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4 Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Your Best Girls in 2023

4 Ways to Celebrate Galentine's Day with Your Best Girls in 2023

Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to gather your gals together to celebrate friendship with festive spirit, no matter how happily single, married, or in-between relationships you are. You may have expressed gratitude to your best friend all year long, but it never hurts to take a day to go all out with the best appreciation for them. Because let’s be honest, they’re people through thick and thin. Best Galentine’s Day ideas incorporate your friend’s favorite things into the day. Are ready to learn how to celebrate this day with your best friends? Here’re some Galentine’s Day ideas your besties will love, especially if they’re foodies.

What Is Galentine's Day?

“Galentine’s Day” is a fictional holiday made famous by Leslie Knope, the main character of the TV series Parks and Recreation. In it, Leslie Knope throws her annual Galentine’s Day party the day before Valentine’s Day and celebrates with all her female friends. Since the first episode of “Galentine’s Day” aired on TV in 2010, the fictional holiday has gained a lot of attention in real life.

Why Is It Called Galentine's?

Galentine’s Day is a holiday debuted by Leslie Knope – the character in Amy Poehler’s Parks and Recreation, to celebrate her own female friends on Feb. 13. Galentine’s Day is also known as Valentine’s Day Eve. So, Essentially, the meaning of Galentine’s Day is Valentine’s Day for your gals. As Leslie put it: “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”

When Is Galentine's Day?

Galentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 13. This year, the holiday falls on Monday. Even though Galentine’s Day is not a national holiday, it has grown in popularity over the years.

How Do You Spend Galentine's Day?

Female friendship is one of the strongest bonds between people. Galentine’s Day is a day to celebrate female friendships and to show appreciation for their women friends. Women love to support their friends, are great listeners, and are always there for their friends, which is why this fictional holiday is so popular. Here’re 5 Galentine’s Day ideas for your foodie gal pals.

1. Brunch

If you get together with your friends to celebrate Galentine’s Day, follow Leslie Knope’s lead with a “breakfast-style” celebration, and treat your friends to mimosas and waffles for a Galentine’s Day brunch. As our gift to you, we’ve gathered some breakfast and breakfast-adjacent recipes that will show your appreciation in the best way possible.

2. Challenge Your Friends to a Bake Off

One of the best parts of Galentine’s Day is enjoying dessert together at the end of the evening. To create more memories with your best friends, you can host a baking competition at home. Choose a dessert recipe and see which of your friends makes it the best. If you need some inspiration, we love this Ferrero Rocher Holiday Chocolate Cake and this St.Patrick’s Day Guinness Brownie.

3. Take an Afternoon Tea

Enjoying afternoon tea with your best friends is a truly special Galentine’s Day celebration. You can book a table at a local tea room or throw an afternoon tea party at home. If you’re planning an afternoon tea party to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year, here are some delicious afternoon tea recipes to put on your tea party in style.

4. Host a Cookie Swap

For your cookie-loving friends, hosting a cookie exchange party is a sweet idea for Galentine’s Day. Let everyone bake their favorite cookie recipes, then swap them at your gathering. Check out these Galentine’s Day cookie recipes for some of the tastiest options.

10 Pieces of Essential Baking Tools We Love

Baking is an art form that requires the right tools to be successful. Your besties need to have the right baking equipment to ensure that pastries, bread, and cakes are mixed well and baked evenly on Galentine’s Day. Here’re some essential baking tools for your friends’ baking needs.

 

FAQs

What's the Difference Between Valentines and Galentine's?

Galentine’s Day is similar to Valentine’s Day, but for the gals. The holiday is observed every year on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is geared towards celebrating female friendship.

Valentine’s Day is an annual holiday to celebrate romantic love, friendship and admiration. Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on Feb. 14 with this year landing on Tuesday. On that day, lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts.

Is Galentine's Day Only for Singles?

Galentine’s day is a traditional celebration of women and their friends. Galentine’s Day is all about female friendship. So, whether you’re single, married, or in a relationship, you can celebrate friendship with the most important ladies in your life on Galentine’s Day.

