Dates and Almond Kheer

Made this for Shri Krishna Janmashthami last week. This is a very simple and tasty dessert. The sweetness of the dates makes it unnecessary to add sugar, making it a good alternative for those watching their sugar intake. As I was making it as a "prasad", I did add a little bit of sugar, but it tastes great without any at all too.

Here's how I make it:

12 pitted dates - chop by hand or in a food processor
12 almonds
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp crushed cardamon pwd
1/2 tsp sugar (optional)

Soak the chopped dates and almonds in 1/2 cup milk for 2 -3 hours. Then grind together in a mixer to a smooth consistency. Add the remaining milk and gently heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Take off heat and add the cardamon pwd.

Serve hot by itself or with poories.

 I like to have this kheer (pudding) fairly hot, but if you choose you can make it in the consistency of a milk shake and drink it cold too.