Cherry Halwa

Directions

1. 1
   Measure all your ingredients first--you won't be able to multi-task when you are making the dish!
2. 2
   In a small pot add water and sugar and heat until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat and set aside.
3. 3
   In a flat bottomed skillet add oil and heat on medium. Add the bay leaf and semolina. Keep stirring the semolina to brown it slowly without burning. After about10 minutes, add the cardamom to the semolina Keep stirring for another 8 to 10 minutes until the semolina turns a golden brown color. (This requires patience...it will brown, just give it some time!)
4. 4
   Once the semolina has browed, keep stirring and slowly add the sugar water syrup into the semolina. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer and stir continuously until all the liquid is absorbed. Fold in the cherries and chopped almonds (leave a few whole almonds for garnish). Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with a few almonds. Top with warm milk for a richer taste (fit for the gods!) The halwa is delicious served hot or cold.