If you're anything like me, the holiday season can often sneak up on you and before you know it, Christmas is just around the corner. This means it's time to start planning and preparing for the festivities, including the all-important Christmas cake. But don't worry, even if you've left it to the last minute, I've got you covered with this quick and easy Christmas cake recipe by Nigella Lawson.
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cheddar, Large Egg Yolk, All Purpose
Looking for a crispy and savory side dish to complement your beer can chicken? Look no further than these delicious Assorted Cheddar Crisps. Made with a combination of sharp, medium, and mild cheddar cheese, these crisps are the perfect balance of flavor. Simply mix the cheese with some herbs and spices, bake until crispy, and serve alongside your juicy beer can chicken. Your taste buds will thank you.
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Potato Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney (Samosas)
Main Ingredients: Jaggery, Tamarind Concentrate, Ground Cumin, Black
Add some Indian flair to your beer can chicken dinner with these delicious Potato Dumplings with Tamarind Chutney, also known as samosas. These crispy, triangular delights are filled with a spiced potato mixture and served with a tangy tamarind chutney for dipping. The sweet and savory flavors are the perfect complement to the smoky and tender beer can chicken.
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Homemade Naan Bread
Main Ingredients: Naan, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
No Indian meal is complete without some warm and fluffy naan bread. And what better way to enjoy it than alongside a delicious beer can chicken? This Homemade Naan Bread recipe is easy to make and will have your guests raving. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and yogurt, this bread is soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from your chicken.
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Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Florets, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary
Who says you can't have cake with your beer can chicken? This savory Cauliflower Cake is a unique and delicious side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Made with cauliflower, cheese, eggs, and spices, this cake is packed with flavor and makes for a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner. Serve it warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
If you're a fan of Indian food, then you'll love this Aloo Curry, also known as Indian Potato Curry. Made with tender potatoes, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce, this dish is a great accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The flavors blend perfectly together, making for a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
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Gluten-Free No Yeast 30 Minute Naan
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Flour, Almond Flour, Xanthan Gum, Baking
Don't let a gluten intolerance stop you from enjoying delicious naan bread with your beer can chicken. This Gluten-Free No Yeast 30 Minute Naan recipe is perfect for those who can't have gluten but still want to indulge in some warm and tasty naan. Made with a gluten-free flour blend, yogurt, and a few other simple ingredients, this naan is quick and easy to make and will pair perfectly with your chicken.
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Small Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Another classic Indian dish that pairs well with beer can chicken is Chicken Korma. This rich and creamy curry is made with tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy sauce made with yogurt and cream. The flavors of the chicken and the curry blend together beautifully, making for a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.
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Fluffy Zucchini Bread
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Salt, Whole Wheat Flour, Instant Yeast
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to go with your beer can chicken, this Fluffy Zucchini Bread is the perfect choice. Made with grated zucchini, herbs, and spices, this bread is light, fluffy, and full of flavor. It's a great way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying a delicious side dish.
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Cheese Naan
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
For a twist on traditional naan bread, try this Cheese Naan recipe. Made with a combination of cheese and herbs, this bread is packed with flavor and is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The cheese adds a richness to the bread, making it even more delicious.
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Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar
Take a trip to Latin America with these savory and delicious Chicken Empanadas. The crispy crust is filled with a flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture, making for a satisfying and tasty side dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
Looking for a simple and healthy side dish to go with your beer can chicken? This Indian Cabbage recipe is the perfect choice. Made with shredded cabbage, spices, and a few other ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to make and pairs well with the smoky flavors of the chicken. It's a great way to add some veggies to your meal without sacrificing taste.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Who says Christmas is the only time for cranberries? This Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delicious and unique side dish that will pair well with your beer can chicken any time of the year. Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon, this cake is sweet, tart, and full of delicious flavors.
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Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafel
Main Ingredients: Beetroots, Sweet Potato, Small Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh
Vegans can also enjoy a delicious meal with beer can chicken by making these Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafels. Made with chickpeas, beetroots, and a blend of herbs and spices, these falafels are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them alongside your chicken for a delicious and filling meal.
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Avocado Hummus
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Medium Avocados, Tahini, Salt, Lemon Juice
Upgrade your hummus game with this Avocado Hummus recipe. Made with avocados, chickpeas, and a blend of spices and herbs, this hummus is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a tasty and healthy side dish.
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Last Minute Emergency Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Orange, Sherry, Boiling Water
Forgot to make a side dish for your beer can chicken dinner? No worries, this Last Minute Emergency Christmas Cake has got you covered. Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, this cake is quick and easy to make and pairs well with the smoky flavors of the chicken. Plus, it's a great way to end the meal on a sweet note.
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Yotam Ottolenghi’s Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary, Eggs
If you're looking to impress your guests with a unique and delicious side dish, try Yotam Ottolenghi’s Cauliflower Cake. This savory cake is made with cauliflower, cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices. It's perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken and will have your guests asking for the recipe.
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Savory Loaf Cake With Spinach
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, Vegetable Oil, Red Pepper, Spinach, Feta
For a healthier side dish option, try this Savory Loaf Cake With Spinach. This cake is made with spinach, cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to your beer can chicken dinner. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some greens for those picky eaters.
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Indian Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Oil, Garlic Paste, Red Chili Powder
Get a taste of India with this delicious and flavorful Indian Potato Curry. Made with tender potatoes, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce, this dish is a great accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The combination of flavors will have your taste buds dancing and leave you feeling satisfied.
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Spiced Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Main Ingredients: Nigella, Cake, Chocolate Cake, Unsweetened Cocoa
For a unique twist on traditional dessert, try this Spiced Chocolate Olive Oil Cake. Made with olive oil, cocoa powder, and a blend of spices, this cake is rich, moist, and full of delicious flavors. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
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Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
Take a trip to the Middle East with these tasty and cheesy Lebanese Cheese Fatayers. Made with a blend of cheeses, herbs, and spices, these stuffed pastries are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 cup of raisins
1 cup of currants
1 cup of glace cherries
1 cup of chopped almonds
1 cup of brandy
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup of brown sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the brandy syrup:
1/4 cup of brandy
1/4 cup of water
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the dried cranberries, raisins, currants, glace cherries, and chopped almonds. Pour in the brandy and let it soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Stir in the soaked fruit and any remaining brandy into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, make the brandy syrup by combining the brandy, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Once the cake is done baking, poke holes all over the top with a toothpick and drizzle the brandy syrup evenly over the cake. Cover with foil and let it cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and wrap in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a cool, dark place for at least a week before serving.
There you have it, a delicious and moist Christmas cake that can be made in a hurry. The longer you let it sit and mature, the better it will taste. So even if you're running behind on your holiday preparations, this last minute Christmas cake recipe by Nigella Lawson will ensure you have a festive and tasty centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.