Carrot Cake

Yep, I baked another cake and it came out simply p-e-r-f-e-c-t! I think I am regaining confidence in my ability to bake:) This delicious and moist carrot cake was easy, super simple to make and I definitely surprised and impressed my in-laws with it. They thought it was store bought, Ha!!!!

Recipe courtesy of sousoukitchen

What you Need:

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground spice mixture (fennel, anise, nutmeg)
3 cups finely shredded carrots
1 cup roasted and chopped nuts of your choice ( I used walnuts)

1 recipe Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (See Below)

What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease and flour a baking pan ( I used a tube pan); set aside.
3. In large bowl, mix together sugars, oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well blended.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and the other spices until combined.
5. Add the dry mixture to the sugar and eggs mixture and mix well until you get a smooth consistency. Add carrots and nuts (save some for decorating). Mix until well combined.
6. With rubber spatula, scrape batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake 50 to 55 min or until a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan, turn out on wire rack. Spread with the Vanilla Cream Cheese frosting. And decorate with the remaining roasted nuts.
   

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a medium bowl, sir together 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 tsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a dash of salt. Add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar gradually to the mixture until smooth.

Enjoy!!!

Carrot Cake

Cornish Hen Stuffed with Couscous

If you want to impress your significant other, your in-laws, or simply friends and family, try this super delicious recipe. It looks so fancy that everybody would think you spent hours in the kitchen making it, yet it will only take you a total of 45 min. I promise:)

Recipe for two people-

What You'll Need:
For the Cornish Hens:
2 cornish hens
1 large onion, diced
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 cups chicken broth, or water
3 cinnamon sticks
Large pinch of saffron
3 garlic cloved, crushed
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

For the Stuffing:
1 box couscous
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp rose water
1/4 cup raisins, pre soaked in water for 10 min
1/4 cup toasted walnut or almonds, or hazelnut.

What To Do:

1. Wash the cornish hens thoroughly.
2. Prepare couscous according to package.
3. With a fork, fluff the couscous, and mix in the raisins, cinnamon, rose water, nuts (leave some for garnishing later) and butter.
4. Divide the couscous mixture in two halves. Use half to stuff the cornish hens and the other half as a side dish.
5. After stuffing the hens with the couscous mixture, sew the openings with a clean thread or toothpicks.

Cooking the Hens:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan on medium heat, add the diced onions, garlic, and the rest of the spices. Stir for 2-3 min.
2. Place the hens, carefully, in the pan side by side. Cover and let cook for 5 min.
3. Flip the hens on the other side, add the broth, cover and cook for 30-35 min or until hens are done.
4. Make sure to check on the liquid level. We don't want to burn the hens.
5. After the hens are cooked, remove and broil them on low on both sides for more crispiness.
6. Uncover the sauce and let simmer for 2-3min.

Serving the Stuffed Cornish Hens:

The hens are served hot with the remaining couscous mixture as a side dish and garnished with the nuts.

Enjoy!

Cornish Hen Stuffed with Couscous

Sweet Couscous with Nuts, Dates, and Raisins- Kesksou Seffa

Traditionally, this fruity couscous is served as a course on its own in Morocco. However, it can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats and spicy tajines.

Adapted from Food Lovers ' Collection

What You'll Need:

1 cup of couscous
1/2 tsp salt
1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup blanched almonds, or any other nuts available
3/4 cup dried dates finely sliced
3/4 cup dried raisins
2 tbsp sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp powdered sugar, for garnishing

What To Do:

1. Cook couscous according to package directions.
2. Drizzle the oil over the couscous. Using your fingers, rub the oil into the grains to break up the lumps and aerate them.
3. Heat the butter in a heavy bottom skillet, add the almonds, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the nuts begin to brown and emit a nutty aroma.
4. Toss in the dates and raisins, and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the couscous, add the sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon, mix thoroughly, and heat through.
6. Pile the couscous onto a warmed plate in a mound. Garnish with the remaining cinnamon and powdered sugar, creating alternate vertical lines from the top of the mound to the base.
Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Sweet Couscous with Nuts, Dates, and Raisins- Kesksou Seffa