Create Brand New & Meaningful Traditions For Christmas Dinners
During my younger years, I used to stay beside my cool mother inside our kitchen, particularly when she was making our special Christmas feast. Mother and I had many happy moments. She used to wear an apron embellished with embroidery and stood near the stove that was bursting with yummy smells. Fine China silverwares and embroidered cloths were used just for the season decorate our table.
I could still recall the time when I used to lick the paddle beater after it was used to mash the potatoes. That time, my father was also busy carving our golden roast turkey. I can’t forget these great memories. In fact, I associate our happy family scenes to Norman Rockwell’s painting “Freedom from Want” painting.
When it was my time to start my very own family. My lovely daughters always wanted to stay with me inside our kitchen. I’d also like my lovely daughters to acquire happy memories and experiences which they could share to their future children.
I’d like my two daughters to learn and appreciate cooking. Now, they have lovely children too. They’re already around 20 years old and all of them are capable of preparing their very own sumptuous Christmas feast.
We don’t actually love preparing turkey but we definitely enjoy eating it. During Christmas, a homemade ham is always present in our table. This ham is glazed with sugar (brown), cloves, ginger, mustard, orange and garlic. It’s also garnished with some fruits like cherries and pineapple. It was my mother who first served ham during Christmas in our entire family.
Our special turkey served during Christmastime is always big. It weighs around 22 lbs. since we do have a huge gathering. We always prepare it using the old-fashioned sage-flavored stuffing. Our favorite stuffing has always been cooked alongside our turkey. I’ve learned how to prepare this delicious Apple, Sage and Sausage stuffing. These recipes are tasty since we used stock from the huge turkey that we cooked.
We also added fresh recipes in our dinner list. We included Pearl-Oninons AuGratin and Bruseels Sprouts & Bacon. Brussel sprouts & onions were grated. The juicy bacon, however is cooked until golden brown and crumbled over.
The sprouts were then cooked or browned on a small amount of fat from bacon. All of us enjoy these recipes, even my yongest and smallest grandkid. My youngest grandson who’s five years old now also learns cooking.
His mom lets him make and cook some of his most loved foods. He loves “Mom Mom’s fudge” (my original recipe) which I used to prepare for desserts. Red Velvet Cake was also part of desserts during Christmas. It’s also included in Mom Mom’s original recipe.
Our special Christmas feasts have always been fun and exciting especially if we get additional recipes. It is fun and special for all of us since we love cooking and being inside a homey kitchen. We will soon have additional hands or assistance in our kitchen because my daughter has announced that she will be having her child in Spring. Another happy moment!
Learn About Mexican Holidays And Their Rich Culinary History
Foods are an important part in every Mexican festivity because it adds energy and color to every celebration. Among the popular festivities you might have known of is the Day of the Dead. In this occasion every relative gathers and meets to celebrate the death commemoration of any relatives. The occasion is observed every first and second of November.
Among the activities during this occasion is the creation of ceremonial tables to commemorate and honor their dead relatives. People also bring drinks and food in the graves of dead family members.
Another popular occasion is the Cinco de Mayo (May 5). This regional festivity is memorable to Mexicans especially those who live within Puebla. This happens because this day, Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexicans won over French during the 1862 battle in the so called Puebla Battle.
Almost all people believe that May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) is Mexico’s Independence or Freedom Day. However, this notion is not true since the Independence or Freedom Day falls every 16th of September. The Independence celebration is probably their most awaited and important occasion in Mexican region.
The Tasty Mexican Cuisine
Mexican people take pride with their great culinary traditions. It’s a combination of Mayan, Spanish, Caribbean, French, Aztec and the customary Mexican dish. There are several Mexican festivities that involve special kinds of dishes but people cook any food that they want during the Cinco de Mayo (May 5) festivity.
Usually women gather and cook different kinds of sumptuous foods. Tamales have always been present in most festivities since cooking them requires so much time. It’s the reason why they cook huge batches of tamales a few times every year. You could always see cooked tamales in every celebration in the country.
