“25 Affordable Party Platters to Wow Your Guests This New Year’s Eve!”

 1. Vegetable Platter with Dip

Ingredients:
2 cups baby carrots
2 cups celery sticks
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup ranch dip or hummus

Instructions:
Wash and prep all vegetables. Arrange on a platter in sections, with the ranch dip or hummus in the center.

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2. Cheese and Crackers Platter

Ingredients:

8 oz cheddar cheese
8 oz mozzarella cheese
1 box assorted crackers

Instructions:
Slice cheeses into cubes or thin squares. Arrange cheese and crackers decoratively on a platter.

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3. Mini Sandwich Platter

Ingredients:
1 loaf sliced bread
1/2 lb deli meat (ham or turkey)
1/4 lb cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
Lettuce leaves
Mayonnaise and mustard

Instructions:
Assemble sandwiches with bread, meat, cheese, and lettuce. Spread mayo or mustard as desired. Cut into quarters and secure with toothpicks.

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4. Fruit Platter

Ingredients:
2 cups grapes
2 apples, sliced
2 oranges, peeled and segmented
1 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions:
Wash and prep fruits. Arrange in a colorful pattern on a platter.

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5. Loaded Nachos Platter

Ingredients:
1 large bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup black beans
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:
Layer chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with cheese, black beans, and salsa. Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts. Add sour cream before serving.

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6. Antipasto Skewers

Ingredients:
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella balls
1 cup olives
1/4 lb salami slices
Wooden skewers

Instructions:
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and salami onto skewers. Arrange on a platter.

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7. Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients:
1 pack mini hot dogs
1 can crescent roll dough

Instructions:
Cut crescent roll dough into strips. Wrap each mini hot dog with dough. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

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8. Deviled Eggs Platter

Ingredients:
12 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
Paprika for garnish

Instructions:
Boil eggs, peel, and slice in half. Remove yolks and mix with mayo and mustard. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika.

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9. Meatball Platter

Ingredients:
1 lb frozen meatballs
1 cup BBQ sauce
Toothpicks

Instructions:
Heat meatballs in a saucepan with BBQ sauce until warm. Serve with toothpicks.

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10. Mini Pizza Platter

Ingredients:
6 English muffins, halved
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: pepperoni, diced bell peppers

Instructions:
Spread pizza sauce on muffin halves. Top with cheese and desired toppings. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts.

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11. Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:
16 button mushrooms
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:
Remove mushroom stems and mix breadcrumbs, cream cheese, and garlic. Stuff mushrooms and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

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12. Baked Potato Bites

Ingredients:
12 baby potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions:
Roast potatoes until tender. Slice in half and top with sour cream, cheese, and chives.

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13. Chips and Salsa

Ingredients:
1 large bag tortilla chips
1 jar salsa

Instructions:
Pour salsa into a bowl and serve with chips.

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14. Sweet and Savory Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:
1 bag pretzels
1/2 cup melted chocolate
Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:
Dip pretzels halfway into melted chocolate. Sprinkle with sea salt and let cool.

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15. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Ingredients:
1 can pizza dough
1/4 cup garlic butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:
Spread garlic butter on dough. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Cut into strips.

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16. Veggie Pizza

Ingredients:
1 can crescent roll dough
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 cup chopped veggies (bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots)

Instructions:
Bake crescent roll dough as a flat crust. Spread with cream cheese and top with chopped veggies.

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17. Chocolate Fondue with Dippers

Ingredients:
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk
Sliced fruits (bananas, strawberries)
Marshmallows

Instructions:
Melt chocolate with milk in a saucepan. Serve with fruits and marshmallows for dipping.

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18. Rice Paper Spring Rolls

Ingredients:
12 rice paper wrappers
2 cups shredded veggies (carrots, cabbage)
1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp
1/2 cup dipping sauce

Instructions:
Soften rice paper in water. Fill with veggies and protein, then roll tightly. Serve with dipping sauce.

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19. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sliders

Ingredients:
1 pack Hawaiian rolls
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup jelly

Instructions:
Slice rolls in half, spread with peanut butter and jelly, and reassemble as sliders.

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20. Budget Bruschetta

Ingredients:
1 baguette, sliced
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:
Toast baguette slices. Mix tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, and spoon onto bread.

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21. Popcorn Trio Platter

Ingredients:
2 cups plain popcorn
2 cups caramel popcorn
2 cups cheese-flavored popcorn

Instructions:
Arrange three popcorn flavors in separate sections on a tray.

