Blanching Almonds & Pistachios

This is a very simple and a quick process.You don't have to soak almonds overnight.I have given here the most easiest and quickest way of blanching almonds.

Steps

1. Take water in a pan and add the almonds to be blanched to the water.
2. Boil the water for about 2 mins.
3. Remove the pan from flame and strain the almonds from the hot water.
4. Wash almonds once again with cold water to cool them.
5. With your index and thumb finger,peel the almond skin and it comes off at ease:)

Note: The same above process is used for blanching pistachios as well.After blanching,pistachios are dark parrot green in color.

Masala Milk (Kesar Badam Pista Milk)

I remember having this masala milk for the very first time at hot chips. Masala milk or otherwise known as kesar badam pista milk will be served super hot at this restaurant.Here is a rich beverage that can be served as a dessert when you call someone for dinner.This can be served either hot or cold.This is very good for cough and cold when served hot.

serves: 2 big glasses

Ingredients

1. Milk- 1 litre
2. Sugar- 5 tbsp
3. Saffron-4-5 strands
4. Nutmeg powder-a pinch
5. Green Cardamom powder-1/4 tsp
6. Almonds-10-15 (Blanched and Coarsely ground)
7. Pistachios- 10-15 (Blanched and Coarsely ground)

Method

1. Heat the milk in a thick bottomed pan. Once it comes to boil, reduce the flame to low.

2. Stir the milk constantly in low flame till the milk thickens and volume reduces.

3. Add Sugar and stir continuously till the sugar dissolves.

4. Add the cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and saffron and mix well on low flame for 2-3 mins.

5. Add the ground almond and pistachio paste to the milk and mix well.

6. Serve the milk either hot or cold seasoned with few crushed almond and pistachio pieces.

Notes,Tips & Add-On's

You can add a tsp of turmeric while serving hot.This is very good for cold,cough and phlegm.Also,it gives nice yellow color to the drink.