Maa Ladoo

Maa Ladoo is a traditional ladoo we prepare on Diwali, every single year. I am making this over a week before the festival because I know i am not going to find time during the weekdays to make it.

Apart from Diwali, we also prepare this on "nalungu" (haldi) ceremony before getting married. My mom invited all her lady friends and all my relatives on my "nalungu" day. So many items are arranged for this ceremony and all the ladies gently apply chandan (sandal wood paste) on face and arms. This is supposed to be auspicious.

After lunch, we gave small bags containing everything above; tamboolam, small steel box, flowers, chocolates, fruits and nuts, Maa Ladoo to all the ladies who came to bless me, the Bride. This marks that I am officially a bride-to-be!
Of course, this news is now over 3 years old :)

Ingredients:
Puffed Channa dal (Pottukadalai/ Putnaalu): 1 cup
Sugar: 3/4 cup (The actual recipe calls for 1 cup)
Ghee (clarified butter): 1 cup (you might not use all of it)
Cashews: handful
Cardamom: 3

Method:
Roast the puffed channa dal for a few minutes. Make sure you do not brown them. Then, in a blender, grind everything with the exception of ghee. You don't have to fine grind this.
Melt the Ghee and add little by little to the mixture and make small balls. That's all!