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Taramosalata (Fish roe salad - meze)

  Photo taken from Athinorama Umami Taramosalata There are also the Greek classics, think something like a dip but instead of using nachos or vegetables to eat them we use bread. Taramosalata is one of those dishes.   It is roe fish blended into a creamy pink dip of pureed potatoes with parsley, lemon juice, and finely chopped onion (optional).   In meze, this is one of the first dishes that it is served.   In taverns, they always bring it along with salad, tzatziki, and tahini.   We will talk about the last two later.   Well, let’s see our recipe…   Ingredients 2 kg tarama (fish roe). 1 large potato or two small ones 450gr of Greek bread 1 tsp of shredded and dried onion 1 cup olive oil The juice of one lemon (medium size) Tarama is the hardest ingredient to find, so it is a good idea to look at groceries that import Mediterranean food. It is usually sold in larger jars, but you can store the remainder in the freezer for months. Peel the potatoes and cut t

How To Make Easter Cookies (step by step instructions)

 

 

Easter is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious homemade cookies? Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, making Easter cookies can be a fun and rewarding activity for all. From classic sugar cookies to creative designs, there are endless possibilities when it comes to baking treats for this festive holiday. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let's dive into the world of Easter cookie baking!

 

 

Easter Cookie Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

1 cup of softened butter 

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 whole eggs 

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

3 cups of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt. 

 

 Preparation Method

  • Preheat the oven to 175ºC (350ºF).
  • In an electric mixer combine together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. (Use the paddle attachment)
  • Add the salt, vanilla, and eggs; beat until well mixed.
  • Whisk together the flour and baking powder and add it to the butter mixture; mix until just combined.
  • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about (2,50cm) 1/4-inch thickness.
  • Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes like bunnies, eggs, or flowers. 
  • Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  • Allow 2-3 minutes to cool and then transfer, with the help of a spatula, on a wire rack.
  • Let to cool completely. 
  • Once cooled, you can decorate your Easter cookies with icing and sprinkles in pastel colors like pink, blue, and yellow.
  • Do not freeze baked cookies.

These cookies are perfect for Easter baskets or as a sweet treat for your holiday guests.

 

Get Creative with Easter Cookie Decorating Ideas

Once you have baked your Easter cookies, it's time to decorate them! There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating Easter cookies. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Easter Egg Cookies: Use pastel-colored icing and add sprinkles or small candies to create the look of decorated Easter eggs.

  2. Bunny Cookies: Use white icing and create bunny faces with pink noses and black eyes. Add coconut flakes for a fluffy tail.

  3. Carrot Cookies: Use orange icing and draw on green stems to create carrot-shaped cookies.

  4. Chick Cookies: Use yellow icing and add small candy eyes and beaks to create adorable chick cookies.

  5. Spring Flower Cookies: Use various colors of icing to create flower-shaped cookies. Add sprinkles or small candies for the center of the flowers.

Remember, the key to successful cookie decorating is to have fun and let your creativity flow!

Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Shaped Easter Cookies

To create beautifully shaped Easter cookies, it's important to prepare the dough properly. Start by chilling the dough for at least an hour before rolling out on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters in fun Easter shapes like bunnies, eggs and chicks. To prevent sticking, dip your cookie cutters into flour between each use.

If you find your cookies are losing their shape during baking, try freezing them for a few minutes before placing them in the oven. This will help ensure that they maintain their form while cooking.

Another tip is to roll out your dough to a consistent thickness throughout, preferably around ¼ inch thick. This ensures all of your cookies cook evenly and have a similar texture when biting into them.

Remember not to overwork the dough when rolling it out as this can cause it to toughen up and make it difficult to work with.

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to make perfectly shaped Easter cookies every time!

 

Making Memories: Easter Cookie Baking with Kids

Easter Cookie Baking with Kids

Making Easter cookies with kids is a fun and memorable activity that the whole family can enjoy. Start by involving them in the recipe selection process, letting them choose their favorite flavors and shapes. Keep in mind that the recipe should be simple enough for kids to follow along.

Before starting, make sure to have all the necessary ingredients and tools ready. Assign age-appropriate tasks such as measuring ingredients, mixing dough, and cutting out shapes with cookie cutters. Supervise younger children closely when using sharp tools or hot ovens.

Encourage creativity by providing a variety of decorating options such as colorful sprinkles, frosting, and edible glitter. Let them experiment with different designs and patterns to make each cookie unique.

Baking Easter cookies with kids is not only a fun activity but also a great opportunity to teach them valuable skills such as following instructions, measuring accurately, and working together as a team. Plus, the end result is delicious treats that everyone can enjoy!

Easter Cookie Variations: Adding a Twist to Traditional Recipes

Adding a Twist to Traditional Recipes:

Looking to add a unique twist to your Easter cookies this year? Try incorporating unexpected flavors or ingredients. One popular variation is adding lemon zest to sugar cookie dough for a refreshing citrus taste. Another option is to mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture and nuttiness.

If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Instead of the traditional egg or bunny shapes, try making flower or butterfly cookies using cookie cutters. You can also play around with different icing colors and designs to make your cookies stand out.

For a healthier option, consider swapping out some of the butter and sugar in your recipe for applesauce or mashed bananas. This will give your cookies a moist texture while reducing the calorie count.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to Easter cookie variations. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

In conclusion, making Easter cookies is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. With the right recipe, decorating ideas, and tips for shaping and baking, you can create delicious and beautiful treats that everyone will love. Whether you're baking with kids or experimenting with new flavors and variations, there are endless possibilities for making Easter cookies that are both festive and unique. So why not try your hand at making some this year? With a little bit of patience and practice, you'll be able to create sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking!

 

Questions

Who invented Easter cookies?

There is no clear inventor, but baking cookies for Easter has been a tradition for centuries.

What ingredients do I need to make Easter cookies?

Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and food coloring are common ingredients.

How can I make sure my Easter cookies are soft and chewy?

Add a little cornstarch to the dough, avoid over-baking, and store the cookies in an airtight container.

What are some fun Easter cookie shapes to make?

Bunnies, chicks, eggs, and flowers are popular shapes for Easter cookies.

How long do Easter cookies stay fresh?

Properly stored, Easter cookies can stay fresh for up to a week.

But I'm not a skilled baker, is it still possible for me to make Easter cookies?

Absolutely! There are many easy Easter cookie recipes available online for beginners.

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