Mira Advani Honeycutt is the president of the L.A. Mumbai Sister City Affiliation. The Indian Festival of Lights, or Diwali, will be celebrated on October 17. The holiday is marked by sweet treats like Burfi and by gifts of gold jewelry.
Celebrate Diwali at Gaylord's Banquet Room on Sunday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. More info.
Almond Burfi
3/4 stick butter
16 oz. Ricotta cheese
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups milk powder
4 tbsp. crushed almonds
Pinch of cardamom powder
Few strands of saffron (soak in 2 tsps. of water for about 15 minutes, then drain, use scented water only)
Melt butter on low heat, add Ricotta cheese and stir well for 3 to 4 minutes. Add sugar and mix well, then add milk powder. Stir till mixture thickens. Add crushed almonds, pinch of cardamom and the scented saffron water to the mixture. Stir the entire mixture well again. Take off fire and pour in a greased dish. Cool and refrigerate. Cut into squares before serving. Garnish with crushed almonds - optional.
NOTE: For different flavors try dried unsweetened coconut, crushed pistachio nuts or cashew nuts.