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Yule Log Cake

  Ingredients For the Sponge Cake: 4 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for egg whites) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt For the Filling: 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled 2 tbsp powdered sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting: 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1 tsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine) For Decoration (Optional): Powdered sugar (for "snow") Chocolate shavings, berries, or sprigs of rosemary (for a festive touch) Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch (25x38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Whip the Egg Yolks : In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale y...
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Gingerbread Cookies

  Ingredients For the Cookies: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses 1 large egg 1 tsp pure vanilla extract For Decoration: Royal icing (store-bought or homemade) Assorted sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter Instructions Step 1: Make the Dough Mix Dry Ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cream Butter and Sugars : In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add Molasses and Egg : Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Chill the Doug...
  Ingredients For the Pudding: 1 cup (150g) raisins 1 cup (150g) sultanas or golden raisins 1/2 cup (75g) dried currants 1/4 cup (50g) candied citrus peel, finely chopped 1/4 cup (50g) dried figs or dates, chopped (optional) 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy, rum, or orange juice 1 1/2 cups (180g) fresh breadcrumbs 1/2 cup (75g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) suet or unsalted butter, grated 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 medium apple, grated Zest of 1 orange 3 large eggs, lightly beaten For Steaming: Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the pudding basin Boiling water Instructions Step 1: Soak the Fruits In a large bowl, combine raisins, sultanas, currants, candied citrus peel, and any additional dried fruit. Pour the brandy, rum, or orange juice over the fruit. Cover and let soak for at least 12 hours or overnight for the best flavor. Step 2: Mix the Pudding Batter Grease a 1.5-quart (1.5-lit...

Green Bean Casserole

  Ingredients Main Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained) 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist) 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade) Instructions Step 1: Prep the Green Beans For Fresh Green Beans : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside. For Canned Green Beans : Simply drain and rinse. Step 2: Make the Casserole Mixture In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir in the green beans and 1/2 cup of the crispy fried onions. If adding cheese, mix it in here. Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Pr...

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

  Ingredients For the Mashed Potatoes: 2 lbs (about 6 medium) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency) 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess) Salt and black pepper to taste For the Gravy: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 cups chicken, turkey, or beef stock (warm) Salt and black pepper to taste Optional: 1/2 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (for extra depth of flavor) Instructions Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes Boil the Potatoes : Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover them by about 1 inch and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Mash the Potatoes : Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, and sour cream (if using). Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and cream...

Stuffing (Dressing)

  Ingredients Base Ingredients: 10 cups cubed bread (stale or lightly toasted; a mix of white, whole wheat, or sourdough works well) 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp dried sage 1 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried rosemary 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 tsp black pepper 2-2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for moistening the stuffing) 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Optional Add-Ins: 1/2 lb ground sausage, cooked and crumbled 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1 cup diced apples Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dry and crisp. Let cool. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir ...

Honey-Glazed Ham

  Ingredients For the Ham: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-9 lbs) 1 cup water or apple cider (for the roasting pan) For the Honey Glaze: 1 cup honey 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Ham Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, about 1/4-inch deep. Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Step 3: Roast the Ham Pour 1 cup of water or apple cider into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist during cooking. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5...

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Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

  Butter Chicken  Description: A creamy and flavorful dish, Butter Chicken is a classic Indian recipe that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with warm spices and a touch of butter for a luscious finish. Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade: 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste Salt to taste For the Butter Chicken Sauce: 3 tbsp butter 1 tbsp oil (optional) 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste) 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a lighter version) 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance the tanginess of tomatoes) Salt to taste Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, m...

Suji Halwa – Indian Semolina Dessert

  Suji Halwa – Indian Semolina Dessert Ingredients: 1 cup semolina (suji) 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 2 cups water or milk (or a mix of both) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder A handful of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios), chopped A few raisins (optional) A pinch of saffron strands (optional) 1 tablespoon rose water (optional) Instructions: 1. Roast the Semolina: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the semolina and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. 2. Prepare the Liquid: In a separate pot, boil water or milk (or both). If using saffron, add it to the boiling liquid to release its color and flavor. 3. Combine Semolina and Liquid: Gradually pour the hot liquid into the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the semolina absorbs the liqu...

Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Dessert

  Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Dessert Ingredients: 4 cups grated carrots (preferably red or orange) 1 cup full-fat milk 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder A handful of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios), chopped A few raisins (optional) 1 tablespoon khoya (optional, for richness) Instructions: 1. Cook the Grated Carrots: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and sauté for about 10 minutes until they soften and change color. 2. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook until the milk reduces and thickens (about 15-20 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. 3. Add Sugar: Once the milk has thickened, add the sugar and mix well. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens again. 4. Add Ghee and Flavorings: Stir in the remaining ghee and cardamo...