Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, is the celebration of spring awakening. It begins on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March). Typical rituals include throwing colored and scented powder and perfume on participants. The two-day festival allows people to drop societal norms imposed by class, age, gender and caste, thus it’s a time for united celebration. These fragrant no-bake cookies are a perfect (and gluten-free) way to enjoy the festivities.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup ghee or clarified butter
1 1/2 cups besan (also known as chickpea or garbanzo bean flour)
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup sliced almonds (not roasted)
1/2 cup sugar
2 cardamom pods, ground or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a saucepan over low heat. Add besan. Cook until fragrant smelling, around 10 minutes.
2. While mixture is cooking, put the remainder of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until all is finely ground together.
3. Let ghee and besan mixture cool for 10 minutes. Add blender ingredients. Shape into balls the shape of walnuts. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

© 2012, Lauren Capitani. All rights reserved.

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