The sweet cookies for weddings similar to cakes or pastries are famous in many festivities in the country. Rosca de Reyes, festive pastry bread baked every 6th of January. This bread has a wreath shape which contains candied (fruit) figs, cherries, mango or lemon decorated with a figurine of the infant Jesus.
Whoever will get the infant figurine will be the one to cook food during Candlemas observed every second of February.
Appetizing Drinks Served During Mexican Festivities
Mexican people love to drink tequila and beer. Rompope beverage is similar to eggnog combined with cinnamon, almonds and rum. It has a frothy and thick consistency that’s enjoyed in most Mexican festivities.
One more drink that’s famous to all Mexicans is the atole. You may drink this beverage in every meal of your day. It has cinnamon, sugar (brown) and slices of fruits.
Mexican people sometimes don’t know the flavor and aroma anymore of original Mexican cuisine because fast foods are becoming popular. There is no need to have another Mexican festivity to savor the delicious flavor of original Mexican dish. You could simply cook sumptuous dishes inspired by Mexican cuisines.
Best Dessert Ideas For Merry Christmas Rituals and Holiday
Christmas has become 1 of the most favorite and looked forward to of all holiday seasons for me and my family. Over time, my family has developed some traditions and rituals that are only ours. 1 of the traditions is that me and my sisters as well as sister-in-laws are the ones responsible in preparing a segment of Christmas dinner and best of all we always get to do our dessert selection.
We do have this big family so there’s a lots of us sisters as well as our sister-in-laws. My parents are still alive and when all of us are together for Christmas holidays, expect a very big crowd including nieces & nephews.
Every Christmas time, we divide ourselves into different segments then we place the different dinner courses in a hat (appetizers, desserts, before the dinner drinks, after the dinner drinks, vegetable side dish, stuffing, meat dishes and rolls).
When dinner is done, we’ll talk about plans for next year’s celebration and who’ll be doing what portion. We just draw out of the hat and divide ourselves accordingly.
For dessert which is really something I really love to prepare
yearly, I usually start the cooking preparations about 1 week before Christma and also I take into consideration everbody’s most favored dessert too.
We do have so many family recipes that have been passed down through the generations and we make it a point to at least make 1 for dessert. Normally, there would be about 3 kinds of dessert and there is usually cake which is great to be paired with that cup of deliciously made coffee served after a hearty Christmas dinner.
Normally our long time family traditions involve lots of cooking and we really enjoy doing it as a group. Yes, our kitchen tends to be really messy and noisy but hey, everyone gets to really enjoy and have lots of fun and my family gets together as well.
If you do have this big family of your own, you could try and do a ritual for your Christmas too about cooking. During the holidays, people love to eat and they also love to hang out in their kitchens and cook too. You could try out interesting recipes that you’ve never had before.
Also, there tends to be lots of experiences shared and recipes too which is really good for all. We are eager to share the knowledge within our circle and its really great. It feels good as well & makes us closer together.
Christmas time is really all about traditions and rituals of families and its a time for all to gather round and catch up if we haven’t seen each other for long. The best part is when dinner has finished, we then have storytelling about our ancestors with funny anecdotes and experiences and then the gift opening session where all kids look forward to.
9 Holiday Tips For Worry-Free Meal Plans
It’s the coming holiday season and for sure, you’re already thinking about what kinds of foodstuffs to serve on your dinner table or what you can bring to that party that you’re invited to. It’s the holidays and during this time it’s very crucial that you plan well ahead.
Below are a couple of tips that could help you get through the holidays smoothly.
Ask Other People For Assistance
It’s perfectly okay to ask other people for help when you’re very very busy with the preparations. You could ask certain family members if they would be willing to come 1 hour earlier than dinner time so that they can help you with preparations for dinner. Or better yet, ask your kids.
Clean Ahead
1 week at least prior to the planned celebration, clean the den, your space for entertaining and clean your entire house ahead of time so that you’ll not be bothered with that anymore. Then 1 day prior to the party, just make a bit of light clean up.
Keep The Guest List Short And Sweet
Entertaining is really hard work and the bigger the number of guests you invite over, the bigger your tasks will be. Manage the guest list well. Prioritize family & good friends. Don’t invite lots of people or you might be having a hard time in handling them all unless you really hire some people to “professionally” assist you.
