The birth of Lord Rama remains a major celebration in all Hindu households and falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month (March-April) of the Hindu lunar calendar. The seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya, Lord Rama is described as the Maryada Purushottama/the perfect man in the epic, Ramayana. His words and actions portray the epitome of righteousness which has been followed for generations and remain to guide many more in future.

COCONUT LADDOO

Ingredients:

1 large coconut, husk removed

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Method:

  • Remove the skin from the coconut and grate finely using a box grater. Place on a baking sheet.

  • Toast coconut at 75oC until the moisture has evaporated. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

  • Set aside 1/2 cup for the final step. Add condensed milk and cardamom to remaining coconut.

  • Knead mixture lightly to form a soft dough and shape ping-pong sized balls out of the dough.

  • Roll the balls in the remaining coconut and space them apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.

  • Bake laddoos at 75oC for 30 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack and cool completely.

  • Store baked laddoos in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Makes about 20 coconut laddoos.

Coconut Laddoos