I Want to Go to Claire's - Seviyan ki Burfi

Flower was not enthusiastic about the tattoo parlor. Why would a little kid want to go to a tattoo parlor anyway? Flower had approached us suddenly, saying she wanted her ears pierced. A few friends had recently pierced their ears, and she was enamored. I was caught off guard and asked, are you sure you really want to do this? G was even more skeptical.

Rites of passage sneak up on us. Or maybe I just wasn't ready for this one. But secretly, or not so secretly, I was very excited. I love the idea of Flower wearing earrings. It's something that is very important to me. My mother loved jewelry. In medical school, I'd be exhausted and tired, and my mother would visit. She would ask why aren't you wearing earrings? You should have a pair on. I would touch my ears and think, wow, I didn't even think about that. It was the last thing on my mind in a sea of books, exams, and information. She meant well, and it was so important to her. She had an enormous collection of gold ones, gemstones, dangly ones, hoops, and studs. Special occasions, birthdays, and anniversaries were marked with a trip to the Indian jewelry store where she would buy something special.

So, where does one go to get their ears pierced? I got my ears pierced at the mall. I think I must have been six or seven. My first pair of earrings were little gold butterflies. And I promptly lost one. I remember my sadness and searching for this tiny butterfly on the school playground. Imagine my parents combing the ground and the playground equipment for a tiny gold butterfly. We didn't find it. Sometimes I think of the little butterfly buried in the playground waiting for another child to find.

Several other moms had recommended different places. At the top of the list was a tattoo place. They said their kids had a great experience. Another suggestion was the pediatrician and a jewelry store. Flower had her heart set on Claires. That cute little shop at the mall with tons of earrings, headbands, and glittery sequined items galore. Her little friend had gone to Claires. And she had her heart set on it. So on a snowy March morning, we all set off to Claires. The lady at the store was sweet and recommended a two-person technique. Each person taking an ear so that everything would be done in a flash. Flower picked out tiny diamond studs set in white gold. She picked out little red roses as her backup pair. And with a quick pinch, it was done. A little kid now with pierced little ears.

We came home and enjoyed some saviyan ki burfi. A friend made this dessert recently, and I've adapted her delicious recipe. It's crunchy, sweet, and salty all at the same time. Vermicelli, or toasted wheat noodles, condensed milk, a mix of pistachios, and almonds make a quick and easy little sweet. Saviyan ki burfi is quick and easy to make. Cut into bite-size squares, it's remarkably addictive, and you can't eat just one.

And so the idea of Flower wanting to wear earrings makes me happy. And now it's a reality. She shows them off proudly—the start of something special.

Seviyan ki Burfi

A crunchy and sweet salty Indian dessert. Made with toasted wheat noodles, or vermicelli, condensed milk, pistachios and almonds. It's quick and easy.

This recipe is adapted from my friend P. She had learned it from her mother during their time in the Middle East. G and I loved it instantly, with its crunchy sweet texture and delicious nuts.

Serves 6

• 1 cup vermicelli
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
• 1/4 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup almonds chopped
• 1/4 cup pistachios chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. Lightly oil a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium frypan, gently toast the vermicelli over low heat for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown.
3. Add the ghee and continue sauteeing for a minute or two, then add in the condensed milk and stir for a minute.
4. Take the mixture off the heat and stir in the almonds, pistachios, and sea salt.
5. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Let cool and then cut into small squares and serve.