Menu Should Be Planned Ahead Of Time
Think about your party menu 2 weeks ahead then plan what foods can be prepared ahead of time so this way you’ll minimize the actual work that you’ll be doing. Cook wisely. Pre prepare.
Don’t Give Out Too Much Alcohol
So that you’ll not worry with party guests being rowdy or going home drunk, estimate how much alcohol will be consumed. Allot at least 2 glasses per person and then have some reserves just in case.
Make More Than Enough Food To Feed The Guests
Cook lots of delicious food so that you’ll not run out. It’s better if there are leftovers rather than run out of food. If you’re worried about leftovers then have some plastic container boxes stored on hand so that you could send some home with family & friends.
Keep decorations minimal.
It’s best to not overdecorate. Just make the entertaining areas look festive. Simplicity in decorations is always great and shows taste. Choose the decorations wisely. They do reflect your tastes.
Clean As-You-Go
If you’re in the process of cooking, make it a point to clean-as-you-go. It will help lessen your clean-up load later on.
Prepare Ahead The Party Supply List
With this I meant, plan the supply list ahead of time. Plates, eating utensils, serving platters and etc. Be sure that you’ve done this already at least 1 week prior to the party, that way you’ll not be stressed to think about them later on.
Do follow these helpful tips and plan parties ahead of time. It will make you enjoy the party more and it means a less stressful and more enjoyable time for you as the host/hostess.
How To Create Heart Healthy Dishes For Valentine’s Day
Every time Valentine’s or Heart’s Day comes, people become fond of sweets. Chocolates from their special someone is common and everyone enjoys receiving and then eating those yummy chocolates.
These days, everyone is quite health conscious so they keep checking their health during holidays or festivities. So, when you cannot enjoy the sweets every Valentine’s or Heart’s Day, create a wholesome or healthy meal to compensate for the missed sweet treat.
It is perfectly alright to savor a few healthy treats during Valentine’s or Heart’s Day. There are a few tips on how you’ll make healthy food which you could serve not only to your special partner but also for the whole family. Just apply some new cooking techniques to create these wholesome meals.
Since Valentine’s or Heart’s Day is more on baked goodies, why not plan and cook an entirely different meal that is healthier. Instead of serving candies, chocolates or cookies, try to offer your guests and family a bunch of fresh vegetables and juicy fruits.
The veggies may be garnished with creamy or grated cheese or drizzled with a bit of ranch salad dressing. The fruits may also be served with tasty sauces or fruit-flavored yoghurts.
When you will serve white meat like chicken for appetizer, use breaded chunks of chicken rather than the typical wings. You’ll have chicken meat but with lesser calories.
Breasts of a chicken or turkey are healthier and even better if you could serve them skinless or boneless. Just roll it in butter and cook. Another way to serve your chicken is to accompany it with hot or spicy sauce. This allows everybody to stimulate their cravings.
If you’re going to serve salad, first wash the croutons with a little bit of butter and then bake them. They will become crunchier and contain little fats. When you want your salad to be crunchier, a dash of seeds from sunflower can do the trick.
For those who do not like to munch vegetables, you may still serve them some veggies, just conceal them inside their soup. Vegetable soup fills your stomach easier. This day just requires very simple but flavorful soup. You just need to keep in mind to match your soup to the meals that you’re planning to serve.
Cooking healthy main dishes for the occasion is probably the most challenging part since it’s hard to eat wholesome or healthy food when there is a celebration ongoing.
Valentine’s or Heart’s day is no exemption since you hardly check your health or body when you are enjoying the occasion. On the other hand, you will be fine when you just focus on lean meats such as beef and chicken. When you still want healthier substitutes, you are free to add sea foods in your recipes.
To create a wholesome Valentine’s or Heart’s Day dishes, serve your food with wholesome and non-fattening ingredients. If the recipe needs heavy or whipped cream, you are allowed to replace it with a light one.
As much as possible, refrain from using huge amounts of salt in your dishes. A dash of spice and seasoning is enough to create that taste you’re looking for and add flavor as well. Don’t overdo it.
