Gigelhupf or Gugelhupf Cake

 

                                  Gugelhupf  or Kugelhopf Cake                                                                                                                           Combining the delicious flavors of lemon, rum, raisins, almonds and butter in a wonderfully fragrant yeasted cake, look no further for a thoroughly traditional Gugelhupf recipe! Also known as Kugelhopf, this special cake has been known and loved for literally centuries throughout Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland.

Ingredients:

12 whole blanched almonds 

   (to blanch/remove the skins, place the almonds in boiling water, let

    sit for one minute, drain, and squeeze the almonds between your  

    fingers to slip the skins off)

1 cup heavy cream

2 1/4 teaspoons active yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup lard or butter

5 large egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

zest one lemon

3/4 cup raisins 

1 tablespoon rum

1/3 cup slivered almonds

12 whole almonds

Directions:
Butter a 8.5 inch Kugelhopf pan or a bundt pan  (8 to 9 cup capacity).
Place the raisins and rum in a small bowl, stir to combine, and let the raisins soak for at least an hour or overnight.
Place the lukewarm cream in a bowl or cup and stir in the yeast along with one tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until nice and frothy.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, lard (if using) and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add lemon zest and vanilla and beat until combined. Add egg yolks and beat until combined.
Add half of the flour and yeast mixture and mix until combined. Add the remaining half of the flour and yeast mixture and the salt and mix until combined. Once the mixture comes together continue to knead with the paddle attachment for 10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too dry, add some additional egg yolk. If it's too wet, add some additional flour. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and put in a warm place (like a warm oven) to rise for up to two hours or until doubled in size.

Roll out onto clean non-stick work surface. Press or roll out to for a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. 

Sprinkle evenly with the raisins and almonds. Roll it up from the widest side. Bring the ends together to form a circle, pressing the ends together, and place it into the Kugelhopf mold. Press gently down to ensure the dough is evenly spread in the pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and put in a warm place (like a warm oven) to rise for about another hour or until the dough has risen just barely above the mold. 

In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350 F.

Bake the Gugelhupf until it is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 30-40 minutes. Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes and then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.

Serve immediately. Best eaten the same day.
To store leftovers, wrap well in plastic wrap (will keep up to 3 days) or freeze. (See blog post for ideas on how to use leftover Kugelhopf.)

German Stollen. (Christstollen)

 

German Stollen

This Authentic German Stollen (Christstollen) is a holiday favorite filled with rum-soaked fruits, almonds, and a touch of marzipan, all wrapped in a buttery, slightly sweet dough. It’s perfect for gifting or enjoying as a Christmas treat.

Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/4 cup dark rum
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup currants
1/4 cup candied orange peel
1/4 cup candied lemon peel
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground mace
4 oz marzipan (optional)
Additional butter and powdered sugar for topping
Directions:

Soak the Fruits: In a small bowl, combine the raisins, currants, and candied peel. Pour the rum over the mixture, stir, and soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.

Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and dissolve a pinch of sugar in it. Add yeast and let it activate. Combine flour, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and spices. Knead until smooth.

Add Fruits and First Rise: Add the soaked fruits and almonds. Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled.

Shape the Stollen: Flatten dough, place marzipan in the center, fold, and shape. Let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Bake and Butter Topping: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes. Brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar.

Figgy Pudding

Figgy Pudding. NY Times

Also known as plum pudding or Christmas pudding, figgy pudding is a traditional British dessert served on Christmas. (“Pudding” in the United Kingdom is what “dessert” is called elsewhere.) Many families boast their own recipes, but in general, this rich cake-like dessert is made with a mix of dried fruits soaked in liquor, warm spices, fresh breadcrumbs, nuts and sometimes candied citrus. Beef suet, which is available online, is the traditional fat used, but it can be substituted with butter.  Figgy pudding preparations often begin the Sunday before Advent, on Stir-up Sunday, when family members take turns stirring the pudding. Figgy pudding requires planning, so start shopping for ingredients at least one month before Christmas. After the initial steam, the pudding rests at least 3 weeks for the flavors to meld. The pudding can also be made months in advance, stored in the freezer and reheated before serving. The final presentation of drizzling it with liquor and setting it on fire is worthy of a grand holiday celebration.

