Category: Recipes

  • Zucchini and Oatmeal Patties with Bavarian Sausages Recipe

    Zucchini and Oatmeal Patties with Bavarian Sausages Recipe

    Zucchini and Oatmeal Patties with Bavarian Sausages Recipe

     

    Ingredients:

    • 2 eggs
    • 100 g (1 cup) oat flakes
    • Smoked paprika (to taste)
    • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
    • 1 zucchini, grated
    • 50 g (1/2 cup) cheese, grated
    • Dill (to taste)
    • 150 g (5.3 oz) Bavarian sausages, chopped
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 1 clove of garlic, minced
    • 3 potatoes, grated
    • 2 eggs
    • Black pepper (to taste)
    • Italian herbal blend (to taste)
    • 70 g (1/2 cup) flour
    • Vegetable oil (for frying)
    • Salt (to taste)

    For the Sauce:

     

    • 2 tablespoons sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

    Directions:

    Prepare Ingredients:

    In a bowl, mix 100 g oat flakes, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Add grated zucchini and salt. Let rest for 15 minutes.

    Combine Ingredients:

    Add grated cheese, dill, chopped Bavarian sausages, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated potatoes, 2 eggs, black pepper, and Italian herbal blend to the zucchini mixture. Mix well.

    Form Patties:

    Add 70 g flour to the mixture and combine until it forms a batter. Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Shape the mixture into patties and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

    Prepare Sauce:

    In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Serve the patties with the sauce.

  • Delicious Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

    Delicious Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

    Here’s how to make it:

    Ingredients:
    2 lobster tails
    1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    3 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tbsp lemon juice
    1 tsp paprika
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Fresh parsley, for garnish
    Lemon wedges, for serving

    1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
    2 tbsp unsalted butter
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tbsp olive oil
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Fresh parsley, for garnish

    Preparation:
    Start by preheating your broiler. Cut through the top of each lobster shell and pull the meat out, resting it on top.

    Cooking:
    Combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper, then brush this mixture over the lobster. Broil for 8-10 minutes, basting with more butter halfway.

    In a skillet, heat olive oil and season the scallops with salt and pepper, searing them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Melt butter in the same skillet, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute before coating the scallops in the garlic butter.

    Final touches:
    Garnish both the lobster and scallops with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

    Serving:
    Serve the lobster and scallops together, ideally on a warm plate for a stunning presentation.

    Are you ready to indulge in this ocean-inspired feast?

    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 2

  • Crispy Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce

    Crispy Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce

    Crispy Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce

    Ingredients

    For the Potato Croquettes:

     

    • 700 g (1.5 lbs) potatoes, peeled and boiled
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 25 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch
    • 2 eggs, beaten
    • 100 g (1 cup) breadcrumbs

    For the Cheese Sauce:

     

    • 20 g (1.5 tbsp) unsalted butter
    • 1 tsp wheat flour
    • 1/4 tsp chili powder
    • 125 ml (1/2 cup) milk
    • 75 g (2.5 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

    Directions

    Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

     

    1. Boil the potatoes until soft, then drain and mash until smooth.
    2. Add salt and cornstarch, mixing until well combined.
    3. Let the mixture cool slightly for easier handling.

    Step 2: Shape the Croquettes

     

    1. Form the potato mixture into small oval or cylindrical shapes.
    2. Dip each croquette into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
    3. Roll the coated croquettes in breadcrumbs until evenly covered.

    Step 3: Fry the Croquettes

     

    1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
    2. Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
    3. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
    4. Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

     

    1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
    2. Stir in the wheat flour and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until smooth.
    3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
    4. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
    5. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
    6. Stir in hot sauce for extra spice (optional).

    Step 5: Serve

     

    Serve the crispy potato croquettes hot with the creamy cheese sauce for dipping.

  • Lemon Cake To Die For!!!

    Lemon Cake To Die For!!!

    A lemon cake to die for represents the highest level of skill in baking where simple ingredients are converted into a mixture of taste and feeling that shocks. This fascination exceeds boundaries and is liked by sweet lovers around the world. Whether it appears on the table as a center-piece during celebrations or acts as a comforting treat in lazy afternoons, it never ceases to amaze people.