Your Valentine’s or Hart’s Day may be healthy. You just need some skills in creating sumptuous meals and some low-calorie ingredients. Besides, when you adore and love somebody you want him or her to live longer so you two can have many Valentine’s or Heart’s Day together. Eat well and eat healthier.
10 Tasty Dishes For Saint Patrick’s Day
The Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is held every 17th of March. This is the annual death ritual for the saint who died during the 5th century. Irish people have been celebrating this holy occasion for more than centuries now.
This occasion usually falls every Lenten season. This is the period when meat consumption isn’t allowed. However, the occasion is fun for everyone, regardless of race.
There have been assumptions to explain why most people use or wear clothes that are green in color during this occasion. The green symbolizes the Catholics while orange symbolizes the Protestants. But in the US, the green color is observed although Irish people don’t really require the green color.
To maintain the tradition, herewith are just a couple of all time favorite recipes for the celebration.
Salad: Green Vegetable Salad – this is plain green vegetable salad made from the leaves from the Mache plants, chopped mushrooms, onions (green, of course), hard-boiled egg seasoned with mustard salad dressing. Very vegetarian and no meat at all.
Soup: Cream of Spinach – this creamy and smooth soup is made from spinach, leeks and turnips. Still no meat at all, this soup dish is purely vegetables and then some cream.
Bread: Soda Bread (Irish-Style) – this is actually a kind of Irish traditional bread baked from buttermilk, salt, flour and baking agent. Traditionally served during this particular celebration. Very good bread!
Beef: Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage That Has Been Slow-Cooked – this menu involves corned beef brisket and cabbage which have been slowly cooking. Onions or tomatoes can also be added. Makes for a great filling meal.
Lamb: Irish stew – this yummy and invigorating lamb stew is combined with onions, potatoes, and carrots. Another great recipe and dish to serve to your guests during St. Patricks Day.
Pie: The Shepherd’s Pie – this recipe is made from ground beef casserole combined with some vegetables and some potatoes that are perfectly cooked and mashed.
Pie: The Grasshopper Pie – this recipe is made from chilled or frozen creamy mint pie and a sweet chocolate base or crust. This is very popular in Ireland as well as in England and is really quite good. Your guests will ask for seconds.
Pudding: Bread Pudding In Irish Whiskey-Laced Sauce – this yummy pudding is created from bread, Irish sauce (whiskey) and raisins. Very delicious and traditional pudding.
Beer: Cold Green Beverage – this serving or shot of cold beer blended with some green edible color.
Lemonade: Refreshing Green Lemonade – this serving of lemonade which are extracted from fresh lemons blended with some green edible color in view of the celebration.
During this holy occasion, you may prepare these wonderful recipes to make your celebration more enjoyable with your family.
Discover The Deliciously Interesting Dessert Recipes And Cupcakes For A Fun July 4th BBQ
July 4, is a great time for sweets and desserts as well as BBQ. Herewith are some tips to garnish your cupcakes or pastries. Plus, several yummy sweet courses to brighten up your celebration.
These recipes are definitely perfect in the much-awaited picnic or barbeque gathering. Cupcakes that come in white, blue and red colors are delicious yet require simple preparation. Plus, they are enjoyable to munch while watching the colorful fireworks.
You just need some edible color and garnishing used for sugar pastries and cakes. Let the children assist you in garnishing the little dessert treats. You may top the cupcakes with blue and red edible coloring. If you have strawberries or blueberries, you may put these over the mini cakes. You are free to decorate them in whatever way you feel like it.
You won’t have any problem in garnishing your great desserts since families always share a few tips during the barbeque gathering or picnic every July 4. Get some mouth-watering cake and top it with blueberries or strawberries.
Put a lighted sparkler just before presenting it to everybody. If you have cheesecakes, you are also allowed to garnish it with few fresh fruits such as raspberries or blueberries. These are perfect fruit garnishings as well as keeping in theme with the red & blue colors of the US flag.