Our Recipes

Best Homemade Croissant Recipe for National Croissant Day

Best Homemade Croissant Recipe for National Croissant Day

January 30th is National Croissant Day in the United States, giving all of us a chance to celebrate this creamy, crescent-shaped, curved pastry. The croissant rolls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There’s nothing better than having a breakfast croissant with the combination of coffee to kick your day off.

What Is a Croissant?

A croissant is a classic French pastry that is rolled into a crescent shape. Although croissants are considered a French specialty, they originated in Austria. Back then, it wasn’t as flaky as it is today. Later, in France, further changes were made to give it a proper shape and a crisper, more tender taste.

The croissant is a crispy nutritious breakfast item. It’s a popular snack that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, simply covered with everything from butter to whipped cream. If you haven’t tried this flaky and delicious homemade breakfast yet, National Croissant Day is the perfect opportunity to make them yourself.

Is It Hard to Make Homemade Croissants?

Making croissants with your own two hands from wholesome ingredients is the best way to taste them and learn how they are prepared. Traditional croissant making is a time-consuming process that involves the tedious processes of laminating, chilling, rolling, shaping, and baking. And with the feature of being airy, fluffy, rich, and buttery all at the same time, it is quite a bit more involved than most baking projects.

But for this homemade croissant recipe, we’ve cut out a lot of steps to save you making time. And the end result is just as good. When coming out of the oven, these fresh, warm, buttery, and flaky pastries will definitely wake up your senses. What a way to start the day!

What Kitchen Appliances Can You Use to Make Croissants More Easily?

A high-quality kitchen appliance can help simplify the cooking steps to a certain extent, saving time and energy.

To make croissants, typically, you’ll need a stand mixer like Ventray Stand Mixer to help mix your ingredients quickly and thoroughly. Another essential piece of equipment is an oven like Ventray Countertop Convection Oven to bake the croissants evenly for better and more satisfying results.

How to Make This Best Homemade Croissant Recipe?

Unlike other croissant recipes, this homemade croissant recipe doesn’t have a lot of steps, folding, and specific measuring and counting, making it suitable even for beginners. So, following our recipe, you’ll still have all those beautiful flaky layers, but it really cuts down on the prep work!

Start by mixing together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt with a stand mixer. Then add unsalted butter. Make sure every piece of butter is coated in the flour mixture.

Fold everything together until the dough forms a ball. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours before you start rolling and folding.

Click HERE to see the specific steps to make this homemade croissant.

Croissants fall into that category of laminated pastry. Cold butter is the key to the success of laminated doughs, so it’s very important to keep the dough cold at all times. Work as fast as possible, and if you notice the butter becoming soft at any point, wrap it right up and chill it until it’s stiff again.

How to Shape Croissants?

Firstly, divide the dough in half to make it easier to work with, and roll it out into a large, long rectangle. Ideally, it measures about 10 inches wide, 22 inches long, and about 1/8 inch thick.

Secondly, use a sharp knife to trim off the edges and cut the dough into long, skinny triangles. The target width is about 5 inches.

Next, cut a small notch in the wide end, which will help the croissant bend more easily and keep its curved shape.

Finally, start at the wide end of the triangle, and roll it all the way away from you. Be sure the point is hidden under the croissant, then bend the croissant into a curved crescent shape. Then pinch the ends together.

What Are the Tips for Success?

Here are some tips to make croissant success easier.

  • The butter needs to be chilled all the time.
  • Keep the sides of the dough as straight as possible while rolling.
  • Remove excess flour before folding.
  • If each step takes more than a few minutes, return the dough to the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Pinch out the square corners before folding the dough.
  • Just rolling lengthwise stretches the dough instead of widening it.
  • Be careful with the dough and be patient with yourself.

FAQs

What Tastes Good on a Croissant?

Croissants can be spread with a variety of delicious toppings. Croissants are also delicious with a little honey, a bit of strawberry jam, clotted cream, lemon curd, or a smear of butter. You can even stuff them before baking. For instance, you can place a few pinches of chopped dark chocolate on the wide side of the triangle before rolling it up.

Why Are Croissants Shaped Like a Moon?

“Croissant” comes from the word for “crescent”. A crescent moon shape was a symbol on the flag of the Ottoman Empire. These delicious crescent-shaped pastries are made to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.

How Do People Celebrate National Croissant Day?

