Southern Comfort Dinner

I’ll say it now- I’m not a big fan of cheese dishes. Now that’s out of the way I will admit to having cravings for them on occasion. Specifically one dish- Mac and Cheese. The stalwart comfort food that’s good enough to dissuade even a turophobe like me. One evening I took a fancy to make mac and cheese. Along with fried chicken. Along with Southern buttermilk biscuits!
Pairing the cheesy pasta dish with fried chicken and how could I not be on board? Whilst doing my research on fried chicken I came across “Comeback Sauce”. Originating in Mississippi this dipping sauce is a spicy condiment guaranteed to have you licking your fingers and indeed “coming back” for more.
When put together all of this dishes are for me the ultimate comfort food dinner and well worth the effort. After posting about it on my social media I was surprised by the interest in it and after much feedback from you- here it is! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

4 Cheese & Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced bacon
• 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
• 4 cups dried macaroni elbow pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 ground white pepper
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup Velveeta processed cheese product
• 2 cups freshly shredded Gouda (smoked can be used)
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp red cheddar
• 1 cup fresh shredded Jarlesburg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesean
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp melted butter

1. Preheat your oven to 350F. Lightly grease/ butter a large casserole dish ( I used 11″x 11″x 2 1/2″)
2. In a frying pan or skillet fry the chopped bacon until lightly brown. Add the maple syrup and continue to fry until crispy. Remove from the heat, transfer to a plate and allow to cool. (When cool the bacon may stick together. Break up to smaller pieces if needed)
3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain and return to pasta pot to keep warm. Lightly toss in olive oil to prevent clumping
4. Combine the shredded cheeses and set aside until needed
5. In a separate small bowl stir together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Set aside until needed
6. Prepare the cheese sauce base. In a large pot melt the butter. Add in the flour and stir to coat in butter. Cook over a medium heat until golden.
7. Gradually add in the milk, stirring constantly with a small whisk to prevent lumps
8. Once all the milk has been added cook the sauce over a medium heat until bubbling. Cook for 2 minutes, again stirring constantly, until thickened
9. Add in salt and pepper, and stir to mix
10. Reduce heat to low, add in the Velvetta and stir to melt
11. Once the Velveeta has melted, add in the shredded cheese mix in stages stirring between until each addition is melted. Once all the cheeses have been added continue to stir until smooth. Remove from the heat
12. Add the prepared macaroni pasta and crispy bacon pieces and stir well to combine ensuring all the pasta is covered in the cheese sauce. Transfer to your prepared casserole dish
13. Sprinkle the top of the pasta mix with the breadcrumb mix
14. Bake in the prepared oven for between 20-25mins or until the crumbs are golden.

Southern Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very cold and cubed

• 1 cup cold buttermilk

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl and stir to well combined
2. Add the cubed butter and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form
3. Make a well in the centre of the mixture. Pour the buttermilk on top. Stir everything together until just about combined– don’t overwork the dough. The dough will look like very crumbly
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently mould it into a rough looking rectangle using your hands. Next fold one side into the centre, then the other side. Turn the dough so it’s long horizontally. Gently flatten. Repeat the folding again. Turn the dough so it’s long horizontally once more. Gently flatten. Repeat the folding one more time
5. Gently roll the dough out with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles. Re-roll any scraps until you have 9-12 biscuits
6. Arrange close together on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re touching
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown on top.
8. Remove from the oven and, if desired, brush with melted butter. Enjoy warm. When cool, cover tightly and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

