Badam Halva ( Almond Halva).

Almond Halva  is a sweet dish and you can have them after meal or at any time of the day.
Almond is rich in minerals and vitamins. It is said you need  to have one or two almonds daily in the morning to get benefits of almonds/badam.
Almond halva is very delicious and it can be served in the breakfast as one of the sweet dish. Very healthy for kids. You can also prepare this halva for festivals and feast, lady's kitty party or kids party.

Things Needed : 

Almonds : 1 Cup.
Milk : 1/2 Cup.
Sugar : 11/2 Cup
Cardamom : 4 to 6 Seeds.
Ghee : 1/2 Cup.

Method : 

1. Soak Almonds in hot water for 10 minutes and remove the skin.
2. Powder the cardamom and  grind almonds in milk  till paste and  put it in a big pan.
3.Now add sugar to the ground mixture and mix nicely.
4. Keep the pan on the fire and and stir nicely till it thickens.
5. Add powdered cardamom to it. Add  2 table spoons ghee and mix it nicely.
6. Put off the gas and add remaining ghee and mix it again and pour it in a tray.
7.Serve Almond Halva when it is cold or warm.  ( Better use a tablespoon to take out Almond Halva).

Note : 

The whole process should be done on low flame to get the perfect halva. High or medium flame might burn the bottom and halva gets burnt taste. Use of more ghee is optional. Use of little less sugar is optional. It is simple and delicious. Adding saffron adds colour and taste and makes halva rich.
(Optional).
Time : 30 Minutes 
Serves : According to your servings. ( At least 25 to 30 tablespoons).

Baadam ( Almond) Milk.

Badam/Almonds are always nuts and it helps to keep our skin healthy and take care of our health too.
Badam (Almond ) Milk is a refreshing drink and it helps you to be strong and energetic whole day.
I have used Almonds, cardamom, Saffron, Sugar and Milk.

Let us see the recipe Now:

Things Needed :

Almonds : 10 to 15 
Cadamom : 4 to 6 pods.
Milk: 1/2 Litre.
Kesar ( Saffron ) : 2 to 3 rakes.
Sugar : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Soak Almonds in hot water for 10 minutes and remove its outer skin. Keep it aside.

2. Remove the skin of cardamom and add with almonds and grind it together with little water.

3. Keep milk for boiling. Cool the milk once it is boiled.
4. Soak 3 to 4 rakes of saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot milk. (Dissolve it after 2 minutes).
5. Now Put ground almonds in a bowl and boil for 2 minutes.
6. Add sugar to boiling almond mixture. Let it cool.

7. Now mix almond - saffron mixture with cooled milk and mix it well.

8. Serve cool " Badam Milk " in a hot summer day.

9. Keeping this Badam Milk in a refrigerator is optional. (Adding ice cube also optional).

Note: 

You can Dry grind cardamom and almonds (without removing the skin) and store it in a dry place and use it whenever you want. But you will not get the fresh aroma. (optional). Adding rock sugar (kallu sakkare) instead of sugar is a healthy habit. Use of sugar in hot summer helps you to get energy. You can use more milk but taste differ.
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves: 3 to 4 glasses.

Easy Laddus ( Wheat flour Almond Laadu )

Wheat flour laddu is one of the easy laddu you can prepare quickly and it is easy to prepare.
We do prepare these wheat flour laddu for Gokulastami/Shri Krishna Janmastami because we need to prepare varieties of laddu for Prasadam that particular day. Festivals or feast or any normal day these laddus can be prepared for prasadam/Kids snack box/travelling purpose.

Here I have tried wheat flour laddu adding some almond flakes which are given by our daughter in law Vidya Ravi's sister, Veena /Krishnaveni Bidarahalli.
Wheat flour, sugar, ghee and almonds are used and that makes an energetic Laddu.
Let us see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

Wheat flour : 2 Cups
Sugar : 1/2 Cup or little more
Ghee : 1/2 Cup
Almond Flakes : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Cardamom : 3 to 4  Pods

Method :

1. Remove the seeds from cardamom pods and powder with sugar and keep it aside.
2. Keep a pan and put a tablespoon of ghee. Let it heat. Add wheat flour and fry.
3. Fry till the raw smell disappear.
4. Put off the fire and put the fried wheat flour to a bowl.
5. Mix it nicely.
6. Add powdered sugar and almond flakes.

7. Add ghee little by little and mix it well.
8. Take a handful of wheat almond mixture and form a round circle laddu.

9. Add little more ghee if the mixture turns dry.
10. Put it in a serving dish. Let it cool. Store them in airtight bottle or box.

Note :

Use of little ghee to fry wheat flour is optional. You can use more. Use of more/less sugar is optional.
It always better to divide fried wheat flour and add little ghee when you are about to prepare laddu.
( Divide fried wheat flour into 2 to 3 portions. Take each portion at time and add 2 tablespoons of ghee. Mix it nicely and then prepare laddu. Repeat the same with remaining portions).
It is always better to prepare laddu when the fried flour is bit warm. Adding little more ghee is optional. You can use hot milk instead of ghee. Remember that laddu prepared using milk with not stay for long.
Time : 20 Minutes.
Serves : 15 to 20 Laddu can be prepared.