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22. Mini Cupcake Dessert Platter

Ingredients:
1 box cake mix
1 tub frosting
Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:
Bake mini cupcakes according to package directions. Frost and decorate with sprinkles.

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23. Taco Platter

Ingredients:
10 mini tortillas
1 lb seasoned ground beef
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
Arrange tortillas and toppings on a platter for guests to assemble tacos.

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24. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:
1 pint strawberries
1 cup melted chocolate

Instructions:
Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and let cool on parchment paper.

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25. Honey Glazed Chicken Wings

Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken wings
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions:
Marinate wings in honey and soy sauce. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Christmas Food Recalls | URGENT | The Hidden Dangers in Your Holiday Feast

 The FDA has issued recalls for several Christmas-related food products that may already be in consumers' pantries or refrigerators even if they've been removed from store shelves.

Lay's Classic Potato Chips

Last week, Frito-Lay announced a recall of certain bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips after learning that the product possibly contained undeclared milk. The goods were sold in two states, Oregon and Washington.

The chips are packaged in a flexible bag with a guaranteed-fresh date of February 11, 2025, and a manufacturing code of either 6462307xx or 6463307xx. The universal product code is 28400 31041.

Oysters

The FDA has advised people in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and Washington not to consume oysters or Manila clams harvested from November 15 to December 11 by Rudy's Shellfish from the Pickering Passage growing area in Washington over concerns of a norovirus outbreak. Norovirus is also known as the stomach flu, although it is not related to influenza.

Hot Cocoa Mix

A recall was issued for Aroma Vita Hot Cocoa Mix sold in 32-ounce packages with a UPC of 7 1908 50007 0 and a case UPC of 50719098500075 over concerns that metal fragments had been introduced to the product.

The hot cocoa, a product of DYMA Brands in Atlanta, was distributed in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Costco Eggs

Last month, Handsome Brook Farms initiated a voluntary recall of its 24-count organic pasture-raised eggs, which are sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name, because of a potential salmonella contamination. The eggs were distributed to 25 Costco stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The recall is for eggs packaged in a plastic carton with the Julian code 327 and a use-by date of January 6, 2025. The UPC 9661910680 is also included on the packaging.

What People Are Saying

The FDA said on its website: "It is important that consumers be aware of recalls because recalled foods may cause injury or illness, especially for people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems because of chronic illness or medical treatment."

What Happens Next

Consumers are urged to stay up to date on current recalls and check their products to ensure they aren't included in any recall notices. For a full list of FDA recalls, visit fda.gov.

"How to Make Snoop Dogg’s Rolls Royce PB Chocolate Chip Cookies – Ultimate Recipe!"

 Here’s the recipe for Snoop Dogg's Rolls Royce PB Chocolate Chip Cookies from his cookbook "From Crook to Cook":

Snoop Dogg's Rolls Royce PB Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120g) peanut butter (creamy or chunky, your choice)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (65g) chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.

4. Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the peanut butter until combined, followed by the egg and vanilla extract.

5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips: Add the chocolate chips (and nuts if you’re using them) and gently fold them into the dough.

7. Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might still look soft, but they will set as they cool.

9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips:

• For extra decadence, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
• These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee!

Enjoy making Snoop’s legendary cookies! 🍪✨

Melania Trump’s Signature Holiday Drink!" plus "10 Must-Try Christmas Globally Drinks

 1. Christmas Cookie Latte

                                                                A cozy, dessert-inspired drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steamed milk
• 1/2 cup brewed decaf coffee or hot chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Whipped cream and holiday sprinkles for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix steamed milk, coffee, vanilla, and almond extracts.
2. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive touch.

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2. Candy Cane Shake

                                                             A minty, creamy holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

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3. Rudolph’s Red Punch

                                              A bright, fruity drink perfect for kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix cranberry and orange juice.
2. Add sparkling water before serving.
3. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices.

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4. Eggnog Hot Chocolate

                                            A creamy and festive twist on classic hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup eggnog (non-alcoholic)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and eggnog in a saucepan.
2. Stir in white chocolate chips until melted.
3. Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

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5. Frosty’s Vanilla Bean Frappe

                                                             A chilled, snow-inspired drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crushed ice
• Whipped cream and silver sugar sprinkles for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend milk, vanilla, and crushed ice until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

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6. Snowball Lemonade

                                             A refreshing winter lemonade with a holiday twist.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Crushed ice and a sugar-rimmed glass for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add sparkling water and serve over crushed ice.
3. Rim the glass with sugar for a snowy effect.