Buttermilk fried chicken

Ingredients

• 12-16 chicken breast fillets

• Canola oil for frying

Marinade

• 4 cups Buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Flour seasoning

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1/2 salt

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion salt

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Method

1. Whisk together the buttermilk and dry ingredients and place in a shallow casserole dish
2. Place the chicken pieces into the marinade and gently stir to coat. The pieces should at least be semi-covered in the liquid
3. Cover and leave to marinate overnight in the fridge
4. In another shallow dish or plate mix together the seasoned flour ingredients
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the fridge, remove from buttermilk (do not remove any excess marinade) and dredge one at a time in the flour mixture. Press the mixture into the chicken whilst dredging. Again do not remove or shake off any excess. Leave the coated pieces to rest on a plate to one side whilst you heat your oil.
6. Pour canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or pan, so that oil only comes halfway up the pot. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 F (180 C). Add 4 pieces of chicken to the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Fry chicken for 4 minutes per side, adjusting the heat so it hovers between 280 F (145 C) and 300 F (150 C)
7. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain (and check for doneness by opening chicken or using a probe thermometer to read 175 F). Cover with foil to keep warm and continue frying other chicken pieces *if oil temperature drops due to frying process, simple reheat to original temperature
8. Keep chicken pieces warm until ready to serve

Comeback Sauce

Ingredients

• 2/3 Cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 Garlic Powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth and well combined
2. Keep refrigerated until serving

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#Recipe Brazilian bakes & candies

Think of Brazil and no doubt the usual plethora of images will spring to mind- sundrenched beaches, feather-bedecked soca dancers and copious churrascaria. What doesn’t come to mind is a wealth, and often unexplored world, of baking. From breads to cakes to sweet treats there’s no shortage of tasty culinary treats to try.

So you may be asking yourself how does a Irish native, now resident in Canada, come to be waxing lyrical on all bakes Brazilian? I recently made the acquaintance of a native Brazilian via the wonders of a social media. A mutual bond over adoption matters, cultural appreciation (makes a change to hear those two words together huh?) and adventures in food was formed, and here we are! Insight from someone who grew up in a culture always trumps even the best research you can do. There is something satisfying about knowing that this is how “it” actually is, in everyday life, rather than some interpretation of “it” from the vaults of some Lonely Planet-esque archives.

The recipes here are essentially in two parts- bakes and sweets. The Pao de Queijo (Brazilian Cheesebread) is definitely worth trying out. Served warm from the oven they are an ideal breakfast morsel, or even snack through the day. Freezer-friendly and gluten-free they are also a handy reserve should any gluten intolerant friends swing by. The Pudim de Queijo and Bolo de Fuba Cremoso share a common theme in that they are both prepared making use of a tall blender. Apparently this is a common feature in Brazilian baking as stand mixers are not that common. For the Pudim de Queijo think creme caramel and Catalan flan. To be honest though to hold it in comparison is to do the Pudim injustice. The addition of the cheese to the flan mixture rescues it from the overpowering (and somewhat cloying) sweetness to which it’s European counterparts often fall prey. Cheese also a feature in the recipe for Bolo de Fuba Cremoso. When baked the combination of cheese, cornmeal and coconut result in veritable kitchen alchemy that allows for a crispy topping, smooth interlayer and deliciously crumbly base. Believe me, once you try a slice of this alongside a strong coffee, breakfast will never be the same again!

The Dochinos de Leite Moca here are all variations on a theme of Brazilian candies. Made using boiled sweetened condensed milk they are sure to prove popular not only with the little ones in your life but all the grown-ups. The final sweets will usually keep for a week in a container in the refrigerator. These dainty mouthfuls of scrumptuous sweetness look  (and taste) like they required hours of kitchen toil instead of the mere minutes needed in reality. The longest part is the cooling time! I cannot emphasis how much these candies are worth the minimal effort.

Many thanks to Bernardo (and his Mum!) for the guidance, patience when it came to answering my numerous questions, and encouragement when things literally went belly up! Muito obrigado meu amigo.

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Pao de queijo

Makes approximately 40

Ingredients

• 500g cassava starch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 large eggs
• 400g grated cheese (150g Gruyère; 150g mozzarella; 100g sharp red cheddar such as Red Leicester)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400F and line 2 cookie baking trays with baking parchment
2. In a bowl mix the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, Set aside until needed
3. Combine the water & oil in a pan and bring to boil over heat
4. Place cassava starch in a bowl of a stand mixer
5. With the mixer running, carefully pour over boiling liquid in stages and mix to combine
6. Leave to cool, until you can touch the side of the bowl
7. With the mixer running, add in eggs one at a time
8. Add in the Gruyère/ mozzarella cheese mix in thirds and mix until combine.
9. Remove the dough from the bowl and fold/lightly knead in the sharp cheddar.
10. Roll dough into 3cm wide sausage shape
11. Cut into smaller 1 inch pieces and roll into balls using wet hands
12. Place the dough balls on lined baking trays, spacing about 2 inches between
13. Bake at 400F for 20mins until puffed and lightly golden

– The baked rolls/ puffs are best eaten straight away, after cooling slightly.

