Kaju Katli (Kaju Katri)

Kaju Katli is one of the most famous, most yummiest and of course, one of the costliest sweets in India.

Also known as Kaju Katri (or) Kaju Barfi, this sweet is enjoyed by both adults & especially by kids.

Just eat one, & I promise ...you will be tempted to eat more and more till there is only a few left to share with others. (I know what you will think now). Go ahead & finish them too. Its always easy to make another batch to share with others.

This recipe makes kaju katlis enough for a dad & a hungry toddler while mom eats just 2 pieces while enjoying the smile & happiness of her family.

Ingredients

Cashew - 2 cups (at room temperature)
Water - 1 cup
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Milk - 1 tbsp
Ghee - 1 tbsp
Edible Silver Foil (optional)
Parchment Paper

Method

1. In a mixie / blender, finely powder the cashew pieces. 
2. In a pan ,add water and sugar and let them come to a boil on a high heat.
3. Boil on a high heat till the water level reduces to half.
4. Now reduce to a medium heat & use a spatula to stir the sugar solution. If you lift the spatula sideways now, the sugar solution will fall down really fast and will be watery.
5. Keep stirring until you reach the point at which " when you lift the spatula sideways, the sugar solution will drop down in sticky long slow strands".
6. Now, add in the milk and ghee.
7. Reduce the heat to a LOW temperature. Now add in the cashew powder.
8. Hold on to the pan really really tight & stir with the spatula really really fast.
9. The cashew will start sticking to the pan really fast. So use all the mighty power of your hands and stir for about 2 min.
10. Turn off the stove and transfer the contents to a bowl.
11. Let this cool off a little bit and then knead with your hands (while it is still warm) for 30 sec.
12. Transfer this cashew dough to a parchment paper. Put another parchment paper on top of the cashew dough and roll it with a rolling pin (thick or thin)
13. Take the edible silver foil sheet one by one and cover the rolled out cashew dough. (This is little tricky but fun). Ask for this edible silver foil in an Indian grocery store at the counter because they don't keep these in the aisle.
14. Cut into diamond shapes (traditionally) or any shape of your kid's choice using a knife or a pizza cutter.
15. Kaju Katli has a long shelf life and stays good in your closet for about a week. (But that is not needed 'coz it will be over in a day or two)
16. Enjoy with your loved ones this amazing, easy to make, delicious sweet of Indian origin.

Trophy / Pencil Holder

This is a great craft project for kids at home or at school. With some available supplies at home, kids can make many pencil holders and take pride in organizing their stationary size wise / color wise.

Also, the trophy can be given to friends / teachers for friendship day or teacher's day. Kids can also make them for their #1 dad or #1 mom or #1 grandparents.

What you'll Need

Foam Cup / Paper Cup  - 1
Dessert Bowl (Foam / Paper) -1
Glue
Construction Paper / Card Stock Paper -1
Feathers / Beads / Glitter / Sequins / Stickers / Markers- To decorate

How to Make

1. First, make sure the bottom of the cup and the bowl are of the same size.
2. Turn the bowl upside down (this acts as a stand) and apply glue generously on it.
3. Fix the bottom of the cup on this glue. (That's it for the pencil holder )
4. Fix some beads or sequins to cover the joint.
5. Cut 2 'alphabet C' or 2 'question marks "? " ' from the construction paper or card stock.
6. Glue to the sides of the cup, folding the edges a little. (That's it for the trophy)
7. Decorate however you like.(I glued some feathers to the inside of the cup. Applied some glitter glue randomly, let it dry for 5 min and spread with a finger or paper towel)
8. Organize kid's stationary in these bright beautiful pencil holders OR let kids present to someone they love on special occasions.

Cauliflower Roast

Ingredients

1/2 of a large cauliflower
Chilli sauce - 2 tbsp
Corn Starch - 2 tbsp
Red chilli powder - 1/2 tbsp
Pepper powder - 1/4 tbsp
Cumin powder - 1/4 tbsp
Garam masala - 1/4 tbsp
Salt - To taste
Water / Oil - 1 tbsp
Coriander leaves - To Garnish (optional)

Seasoning:
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard + Urad dhal - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 5 Nos.
Chopped Onion - 1tsp

Method

1. Separate the cauliflower florets and cut them into small bite-sized pieces. Wash thoroughly under running water and dry them with a paper towel. (ie) Make sure the florets are not too wet after washing to avoid the masala to be too watery.
2. In a mixing bowl, add all the other ingredients and mix them thoroughly without any lumps.
3. Add in the cauliflower and mix well to get a uniform coat of masala on all cauliflower florets.
4. Arrange them in a greased baking tray and bake for 20 min in a 450 F preheated oven. (This is to make sure the masala is almost cooked and the florets are 3/4th cooked.So when we roast this again on stovetop, the cauliflower florets will not turn mushy b'coz of the added chilli sauce.)
5. In a frying pan, do the seasoning and add in the cauliflower florets. Cook in a low heat for 10 - 15 min until the florets are completely cooked but not mushy.
6. Garnish with coriander leaves.
7. Serve as a side or as an appetizer. 

Note

This dish can be done on stove top alone (in case there is no oven). 

1. Do the seasoning.
2. Add in the masala mix and cook for 2 min in a low - medium heat.
3. Add in the florets and cook in a low - medium heat till its done.

The taste will be little different b'coz we cook the sauce in the oil initially. But hopefully this will turn out good.(I have never tried this stovetop alone version though)

I'm Back.....

I am back..... Yeah! back from my pretty long vacation to India, came back from India really lazy after months of sitting & eating & sleeping....then jumped into crafty action for my little pumpkin's 4th birthday party...

Now....I'm little busy (its summer vacation for my kiddo now) but hope to get some free time to blog....

Keep reading & acting guys....