Carrot Cake

 

Carrot cake is a delicious and moist dessert that combines the natural sweetness of grated carrots with a flavorful blend of spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Often adorned with cream cheese frosting, carrot cake strikes a perfect balance between the earthy notes of carrots and the rich, creamy topping, creating a delightful treat enjoyed by many for its unique flavor and texture.

This carrot cake recipe results in a moist and flavorful dessert, and the optional frosting or powdered sugar adds a delightful finishing touch. 

Ingredients:

- 150g carrots, grated

- 2 large eggs (approximately 120g)

- 100g brown sugar

- 80ml oil

- 140g all-purpose flour

- 8g baking powder

- 0.5 tsp cinnamon

- 30g chopped walnuts

- 20g raisins

Instructions:

1. Peel and grate carrot, set aside for later.

2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), line 6-inch cake tin with parchment paper.

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and oil until well combined.

4. Sift dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well together. This forms the basic cake batter.

5. Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds texture and flavor to the cake.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on the cake and perform the toothpick test to ensure it's fully baked.

8. Allow the carrot cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional:

You can enjoy the carrot cake as is or enhance it with your favorite frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

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Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Banana cake is typically lighter and more airy in texture than banana bread, resembling a traditional cake. It's made with baking powder to give it a fluffy consistency. Banana cake can be frosted or decorated with toppings like cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache.

The recipe is easy, you can make it in one bowl, or even blend all ingredients in a food processor. Chocolate chips add a different texture to it.

Ingredients:

- 2 bananas, mashed (200g) + extra banana for top

- 2 eggs

- 80g brown sugar

- 150g flour

- 80g oil

- 60g chocolate chips

- 8g baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and prepare a 6-inch cake tin by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the eggs, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and baking powder to the mashed bananas.

4. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and no lumps remain, ensuring a smooth batter.

5. Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving some for topping the cake.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

7. Arrange slices of banana on top of the batter and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the surface.

8. Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (356°F) for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 

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Cottage Cheese Dumplings - Pierogi z Serem

"Pierogi z serem" are traditional Polish dumplings consisting of delicate dough filled with farmer's cheese or cottage cheese. Once cooked, pierogi can be served hot with sour cream, butter, or a sprinkle of sugar. They can also be pan-fried after boiling for a crispy texture. 

My version uses cream cheese (block type such as Philadelphia).

Ingredients: (makes about 25 dumplings)

For the Dough:

- 250g all-purpose flour

- 150ml hot water

- Dash of salt

For the Filling:

- 250g cottage cheese

- 1 egg yolk

- 1 tablespoon (about 30 g) powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   - In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a dash of salt.

   - Gradually add the hot water while mixing until a dough forms.

   - Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rest for about 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   - In a separate bowl, mash the cottage cheese with the egg yolk and powdered sugar until well combined.

   - Use a blender for a smoother texture if desired.

3. Assembly:

   - After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface until it is about 2-3mm thick.

   - Use a round cutter to cut out circles from the dough.

   - Place a small spoonful of the cottage cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.

   - Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly to seal.

4. Cooking:

   - Bring a large pot of slightly salted water to a boil.

   - Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water.

   - Stir gently to prevent sticking to the bottom.

   - Cook for 3-4 minutes from when they float to the surface.

   - Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain excess water.

5. Serve the cottage cheese dumplings hot, optionally with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of sour cream.

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