*Once the dough had been shaped into balls, they can be frozen in a bag or under cling wrap and baked from frozen. Bake in a 400F preheated oven for 30 mins until puffed and lightly golden

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Pudim de queijo

Makes 1, serves 12

Ingredients

Caramel

• 1 cup fine sugar
• 1 cup of water

Pudding

• 4 eggs
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can whole  milk (use the same can as sweetened condensed milk to measure)
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a pan over a medium heat combine the water and fine sugar.
3. Increase heat and bring to the boil, without stirring, for about 10mins. The liquid should thicken and turn a deep amber color
4. When the liquid has turned deep amber, remove from heat and pour into an 8inch circular baking pan
5. In a blender mix the condescended milk and milk for 2 mins
6. Add in eggs and mix to blend again for 2 mins
7. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix for a further 2 mins
8. Pour into prepared caramel pan and place the filled baking pan in deep roasting tray large enough to take the pan
9. Cover the filled pan with aluminium foil, and fill the roasting tray with water to at least 3/4 level with the pan
10. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 50 mins
11. After the aluminium foil from the pan and continue to bake for a further 10 mins
12. Remove the baked pudding from the oven and the roasting tray. Leave to completely
13. Turn the cooked pudding out by placing a large plate on top of the pudding and quickly inverting. It may requirement a gentle shake for it to come out
14. Keep the turned out pudding refrigerated until serving

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Bolo de fubá cremoso

Makes 1 , serves 12

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups fine sugar
• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350F
2. In a large bowl add the fine sugar, cornmeal, flour, shredded coconut and mix to combine
3. In a large blender combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, and baking powder, Parmesan cheese and mix until well combined
4. Pour the liquid mixture in to the bowl of dry ingredients and stir/whisk gently to combine well
5. Pour to cake batter (which will be quite running into a 9inch spring-form cake pan
6. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 mins until the top of the cake is golden brown and the sides pull away from the pan
7. Remove from oven and leave to cool completely in the pan before removing the pan collar
8. This cake goes particularly well with a strong, early morning coffee

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Dochinos de Leite Moca

Each recipe makes between 15-20

This little sweet bites were traditionally served at children’s parties, are astoundingly easy to make and even better to eat!

Brigadeiro

Ingredients

• 300ml sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 egg yolk

To finish

• A selection of chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles to finish

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy bottomed saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and loosens from the pan. (It will take between 8-10 mins)
2. Pour the hot mixture into a heat-proof bowl and leave to cool to room temperature
3. When the mixture has cooled , grease your hands with oil and shape a teaspoon of the mixture into a round ball shape in your hands
4. Roll the ball of mixture in sprinkles of your choice to coat and place on a lined baking sheet
5. When all the brigadeiro have been rolled transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and allow the to chill and firm for at least 2 hours

 

Beijinho

Ingredients

• 300ml sweetened condensed milk
• 1egg yolk

To finish

• 100g unsweetened shredded coconut
• Whole cloves (optional)

Method

1. Combine the milk and egg yolk in a heavy bottomed saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and loosens from the pan. (It will take between 8-10 mins)
2. Pour the hot mixture into a heat-proof bowl and leave to cool to room temperature
3. When the mixture has cooled , grease your hands with oil and shape a teaspoon of the mixture into a round ball shape in your hands
4. Roll the ball of mixture in the shredded coconut to coat and place on a lined baking sheet. Stud each beijinho with a whole clove
5. When all the beijinho have been rolled, transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and allow the to chill and firm for at least 2 hours

 

Cajuzinho

Ingredients

• 300ml sweetened condensed milk
• 5 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 30g unsweetened shredded coconut

