By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

December 15, 2023 (IANSlife) 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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N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in