Vegan Hamantaschen with Banana Marzipan and Biscoff

Vegan Hamantaschen with Banana Marzipan and Biscoff What type of flour is best for making vegan hamantaschen? All-purpose flour is ideal because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. All-purpose flour contains enough gluten to hold the triangular shape during baking while still allowing the cookies to remain soft and crumbly. Using only cake flour can make the dough too fragile, causing it to tear when folding around the filling. Conversely, bread flour can make the dough too tough and chewy, which is not desirable for these cookies. Blending in almond flour adds richness and a tender texture, … Read more

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Desserts / Holidays

White Chocolate Pistachio Hamantaschen

White Chocolate Pistachio Hamantaschen What makes the dough hold its shape during baking? The dough structure relies on a balanced ratio of fat, flour, and finely ground oats. Butter or coconut oil provides richness and tenderness, but too much fat can cause spreading. The inclusion of all-purpose flour supplies gluten-forming proteins that create structure once hydrated and baked. Finely ground oats act as a stabilizer, absorbing moisture and reinforcing the dough so it remains pliable yet sturdy. Proper chilling is critical. When pistachio hamantaschen dough is refrigerated for at least two hours, the fat firms and the flour hydrates fully, … Read more

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Desserts / Holidays

Fluffy Strawberry Donuts

Fluffy Strawberry Donuts What is the best flour to use for making these donuts? The best flour to use is all-purpose flour because it provides the ideal balance of gluten to create a soft yet structured dough. All-purpose flour has enough protein to allow the dough to rise properly while remaining tender, ensuring the donuts are light and fluffy. Bread flour can be too strong, resulting in denser donuts, while cake flour may make the dough too delicate and difficult to handle. When measuring flour, it’s important to weigh it or spoon it into the measuring cup lightly to avoid … Read more

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Desserts / Hanukkah

Slow Cooked Short Ribs with Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooked Short Ribs with Sweet Potatoes What is the best cut of beef for slow cooked short ribs? The ideal cut is the bone-in beef short rib itself, which comes from the plate or chuck section of the cow. These ribs have a generous amount of connective tissue and marbling, which break down during long, low-temperature cooking to produce rich, tender meat. Boneless short ribs can also be used but may lack some depth of flavor provided by the bones. When selecting, look for uniform thickness and well-marbled pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Avoid ribs that are overly lean … Read more

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Beef / Slow-Cooked

Crisp Greek Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki

Crisp Greek Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki What is the best way to make the fritters crispy? The most important step is removing excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing it into the batter. Grate the zucchini finely and then squeeze it thoroughly using your hands or a fine-mesh strainer to release water. Using self-rising flour helps give structure and a light texture, while frying in hot oil over medium-high heat ensures the exterior becomes golden and crunchy without overcooking the interior. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy fritters. Serve immediately after frying … Read more

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Hanukkah

Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Cinnamon Roll Donuts What is the ideal dough texture before the first rise? The ideal dough texture should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. When properly kneaded, the dough should pull cleanly away from the sides of the mixing bowl and form a cohesive mass that stretches without tearing. This level of gluten development is critical for cinnamon roll donuts because it allows the dough to expand evenly during proofing and frying, producing a light interior rather than a dense crumb. If the dough feels stiff or dry, the finished donuts may crack or fry unevenly. Conversely, … Read more

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Desserts / Hanukkah

Quick Mini Ricotta Donuts (No-Rise, No-Yeast)

Quick Mini Ricotta Donuts (No-Rise, No-Yeast) What is the best oil temperature for frying ricotta donuts? The ideal oil temperature for frying ricotta donuts is around 340 degrees Fahrenheit, which provides the balance needed to achieve a golden exterior without burning while allowing the interior to cook through. At lower temperatures, the donuts will absorb excess oil, resulting in a greasy texture and a heavier mouthfeel. At higher temperatures, the outer crust will darken too quickly before the inside sets, creating an undercooked center. Maintaining a consistent temperature is important because ricotta donuts contain a high moisture and dairy content … Read more

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Desserts / Holidays

Classic Hanukkah Donuts (Sufganiyot)

Classic Hanukkah Donuts (Sufganiyot) What is the best type of jam to use for Hanukkah donuts? The best type of jam is one that has a smooth texture and balanced sweetness. Strawberry, raspberry, and apricot jams are popular choices because they complement the soft, airy dough without overpowering it. The jam should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped into the donuts but not so stiff that it tears the dough. Homemade jam or high-quality store-bought varieties work equally well. Avoid jams with large chunks of fruit, as they can create gaps in the filling. Ensure the jam … Read more

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Desserts

Classic Sfinge Donuts

Classic Sfinge Donuts What makes sfinge donuts different from regular donuts? Sfinge donuts are distinct from regular donuts due to their light, airy texture and traditional Moroccan preparation. Unlike typical American-style donuts, which often use baking powder or cake dough, sfinge donuts rely on yeast fermentation to create a fluffy interior and slightly chewy bite. The dough is often enriched with a hint of arak or other aromatic spirits, giving sfinge donuts a subtle flavor depth that sets them apart from standard sweet fried pastries. They are typically deep-fried in hot oil and immediately coated in sugar, which ensures a … Read more

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Desserts / Hanukkah / Holidays

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