To finish

• Fine sugar
• Roasted peanut halves

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy bottomed saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and loosens from the pan. (It will take between 8-10 mins)
2. Pour the hot mixture into a heat-proof bowl and leave to cool to room temperature
3. When the mixture has cooled , grease your hands with oil and shape a teaspoon of the mixture into a “horn” shape in your hands
4. Roll the cajuzinho in fine sugar  to coat, stud the larger end with a peanut half and place on a lined baking sheet
5. When all the cajuzinho have been rolled,  transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and allow the to chill and firm for at least 2 hours

 

#Recipe More ways with Mustard

These recipes began life as part of quest to use locally produced goods in my recipes whilst at the same time peddling for some coverage (I am a “struggling artist” after all!) Using unexpected ingredients in unexpected places is something that I love doing- creating a talking piece as well as something delicious. The recipes here take mustard, an ingredient traditionally confined to the realms of condiment and served in unadulterated accompaniment with (mainly) savoury dishes and use it an ingredient in ways elevated beyond that of a cold cuts sidekick.

From the outset I wanted to include a “sweet” dish or bake in this bunch of recipes. The turnovers drew inspiration from that quintessential combination of pork, apple and mustard. What would happen if I removed the pork element of the dish? A juicy fruit pocket with a comforting earthy taste and slight sweetness. Lightly warm them and you have a great coffee break treat.

My cheese, herb & mustard biscuit recipe is my take on that stalwart recipe of any Canadian baker- the savoury biscuit. The flavour of the mustard adds a depth of flavour so that it’s like sampling the most perfect cheeseboard in each bite. By sheer coincidence (and luck?) they go very well with the last recipe for Dutch Mustard Soup.

This soup is based on a traditional soup from the Netherlands that I came across in the course of researching uses for mustard as an ingredient. Don’t be put off by the name. It is no way pungent or strong flavoured like you might imagine. The dairy elements of the soup give it a mildness and creaminess that help to highlight the mustard seeds flavours, without letting it take over.

Apple & Cranberry Turnovers

Makes 8

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chopped Granny Smith apple (peeled) (2-3 apples)
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup Maple flavor mustard (I used Kozliks Amazing Maple)
• 1 lb puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg white
• sugar for sprinkling

Method

1. Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Once melted add apples, sugars and mustard. Fry until apples are softened and other ingredients start to thicken. Remove from heat and cool
2. Line two baking trays with baking parchment
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
4. Make an egg wash with one large egg white and 1 tablespoon of water by whisking them together
5. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a 12 x 10-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into four equal rectangles measuring 5 x 6 -inches each. Place 2-3 Tablespoons of cooled apple filling on one side of the rectangle and brush edges with egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling to make a 5 x 3-inch rectangle. Press to seal the edges and using a fork to crimp and seal the edges. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top of each hand pie for ventilation
6. Repeat with the second sheet pf pasty
7. Brush pies with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar
8. Place 4 turnovers on each baking tray
9. Bake for 15 before rotating trays and swapping shelves minutes. Bake for a further  or  minutes until golden brown and puffed up
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 mins before trying

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Cheese, Herb & Mustard Biscuits

Makes 12

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
• 1 cup strong cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons mustard (I used Kozliks Balsamic Fig & Date)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

Method

1. Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. In bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until in coarse crumbs
3. In a separate jug whisk together the buttermilk, egg and mustard
4. Stir into flour mixture with fork to make soft dough

   With lightly floured hands, press dough into ball. On lightly floured surface, knead gently to a maximum of 10 times

5. Pat into 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick round. Using floured 2-1/2-inch (6 cm) round cutter, cut into rounds
6. Place on lined baking tray and bake in oven until golden, 12 to 15 minutes
7. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a wire rack

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Dutch Mustard Soup

Ingredients

• 4 ounces streaky bacon, chopped
• 2 TB unsalted butter
• 2 TB all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 TB coarse grain mustard (I used Kozliks Triple Crunch)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces goat cheese
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Method

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon, and cook until the fat is rendered and the pieces are crispy. Once cooked, remove from pan and set aside, and drain pan of all bacon grease
2. In the same pan, add the butter and the onion. Melt the butter butter and saute the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and coat the onions, stirring until the flour is a cooked, about 2 minutes. Add the stock and mustard, and bring to a boil
3. Reduce the heat to medium and, using a stick blender, puree until smooth. Add the cream and the cheese and stir constantly until the cheese is melted and well incorporated
4. Top with a sprinkling of the bacon, and serve

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I’d like to state that although these recipes use Kozliks Canadian Mustard, this post was in no way paid for or sponsored by the people at Kozliks.

