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Chocolate Dipped Figs with Sea Salt

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These are such a luxurious treat, made with three simple ingredients ! Dried figs, chocolate and sea salt, are a match made in heaven. Making this a wonderful combination for your taste buds. The contrast between salty and sweet is amazing. They are so elegant looking, and would make such a lovely gift. So impressive and yet so easy, I really hope you give them a try.







100g chocolate (70% dark was used here)
12 dried figs
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (Maldon is what I used)

Break or cut the chocolate bar into pieces and melt over a water bath.
 Gently mold each fig back into its natural shape if it's been tightly packaged.

Holding by the stem, dip each fig in melted chocolate and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt while the chocolate is still liquid.



recipe source

Christmas Tourtière

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This classic French-Canadian meat pie is a substantial dish, and a pleasant addition to your table for the holiday season. Here is a little bit of history :

 The tourtière is a French-Canadian meat pie that originated in the province of Quebec in Canada as early as 1600. Most recipes for tourtière include ground pork and other ground meats.  The tourtière is a traditional part of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Quebec, but the pie is also enjoyed at other times and throughout Canada. There is some debate about the origin of the name of the dish. Some believe that the dish is named after the now extinct passenger pigeons, called “tourtes,” that were cooked into the original pies.  Others argue that the pie is named after the deep ceramic baking dish that families used to create the pies.  It is, however, agreed that by 1611, the word tourtière had come to refer to the pastry containing meat or fish that was cooked in this medium-deep, round or rectangular dish. There are argume…

Cranberry Ketchup

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This cranberry ketchup is fantastic and festive too. The tangy, tart bite of the cranberries, and the sweetness of the onion and sugar, make it a winner ! It was really fast to make, less than 30 minutes ! I added extra spices, because I just can´t leave things alone. I will be serving this tonight withTourtierefor our Christmas Eve dinner. I think they will compliment each other really well ! Hope you give it a try !





1 2/3 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped shallots ( onions would be ok )
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (*pinch of cayenne)

*pinch of cinnamon, pinch of cloves (added by me)

Preparation

Combine cranberries, brown sugar, chopped shallots, cider vinegar, water, salt, and red pepper in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Pour into a blender; process until smooth. Tran…

Chicken Cheese Broccoli Braid

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A friend of mine shared this recipe with me a couple of weeks ago, and I can't thank her enough for it ! It was a big hit with my family, I have made it I think once a week, since she gave me the recipe. So quick to make, and really very pretty too. It is great hot or cold, and so very versatile. I think you could mix and match the fillings to your own likings, and it would still be a winner. The orginal recipe uses crescent rolls,Pillsbury, this brand is not found here, but I was quite pleased when I used something similar I found at my grocery store. I think puff pastry would also be smashing used here. I really..really hope you give this a try !









2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (usually 2-3 chicken breasts)
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli (cooked)
2 cups  shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2  cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 egg , lightly beaten
2 cans crescent rolls ( not something we have he…

Easy Blender Eggnog

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Tis´ the season to drink eggnog ! I think you either love eggnog or hate it, I happen to enjoy it!.I like it cold though instead of warm. There are so many recipes out there for eggnog...dont´believe me...google it. This is one of my favorites..simple, easy and not fussy at all. I like to sprinkle mine with some cinnamon, want to make even richer add some whipped cream.




Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 large eggs
3/4 rum or spiced rum or brandy or adjust to your liking

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream, sugar, and nutmeg just to a simmer, do not boil.
In a blender, blend the eggs on low speed for 1 minute. With the motor running, gradually add the hot cream mixture, and the vanilla. Blend until frothy, about 30 seconds more. Add the brandy and blend to combine. Serve warm.(or refrigerate and serve chilled). Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon.



recipe source

Challah Bread

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Challah is an amazing bread, and I am sorry I waited this long to make it! It somehow scared me, I thought it would be complicated. Turns out it is a simple process, but it does take a little bit of time and effort. But when you  smell the bread baking, then see your beautiful braided challah on the dinner table,  it really makes it all worth it. As for braiding the Challah, I will add the link to the video,that helped me out !




Honey Challah Bread
makes 2 loaves

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (2 packets)
1/2 cup sugar plus 1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup honey
8 tablespoon butter, softened
3 eggs
2 teaspoons salt
5 1/2 cups flour (or more if necessary)
1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

Directions:
1.  Lightly oil a medium bowl and line a large baking sheet with silicon mat or parchment paper and set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, put warm water in the bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar and yeast.  Stir br…

Oreo Truffles

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These are divine! When you bite into the crisp shell there is a soft rich chocolatey centre. So good. Everyone loves them and there is never any left on the plate. Perfect for the Christmas season ! I have yet to make them with a boozy filling, but I imagine, a bit of baileys or frangelico would be just wonderful !






Ingredients:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
36  Oreo's
200g chocolate + 1 tablespoon crisco

sprinkles

Directions:

 Place the Oreo's in the bowl of your food processor and chop until finely crumbled. Pour Oreo crumbs into a medium bowl. Add in cream cheese and mix until well combined. Or add cream cheese to the food processor, and pulse. Place  wax paper on a cookie sheet. Scoop out Oreo dough and roll a 1 inch ball of the mixture, setting it on the wax paper. Continue until all the Oreo mixture is used up. You'll have at least 3 dozen depending on the size. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, longer is better. *If you are in a h…