Eat & Stay - DECEMBER ISSUE 2022

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Founded

From an exclusive selection of traditional baked items to authentic festive preparations, Qmin Shop is a one-stop shop to satiate your cravings and indulge in the flavours of the season

french bakery

A popular cafe in Morjim that serves authentic French snacks and bakes

x’mas cOOkIeS CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH QMIN SHOP AT VIVANTA GOA,
PANAJI
recipe on X’mas-themed cookies by
home chef
A
Mumbai-based Goan
Greta Fernandes
Serving the finest Asian cuisine in Margao City Tanuki friends with buns
& Stay Goa Volume 2 Issue 11 December 2022
Eat
by Chef Tristan in 2017, Friends with Buns is a popular restaurant in Miramar that offers soul food at pocketfriendly rates in generous proportions

Editorial

Hello friends, Welcome to the December 2022 issue of our emagazine ‘Eat&Stay Goa’. This month, our cover feature sheds light on the exclusive selection of traditional baked items and authentic festive preparations available at the Qmin Shop at Vivanta by Taj, Panjim. The holiday season is a time for family, merriment and unforgettable moments and The Indian Hotels Company’s Qmin Shop is the perfect destination for you to satiate your cravings and indulge in the flavours of the season.

Our inside pages feature stories on the 'French Bakery’, a cafe based in Morjim that is known for its authentic French snacks and bakes, and ‘Friends with Buns’, a popular restaurant in Miramar that offers soul food at pocket-friendly rates. We have also done a story on 'Tanuki', a restaurant that offers the finest Asian cuisine in the heart of Margao city. A recipe for Xmasthemed cookies by Mumbai-based Greta Fernandes also finds a place in this month's issue of our magazine. The festive season is finally here. People are clothes and decorations. Cake and confectionery

shops are seen packed with people placing orders for cakes, sweets and other confectionery items. Dance halls all across the state are seen getting ready to host couples for parties and dances.

Apart from all of this, Asia’s biggest music festival, Sunburn, will be held this month from the 29th to the 30th of December at Vagator. The theme of this year’s edition of the festival is ‘The Future Is Now’. The event, which will be held across seven stages, will see over 120 Indian and international artistes performing.

The highlight of this year’s edition of the festival is the ‘GOA VILLAGE’ @ Sunburn. This special village is an exclusive cultural zone created to promote the vibrant Art, Culture, Food and Lifestyle of Goa from locally established and upcoming talents. Visitors can look forward to experiencing the many facets of Goan culture and get inspired to visit diverse locales across the state to enjoy its rich flora, fauna, history, art, culture, music, cuisine and adventure. Some exciting attractions that visitors can look forward to experiencing at the ‘GOA VILLAGE’ include the ‘Doors of Goa’ installation, showcasing the many colourful, aesthetic architectural doors of Goa in a miniature form. Breath-taking Photoops include a pristine backdrop of the beach and fishing boat, synonymous with the topography of Goa; eminent Artists of Goa; Doors of Goa, and a stunning 3-D Goa Tourism ‘I Love Goa’ installation.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of our e-magazine. Do share it with your friends all across the world. Until next month, cheers!

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Jessyl

01 Celebration at QMIN, Panaji

02 Friends with Buns

Editorial Team

04 Tanuki

05 Christmas Cookies

Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blogbased website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.

Chief Editor Jessyl Fernandez

Content Manager Steve Antao

Content curators: Prataya Sarkar Greta Fernandes

Sales & Marketing Donald Fernandez

Graphics & Layout Shankar Kamble

Social Media Manager Saviola Dias

For advertising queries: 9370502124 / 9209005127

ItsGoa Media Group

Nordic Intent HQ - Floor 3, PDA Colony, Porvorim, Goa 403521 Email : mail@itsgoa.com Website: itsgoa.com

03 French Bakery Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Index
Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH QMIN SHOP AT VIVANTA GOA, PANAJI COVER STORY

The Holiday Season is a time for family, merriment and unforgettable moments. The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is renowned for its signature hospitality, unmatched experiences and lasting memories. Qmin Shop - a lifestyle gourmet store by IHCL in the heart of the capital city at Vivanta Goa, Panaji brings a plethora of gourmet delights filled with the goodness of the festive season. From an exclusive array of gifting options to a selection of traditional baked items to authentic festive preparations, Qmin Shop is a one-stop shop to satiate your cravings and indulge in the flavours of the season.

