Hey friend! Here are both of the recipes I recently shared on instagram and if you’re wanting to cross gifts off your list, you can start with these:
Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
- (Optional: a pinch of cardamom for a subtle spice in the frosting)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy. - Make the dough:
Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and cardamum to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Add flour gradually, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface (or in the mixer with a dough hook) for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. - First rise:
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and (optional) cardamom. - Roll out the dough:
Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. - Form the rolls:
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 even slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan. - Second rise:
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before icing. - Make the icing:
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and (optional) pinch of cardamom until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. - Serve:
Enjoy warm! The hint of cardamom adds an aromatic twist that makes these cinnamon rolls unforgettable.
Hearty Lentil Soup with Canadian Bacon and Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced Canadian bacon (or about 4–6 slices, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1½ cups green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4–5 minutes. - Add garlic and Canadian bacon:
Stir in the minced garlic and diced Canadian bacon. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the bacon render slightly and the garlic become fragrant. - Add spices:
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables and bacon in the seasonings. - Add lentils and sweet potato:
Add the green lentils and diced sweet potato. Stir to combine everything evenly. - Pour in broth:
Add the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils and sweet potato are tender. - Adjust consistency:
If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your preferred texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Optional Add-Ons
- A squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil just before serving for brightness
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
