Tag: Homemade

Easter Cake

Easter Cake

This coconut Easter cake is an easy lemon coconut Bundt cake decorated like a bird’s nest, topped with cream cheese frosting, shredded coconut, and chocolate Easter egg candies. You just need some basic baking staples, an electric mixer, and a standard Bundt pan to make this stunning 

Baked Apples

Baked Apples

Slow-Cooker Baked Apples are warm, tender, and filled with comforting flavors. Gently cooked with spices and a touch of sweetness, they’re an effortless dessert or cozy treat that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas perfect for chilly mornings or a simple, heartwarming finish to any 

Nutella Rolls

Nutella Rolls

These Nutella scrolls are made with homemade dough and filled with Nutella instead of the classic cinnamon, giving them a slightly more indulgent twist. Trust me, it’s like HEAVEN. Easy to cook and great to enjoy with the kids!

Prep Time:25minutes mins
Cook Time:25minutes mins
Servings:12 rolls

Ingredients

Dough

  • ▢1 cup milk warmed to 110°F (44°C)
  • ▢2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • ▢2 large eggs room temperature
  • ▢4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ▢1 tsp salt
  • ▢1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • ▢10 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature and cubed

Filling

  • ▢1 1/4 cups Nutella

Topping

  • ▢1/2 cup melted nutella extra, optional

Instructions 

  • Heat the milk until it reaches 110°F. Stir in the yeast and 1/2 tbsp sugar, then let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, then add salt and sugar. Add the cubed butter and work it in until it resembles small pea-sized pieces.
  • Lightly beat the eggs, then add them along with the yeast mixture into a stand mixer. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until the dough forms, then increase to medium and knead for 5 minutes.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm oven (turned OFF) for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Warm the Nutella for about 15 seconds, then spread it evenly over the dough.
  • Roll the dough from the short side into a log, then cut into 12 rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
  • Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Bake at 375°F for 23–27 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  • Spread or drizzle melted Nutella over the warm rolls.

Notes

This recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few small details can change how the rolls turn out.

Making the dough from scratch gives you more control over the texture. It might feel like an extra step, but it’s what keeps the rolls soft without turning dense or dry.

The milk temperature is one of the most important parts at the beginning. You’re aiming for around 110°F (43–44°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cool, the dough will take much longer to rise.

The flour also makes a difference here. If you can, weigh it (562 g) instead of using cups. It helps keep the dough consistent and prevents it from turning too dry.

Butter should be soft at room temperature, not melted. When you mix it into the flour, it creates a better texture in the dough and helps keep the rolls tender after baking.

The Nutella is what makes these different, so how you handle it matters. Slightly warming it helps it spread evenly, but if it’s too runny, it can start leaking out as you roll the dough.

The rise time is one of the most important parts. If the dough hasn’t fully doubled, the rolls won’t have the same texture after baking.

A few extra things to keep in mind:

  • The dough should feel soft before rising. If it feels too firm, the rolls will bake up heavier
  • If the dough sticks a little, that’s normal. Adding too much flour is what usually makes them dry
  • The filling will shift slightly as you roll, that’s okay as long as it’s mostly even
  • The rolls will continue to set slightly after coming out of the oven
  • They reheat well and soften again with a few seconds in the microwave

Once you’ve made them once, it’s easier to understand how the dough should feel and how the rolls should look before baking. After that, it becomes much more straightforward.

If you want them extra soft, let the rolls sit for about 5–10 minutes after baking before adding the Nutella on top. They’ll finish setting inside, and the heat will melt the Nutella just enough to spread smoothly without making the tops too messy.

Nutrition

Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 237mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 471IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Classic Waffles

Classic Waffles

Classic Waffles are golden, crisp on the outside, and light and fluffy on the inside. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they’re versatile enough to enjoy with syrup, fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar simple, comforting, and timeless. Prep Time:10 minsCook Time:15 minsServings:5 Ingredients Directions 

Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

These chocolate thumbprint turtle cookies are a rich chocolate cookie rolled in chopped pecans, filled with caramel, and drizzled with melted chocolate. They’ve got the perfect flavors of a turtle candy all in a delicious bite sized cookie, perfect for the holidays. Prep Time 18 minsCook Time 12 minsServings 

California Roll

California Roll

There’s a reason why the California roll is so popular- you can’t go wrong with crab and avocado wrapped up with creamy mayo and cucumber slices! If you’ve ever wanted to try making sushi at home, this is the perfect recipe to start out with.

