If you haven’t vote or still undecided — we hope you get a chance to do it today. Every vote counts and you should definitely exercise your right to vote in this democracy.
I wish we could vote here. Fingers crossed for the next election 
Enough of political coverage. You can get the dose from TV.
Instead, let’s talk about names.
We grew up in a family where having a nickname was common. My siblings had it, but not me. I’ve always been known as “Kiran” in the family.
I’m OK with that.
You should know some of the names my siblings had while growing up. It’s definitely chuckle worthy
But I’m not a sister who air’s her siblings dirty laundry on her blog. Nope. I’m not classy like that.
But not having a nickname can be tricky too. Especially when we arrived in US.
Suddenly my name is literally slandered. I’ve been call a different version/slang/pronunciation of my name.
I’m OKAY with it. I’ve made my peace.
But if you just can’t pronounce my name, don’t further slander it with a wrong spelling
Let me give you an example. I love my dose of Starbucks every now and then. And I usually just give my initials to my name whenever requested.
K.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Nope.
I’ve been from K, to Kay which is understandable.
But what about Kate? How do you explain that? 
You should hear the pronunciation of the Husband’s name. It’s mind boggling and funny all at the same time.
While we ponder on our names and how we are dealing with the pronunciations, let’s eat. And celebrate our right to vote, wherever it may be.
These jamuns are an Indian version of doughnuts. Dare I say, it’s better?
Makes about 44 to 48 jamuns
Ingredients:
Spiced simple syrup
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1+1/4 cup water
- 3 to 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- a few strands of saffron
Jamuns
- 2 cups khowa/khoya/milk powder
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup thick coconut cream
- 50/50 ratio of vegetable oil and ghee for frying
Directions:
- In a saucepan, add water and sugar to make simple syrup. Heat the pan on medium. Stir until sugars completely dissolves and syrup gently simmers.
- Cook it until syrup slightly begins to thicken. Keep syrup on the lowest heat setting on the stove so that it remains hot. Stir in cardamom pods, rose water and saffron threads.
- In a medium bowl, combine milk powder, whole wheat pastry and pinch of salt. Add in coconut cream and mix everything until combined into a soft dough. You want a dough that is soft and moist. If it’s too dry, add in more coconut cream.
- Meanwhile, heat a heavy bottomed nonstick saucepan on medium. Add enough vegetable oil and ghee for deep frying jamuns.
- While oil heats, divide dough into equal portions, roughly the size of an average small coin. It might be too small, but while deep frying and soaking in simple syrup, the jamuns tend to expand.
- Roll dough between palms and apply gentle pressure till the small dough balls are smoothly rounded. Make as many to keep ready for deep frying.
- Dough balls should appear smooth and without cracks. If it’s too dry, add a little more coconut cream in the dough.
- Turn down the heat on deep frying to low. Add a few dough balls at a time to avoid over-crowding.
- Dough balls would be afloat after a few seconds of frying. Using a strainer, move around the dough balls to lightly brown and cook all sides.
- If dough balls browned too quickly, the oil is too hot. Lower the heat and redo the rest of dough balls.
- Remove jamuns to drain on paper towels for 5 minutes. Then transfer it into hot simple syrup to soak for an hour.
- Continue frying all dough balls until done. Rotate soaked jamuns with jamuns that are awaiting to be soaked.
- Serve jamuns with drizzles of simple syrup, garnish with chopped pistachios and edible flowers.
Moral of the story is:
Call me K, or Kay. I’d still be the same. And Happy Voting, America!!
Also, a very Happy Diwali to those who are celebrating the festival of lights this year.
Do you have a nickname while growing up? Has it been butchered before?
{ 80 comments… read them below or add one }
Gulab jamun! A dessert I dream of making… Thanks for the wonderful recipe. They look divine.
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — thank you so much and I hope you get to make it, someday
Your pictures are just so beautiful Kiran!
Vidhya — thank you so much! Hope you have a very Happy Deepavali
Yeah — I’d agree. These are arguably the best pictures I’ve seen on any food blog.
Ploy recently posted..Hello world!
Ploy — your comment truly made my day!! Thank you so very much
My name is Gayatri. Enough said. I can’t even begin to explain how many ways it can be butchered in.
Gayatri recently posted..DRC Half Marathon
Gayatri — Tell me about it
Gulab Jamun never looked better, love the clicks!!
I can so relate to your experience here, but seriously Kay and Kate sound so normal. You can’t imagine what they do to my name, I’m terrified of stepping into starbucks! There’s a different name on the cup everytime, Pudina, Poorma, Pooma…I could go on!!:)
Poornima recently posted..Creamy Pumpkin Kheer with Cashew Nuts
Poornima — in no way I am saying that Kay or Kate sounds terrible
But I can understand your sentiments. Don’t let it stop you from getting your cup of Joe!
it’s funny how names get messed up ! nickname’s shruts. i’ve been called shetty , shudi, sruthi , shithi , shuti …..all in india
i just have a good laugh 
that’s a classy twist on gulab jamun. i prefer homemade ones to store bought
Shruti — oh my, and to think I was the only one
Oh my goodness, I’m so in love! Jamuns looks so soft and inviting, I’m definitely trying your version–yum! And where do you find such lovely vintage props… ? I want, I want!
