Al Naimat

In honor of Independence Day in India, herewith a small selection of sweeties from Al Naimat in Jackson Heights. Starting from the top, coconut-covered gulab jamun, a ball of syrup-soaked, gently fried, milk-based, super-soft dough. In the middle, the bright pink cham cham, another milky treat, a close cousin in texture to feta, minus the salty tang. And finally, the almond-topped orange burfi, utterly moist, nutrient-rich, like a brownie gone nuclear. Happy celebrating, happy eating, all.