Homemade Churros Recipe

 

Classic Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Let the dough cool for a few minutes.

Heat the Oil:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the churros.

Shape the Churros:

1. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic zip-top bag with one corner cut off.
2. Pipe the dough into the hot oil, cutting it into strips with scissors or a knife. Fry only a few churros at a time to avoid overcrowding.

Fry the Churros:

1. Fry the churros until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the churros from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Coat the Churros:

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

 

White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Introduction

This recipe guides you through creating a decadent cheesecake that combines the creamy richness of white chocolate with the tangy zest of raspberries, resulting in a dessert that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Butter, melted
• Sugar

For the Raspberry Sauce:

• Raspberries
• Water
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• White chocolate chips
• Cream or half-and-half
• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Mix the cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
2. Make the raspberry sauce: Combine the raspberries with water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then thicken with cornstarch and strain.
3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Melt the white chocolate with cream, then blend with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Assemble: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust. Add dollops of raspberry sauce and cover with the remaining filling. Swirl the sauce through the cheesecake using a knife.
5. Bake and cool: Bake at 325°F in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill.

Conclusion

This cheesecake is a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests. The smooth, creamy texture of the white chocolate cheesecake paired with the vibrant raspberry swirl not only tastes exquisite but also looks stunning.

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

 

Cranberry White Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or almond extract
• 9 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Frosting

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 5 oz. cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or more to reach spreadable consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted and drizzled over the cake

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Butter the inside of two 5-by-9-inch loaf pans.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on high speed until fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla or almond extract and mix until incorporated.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing between each addition until well combined.
7. In a separate bowl, lightly coat the fresh cranberries with flour to prevent them from sinking.
8. Fold the floured cranberries and white chocolate chips into the batter.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
10. Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for about 20 minutes before removing them from the pans. Once removed, let them cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting

1. Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Slowly add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
3. Spread the frosting on top of the completely cooled cakes.
4. Place the cakes in the fridge until the frosting is set.

For the Topping

1. Sprinkle the frosted cakes with dried cranberries and chopped nuts.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the finished cakes using a spoon.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins

 

Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins

The combination of sweet raspberries and rich cream cheese provides a delicious contrast to the center of these Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins. Inspired by classic flavors of cream and fruit, this unique combination adds a modern twist to your favorite breakfast muffins.

Born from the idea that you can start the day with something sweet but substantial, these muffins combine the sweetness of fresh fruit with the richness of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast when you want something special without too much fuss. These muffins offer the perfect balance of flavors that can transform a morning meal or festive brunch.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect served fresh, with a side of melted butter or as a topping. For an extra touch, these muffins can be garnished with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to start the day or enjoy them as a late-night snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen)
• 100g cream cheese, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tins.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, making sure it is well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in the raspberries and cream cheese, being careful not to crush the berries.
7. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Optionally, sprinkle some sugar on top for added sweetness.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations & Tips

• If raspberries aren’t your preference, try using blueberries, blackberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon zest can be added to the batter to give it a pleasant citrus note that complements the fruit.
• Feel free to use lower-fat cream cheese or alternative sweeteners to reduce the calorie content.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. Mixing too much develops gluten, which can affect the texture.
• Muffins can be enjoyed immediately or stored for a day or two, then gently reheated for the best flavor and texture.

Air Fryer Southern Style Fried Chicken

 

Air Fryer Southern Style Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is a classic that warms our hearts and stomachs with its rich history and good nutrition. Its origins can be traced back to Scottish settlers in South America, who brought with them the tradition of deep-frying chicken. Over time, this merged with the spices and techniques of African cuisine, resulting in the delicious food explosion we now associate with southern fried chicken.

Air fryers have become the new frontier of home cooking as people look for better ways to cook without sacrificing flavor. This recipe offers a twist by using the air fryer, reducing the oil but maintaining all the texture and flavor you’d expect from a traditional Southern fried chicken.

A plate of this delicious Southern-style fried chicken is perfect with classic side dishes like buttered potatoes, creamy coleslaw, fresh vegetables, or a simple fruit salad. Don’t forget the soft cookies or cornbread to complete the party.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs with bone and skin
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon warm (optional spice)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Cook uncooked beans

Directions

1. Place buttermilk and hot sauce in a large mixing bowl. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and marinate them in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
2. Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C). In a shallow bowl, combine flour, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it's fully covered. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Spray a baking tray with nonstick cooking spray and place the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to work in batches.
5. Lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray to help achieve the desired color and crispiness.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the chicken pieces over, spray with cooking spray again, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
7. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to distribute evenly, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Variations and Tips

• For extra texture, double-dip the chicken by dipping it in the buttermilk-flour mixture a second time.
• Consider adding different spices to the flour mixture to change the flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat, while dried sage offers a subtle, herbaceous note.
• Be mindful of air fryer cooking times to prevent overcooking. Air circulation is key to achieving that perfect crispiness.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated to retain their freshness. Enjoy the comfort and ease of this Southern classic anytime.