Badam Burfi

Baadam or Almond Burfi is a sweet dish. It is one of the delicious sweet piece that every one will love to have it at any time of the day.

It is an easy and yummy recipe that we can munch them at any time of the day.
Lets see the recipe now:
Things Needed :
Almonds : 1 Cup
Sugar : 1 1/4 Cup
Ghee : 2 to 3 Table spoon
Water : Required amount

Method :
1. Soak almonds in hot water and remove the skin and grind it. (Use little water).  
2. Now keep a pan on the fire and heat. Put ground almonds and sugar.
3. Keep stirring till the sugar melts completely. (Let the flame be very low).
4. Add a spoon of ghee and keep stirring till it gets thicken.
5. Once it is done it starts to leave the sides. Stir little more till it comes to the middle of the pan.
Add the remaining ghee to the burfi. Stir it slowly.
6. Apply ghee on the plate or tray. Put ready burfi mixture to the plate and spread it in equal level.
7. Just roll it on the surface to equal the even surface on the top. (Use little ghee around the chapati roller and roll it).
8, Cut it into desired shape when it cools down or about to cool.
Let the whole process be on low flame. Adding little more sugar will be good for sweet lovers. You can also add more ghee. (optional). Do not add any milk powder or fresh milk to the ingredients while stirring.
Time : 20 minutes
Serves : 10 to 15 pieces. (according to the size).

FRESH BADAM MILK

Fresh Badam/Almond Milk is a healthy drink and gives energy to the body and good for the skin. Badam/Almond milk is delicious and energetic drink that helps to refresh and cool your body.
I have used Almonds, milk, saffron and honey to prepare this Badam Milk.

Lets see some benefits of having Almonds (Badam) in our diet.
Almonds do contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and Vitamin E. They help to lower the blood sugar levels, reduces blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Almonds are rich source of many nutrients that help in the development and health of the human brain. It is said that consuming almonds regularly helps to a higher intellectual level and is good for growing children.  Almond is a rich source of a healthy mono-unsaturated fats, fiber, protein and other important nutrients. Almonds are loaded with antioxidant properties. Almonds can reduce hunger and promote weight loss.
Lets see the recipe. Sugar is not used in this "Fresh Badam Milk " and even diabetic people also can enjoy this drink. 

Ingredients :
Almonds : 20
Fresh boiled and cooled milk : 4 to 5 Cups
Saffron : 5 to 6 Rakes
Cardamom : 2 Pods (Optional)
Honey : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Method :
1. Soak almonds in hot water for 2 minutes and remove the skin.

2. Grind almonds, cardamom pods with required water and put it in a big bowl. (Dry grind and then grind it with water ).

3. Boil ground badam milk and allow it to cool. Add saffron rakes and let it dissolve.
4. Add boiled and cooled fresh milk.

5. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of honey when the Badam milk turns warm or cool. Mix it well.

6. Serve warm/cold Badam Milk.

Note :
You can add sugar instead of honey to badam milk. (Optional). Adding more honey is optional.
Adding more milk is also optional. Adding cool fresh milk helps the badam milk not to curdle. (Boiling milk may some time curdle and it spoils the badam milk taste. Do not add more water while grinding almonds/badam.
Time : 20 Minutes
Serves : 4 to 5 people.  

Banana -Almond Halwa.

Banana -Almond Halwa is a sweet dish and it is one of the rich and tasty halva. Ripe bananas, jaggery and almonds are used here.

We had some (around 8 to 10 ) ripe bananas and I though of preparing halva with those ripe bananas. ( My Sister Sujatha"s House from ooru/Udupi). Udupi Banana Hava is very famous and it is such a delicious halva one can fall love with that halva. Nendra banana is used to prepare that special Halva.
Here I have used Yalakki banana and are very tasty once they are ripen.

Let us see the recipe Now :
Things Needed:
Banana : 6 to 8
Almond : 1 Cup
Jaggery : 3/4 Cup
Ghee : 1/2 Cup
Cardamom : 3 to 4 Pods

Method :
1. Remove banana skin and smash banana nicely. Keep it aside.
2. Powder cardamom and keep it aside.
3. Powder almonds and (with its skin) keep it aside.
4. Keep a pan on the fire and put smashed bananas. Add a spoon of ghee and mix it well.
5. Stir nicely and add jaggery. Keep on stirring. (It should not burnt at the bottom of the pan).
6. It turns as full liquid. Add a spoon of ghee and mix it.
7. Slowly add ground almonds and cardamom powder. Keep stirring.
8. Add ghee in between and mix it well.
9. Stir in between till it leaves the sides. Mix it for another 5 minutes. Ghee starts to oozes (comes out).
10. It turns as one whole ball. Remove from the pan and put it on a ghee spread plate/tray.