Here are some ways to celebrate National Croissant Day.

  • Bake your own croissants.
  • Treat your friends and coworkers to fresh-baked, warm croissants.
  • Make a soup or salad to serve with croissants.
  • Teach others who want to learn how to make croissants.
  • Use #NationalCroissantDay to post on social media.

Our Recipes

4 Best Ways to Celebrate National Pie Day

4 Best Ways to Celebrate National Pie Day

National Pie Day is just around the corner. As a huge fan of pies, you probably want to add some new delicious pie recipes to your yesteryear pie menu to kick this year off right. Or, as a Gen Z pie fan, you’re probably looking for new pie-related ways to celebrate National Pie Day this year. If you don’t have an idea yet, we’re here to help.

When Was National Pie Day Created?

National Pie Day is a holiday in the United States, usually celebrated on January 23. This day was started in Colorado in 1975 by a school teacher named Charlie Papazian. His birthday was January 23, and he decided to remember it forever as National Pie Day. Why did he name it Pie Day? Just because he loved pie.

Why Do We Celebrate National Pie Day?

National Pie Day, which began in 1975, is celebrated on January 23. There’s no particular reason to celebrate National Pie Day. On this day, pie lovers typically celebrate pies by baking and eating them, trying new pie recipes, and gifting pies to others to show how much they love them.

In 1986, the American Pie Council began sponsoring the day in honor of Crisco’s 75th anniversary. As a day of celebration, National Pie Day allows us to enjoy one of our favorite desserts guilt-free. Although pie exists in some form worldwide, the United States has an inextricable relationship with this dessert.

How Do You Celebrate National Pie Day?

You can celebrate National Pie Day in many ways. A classic way to celebrate National Pie Day is to spend time with friends and bake different pies. To make your National Pie Day celebration impressive and meaningful this year, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate the day.

1. Make Your Own Pies

Pies are made up of pastry crusts filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Making your pies will give you a greater appreciation for pies as you learn more about the making process and gain some new cooking skills.

National Pie Day is the best time to treat the pie lovers in your life with different delicious pies like apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and chili pie. Pie making is an art; to help you succeed, here are some delicious homemade pie recipes from Ventray for this National Pie Day.

 

2. Host a Baking Challenge

You can invite your friends, family, or co-workers to your home for the National Pie Day Baking Challenge. Sweet or savory pies, whatever their favorite, it’s always fun to bring people together who share a common interest. The pie contest winner can get creative prizes like a free lunch and even a box full of pie-baking supplies.

Which Kitchen Appliances Can You Use to Make the Best Pies in This Bake-Off Challenge?
As the saying goes, “Who wishes to do his work well must first sharpen his tools.” Here are some of the best kitchen appliances that will give your “contestants” the best cooking experience and will get their appreciation.

  • Ventray Stand Mixer
    Ventray Stand Mixer is a tilt-head stand mixer with a 500-watt, 18,000 RPM motor, 6-speed setting, and 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl that will upgrade your existing baking or cooking tools without stretching your budget too much.
  • Ventray Oven
    Ventray Oven which features 12 built-in cooking settings and 26QT large capacity is an all-in-one countertop convection oven that can handle nearly all of your ingredients. It utilizes super convection technology to distribute heat evenly around the chamber, cooking food faster. This oven is worth every penny spent on its awesome functions.

3. Watch a Pie-Themed Movie

If you love pie and love movies, maybe you can try to put them together. A movie centered completely around pie would probably just make people want to eat. However, some great pie scenes in movies will make your eyes shine.

Our 2 Favorite Pie Scenes in Movies

  • Waitress (2007) – Baking a pie helps a woman remember and honor her mother
  • Labor Day (2013) – Baking a pie helps two characters find love

4. Listen to the Pie-Themed Music

Playing pie-themed music while baking and eating pies is a great thing for pie lovers. Somes songs are dedicated love songs to specific pie flavors; some songs refer to terms of endearment for lovers; some just make a casual reference to pie.

Our Top 5 Songs about Pie

National Pie Day vs National Pi Day: What's the Difference?

January 23 is National Pie Day, a time to celebrate the delicious-sounding day with comforting, delectable pie. This is a day for pie lovers everywhere to host pie parties and share pie with their friends, family, or co-workers.