     

    This cake has got such an amazing blend of sourness with sweetness through its lively citrus nature and tender crumb that one might cherish till death does them part. Every bite brings together tangy sugariness with velvety finish thus making every morsel refreshing yet exquisite at once. No wonder why each component within this dessert from its damp inside down to juicy gloss is made perfect so as not only to satisfy but also arouse all taste buds on their way down this culinary adventure!

     

    Apart from being delicious, a lemon cake to die for brings back memories and gives comfort, reminding us of those special times we spent with our dear ones. This warmth it provides during family gatherings or even small parties sweetens life at momentous events, cementing relationships beyond time. More than just a baked good — love, happiness and unity stand as its meaning.

     

    When it comes to homemade baking; no other treats compare with eating a piece of lemon cake to die for. The simplicity behind this creation hides an amazing influence that will be felt in the next generations through their taste buds. So don’t worry if you are not very good at cooking: let yourself be enchanted by eternal desserts like these and enjoy every single bit of them while they last!

     

    Ingredients:

    For cake:

       1 cup and a half of multi-purpose flour

       1.5 tsp baking powder

       .25 tsp baking soda

       .25 tsp salt

       Half a cup of softened unsalted butter
       
       1 cup granulated sugar

       Two large eggs

     One half of buttermilk

    Two tablespoons grated lemon zest
     
    One quarter cup fresh lemon juice

    For glaze:

     One cup powdered sugar
     
    2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
     
    One tablespoon grated zest (optional, for garnish)

     

    Instructions:

    Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Grease or line with parchment paper a round 9-inch cake pan.

    In another bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

    In a big bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.

    Stir together buttermilk, lemon zest and juice until thoroughly mixed.

    Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones while mixing until barely joined. Take care not to overmix.

       Empty out the batter into the prepared cake pan and even its surface with a spatula.

       Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

       While this cake is baking, prepare the glaze. You should smooth powdered sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl using a whisk. If needed, adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice.

       Once baked, remove from oven and let sit in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack where it can cool completely.

       After cooling off, drizzle lemon glaze over top of cake so that some should run down sides too; sprinkle additional zest if desired for garnish.

       Slice up your deadly delicious lemon cake–every juicy bite!

    Recipe makes one nine-inch round cake which serves about eight to ten people. Adjust baking time accordingly when using different sized or shaped pans.

  • I believe this is the best version of this recipe I have ever created, it is very appealing.

    I believe this is the best version of this recipe I have ever created, it is very appealing.

    Ingredients:

    3 big onions, cut into thin slices.

    4 tablespoons of butter without salt

    2 pieces of garlic, chopped

    1 small spoonful of sugar

    1 small spoon of salt

    1 cup of white wine

    4 cups of beef broth

    1 tablespoon of thyme leaves freshly picked.

    1 leaf from the bay tree

    12 ounces of pasta (fusilli or campanelle are good choices).

    1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese

    Add salt and pepper according to your preference.

    Fresh parsley, chopped for decoration.

    Instructions:

    In a big pot, melt the butter on medium heat. Put the cut onions, sugar, and salt in the pan, mix well so the onions are covered in butter.

    Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for around 30 minutes until they turn a deep brown color and become golden.

    3. Put the chopped garlic in the pan and cook for one more minute until it smells good.

    Add white wine to the pot to remove any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until most of the wine has evaporated, approximately 5 minutes.

    5. Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf, and let it simmer. Cook for an additional 10 minutes so the flavors can mix together.

    6. While the broth is heating gently, cook the pasta following the instructions on the package until it is firm to the bite. Drain the liquid and put it to the side.

    Take out the bay leaf from the broth, and then mix in the cooked pasta. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

    Serve the pasta and broth in bowls, and sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese on top. If you want, you can briefly broil the dish to melt and lightly brown the cheese on top.

    Add some chopped fresh parsley on top before you serve.

    Different Types and Advice

    Enjoy!

  • Delectable Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake

    Delectable Southern Pecan Praline Buttermilk Cake

    Ingredients:
    1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    3 large eggs
    1 cup buttermilk
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 cup chopped pecans
    1 cup brown sugar
    1/2 cup heavy cream
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions:

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
    In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk.
    In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
    Fold in the chopped pecans.
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    While the cake is baking, make the praline topping by combining the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly.
    Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
    Pour the praline topping over the warm cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top if desired.
    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 70 minutes | Total Time: 90 minutes
    Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
  • chocolate cake with marshmallows.

    chocolate cake with marshmallows.

