Happy Deepavali

This festival of lights is celebrated through out India and overseas. I remember growing up,  my Mom would start the preparation days ahead with cleaning home, shopping new dresses for us, making delicious sweets and savory items. Sweets are the best part I would look forward to J. Here in US, if the festival falls on a busy schedule weekday it's difficult to make all arrangements. In such case my go to items are these easy, breezy Peda and Kalakand made using microwave. I totally forgot where I picked up these recipes couple of years ago, but you can find many variations on internet.

I place these peda and kalakand pieces in muffin paper cups for easy pick up and neat look. Arrange them on a tray, wrap it with plastic sheet and they are ready for gifting.

Peda-
What you need:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

14 oz condensed milk

2 cups dry non-fat milk powder

Pinch of cardamom (elaichi) powder 

Steps to Follow:

1. Add butter in a microwaveable bowl and heat for a minute or so to completely melt it.
2. Add condensed milk to melted butter, stir and microwave it for one and half minute. Then add milk powder, mix everything and keep microwaving it for 2 minutes intervals (keep stirring every time you take it out) until it comes together like a dough. The color of the mixture changes to ivory white.
3. Add cardamom powder, stir and let it cool until you can handle.
4. Scoop small amount of dough and make it in flat disks or any desired shape.

Kalakand-
What you need:

2 tbsp (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

14 oz condensed milk
15 oz ricotta cheese

Pinch of cardamom (elaichi) powder 
Chopped almonds and Pistachios to garnish
Additional butter to grease a plate

Steps to Follow:

1. Add butter in a microwaveable bowl and heat for a 30 seconds to completely melt it.
2. Add condensed milk to melted butter, stir and microwave it for one and half minute
3. Then add ricotta cheese, mix everything and keep microwaving it for 2 minutes intervals (keep stirring every time you take it out).
5. This will take little longer than peda (approximately 8 intervals). The mixture should turn a very light brown color and not watery (you will know when it’s ready 
6. J)
7. Add cardamom powder and stir.
8. Grease a plate with butter, pour the mixture on it and spread with a spatula to make an even layer of probably half inch thickness.
9.  Top it will almonds and pistachio pieces. Let it cool and cut it to any desired shape.