Boys Like Pink Too - Falooda

Boys can like pink too. Poet loves his pink sneakers, pink jogging pants, and a pink hoodie. For one winter, his favorite pants had pink llamas on them. He would wear them every day, so often that he had a row of pink llama pants in his closet, his little power suit for school. He looks adorable in his expertly coordinated outfits, with style all of his own.

Color plays such a large role in our lives. Red for angry, blue for sad, yellow for sunny. And for kids, they are so often gently urged to like specific colors based on their gender. As I walk through the kids clothing aisles in stores, I am inundated by pink for girls and blue for boys. Children don't know any of these differences, but they learn by watching everyone around them like tiny sponges.

People regularly comment, oh, what a cute little girl. Poet will often look up at me in puzzlement. Saying without saying it, Mom, I'm not a girl. And then I will gently say we have a boy and a girl. Our little boy likes pink. Poet is happy to be acknowledged for who he is. And often, the person looks somewhat bewildered. At school, kids are unsure of what to make of a boy in pink.

Making a real change for kids means breaking out of our usual patterns—all colors for all kids. Girls can like blue, orange, magenta or black. A step in the right direction includes unisex clothing lines for kids. I love that kids choose to express themselves in so many ways. Exploring color helps to expand their minds. Hopefully allowing them to enjoy a diversity of objects and experiences as they get older. And so this week, in keeping with pink, I made falooda. Falooda is a delicious, refreshing pink Indian drink or dessert in a glass.

Falooda is popular in India and Pakistan and dates back to the Mughal era. The drink is a layered drink with falooda sev, rose syrup, sabza, and milk. Falooda sev are noodles, similar to vermicelli made of cornflour instead of wheat. Sev meaning noodles in Hindi. Rose syrup is a special addition and considered a special ingredient in Indian cuisine. Just a little complements the sweetness of the drink and you don't need to add any sugar. Sabza or sweet basil seeds are also known as takmaria seeds. I had never used these before, and after soaking, they become jello-like and thickened. Falooda reminds me of Japanese Boba milk tea and is just as yummy. Add a scoop of ice cream to the top, and falooda comes together for a decadent dessert.

Falooda

A delicious layered drink with falooda sev, sweet basil seeds, rose syrup and milk. Falooda is also easily adaptable. You can use vermicelli or angel hair pasta instead of falooda. Instead of rose syrup, you can use rosewater or strawberry syrup. If you don't have sabja seeds, you can use chia seeds. It may be a little less creamy, but just as enjoyable. To make it vegan, you can substitute almond or soy milk and vegan ice cream.

Serves 2

• 4 tablespoons strawberry jelly or jello
• 2 tablespoons sabja seeds (Or chia seeds)
• 5 tablespoons falooda sev (about 1/3 cup)
• 4 tablespoons rose syrup
• 2 cups chilled milk
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1/8 cup pistachios, slivered (or almonds or cashews)

1. In a small bowl, soak the sabja seeds in hot water for about 30 minutes. When they are super puffy and soft, drain and set them aside.

2. If you are using jello, make it according to the package directions.

3. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli or sev and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside

Assembling the falooda

1. In each glass, add 1-2 tablespoons of jelly or jello. Then layer 2 tablespoons of the sabja seeds. Add 2 tablespoons of the faluda sev or vermicelli. Gently pour in about 1 cup of milk. Do this slowly so you can keep the layering of the drink. Add a scoop of ice cream and sprinkle with pistachios.

2. Serve immediately.