National Pi Day falls March 14 ever year. It is an international holiday popular among educational institutions and math enthusiasts to celebrate the mathematical constant, π (pi), or 3.14159265359.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, 4 best ways to help celebrate National Pie Day and the holiday season! Ask for our recommendation? We think you can go either way or combine some of them, depending on your preference, to make your pie celebration the best of the year.

It’s Pie Time! Happy National Pie Day!

Our Recipes

Strawberry Coconut Milk Sorbet

Strawberry Coconut Milk Sorbet

This refreshing and delicious Strawberry Coconut Sorbet is the perfect healthy dessert, packed with tons of creamy coconut flavor and sweet-tart strawberry goodness.

For other delicious sorbet recipes, view more.

#Ice-cream

Ingredients

  • 3 cups strawberries
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (optional)
  • Shredded coconut

Directions

  1. Add strawberries, coconut milk, maple syrup, and shredded coconut to the Ventray Blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze until ready to eat.
  3. Remove from the freezer, and let thaw for about 15 minutes, just until you can easily scoop it.
  4. Enjoy!

Make This Recipe With

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Kiwi Papaya Smoothie

Kiwi Papaya Smoothie

This recipe combines kiwi and papaya for a deliciously refreshing smoothie. A healthy smoothie packed with vitamins and antioxidants you’ll love.

For other healthy kiwi recipes, and smoothie recipes, view more.

#Smoothie #Healthy

Ingredients

  • Almond milk

  • Kiwi sliced

  • Papaya sliced

  • Vanilla extract

  • Ice cubes

     

Directions

  1. Add kiwi slices, papaya slices, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the Ventray Blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add ice cubes and blend again until smooth and even.
  3. Pour into glasses.
  4. Enjoy!

Make This Recipe With

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Thoughtful Back-to-School Gifts for Parents and College Students in 2023

Thoughtful Back-to-school gifts for parents and college students in 2023

As Christmas break draws to a close, which means a busy new school year is just around the corner. An appropriate back-to-school gift idea is a great way to keep parents and college students motivated, comfortable, and happy throughout the year. If you’re looking for back-to-school gifts for parents or college students, here we’ve gathered some of our favorite items and brands we trust.

Most Meaningful Gifts for Parents

1. Stand Mixer

This Ventray SM600 Stand Mixer with unique capabilities that can streamline the making process is a great gift for busy parents. This tilt-head stand mixer offers 6 speeds and three included accessories – wire whisk, dough hook, and flat beater that can quickly and easily knead, stir, mix and whip ingredients for a variety of recipes and a multiple multipurpose attachment hub and three optional accessories – pasta maker, meat grinder, and vegetable slicer that can help you unlock more cooking possibilities.

2. Countertop Convection Oven

If you want to easily prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner for your kids during the workday, a powerful and versatile oven will come in handy. With 12 cooking functions, this easy-to-use Ventray Countertop Convection Oven can do it all – from baking to air frying. This compact appliance is big on features, with convection cooking that cooks food evenly and quickly, making it perfect for everything from pizza to roasted chicken. The timer automatically shuts off after 90 minutes, so you can focus on your other tasks. This oven is made with stainless steel and a nonstick coating, making it easy to clean.

 3. Bookshelf Speakers

The Edifier R1280T Bookshelf Speakers are a great option to pair your turntables with a complementing audio system. These speakers will look great in any room. The smooth teak-colored wood paneling will work with most decor themes and could possibly even be the center of attention. The quality features are almost endless. With dual RCA inputs, a universal power supply, and a 4-inch bass driver with a calibrated and flared bass reflex port, you will experience the ultimate sound performance.

4. A Cup of Tea- Fleur Gift Set

A good cup of tea is a great way for you to enjoy your breaks. The charming green lidded porcelain cup and tea-bag cradle inside make the perfect gift, while the 10 enclosed sachets (of Blueberry Merlot, Earl Grey, Hibiscus Blossom, Jasmine Green, and Peach Blossom tea) make the perfect break-time treat. This set makes an ideal gift for any lover of fine tea, art, and nature.

