Khajur

After much deliberation, Lazzat is finally on Facebook ! Ya , it took me this long :) As naive as this may sound , I would  love any suggestions or tips or even tutorials  relating to Facebook .

Ramadan is just a month away, and as usual I will officially be on a blogging break. Meanwhile I would like to share some interesting recipes and also get some drafted .

Khajur is a big part of my childhood memories. This is one simple recipe, can be stored for almost a month , though they wont last that long. Its a perfect snack for kids of all ages. We always take a big bag of khajurs when we plan a road trip.

The best part is you can freeze them n fry as and when needed (see tip below) , which comes handy especially during Ramadan. 

Ingredients:

1/2 kg maida,

1/4 kg sugar,

1 tbsp khas khas/ poppy seeds, lightly roasted

1 tbsp ghee,

a generous pinch of saffron, dissolved in 2 tbsp. warm milk,

3 tbsp milkmaid / khoya,

1 t rose water,

15 dried dates, pitts removed and chopped,

1/4 - 1/2 C almonds, slivered or chopped

1/4 - 1/2 C golden raisins,

milk , as needed, (approx. 2-3 tsp.)

3 eggs

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and knead it into a stiff dough without using any water. If needed you can use some milk but use very little at a time. Cover with a damp paper towel and let it rest for about half an hour.Then take a portion, roll it out , approximate a centimeter thick and cut into diamonds. At this stage you can freeze them or store in Ziploc bags or heat oil and fry on medium heat on both sides till golden . Let cool and store in airtight container.

To freeze :

Once cut , place the khajurs on a plate n put it in the freezer. After 10-15 mins. they just pop out of the plate , stack them in Ziploc bags and put it back in the freezer without letting them thaw.

P.S: If you are hosting an event or are aware of any, which you think this post might be eligible please let me know, I would love to send in my entry and show my support to the host and the event :) You can drop me a comment or just email me (bloglazzat@gmail.com)

Thank You !

Thanks to Fathima this post is now being sent to Ayeesha for her event Iftaar Moments

Butter Pecan Cookies and Awards

I am glad to announce that over the past few days Lazzat has bagged few awards, courtesy of Fathima and Nithu . A big Thanks to both of you and I  do accept these with much appreciation.

Fathima  presented these awards

and Nithu presented these awards

Update : I would like to pass on these awards to Asha, Cham, Aruna, PJ, Priya,  Shaheen and Yasmeen 

Since it was such a joyful week I thought it would be apt to share a simple, quick and delicious, melt in your mouth sweet treat with you. So presenting the butter pecan cookies...

These are sooo easy and sooo delicious , you gotta try these. Not too sweet, melt in your mouth goodness. Its an eggless recipe, so you can actually taste the batter and make necessary changes or tweak the recipe, have fun with it ! The ingredients are as follows:

Ingredients:

1 C (or 2 sticks) butter, room temp,

1/2 C pdrd sugar, plus more for coating cookies

1 3/4 C all-purpose flour,

1 C finely chopped pecans,

1 tsp. vanilla extract.

Method :

Preheat oven to 270 F.

Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the butter and sugar until smooth, add vanilla and gradually add the flour. Mix in the pecans with a spatula. Line the cookie sheets with parchment paper.With floured hands, take out about a tbsp. of dough and shape it into rounds or crescents or squares. Place the cookies at least an inch apart and bake for 40 minutes. Roll them in more powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on wire racks and store in airtight containers.

Coconut-Raspberry Jam Cookies

Its been a long time since I wanted to share this recipe with you all. What makes these cookies special or different from other thumbprint or jam n jelly cookies is the coconut. And they look so pretty ....I could not resist posting 'too many' pics of them .

The recipe is simple, you make the cookie dough, chill it , make cookie size balls , roll it in coconut , give them your thumbprints, drop the jam n bake them. You don't use any coconut extract/essence , the shredded coconut lends its flavour.



Ingredients:

3 sticks/1.5 cups of unsalted butter, at room temperature,
1 cup sugar,
1 tsp. vanilla extract,
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour,
1/4 tsp.salt,
1 egg beaten with approx. 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
7 oz. sweetened flaked coconut,
Raspberry jam

Method:

Sift together the flour and salt.

Cream together the butter and sugar until just combined using an electric/hand held mixer, add vanilla extract, the flour mixture and mix until the dough starts to come together. Dump on a floured board and roll together into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll the dough into small, walnut size balls.

Dip each ball into the egg wash and then roll it in coconut. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and press a light indentation into the top of each with your finger. Drop a little jam into each indentation. Bake in an preheated oven , at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the coconut is a golden brown. Cool and serve.

You can use any jam you like. Using different color jams like mango, grape or even mixed fruit will make a colorful presentation . Also if you dont find the sweetened shredded coconut, I have also tried these with dessicated coconut and it works just fine :)

These are all boxed and packed and shipped to Zlamushka's beautiful event Spoonful of Christmas

Walnut Cookies

When I got to know about Anupama's Picnic Food event, the first thought that came to my mind was that it was a brilliant theme , just on time for the labor day weekend !! Good thinking Anupama :)

My idea of ideal picnic food is something which can be made ahead of time (usually), which need not be served warm/hot, does not become soggy, and is easy to serve, eat and clean up.

Stuffed parathas, frankies, spiced rice varieties, sandwiches, one pot meals, soups, savoury rolls, snacks like cakes, cookies, dhokla, sago kichdi, chivda, bhadang , kebabs ,spiced nuts, chips , nachos , fresh fruits n juices etc.... etc.... etc. I was so inspired by the many options one has, that I decided to dedicate a category for picnic foods on my blog :) .....hopefully you will see me sharing some recipes fit for picnics there. For now I am sending this quick and simple Walnut cookie recipe for this event ....Fun in the Sun

If you have never made these cookies , I highly recommend trying out this recipe at least once. The whole process is so simple, and the aroma when these are baked is soooooo good ....you must try it to believe it. So lets get started.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
2 cups ground walnuts,(I used mini chopper to grind )
2 sticks butter, room temperature,
1/3 rd cup sugar,
½ tsp salt,
1.5 tsp vanilla,
powdered sugar.

Method:

Mix flour, ground walnuts and salt and whisk them together. Beat butter and sugar for 1.5 minutes scrapping the sides of the vessel. Add vanilla and the flour- walnut mixture. Beat till it just mixes well n comes together. Scoop out cookies using a tbsp. measure just to ensure they are of same size.

Roll in desired shapes.

Align on parchment paper and bake at 325 for 17- 19 mins., turning around half way through once.

Remove and let cool for 1 or 2 mins. (not more) , roll them in pdrd. sugar. This recipe will yield approx. 25- 30 cookies