All posts filed under: Christmas

Blinis with Caviar and Champagne

Is there anything better than waiting for midnight with caviar*, blinis*, and champagne*? The blinis have a light nutty flavor as they are made with buckwheat flour. On top, you can add a spoon of cool sour cream, a scoop of caviar, and a sprig of fresh dill. If you want, you can also add a quail’s egg and some finely chopped shallots. You have more blinis than caviar, no problem! Top some with wild salmon* and salmon roe* instead. Pair it with a glass of champagne* to bring out the flavors, or enjoy it with ice-cold vodka*. For the best taste, take a sip of vodka or champagne first to cleanse your palate, just like the gourmets do. Turn on some music, relax, and get ready to welcome the New Year in style!

Pomegranate Mulled Wine

There’s something magical about cold winter evenings when the scent of spices and warm wine fills the air. This year, I invite you to make your celebrations extra special with a unique twist: Pomegranate Mulled Wine! Made with pomegranate wine from Armenia – in a beautiful bottle shaped like a pomegranate – this mulled wine is unforgettable in both taste and appearance. Perfect for Shab-e Yalda or any outdoor Christmas gathering. Let’s dive into this flavorful experience together! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda

*Advertisement for Gegenbauer’s sweet raspberry vinegar* Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda. The longest night of the year, Shab-e Yalda, is almost here. It’s a time for warmth, family, and delicious food. For us Persians, Yalda is more than just a celebration – it’s a moment to gather, share stories, and welcome the light after the darkness. What better way to capture that feeling than with a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful salad? This beetroot salad with pomegranate and feta is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, the tangy freshness of pomegranate seeds, and the creamy feta create the perfect balance. Whether you’re celebrating Yalda or just want something special for your table, this salad is sure to impress. It is quick to prepare and makes everyone happy, whether as a side dish or a light main course. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Festive Dubai Chocolate Dates

Imagine a cozy winter evening with a warm cup of tea, your favorite tunes playing in the background, and in front of you, a plate of shiny, festive dates packed with holiday spices and a satisfying crunch. These dates are filled with Kadayif, a Turkish shredded dough, creamy tahini, pistachio butter, and pistachio paste. You can already smell the Gingerbread spices in the air as you grab your first date. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the vibrant markets of the Orient. That’s what makes Festive Dubai Dates so special – they combine sweetness, spice, and a touch of Middel East magic. They’re not just delicious but also add a warm, festive vibe that’s perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re entertaining friends or on the lookout for a unique gift, these dates will definitely wow everyone. So, why not spice up your holiday celebrations with a little taste of Dubai? Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Shirini Ghandi Qazvin – Simple Persian Sugar Cookies

Today, I’m opening the fifth door of the Culinary Advent Calendar from 1x umrühren bitte, aka Kochtopf.me, and behind it is a sweet treat from Iran: Shirini Ghandi Qazvin – Simple Persian Sugar Cookies (شیرینی قزوین) or Nan-e Ghandi (نون قندی). These little cookies are so delicate they practically melt in your mouth, and they’re super easy to whip up. You only need a handful of ingredients: flour, powdered sugar, shortening or coconut fat (the original is made with Ghee), and cardamom. It’s this simplicity that makes them special. Cardamom gives them a unique flavor, but if you’re not into that, they’re just as tasty with a splash of vanilla extract. The mix of cardamom scent and the gentle sweetness makes them stand out. The cool thing? You don’t have to let the dough rise, rest, or chill. So, give the recipe for these yummy Shirini Ghandi a try and see how they turn out! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Gerdoo Polo – Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron

Do you want an amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen? Gerdoo Polo, also known as Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron, is the dish you need. It blends the cozy flavors of cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom just right. The walnuts add a rich nuttiness that really shines in Persian cuisine. Coming from the charming city of Shahr-e Kord, this dish is perfect as a side for meats or veggies. Plus, it makes a fantastic vegetarian main course, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or to impress guests at a festive gathering! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup

This Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup سوپ پسته is super easy to make and is loaded with healthy fats and proteins. It’s perfect for nourishing your body and giving your soul a little comfort. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, this soup really stands out. It’s a fantastic starter for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner and works great as a late-night dish for your New Year’s buffet. So if you’re looking to add something festive and healthy to your holiday spread, this pistachio soup is just the thing!

Rose Cookies – Three Cookies from one Dough

Advent is just around the corner and you haven’t had the chance to bake any cookies yet. If the thought of preparing multiple doughs feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. I understand, and am here to help! I have a delightful recipe that will make your baking experience easier: Rose Cookies—Three Cookies from One Dough. Just picture how beautiful these cookies are! You can create pistachio rose cookies with a hint of lemon zest, beautifully topped with a lemon-cherry glaze and delicate rose petals arranged in a paisley design. Or if you prefer something with a warm spice, try the pistachio rose cookies infused with cardamom, finished off with a delicious cinnamon-coriander chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of pistachios. And for an extra special touch, don’t miss out on the rose cookies with a rose-raspberry glaze, elegantly topped with soft rose petals. It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors during this special season! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Cake Sib – Persian Apple Cake with Pistachios کیک سیب

I hope you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the beginning of the New Year. Today, I have for you a simple apple cake based to my grandmother’s old recipe – Cake Sib – Persian apple cake with pistachios کیک سیب. At this time of year, cakes with apples taste extra delicious. Since I used cinnamon and other winter spices, it is also perfect for the Christmas and winter season. But we also love to eat it all year round. Bake the cake, and your home will be filled with the scent of 1001 nights.

Ghorabieh – Persian Almond Macaroons قرابیه

Ghorabieh – Persian Almond Macarons قرابیه

Nowrooz is coming, so let’s start thinking about Shirinipazi (baking cookies)! After all, we also have the ritual of baking cookies for Nowrooz as you do for Christmas. It’s about 6 Days from now to Monday, March 20 at 10:25 pm in Germany. I have some cookie recipes on my Blog for you for the holidays. For today, I have the recipe for gluten-free Ghorabieh – Persian Almond macaron قرابیه, a traditional treat from the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran. Ghorabieh is a popular souvenir from Tabriz and is one of the most expensive cookies baked in Persia.

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