Prep Time:45minutes minutes
Servings:4 rolls

Equipment

  • 1 Bamboo mat

Ingredients

  • ▢4 cups Sushi Rice cooled
  • ▢1 package nori sheets
  • ▢8-10 sticks imitation crab about 1 package
  • ▢2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ▢1 ripe avocado
  • ▢1 english cucumber

For serving

Instructions 

  • Prepare a bamboo mat by wrapping it in plastic wrap one way and then across the other way, all around the bamboo mat. It should be completely wrapped in plastic to prevent the rice from sticking. I like to keep my bamboo mat on a cutting board for a nice, flat, clean work surface.
  • Take 8 sticks of imitation from the package and cut the sticks into small pieces. Add the pieces to a bowl with the mayonnaise whisk the crab and mayonnaise together vigorously to break the crab up further, and incorporate completely. If you want to add more crab sticks at this point, you can.
  • Cut the acovado in half, remove the pit, take the meat out of the skin, and cut into ½ inch slices.
  • Cut the ends off the cucumber and slice it into sticks. You should get 8 even sticks from one cucumber. You don’t need to peel the cucumber.
  • Lay the plastic-wrap-covered bamboo mat flat on a workspace. Lay a sheet of nori down on the mat. Spread about ¼ cup of sushi evenly onto the top of the nori.
  • Flip the nori over so the rice is facing down on the mat. To the middle of the nori, add about 3-4 tablespoons of the crab mixture evenly in a horizontal line.
  • Add the Lay 2 sticks of the cucumber next to the crab and lay the avocado down on top of the two.
  • Take the bottom edge of the sushi mat and slowly fold the nori sheet over the filling, keeping everything tightly in its place. Continue to roll the sushi upwards, keeping firm even pressure. Take your time especially with the first roll. Ensure no fillings are squeezing out the sides.
  • Once the roll has come together, give it one more good tight roll in the bamboo mat to ensure everything stays together in an even cylinder.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the sushi into individual rolls. Use one straight cut for each, don’t saw back and forth through it.
  • Plate the sushi with little dishes of wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 743kcalCarbohydrates: 154gProtein: 13gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 59mgPotassium: 254mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 3mg

Garlic Parmesan Knots

Garlic Parmesan Knots

Garlic Parmesan Knots are soft, buttery, and packed with savory flavor. Twisted into bite-sized knots and baked to golden perfection, they’re brushed with garlic and Parmesan for an irresistible appetizer or side that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. Prep: 10minutes minutesCook: 10minutes minutesYield: 16 servings Ingredients Instructions

Creamy Shrimp Risotto With Mascarpone

Creamy Shrimp Risotto With Mascarpone

Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Mascarpone is a luxurious, comforting dish that feels elegant yet approachable. Tender shrimp mingle with perfectly cooked risotto, enriched with creamy mascarpone for a silky, rich finish an indulgent meal that’s perfect for special dinners or anytime a touch of sophistication 

Loukoumades

Loukoumades

Loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey) are a delightful dessert made with a simple dough and a delicious honey syrup. This recipe makes 60 small donuts, so it’s great for sharing during special occasions and holidays. You can cut the dough ingredients in half if you want to make a smaller batch.

Prep – 20minutes mins
Cook – 10minutes mins
Serves – 60 small donuts

Ingredients

For the Loukoumades

  • ▢1 cup lukewarm water
  • ▢2 tablespoons sugar
  • ▢2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • ▢3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ▢2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ▢1 cup lukewarm milk
  • ▢3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ▢oil for frying (I used grapeseed oil)
  • ▢1/3 cup crushed nuts, such as walnuts, cashews or pistachios) (I used a combination of walnuts and cashews)
  • ▢ground cinnamon (to serve)
  • ▢powdered sugar (to serve)

For the syrup

  • ▢1 cup water
  • ▢1 cup honey
  • ▢1 cup sugar

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, mix together the water, sugar, and yeast. Set aside for 10 minutes until the yeast begins to bubble and the mixture gets foamy.
  • Add the flour, corn starch, milk, and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine, then knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.
  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it aside in warm place for 1 hour until the dough has doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar and honey. Stir and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
  • When the dough is ready, punch it down to deflate. Lightly oil your hands (this helps so that the dough does not stick). Using your hands, form the dough into small golf-size balls and arrange them on a large tray or sheetpan (this will make anywhere from 40 to 60 small donuts).
  • Fill a small saucepan about ½ up with grapeseed oil (or frying oil of your choice). Heat the oil over medium heat until bubbling (if you have a thermometer, the oil should measure at around 325 degrees F). Prepare a large tray lined with paper towel and set it nearby (you’ll use this to drain the donuts as they come out of the frying pan).
  • Take a lightly oiled spoon and carefully add the donut balls to the heated oil (do not crowd the saucepan). Fry the loukoumades for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning them around with a spoon, until they are golden brown on all sides.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried loukoumades to the paper-towel lined tray and drain briefly, then dunk the loukoumades in the prepared syrup (they should still be hot while the syrup is cool). Toss them around and then transfer to a serving plate. Continue until all the loukoumades have been fried and dunked in the syrup.
  • Once you have all the loukoumades on your serving platter, drizzle with more syrup (or save the syrup to the side in a small bowl to add as needed). Sprinkle with ground sugar and cinnamon to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 65.2kcalCarbohydrates: 14.5gProtein: 0.7gFat: 0.8gSaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 4.2mgPotassium: 11mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 9.4gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 2.2mgIron: 0.3mg

Puerto Rican Coquito

Puerto Rican Coquito

Coquito is a Puerto Rican rum and coconut drink that’s blended for a rich, creamy, and delicious treat. My grandmother and mother used to prepare it during the Christmas season as I was growing up, and the tradition has stayed with me! Prep Time: 10minsAdditional