Thandai!!!

"Thandai" is an Indian beverage which is made from milk, dry fruits and special Ingredients like poppy seeds, melon seeds, rose petals, black pepper powder and cardamom powder. It is a great summer coolant. This drink is made specially for the festival of "Maha shivratri"and colourful festival of "holi". One can prepare and store this drink in advance and can serve it chill  !!!

Ingredients:
1 liter milk (preferably full cream milk)
3/4 cup sugar
few saffron strands(kesar)
1/4 cup Almonds(soaked)
1/4 cup cashew nuts(soaked)
10 -12 pieces of pistachios(soaked)
1 teaspoon black pepper powder (kaali mirch)
2 tablespoon poppy seeds(khus khus)soaked
1 teaspoon rose water(gulab jal)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder(illaechi)
1 teaspoon fennel powder(saunf)
few rose petals(for garnishing)
  
Method:
Drain the water of the soaked ingredients. Ground them all into a very fine paste using a little milk.
In a pan boil the milk and sugar, lower the flame when the first boil comes. Add the saffron strands and stir well.
To this milk add the grounded paste and rose water, mix well.
Let the milk cool at room temperature. Store this milk in fridge for future consumption.
Garnish with rose petals and serve....
Tasty and chill "Thandai"is ready for welcoming guests this "Holi"!!!
Optional notes:
This drink is a great summer coolant and is healthy for kids too.
One can avoid dry fruits if allergic to them.
This drink tastes best when served chilled !!!