9 hours cooking  3 weeks resting. 10 servings

Ingredients:

For The Pudding
1cup/150 grams dried currants, (see Tip 1)
1cup/150 grams raisins
1cup golden raisins or sultanas

3/4 cup brandy plus more for serving

5 ounces/150 grams packaged, not fresh, beef suet, or
    ¾ cup/172 grams unsalted butter
120 grams fresh white bread (3 to 4 slices)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened at room temperature

1cup/150 grams packed dark brown sugar
½cup/70 grams all-purpose flour
½teaspoon baking powder
1teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (see Tip 3)
½teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
1medium tart apple, preferably Granny Smith
2 large eggs
1tablespoon black treacle or molasses, to taste (optional)
½teaspoon lemon zest
⅓cup/50 grams blanched slivered almonds
Unsalted butter, for greasing
Hard sauce, ice cream, fresh heavy cream or English custard, for serving (optional)

For The Hard Sauce

8 tablespoons/115 grams unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
¾ cup/93 grams confectioners’ sugar, plus more to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons brandy, to taste.

Directions:

Set aside a 2 liter pudding or a heat-proof bowl as well as a lidded pot of similar size.


Place the currants and both types of raisins in a medium bowl. Add the brandy, mix, cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature to soak overnight. Place the suet or butter in the freezer to make grating easier later.


The following day, cube the bread, including the crust, transfer it to a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. (Alternatively, you can shred the bread by hand.

Transfer the bread crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice and salt; mix, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar. Peel the apple, then grate it and the suet (or butter) on the large hole of a box grater over the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, black treacle and lemon zest. Mix well with a wooden spoon; the mixture will be thick. Stir in the almonds and the brandy-soaked currants and raisins, along with any of the liquid.

At this point, the pudding can be steamed; or covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week for the flavors to deepen, and then steamed. To steam: Generously butter the pudding mold and transfer the mixture to it, filling the mold only ¾ of the way (the pudding will expand as it cooks). Pack down the mixture and smooth the top.   

Cut a round piece of parchment that will fit on top of the pudding mixture; butter one side and place it, buttered-side-down, on top. Cover the top of the mold with another piece of parchment that has a little overhang. Secure the parchment tightly to the rim of the mold with a rubber band or string, then trim the overhang. (Two sets of hands make this job easier.) Repeat with another piece of parchment paper. (This is important to do even if your mold comes with a lid. If a lid is included, place it over the parchment and cover the top of the lid tightly with foil. If you don’t have a lid, cover the parchment with 2 pieces of foil. You want to ensure you have a water-tight seal on the mold as it steams.)

Place the steamer basket in the pot. (If not using a steamer basket, place an inverted heat-proof plate or trivet, a folded cotton kitchen towel, or a couple of layers of aluminum foil on the bottom of the pot. Anything heat-proof that the pudding mold can safely sit on to prevent direct contact with the heat source will work.) Fill the pot ¼ of the way with water and bring to boil. Bring a separate kettle or small pot of water to boil. Carefully lower the pudding mold into the steamer basket, or rest it on top of whatever is in the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching. The water should come halfway up the sides of the mold. If it doesn’t, slowly add more boiling water from the kettle along the sides of the pot. Cover the pot, adjust the heat to medium-low or low —the water should be at a constant gentle simmer, but not boiling — and steam the pudding for 6 hours.

Check the pudding every 30 minutes to make sure the water is always at the halfway mark, adding more boiling water as needed. After 6 hours, carefully remove the mold from the pot and cool to room temperature. Store the pudding, covered in its mold, in the fridge for at least 3 weeks and up to 6 weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year (see Storage Tips).

Prepare the hard sauce, if using: Two days and up to 1 week before serving, place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use a hand-held beater and a mixing bowl.) Beat on medium until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on medium just until smooth. Taste and add more sugar, if desired. Add the brandy, to taste, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix by hand with a spatula until combined. Transfer to a serving dish, smooth the top, cover and refrigerate until hard.

About 2 hours before serving the pudding, reheat the pudding by steaming as directed in Step 7, this time for 1 hour. Remove the mold from the pot and peel off all the coverings, being mindful of the steam. Place a serving dish over the mold and invert the pudding. Don’t remove the mold right away. Give it a little time and a jiggle to help release the pudding.
                                                                                                          Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of brandy in a heat-proof ladle. Hold the ladle over the pudding and carefully light it. As soon as the brandy catches fire, pour it over the pudding. The pudding will light up in a blue haze; it will extinguish quickly on its own.                                                                                                                                                                       Slice the pudding and serve it warm with hard sauce, ice cream, or drizzled with heavy cream or custard. The pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, wrapped well in parchment and again in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.                                                           TIPS                                                                                       Feel free to substitute a variety of dried fruits for the currants and raisins, such as diced figs, apricots or cherries.                                                                                                                                                       Beef suet, a fat used in many British recipes, is traditional here. It comes packaged in a hard block or pellets. Fresh suet has a strong, meatier odor and taste, so it is not recommended here.                                                                                                                      Traditionally, an English spice mix is used that includes many of the spices used in American pumpkin spice mix, as well as ground coriander and mace. If you like, you can add a tiny pinch of those to the pumpkin spice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             If you’d like to remove the steamed pudding from the mold before storing it, wrap it very tightly with plastic wrap, then in foil. Before reheating, unwrap the pudding and transfer it back to the mold.

