Christmas is the perfect time to bake something special — a cake that feels as celebratory as the season itself. From rich, fruit-packed classics to spiced modern creations, holiday cakes bring warmth, colour, and joy to the table. Whether you want something traditional to make ahead or a show-stopping centrepiece for Christmas Day, these six homemade Christmas cake ideas are guaranteed to delight family and friends. 1. Classic British Fruitcake with Brandy Soak A dense, deeply-flavoured cake packed with dried fruits (sultanas, currants, raisins), often soaked in brandy (or other alcohol) and matured for weeks. Traditionally covered with marzipan and royal icing. Rich, moist, and keeps well — perfect for…
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How To Thicken Soup
Thick and creamy soup is a favourite among many for its comforting taste, especially when it’s chilly outside. But getting it just right in texture can be tough for some folks in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it with broth or cream, there are a bunch of ways to get the thickness you like. A well-known trick is to whip up a roux, which is just a mix of equal parts flour and fat. Cook this combo low and slow until it turns a light brown colour, and then throw it in your soup to make it thicker. Another thing you can try is making a slurry, which is made…
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Choux Pastry Balls
Ingredients: 1 cup water 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 large eggs Instructions: Prepare the pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 1 minute. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the…
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Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Casserole
The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions. Here’s what you’ll need: Ingredients: 1 tablespoon salted butter, for the baking dish 3 (12.4-ounce) tubes refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with frosting) 4 large eggs 1/2 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/3 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup sour cream Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut each round of cinnamon roll dough into 4 pieces. Set aside the frosting packets for later. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs,…
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Nut coffee cookies
Satisfy your palate with a delightful mix of nutty tastes and fragrant coffee in these tasty nut coffee cookies. Whether you’re a lover of coffee or a fan of cookies, this recipe is guaranteed to fulfil your desires and wow your loved ones. Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 teaspoons ground coffee (finely ground) 1 cup chopped walnuts (Optional) 1 cup chocolate chips Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder,…
