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Caramelized Pear Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Pear Layer:

• • Sugar: 140 g (2/3 cup)
  • Water: 5-6 tablespoons
  • Pears: 3-4 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced

For the Cake Batter:

• • Butter: 200 g (7 oz), softened
  • Powdered sugar: 160 g (1 1/3 cups)

• • Eggs: 4 large
  • All-purpose flour: 200 g (1 2/3 cups)
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

Baking Information:

• • Baking pan: 26 cm (10 inches) in diameter
  • Baking temperature: 160°C (320°F) in a fan oven

• Baking time: 30 minutes

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Pears

1. 1. Caramelize the sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 140 g (2/3 cup) of sugar and 5-6 tablespoons of water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to caramelize. Continue cooking without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar turns a deep amber color. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
   2. Pour the caramel into the pan: Carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of a greased 26 cm (10-inch) cake pan, spreading it evenly.

1. Arrange the pears: Peel, core, and slice 3-4 medium pears. Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern over the caramel in the cake pan, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. 1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 200 g (7 oz) of softened butter and 160 g (1 1/3 cups) of powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
   2. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy.

1. Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 200 g (1 2/3 cups) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
2. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the butter mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake

1. 1. Pour the batter over the pears: Carefully spoon the prepared cake batter over the caramelized pears in the cake pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring it covers all the pears.

1. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) with the fan on. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Invert the Cake

1. 1. Cool the cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
   2. Invert the cake: After the cake has cooled slightly, run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan. Place a serving plate over the top of the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. The caramelized pear layer should now be on top, showcasing the beautiful pear slices.

1. Cool completely: Let the cake cool to room temperature before slicing.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and serve: Once the cake has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Tips

• • Caramel tips: Be sure to keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks to prevent it from burning. Once it turns amber, remove it from the heat immediately.

• • Pears: Use firm pears that hold their shape during baking, such as Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears. Avoid overly ripe pears, as they may become too soft in the cake.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before making the batter. This helps create a smooth and evenly mixed batter.
  • Cooling: Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to ensure that the caramel has set enough to hold the pear slices in place.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)

• • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g

• • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

• • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Calcium: 3% DV

• Iron: 6% DV

Here are a couple of delicious chocolate popcorn recipes for you to try!

### 1. Classic Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn

**Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 1 bag of microwave popcorn)
– 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional)
– Sea salt (to taste)

**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method (stovetop, air popper, or microwave). If using the stovetop, heat the oil in a pot and add the kernels until they pop.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
3. **Combine:** Place the popcorn in a large bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn and gently toss to coat.
4. **Add Salt:** Sprinkle sea salt over the popcorn for a sweet and salty flavor.
5. **Set:** Spread the chocolate-coated popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool until the chocolate hardens, then break into pieces.

### 2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn

**Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 1 bag of microwave popcorn)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
– Sea salt (to taste)

**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Prepare the popcorn as described in the previous recipe.
2. **Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. **Mix with Popcorn:** Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
4. **Add Powdered Sugar:** If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over the coated popcorn for extra sweetness and toss to combine.
5. **Set and Serve:** Spread on a baking sheet and let cool. Break into pieces and enjoy!

### 3. S’mores Chocolate Popcorn

**Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 1 bag of microwave popcorn)
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Sea salt (to taste)

**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Prepare the popcorn.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl as mentioned earlier.
3. **Combine:** In a large bowl, mix the popcorn with melted chocolate, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. Toss gently to combine.
4. **Add Salt:** Sprinkle with sea salt for a balanced flavor.
5. **Set:** Spread on a baking sheet and let cool. Break into pieces to serve.

Enjoy your chocolate popcorn creations!

Ingredients (Approx. 23 Cookies – ~350g):

– 1 medium egg
– 50g sugar
– 50g butter
– 40g honey (1 tbsp)
– ~220g flour
– 3/4 tsp baking powder (4g)
– A pinch of salt
– Walnuts
– Optional fillings: dried apricots, prunes, raisins, or chocolate

Instructions:

1. Beat the egg and sugar together until creamy.
2. Melt the butter, add honey, and mix well.
3. Combine the egg-sugar mixture with the butter-honey mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and knead the dough.
6. Add walnuts (and optional fillings if desired) into the dough.
7. Form small cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes.