Most Practical Gifts for College Students

2. KitchenAid Siphon Brewer

A quality coffee maker will make sure that your college student’s morning pick-me-up brewed to perfection. The KitchenAid Siphon Brewer is a unique combination of spectacle and quality. This coffee maker brews rich, rich, and enticingly delicious coffee. Its vintage brewing process, based on steam pressure and vacuum suction is also mesmerizing, watching the coffee drip into the glass bottle. The Siphon Brewer comes with a reusable stainless-steel filter so no paper filter is required.

2. Okaysou Aqua Q6 Humidifier

A good humidifier can make your college student’s door room more comfortable by keeping the surrounding air at optimal moisture levels. This Okaysou Aqua Q6 Humidifier has a 360° rotating nozzle to generate both warm and cool mist for quick humidification and reducing dust in the air. It is equipped with an advanced touch panel that displays your room’s humidity and multiple control functions. It works quietly and the built-in essential oil tray lets you enjoy your favorite aromas while breathing in moist air.

3. Edifier MP280 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

An updated back-to-school gift list should include a good portable Bluetooth speaker. It is a must-have gadget for modern life. This compact and portable Bluetooth speaker by Edifier allows your college student to stream music and sound clips with ease. It offers a 360° full range of high volume to fit a large space. It also has long battery life and an emergency charging station.

4. Sonoma Modern Lunchbox

Fully insulated and personalized with your college student’s initials, this 6″ half-height tote is a stylish, thoughtful, and stylish gift. This cotton tote has handles and a top zip to comfortably hold a can of soda, lunch, and snacks.

5. Yeti Refillable Coffee Mug

This coffee mug that features double-wall, vacuum-insulated body can protect your hands from hot or cold contents while keeping coffee, chili, or oatmeal nice and hot. Yeti is now a major player in the reusable mug industry, creating a heat-retaining cage that many coffee lovers now claim to be their favorite. The slide-on sip top and side handles make it super comfortable to hold in your hand.

Final Thoughts

The start of January feels like every day is just one small step toward school. While we can’t delay the school year, we’re here to help you make the school year happy and comfortable. Pick a thoughtful gift of encouragement for parents or college students to kickstart this national back-to-school prep day.

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10 Practical Resolutions to Make 2023 Your Healthiest Year

10 Practical Resolutions to Make 2023 Your Healthiest Year

Ring in the New Year with a fresh start! Take charge of your health and make 2023 the year you take your wellness journey to the next level. 

Why is it important to have a New Year's resolution?

It’s important to have a New Year’s resolution because it allows us to take stock of our lives, assess our goals and areas for improvement, and create a plan for achieving them. Having something tangible to work towards gives us motivation and focus, as well as bettering our overall health and wellbeing. It also allows us to challenge ourselves in new and exciting ways, which can be empowering and rewarding. Finally, it’s a great way to start the New Year by setting ourselves up for success. 

Here are some resolutions that could help get you there.

1. Eat healthier 

Eat less takeout and focus on home-cooked meals. Make sure to stock your pantry with healthy ingredients that you enjoy, such as fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts.

 

2. Reduce your sugar and fat intake 

Sugar and fat can quickly add unnecessary calories to your diet, so it’s important to be mindful of how much you are consuming. Try to reduce the amount of added sugar in your diet by avoiding processed foods and opting for fresh fruit instead. Similarly, limit the amount of saturated fats you eat by cutting out fried foods and choosing lean proteins instead.

 

3. Eat breakfast every day

You’ve heard it before, but eating a healthy breakfast can set the tone for the rest of your day – and help keep hunger pangs at bay. Aim to start each morning with something that has quality protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

 

4. Slow down while eating

When you eat too quickly, it’s easy to overeat. Try taking smaller bites and chewing each bite thoroughly before moving on to the next one. This can help you slow down and actually experience the flavors of the food, giving your brain time to register when you are full so that you don’t overindulge.

 

5. Try something new 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes or ingredients. Challenge yourself to learn how to prepare more health-conscious meals, such as grain bowls, salads, and veggie-filled dishes.

 

6. Drink more water

Staying hydrated is important for overall health and wellbeing, so try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will help flush out toxins, keep you feeling energized, and improve your focus.

