Pumpkin shaped Pedhas

'Fall' and Halloween in America ...has "Pumpkin" written all over it. The bright Orange color like the 'falling  leaves'...represents 'Fall' extremely well. With the Jack O lanterns of pumpkin ..no Halloween is complete without Pumpkins...their carvings...cookies shaped like pumpkins...cupcakes with pumpkin color and pumpkin pie. I thought...why not Pumpkin shaped Pedha???? 

I am sure everyone will love to get their hands on these cute little 'Pumpkin Pedhas' at the Upcoming Halloween Party.
For the recipe.....I used the same old 3- minute Pedha recipe ( http://my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2011/03/sweet-treats-3-minute-pedhascondensed.html) with few modifications-

Ingredients:
1/2 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 can of 14 oz sweet condensed milk
1 cup+ little Dry milk powder(I used carnation milk powder)
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4tsp Saffron crushed
Liquid Food colors:( Red and Yellow color) or Orange color and green color

Method:
1)  Mix together butter, condensed milk, milk powder in a large microwave safe bowl
2) Warm 1/4 cup milk with saffron.Add to the butter, milk powder mixture.Mix well
3) Microwave for 3-4 minute total, mixing every 1 minute.The mixture will fluff up and thicken as it cooks. Remember to mix every 1 minute.
4) After 4 minutes, if it isn't thick enough to roll into Pedhas, add 2 tsp milk powder, mix. Microwave for 40 secs more.
5) Add orange color drop by drop ( If using Red and yellow to make orange...mix 4 parts red + 2part yellow to get orange color). Mix. Add more to get desired orange color if needed.
6) After cooling, knead well.Roll into small balls of equal size without cracks. You can apply butter/ ghee to your hands to prevent sticking.Slightly flatten them to get pumpkin shape. Make ridges on the sides with a small fork.
For details chk:
http://my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-treats-quick-and-easy-mango-pedha.html

7) Make the Pumpkin stem by slightly pinching the top.
8) Apply green color to the stem with a small brush.Draw eyes and mouth with green color with pointed brush.

Your own little Pumpkin Patch is ready and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!!

Halloween cake that I baked few years ago:
http://my-kitchens-aroma.blogspot.com/2009/11/pat-cake-halloween-cake.html

Spooky Halloween Pasta! Spaghetti with Worms (Zucchini strips) and Worm eggs(Peas)

Looking for a cool Halloween pasta idea??? Here is one!! A vegetarian Spooky Halloween Pasta...Spaghetti with Worms (Zucchini strips) and Worm eggs(peas)!!!! Sure to scare the scariest of the scariest:))
So this year for Halloween, we are going to have 2 devils ( both E and M as devils), Little 'A' as fairy and me the black cat!! Can't wait for the Halloween party!!

Here is how I made the Spooky pasta:

Ingredients:(Serves 6-8)
1 Pkg Thin Spaghetti
2 Zucchinis cut into thin length wise strips
1/2 cup green peas
2tbsp olive oil
1tsp minced garlic
2tsp butter
1tsp flour
1/2tsp black ground pepper
1/2tsp basil
1/2tsp red chili flakes/  red chili powder
1/2tsp Italian seasoning
4tsp lemon juice
salt
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Method:

1) Cut Zucchini length wise into thin strips.
2) Boil pasta as per packet directions in salted water
3) Heat olive and butter in nonstick pan. Add crushed garlic and flour. Let it cook for few seconds. Do not let it brown.Add the zucchini strips and toss gently
4) Add the seasonings,peas and toss the pasta in.
5) Squeeze the lemon juice and take off the flame
6) Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

"The Sizzle From a Guest Kitchen"- (Guest -Ananya Joshi) - Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Hummus Crostini

It was 'House Warming" at A and A's new house and she had planned a perfect Mediterranean menu for the party! Among the appetizers was this 'Roasted Red Pepper and Roasted Garlic Hummus Crostini". The Grill toasted crunchy bread with the smooth flavorful hummus and fresh veggies on top...was just a perfect start to the Mediterranean meal!
I am not a Big Hummus person...but this hummus was so flavorful and delicious ..that anyone will go in for a second helping!!

 Recipe:
A mentioned that she got the recipe from this site and did slight modifications.
http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2011/03/recipe-for-roasted-red-pepper-and-garlic-hummus-crostini.html
Her additions:
In addition I also used siracha sauce. I garnished it with half cherry tomato and cucumber and drizzled some Mediterranean seasoning.

I loved every bite of this pretty-petite- delicious appetizer!!