All posts filed under: Christmas

Festive Dubai Chocolate Dates

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?

Shirini Ghandi Qazvin - Simple Persian Sugar Cookies

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!

Gerdoo Polo – Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron

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!

Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup

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

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

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.