Step 1

Set aside a 2-liter pudding mold or similarly sized heat-proof bowl, as well as a lidded pot or steamer large enough to hold the mold. (A tall pot, like a stock pot or a pasta pot with a steamer basket, works well.)
Step 2


Place the currants and both types of raisins in a medium bowl. Add the brandy, mix, cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature to soak overnight. Place the suet or butter in the freezer to make grating easier in Step 4.
Step 3


The following day, cube the bread, including the crust, transfer it to a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. (Alternatively, you can shred the bread by hand.)

Step 4


Transfer the bread crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice and salt; mix, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar. Peel the apple, then grate it and the suet (or butter) on the large hole of a box grater over the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, black treacle and lemon zest. Mix well with a wooden spoon; the mixture will be thick. Stir in the almonds and the brandy-soaked currants and raisins, along with any of the liquid.


Step 5


At this point, the pudding can be steamed; or covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week for the flavors to deepen, and then steamed. To steam: Generously butter the pudding mold and transfer the mixture to it, filling the mold only ¾ of the way (the pudding will expand as it cooks). Pack down the mixture and smooth the top.
Step 6


Cut a round piece of parchment that will fit on top of the pudding mixture; butter one side and place it, buttered-side-down, on top. Cover the top of the mold with another piece of parchment that has a little overhang. Secure the parchment tightly to the rim of the mold with a rubber band or string, then trim the overhang. (Two sets of hands make this job easier.) Repeat with another piece of parchment paper. (This is important to do even if your mold comes with a lid. If a lid is included, place it over the parchment and cover the top of the lid tightly with foil. If you don’t have a lid, cover the parchment with 2 pieces of foil. You want to ensure you have a water-tight seal on the mold as it steams.)
Step 7


Place the steamer basket in the pot. (If not using a steamer basket, place an inverted heat-proof plate or trivet, a folded cotton kitchen towel, or a couple of layers of aluminum foil on the bottom of the pot. Anything heat-proof that the pudding mold can safely sit on to prevent direct contact with the heat source will work.) Fill the pot ¼ of the way with water and bring to boil. Bring a separate kettle or small pot of water to boil. Carefully lower the pudding mold into the steamer basket, or rest it on top of whatever is in the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching. The water should come halfway up the sides of the mold. If it doesn’t, slowly add more boiling water from the kettle along the sides of the pot. Cover the pot, adjust the heat to medium-low or low —the water should be at a constant gentle simmer, but not boiling — and steam the pudding for 6 hours.
Step 8


Check the pudding every 30 minutes to make sure the water is always at the halfway mark, adding more boiling water as needed. After 6 hours, carefully remove the mold from the pot and cool to room temperature. Store the pudding, covered in its mold, in the fridge for at least 3 weeks and up to 6 weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year (see St

1. orage 

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Tips).Step 9

2. Prepare the hard sauce, if using: Two days and up to 1 week before serving, place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use a hand-held beater and a mixing bowl.) Beat on medium until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on medium just until smooth. Taste and add more sugar, if desired. Add the brandy, to taste, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix by hand with a spatula until combined. Transfer to a serving dish, smooth the top, cover and refrigerate until hard.

3. Step 10

   About 2 hours before serving the pudding, reheat the pudding by steaming as directed in Step 7, this time for 1 hour. Remove the mold from the pot and peel off all the coverings, being mindful of the steam. Place a serving dish over the mold and invert the pudding. Don’t remove the mold right away. Give it a little time and a jiggle to help release the pudding.

4. Step 11

   Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of brandy in a heat-proof ladle. Hold the ladle over the pudding and carefully light it. As soon as the brandy catches fire, pour it over the pudding. The pudding will light up in a blue haze; it will extinguish quickly on its own.