    Ingredients
    – 200g flour
    – 200g of sugar
    – 75g unsweetened cocoa powder
    – 1½ teaspoons baking powder
    – ½ teaspoon baking soda
    – ¼ teaspoon salt
    – 2 large eggs
    – 240ml of milk
    – 120ml of vegetable oil
    – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    – 240ml of boiling water
    – 200g miniature marshmallows
    – Chocolate coating (optional)
    Instructions
    1. *Preheat the Oven:*

    to. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
    b. Grease and flour a 23cm diameter cake tin.
    2. *Prepare the Dough:*

    to. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    b. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil and vanilla. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mass.
    c. Add the boiling water and mix well (the dough will be quite liquid).
    3. *Bake the Cake:*
    to. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
    b. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    4. *Add Marshmallows:*
    to. When the cake is ready, remove the pan from the oven and distribute the miniature marshmallows evenly on top.
    b. Return the cake to the oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and melted.
    5. *Cool and Serve:*
    to. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before unmolding.
    b. If desired, pour chocolate icing over cake before serving

  • Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce

    Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Cream Sauce

    Ingredients
    1 baguette, sliced and toasted
    1 pound beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    Salt and pepper to taste
    1 cup heavy cream
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 tablespoon butter
    Instructions
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for toasting the baguette slices.
    Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
    Season the beef tenderloin slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the beef slices and sear quickly on each side, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
    To assemble, place a slice of beef on each toasted baguette slice. Spoon a generous amount of Parmesan cream sauce over the beef. Garnish with additional thyme if desired.1f33f
  • Apple Cake with Dried Cherries

    Apple Cake with Dried Cherries

    Ingredients:

      • 3 medium eggs
      • 100 grams (1/2 cup) butter
      • 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar (adjust to taste)
      • Approximately 310 grams (2 1/2 cups) wheat flour
      • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
      • A pinch of salt
      • Vanilla extract (to taste)
      • 2 apples (400-500 grams), peeled, cored, and diced
      • 30 grams (1/4 cup) dried cherries, raisins, or nuts (optional)

    Directions:

      1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a baking pan.
      2. Prepare Batter: In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
      1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
      2. Add Apples and Mix-ins: Fold in the diced apples and dried cherries, raisins, or nuts if using.
      3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    1. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

    Serving Suggestions:

      • Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    • Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

    Cooking Tips:

      • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
    • Ensure apples are well-diced to distribute evenly throughout the batter.

    Nutritional Benefits:

      • Apples add natural sweetness and fiber.
    • Dried cherries or raisins contribute antioxidants and vitamins.

    Dietary Information:

      • Contains dairy and eggs.
    • Can be adapted to be dairy-free by using a non-dairy butter substitute.

    Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):

      • Calories: 250
      • Protein: 4g
      • Carbohydrates: 35g
      • Fat: 12g

    Storage:

      • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
      • Refrigerate for longer storage up to 1 week.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

      • Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
      • Perfectly combines fruity and sweet flavors.
    • Great for both casual and special occasions.
  • Crusty Mini Baguettes: A Taste of France in Your Kitchen

    Crusty Mini Baguettes: A Taste of France in Your Kitchen

    Ingredients

    For 8 mini baguettes:

    • 2 1/2 cups (320 g / 11.3 oz) bread flour
    • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp (210 ml) water
    • 1 tsp (3 g) brewer’s yeast or 1/2 tsp (2 g) dry yeast
    • 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
    • 1 tsp (5 g) salt

