Christmas cake Repost

 CHRISTMAS CAKE 

Not all Christmas Cakes are loaded with sugar if try and make it at home. Here’s a Simple Easy Christmas Cake recipe with little healthier version.

Pre heat the oven at 180C.

Ingredients and Procedure

Mix dry fruits( I used mixed dried berries, chopped dates, chopped almonds, black raisins and cherries)soak them  overnight in grape juice

Ingredients 

2 cups of all purpose flour/ cake flour

1 &1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1& 1/2 tsp mixed spice

1/2 cup oil/ unsalted butter (melted)

1/2 cup coconut sugar / jaggery sugar

1 tsp mixed fruit jam( optional) or 1tsp molasses 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1 tbsp grape juice

3 eggs ( if without eggs substitute with 1/2 cup curd)  

Pre heat the oven at 180 C 

Sieve the dry ingredients first and keep them aside

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer mix the sugar and oil/butter till well mixed

Gradually add the eggs one at a time at medium speed for 1 min and increase the speed.

Mix till it looks light and fluffy

Add the dry ingredients in batches adding gradually the grape juice.

Stop the mixer when all are well incorporated. Do not over mix the batter. 

Using a spatula combine everything well and add the soaked fruits. 

Bake in a pre heated oven for 50 to 60 minutes at 180C or check with a skewer till it comes out clean. Let it cool and enjoy. Will share a gluten free Christmas cake recipe soon.

Muffin Recipe- Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry muffins

Strawberry Muffins

Whenever I feel depressed or sad I start baking something. So I decided to make muffins... soft, quick and yummy….. I baked strawberry muffins…and my recipe is super simple just flour, baking powder little oil, egg, milk and vanilla extract and strawberries. You can add nuts and choco chips instead of strawberries. You can even try with other berries like blueberries, blackberries raspberries or cherries. Believe me the aroma of strawberry muffins baking is not one you want to miss…. its just amazing.

so lets start with the ingredients

Ingredients

All purpose flour 3cups
Baking powder 1tablespoon
Baking soda 1/2teaspoon
Salt 1/3teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Milk 1 cup
Eggs 2
Butter 1/2 pound melted
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Fresh strawberries 2cups
Sugar 1 1/2 cups

Directions

First preheat oven at 180C
Line muffin tins with muffin liners
Now shift flour, Baking powder, Baking soda,salt and cinnamon.
Now combine milk, eggs , vanilla extract and Butter with a mixer.
Add the egg Butter mixture into the dry ingredients.
Add strawberries and sugar and mix well.
Now spoon the batter in the muffin cups to fill the liners.
Bake for 20 to 25 mins or till the tops are nicely browned.

Red-Velvet-Cupcake-Recipe

Red velvet cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcake

I am in love with these cupcakes. I always wanted to make it….. its like dream come true. Recently I went to one of my friends house where I tasted red velvet 3 layer slice cake. It was wonderful…..buttery,moist full of vanilla flavor with a little hint of chocolate. The cream cheese frosting was awesome but I made my frosting with vanilla, butter and sugar. This tastes good too. I will give you  the recipe of both vanilla butter and cheese frosting separately. Buttermilk is a must for these cupcakes. Red velvet cake just can't be made without buttermilk. Vinegar is also must for these cupcakes….Surprised? Just follow the recipe.

Ingredients

All purpose flour 2 1/2 cups

Sugar (powdered) 1 1/2 cups

Baking soda 1 teaspoon

Cocoa powder 1 teaspoon

Salt 1 teaspoon

Vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups

Buttermilk 1 cup

Eggs 2

White distilled vinegar 1 teaspoon

Red food coloring 2 tablespoon

For Vanilla butter frosting

All purpose flour 6 tablespoon

Milk 2 cups

Unsalted butter 2 cups

Sugar 2 cups

Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons

Method:

In a medium sized on stick pan whisk flour and milk until smooth. 

Put the pan over medium heat and stir continuously.

When the mixture is thick  switch off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Now in a separate bowl beat the butter until creamy. 

Gradually add sugar and continue beating.

Add vanilla and beat well.

Add the cooled milk mixture and beat again until smooth and white in color. 

Cover and refrigerate for 15mins.

After taking out use immediately.

For cream cheese frosting

Cream cheese 1 pound

Butter 2 sticks

Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

Confectioners sugar 4cups

Directions

In a medium bowl shift flour,sugar, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.

