BADAM MILK

Badam milk/Badam paalu is one of the tastiest milkshakes I have ever tasted. I remember my childhood days when I used to go to Ravindra cool drinks on hot summer days only for this drink. The cold milk with whole sweet almond flavor tasted heavenly. The sweet goodness is till the last sip and the crunchy  cashews at the bottom used to be another surprise and gives added taste. Don't wait for the summer days, try the recipe immediately.

INGREDIENTS

Almonds                   1/4 cup
Whole Milk               4 cups
Saffron strands           4-5
Chopped almonds      2 Tsp
Chopped cashews      2 Tsp
Sugar                         1 cup
Cardamom powder    1/2tsp

PROCEDURE
Soak the almonds for 4 to 5 hours or preferably overnight. The more they are soaked the more softer will be the almond paste.
Remove the skins and grind to a very smooth paste.
Soak the saffron strands in hot milk for 15 minutes.
Boil the milk and add the almond paste, Saffron milk, cardamom, sugar.
Boil for 10 more minutes.
Cool and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Just before serving add the chopped almonds and cashews. Can also add ice cubes.

TIPS
Use whole milk to enjoy the best taste.
To add an enhanced taste add whipped cream on the top.
If you did not get a fine paste of almonds, you can add some more milk to the paste, grind it again and then strain the milk. This milk can be added to the boiling milk instead of the paste.