Showcasing a myriad of local Goan flavours, Qmin Shop celebrates this yuletide season with an interesting approach to the flavours of the land. From a very intriguing Chicken Peri Peri Croquette, that has minced cashews for added texture, to a dedicated counter highlighting sweets that hark back to every Goan household, the feeling of home warms your heart as each dish narrates the melodious tales of Goan homes. The Chef’s signature from the collection is a throwback to a nearly extinct Goan sweet, the Canudo, a Goan version of cannoli. While in its original form, the filling was made of Doce de Grão (a traditional sweet made of chickpeas), the crisp pastry shell is stuffed with another local sweet - Dodol along with folded dry fruits for that extra merriment.

If breads is on the top of your requirements for the festive celebration, Qmin Shop has an assortment to offer. From a variety of traditional Goan breads made by the legendary Poder, to more intricately-crafted options that represent the west, such as sourdough and multigrain loaves.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa
Christmas Hampers

Christmastime is all about pampering loved ones with the finest indulgences of the season. Dwipen Goswami, Executive Chef at Vivanta Goa, Panaji has crafted a selection of exclusive gift hampers that will be on display at the Qmin Shop. Each hamper is ensconced in a beautiful leather casing encompassing all manner of delectable delightsStollen Bread, Plum Pudding, Apple and Cinnamon Pie, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Palmiers, Yule Logs, Assorted Cookies, Cheeses, Candles, Wines, Decorations, Coffees and much more including the customary Plum Cake. Additionally, there is also a provision for goodies curated especially for children, comprising Cinnamon Star Cookies, Christmas Tree Cookies and Chocolate Santa.

“We never compromise on the quality of our ingredients and that truly translates into the finest end product. Whether it’s Callebaut as the only acceptable choice of chocolate, or cuts of meat and other produce flown in from various corners of the globe, we remain committed to delivering nothing short of a spectacular Christmas meal to our guests and patrons,” shares Chef Goswami.

In addition to the a multitude of delectable confectionery and savoury items, Qmin Shop also offers a dedicated menu for the customary Christmas meals with the sole proviso of 24 hours prior notice on all orders. From Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce and Polenta to Roast Turkey Slices with Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce, to Roast Chicken with Stuffing, Roast Pigling and Roast Duckling, the menu provides a host of options to choose from..

Open daily from 11 am – 9 pm, Qmin shop, located centrally in Panaji, Goa, with its incomparable selection of flavoursome epicurean products, is a one-stop gourmet shop for food enthusiasts and gourmands in Goa this holiday season. The separate entrance, apart from the main entry from the Hotel lobby, affords one the discreet option to enter Qmin.

For those on a tight schedule, the Qmin App will have your preferred choice delivered at your doorstep. Indulge in a plethora of festive preparations within the comforts of your home.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa
The Qmin Mobile App

comfort food

Friends with Buns

Founded by Chef Tristan in 2017, Friends with Buns is a popular restaurant in Miramar that offers soul food at pocket-friendly rates in generous proportions.

Article by: Prataya Sarkar

Images Courtesy: Tristan Lopes

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Friends with Buns is a restaurant based in Miramar that was founded by Chef Tristan in 2017. The restaurant, which initially started off as a food stall at Delfino’s Courtyard in Porvorim, has gone on to become one of the most popular restaurants in Panjim today. The restaurant offers soul food that is pocket-friendly in generous proportions.

Founder's Profile

As a child, Tristan was always fascinated by the alchemy that went into creating dishes where every ingredient added, influences the flavour, texture and consistency of the overall dish. He knew from a very young age that he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field. He completed his 3-year BSc degree in Culinary Science and Hotel Management from IHM Goa. While pursuing his course, he took up part-time jobs at restaurants and shacks in between semesters to understand more about the restaurant industry. He also worked as an intern at the Taj for about 6 months and then worked at a few hotels before starting Friends with Buns.

