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Food Lite Blogs Recipes

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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Lite Blogs London News Restaurant Reviews

Ding Dong, Lola’s calling! The Sweetest Delivery Direct to Your Door with New Nationwide Cakes

Home delivery just got an extra layer of deliciousness with the recent launch of the nationwide cake delivery service from everyone’s favourite London bakery, Lola’s Cupcakes; writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

From Port Isaac to Peebles, the beloved brand’s fresh, delicious, handmade cakes can now sweeten up someone’s special day, no matter where they call home.

Choose from Lola’s classic Chocolate or Vanilla, iconic Red Velvet, indulgent Cookies & Cream, resplendent Rainbow, or Vegan Caramel Biscuit, then give it that perfectly personal touch with a free hand-piped message, beautifully written in milk chocolate or icing. Candles, cards, sparkles and more can also be added, making Lola’s your one-stop party shop!

We know what you’re thinking…a cake? In the post? Recipe for cake-tastrophe! Luckily, Lola’s don’t do things half-baked. They’ve put time and effort into developing innovative packaging and testing the delivery process over and over again to ensure your special treat arrives without a crumb out of place.

Handled with the love and care each cake deserves, Lola’s master bakers carefully pack each creation into a snug-fitting cardboard belt, designed to stop any sliding about in transit. Dry ice is added to the box to keep everything at optimal temperature, even in the midst of summer heatwaves, and those lovely people at DPD let you know via text on the day what time to expect its arrival.

It doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve unboxed your perfectly baked cake, help Lola’s to help the planet by sending the packaging back, using the free returns label, or arranging a free collection following the in-box instructions.

The packaging is exceptionally done, their communication for delivery is also extremely professional. This deliver sure is a treat to unbox! The flavours and taste is amazing and so is the presentation. The quality is high and freshness is on point. Birthday, baby shower, anniversary or an excuse to indulge, Lola’s has made nationwide delivery a piece of cake!

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