Now in a separate bowl beat the eegs, buttermilk,oil, food coloring, vanilla and vinegar.

Add the shifted dry ingredients and mix well until smooth.

Now fill the cupcake tins 2/3.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 22 mins at 180C.

Test the cupcakes with a toothpick.

If done take out and let them cool.

Now make the cream cheese frosting.

In a bowl beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth.

Add the sugar and mix till its light and fluffy.

Frost the cupcakes and serve. Merry Christmas.

Choco-Chip-Cookies

Choco Chip Cookie Recipe

Choco Cookie Recipe

This Cookie recipe is for all the cookie eaters of the world. Who wouldn't love cookies? These cookies are crunchy and delicious.

I have posted healthy salads, no cheese pasta and many more healthy stuff but this is Christmas time so it's time for muffins, cakes,cookies and chocolates. Baking is like my passion I can't live single day without Baking....So please follow this recipe to get chocolate Chippy cookies.

Ingredients

Butter 1cup

White sugar 1 cup

Packed brown sugar 1/2cup

Eggs 2

All purpose flour 3 cups

Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons

Baking soda1 teaspoon

Hot water 2teaspoon

Salt 1/2teaspoon

Semisweet chocolate chips 2cups

Directions

Preheat the oven at 180C

Now beat the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth and glossy.

Beat in the eggs and add vanilla extract.

Now dissolve Baking soda in hot water and add into the batter.

Shift flour and choco chips

Take a spoon and drop spoonfuls onto the Baking pan.

Bake for 15 to 20mins.

Take them out and let them cool

Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies or keep in an airtight jar.

Chocolate-Cake-recipe

Chocolate  Cake Recipe

Chocolate Coconut Cake

I made this Chocolate Coconut cake with two most beautiful things Chocolate and Coconut. I found this recipe from a Facebook video and it is amazing.  I am not a professional pastry chef but to create a gorgeous layer cake you need to follow few tips and tricks. Lets start

Ingredients

Eggs 4
Sugar 1cup
Vegetable oil 1/4 cup
Flour 1cup
Chocolate powder 1 cup
Boiling water 1/2 cup
Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon
Baking soda 1and 1/2 teaspoon
A pinch of salt
For frosting
Sweetened condensed milk 2cans(790gms)
Butter 50gms
Dry coconut flakes 1 and 1/2 cup
Chocolate ganache 300gms
Dry coconut flakes for decoration

Directions

Take a mixing bowl, mix the eggs, sugar and oil.
Mix flour, chocolate powder and salt. 
Add the boiling water into the flour mixture and mix well.
Now add the egg mixture, vanilla essence and mix.
Add baking powder.
Fold gently.
Bake it in a preheated oven at 180C for 40mins.
In a saucepan add the condensed milk and butter.
Stir in medium heat constantly.
Now add the Coconut flakes and mix.
Allow it to cool and make the ganache.
For chocolate ganache melt semi sweetened chocolate and cream together.
Mix until smooth and glossy. Put it in the refrigerator to set for 10 to 15 mins.
Now when the cake is ready let it cool and cut it in half.
Apply the coconut mixture on the cake base and cover with the other part.
Cover the cake with the ganache.
Garnish with coconut flakes.

Have Chocolate Cake with coconut flakes….:)

Chocolate Fudge

 Chocolate fudge

Chocolate Fudge

This is a very easy method of preparing fudge with only few ingredients. I have used condensed milk,chocolate, butter and dry fruits.

You can  make plain fudge without any dry fruits. If adding cashews or almonds then dry roast them first.

Ingredients

Chololate( semisweet and chopped) 1 cup

Condensed milk 2/3 cup

Butter 1/2 tablespoon

Almonds and cashews chopped 1/4 cup

Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon

Directions

First dry roast almonds and cashews and chop them

Now line an aluminum foil in a 6x6 inch square pan.

Take the chopped chocolate in a bowl.

Add condensed milk.

Now heat water in a pan.

When the water is boiling place the chocolate pan on top of the heated water pan.

Stir continuously till the chocolate melts and becomes a smooth mixture.

Add the chopped dry fruits, mix and add vanilla essence.

Then pour the chocolate fudge mixture in the lined pan and let it cool at room temperature.

Once the fudge has cooled put the pan in the refrigerator to set completely.