Nash at Plateful recently posted..Eggless Strawberry Melting Moments—melt-in-your mouth sandwich cookies for the holiday season
Nash — thank you so much, my friend. Do try and let me know how it tastes
I get all my vintage props from antique stores around the country. It’s a terribly costly investment. Oops.
We have a competition on my office to see whose names are most mangled by Starbucks (surprisingly it was someone called Emily who normally came off worst!)
Stunning pictures, love the idea of these jamuns. I don’t think I’ve ever tried them before!
Kathryn recently posted..mixed bean chili
Kathryn — how can the name “emily” be so difficult, it’s mind-boggling.
I’m sure you get jamuns from many Indian shops in UK. Try it and let me know how it tastes
I never really had a nick name and talk about butchering the name- it gets difficult when you name has X and Ys and your last name is also long- ( try dixya bhattarai)..and I have tried, regretted, and given up and I am okay with whatever people can make out of my name
Even though I am not a big fan of desi desserts, occasional gulab jamuns are always welcome. your pictures are stunning!! happy diwali
Dixya — Hope you had a great Diwali too. Despite the occasional name butchering we all seem to go through
What a fantastic twist on gulab jamuns my friend they look so fluffy warm and delicious
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Uru — thanks my dear
Lovely gulab jamun’s and the phtos too Kiran
!
Anamika | madcookingfusions recently posted..10 Easy Diwali Indian Sweets Ladoo Recipes | Diwali 2012
Anamika — thank you and hope you had a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali
Whoa! What perfect looking gulab jamuns you’ve got there! My branch often orders this from the Indian store close by! We call them “Indian Timbits” lol. Have you tried Tim Hortons? Timbits are their mini donuts. hehe.. Great job on making this from scratch!! There’s quite a bit of ingredients I don’t quite recognize. And just in time for Diwali too!
Sammie recently posted..Pumpkin Swiss Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
Sammie — I’ve never heard or tried Tim Hortons before. I tried simplifying the ingredients but kept to the originality in flavors. I hope you get to make it someday. It’s not that difficult
OMG, your pics r so superb…so tempting
Jidhu Jose recently posted..Day 538 : New Born
Jidhu — thank you so much!!
This is foreign to me. They look absolutely divine with your professional photography!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Apple, Ginger and Treacle Tart
Angie — thanks a lot my friend. It’s like an American doughnut, but with milky deliciousness soaked in a sugary spiced syrup/glaze haven
Wow another sinfully delicious dessert, so tempting
Raymund recently posted..Beef Tagine
Raymund — thank you my friend
From K to Kate? You’re too funny! Those little desserts (with a very unusual name which I will not attempt to pronounce or spell on my own
) are cute! They look like little fruits!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com recently posted..Chocolate cupcakes, with no frosting
Julia — lol, you have a sense of humor yourself
A great idea of using coconut cream! Your gulab jamuns look fabulous.
Lakshmi recently posted..Pumpkin & Rosemary Soup
Lakshmi — thank you so much! It means a lot, coming from you
proud to say I voted yesterday.
These are absolutely lovely. Beautiful!
Samantha recently posted..{Giveaway} The (Faux) Pastry Chef: How I Found My Baking Fix & Lemon Curd Tarts
Samantha — thank you so much and am so glad you got to exercise your right as a citizen
Who doesn’t love jamuns?
Your version with coconut cream and whole wheat pastry flour sounds just amazing! Love the last picture, K k k k Kiran (i bet no ones called you that!
Radhika — the Husband sings to me with K k k k Kiran…. Bet you know which song is it
This happens to me too. How do you get Christine from Kiersten?! I usually just respond to anything beginning with a K at this point.
Gulab jamun is my most favorite Indian dessert, so I’m just thrilled that you posted a recipe for it! 
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies recently posted..How To Roast Garlic + Roasted Garlic Grilled Cheese Recipe
Kiersten — I totally relate to your predicament, my friend
Love the twist in gulab jamuns.
kitchen queen recently posted..Bharva Baingan & Potatoes (stuffed baby eggplants)
KQ — thank you!
I can see why the gulab jamun are better than donuts! A dunking in simple syrup with rose water, saffron and cardamom is just marvelous!
Deb —
absolutely gorgeous pictures Kiran. you take the humble jamuns to one intricate and beautiful level!
i always give my name as rachel. most people auto assume it that anyway:)
Richa recently posted..Baked Namak Paare- Savory Potato Rice Crackers. Glutenfree Vegan Diwali Recipe
Richa — Thank you
and in regards to the name, Rachel sounds very nice too!!
I definitely celebrate my right to vote- thanks for the great reminder of this privilege!