    Detailed Instructions

    1. Begin by combining the bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. If using dry yeast, ensure it’s not in direct contact with the salt, as salt can inhibit yeast activity. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
    2. Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly depending on the humidity and the exact protein content of your flour. The goal is to form a shaggy dough that comes together but isn’t too sticky.
    3. Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface and begin kneading. This step is crucial for developing the gluten structure that gives baguettes their characteristic chewy texture. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. To test if it’s ready, gently press your finger into the dough – it should spring back slowly.
    4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour. The ideal temperature for rising is around 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). The dough should roughly double in size.
    5. After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release the gas bubbles that have formed. This helps to redistribute the yeast and sugar, leading to a more even second rise.
    6. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. You can use a scale for precision, but eyeballing it works too. Each portion should be about 65-70 grams.
    7. Shape each portion into a mini baguette. To do this, flatten the dough slightly, then fold it lengthwise and pinch the seam to seal. Roll gently with your hands to elongate the dough, tapering the ends slightly for that classic baguette shape.
    8. Place the shaped mini baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each baguette for them to expand. Cover the baguettes loosely with a clean kitchen towel or lightly oiled plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
    9. While the baguettes are in their final rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven now to heat up. Also, place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven – we’ll use this to create steam later.
    10. Just before baking, use a sharp knife or a bread lame to score the tops of the baguettes. Make 3-4 diagonal slashes across each baguette. These cuts allow the bread to expand properly during baking and create that classic baguette appearance.
    11. Slide the baking sheet with the baguettes into the preheated oven. Quickly pour about 1 cup of hot water into the empty baking pan at the bottom of the oven and close the door immediately. This creates steam, which helps develop a crispy crust.
    12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the baguettes are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark.
    13. Once baked, transfer the mini baguettes to a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate around the bread, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.

    Serving Suggestions

    These Crusty Mini Baguettes are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

    • As is: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven (after cooling slightly) with a spread of butter or olive oil.
    • With soup: They’re perfect for dipping into your favorite soup or stew.
    • For sandwiches: Slice them lengthwise to make delightful mini sandwiches.
    • As a side: Serve alongside a cheese board or with a main course like pasta or salad.
    • For breakfast: Toast slices and serve with jam or as a base for avocado toast.

    Nutrition Information

    Per mini baguette (approximate values):

    • Calories: 160
    • Protein: 5g
    • Carbohydrates: 32g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Fat: 0.5g
    • Sodium: 290mg

    Please note that these are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

    Tips for Perfect Crusty Mini Baguettes

    1. Use bread flour: Its higher protein content helps develop the gluten structure necessary for that chewy baguette texture.
    2. Temperature matters: Use lukewarm water (about 100°F or 38°C) to activate the yeast properly.
    3. Don’t rush the rise: Allowing proper time for fermentation develops flavor and texture.
    4. Create steam: The steam in the oven is crucial for achieving that crispy crust. If you don’t want to use the water pan method, you can mist the oven with a spray bottle when you put the bread in.
    5. Experiment with flours: Try substituting a portion of the bread flour with whole wheat or rye for different flavors and textures.
    6. Make ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. This slow fermentation can enhance flavor.
    7. Storage: These baguettes are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in a paper bag at room temperature for a day. To refresh, sprinkle with water and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.
  • Best Breakfast Bread Recipe

    Best Breakfast Bread Recipe

    1. more flour. Knead the dough by hand until it reaches a smooth consistency.
    2. First Fermentation: Cover the dough and let it ferment for 25 minutes in a warm place (around 30°C or 86°F).
    3. Folding the Dough: After 25 minutes, grease your hands and fold the dough inwards to incorporate air. Cover again and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
    4. Second Folding: Grease your hands again and fold the dough once more. After a few minutes of folding, cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour.
    5. Shaping the Dough: After the dough has fermented, sprinkle flour on a clean work surface and pour the dough onto it. Form the dough into a ball.
    6. Dividing the Dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. From each piece, form a ball and let them rest for 7 to 10 minutes.
    7. Prepare for Baking: Sprinkle flour on top of each ball and gently press to expand the dough. Sprinkle cornmeal onto parchment paper and place the dough on top.
    8. Final Preparation: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough in the tray.
    9. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and bake the bread for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
    10. Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool slightly, then enjoy it warm, soft, and delicious!

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads. Great for making breakfast sandwiches or toast!

    Cooking Tips

    Make sure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Adjust the amount of flour based on the dough’s texture; it should be soft and slightly sticky.

    Nutritional Benefits

    This bread is a good source of carbohydrates and can provide energy for your morning activities. Homemade bread allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought options.

    Dietary Information

    This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute the olive oil with a plant-based alternative.

    Nutritional Facts (per slice)

      • Calories: Approximately 120
      • Protein: 3 g
      • Carbohydrates: 22 g
      • Fat: 2 g
    • Fiber: 1 g
    • Sugar: 0.5 g

    Storage

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    It’s simple and requires minimal ingredients, perfect for beginner bakers! The bread comes out soft and fluffy, ideal for breakfast. It’s versatile; enjoy it plain, or dress it up with your favorite toppings. Homemade bread fills your home with a delightful aroma while baking!

