Homemade Caramel Popcorn Balls

Golden caramel popcorn balls arranged on a decorative Mexican-style ceramic plate, with a warm, glossy caramel coating. The scene includes colorful Mexican textiles, pottery, and small bowls of caramel sauce and popcorn kernels, creating a festive, cozy atmosphere. Warm natural light highlights the rich caramel tones and vibrant decor, adding to the inviting presentation.

Homemade Caramel Popcorn Balls

Sweet and chewy caramel popcorn balls, perfect for Halloween treats or festive gatherings!
Portions:10 popcorn balls
Cooking Time:45 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • cup sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a 4-quart saucepan and heat over high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn and keep the pan moving constantly to prevent burning.
  • When the popping slows down, remove the pan from heat and place the popped corn in the oven to keep it warm.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and continue simmering, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the hot caramel over the warm popped corn, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly.
  • Lightly butter your hands and shape the coated popcorn into balls, pressing gently to form each one.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
Pair with a light, fruity wine like Moscato for a fun contrast to the caramel sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250 kcal | Carbohydrates: 37 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 10 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 30 g | Salt: 0.1 mg
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Course Snacks
Cuisine American
Holliday Christmas / Halloween
Diets Vegetarian

Classic Almond Chocolate Toffee

Classic Almond Chocolate Toffee

Classic Almond Chocolate Toffee

Buttery, crunchy almond toffee topped with chocolate – a festive favorite!
Portions:24 pieces
(including chilling time) 1 hour
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Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 2 cups butter
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup finely chopped almonds

Instructions

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
  • Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then cook until it reaches a dark amber color, stirring occasionally.
  • While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  • Once the toffee reaches the proper temperature and color, pour it onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee and let them sit for a minute or two to soften.
  • Once the chocolate has softened, spread it into a thin, even layer.
  • Sprinkle the finely chopped almonds over the melted chocolate and gently press them in.
  • Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until fully set.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
A sweet dessert wine, like a Muscat or Tawny Port, pairs beautifully with this rich and nutty toffee.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 200 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 16 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 14 g | Salt: 0.2 mg
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Course Candy / Chocolate
Cuisine American
Holliday Christmas
Diets Vegetarian

Creamy Chocolate Walnut Fudge

Rich, dark chocolate walnut fudge cut into small squares, with visible walnut chunks. The fudge is arranged on a vibrant, traditional Mexican ceramic plate set against a colorful, festive backdrop of woven textiles and pottery. Small bowls of chocolate chips and walnuts surround the plate, adding warmth and authenticity to the cozy scene, with soft lighting highlighting the chocolate’s smooth texture and rich color.

Creamy Chocolate Walnut Fudge

Rich and creamy chocolate walnut fudge, perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet treat!
Portions:16 pieces
(including refrigeration time) 2 hours
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 can 150 grams evaporated milk
  • 10 large marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Butter a 20×20 cm baking dish and set aside.
  • Place the butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and marshmallows.
  • Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 6 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
  • Beat until the mixture thickens and loses its gloss.
  • Quickly fold in the chopped walnuts and pour the fudge into the prepared baking dish.
  • Refrigerate for several hours until firm.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
Pair with a rich, full-bodied port or dessert wine to complement the chocolatey sweetness of the fudge.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 18 g | Salt: 0.1 mg
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Course Candy
Cuisine American
Holliday Christmas
Diets Vegetarian

Chocolate Hazelnut Clouds with Cocoa

Light, airy chocolate hazelnut meringues shaped into rustic, cloud-like forms, with visible hazelnut pieces, cocoa nibs, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The meringues are arranged on a traditional Mexican-style ceramic plate, surrounded by colorful textiles and pottery. The cozy, rustic scene includes a wooden table, with small bowls of cocoa powder and hazelnuts, illuminated by natural, warm lighting.

