The Journal

Notes on sweetness,
ceremony and giving.

A Penda box of six saffron milk sweets beside its white and gold lid
Diwali · 5 min read

The Penda guide to Diwali gifting

Sweetness has always been the language of Diwali. A short guide to giving it well, from choosing the right box to knowing when to order.

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A single rose-shaped Penda Shanta saffron milk sweet
The craft · 4 min read

What is peda?

One of the oldest and simplest of Indian sweets, and one of the hardest to make beautifully. A short history of peda, and of ours.

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An open Penda box of six with its Penda Shanta ingredients card resting on the sweets
Diwali · 4 min read

The art of giving mithai

Every family has its own customs, but a few gentle courtesies are shared by almost all. Notes on giving sweets at Diwali, and the words to go with them.

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An open Penda box of six on a dark background with warm festive lights
Christmas · 3 min read

A different kind of Christmas sweet

Saffron, cardamom and nutmeg have always belonged to the winter table. A case for giving something unexpected this Christmas.

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