  • Strawberry banana smoothie:

    Strawberry banana smoothie:

    Strawberry banana smoothie:

    Ingredients:

    1 cup frozen strawberries
    1 frozen banana
    1 cup milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
    1/4 cup plain yoghurt
    1 tablespoon honey (optional)

  • Chocolate Cream Dessert For Christmas That Doesn’t Require An Oven, In 5 Minutes

    Chocolate Cream Dessert For Christmas That Doesn’t Require An Oven, In 5 Minutes

    Hi everyone, today we’re going to learn how to make Dessert For Christmas using simple ingredients. So grab your pen and paper to jot down the ingredients, then follow the complete preparation method.

    How to Make Dessert For Christmas

    Dessert For Christmas and New Year. See below the list of all ingredients and required quantities. And then, a very complete preparation method with details of the recipe.

    Recipe Ingredients:

    • 1 cup of milk (240 ml / 8 oz)
    • 395 g of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
    • 200 g of heavy cream (7 oz)
    • 2 tablespoons of sugar
    • 1 cup of cocoa powder (120 g / 4.2 oz)
    • 1 packet of unflavored gelatina (12 g / 0.4 oz)

    Instructions:

    In a blender, combine the milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth.

    Hydrate and dissolve the unflavored gelatin according to the package instructions. Add the dissolved gelatin to the blender and blend for 1 minute.

    Pour the mixture into a lightly greased bundt pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

    Once ready, carefully unmold the dessert and decorate with chocolate sprinkles to taste and serve.

  • Christmas Cake – moist, easy fruit cake

    Christmas Cake – moist, easy fruit cake

    Ingredients

    Fast soaked fruit (Note 1):

    • 300g / 10 oz raisins
    • 150g / 5 oz diced dried apricots , chopped 8 mm / 1/3″
    • 75g / 2.5 oz mixed peel , diced 5mm / 1/5
    • 150g / 5 oz glace cherries , chopped 8 mm / 1/3″
    • 180g / 6 oz dates , diced 5mm / 1/5″
    • 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice, OR 1/3 brandy + 2/3 juice (Note 2)

    Cake:

    • 120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter , softened (1 US stick)
    • 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar , packed (Note 3)
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, grapeseed)
    • 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup (Note 4)
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp all spice
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1 2/3 cups plain flour (all purpose flour)
    • 3/4 cup walnuts , chopped (optional)

    For serving (optional)

    • 500ml / 1 pint pouring custard , homemade or store bought (Note 5)

    White Christmas Cake decoration, as pictured (optional)

    • 250g / 8 oz “ready to roll” marzipan
    • 250g / 8 oz “ready to roll” white fondant
    • Cherries dusted with icing sugar

    Other Decorating Options (optional)

    • Cherries or other fruit dusted with icing sugar (on plain cake, looks very pretty!)
    • Drippy white glaze (directions below)
    Prevent screen from sleeping

    Instructions

    Fast Soaked Fruit:

    • Place dried fruit and juice/brandy in a large microwavable container. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes on high or until hot.
    • Stir to coat all fruit in liquid. Cover then set aside for 1 hour (to plump up/soak and cool).

    Cake:

    • Preheat oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Grease and line a 21 – 22 cm / 8 – 9″ round cake pan with baking paper (parchment paper) (7 cm / 2.75″ tall).
    • Using an electric beater, beat butter and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute on speed 5).
    • Add oil and molasses, beat until combined.
    • Add salt, spices and baking powder – beat until incorporated.
    • Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated
    • Stir in the flour.
    • When mostly incorporated, stir in the fruit mix (including all the extra liquid in bowl) and walnuts (if using).
    • Pour into cake pan, cover with foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours. Remove the foil then bake for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into middle comes out clean with no batter on it (check first at 30 minutes).
    • Remove from oven and cool for 20 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Cool completely before serving.
    • Cake is moist and so full flavoured, it can be eaten plain. But see below for decorating and serving ideas (traditionally served with pouring custard).
    • Cutting: Either cut into thin wedges, or cut cake into thin strips (2cm / 0.75″ or so), then cut those strips into serving size pieces.

