East meets West !

Three decades ago, I replanted my roots in the Bay Area. Having become deeply dual rooted over the years, it is no surprise that my food reflects this .These Poached Pears with Saffron Semolina ( Sooji ka halva ) are representing that dual rooted ness. Sooji ka Halva ( a sweet semolina polenta) is a very special dessert in North India. It is served on all auspicious occasions . I remember the way the house smelled when the semolina was being toasted in ghee. Many wonderful memories are attached to the halva.

So when the garden provided pears, pears and more pears, I decided to make these poached pears in raspberry, rose and hibiscus and pair it with saffron Sooji halva.

Lavender kissed chocolate balls !!

 

The idea of creating these chocolate balls came from several sources. Lavender is in full bloom. In India there is a popular milk based dessert called "peda". And then there is dark chocolate!

So these delicious lavender kissed chocolate balls take shape.

Intuitive recipe

1 # fresh ricotta or homemade paneer ( Indian pot cheese) 6-7 ounces 70% dark chocolate Organic and Fair Trade preferred 1 1/2 cups almond meal 1/3 cup organic, raw sugar 1/2 teaspoon crushed lavender

1. Place ricotta in a heavy bottomed pan. On medium heat cook the ricotta for a few minutes. Add the sugar and keep cooking till the mixture thickens and begins to pull in from the sides of the pan. 2. Add the chocolate in small chunks. Keep stirring till the chocolate has melted and mixed evenly. 3. Add the lavender . Shut the heat and mix thoroughly. 4. Cool the mixture. Form into balls and refrigerate.

This makes about 20-24 balls.

Enjoy !