Masala milk is very famous in India. This is like Indian version of hot cocoa without cocoa, but with aromatic spices. It contains nut powders, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, and saffron. Milk is gently boiled and the nut-spice mix is added, and simmered. The aroma is so inviting that none would reject having a hot cup of this milk. This is called masala milk because of the spices that can be added in it. Feel free to add extra spices like black pepper, fennel, cinnamon, cloves etc.
This is a great gift. Add a couple of tablespoons of this mix to boiling milk (or hot milk), mix add extra sugar if preferred, and enjoy the delicious cup of milk. During the cold winter, hot milk with additional spices is always inviting. When given as a gift, definitely one can cherish the flavor and enjoy the moments thinking and thanking the person who gave the mix. A PERFECT holiday gift.
Also, this is not very hard or time-consuming. Pack it in jars with notes of wishes. Make a note that it has nuts and when gifting, avoid this for persons with nut allergies. This could be a great gift to milk lovers and elderly people who would like to drink hot milk during the afternoon or at night. Also, this can be customized according to whom you would like to gift it. If elderly persons like a little extra pepper, you can add some more. And this can be made without pepper if kids don't like pepper.
I am posting this for Blogging Marathon - Edible gifts. Check here for what other bloggers are doing.
Ingredients
Almonds - 1/2 cup
Cashews - 1/4 cup
Pistachio - 2 tbsp
Cardamom - 7-8
Saffron - 2 generous pinch
Cashews - 1/4 cup
Pistachio - 2 tbsp
Cardamom - 7-8
Saffron - 2 generous pinch
Black pepper powder - 1/8 tsp
Turmeric - a pinch
Milk powder - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 1/4 cup, optional
Sugar - 1/4 cup, optional
Method
Toast the nuts, cool, powder with cardamom and sugar. Add the crushed saffron, milk powder, pepper and turmeric, and mix.
Store in airtight jars.
Instructions to make: Boil one cup of milk, add 2 tbsp of the above mix, simmer for two minutes. Pour to a cup and serve hot.
Tips
It is important to toast the nuts separately, as they take different time to roast.
sharma says
Yummy Radha , will try it
sharma says
Yummy Radha , will try it
sharma says
Yummy Radha , will try it
Harini R says
Wonderful idea, Radha. I shall try it out soon
Harini R says
Wonderful idea, Radha. I shall try it out soon
Radha says
Thanks Lakshmi!
Radha says
Thanks Lakshmi!
Radha says
Thanks Lakshmi!
Radha says
Thanks Harini!
Radha says
Thanks Harini!
Radha says
Thanks Harini!
vaishali sabnani says
That’s an excellent gift ! The addition of turmeric sounds excellent , it will blend with the flavours and will not be noticed too . However Adding pepper is new to me !