11. Let it cool nicely.

12. Cut according to your wish and serve or store.

Add caption

Note :
Use of sugar instead of jaggery is optional. Use of ghee more/less is optional. Remember banana fruits must be well ripen to prepare halva or it taste bit savoury. Whole procedure should be on low flame. Do not add any water. I have used organic jaggery. If you are using normal shop bought jaggery, keep a pan add jaggery and very little water to it. It starts to melt. Let it melt completely. Sieve this jaggery content and then use it. (To remove the dust particles).
Time : 30 Minutes. 
Serves : 30 pieces can be made.(According to size and shape).

Baadam( Almond ) Carrot Kheer

Baadam And Carrot Kheer is a sweet dish and can have it any time of the day. Easy to make and full of vitamins. It is always healthy to have  home prepared drink or eat.
Badam  & Carrot Kheer can be cooled and then used as cool drink. It is delicious, soothing to our mind and body.

It can be served as welcome drink or you can have it at any time of the day or after lunch or dinner. It helps to keep the body cool.
Things needed :
Almond ( Badam) :  6 to 8
Carrot : 2 ( medium sized )
Milk : 2 to 3 cups.
Cardamom : 3 to 4
water : 2 to 3 Cups
Honey : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Method :
1 Wash and scrape out carrot outer skin and cut them into pieces and pressure cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Allow it to cool.

2. Soak almonds in hot water for 5 minutes and remove the outer skin and keep it aside.
3. Grind cooked carrots, cardamom pods and almonds into thin paste.

5.  Keep a pan on the fire and put carrot and almond ground mixture to the bowl/pan.

6. Boil it for 3 to 5 minutes and put off the fire. Let it cool.

7. Add boiled and cooled milk and honey. Mix it well and serve.

Note :
Ground carrot and almonds nicely till paste. Do not add milk to hot carrot jaggery mixture. The whole sweet turns curdle. Using sugar or jaggery instead of honey is optional. Jaggery is always better option.
Adding more/less honey is also optional.  Use of fridge for cooling is also an optional.
Time : 20 Minutes
3 to 4 Servings.

Nutritious Laddu

Nutritious Laddus are prepared using walnuts, cashews, raisins, almonds and poppy seeds. They are very nutritious and yummy and very healthy sweet. No sugar in it.
You  can cut in to slice or turn as laddu and have them when ever you want.

I have used dates (fresh Lion dated), Anjur/figs, Almonds/badams, Cashews, Raisins and little poppy seeds. It is sugar free and guilt free laddu / slice.
Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber. It helps to improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers. they are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars. Dates are very low in calories and suitable for health conscious people.
Figs are also filled with
Nuts like, Badam(almonds), Cashew nuts, Figs, dry grapes are full of nutrients and good for health.
They are good for digestion, diabetes, cough, astama and constipation. They also help to control the cholesterol level and helps to gain weight in people who wants to put on some weight. They are filled with minerals, vitamins like, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Calcium, Iron, Phophours, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium and Chlorine.
We bought these figs from a small place near Sagar, It is home grown and sun dried.
These " Dates and Nuts Laddus" are loaded with nutrition and good to eat at any time of the day. You can carry it for travelling and good for kids school snack box. Good for ladies kitty party or kids party.
No Need to roast or fry any nuts. Use them as they are to get good benefits.

Lets see the recipe Now: 

Things needed :
Dates : 250 Grams
Cashew nuts :200 Grams
Almonds : 200 Grams
Walnuts : 100 Grams
Figs : 100 Grams (Optional)
Raisins : 200 Grams
Dry figs/Anjur  : 100 Grams
Poppy Seeds : 1 Tablespoon

Method :

1. Dry grind almonds coarsely. Remove the seeds from dates and cut into small pieces.

2. Powder walnuts into powder.

3. Powder figs into powder. ( Use a dry grinder - mixi jar).

3. Cut cashews into small pieces.
4. Now take a big bowl and mix all the nuts and powdered figs.

5. Mix all the ingredients nicely for some time and see they are hard as logs.

6. Now roll it as logs and slice or take a small portion and prepare laddu.

7. Prepare laddus and arrange them in a tray and sprinkle some poppy seeds on them.

8. Dates and Nuts Laddu is ready to serve. You can store them in a airtight bottle or box.

9. You can also prepare the the whole content as a log.
10. Slice the log in to small pieces. Sprinkle some poppy seeds on the top and enjoy.

 Note :
 You can also add other dry fruits like Apricot with dates. It gives more taste too. Adding Mari/Glucose biscuits to ingredients is optional. It helps the ingredients to bind it well and the pieces turn as thick and well shaped slices. ( I have not added, because biscuits contain maida/All purpose flour).
Put on your creative cap and mould shapes you fancy!