Specialities Offered

Friends with Buns is mainly recognized for its burgers and although they are just burgers, what sets them apart from others is the technique and thought put into preparing them. Tristan says that he uses way more components in his burgers as compared to the other burger joints to deliver a flavour profile that keeps the dish interesting from the first bite to the last.

Besides burgers, Friends with Buns also serves dishes that are unique and creative like the cheesy pockets that are inspired by the much-loved Goan Rissois. They prepare large-sized pockets using the traditional rissois dough and stuff them with cheddar cheese sauce and stuffing of choice. They are also known for their breakfast platters. Their American breakfast platter is currently the largest breakfast platter offered in the whole of Goa.

They also offer hot chocolate which is one of the finest you can find anywhere in Goa. The simple and common beverage is loved by a lot of people and the folks at Friends with Buns tried making their own version of it. Pleasantly enough, the hot chocolate fanatics were impressed by what they offered and keep coming back for more.

from other restaurants. “There is a lot of thought put into every element of service that we offer. From the food to the service, we are different”, he says. “We share a bond with our customers that is warm and exciting”, he adds.

Response From The Public

The public was stoked after hearing about the launch of "Friends with Buns' as they had already been in the food stall space for about 4 years. They pre-launched in Anjuna and it pulled in customers that have been supporting them over the years. They provided the public with what they expected and beyond. They introduced new burgers with the launch along with some new dishes that amazed the crowd.

Challenges Faced

Speaking of the challenges he faces while running the restaurant, Tristan says that it is more than just putting down an investment and serving good food. “The scene in Goa today isn’t just about serving customers. You have to consider a lot more than just serving good food and drinks'', he says. "The restaurant industry is a rather demanding one and requires delivering an experience. From the creativity you bring to the table all the way to the management of the restaurant, all of it needs to be executed in a manner where perfection can be achieved in both aspects”.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Tristan Lopes, Proprietor, Friends with Buns,
Miramar

Tristan goes on to add that factors like outreach and advertising, staffing, finances and keeping the kitchen updated in terms of equipment are needed today. “At the end of the day, running a restaurant is still a business", he says.

Coming from a middle-class background with limited finances, setting up a restaurant from scratch has been one of Tristan's biggest challenges. But the journey has helped him grow a lot. His understanding of the restaurant industry changed a lot from when he started. “The most important thing that I’ve learnt during my journey is that along with good food, you also need the right staff, a working capital to help you stay afloat, a marketing strategy and the determination to keep going when you hit a rough road", says Tristan. "And as an entrepreneur in the hospitality segment, the finances were the most difficult part,” he says. "Through sufficient financing, you can market your brand, buy the equipment needed to keep your menu up-to-date and also pay off stakeholders during the initial phase of the launch".

Future Plans

Tristan is working on a new brand called ‘Flow by Tristan Lopes’ which will showcase the more intricate and technical side of cooking. So far, it was mainly soul food but now, he has been working on the menu where the food served will be prepared using traditional cooking methods like Texas BBQ and Indian Tandoor as well as modern cooking techniques like sous vide and a hint of molecular gastronomy.

His Message

Tristan advises that one doesn’t need the best facilities to be successful. All you need is the right mindset and the right mindset is where you expect setbacks, failures and disappointments. "However, these are just hurdles that you need to overcome with passion, dedication and hard work", he says. “As long as you never give up keeping the end goal in mind, the world is your playground,” he adds.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa
The Super Cruncher Burger American Platter

Aticlby: re Prataya Sarkar

Images Courtesy: Yamine

French Bakery

Founded in 2019 by French chef Yamine and his partner Lena, French Bakery is one of the most popular places in Morjim to enjoy authentic French snacks and bakes

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

cafe

Classic cocktail mixers

French Bakery is a cafe located at Morjim in North Goa. It is situated on the main road, next to the FabIndia store at the Bora-Bora junction in Morjim. The cafe was started in November 2019 by Yamine and Lena. Yamine, who is from France met Lena (who hails from Russia) in Gokarna in 2016. Both of them had a long-term love for India as they travelled quite a lot and wanted to settle down permanently in India.

