Homemade showstopper

For many Filipinos, the holiday season is the perfect time to host dinner parties or attend a family potluck and catch up with loved ones. If you are not up to ordering party trays or bringing a bottle of wine, why not make your loved ones feel extra special by adding homemade showstoppers to the table?

The Maya Kitchen can help you prep for your upcoming holiday dinner parties and potlucks with these no-fail recipes that you can whip up using the Maya All-Purpose Flour.

If you’re looking for a festive main dish, then the Roast Chicken with Three Mushrooms is your best bet. This holiday dish can be an instant star of your Noche Buena or Christmas party with its aromatic spices, earthy mushrooms and flavorful meat.

After washing and drying the chicken, season it with salt and pepper. Make sure to put them, too, in between the skin and the meat. Spread the herb butter evenly to the same layer. Then, truss the chicken. Combine the onion, carrots and celery, and place them all on the roasting pan and place the chicken in the middle. Sprinkle with some oil and roast for about an hour or until it turns golden brown. Set aside.

Degrease the roasting pan, then cook the drippings for about four minutes or until it starts to be golden brown. Add the Maya All-Purpose Flour until it dissolves, then pour in the chicken stock and mix well so it gradually thickens. Simmer for about 10 minutes before straining into a saucepan. Heat the butter and sauté button, shitake and pre-soaked dried porcini mushrooms for about three minutes, then add them to the simmering sauce. Add herbs, salt, pepper and the brandy to flavor. Finally, remove the strings and place the chicken on a serving platter, add the sauce and mushrooms. Garnish with some chopped parsley — and bon appétit!

A holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without some delicious chocolate indulgence. Put a refreshing fruity twist to your classic chocolate treat with this Chocolate Fudge Orange Cupcake recipe. These goodies are perfect to serve guests with a cup of coffee or tea.

Sift Maya All-Purpose Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and brown sugar in a bowl, then create a hole in the center. Add egg, mayonnaise and boiling coffee, then fold in the melted chocolate. Pour the mixture into cups and leave it in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes at 180˚F. For the ganache, just boil the cream in a pot and fold in the chocolate. Mix until it smoothens. Decorate each cupcake with a big rosette of fudge and candied orange zest.

Want an easy edible gift to give your friends and family over Christmas? Jazz up your holiday spread with these Santa-approved Christmas Sugar Cookies! Here’s how to make it: Sift Maya All-Purpose Flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Set aside. Cream together softened butter and confectioners’ sugar, beat in an egg and add desired flavoring. Add the dry ingredients and mix until dough is formed. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cutters to create preferred shapes. Pop them it in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Add some colored royal icing, then wrap them up as gifts once icing sets!

Explore more creative baking and cooking holiday recipes with Maya All-Purpose Flour only at www.themayakitchen.com.