White, blue or red parfaits combined with heavy cream, fruits and sorbet are certainly great treats for everyone during the celebration. Just fill a glass or goblet with all the fresh and sweet ingredients. Top it with whipped or heavy cream then put a little more fruits on top.
Cookies garnished with blue, white or red frosting are surely appealing. You may have cookies that are shaped into stars and garnished with a little of white topping or frosting. See to it that you bake loads of them because everybody will surely be starving.
Actually, you have loads of yummy desserts or sweets to serve during your picnic. For sure, your local bakery will have Independence Day themed brownies, cakes and etc. Do check them out or you could always make your own. Just get creative with the decorations, frostings and garnishes.
July 4 is really a great moment to check out several new, colorful and delicious recipes to enjoy with your friends and families. Red, blue and white colors dominate the table every time July 4 comes along. Most people together with their loved ones celebrate the festivity in one great barbeque event.
Fireworks make the celebration thrilling but sharing food and desserts with loved ones transform it to a more special gathering. These sweet and delicious recipes are also applicable to any occasion being celebrated annually. You just replace the color and garnishing.
7 Delicious and Mouth Watering Recipes For The Holidays
The Holiday season is fast approaching and people have been getting into this frenzy trying to create those holiday goodies that they have been making ever since. Although there is that tiny voice inside their head that says, “Go and do something brand new for a change”.
If you’re trying to look for brand new ideas or put a twist on the already traditional ones that you have exisiting, then read on for some really good ways to freshen up an old recipe or for new exciting ones that you haven’t had before.
1) Eggnog-like Custard
Just get your regular recipe for eggnog then sprinkle with just a dash of freshly grated nutmeg. Then bake your custards using little glass cups inside a hot water bath then after they have cooked, take them out then add a dollop of whipped up cream then sprinkle some more nutmeg.
If you’re wanting some texture and crunch to the custard, pair it off with really good pfefferneusse or gingersnaps.
2) Pumpkin-flavored Pound Cake w/ Buttercream (Caramel flavored)
You will have a taste of fall with this delicious twist to your traditional pumpkin cake. Just add some chopped up pecans then garnish your cake using some more pecan nuts that have been chopped in half.
3) Cranberry & Pear Tart
Mix together the tart flavor of some fresh cranberries with sugary sweet flavor of the pears. Just cook your fruits down until it has a consistency like a jam together with sugar, a dash of salt & a bit of Riesling. For the tart crust, try some ground pistachios so you have that holiday inspired theme.
4) Chocolate & Raspberry Trifle
This is a very festive recipe for meals during the holiday season. Just dice up any favorite sponge or pound cake then spread some chocolate-flavored custerd and raspberry jam on them.
Add some sherry to give it that zing then garnish using some whipped up cream, raspberries and shavings of chocolate.
5) Sesame Brittle
Just take the best recipe that you have for your peanut brittles then replace the peanuts using sesame seeds. This is good eaten just as is or you can crumble some over some delicious ice cream to get that texture and crunch
6) Sesame-laced cookies
Make your Florentine cookies using sesame seeds. When cookies still are very pliable, just mold cookies on some muffin tins to form really cute cups. Put 1 scoop of any flavor of ice cream then add peanut butter fudge to create that interesting and delish treat.
7) Fruit Roasted w/ Honey
If you’re wanting a very light dessert to your heavy dinner meal, just get some fruits like apricots, apples & pears. Peel the fruits then brush them using some butter that has been melted.
Drizzle honey that has been blended together with cinnamon on the peeled fruits then roast them until they’re soft and they have caramelized. Best if served with creme fraiche or mascarpone that has been added w/ honey.
Get creative with your traditional holiday recipes so that you will have more wonderful and tasty meals together with your friends and family
Discover The Perfect Holiday Gifts
The holidays are almost around the corner and for sure there will be quite a number of nice gifts being exchanged by family & friends. The gifts aren’t really required to be expensive but rather that they’re truly coming from the heart of the giver.
If you’re looking for really great gifts for your loved ones & friends during Christmas and you want something that’ll really make quite an impact as well as be appreciate really well by those whom you intend to give them to then try giving out these really unique wine baskets as gifts.
