Homemade Diwali Sweets: The festival of Diwali is considered incomplete without sweets. On this special occasion, people often buy various types of sweets from the market to treat their guests. However, there is frequently a concern regarding the purity of store-bought sweets and the possibility of adulteration. Given this, you could prepare some delicious sweets at home this Diwali instead of relying on store-bought ones.

The best part is that some sweets can be prepared well in advance and stored properly. This saves you from spending too much time in the kitchen on the day of Diwali, while still allowing you to serve your guests homemade treats. If you would like to get a head start on your Diwali preparations, this article will introduce you to some homemade sweets that can be prepared and stored ahead of time.

Sweets you can prepare at home in advance for Diwali:

1. Besan Ladoo (Gram Flour Laddoos)

Besan ladoos are among the most popular Diwali sweets. They are made using gram flour (besan), ghee, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder.

Preparation Method:
First, heat the ghee in a pan (kadhai).
Add the gram flour and roast it thoroughly over a low flame.
Once the gram flour releases a pleasant aroma and turns golden in color, turn off the heat.
Once the mixture has cooled down, add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder.
Shape the mixture into small, round ladoos.

Storage Tip: Once completely cooled, store them in a dry, airtight container. Keep them away from moisture and heat. Their shelf life will depend on the ingredients used and the storage conditions.

2. Coconut Barfi

Coconut barfi is not only delicious but also easy to make. It requires desiccated (dried) coconut, sugar, milk, and cardamom.

Preparation Method:
Heat the milk and sugar together in a pan (kadhai). Add grated dry coconut to the mixture.
Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
Now, add cardamom powder.
Spread the mixture onto a greased plate and allow it to set.
Once cooled, cut it into your desired shapes.

Storage Tip: Do not keep milk-based coconut *barfi* at room temperature for long. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.

3. Shakkarpara

If you are looking for a sweet treat that pairs well with tea, *shakkarpara* is an excellent choice. They are prepared using all-purpose flour (*maida*), ghee, sugar, and water.

Preparation Method:
Add a little ghee to the all-purpose flour and mix well.
Knead into a firm dough using water.
Roll the dough into a thick sheet and cut it into small pieces.
Deep-fry these pieces over low to medium heat until they turn golden brown.
Once cooled, you may coat them in sugar syrup, if desired.

Storage Tip: Allow the *shakkarpara* to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Kept away from moisture, they will remain crisp for a long time.

4. Gond ke Laddu

*Gond ke laddu* (edible gum *laddus*) are a traditional sweet. They are made using ghee, edible gum (*gond*), flour, jaggery or sugar, and dry fruits.

Preparation Method:
First, heat the ghee and deep-fry the edible gum.
Once the fried gum has cooled, crush it coarsely.
In the same ghee, roast the flour thoroughly.
Add the crushed gum, chopped almonds, cashews, and cardamom.
Mix in powdered sugar or jaggery to taste, and shape the mixture into *laddus*.

Storage Tip: Store the *laddus*—once completely cooled—in a clean, dry, airtight container. Keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight.

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