Double Celebrations with Sinful RAS MALAI !

My MOTHERLAND INDIA is celebrating her 62nd Republic Day...!

The Republic Day of India sparks a patriotic fervor in our hearts, reminding us of our glorious history, our rich culture and heritage. It is a day to remember and honour our heroes. It is a day to renew our pledge to protect and cherish our motherland. Come let us celebrate the Republic Day of India 2011 together... HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY TO MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN (womens too) ;)

Today 17 years ago exact We were blessed with An Angel....and we call her Hayley....She counts herself very lucky to be born on this very very special day...

"Family life is many things....and one of the nicest joys it brings....is having a daughter as dear as you
Who's thought of in a special way...Not only on a special day....But warmly and with love...The whole year through!"
Happy Birthday Princess ! I would like to dedicate this beautiful poem for her....Hope she likes it;)

A precious little flower

that is in constant bloom

I watch as yet another milestone

around the corner looms.

It seems like only yesterday

that we shared a breath

but now it seems like tomorrow

you will leave and I'll be left.

A tiny little angel

that always is in flight

as soon as you came into my life

you brought me so much light.

Your beauty is so stunning

your smile makes me melt

I'm so proud to be your mommy

It's the best I've ever felt.

Oh perfect little princess

with you I'm so in love

every night before I dream

I thank the lord above.

How did I get so lucky

to have as sweet of a gift as you

If ever you should need me

there's nothing I wouldn't do.

( Source :- lovethepoem )

To honour a double celebration, I made her favourite Indian Dessert RAS MALAI...which I haven't made in the last ten years...Previously I made it on 26th jan 2001, and same day India witnessed the largest second earthquake in Bhuj, Ahmedabad GUJARAT..It was the worst natural disaster in India in more than 50 yrs...when I saw those devastated pictures on TV...my heart sank, I just couldn't believe my eyes what I was watching...since then I never had a courage to make Ras Malai...but then people told me LIFE GOES ON.... eventually thought I'll make Ras Malai for Hayley...as a birthday treat ....

Ras Malai is dumplings made from cottage or riccotta cheese soaked in sweetened, thickened milk delicately flavored with cardamom. Serve it chilled and garnished with slivers of dried fruit.

You will need :-

• 250 g Paneer ( I made at home )
• 1/2 tsp plain flour
• 500 ml milk ( I used full fat )
• 200 ml cream
• 100ml eveporated milk
• 11/2 cup water
• 8-9 tbsp Sugar ( 4 for sugar syrup + 4-5 for milk syrup)
• saffron 7-8 threads soaked in milk
• Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp

•  Handful Pistachio

Method:-
Place a paneer in a bowl or plate, and mix it very well with your hand. when it goes smooth add plain flour to it and mix it again very well. Make small balls from this mix.( roughly 10-11)..Leave it a side. In a pressure Cooker bring water and sugar to boil. When sugar syrup starts to boil add paneer balls into it and cook till 2 whistle.( it will take less than 10 minutes ) Mean while heat milk,sugar and cream in heavy bottom pan and let it simmer till it reduced to half...add cardamom powder and eveporated milk and switch of the heat. Now remove balls from the sugar syrup and press them gently remove excess syrup and add them into ras...(milk syrup)...Leave them in there for 2-3 hours in the fridge... Garnish with pistachio and saffron...Ready to serve, Enjoy as much as my daughter did..!