5. Step 12

   Slice the pudding and serve it warm, topped with hard sauce or ice cream, or drizzled with heavy cream or custard. The pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, wrapped well in parchment and again in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

TIPS

• Tip 1: Feel free to substitute a variety of dried fruits for the currants and raisins, such as diced figs, apricots or cherries.
• Tip 2: Beef suet, a fat used in many British recipes, is traditional here. It comes packaged in a hard block or pellets. Fresh suet has a strong, meatier odor and taste, so it is not recommended here.
• Tip 3: Traditionally, an English spice mix is used that includes many of the spices used in American pumpkin spice mix, as well as ground coriander and mace. If you like, you can add a tiny pinch of those to the pumpkin spice.
• Tip 4: If you’d like to remove the steamed pudding from the mold before storing it, wrap it very tightly with plastic wrap, then in foil. Before reheating, unwrap the pudding and transfer it back to the mold.

Nürnberger Lebkuchen

Nürnberger Lebkuchen

Nürnberger lebkuchen or gingerbread has been around since the 14th century when Nürnberg was a rich city with good trade associations. You can make Nürnberger lebkuchen in your home without any special German ingredients. You can use thin oblaten that look like Catholic communion wafers and can be purchased at a German deli or use parchment paper.  These soft, spicy cookies keep for several weeks.

"The Spruce Eats"

Ingredients
For the Cookie:
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 grams) sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground anise seed
2 tablespoons (12 grams) cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1 cup (225 milliliters) milk
1 3/4 cups (150 grams) almonds, ground
1/2 cup candied lemon peel, chopped
1 tablespoon rum, or orange liqueur
1/2 cup raisins, soaked in rum and chopped
1/4 cup shredded coconut
32 oblaten (baking wafers, 3-inch size)

Glaze:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons rum, or liqueur
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

Make the Cookies 
Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 375 F. 

Cream together the butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.

Mix in the flour, spices, cocoa powder, and baking powder, alternating with milk. Note that you can use prepared lebkuchen                           

Fold in the nuts and lemon peel.                                                          

Stir in the rum, followed by the raisins and coconut.                       

Place the oblaten on parchment-lined baking sheets. Drop about 3 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the wafer and smooth to the edges. If you are not using the oblaten, draw 3-inch diameter circles on parchment paper using a cup or biscuit cutter as a template. Drop about 3 tablespoons cookie dough into the center of each circle.
                                                                                                               In both cases, use the back of a spoon to fill out each circle, slightly mounding the dough toward the center.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn down oven to 350 F if cookies are browning too much.
Let cool for a few minutes, then remove to a cookie or cake rack.               

Make the Glaze                                                                                 Gather the ingredients.

While the cookies are baking, make the glaze. The glaze is to be applied while the cookies are still warm. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove. Bring to a boil and boil for a few minutes.
Add the vanilla and 1 to 2 tablespoons rum or liqueur. Sift confectioners' sugar over the hot sugar syrup and stir.

Using a pastry brush, brush the warm glaze over the warm cookies. Let dry completely.
Tip
Dry glazed cookies for a day (so the cookie stays a bit crunchy) then store in an airtight container or freeze.

Dessert Risotto With Dried Fruit And Nuts

Dessert Risotto With Dried Fruit And Nuts

By Le Creuset  Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
½ cup sliced natural almonds
4 to 5 cups apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
½-inch slice fresh gingerroot
1 small orange, peel and juice
½ tsp salt
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup Arborio rice
½ cup white wine
¾ cup finely diced dried fruits such as apricots, plums, cranberries, cherries and raisins
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Directions:

Place almonds in Saucier Pan. Cook, tossing occasionally over medium-low heat until lightly toasted 6 to 8 minutes. Pour almonds onto a plate to cool; set aside.

Peel three thin strips from outside of orange. Juice orange; set aside.

Add cider, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, orange peel and salt to Saucier. Cover and heat to boil over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into large heat-safe measuring cup.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in Saucier over medium heat. Add rice to butter; cook and stir about 1 minute until rice is opaque.

 Add wine and orange juice; reduce until almost dry, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. 

Add spiced cider in ½-cup additions (leaving cinnamon, cloves, ginger root and orange peel in cup), stirring constantly until rice is tender and sauce is creamy; approximately 20 minutes. 

Remove from heat and stir in dried fruit and yogurt. Spoon into individual serving bowls/ramekins. Top with toasted almonds; enjoy immediately.