    Christmas Cake Decorating options:

    • Traditional White Christmas Cake (pictured in post) – Marzipan and fondant, see Decorating Note.
    • Simple – pile top with fresh cherries or other fruit, dust with icing sugar (powdered sugar). Wrap a ribbon around the cake for extra touch!
    • Drippy white glaze – use the glaze in this Lemon Cake recipe, but leave out the lemon juice (ie make a plain sweet white glaze). Flip cake upside down for flat surface then glaze per that recipe.
    • Serving – serve with custard for a traditional experience! Either homemade custard or store bought pouring custard (jazz it up by mixing in vanilla seed paste!).

    Recipe Notes:

    1. Dried fruit – any fruit of choice can be used as long as it totals 855g / 30 oz and it’s finely chopped. Combination I’ve used is to my taste – I do not like my fruit cake too citrusy (hate biting into big chunks of orange peel!). I like having variety for flavour.

    Mixed peel is a store bought mix of diced, dried, crystallised (ie sweet) orange and lemon peel. Sometimes it’s already chopped, sometimes not. Chop it to size per recipe. It is not fresh peel. Fresh peel will be much stronger and more bitter – not sure how much to use.

    Pre chopped mixed dried fruit – store bought mix of pre chopped dried fruit is fine to use. Chopping your own will yield a more moist cake (pre chopped dried fruit is not as moist) BUT having said that, this cake is so ultra moist, it has the give to use pre chopped!

    2. Juice / brandy – this cake tastes just as good made with or without alcohol, it comes down to personal taste. I usually make it without because Christmas Cake stretches far and I want everyone to be able to eat it.

    BRANDY – If you want to use brandy, use 1/3 cup brandy PLUS 2/3 cup + 2 tbsp juice.

    Juice – I like using apple juice for its neutral flavour. Pineapple and other not so strong flavoured juices will be fine here. If you like citrus flavour, use orange juice – you can taste it a bit more than other juices.

    3. Dark brown sugar – makes the cake a rich dark brown colour. Can sub with normal brown sugar – will make cake lighter (also looks nice as fruit stands out!)

    4. Molasses / golden syrup – adds to the richness of flavour and colour of cake. Either is fine – I interchange year on year.

    5. Custard – homemade pouring custard recipe here (“Creme Anglaise”). If you use store bought, pimping it up goes a long way to make it a bit special! Just stir in a bit of vanilla bean paste which will give it those lovely little black vanilla bean specks and improves the flavour.

    (PS Difference between homemade and store bought is richness. Homemade custard has a much more luxurious mouthfeel)

    6. Serving – cake is moist and so full flavoured it’s wonderful eaten plain. But for an extra special touch, serve with custard – see note above.

    7. Storage – I’ve kept it for a month in an airtight container in the fridge and it was good as it was freshly made (at room temperature). Having researched online, looks like 2 to 3 months is the general consensus (for fridge) and a year in the freezer (for this sort of cake, with no alcohol.

    8. Serving size – if you cut small slices into rectangles (see custard pouring photo), remembering this is RICH and dense, then it will serve 20 – 25 people. You will be amazed how HEAVY this cake is!

    ———————-

    DECORATING – Traditional white Christmas Cake (also see VIDEO & STEP PHOTOS below recipe card):

    • Best to use a cake turntable or similar (I used a small lazy susan!)
    • Marzipan layer mainly for creating perfect smooth surface for fondant layer.

    Marzipan:

    • Dust work surface with icing sugar. Shape marzipan into a disc then roll out so it’s large enough to cover cake and sides (250g/8oz marzipan covers this cake perfectly with some excess).
    • Roll marzipan onto rolling pin, then unroll it over the cake.
    • Drape over cake, stretching and pressing to cover sides with as few pleats as possible. Use wet table eating knife to smooth pleats, doesn’t need to look perfect – this is Layer 1 to smooth cake, plus also for the subtle almond flavour.

    Fondant: Dust work surface with more icing sugar, shape into disc, roll out and cover cake as you did with the marzipan.

    Quilting decorative side (pictured in post and in video):

    • Use something with a clean edge but not as sharp as a knife (I used a cake server).
    • Press on a 45 degree angle on side of cake about 2.5 cm / 1″ apart all around the cake, then 45 degrees in the opposite direction to create “diamond”.
    • Dip the blunt end of a wooden skewer into water, then press a light indent into fondant on intersection of diamond.
    • Then press in a silver ball (water makes it stick). Repeat all around.
    • Top with cherries, dusting with icing sugar, give it a grand spin to admire your work and serve!

