Skip to main content

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...
Post a Comment

Roast Turkey or Chicken

 

Ingredients

For the Turkey or Chicken:

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) or chicken (4-5 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 carrot, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Stuffing:

  • 4 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup chicken broth

For the Gravy:

  • 1/4 cup turkey or chicken drippings
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Turkey or Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Clean the turkey or chicken by rinsing it under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. Gently loosen the skin on the breast of the bird and rub half of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the bird.

Step 2: Stuff the Bird

  1. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion, carrot, and celery for added flavor.
  2. (Optional) Add some of the prepared stuffing inside the cavity.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey or Chicken

  1. Place the bird breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
  2. Roast, basting every 30 minutes with pan drippings.
    • Turkey: Roast for 15 minutes per pound (about 3-4 hours for a 12-14 lb turkey).
    • Chicken: Roast for 20 minutes per pound (about 1.5-2 hours for a 4-5 lb chicken).
  3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Stuffing

  1. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion and celery until soft.
  2. Add bread cubes, parsley, sage, and thyme, stirring to combine.
  3. Gradually pour in chicken broth until the bread is moist but not soggy.
  4. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

  1. In a skillet, heat the turkey or chicken drippings over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Slowly pour in the stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Let the turkey or chicken rest for 20 minutes before carving.
  2. Serve with stuffing and gravy for a delightful holiday meal!

Enjoy your festive roast! Let me know if you need more tips. 😊

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Classic Tomato Bruschetta

Classic Tomato Bruschetta  Ingredients For the Bruschetta Topping: Fresh Tomatoes: 4-5 medium-sized, ripe (about 2 cups when diced) Fresh Basil Leaves: ¼ cup, finely chopped Garlic Cloves: 2, minced Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (optional for added depth) Salt: To taste Black Pepper: To taste For the Bread: Baguette or Ciabatta Bread: 1 loaf, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for brushing) Garlic Cloves: 1-2, halved (for rubbing on toasted bread) Equipment Needed Baking sheet Parchment paper or silicone baking mat Mixing bowl Knife and cutting board Small bowl Spoon or spatula Grill pan or skillet (optional) Instructions 1. Preparing the Bruschetta Topping Dice the Tomatoes: Remove the cores from the tomatoes. Dice them into small, uniform pieces, about ½-inch cubes to ensure a balanced texture. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped basil, minced garlic,...
Post a Comment
Read more

kitchen vegetable cutter

  Top 4 Multifunctional Kitchen Tools for Every Home Chef In today's fast-paced world, having the right kitchen tools can make meal preparation easier and faster. From peeling vegetables to slicing potatoes, these versatile gadgets will help you cook like a pro. Below are some of the best multifunctional kitchen tools from AliExpress that every home chef should consider adding to their collection. 1. Multifunctional Kitchen Peeler – Vegetable & Fruit Peeler Whether you're peeling potatoes, carrots, or cucumbers, this Multifunctional Kitchen Peeler is an essential tool. Made from durable stainless steel , this peeler features a sharp blade that effortlessly peels various fruits and vegetables. Its ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, while its compact design makes it easy to store.  Key Features: Stainless steel construction for long-lasting durability. Sharp blade for smooth and efficient peeling. Can be used for peeling, slicing, and shredding vegetables and fru...
Post a Comment
Read more

La Dolce Colazione: Cappuccino & Cornetto

  La Dolce Colazione: Cappuccino & Cornetto Prep Time : 5 minutes (for Cappuccino) Cook Time : 15 minutes (for Cornetto, if using ready-made pastry) Servings : 2 Ingredients: For the Cappuccino: 1 cup freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee) 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for frothing) Sugar to taste (optional) Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional, for topping) For the Cornetto: Ready-made puff pastry (or homemade if preferred) 1 egg (for egg wash) 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting) 2 tablespoons jam, Nutella, or pastry cream (optional filling) Instructions: For the Cappuccino : Brew the Espresso Use an espresso machine or a stovetop Moka pot to brew 1 cup of fresh espresso. Set aside. Froth the Milk Heat the milk in a small saucepan or froth it using a milk frother or steam wand until it becomes creamy and doubles in volume. Assemble the Cappuccino Pour the brewed espresso into a cup. Gently pour the frothed milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with...
Post a Comment
Read more