After 1/2 hour remove the fudge along with the foil and place it in chopping board.

Slice into squares

Chocolate-Cake

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is just perfect for birthdays.It is easy, moist and fudge and will keep well for 4 to 5 days.

Ingredients for the cake

Plain flour 225g
Sugar 300g
Cocoa powder 80g( I use Hersheys cocoa powder)
Baking powder 1 teaspoon

Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Eggs 2
Milk 250ml
Butter/ vegetable oil 125ml
Vanilla essence 2 teaspoon
Hot water 250 ml

For frosting

Plain chocolate 200gms
Fresh cream 200 ml

Directions

Pre heat oven to 180C.
Line two 20cm baking tins.
Now in a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and butter till smooth.
Gradually add the eggs.
Add vanilla essence and beat till smooth.
Sieve flour, cocoa powder and all the dry ingredients.
Mix them with the egg mixture and beat until well combined.
Now add the hot water to the mixture and mix well( at this stage the mixture will be little liquid but that is fine)
Divide the cake batter between the tins and bake them for 35 to 40 mins.
Insert a toothpick into the center and check if it comes out clean then the cake is done.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool.
Prepare the icing.
Heat the cream and chocolate in a saucepan over a low hate until the chocolate melts.
Remove the pan and whisk till the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Set aside for 1 hr until thick enough to spread over the cake.
Carefully remove the cakes.
Spread the chocolate icing over the top of one of the chocolate cakes and then carefully top with the other cake.
Cover the cake all over with the icing using a palette knife.
Decorate the chocolate cake with cherries and serve.

Chocolate Cake

Milk-Cake-Recipe

Milk Cake Recipe

Milk Cake

This is a simple old fashioned Milk cake which tastes surprisingly good. Light and fluffy ,this cake is like a simple vanilla cake but it tastes awesome because of the milk,butter combination. Mostly raisins are not added but I have added little, you can skip if you want. This is a Christmas time which means cake time so I keep on baking different varieties of cakes , pastries and loafs. Lets start

Ingredients:

Butter 1/2 cup

Eggs 4

Milk 1 cup

Vanilla essence 2 teaspoons

Sugar 1-1/2 cup

Flour 1- 1/2 cup

Baking powder 2 teaspoons

A pinch of salt

Raisins 1 teaspoon

Directions

Pre heat the oven at 180 deg C. 

Grease and flour a 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl beat eggs till thick for 5 mins.

Gradually add sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Beat in vanilla.

Combine flour and baking powder.

Add to the sugar/butter mixture gradually and beat at low speed until smooth.

Now in a small saucepan heat milk and butter until the butter is melted.

Add this to the batter and combine well.

Add the raisins.

Pour in baking pan.

Bake at 180 deg C for 30 to 40 mins or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Serve hot.

Eggless-Butter-Cookies

Eggless Butter Cookies

Eggless Butter Cookies

Its really difficult to find eggless recipes when it comes to baking. To retain the texture and taste is another difficult thing without eggs for cakes and cookies. But thanx to my baking teacher who taught me a very simple recipe for Butter cookies. It is fluffy, light and simple cookies for teatime which will fill your kitchen with wonderful aroma  of baking. So lets start

Ingredients

Sugar 1/2 cup

Butter 1/2 cup

Milk 2 tablespoons

All- purpose flour 1 cup

Vanilla essence 1/2 teaspoon

Baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons

Directions

Pre heat oven at 180 deg C.

Now combine sugar and butter and mix until it gets fluffy and lighter.

Add vanilla and milk to the butter/sugar mixture.

Mix well.

Combine the dry ingredients( flour and baking powder)

Now combine the dry and wet ingredients using spatula or hand.

You can add little extra flour if the mixture is sticky.

Form 10 to 12 equal size balls and flatten them little.

Bake for 15mins or till the bottom is golden.

Serve Butter Cookies with tea or coffee.

Sponge Cake Recipe

Sponge Cake

A basic sponge cake is the first step in cake baking. Whether you want to make a simple vanilla cake with butter cream icing or an elaborate cake for some special occassion ....all depends on the sponge cake. This is a rich cake with eggs but eggless can be made too. I will share an eggless recipe later.

