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Holiday Magic in Every Bite

During the holiday season, a magical time arrives when the warm glow of lights combines with the scent of spices and the shared enjoyment of meals. Embark on a culinary adventure in a captivating Christmas wonderland, where each dish is a celebration and each bite tells a story of tradition, love, and joyful festivities.

Here are a few intriguing recipes shared by Chef Ishijyot Surri, Executive Chef – SJI Hospitality and Foods Private Limited to savour this Christmas, or embark on the culinary journey of crafting them yourself.

Christmas Fruitcake with Icing Sugar

Ingredients for the fruitcake:

•             1 cup softened unsalted butter

•             1 cup packed brown sugar

•             3 large eggs

•             3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, berries, chopped dates, candied peel)

•             1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)

•             2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

•             1 teaspoon baking powder

•             1/2 teaspoon salt

•             1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•             1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

•             1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

•             1/2 cup milk

•             1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)

For the icing:

•             1 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)

•             1-2 tablespoons milk

•             1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

•             Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a cake tin with parchment paper.

•             In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

•             In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

•             Fold in the mixed dried fruits, nuts, and the optional brandy or rum.

•             Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

•             Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin.

•             Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the icing until smooth. Spread or drizzle the icing over the cooled cake.

•             Optional: Decorate with additional nuts or festive sprinkles.

Simple Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

•             2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

•             3 teaspoons ground ginger

•             1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•             1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

•             1/4 teaspoon salt

•             1 teaspoon baking soda

•             3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

•             1 cup granulated sugar

•             1 large egg

•             1 tablespoon water

•             1/4 cup brown sugar

•             Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions:

•             Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

•             In a medium bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

•             In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

•             Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat well. Then, add the water and brown sugar and mix until well combined.

•             Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

•             Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat.

•             Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

•             Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.

•             Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

•             Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with icing or enjoy them as they are.

Jingle all the way

Ingredients:

•             Vodka

•             Bailey’s strawberry cream -fresh chopped strawberry

Instructions:

•             Pour 45 ml of Vodka & 15 ml of Baileys strawberry cream in a cocktail shaker.

•             Add 02 finely chopped fresh strawberry

•             Shake it well with 2 cubes of ice & serve it in a colourful sprinkled rim glass.

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