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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Baked Dumplings with Pork Filling

 

Golden and crispy on the outside with a juicy, flavorful pork filling inside, these baked dumplings are a perfect twist on the classic dumpling. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’re versatile and crowd-pleasing.  

Serve the baked dumplings warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce with a splash of vinegar, chili oil, or a tangy hoisin-based sauce.  

These baked dumplings offer a delightful crunch and savory filling, making them a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Buns:

- 270 g bread flour

- 5g instant yeast or active dry yeast

- ½ tsp salt

- 10g sugar

- 15 g oil

- 170 ml warm water

Filling:

- 280 g ground pork (with some fat)

- salt, pepper to taste 

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1 tsp sesame oil

- 20g cornstarch

- 30 g green onion, finely chopped

- 100g tomatoes, diced 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

- Chop the spring onion, dice the tomatoes.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.

- Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

  - Add oil and warm water.

  - Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to knead the dough until smooth and not sticky.

- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

3. Wrapping

- Preheat oven to 200°C.

- Flatten the risen dough to remove air and divide it into equal pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest covered.

- Roll into a round circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.

- Place one portion of filling in the center of the dough circle.

- Fold in a half, pinch and seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

- Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Baking

- Place the baking sheet in preheated oven. 

- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and the meat filling is cooked through.

- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm.

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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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Polish Meatballs - Kotlety Mielone

Kotlety Mielone, often referred to simply as kotlety, is a beloved traditional Polish dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many. These delicious ground meat patties are a staple of Polish home cooking, often served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of pickled cucumbers or cabbage. 

These homemade Polish meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy them as a delicious and satisfying dish that's sure to please the whole family!

Check out my Pulpety in Dill Sauce Recipe LINK

Ingredients:

- 250g ground pork

- 250g ground beef

- 1 egg

- 30g breadcrumbs

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients:

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef.

   - Add the egg and breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.

   - Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

2. Form Meatballs:

   - Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.

   - Take a small portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a flat, oval-shaped patty about 1.5cm (roughly 1/2 inch) thick. 

   - Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing the formed patties on a plate or tray.

3. Cook Meatballs:

   - Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.

   - Carefully place the formed patties in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the kotlety in batches if necessary. 

   - Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, you can cut one meatball in half to ensure it's cooked through with no pink in the center.

4. Serve:

   - Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.

   - Serve hot with mashed potatoes, gravy, and pickled cucumbers or cabbage on the side.

Tips:

- You can customize the flavor of your kotlety by adding different herbs and spices to the meat mixture, such as paprika, thyme, or parsley.

- For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork or beef.

- If you prefer a crispy coating, you can dredge the formed patties in flour before frying them.

- Leftover kotlety can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven before serving.

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