These gift baskets usually come with 1 or 2 bottles of good wine, an assortment of wine paraphernalia’s like corkscrews, a wine cork and a block of cheese that would complement your chosen wine. Caviar sometimes is included if you’re really wanting to impress your recipients.
The wine basket as a gift is really very impressive and will be appreciate by anyone who receives them. Wine during holidays is always a permanent fixture in homes during parties or simple meals for celebrating the festive season.
Wine baskets are very unique and thoughtful gifts that you’d be able to give to a colleague, family or friend. It will help them do their entertaining during upcoming holidays. It’s also quite easy to put together and won’t take up so much time especially if there’s a service online where you could pick what to put in those gift baskets then have the company send it directly to the recipient.
There’s already a long list of cool websites online that provide the service where you could choose from their wide selection of goodies that you’re able to put inside a gift basket. They have wines, chocolates, cheeses and anything that you’d like to add to create a more memorable gift.
You could just order it via the internet and pay for it online as well. The company then delivers it to your intended recipient and you will have this worry free time during Christmas. Your gifts are already being taken cared of so you prevent being stressed out about your upcoming Christmas dinner or any other holiday celebration for that matter.
Holiday baskets containing wines are always a nice present to receive but they’re not the only really great gifts you can send off to your loved ones and also to some very important people in your life. The essence of gifting is just all about you remembering that person and thanking them for being good to you.
A wine basket is just a new idea which you can add if you’re feeling that your gifts ideas need a bit of refreshing. For sure, the ones who receive them will be truly grateful and will be amazed that you’re able to think of a really impressive gift/present to give them.
7 Fish Feast For A Sumptuous & Traditional Start Of The Italian Holiday
Aside from Christmas, Italians commemorate another festival loaded with great food and merry making. Italian people particularly the Italian Christians observe this 1 night of festive and delicious fish dishes.
The night before Christmas, Italian Seven-Fishes-Feast is observed and enjoyed. This rich belief is considered a big gathering because families, friends and loved ones meet and share some sumptuous meals made from several kinds of fishes.
Almost all fishes found in the Mediterranean territory are served during this occasion. All kinds of fishes including Anchovies and Eel are prepared to bring color and fun to this special festivity. The special event is observed by almost all Italians all over the globe.
How The Celebration Started
There’s no definite explanation for the Seven-Fishes-Feast. Some people just merely give assumptions and opinions. Many agree that Seven-Fish-Feast is based on the number of days when God created Earth. Although no factual evidence can prove this notion, Italians who are Christians believe in it. Aside from this thought, many people claim the Seven-Fish-Feast is based on the 7 major sins of mankind.
Every fish symbolizes a sin. However, it’s another speculation. Regardless of how it started or where it was derived from, almost all Italians believe in celebrating this festivity event even if they’re in their country or overseas.
Delicious Recipes For The Unique Event
Just like other traditions and events, Seven-Fishes-Feast isn’t explained through science. No explanations on how and why this occasion exists. But believers of this tradition do not need any certain explanations about the occasion.
They prepare food and enjoy the festivity based on their understanding of the said tradition. They even prepare the yummy fish menus according to tastes and discretion. You cook or prepare the fishes according to your liking. There were no exact rules given on how you are going to prepare the menus.
Even if you make a yummy casserole dish of tasty Anchovies or sea bass coked using some kosher salt, one thing is common – everything is plain. You use recipes according to how you interpret the festivity. The rules aren’t cut and dried.
You are likely to savor several seafood recipes prepared and served during the occasion. The most important thing about this festivity is to bring relatives, friends and families together. The tasty fish menus are just bonuses they get from the great occasion. The important thing is all the family gathers.
Why Include Eel?
Technically, Eel cannot be classified as fish. However, Italians agree that Eel plays a vital part during the celebration during the night of Christmas. Eel recipes are commonly created using a special sauce which the party hosts prepares.
During the occasion, no guest will bring any Eel dishes since its part of their tradition to let the party host make this recipe. Everyone will have a chance to taste this delicious Eel menu and enjoy knowing it symbolizes fortune.
Learn About The Traditional & Sumptuous Christmas Dinner Dishes By Grandma!