If you are interested in collaborating with me at Mr. Mom’s on a project, whether it’s food, baking, photography or writing,  you can contact me at chef@mrmoms.kitchen

#Recipe S’mores Pecan Waffles

Brunch. That luxurious limbo land existing between breakfast and lunch which in North America is honoured with unsurpassed reverence. With the best of both worlds on offer (not to mention mimosas!) it’s position of high esteem in Canuck culiary ranking is deservedly so. I’ll hold my hands up in admission to that fact that I’m a complete pushover for the sweet offerings on a brunch menu. Waffles, pancakes and sweet baked goods will be my first port of call when brunching. Not for me your eggs benedict (no matter how tasty!) nor the omelette (despite your ovate goodness).

This recipe was a quick fix for hangry pangs one Saturday morning, conceived amid the aromas of a strong ristretto. I’m not going to lie and go all “holier than thou” in regards to the ingredients. The waffle batter is where the work lies and the finishing touches are store cupboard/ pantry items bought under the caveat of “Well you’ll never know when I might need it“. What follows I say in the complete spirit of bonhomie – if you’re one of the wellness brigade who’s going to bang how neglectful and unhealthy it is to use jars of sweet spreads…save it. It’s the weekend, not nearly enough caffeine has hit my bloodstream and my cats have been meowing since 6am. I need sweet indulgence and I need it STAT! This is not a plate I serve everyday- it’s a once-in-a-while treat to ease you into your weekend routine, a sublime reminder of the good things in life. If there’s one saying I live by it’s ” A little bit of what you fancy does you good“….well that and, “Celebrate the small things“.

Like  my other breakfast/ brunch recipe Christmas Morning Cinnamon Buns the bulk of this recipe can be made the night before and left to sit (covered) in the fridge until needed the following AM. A quick stir and you’re good to go and your kitchen will soon be wafting with the smell of freshly toasted waffles and marshmallows.

S’mores Pecan Waffles

Makes 4 waffle rounds (16 1/4 waffles)

• 2 eggs
• 1 tblspn fine sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 4 tspn baking powder
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1/4 tspn salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tspn vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• 3 tblspn chocolate spread eg Nutella
• 3 tblspn cookie butter spread
• 1 cup mini-marshmallows

Method

1. Preheat your waffle iron
2. In a bowl combine the eggs. flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla, and whisk just until smooth. Fold in the toasted pecans
3. If required spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour/ Laddle mix onto hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Remove and plate.
4. Whilst still warm spread the waffle with cookie butter, then spread with chocolate spread.
5. Scatter the top of the waffle with the mini marshmallows. Broil under a high setting or use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows until browned and crispy. *** If using the broil method DO NOT leave the waffles unattended. The marshmallows can be quick to catch and burn.
6. Once toasted serve and enjoy the gooey goodness!

 

 

 

 

 

#Christmas #Recipes Tidings of Comfort & Joy

And here we are our second Holiday season in Toronto, Canada. Thankfully this one is a LOT less hectic than last years’ where it wasn’t so much Rudolph & Co. dashing around as it was me, trying to get unpacked and set up in our new home. As you could imagine not much time was left for baking the traditional festive wares, never mind experimenting and trying out new recipes!

This year however I’ve allowed myself the pleasure of being ahead of the game. A slew of expected visitors may have something to do with that. As crazy as it sounds having the tree trimmed and house decorated in November DOES free you up to do so much more. Or at least plan it!

The last Christmas spent in the UK, I created some food gift hampers to gift to friends and included some of my favourite festive foods. “Twinkling” caramel sauce (subtly spiked with rum); Crunchy spiced cookies; Christmas cake (with the emphasis more on chocolate than fruit) to name a few. This got me thinking as to what I would gift this year if given the opportunity. The first three recipes here would make ideal food gifts for those nearest and dearest to you.