Chicken Korma

CHICKEN KORMA RECIPE

Chicken korma recipe is a muglai speciality. Chicken korma curry has pieces of boneless chicken cooked with almond sauce and spices and garnished with roasted almonds.  Serves : 2  Cooking time : 30 mins

Ingredients:

400 gms chicken breasts, chopped in big pieces
1 tblsp ground almonds
1 tblsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
1 tsp garlic paste
2-3 oil or clarified butter(ghee)
1 medium size onion, chopped finely
1/4 tsp turmeric (haldi) powder
150 ml curd (dahi)
2 green chillies
4 pods cardammom
3 cloves
2 medium size cinnamon sticks
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tblsp chopped green coriander
1/2 tblsp roasted chopped almonds
Salt to taste
Directions:

Marinate the chicken pieces with lemon juice, pinch of salt, black pepper and garlic paste. Rub the mixture thoroughly to the pieces and keep it aside for 1/2 an hour.

In a heavy bottom pan, heat the oil/ghee and when it is medium hot add the chopped onions and turmeric.

Fry till the onions are light golden and then take them out and keep aside. Leave the oil behind for further use.

In a mixer make a fine paste of fried onions, curd, almonds, green chillies. Pour this mixture on the marinated chicken pieces.

Now reheat the oil in the pan on medium flame and then add cardammom, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaf. Stir them for 30 secs and then add the marinated chicken along with leftover paste.

Let the chicken cook on low flame while stirring occasionally till it boils. Then cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer till the chicken is cooked properly.

Finally add garam masala and chopped green coriander.

Add the salt according to taste and garnish with roasted almonds and some cream

Reformationsbrotchen Recipe - Luther Rose Reformation Rolls

 

Reformationsbrötchen Recipe- 

Luther Rose Reformation Rolls

These 5 petaled rolls with jam in the center are said to represent the Luther Rose, are traditionally served October 31, Reformation Day. Made from an enriched dough, studded with raisins/cranberries, nuts, and lemon peel, these tasty rolls are a nice addition to breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.  Martin Luther, a german monk was defrocked because of his acts of reformation.

Ingredients:

starter

3 1/4 cup Flour 500 gram
2/3 cup lukewarm CREAM 150 ml
1 ¼ Tablespoon Dry Yeast 40 grams Fresh Yeast
¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon Sugar 50 gram
fruit
3/4 cup Cranberries or Raisins 100 gram
enough Orange Juice/ warm water to cover raisins/cranberries
1/4 cup Almonds- chopped (try sweetened almonds if you have them) 50 gram
2 tablespoons Candied Lemon - chopped
dough
1-2 teaspoons Lemon Zest I'm usually generous with this.
5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter- softened 50 gram
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 Egg
2/3 cup Cream 150 ml (yes, you add cream twice.)
additionally
8 Teaspoons Cherry or Berry Jam
1- 1½ cup Powdered Sugar
few teaspoons lemon juice

Directions
Fruit

Put the raisins/cranberries into a small bowl. Pour warm water or Orange juice over them... just enough to cover... and set aside.
Note, if your candied peel is "hard", let it soak too. No need to soak the nuts.

Starter

Put all of the flour in a mixing bowl. Make a depression in the center.
Combine warm cream with yeast and sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar. Pour the liquid into the depression in the flour. Cover lightly with some of the flour from the edge of the bowl. Cover and set aside in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Dough

The flour/yeast mixture should be look a bit bubbly by now. Set the bowl into the mixer stand, and turn it on low.
With the mixer on, add the lemon zest, salt, and the egg. Add butter one tablespoon at a time. Then add the rest of the cream. Mix on low until a dough comes together.

Now the fun part.... kneading.
The dough should be kneaded for 10 minutes. I find this works well in my machine with a dough hook, but it can be done by hand.
Butter a bowl, drop the kneaded dough into it, cover with a cloth, then set into a warm place to rise for 45 minutes. (At least). You want it to double.

While this is happening, drain the fruit.
Once the dough had doubled, pull it out of the bowl, and set onto a lightly floured surface. Press it a little flat, and sprinkle the fruit and nuts on the dough. Carefully fold and refold the dough to distribute the fruit/nuts. Don't overwork it!

Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Flatten it a bit with your hand.

Make 5 cuts fairly equidistant around the edge, without cutting to the center. These are your petals. (Go ahead and cut 4 if you like) 

Place cut rolls on a parchment covered baking sheet. (You probably will need 2). Then set aside to rise for 40 minutes. (I find the oven to be a good place for this. I have a "proof" setting, but alternatively turn it on for 30 seconds to warm things up, then shut it off to let the rolls have a warm place to rise)

When the rolls have risen. Press an indentation into the center of each roll. Use your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon. (don't press all the way through, but do press deep.)