Usually as women in any family, the family recipes have always been passed from mother to daughter and they’re always made during the holiday seasons to remind us of our beginnings and our roots.
These traditions are often passed to the youngest member of the family or perhaps to newly-married granddaughters. These traditions will include but are not limited to holiday activities and then of couse the elaborate menu for Christmas dinners.
These Christmas recipes/dishes have always been passed down from generation to generation so that they are preserved by the family members. It’s a great way for keeping the holiday family memories very much alive inside the thoughts of each family member present.
It’s really a time honored family tradition to be keeping certain family recipes alive especially if they are in grandma’s elegant handwriting or even your great great aunt’s. It makes preparing the annual Christmas dinner more special.
Now even if your Christmas dinner list is quite complete already with the traditional things, there’s always room for new stuff and new additions. You might want to add in your best recipes & who knows, 30 years fast forward, your grandkids or your soon-to-be great grandkids will be chatting about you they way you talk about your great grandmother.
You could also try and do something new with your old traditional recipes. Put an interesting twist to them and then spice them up so that they will have new flavors but still retain the old recipe.
It would be nice if you’re able to add like really sweet and crunchy fruits to the traditional and very delicious turkey stuffing that your great grandmother used to make. It would be great if some candied almonds or pecans can be added to your great aunt’s sweet potato pie.
Mixing the old traditions with some really new ones are going to be a welcome addition to your already growing yummy list of dishes to be served during the coming Christmas season.
You could also give out Christmas recipes to family members and they’d be considered nice gifts if you’re not able to think of anything else to present to them as gifts. These recipes, handed down from generations, are very much nice treasures and will make for interesting presents.
Or what would make a more interesting gift to family members is a hard bound collection of your family recipes from way back your great great grandmothers and then don’t just stop with Christmas holidays but also on other holidays too. This will be a truly remarkable gift full of history and thought.
If you’re not able to find any other great recipes, do ask around your other family members for recipes they might have so you could also incorporate it in your personalized gift. Then just decorate it with some really nice artwork and presto, you have yourself a hardbound family recipe book.
Fun And Easy 4th July Celebration Dishes For A Great Time!
Everyone is excited every time July 4 is approaching. This is one of the colorful and most celebrated holidays in the US. American flags, merry making, fireworks and delicious food are important elements of this occasion. Colors such as white, blue and red are found everywhere.
Since friends and families are gathered to have fun on this day, dining outside is one of the best means to enjoy the occasion. Because July has a warm climate, picnic recipes are very much in fad. Barbeques, burgers, hotdogs and brats are popular choices. However, healthier menus must also be included to serve your health conscious guests.
Some meat lovers are probably unaware that vegetarian burgers are also good when grilled. Kebabs with tomatoes, mushrooms and squash will surely satisfy your health conscious or vegetarian guests. Another approach to make your friends enjoy the picnic is to allow them to choose their vegetables and make their very own veggie kebabs. Children will surely enjoy this too.
During the July 4 celebration, you can also include seafood such as fish in your recipes. Fish that are really fresh easily cook on the grill. You may use salmon, shrimps and marinated vegetables for a healthier and more nutritious menu.
You may also serve healthy salsa made from tomatoes, cilantro, bell peppers, onion and garlic. This thirst-quenching salsa goes well with pita, pretzels, fresh vegetables and chips. This light snack will make sure that everybody will retain their cravings while you prepare the barbeque on your grill.
If you do not want to have barbeque and rather have picnic in the park to witness the amusing fireworks, you can prepare sandwiches loaded with fresh tuna, vegetables, smoked fish and chicken. These picnic recipes can be easily prepared, cooked and savored afterwards.
You have to keep in mind that the foods you bring in the picnic will not be refrigerated for quite some time, so do not bring condiments that spoil easily such as yoghurt sauces and mayonnaise. However, you can use alternative dips such as avocado, salsa and hummus.
For your desserts, you may incorporate the three main colors (red, white & blue) in your cupcakes and pastries. You can use colorful toppings, frostings and little flags to bring in the spirit of the occasion. If you don’t like baking, you can simply mix blue berries and red fruits coated with whipped or heavy cream.