Biscotti make such a great alternative to the stalwart festive cookie. Enjoy their crunchy texture studded with roasted hazelnut and cranberries with a hot cup of coffee while you put your feet up, taking a break from the looming festive onslaught. Stollen has always been my preference to the traditional Christmas fruit cake- maybe the inclusion of sublime marizpan has something to do with it? Here I’ve omitted the usual mixed peel in favour of apricots and cranberries- for no reason other than I personally hate the stuff. I find it too bitty and chewy for my liking. Fudge has always been a favourite of mine. Smooth, creamy and sweet it never fails to warm me. Bringing my ever present twist to things I’ve added some liquid smoke to lend a subtle smokiness which works so well with  the maple flavour of the fudge. Finishing it off with a gentle sprinkling of Kosher salt gives it a lip-licking quality that sings of pure indulgence. Not to mention making the finished treat visually reminiscent of the coats of baby deer in winter snow.

The fourth recipe I’ve included is not so much a food gift for other people but rather for yourself. I  know too well how frenzied and manic Christmas morning can be so I wanted to make something that might help alleviate some of the culinary pressure of that time. Preparing them the evening before is a massive shortcut that helps no end on the big day. Packed full of filling and flavours of cinnamon, apples, cranberries and pecans  they’re an extra special treat that’s sure to get the day off to a wonderful start.

I do hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have, both creating and tasting them, and I’d like to wish you and yours a wonderful, peaceful  holiday season and happy new year. (Wow! never thought I’d be writing that so soon!)

 

Hazelnut & Cranberry Chocolate Biscotti

Makes 20-24

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 2/3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa, unsweetened
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2/3 cups of hazelnuts (filbert) , toasted and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• All-purpose flour for dusting

Method

1. Heat your oven to 150°C/300F
2. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and dust lightly with flour
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with balloon whisk attachment,  beat the eggs with the sugar until pale and doubled in size.
4. Fold in the vanilla and almond extracts
5. Sift in the flour, cocoa and baking powder
6. Add in the nuts and fruits and fold thoroughly until the mixture comes together a dough
7. Tip out onto a lightly floured work surface and lightly roll out into a log shape. Divide the log into two, halfway along it’s length
8. Place the logs on the lined baking sheet and with your hands lightly flatten logs to approximately 40mm wide x 20mm high
9. Bake in your pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes or until firm
10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes. After this time cut the logs into slices (10-15mm thick) and  lay  them flat on a baking sheet (with cut-side uppermost) and bake again for 10-15 minutes or until crisp
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack
12. These can be kept for up to a week in an air-tight container

 

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Alternative Stollen

Makes 1

• 4 cups white bread flour
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon fast action yeast
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 almond extract
• 2/3 cups almonds nibs
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon dried orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried lemon zest
• 8 oz marzipan

To finish

• 1/4 stick butter, melted
• 2 tbsp icing (confectioners’)  sugar

Method

1. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and lightly dust with bread flour. Set aside until needed
2. Put the flour and sugar in a stand mixer bowl and stir to combine. Add the yeast on one side of the bowl and the salt on the other
3. In a pan combine the milk, butter, lemon zest, orange zest and heat gently until the butter has melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool and infuse. Stir occasionally to prevent the zests clumping
4. With the dough hook attached and on a medium speed, add the cooled milk/ butter liquid in a steady stream. Leave the machine to knead for 6 minutes until smooth and pliable
5. Whilst the dough is kneading, mix the nutmeg, cloves, vanilla and almond extracts, dried fruits and almond nibs together in a bowl
6. Remove the dough from the stand mixer bowl and place the dough on top of the fruit mixture and knead from the outside into the centre. When everything has been fully incorporated, return to the bowl, cover with oiled cling film and leave to rise for 1-1 ½  hours in a warm place, until doubled in size
7. Flatten the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle about 45cm x 35cm. Shape the marzipan to about 25 x 15cm and place on top of the dough. Wrap the dough so it encloses the marzipan and place the full loaf on your prepared baking sheet, with the joining seam at the underside. Cover and leave to rise for 45mins – 1 hour until risen and doubled in size
8. Preheat the oven to 190C /375F and bake for 40mins. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Brush the baked loaf liberally with melted butter, and dust with icing sugar. Leave to cool completely before serving
9. This will keep for up to a week, wrapped and stored in an airtight container