Use a spoon to add one teaspoon of jam to the indentation.
Make sure the oven is at 350°F 

Bake the rolls for 20 minutes.

Because I have 2 pans, I rotated top to bottom half way through baking. You can also bake one at a time.

Remove the rolls from the oven when browned, and set on a cooling rack to cool for a few minutes.

Combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice. You want a thin glaze that will just leave a shine on the roll. While the rolls are still warm, brush the glaze on. Then let cool completely.

Alternatively, sprinkle the rolls with powdered sugar.

Zingy Clementine And Shaved Sprout Salad

Zingy Clementine And Shaved Sprout Salad

Sprouts are definitely not just to be reluctantly eaten on Christmas day.  Sliced finely, they make a fantastic crunchy salad-cum-slaw.  I love this as a starter, but it is also delicious alongside poultry, ham, or fish.

Serves 4 as a light starter.

Ingredients: 

200g Brussels Sprouts finely shredded (1 cup)

2 clementines

20g whole skin-on almonds (5 teaspoons)

12g flat leaf parsley (6 tablespoons leaves only)

1 tablespoon nonpareille capers, drained

30g Parmigiano Reggiano (1/4 cup)

Dressing:

2 clementines, scrubbed, zested and juiced

3 tablespoons evoo

1 teaspoon sherry vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Generous 1/2 teaspoon castor sugar

3 anchovies in oil, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

10g Parmigiano Cheese (4 teaspoons)

Directions:

Combine the dressing ingredients in a large bowl with a pinch of salted whisk into a glossy, thick and emulsified.  Add the shredded sprouts and mix well.

Cut the peeled clementines into 0.5cm slices horizontally (1/4 inch), then break these into little segments, letting them fall over the sprouts as you do so.  Add the almonds, parsley and capers and mix again.  Divide between plates and use a potato peeler to create shavings of the cheese and scatter over the salad.

Serve with a Savignon Blanc

Chocolate and Cherry Granola

Chocolate and Cherry Granola

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A bowl full of this chocolate-y morning treat is sure to provide you with a healthy dose of antioxidants. Serve the granola with milk

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups (312g) old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup (28g) stabilized wheat germ
2 tablespoons (11g) unsweetened cocoa, Dutch-process or natural
1 cup (99g) almonds, sliced
1/2 cup (71g) sunflower seeds, raw or toasted
1/4 cup (50g) vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (170g) honey
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional*
1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups (142g) dried cherries
*Optional Instant Coffee
*Substitute 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon almond oil, to taste. 

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 250°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, wheat germ, cocoa, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, salt, and honey. Pour over the dry mixture in the bowl, stirring and tossing until everything is very well combined.

Spread the granola on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the granola for 90 minutes, stirring the mixture with a heatproof spatula or spoon every 15 minutes or so.

Remove the granola from the oven once it's darkened slightly. Allow it to rest until it's cooled a bit, but is still warm to the touch.

Transfer the granola to a large bowl, and mix in the chocolate chunks or chips. Allow the granola to sit for another 10 minutes, then toss again — the chocolate will have melted slightly and will produce an even coating on the granola.

When the granola has cooled completely, mix in the cherries.

Store the granola in a tightly closed container at room temperature for several weeks.

Plum Salad With Fennel And Mint

Plum Salad With Fennel And Mint

This is a different take on a Valencian salad, normally made with oranges. This is the simplest of dishes and makes the most of the season’s fresh offerings, with minimal preparation — perfect for the hot days of summer. Hit the farmers’ market and select plums that are sweet, such as black plums or Mirabelles. Their sweet flavour truly shines in fresh preparations. Measure, or don’t — what’s important is 
to taste as you go.
Ingredients:

6 to 8 plums
1/2 cup almonds, sliced
1 bulb fennel
2 tablespoons mint, chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or more to taste
Maldon salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Directions:
In a pan over medium-low heat, toast almonds until golden brown. Tip almonds out of pan and set aside on a plate to cool. Slice the fennel very thinly either by hand or using mandoline. Remove the stones from the plums and slice each halve into 6 to 8 slices. Arrange the fennel and plums on a larger platter and drizzle olive oil over the plums. Stack and roll the mint leaves into a cigar and finely slice. Sprinkle the mint over the salad and top with the almonds. Sprinkle with Maldon salt and fresh pepper to taste.