Varalakshmi Vratham -Kalakandu Pongal

I hope every one celebrated varalakshmi vratham very well, me too BUT this year I  have celebrated Varalakshmi Vratham at Hyderabad only, I have not been to my mom's place for this pooja as I have to travel to my home town next week for my cousins wedding.  I really enjoyed this pooja at hyd. also, as many of my friends and neighbours came to my place to have Pasupu &;Bottu and have seen all of them in the latest collection of Saree's. It was fun and tradition filled evening. These are some of pics taken at my mom's place.............................. 

We make Prasadam on all Fridays of Sravana masam. Last week I have made kalakandu pongal as prasadam.......Here comes the recipe for this tasty pongal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1cup Rice
• 3cups Milk 
• 2cups Water
• 21/2 cups of Sugar crystals/Kalakandu
• 2tbs. Ghee
• 1/2tsp. Cardamom powder
• A pinch of Edible camphor(optional)
• 10nos.Cashew nuts
• 2tsp.Raisins

Method:
Wash the rice, roast it in a tsp of ghee in a pressure cooker.
 Add milk and water and cook the rice for 4 to 5whistles( if cooking in a thick bottom pan cook till the rice is  very soft).
Once the pressure is released add powdered kalkandu/sugar crystal and cook on a very low flame until it becomes thick.
Add cardamom powder,edible camphor and fried cashew nuts and raisins, mix well.  yummy sweet rice is ready!!!!