 

7. Take time for yourself

Too often we forget to take care of ourselves and end up feeling sluggish and overwhelmed. Make time each week to do something that you find enjoyable and calming, like reading a book or taking a walk.

 

8. Exercise regularly

Find a form of exercise that you enjoy – whether it’s running, biking, swimming, or yoga – and do it at least three times per week. This will help keep your body and mind fit and energized and could even reduce stress levels.

 

9. Get more sleep

Aim to get seven or eight hours of sleep each night, as this is essential for optimal health. If you find yourself having trouble sleeping, try some relaxation techniques like taking a hot bath before bed or drinking herbal tea.

 

10. Spend more time with family and friends

A strong social network can be hugely beneficial to our mental health, so try to make some extra time for those closest in your life this year. Whether it’s going out for coffee or having a movie night, quality time with loved ones can be life-changing.

How to make sure you can stick to these resolutions?

To ensure you follow through on these resolutions, it’s important to make yourself accountable. Track your progress in a journal or online calendar, and set reminders for yourself so that you don’t forget what you need to do. Additionally, try to find a friend or family member who is willing to hold you accountable and encourage you to stay on track. With a little dedication and self-discipline, you can make 2023 the year of improved wellness.

Not all resolutions have to take the form of major life changes – sometimes even small changes can make a big difference. Write down your goals and prioritize them according to importance so that you know exactly what you need to focus on. Then, take actionable steps towards achieving them, remembering to break them down into achievable chunks. This way, you can make steady progress and stay motivated throughout the year. With a little patience and dedication, you’ll be sure to reach your goals in 2023 and beyond. 

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and reward yourself for any progress you make. Best of luck with reaching your 2023 goals! Happy New Year!

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How To Soak Fruits for Christmas Cake: A Quick Guide

How To Soak Fruits for Christmas Cake: A Quick Guide

One of the best things about Christmas is the delicious food. There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked Christmas cake wafting through the house. If you’re making a fruit cake this year, you’ll need to soak your fruit before adding it to the cake mix. Here’s a quick guide on how to soak fruits for Christmas cake.

How To Soak Fruits to Make a Delicious Christmas Cake?

Fill the Jar with Fruit:

Choose your fruit before soaking dried fruit for the cake. You can use any combination of dried fruits, fresh fruits, or even frozen fruits. Just make sure that they are chopped into small pieces before soaking dried fruit for Xmas cake.

What fruits are best for a Christmas cake: 

  • Black Raisins
  • Candied Fruit
  • Currants
  • Dried Fruit
  • Figs
  • Mixed Peel
  • Orange Peel
  • Other dried fruits: Prunes, apricots, cranberries, cherries, mango, apple, etc.

Preparing the Fruit:

  1. Start by washing the fruit in cold water. This will remove any dirt or pesticide residue.
  2. Cut the fruit into small pieces if necessary. You want all the pieces to be roughly the same size, so they soak evenly.
  3. Place the fruit in a large bowl or container.

Fill the Jar with Liquid:

Next, fill the jar the rest of the way with liquid.  

What is the best liquor to soak fruitcake in? 

Best alcohol for soaking fruit cake:

There are many types of alcohol that can be used for soaking fruit cake, but the best options are generally going to be those that are high in sugar content. This includes options like rum, brandy, whisky, and port wine. These types of alcohol will help to keep the fruit cake moist and also add some extra flavor to the cake. 

You can also soak the fruit in orange juice, apple juice, or any other type of fruit juice. This is a good option if you’re making a cake for someone who doesn’t drink alcohol. Just make sure the liquid covers all of the fruit.

Best jars for preserving freshness of fruit:

Choose jars that are airtight and made of glass or food-grade plastic. Avoid using metal containers as they can react with the fruit and affect its flavor.

  • Glass: food-safe, airtight, can be reused
  • Plastic: food-safe, airtight, reusable if BPA-free
  • Flip Lid Design: for easy opening and closing
  • Jar with Wide Mouth: easy to fill and clean

Seal the Jar:

Tightly seal the jar and give it a shake to make sure all of the fruit is coated with liquid. Then, store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours.

