Ricotta Cheese Peda

Peda is a staple for indian festivals, but it does take a while to go through the whole process of making it.  This is a super easy recipe that simplifies the process greatly and tastes DELICIOUS! Most of the ingredients are store-bought so it is already half done for you! So there really isn't any excuse not to make it for you and your family. :)

 Ingredients: 

• Ricotta Cheese - 30 oz tub
• Heavy Cream - 16 oz tub
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Cardamom Powder
• Saffron (Optional)
• Vanilla essence (Optional) 1/2 tsp 
• Pistachios (Optional)

Procedure:

1. Place a heavy bottom pan on the stove on medium heat, add the ricotta cheese and continuously stir it in the pan.
2. After some of the moisture evaporates from the cheese, add in the heavy cream, cardamom powder, saffron, and vanilla.
3. Continuously mix the contents of the pan on medium heat 
4. When the mixture starts to thicken in the pan, add in the sugar as well. 
5. Raise the temperature to high heat and keep stirring the contents of the pan continuously. (If the mixture starts to bubble and splatter out of the pan, don't panic, just place a lid halfway over the pan and keep stirring :) ) 
6. Keep stirring, and stirring, and stirring, until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and starts to form a ball. 
7. When the mixture forms a ball, turn off the stove and let it cool for 5-6 minutes
8. Make small balls of peda from the mixture the size of you choice, and garnish with some chopped pistachios. Share and Enjoy! 

~Suneetha

Linking this to the event Showcase-Desserts hosted by Divya