Milk Dates Peda in Microwave (Doodh Peda)

Food Blogging in general makes you think about food, recipes ideas, writing and presentation in ways not thought of before. Food Blogging Event in particular makes you put on your thinking cap and takes thought process to a whole new level especially when a new food ingredient is involved.

I was stumped when the key ingredient for this time’s AFAM event was announced as DATES. Dates adorn our pantry as a garnishing ingredient for our cereal or oatmeal and occasionally to be eaten as is. Other than that I have very limited or in fact, almost no experience at all using it in our everyday or even special cooking for that matter.

I really loved the idea and wanted to come up with something for the event. I had the idea of making a Date Burfi by adapting this lovely recipe here. When I thought of this idea I was expecting to find the taste of dates blend with that of milk, to create a unique taste with a sticky texture. But when I actually tried this I found that dates are mellow and subdued and does not impart much of its taste, the milk powder takes over and imparts its predominant taste and flavor. Nevertheless the end result is tasty and yummy!

This is my contribution for AFAM:Dates hosted by Chandrika of AkshayaPatra

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 15 pitted dates

• 18-20 Tbsps Milk powder (I use the Milk Mawa powder of (Deep brand) available in Indian grocery)

• 1 Tbsp butter

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• ¼ cup milk

• 3 dates for decorating

Preparation:

• Soak the dates in milk for about 5-6 hours. If not, heat milk and then add the dates, mix until it becomes soft. Let it cool.

• After it is cool, grind the dates along with milk to a smooth paste.

Method:

• Take a microwave safe container and put the butter in it.

• Microwave for a minute then add the condensed milk, milk powder, dates paste and mix thoroughly.

• Microwave for 2 minutes and then stir the mixture.

• Repeat this step every 2 minutes and let it stay for about 6-8 minutes. Keep a close watch on the mixture, as it tends to bubble up, burn and ooze out from the container.

• Add the essence, mix and let this cool for about 45 minutes or 1 hour. If in the hurry then keep the mix in the fridge to cool.

• After this is cooled down, take a small portion, make balls and then flatten it on your palm. Make a dent at the centre with your thumb.

• Place a small piece of the date in the center.