  1. Stirring occasionally.
  2. After 24 hours, taste a piece of fruit to see if it’s soft enough. If not, let it soak for another 12-24 hours.
  3. Once the fruit is soft, drain it in a colander.
  4. Place the drained fruit on a clean towel and pat it dry.
  5. Spread the fruit out on a baking sheet and allow it to air-dry for 1-2 hours.
  6. Once the fruit is completely dry, add it to your Christmas cake mix.

How much alcohol do you soak fruit it for Christmas cake?

The amount of alcohol you soak fruit in for Christmas cake depends on your personal preference. If you want a strong alcohol flavor, soak the fruit in a cup of brandy or rum. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the fruit in a cup of orange juice or apple cider.

Does fruit soaked in alcohol need to be refrigerated? 

No, the fruit doesn’t need to be refrigerated if it’s soaked in alcohol. However, if you’re using a non-alcoholic liquid, such as fruit juice, then you should refrigerate the fruit.

How long does it take to soak the fruit in alcohol for fruit cake?

The longer you soak the fruit, the more flavorful your cake will be. If you’re short on time, you can soak the fruit for as little as 30 minutes. However, if you have the time, we recommend soaking the fruit overnight or for more days for the best results.

Christmas Fruit Cake Dark Rum Flavor

This recipe is for a dark rum-flavored fruit cake that is perfect for Christmas. The cake is moist and full of flavor, and the rum gives it a nice boozy kick. This cake is also relatively easy to make, so it’s perfect for those who want to avoid the hassle of making a traditional fruit cake.

Soaking fruit for Christmas cake in advance is an easy way to ensure that your cake will be delicious and flavorful. By following these simple steps, you can look forward to a moist and tasty dessert this holiday season! 

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Tips Every Baker Should Know This Holiday Season

Tips every Baker Should Know This Holiday season

Baking is one of the most beloved parts of the holidays. Many of us love the aromas and flavors of the holiday baking season and the fond time to enjoy sweet and delicious desserts with family and friends. Holiday baking is a joyful and stress-relieving activity in which the whole family can get involved. To make sure that your holiday baking brings nothing but joy, you may need some handy Christmas baking hacks to help you skip all that frustration.

What Are Some Failures in Baking?

Baking is a science. Many things matter, such as method, temperature, time, etc. Here are some common failures you may come through during your baking.

Cookies

  • Your cookies are dry and dense
  • Your cookie dough is hard
  • Your cookies always stick
  • Your cookies are not baking evenly
  • Your cookies are flat

Cake

  • Your cookies are flat
  • Your cake does not rise
  • Your cake comes out too dry and dense
  • Your cake is stuck in the middle
  • Your cake browns unevenly
  • Your cake is rubbery or stiff
  • Your cake has crusty edges

What Are the Five Tips for Successful Baking?

Good bakers aren’t born but made. A few minor adjustments and careful attention when baking will fix everything. Follow these five-holiday baking tips, skip all the failures, and go straight to making beautiful cookies, cakes, and baked goods.

1. Soften the butter properly

Butter that is too cold or warm will lead to dense and flat cookies, so leave your butter at room temperature before beginning to bake. Here are a few ways you can try to soften butter:

  1. Let your butter sit on the counter for 2-3 hours.
  2. Cut the refrigerated butter into small cubes, then leave it at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  3. Soften the butter in the microwave on low power in 15-second intervals, turning the pieces after each interval.

2. Aerate during the dough mixing 

If you don’t aerate your flour, your dough will be too dry. Stirring the butter with sugar creates small air bubbles that aerate the dough and help it rise in the oven. The way to mix ingredients is important. You can beat the butter and sugar with a stand mixer or hand mixer until light yellow and fluffy.

Here are some common terms you should know in baking, especially for beginners:

  • Beat means stirring quickly and thoroughly to add air to the mixture.
  • Blend means stirring together until combined.
  • Mix means stirring until the ingredients are fully combined.

3. Measure for wet and dry ingredients accurately 

Precision is a must for baking. Liquids should be measured in a glass or plastic measuring cup, which is designed for liquids with a handle and spout. Dry ingredients should be measured in smaller individual cups. When measuring the flour, scoop the flour into the measuring cup, let it overflow, and use a straight-edge sweep across the top to make it even.

