Diwali {Coconut & Almond Laddu}

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded coconut (fresh is the best)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 heaping tbsp of ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp spice mix (a mix of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves & nutmeg powder)

Directions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet on low and dry roast shredded coconut and almonds until lightly toasted (should take about 3-5 minutes). Stir often to avoid burn.
2. Heat a separate saucepan on medium-high. Add water and brown sugar. Stir to combine and slowly bubble till mixture thickens a little (around 7-10 minutes).
3. Mixture should resemble thick and dark caramel like consistency. Lower heat and add toasted coconut and almonds. Stir continuously to combine.
4. Add ghee, spice mix and vanilla extract. Continue stirring to combine.
5. Ensuring mixture is nice and sticky at this point, remove from heat to cool for 5 minutes.
6. Wrap hands with saran or plastic wraps and form ball-shaped laddu’s while the mixture is still warm. Press the mixture between hands to form tight ball-shaped laddu’s.
7. Cool completely in room temperature. Serve to your Husband for taste test 🙂