Happy Ugadi!

Me- Tomorrow is Ugadi kano, what sweet shall I make?

Him- Whatever.

Me- Tell no...

Him- Kai holige (poli)

Me- Hmm... I have school tomorrow, it should be something very simple and easy.

Him- Badusha?

Me- Here google the meaning of easy-see what it says? Something a 4 year old can do.

Him- mmm... blueberry muffin?

Me- Arghhhhh....

Him- What? You said easy, muffin is easy no? Just mix and bake.

Me- dhudh dhudh dhudh *banging my head on the wall*

I made the simplest sweet ever, something my mom makes very often- Avalakki payasa.

1/2 cup thick poha

1 can evaporated milk (I decided to make it rich- after all its not everyday I make payasa! My mom uses milk)

5-6 tsp sugar (J is a sugar addict, you will have to adjust the sweetness depending on your sugar addiction)

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

few strands of saffron dissolved in hot milk

Rinse the poha in water 2 or 3 times, drain and set aside. Heat the evaporated milk and add the poha. Simmer gently, stirring occasionaly until poha is soft and cooked add the sugar and simmer till sugar dissolves(If you like a thin-watery payasa, now is the time to remove it from heat). I like thick- custard-y payasa so I let it simmer for a good 20 mins. Remove from heat and add the cardamom powder and saffron. Add ghee roasted cashews/pista/raisin any of that jazz. Serve.

Happy Ugadi!