Chocolate Hazelnut Clouds with Cocoa

Delicate chocolate hazelnut meringues with a hint of cardamom for a dreamy treat!
Portions:16 cookies
Cooking Time:1 hour
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cocoa nibs
  • 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 3 large egg whites
  • teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup hazelnuts toasted, skins removed, and coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 150°C and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Spread the hazelnuts in a pie plate and toast them for about 14 minutes, or until the skins begin to blister.
  • Transfer the hazelnuts to a kitchen towel and rub them together to remove the skins.
  • Coarsely chop the hazelnuts and place them in a bowl.
  • Add the cocoa powder, cornstarch, cocoa nibs, chopped chocolate, and ground cardamom, mixing well.
  • In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add the sugar in a thin stream, continuing to beat until the egg whites are stiff and glossy.
  • Add the vanilla and beat briefly to combine.
  • Gently fold in the dry ingredients, leaving some streaks for a marbled effect.
  • Scoop 8 level tablespoons of the meringue onto each baking sheet, then scoop the remaining meringue directly on top of each mound, forming small “clouds” or “snowmen.
  • Bake in the upper and lower thirds of the oven for about 30 minutes or until the meringues are firm when tapped, shifting the sheets halfway through for even baking.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
A light dessert wine, like a sparkling Moscato or a sweet Riesling, pairs well with the chocolate and nut flavors of these meringues.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 90 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 4 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 9 g | Salt: 0 mg
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Tropical Coconut Pistachio Meringues

Light, airy coconut pistachio meringues piped into elegant, golden-brown mounds and topped with chopped pistachios. The meringues are arranged on a decorative Mexican-style ceramic plate, surrounded by vibrant textiles and small bowls of shredded coconut and pistachios. The background features warm natural lighting and festive Mexican decor, creating an inviting, colorful ambiance.

Tropical Coconut Pistachio Meringues

Light, airy meringues with a tropical twist of coconut and a touch of pistachio crunch!
Portions:24 meringues
Cooking Time:45 minutes
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Equipment

  • Baking sheets
  • Pastry bag with 1.5 cm star tip
  • Standing mixer with whisk attachment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 4 large egg whites
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup salted roasted pistachios coarsely chopped and sifted to remove dust

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 150°C and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor, pulse the coconut, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and cornstarch until finely ground.
  • In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt at medium-high speed until firm peaks form.
  • Gradually add the remaining 2/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating until the mixture is stiff and glossy.
  • Gently fold in the coconut mixture.
  • Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1.
  • 5 cm star tip.
  • Pipe 4 cm mounds of meringue onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 3 cm apart.
  • Sprinkle each meringue with chopped pistachios.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking, until the meringues are slightly browned and set but still soft inside.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
Pair with a light, sparkling Moscato for a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 70 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 3 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 7 g | Salt: 0.1 mg
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Festive Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Golden-brown cranberry pistachio biscotti with visible cranberries and pistachios, arranged on a festive ceramic platter in a cozy, Mexican-style setting. The scene includes colorful textiles, traditional pottery, and a decorative mug of coffee, with bowls of cranberries and pistachios nearby. Warm natural lighting highlights the biscotti’s textures and colors, creating an inviting and lively holiday atmosphere.

Festive Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Deliciously crunchy biscotti with cranberries and pistachios, perfect for the holidays!
Portions:24 biscotti
Cooking Time:1 hour 15 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup light olive oil
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 ½ cups pistachio nuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 150°C.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the oil and sugar until well blended.
  • Add the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the eggs.
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
  • Gradually stir this into the egg mixture.
  • Mix in the cranberries and pistachio nuts by hand.
  • Divide the dough in half.
  • Form two logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • If the dough is sticky, wet your hands with cool water to handle it more easily.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until the logs are light brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Reduce oven heat to 135°C.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
A sweet dessert wine, such as Vin Santo, pairs wonderfully with these biscotti.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 10 g | Salt: 0.1 mg
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Cuisine Italian
Holliday Christmas
Diets Vegetarian

Cranberry Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Small glass cups of cranberry panna cotta with a smooth, pinkish-red hue, each topped with a dollop of plain yogurt and candied rose petals. The setting is vibrant, featuring colorful Mexican pottery and woven textiles, with decorative flowers on a rustic wooden table. Warm natural light enhances the inviting colors and textures, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.

Cranberry Buttermilk Panna Cotta

A festive cranberry panna cotta, perfect for a light, elegant holiday dessert.
Portions:8
Cooking Time:2 hours 25 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
  • Plain low-fat yogurt for topping
  • Candied rose petals for topping

Instructions

Prepare Cranberry Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften, about 5 minutes.

Mash Cranberries:

  • Using the back of a spoon, mash the cranberries to create a thick sauce.

Cool the Sauce:

  • Transfer the sauce to a large bowl and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until cool, about 15 minutes.