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7. Cinnamon Caramel Apple Delight

                                            A warm and comforting drink with holiday spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Whipped cream and caramel drizzle for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat apple cider and stir in caramel sauce and cinnamon.
2. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

"Melania Trump’s Torta Melanija! Cake" + 10 Best Christmas Cakes from Around the World"

 

1. Christmas Fruitcake (USA/UK)

A rich, boozy cake with dried fruits and nuts.
Approximate Cost: $20–$25

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions:

1. Soak dried fruits in brandy overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a cake pan.
3. Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Fold in dry ingredients, fruits, and nuts.
6. Bake for 2.5–3 hours. Cool and optionally brush with more brandy.

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2. Bûche de Noël (France)

A log-shaped chocolate sponge cake filled with cream.
Approximate Cost: $15–$20

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Chocolate ganache for frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick.
3. Sift in flour and cocoa. Fold gently.
4. Spread batter on the sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Roll the cake in a towel while warm. Cool.
6. Whip cream and powdered sugar for filling. Spread and re-roll the cake.
7. Frost with ganache and decorate like a log.

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3. Panettone (Italy)

A tall, sweet bread with candied fruits.
Approximate Cost: $10–$15

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 package dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup candied fruits

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs.
3. Knead until smooth. Add candied fruits.
4. Let rise for 2 hours. Shape into a tall loaf.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.

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4. Stollen (Germany)

A dense loaf filled with dried fruits and marzipan.
Approximate Cost: $10–$15

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup dried fruits
• 1/2 cup marzipan

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, and egg.
3. Knead and add fruits. Let rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape dough, place marzipan in the center, and fold over.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.

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5. Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fruits.
Approximate Cost: $10–$12

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh fruits (kiwi, berries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking tray.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar.
3. Fold in cornstarch and vinegar. Shape into a circle on the tray.
4. Bake for 60 minutes. Cool in the oven.
5. Whip cream and spread over meringue. Top with fruits.

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6. Rosca de Reyes (Mexico)

A ring-shaped bread with hidden trinkets inside.
Approximate Cost: $10–$15

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• Candied fruits for topping

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour and sugar. Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs. Knead until smooth.
3. Let rise for 2 hours. Shape it into a ring.
4. Decorate with candied fruits. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

"Melania Trump’s First Lady Holiday Cookie Recipe!" | Plus 10 Global Cookie Recipes

 

Gingerbread Cookies (USA)

                                             Classic spiced cookies shaped into gingerbread men.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tbsp ground ginger

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.

2. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Chill dough for 1 hour.

3. Roll out dough, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

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 Pfeffernüsse (Germany)

                                          Spiced German cookies coated in powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and white pepper

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Heat honey and sugar until dissolved; cool slightly.

2. Mix dry ingredients and combine with honey mixture and egg.

3. Shape into small balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

4. Coat with powdered sugar.

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Shortbread (Scotland)

                                                       Buttery, crumbly cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Mix flour and sugar, then blend in butter.

2. Roll out and cut shapes. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.

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Speculaas (Netherlands/Belgium)

                                              Crisp spiced cookies with intricate designs.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1/2 cup butter

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp speculaas spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger)

• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients, chill dough, and roll out.

2. Use molds or cut shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

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Amaretti (Italy)

                                                         Chewy almond cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 egg whites

• 1/2 tsp almond extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk egg whites until frothy, mix in almond flour and sugar.

2. Shape into balls, bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.

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Polvorones (Spain/Mexico)

                                                Crumbly almond cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients, form dough, and chill.
2. Shape and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

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 Linzer Cookies (Austria)

                                                 Almond sandwich cookies with jam filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour

• 3/4 cup ground almonds

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• Jam for filling

Instructions:

1. Make dough, chill, and roll out.

2. Cut shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

3. Assemble with jam.

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Ma’amoul (Middle East)

                                                  Filled semolina cookies with dates or nuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups semolina

• 1 cup butter

• 1/4 cup milk

• Date paste or nuts for filling

Instructions:

1. Mix dough, chill, and form into small balls.

2. Stuff with filling, shape, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.