Founders' Profile

Yamine is a chef by profession. He worked for 6 years in Marseille, a city in the south of France. He used to cook traditional French cuisine. And, sure enough, most French people are just so fond of cooking so much so that they end up becoming chefs and opening up a brasserie or a cafe.

Lena was far from the kitchen, but was good in service, as she was a good speaker of English and Russian. Most of the customers who visit the French Bakery in Morjim are either from India or Russia.

How Did It All Start?

Yamine stumbled upon the concept of the cafe by accident in 2018. Being a chef, Yamine had a lot of experience working in the kitchen. And at some point, he and Lena realized that a cafe or restaurant in India was their calling in life. He was hiding in the Himachal during the South Indian monsoon season and he had carried a small oven with him to entertain himself by cooking and reminiscing his mother and grandmother's recipes. That’s how he once made baguettes. And surprisingly, he started to get orders from local restaurants nearby. That’s how he got the idea of starting a bakery and patisserie.

The next step was to find the right place. Goa was an attractive place from a business point of view — tourists from India and different parts of the world visit the state in huge numbers. That's how they ended up choosing Morjim as the place to start the cafe.

Food And Snacks Offered

At the French Bakery, you will find: Croissants in sweet and savoury options: with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto, with chicken ham and cheese, with chocolate, with homemade almond filling, with cream cheese and with Nutella,

Sandwiches in veg and non-veg options: with mushroom-spinach and cheese filling, with mozzarella and tomatoes, with chicken filet,

Quiches: Veg with broccoli and zucchini or with spinach and mushroom, non-veg is with tuna, tomato and goat cheese,

Desserts: Chocolate tart, almond and pears tart, lemon tart with a soft Italian meringue, strawberry tart, eclairs with vanilla cream, and profiteroles with chocolate cream. And also seasonal options: chiamango mousse, traditional Сhristmas log, Pavlova etc.

Bread: Traditional baguettes, sourdough loaves, charcoal bread,

Coffee: Americano, cappuccino, latte and iced/ cold coffees as well.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Yamine, Co-Founder, French Bakery, Morjim

Public Response

Yamine says that he started getting regular customers within less than 3 weeks of the cafe's opening. He also started getting orders to supply bread and desserts for restaurants. The business did slow down during the Covid period, but after all the restrictions were lifted, things started to return back to normal. They also started to get invitations from customers based in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune to open an outlet of French Bakery in those cities as well.

Challenges Faced

Yamine says that finding well-qualified skilled employees was and still is a major challenge that he faces while running his cafe. “It is not easy to find someone who is responsible, who is willing to learn and invest himself completely”, he says.

During the first year of operations, Yamine and Lena used to run the cafe all by themselves. They used to work in the cafe daily from 9 am to 9 pm. This year, they got lucky as they managed to recruit two amazing employees to assist them in running the cafe. But the two of them are still involved 100%, as quality control should always be there and Yamine is still making all the desserts by himself. Though they would love to have “more hands” in the kitchen as the capacity of French patisserie is unlimited, they are limited for now.

Shortage of parking at the cafe was another issue which they faced as the number of cars kept growing and they were unable to accommodate the cars of all the customers.

The seasonal aspect of Goa’s tourism also poses a challenge for them. “Taking it easy for a month is good, but it gets boring soon”, says Lena.

Plans For The Future

In the years to come, Yamine and Lena are looking to expand the size of their team. They also have plans to expand their operations to more places within and outside Goa as well. Places like Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune are some of the places they are considering opening franchise outlets.

So, if you ever find yourself in Morjim, don't forget to visit the French Bakery to enjoy some delicious traditional French patisserie and desserts.

Bon Appetit!