 

 

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Salted Smoky Maple Pecan Fudge

Makes 36 pieces

• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 3 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter, chopped
• 1 cup icing (confectioners’) sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure Maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, roasted and roughly chopped
• Kosher Salt, to taste

Method

1. Line and butter an 8-inch square baking pan or silicone pan with baking parchment, allowing the parchment to extend over sides of pan
2. Mix the evaporated milk, brown sugar and butter in large saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). (Be patient- this will take about 30 minutes. Also DO NOT leave it unattended!)
3. Remove from heat and pour into the bowl of a stand mixer. (Careful! The sides of the bowl will become VERY hot)
4. Add the icing sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract and liquid smoke and beat together with on low speed. Increase speed to medium; beat until thickened and smooth.
5. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and fold in the chopped pecans. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle the top of the fudge with kosher salt to your taste. (I usually use 2 good pinches, evenly sprinkled)
6. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Use baking parchment to lift out of pan onto cutting board.
7. Cut into 36 squares and enjoy!
8. If stored at room temperature this will keep for up to a week in an air-tight container, if stored in the fridge it will  last for up to two

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Christmas Morning Cinnamon Buns

Makes 12

For the dough

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, plus extra for greasing pan
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon dried orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried lemon zest
• 4 cups white bread flour
• 2 1/2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tablespoon fast-action yeast
• 1 egg, beaten

For the filling

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup fried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup apple butter

For the glaze

• 2 cups icing (confectioners’) sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog

Method

1. Put the milk, butter, cinnamon, orange zest and lemon zest in a small saucepan and heat very gently over the lowest available heat until the butter has melted. Set aside and leave it to cool to a lukewarm temperature
2. In a bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the flour and sugar. On one side of the bowl add the yeast, and on the opposite side add the salt
3. Into the flour bowl add the cooled milk/butter mix and the beaten egg.
4. With the dough hook attachment, knead this on medium for 8 minutes. It should become smooth, pliable and come together in a ball
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled, large bowl and cover tightly with lightly oiled cling film. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place for 1- 1 1/2hrs
6. Grease with butter a 23cm x 33cm high sided baking tin and set aside until needed
7. Prepare the filling by mixing together the brown sugar, cinnamon and softened butter in a bowl. Beat until well combined. Set aside until needed
8. When your dough has risen, tip it out into a lightly oiled surface and roll out to 40x50cm
9. To fill , spread the cinnamon butter (as evenly as you can) over the surface of the dough. Next spread the apple butter in an even layer. After this sprinkle on the dried cranberries. Once this is done, finally sprinkle on the chopped pecans
10. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log shape
11. Trim the ends off the roll and then cut into 12 even pieces*
12. Arrange the rolls in a 3×4 formation (cut side up) in your prepared baking tin. Cover loosely with oiled cling film and pop into the fridge. Leave to slow-proof overnight
13. On the morning of baking, remove the tray of risen cinnamon rolls from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking
14. Preheat your oven to 180C/350F
15. Bake the rested rolls in the oven for 30 mins. If the edges start to brown too soon, lightly cover the pan with foil
16. When baked, remove the rolls from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the glaze
17. To prepare the eggnog glaze, combine the icing sugar and eggnog in a bowl or jug. Whisk until well combined and smooth
18. Drizzle the glaze over the still-warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy

A word of warning- these are very sticky and moreish…unwrapping gifts at the same time is not recommended!

*To cut the cinnamon rolls I use a length of either dental floss or fish-line. Loop it around the dough log where you want to make the cut, pull in opposite directions and there! You have a perfectly cut cinnamon roll ready for baking. Failing this of course, feel free to use a knife!

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This post is dedicated to my mother, Anne, who passed away earlier this year. The lady who inspired a thousand cupcakes and so much more.

“But behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins”

Mitch Albom