Irresistible Generous Cake Recipe

Get ready for a dessert sensation that’s better than apple pie! 

For the Cake Batter:

• – 2 eggs 
• – 5 tbsp sugar (100g) 
• – 8g vanilla sugar 
• – A pinch of salt 
• – 4 tbsp oil (40 ml) 
• – 2 tbsp butter (40g) 
• – 4g baking powder 
• – 3 large cups of flour (300g) 
• – A 26 cm diameter cake mold, greased with butter 

For the Generous Filling:

• – 1 egg 
• – 5 tbsp sugar (100g) 
• – 4 tbsp cornstarch (60g) 
• – Grated peel of half a lemon 
• – 500 ml milk 
• – 1 tbsp butter (20g) 
• – 1 tbsp lemon juice 

To Decorate:

• – Egg yolk + 1 tsp milk 
• – Sugar 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add oil, butter, baking powder, and flour. Mix until you have a smooth dough.
4. Grease a 26 cm cake mold with butter and spread the dough evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, sugar, cornstarch, lemon peel, and lemon juice.
6. Heat the milk and gradually add it to the egg mixture while whisking.
7. Pour the generous filling over the cake batter in the mold.
8. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolk and milk for decoration, then drizzle over the top.
9. Sprinkle with sugar.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy the generosity of this cake! Share your creation with

Holiday’s Best Broccoli Delight!

Craving a delightful holiday treat? Try our irresistible Broccoli Recipe! 

Ingredients:

• – 1 broccoli 
• – 1 tsp salt 
• – 350g/12.34oz mushrooms 
• – Olive oil
• – 1/2 tsp salt 
• – Black pepper 
• – 1 onion 
• – 6 eggs 
• – Salt 
• – Black pepper 
• – 250g/8.81oz ricotta 
• – 2 garlic cloves 
• – Italian herbs 

Instructions:

1. Blanch broccoli for 2 minutes, then cool.
2. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper until done.
3. Fry onion until translucent.
4. Whisk eggs with salt and black pepper, then mix in blended broccoli stalk.
5. Grate broccoli inflorescence without the stem.
6. Grease with olive oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
7. Mix ricotta, fried mushrooms, garlic, and Italian herbs.
8. Spread mixture onto baked broccoli.
9. Roll and wrap in parchment, refrigerate for 1 hour.

Indulge in this holiday delight! Share your photos with

Ingredients:

3 sachets gelatin powder
3 tablespoons water
5 bars cream cheese (190 gr.)
2 cups condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon instant coffee
½ cup chocolate, melted
1 ½ cups chocolate chip cookie
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Ganache:
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preparation:

1. Mix the gelatin powder with the water and stir well. Let stand for 5 minutes until hydrated and microwave for 30 seconds until melted.
2. In a large deep bowl, place the cream cheese with the condensed milk and vanilla, beat for 5 minutes until completely mixed.
3. Add whipping cream and melted gelatin slowly until incorporated and beat until smooth.
4. Separate two cups of the mixture for the vanilla layer.
5. Separate three cups for the coffee layer. Mix the milk and instant coffee and add to the mixture. Stir completely.
6. Fully add the melted chocolate to the remaining mixture.
7. In a food processor, crush the chocolate chip cookies and add the melted butter, blend until fully incorporated.
8. In a deep container 22 centimeters in diameter, covered with adherent plastic, pour the vanilla mixture. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
9. Once refrigerated, pour in the coffee mixture and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
10. Once cooled, pour the chocolate mixture and carefully sprinkle the crushed biscuit until the entire surface is covered. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
11. Make the ganache: In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the whipping cream and add the chocolate chips, mix until melted. Add the tablespoon of butter and mix until melted. Rest for 30 minutes or until cool.
12. Unmold carefully and cover with the ganache.
13. Serve in slices and enjoy.