French Bakery GOA, Morjim

Phone: 074981 51149 Instagram: @frenchbakery_goa

Working Hours: 8:30am–10:30pm (Mon, Wed-Sun) Tuesdays Closed

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Tanuki

A gateway to a unique Asian culinary experience in the heart of Margao City
Asian cuisine
Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Tanuki is a gateway to a unique Asian culinary experience in the heart of Margao City. The restaurant, which is located at the Reliance Trade Centre, near Grace Church, Margao, brings masterfully prepared delicacies originating from all corners of Asia to diners in Goa's commercial capital. It offers a sophisticated dining experience within an Asian-inspired setting, rich with colour and ambience, which creates an energy that enlightens the senses. The well-qualified and experienced chefs at the restaurant strive to bring to guests, an innovative and diverse menu of delicious Asian favourites including- Japanese Sushi, Chinese, Malay and Thai cuisine- with an emphasis to cook with locally-sourced, fresh, unique and quality ingredients.

At the helm of affairs of this unique culinary venture is its founder Mrs. Sheela Godinho. Sheela always had a passion for venturing into the food and hospitality sector. She converted her passion into a reality by starting Tanuki. Her idea behind starting the restaurant was to provide Margao with its very own luxurious, stylish dining space and the unique experience that the city deserves.

The Story Behind The name ‘Tanuki’

The name “Tanuki (たぬき)” is inspired by a mischievous and mythical Japanese raccoon dog, that carries great folkloric significance in Japanese culture. The myth of Tanuki is said to bring happiness and good fortune, and the folks at Tanuki restaurant believe that their menu brings the right essence of Eating, Drinking and celebrations to life. Their intimate contemporary Asian-centric interiors feature a Sushi bar and an a la carte dining area.

The Dining Experience At Tanuki

The inviting interior design of the restaurant and astute attention to detail takes diners at Tanuki on a sensory journey from West to East. The whole team at Tanuki aims to share their passion for food and drinks with their guests. It is a perfect place to relax in stunning, immersive surroundings and enjoy customer service like no other.

The restaurant has modern interiors that blend seamlessly with the traditional Asian-inspired design cues. The soft lighting, soundtrack and

friendly, knowledgeable service staff add to the overall ambience of the restaurant. They have a fun and fanciful restaurant and bar that is the perfect place to celebrate with friends and family regardless of the occasion. Their master chef can be seen creating fresh hand-crafter sashimi and sushi rolls that will transport you to the heart of Asia and back again.

Their main cooking philosophy is to stay true to authentic Asian flavours while incorporating classical western techniques. The menu is prepared with seasonal, locally available ingredients. In true Asian dining fashion, Tanuki’s menu is served in a festive communal experience for friends and family to gather around the tables, and share food, drinks and conversations.

The Food At Tanuki

Tanuki offers contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine, fusing traditional flavours and exceptional quality ingredients with modern cooking methods. The exquisite presentation of their food creates a unique and exciting dining experience. Their chefs will kick your senses into overdrive with their fanciful, shareable pan-Asian fare.

Their menu of hand-rolled Sushi, Udon Noodle dishes, soups, Dim Sum, Seafood and house specialities are paired wonderfully well with a bevvy of elegant wines and cocktails to suit any celebration.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Whole Crab in Singaporean Sauce

Their sushi and sashimi are made live and fresh to order at their Sushi Bar, using only the best quality, locally- sourced ingredients delivering diverse flavours. Their unique sushi rolls such as Avocado and Teriyaki Sushi suit palettes and preferences of all kinds. Their fresh ‘Catch of the Day’ menu includes crabs, lobsters and whole fish. From delectable Dim Sum to moreish Chinatown-style Barbecue Pork Ribs, Seafood specialities, Malay Chicken Curry and unique signature dishes, at Tanuki, you can discover the art and precision of multi-regional Asian cuisine with a contemporary edge.

