Maha Shivratri is a festivity that resonates the deepest in the Hindu culture and honors Lord Shiva, being one of the most revered lords in Hinduism. Falling on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of either Phalguna or Magha, Maha Shivratri festival is observed throughout India with huge devotion and repute. In many places across India, on this day devotees fast and pray for progress in their inner life and receive divine intervention in their lives.
Often, fruits, milk, along with other sattvic ingredients are prepared for offering. Since on this day, people aim to purify their body and mind. During the festival, a large number of people fast from eating regular meals, but sweets are an integral part of Maha Shivratri fasting. Honey is often considered to be a great choice during fasting and many other religious rituals for its natural sweetness and purity. This Maha Shivratri, Honey-glazed pastries would look perfect with a blend of sweetness and elegance; hence, an apt treat for sharing with loved ones on this auspicious day.
Ingredients
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Meanwhile prepare the baking tray by lining it with parchment paper and keep it aside.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a clean surface, ensuring they are even and not too thick.
Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the pastry into small squares or rectangles, depending on the desired shape.
Arrange the pastry pieces on the prepared baking tray, so they are not too close to each other, and they can easily expand while baking.
Bake the pastry in the oven that has been preheated for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
While the pastry is baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, butter, and lemon juice over low heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the glaze is smooth.
Add the soaked saffron to the glaze, allowing it to infuse its color and aroma into the mixture. Stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Once the pastries are golden and crispy, pull them out of the oven, then let cool a little, say for three to four minutes.
Brush generously over each of the warm pastries with the warm honey glaze so the warm pastries will absorb the sweetness of the syrup.
Garnish the glazed pastries with chopped nuts to add a little crunch with each crumbly mouthful. Then allow the pastry to cool completely before being served.
These soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are brushed with a warm honey glaze, making for a heavenly Maha Shivratri treat. The warmth of cinnamon, combined with the sweetness of honey, makes for an indulgent treat in every single bite. Topped with chopped pistachios for added crunch.
These turnovers are honey-glazed pastries with a sweet twist, as they add a fruity twist to the classic honey-glazed pastry. These turnovers contain tender, spiced apple filling, wrapped in buttery puff pastry, and finished with a honey glaze, making for a comforting, warm treat. The honey glaze gives them a glossy, shiny finish, perfect for the festive season.
Though this is a Middle Eastern dessert, the sweet and flaky layers of baklava are great when glazed with honey. The nuts, almonds or walnuts, are soaked in a fragrant syrup made from honey, turning this dessert into a divine offering for Maha Shivratri. Each bite is irresistible because of the balance of crunch and sweetness.
Glazed with honey and topped with slivers of almonds, croissants are a treat unlike any other. The honey provides a layer of sweetness that is well-balanced against the buttery richness of the croissant, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch. These are ideal for those who love the combination of sweet and savory.
Add a touch of luxury to your pastries by infusing them with chocolate. Coat the pastries with a honey glaze for contrasting flavors, velvety, rich chocolate and the subtle sweetness that honey provides. These pastries will add a rich sense of indulgence to your Maha Shivratri celebrations while ensuring that the feel of simplicity remains intact.