Happy Diwali!

It's my favorite time of the year! It's Diwali!

दिवाळीचा पहिला दिवा लागता दारी,
सुखाचे किरण येती घरी,
पुर्ण होवोत तुमच्या सर्व ईच्छा,
आमच्याकडुन दिवाळीच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!

Happy Diwali to you and yours!

Like most Diwalis, this too, is rather laid back for us. However, I did make the best karanjis.

Crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside

The recipe for Karanji is over on the Whole Foods Marketing Cooking blog.

It's that time of year when the new moon has special significance for millions of people the world over. They place terracotta oil lamps called diyas outside their homes to light up the dark night. They have festive lanterns hanging in their windows. Every so often, there might be a wild burst of cracklings, hissings, poppings -- sounds of fireworks. Mixed into the air, thick with sulfuric fumes, is the aroma of celebratory foods, mostly fried sugary treats or milk-based delights. Yes, it's Diwali, the festival of lights and that special new moon falls on this day, November 13, this year.

As of a couple months ago, my column on WFM's Cooking Boulder went national, something that I was very thrilled about! Some of you who follow my recipes there may have noticed that. Although that came much before Diwali, it feels right to share that change at this auspicious time of the year. Yay, me!

I wish you and your families much joy, light, happiness, prosperity and success!

Happy Diwali!

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