 By Asha Shivakumar

Some things are deceptively simple; if not, you have to make it simple :). Desserts sometimes look quite deceitful, like this Jalebi. For years I was overwhelmed and never ventured out to make it. I agree, this was not my favorite Indian sweet, until I made it at home. The intense crunch with the sugary syrup coating is simply joyful, a pleasure for your senses.

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Eggless Coconut-Cardamom Crepe- Sweet Jaggery Dosa((Indian)

February 2, 2015 By Asha Shivakumar

Oh, it’s Sunday! I really want to curl up on my sofa, laze around watching Netflix all day.

I slowly maneuver myself towards my coffee pot. I ask my little baby bear, who’s watching his favorite show, if he’s eaten something. He then issues a quick sweet demand: “Can you please make me pancakes?” Turning away from him, I let out an annoyed sigh, with eyebrows almost touching the back of my head. I feel sort of obligated to make him some, as I denied him pancakes even last week for the same reason: we didn’t have eggs. I didn’t have eggs today too. He has to go to his cricket practice at 9.00 a.m. I have to wake my mind up.

The next option was to make these Indian style pancake/crepes. He ate them and quickly gave me a kiss with a happy smile. Off he went to cricket.

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PUMPKIN FUDGE/HALWA/ BURFI

October 23, 2014 By Asha Shivakumar

HAPPY DIWALI!!

It has been a while since I’ve posted and visited your page my friends. Well, now glad to be back in this space to wish you all a beautiful and colorful year ahead.

This truly is the Festival of lights in many ways to our family. We feel very blessed, especially this year.
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ALMOND AND SAFFRON VALENTINE PIES

February 12, 2014 By Asha Shivakumar

Friendship Day was the most popular college celebration I knew of when I was growing up. Seriously, I never celebrated Valentine’s Day until the last year of my graduation. It was so interesting and fun to see girls buying cards for their Valentine. They got so giddy over it!

On Valentine’s Day, you could see girls dressed their best. They wait for their Valentine to come with red roses. Few guys did come, and the rest were jealous. The four(my friends and I) did not have much excitement on the day and tried to get past the day without being too embarrassed or annoyed. This happened for years.
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Wheat-

January 2, 2014 By Asha Shivakumar

A Very Very Happy New Year to you my dear friends!!

I wish all of you a wonderful year ahead with everything you desire. I wish you a Healthy, Happy New Year!!

I really appreciate all your visits and your comments. Thanks for the constant support. I am looking forward to learning and sharing many things this year.
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CARDAMOM PUMPKIN HALWA with ALMOND CREAM TRIFLE

November 25, 2013 By Asha Shivakumar

One of my favorite festivals after I came here is Thanksgiving. There’s something about everyone getting together, cooking, sitting down for a big spread and saying Thanks.
Reminds me a lot of our festivals back in India.

I’ve been reading a lot of blogs about how they are going to celebrate Thanksgiving. What is the one thing you really look forward to on Thanksgiving day? I would love to know. Do you celebrate it the traditional way? DO YOU LIKE TURKEY?

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RAVA LADDU/Rawa Ladoo with nuts – HAPPY DIWALI

November 1, 2013 By Asha Shivakumar

HAPPY DIWALI!!
DIWALI- Festival of Lights.
It is one of the most popular festivals in India, if not the most.
There are many stories linked to the reasons behind the celebration.
Growing up, Diwali for me was all about new clothes, fun with family, food and FIRE CRACKERS(it was like the July 4th in India).

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