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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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Kashmiri Pulao – A Delicate, Fragrant Rice Dish

Kashmiri Pulao – A Delicate, Fragrant Rice Dish

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup Basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2-3 green cardamom pods
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
  • Salt to taste

For the Garnishing:

  • 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and raisins)
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mixed fruits (apple, pineapple, grapes)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee for frying nuts and fruits


Instructions:

  1. Preparing the Rice:

    • Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a deep pan. Add bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon. Sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
    • Add the soaked rice and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to break the grains.
    • Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt, and the saffron-infused milk. Stir gently. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Set aside.

  2. Making the Garnish:

    • In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Fry the cashews, almonds, and raisins until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
    • In the same pan, lightly sauté the fruits (apple, pineapple, grapes) for a minute, just until slightly soft.

  3. Assembling the Pulao:

    • Fluff the cooked rice and gently mix in the fried nuts, raisins, fruits, and pomegranate seeds (if using).
    • Serve the Kashmiri Pulao hot, garnished with more nuts and saffron strands if desired.

Tips for Serving:

This sweet and fragrant Kashmiri Pulao pairs beautifully with a simple yogurt raita or curry, making it a perfect meal for special occasions.

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