Their Bar Offerings Tanuki boasts a wide bar menu as well which includes classic cocktails and premium Japanese whisky that blends well with the vibrant vibes of the place. The bold flavours of Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Thai Basil, Lychees, Chilies, Ginger and Coriander find their way into their legendary cocktail list specially curated by industry experts. From refreshing tipples to cut through the spice, to dessert-worthy boozers, their drink selection will blow you away. The sophistication of Asianinspired signature cocktails and exquisite, gourmet bar bites as well as the evocative ambience gives Tanuki an edge for flavour-tinged socializing.

desserts that combine classic Asian traditions with modern flavours for a contemporary palette. Their dessert menu features an array of treats that include mousse cakes, luscious tarts and a variety of handcrafted Asian pastries specialities Their signature dessert is a Classic French dessert with an Asian twist – Pistachio Blondi; an absolute must-try! Other specialities include a Mango Panna Cotta with Lemongrass & Water Chestnut Rubies.

Private Events And Catering Services Tanuki offers private dining packages for intimate celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, meetings or even romantic dinners. The guests can enjoy a bespoke menu with sophisticated drink pairings specially designed by the Head Chef. They offer options for sit-down dinners, stand-up canapes and cocktails to share plates and Sushi. Their experienced and friendly staff ensure that everything runs smoothly so that you can just sit back and relax.

Their catering will have all your needs sorted. Asian food is known for its freshness and mouth-watering infusion of herbs and spices, as well as for producing some of the most unique delicacies in the world. From delicious Japanese Sushi Rolls to sinfully tasty Spinach Pork dumplings and the ever-fresh Thai cuisine, Asian food always goes down a treat. The catering team at Tanuki will ensure culinary success and an unforgettable time for you and your guests as they take the stress out of your day by handling all of your catering needs from start to finish so you can focus on having fun and mingling with your guests.

Their Dessert Menu In keeping with its theme, Tanuki not only delights you with Asian flavours in its dining and beverage menu but also offers delectable pastries and Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

The well-qualified staff at Tanuki have a wealth of experience in the Kitchen and Front-of-house departments. They focus on authenticity with an eye on modern techniques and styles. Their food tastes so good because their Head Chef knows the suppliers personally and they care about the quality of the products that they use. The Front-ofhouse team always goes that extra mile to ensure their guests have a great experience from Starter to Dessert.

Choosing to dine at Tanuki means choosing class, elegance and fine taste. Tanuki is open daily for Lunch and Dinner and for those looking to wind down after a long day or a torturous week. They also have a Happy Hour from 5.30 pm – 8 pm, which is perfect to relax and let your hair down. They also provide takeaway and delivery of their food.

Pepper Nigiri Sushi Platter Char Sui - Chinese BBQ Pork Ribs Yin Yang - a Tanuki crafted cocktail

Image by: Greta Fernandes

recipe

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Mumbai-based Greta Fernandes shares her recipe for making Christmas cookies.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa
Article by: Greta Fernandes

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

There is no better time to make cookies than Christmas.

It is the perfect holiday activity. I loved making these with my daughter Nicole all through her school days. Every Christmas season we both would sit down and decorate these into the most gorgeous Christmas-themed cookies, which we would then arrange beautifully on the serving trays.

You can get really creative with icing these beautifully shaped cookies.

Option 1: Dip them in colourful chocolate

Option 2: Drizzle them with jam

Option 3: And, if you want to try your hand at making very artistic cookies then try royal icing. It spreads easily and leaves to set. It can be kept to dry overnight. The icing once set stays quite firmly on the cookie.

These cookies do keep fresh for a long time in an air-tight container. So this holiday season, go ahead and start baking these delicious cookies. You can have all the creative fun making them and at the same time relish them too !!! Quite a win-win I must say.

CHRISTMAS VANILLA COOKIES Ingredients

225g / 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or use salted, skip salt 1 cup castor/superfine suga 1 ½ tsp vanilla extrac 1 large eg 3 cups all-purpose flour (maida ¾ tsp baking powde

Preheat Oven to 180°C

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until

Add egg and vanilla, beat until completely combined Add flour, baking powder, and salt Start mixing slowly, then beat until the flour is incorporated – it will be clumpy Dust work surface with flour, scrape dough out of bowl. Pat together then cut in half, then shape into 2 discs.

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Outdoor seating area at Elaa Cafe
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