    General note: Marzipan is prone to cracking and tearing but it doesn’t matter because marzipan layer is to create a smooth finish for the fondant layer. Fondant is easier to work with, but you need to be more careful because it’s the “pretty” layer. BUT any tears or rough patches can be smoothed out using the side of a wet table knife and / or patching up with excess bits of fondant. The wet knife softens the fondant so you can “spread” it to seal cracks.

  • Mary Berry’s classic Christmas cake

    Mary Berry’s classic Christmas cake

    Ingredients

    For the cake

    • raisins: 175g/6oz raisins
    • glacé cherries: 350g/12oz natural glacé cherries, halved, rinsed, and thoroughly dried
    • currants: 500g/1lb 2oz currants
    • sultanas: 350g/12oz sultanas
    • brandy: 150ml/¼pt brandy or sherry, plus extra for feeding
    • oranges: 2 oranges, zest only
    • butter: 250g/9oz butter, softened
    • muscovado sugar: 250g/9oz light or dark muscovado sugar
    • eggs: 4 large free-range eggs, at room temperature
    • treacle: 1 tbsp black treacle
    • almonds: 75g/3oz blanched almonds, chopped
    • plain flour: 275g/10oz plain flour
    • mixed spice: 1½ tsp mixed spice

    For the covering

    • apricot jam: about 3 tbsp apricot jam, warmed and sieved
    • icing sugar: icing sugar
    • marzipan: 675g/1lb 8oz marzipan

    For the royal icing

    • : 3 free-range eggs, whites only
    • icing sugar: 675g/1½lb icing sugar, sifted
    • lemon juice: 3 tsp lemon juice

    Method

    1. For the cake, place all the dried fruit, including the cherries, into a large mixing bowl, pour over the brandy and stir in the orange zest. Cover with clingfilm and leave to soak for three days, stirring daily.

    2. Grease and line a 23cm/9in deep, round tin with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper. Preheat the oven to 140C/120C Fan/Gas 1.

    3. Measure the butter, sugar, eggs, treacle and almonds into a very large bowl and beat well (preferably with an electric free-standing mixer). Add the flour and ground spice and mix thoroughly until blended. Stir in the soaked fruit. Spoon into the prepared cake tin and level the surface.

    4. Bake in the centre of the preheated oven for about 4-4½ hours, or until the cake feels firm to the touch and is a rich golden brown. Check after two hours, and if the cake is a perfect colour, cover with foil. A skewer inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin.

    5. When cool, pierce the cake at intervals with a fine skewer and feed with a little extra brandy. Wrap the completely cold cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and again in foil and store in a cool place for up to three months, feeding at intervals with more brandy. (Don’t remove the lining paper when storing as this helps to keep the cake moist.)

    6. The week before you want to serve, begin covering the cake.

    7. For the covering, stand the cake upside down, flat side uppermost, on a cake board which is 5cm/2in larger than the size of the cake.

    8. Brush the sides and the top of the cake with the warm apricot jam.

    9. Liberally dust a work surface with icing sugar and then roll out the marzipan to about 5cm/2in larger than the surface of the cake. Keep moving the marzipan as you roll, checking that it is not sticking to the work surface. Dust the work surface with more icing sugar as necessary.

    10. Carefully lift the marzipan over the cake using a rolling pin. Gently level and smooth the top of the paste with the rolling pin, then ease the marzipan down the sides of the cake, smoothing it at the same time. If you are careful, you should be able to cover the cake with no excess marzipan to trim but, if necessary, neatly trim excess marzipan from the base of the cake with a small sharp knife. Cover the cake loosely with baking parchment and leave for a few days to dry out before adding the royal icing.

    11. For the royal icing, whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until they become frothy. Mix in the sifted icing sugar a tablespoonful at a time. You can do this with a hand-held electric whisk, but keep the speed low.

    12. Stir in the lemon juice and glycerine and beat the icing until it is very stiff and white and stands up in peaks.

    13. Cover the surface of the icing tightly with clingfilm and keep in a cool place until needed.

    14. To ice the cake, place all the icing onto the top of the cake. Spread evenly over the top and sides of the cake with a palette knife. For a snow-peak effect, use a smaller palette knife to rough up the icing.

    15. Leave the cake loosely covered overnight for the icing to harden a little, then wrap or store in an airtight container in a cool place until needed.