You can also make some fun treats for children by creating red, blue and white popsicles and jelly treats. You can simply make these from fruit saps. Keep them simple since children are more excited to see the colorful fireworks display rather than eat the food you prepared.
The colorful fireworks displays are definitely thrilling during July 4, but giving out food and sharing your recipes with families or friends are wonderful bonuses of the occasion.
How To Make That Delicious Dessert Cake Red Velvet Goodness!
Family gatherings are always fun and great parties because you get to see your loved ones and renew ties with them. Normally gatherings involving family are held during special celebrations and most importantly during holidays.
During these special holiday occasions, a party wouldn’t be complete without some cake. Here is my most favorite recipe for that delicious Red Velvet cake. Although there are lots of recipes out there for this kind of cake, this one is what works best for me.
After you’re done with baking & icing your velvet cake then store the cake inside any airtight container big enough for it to hold the cake then place inside your fridge and take it out an hour prior to serving it up to your guests.
For the Cake: You’ll need 1/2 c of shortening, 1.5 c of sugar (granulated), 2 ozs food color (red), 1 tbsp powdered cocoa, 1 tsp salt, 2.5 c of flour (all-purpose), 1 tsp baking soda, 2 pcs eggs, 1 tsp vanilla-flavored extract, 1 c of buttermilk and 1 tsp vinegar.
To make the cake: Get a big bowl and then cream shortening and sugar together. Slowly add in eggs then mix everything well. Next, add powdered cocoa and food color and continue mixing until everything is blended well.
In another bowl, mix salt & flour together then slowly incorporate the flour & salt mixture to your 1st bowl. Blend well then add buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla extract. Then pour the vinegar into mixture and blend well.
Grease lightly 2 pcs of 9-inch in round diameter cake pans and sprinkle some flour on them. Divide the batter into 2 then pour it on your greased pans then bake them at 350 deg. F for about 25 mins. or just until the middle of your baking cake has been cooked already.
For cake icing you’ll need: 1 tsp of vanilla-flavored extract, 1/2 c of butter/margarine, 2 tbsps of flour (all-purpose), 1 c of sugar, 1/2 c of shortening and 1 c of milk (cold).
To make the icing: Inside a medium-sized saucepan, mix together milk & flour at medium flame and stir it constantly just until mixture gets thick. Take off the heat then allow to cool ’til it’s cold enough for it to be placed inside your fridge for it to get chilled.
After it has chilled, take out of your fridge then add sugar, margarine & shortening using your electric hand-held mixter at medium settings until your icing appears creamy and smooth.
Then, add vanilla and continue to beat it for another 30 secs. at medium settings also. After your icing is already done, then spread it evenly on your cake. Add some other decorations if you’re wanting to do it. Get creative with your holiday red velvet cake!
Making Choux Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
Tablespoons of silvered almonds
3 Tablespoons of raisins
1 finely-diced pepper (red)
2 finely-chopped scallions
2 c of cooked chicken; diced finely
Pepper
Salt
1 Tablespoon of chutney (mango)
2 teaspoons of powdered curry
2/3 c of mayonnaise
Eggwash
6 eggs
1 & 1/2 c of flour
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 & 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
Instructions:
Have oven preheated into 425 degrees F. Combine water, sugar, salt & butter in saucepan. Boil then remove pan from the heat & add flour. Vigorously stir ’til blended well.
Put back onto heat then stir ’til mixture creates choux & light dough film will form at the pot’s bottom.
You remove it from the heat then gradually add eggs. Stir after every addition ’til glossy-sheen & will slip out of spoon.
Pipe small puffs into lined bake sheet uniformly. Smoothen tops w/ brush that’s dipped into lightly-beaten eggs.
Have it baked about 20 mins the reduce the heat into 375 degrees F & bake about 10 mins then turn the heat off. Have puffs removed from your oven & pierce their tips w/ knife, allowing steam & heat to slowly escape. Return them into oven about 10 to 15 mins. Remove them from your oven & cool.
>> Making Choux Pastry Recipe