4. Check the oven temperature

All ovens are slightly different, so many don’t match the temperature called for in the recipe. Before starting a recipe, check the temperature required in the recipe and adjust the baking time as needed. Most recipes require the oven to be preheated, which means getting the oven to the correct temperature before you put the item in. Preheat time varies by oven.

5. Pick the right tools

Want to level up your baking game? Consider these top baking tools recommended by our team.

 

Stand Mixer 

With a powerful 800-watt motor and three included accessories (a flat beater, a dough hook, and a wire whisk), the Ventray SM600 Stand Mixer will whip, knead, and whisk all your ingredients powerfully. A 6.35-quart stainless steel mixing bowl is a good choice for baking large quantities of bread dough. Plus, its tilt-head design allows you to easily access the bowl.

 

 

Oven Thermometer

 

Temperature accuracy is important for baking. This Rubbermaid Instant Read Oven Thermometer features an easy-to-read dial, a 60 to 580 F temperature range, and durable stainless steel construction, making it handy when baking recipes with non-standard temperatures. Just place it in the oven, so you know the actual baking temperature all the time.

 

 

Cooling Rack Set

 

Anyone with limited countertop space will love this Ironwood Gourmet Stackable Cooling Rack Set. It’s stackable to save space and features a sleek non-stick chrome finish for easy release and quick cleanup. This cooling rack allows air to circulate, providing a proper cooling spot for your freshly baked cookies and hot dishes. Three racks are included. 

 

 

Blender

 

This Ventray PRO 600 Blender will be a boon for anyone looking to speed up a special recipe. With a powerful motor that can boost up to 30,000 RPM, this blender can easily grind and smooth all your ingredients in seconds. Plus, thanks to its precisely controllable 8-speed settings, it can make anything from silky green smoothies to creamy soups. 

 

 

Silicone Baking Mat

 

A quality silicone baking mat is a must-have because it’s non-stick and reusable, saving you money and the hassle of over-cleaning. Made from a dedicated silicone and reinforced fiberglass mesh, this Silpat Silicone Baking Mat can replace the need for butter, grease, oil, and sprays, spending less time cleaning up and more time enjoying baking.

FAQs

How Do You Make Gingerbread Keep Their Shape?

Chill the dough – When you’ve made the dough and let it sit for at least an hour, cut out the gingerbread cookie shapes and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or more before baking.

Turn up the oven temperature – Baking the cookies at a higher temperature helps gingerbread cookies rise quickly and hold their shape during baking.

Why Does My Gingerbread Always Sink in The Middle?

Baking soda is a very active raising agent. Adding too much baking soda will cause the gingerbread to rise up a lot during baking, then sink dramatically. To prevent gingerbread from sinking in the middle, try mixing the baking soda with the wet ingredients, then coarsely beat some of the batter to strengthen the flour. This will give your gingerbread a sturdier texture while retaining its moisture.

Which Ingredient Makes Cookies Moist and Tender?

Adding a tablespoon of molasses or honey to a standard-sized cookie recipe can add moisture to your cookies, resulting in a moist, soft texture. One tablespoon is just enough. More than a tablespoon will make your cookies super sweet and fluffy.

What Gives Cookies More Flavor?

Some complex proteins, like malted milk powder and browned butter, can bring bright flavor to your cookies. Adding vanilla will also give these cookies more taste and bring out the chocolate flavor.

When to Make Christmas Cake?

Making Christmas cakes is one of the best Christmas traditions. You’d better make it two or three months before Christmas because the cake needs to be fed at regular intervals with a high ABV like brandy, rum, and whisky to help mature it.

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Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine

Made with simmering red wine and a variety of warming spices, this easy-to-make traditional Christmas drink is your favorite warming drink for fall and winter.

#holidays #drinks.

Ingredients

  • 750-ml bottle red wine
  • 1 lemon, remove the zest
  • 2 oranges, remove the zest
  • 6 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Ginger, peeled and sliced
  • Honey
  • Brandy

      For the garnish

  • 1/2 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 orange, sliced into rounds
  • Cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Place the deep plate onto the Ventray Grill and heat over medium heat.

2. Add all ingredients to the plate.

3. To simmer rather than boil, reduce heat to medium-low.

4. Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.

5. Serve warm, garnish with orange and lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

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