Combine with Buttermilk:

  • Stir 3 cups of the buttermilk into the cooled cranberry sauce.

Dissolve Gelatin:

  • In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over the remaining 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
  • Let it stand for 5 minutes to dissolve.

Melt Gelatin:

  • Heat the buttermilk and gelatin mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and the gelatin is melted, about 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Fold this into the cranberry mixture.

Set Panna Cotta:

  • Pour the mixture evenly into 8 glasses.
  • Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours until set.

Serve:

  • Top each panna cotta with a small dollop of yogurt and a few candied rose petals before serving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice:
A sparkling rosé or a light, slightly sweet dessert wine pairs well with this panna cotta.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 98.2 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.4 g | Protein: 4.8 g | Fat: 1.2 g | Sugar: 14.4 g
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Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Holliday Christmas
Diets Low Fat

Creamy Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate

A cozy scene featuring a festive holiday mug filled with rich, creamy crockpot hot chocolate. The drink is topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for a holiday touch. In the background, there’s a warm glow from Christmas lights, a small wreath, and seasonal decorations, along with a crockpot nearby. Festive elements like candy canes, chocolate chips, and a cozy knitted blanket add to the Christmas ambiance.

Creamy Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate

Warm up with this creamy, rich crockpot hot chocolate—perfect for Christmas Eve!
Portions:6
Cooking Time:2 hours
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:

  • In a crockpot, add the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder.
  • Stir everything together to combine.

Cook on Low:

  • Set the crockpot to low and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.

Add Vanilla:

  • After 2 hours, add the vanilla extract and give it one final stir.

Serve:

  • Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer!

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Tips:
  • Add a Peppermint Twist:
A few drops of peppermint extract can add a minty holiday flavor.
  • Serving Suggestion:
For an adult version, add a splash of Irish cream or peppermint schnapps to each mug.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a glass of cream-based liqueur like Bailey’s for a cozy holiday treat.
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Pork Belly with New Potatoes

A close-up plate of crispy pork belly, sliced into thick pieces with a caramelized crust, seasoned with smoked paprika and turmeric. Beside the pork are golden, roasted new potatoes garnished with green onions and garlic slices. The dish is presented on a rustic ceramic platter in a cozy kitchen setting with natural light and fresh ingredients like potatoes, garlic, and green onions around it, adding warmth and vibrancy.

Pork Belly with New Potatoes

Crispy pork belly with tender new potatoes, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Portions:4
Cooking Time:50 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds pork belly cut into 4 pieces
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1 pound new potatoes scrubbed

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
  • Pat dry the pork belly and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and turmeric.
  • Add oyster sauce and spritz the pork belly with nonstick cooking spray on all sides.
  • Place the pork belly in the preheated air fryer and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
  • Increase the temperature to 400°F.
  • Add green onions, garlic, and new potatoes to the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for an additional 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
  • Serve warm.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice:
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the richness of the pork belly.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 547 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.9 g | Protein: 41.1 g | Fat: 30.2 g | Sugar: 1.1 g
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Course Airfryer / Main Dish / Pork
Cuisine International
Diets Flexitarian

Tender Spare Ribs

A close-up of tender pork spareribs with a golden-brown, caramelized crust, seasoned with fajita spices, smoked paprika, and mustard. The ribs are arranged on a rustic wooden cutting board and garnished with fresh herbs. In the background, a cozy kitchen setup includes a small bowl of mustard and a beer bottle, with warm, natural lighting highlighting the rich colors and textures of the ribs.

Tender Spare Ribs

Juicy and tender air-fried spare ribs with a smoky, savory marinade.
Portions:4
+ marinating time 35 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 rack pork spareribs fat trimmed and cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon prepared brown mustard
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup beer
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, toss the spareribs with fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Pour in the beer and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  • Rub the sides and bottom of the air fryer cooking basket with peanut oil.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 365°F and cook the spareribs for 17 minutes.
  • Turn the ribs over and cook for an additional 14 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve warm.
  • Bon appétit!

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice:
Pair with a bold red wine, such as Zinfandel, to enhance the smoky flavors.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 443 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 20.5 g | Fat: 35.2 g | Sugar: 3.1 g
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Course Airfryer / Main Dish / Pork
Cuisine Mexican
Diets Flexitarian