Ingredients for sponge cake
Butter( unsalted) 1cup
Sugar 1cup
Eggs 4
Vanilla extract 1tablespoon
Cake flour 3cups (spooned and levelled)
Baking powder 1tablespoon
Butter milk 1and 1/2 cup

Directions

First bring every cold ingredients in room temperature.
Butter should be soft but not melted.
Now using an electric mixer beat the sugar and butter till light and fluffy.
Next beat the eggs adding one at a time into the sugar mixture.
Add vanilla essence or extract.
In another large bowl whisk cake flour and baking powder.
Add it to the sugar Butter mixture only 1/3.
Beat to combine.
Now add buttermilk and the rest of the flour and fold carefully.
Pour batter in a prepared pan( line the cake tin with parchment paper)
Bake in a preheated oven (180C) for 30mins at a temperature of 180C.
Cut the cake and serve with tea or coffee.

Festive Recipes- Simple Chocolate Recipe

Simple Chocolate Recipe

 Chocolate with Peanut Cream

Chocolate with Peanut butter

I believe that this combination is divine. A person who hates peanut butter ( like my husband ) have fallen in love with these chocolate cups. Try this simple tasty  recipe . Its a easy recipe and delicious also. All you need is a good quality peanut butter and a package of milk chocolate.

Ingredients:

Milk chocolate chips 1 package( 11.5 ounce)

Peanut butter 1 cup

Salt 1/4 teaspoon

Confectioners sugar 1/2 cup

Directions:

Both paper muffin cups or silicon moulds are fine for these chocolate cups. 

Place half of the chocolate chips in a microwave safe container. 

Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

Take out and stir for a while until smooth. 

Fill melted chocolate into muffin cups( filling halfway). 

Cool them in refrigerator until firm. In a bowl mix peanut butter, sugar and salt. 

Melt the remaining chocolate.

 Now spread a smooth layer on top of the chocolate cups and  pour rest of the melted chocolate in the cups.

 Put them again in refrigerator. 

When firm take out and garnish with roasted nuts( powdered). 

Have fun.

Chocolate recipe

CHOCOLATE BALLS WITH COCONUT SURPRISE

CHOCOLATE RECIPE

COCONUT BALLS WRAPPED IN CHOCOLATE

Makes 12 Coconut Balls

Ingredients:

Desiccated coconut 2 cups
1 cup icing sugar
Condensed milk
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon butter
Sugar balls( for decoration).

Method:

In a clean medium size bowl mix the icing sugar, coconut , vanilla extract and condensed milk.
Chill and then roll into small balls. Chill again on a tray. 
In a double boiler, melt together butter and chocolate chips.
Now take out the chilled coconut balls, lift one by one carefully and dip in the chocolate ( i use fork or toothpicks to dip them). 
Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the tray. 
Let the chocolate set.
Roll them in sugar balls . 
Put them in the airtight jar or container.

Chocolate recipe- Christmas Recipe

CHOCOLATE RECIPE

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE

Preparation time 10 minutes ( specially for Halloween and Christmas). 

Make these chocolates for the little ones and gift them on the Halloween day.

Cooking time 5 minutes

Makes 15 -18 pieces

Ingredients:

Milk powder 1 and 1/4 cups
Cocoa powder 4 cups 
Butter 1/4 cup
Sugar 2/3 cup
Water 1/2 cup
OR 
you can use dark chocolate bar (50gms) and milk chocolate bar (150 gms)

Method 1. ( With cocoa powder)

Sieve cocoa powder and milk powder. Keep aside. 
Heat water in a nonstick pan, add sugar and stir. 
Let it boil till the syrup reaches one string consistency. 
 Now add butter and mix well so that lumps are not formed. 
Blend nicely and turn off the heat. 
Add milk and cocoa powder to the sugar syrup. Make smooth mixture. 
Pour the mixture in the chocolate moulds. 
Put it in the refrigerator till it is set properly. 
With a clean knife or toothpick take out the chocolates and serve. 
You can also wrap them in colorful wrappers for children.

Method 2 (Without Cocoa Powder)

Break the dark chocolate and the milk chocolate in medium pieces. 
Melt the butter and both the chocolates in microwave for 5 minutes. 
Stir nicely so that it forms a smooth texture. 
Pour them in chocolate moulds for 10 to 15 minutes and yippee…:) your chocolate is done. Happy Halloween; 

In the next few days I will post some more easy but delicious mouth watering chocolate recipes.