Hot Chocolate (with jaggery and spiked with bourbon)

Seasons Greetings to all!! With a vaccine on the horizon, we have reason to leave the gloom of 2020 behind and look to a new future in 2021. Let us hope we are able to return to normalcy sooner than later. With that being said, today I am sharing recipe for Hot chocolate - my way :) This is not your kid's average hot chocolate. This is the adult version of this universally favorite drink.The jaggery adds a unique flavor to this traditional drink. Try it :)

Here is how I make it:

Ingredients: For 1 cup spiked Hot chocolate: 3/4th cup whole milk, 1/4th cup water, 1 tsp jaggery, 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 small piece dark chocolate unsweetened, 2 large marshmallows + 2 to decorate, 1 tsp Bourbon (adjust per your taste), 1/8th tsp vanilla extract, 2 pinches instant coffee powder, 1/4 tsp - pumpkin spice, 1/8th tsp nutmeg (since I like the flavor).

Method: Take a pan and add milk and water to it. When it gets warm, add all the other ingredients and stir till jaggery, marshmallow and chocolate melts. Pour in a cup and add 1 tsp bourbon and 1/8th tsp vanilla extract, stir and add marshmallow pieces to it and sprinkle with a pinch of cocoa powder and pinch of instant coffee powder. Serve hot. Enjoy this warm. delicious and relaxing drink and look forward to a bright future!!

Till my next post, take care everyone!! #staysafe

Moong Dal Halwa (Roasted/Instant)

Happy Dassera to all celebrating! 2020 has been quite a year so far due to Covid-19. Everyone is slowly adjusting to the new reality where we can't celebrate festivals with family and friends.

It is very sad and depressing. But such are the times we live in now. Well, to cheer everyone and add some festive spirit I made some roasted moong dal halwa!! It does not involve soaking moong dal so it can be done faster and tastes so good as well.

Here is the recipe for Roasted or Instant Moong Dal Halwa:

Ingredients: Split Yellow Moong dal - 1 cup, Ghee/clarified butter - 1 cup +1-2 tsp, Sugar - 1 cup (adjust per taste), Milk and water mixed (ratio: milk - 3/4 and water 1/4) total 2-3 cups (per desired consistency), Saffron strands - 3/4th tsp, Cardamom powder - 1 tsp, Almonds and Pistachios 1/2 cup total - grind some and slice some for garnish. 

Method: Wash the moong dal and pour it on a towel and pat dry. Take a pan and dry roast the moong dal till it is very light brown (it should start getting some color - take care not to burn it). After that powder it in a mixer/grinder. In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup milk and warm it on a microwave for 30 seconds and add saffron stands to it and set aside. After that take a non-stick pan and add ghee to it. When it starts melting, add powdered moong dal to it. Now slowly ass the milk/water mixture and stir till everything is mixed with no lumps. Cover and cook for 3-4 mins. Add powdered nuts and sugar and keep stirring for 4-5 mins. Cover and cook on low heat for additional 3-4 mins. Keep stirring till the mixture is thick and starts leaving sides of the pan. Add additional 1-2 tsp ghee and add saffron and cardamom powder. Stir thoroughly and remove to serving bowl. Garnish with sliced almonds and pistachios and serve warm.

Enjoy this rich protein rich dessert this festive season with your loved ones!!

Till my next post, take care everyone.

Happy Holidays!!!

Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies for Santa..... Happy Holidays!!!