3 Christmas treats: Candied almonds, chocolate trees & cupcake recipes Welcome, dear festive flavour-seekers! As the tinsel twinkles and carols fill the air, it's time to don our chef's hats and dance into the kitchen. Here at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, we're all about sprinkling joy and cheer, especially during the holiday season. Today, we're diving into a world of sugary wonders and buttery delights. So, tie your apron, preheat your ovens, and let's embark on a culinary sleigh ride with recipes that are sure to make your taste buds carol! Find all your baking equipment here #1 Candied almonds – a nutty yuletide delight Yummy, candied almonds, the quintessential Christmas market treat! With their sweet, crunchy coat and warm, nutty heart, these little gems are as much a part of the holiday as twinkling lights and mistletoe. Ingredients: 200g whole almonds 150g granulated sugar 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt 60ml water 1 tsp vanilla extract Serving suggestion: Pop them in a festive jar, tie a ribbon, and voilà – a perfect edible gift! Mix it up: In a large skillet, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Toss in the almonds, stirring constantly until they are thoroughly coated and the sugar crystallises (it'll look sandy—don't panic, it's part of the charm!). Continue to cook, stirring, until the sugar melts again and coats the almonds in a shiny, candy-like glaze. Spread the almonds out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Try not to nibble too many! #2 Chocolate Christmas tree puff pastry – a festive pastry play Next, we have a treat that's as fun to make as it is to eat – a chocolate-filled puff pastry shaped like a Christmas tree or a star! Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry Nutella or any chocolate spread 1 beaten egg (for egg wash) Powdered sugar (for dusting) Pastry shaping extravaganza: Lay out one puff pastry sheet and spread a generous layer of chocolate spread over it. Place the second sheet on top. Now, let your artistic side shine – cut out a Christmas tree or divide the Christmas tree into sections as shown in the picture on the left. If you cut out an entire tree, then cut horizontal strips along both sides, leaving the centre intact. Twist each strip to create branches. Brush with egg wash for that golden glow. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden. Ta-da: Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect! #3 Christmas tree cupcakes – a forest of sweetness Our final stop in this festive flavour journey is at a miniature forest of Christmas tree cupcakes! Chocolate cupcakes recipe Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 cup (240ml) boiling water Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Use our silicone baking cups or baking mould for a perfect cupcake shape. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin, but this is good – it makes the cupcakes very moist). Pour batter into the baking cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Once cooled, pipe green frosting in a spiral to create a 'tree'. Green frosting recipe Ingredients: 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted 2-3 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Green food colouring (gel food colouring works best for vibrant colours) Serving suggestion: For a festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter and top each 'tree' with a small star decoration. And why not arrange them on a platter to form a cupcake Christmas forest! Frosting fun: In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Then add green food colouring a little at a time, mixing after each addition, until you achieve the desired shade of green. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag with a star nozzle to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes in a spiral pattern to create a 'tree' look. There you have it, dear readers – three magical recipes to bring the taste of Christmas into your homes. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a first-time festive chef, these treats are sure to spread smiles and sweetness. We'd love to see your creations, so do share them with us on Instagram using @flyingtiger! From all of us at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, we wish you a joyous and delicious holiday season. Keep the oven warm and the spirit merry! 🎄🌟🧁 Sign up for our newsletter Join our festive family! Subscribe to Flying Tiger Copenhagen’s newsletter for a sprinkle of joy and a dash of inspiration in your inbox! Sign up here