Simply Life recently posted..Fall Favorites
Gina —
Wow, I love these little balls full of syrup…so flavorful…love it!
Awesome pictures as always Kiran…hope you are having a great week
Juliana recently posted..Flan
Juliana — thank you so much my friend, and hope you are having a great week yourself
When I was a little girl..I had a friend from India. Her Mom used to make these and Jilebi for us. I’ve been dying to make both for quite some time now. Love the coconut cream twist!
Lisa recently posted..Pink October – Raspberry Mousse Almond Praline Mille Feuille aka Napoleons
Lisa — oh my gosh, I love jalebi!! Have to make that soon!
Simple Lubna is L most of the times and it id lubu at times….nice new name….Jamuns look so perfect and yum…..looking melt in mouth…..love try this version….
Lubna Karim recently posted..Nutella Pudding – It’s Eggless
Lubna — thank you and it’s definitely melt in the mouth!
Wow,
These gulab jamuns are making my mouth water. I love eating these warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Asmita recently posted..Chocolate Pudding
Asmita — I need to try it with ice cream. Sounds soo delish!
happy diwali kiran. the gulab jamuns are looking gorgeous.
dassana recently posted..diwali recipes
Dassana — thanks and hope you had a very Happy Diwali!!
Ooh, I get these at the local indian restaurant + they are absolutely wonderful. Yours look even better, though! =)
amy @ fearless homemaker recently posted..Raspberry Puff Pastry Turnovers
Amy — I hope you’ve sampled it
Name butchered and spelled in all sorts of ways…. Those pastries remind me of the Italian pastry baba.
PolaM recently posted..#RecipeSwap: carrot quiche
PolaM — I’ve never heard of Italian pastry “baba”. So curious now
Hehe names are funny things aren’t they? I find myself taking extra care to pronounce people’s names as I grew up with a really difficult surname!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Lost In Paris: 24 Hours in The City of Light
Lorraine — Glad we all share similar “awkwardness” in life
gulab jamuns hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
you get the point
Bikramjit Singh Mann recently posted..Thursday Challenge(44) : Orange
Bikram — hahahaha, yes I do
What a gorgeous styling and photography! Even though I’ve never tried these before, I know I’d love them. A very happy Diwali to you! hugs!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Chicken Katsu チキンカツ
Nami — thanks so much my dear friend. xo
I’m always called Sylvia rather than Sylvie and have just stopped correcting people at this point b/c it just makes everyone feel uncomfortable. Now I want to hear you say your name so I can get it right if we ever meet!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Raw Kale, Cabbage and Carrot Chopped Salad with Maple Sesame Vinaigrette
Sylvie — I’ve stopped correcting so many people now. K is just fine and I hope to get your name right whenever we meet too
This is one dessert I am so intimidated of making. Dough, frying, it’s just too much. Only you would take this to a whole new level by adding coconut. I’m dreaming about how delicious it probably tastes.
Awesome pictures!!!
Honey What’s Cooking recently posted..Dining in London | UK
Honey — thanks love. I’ve never tried making gulab jamuns from scratch before. This turned out so good. You won’t really taste the coconut cream. It just tastes like any gulab jamuns, but better
Awesome amazing!! Pictures. the jamuns mouth watering! so clever kiran
Oh mom. I love you
The first time I had Gulab Jamun was in the ASEAN young leaders convention in the IC in goa. I never dared before to try it because I was still wary at that time of Indian food. lol Oh how much I love the first sticky sweet soft bite of this treat, you should have seen my face Kiran! So if we ever get to meet each other, I ll try to make this and present you, lets see if I can manage it! =P
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb recently posted..Comment on Carrot cake and a GIVEAWAY by Balvinder
Helene — oh, you are such a sweetheart!!
I love jamuns but not confident enuff to make them @home…love to try your coconut milk version..but can I just ask, do u not add any baking powder at all in the dough?
jehanne@thecookingdoctor recently posted..How to make the Best Garden Salad
Jehanne — I’ve never tried making jamuns from scratch before this recipe. This recipe is so easy. It has coconut cream not milk. You can substitute it with coconut milk but make sure you first add 1/2 cup and see how the dough goes from there.
I used whole wheat pastry dough that is essentially cake flour. It has baking powder in it already.
I feel your pain. It is usually the coffee places too that get it all wrong. In Australia Sneh is pronounced “Sn-aye” which is fine but my local coffee place has a mind of their own. I have been “Snake” and “Shen” … where is that even coming from, lol?
Love this version of the jamuns with coconut cram!
Sneh | Cook Republic recently posted..Latte Granita
These sound waaaay better than ordinary doughnuts… my goodness, they look amazing!
I love your name! My husband’s name is also hard to pronounce in this corner of the world… his name is Goce, pronounced Go-tse… poor guy has been called Goat Cheese, George, Jay, Gee…you name it.
What does “Gulab” mean? In Macedonian it means pigeon.
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