Sooji Halwa and "Nice Matters" Award :)

Sooji Halwa is one of the easiest desserts to make. Anytime I am lazy to make an elaborate dessert for the two of us, I think I will go with this -- Lazy Pragyan's dessert. :) This is another sweet dish that I have learned from Maa during her stay with me. Back in India, we used to have this aplenty in the dorm cafeteria during dinner. This is also served as prasad in temples of Chennai, India.

Ingredients (makes 15 pieces)

Sooji/Semolina - 1 cup
Ghee - 2 tbsp
Salt - 1/8 tsp
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
Sugar - 6 tbsp
Milk - 1 cup

Heat ghee. Add sooji and salt. Once the sooji is cooked, add sugar. Once the sooji looks mildly roasted, add milk (cold milk is ok). Add cardamom powder. Keep stirring till the halwa leaves the side of the container.

Spread it out flatly on a thin plate. Let it cool for 10-15 mins and then cut them into diamond shapes.

Note - You can add a few strands of saffron to the milk to get a lovely orange color.

I received my second blogging award yesterday. A sweet little "Nice Matters" award from our dear Saswati that just made my day. Her kind words were very endearing making me end up feeling very nostalgic. Thank you, Saswati. Not to show off, but just to remind myself to live up to the thoughtful words and expectation of a fellow blogger, let me quote Saswati here "Pragyan@ Pragyan's Cooking has amazing oriya recipes which take me back to my motherland and her humble approach towards life in her writings makes me a great fan of hers.". Keep rocking, Saswati! :)

Nice Matters Award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world.

I would like to pass this on to the following fellow bloggers who have always inspired me with their kind and inspiring words. Please ignore if you have already received this.

• Sandeepa from Bong Mom's Cookbook - She has an absolutely enrapturing style of writing. The sweet little comments left by her has always inspired me to strive to try new recipes and keep experimenting. Thanks, Sandeepa and we hope to read lots more from you.
• Asha of Foodie's Hope - She is a dear friend who has always got a nice little word for you. No one can deny that and we all love her for that spirit which has rubbed off on quite a few of us. Always love hearing from you, Asha! I can never forget how enthusiastic and helpful you were when hosting RCI-Karnataka.
• Sunita of Sunita's World - She is one of those bloggers who can make you drool over her food pics. I feel like wailing like a kid when I can't reach out and actually grab a bite! :) Her homely style of writing is very comforting to read.
• Kribha of En Samayal Pakkam - She has a very lively style of writing. One who has always got a kind word for every post. Whenever she can, she provides her input which improves the recipe in the tastier direction.
• Cynthia of Tastes Like Home - She has the knack of leaving comments that enthrall you. Always look forward to hear more from her. Her posts are very unique and make interesting read!