CTRL Review by Neha Madhukar

I recently watched this movie called Ctrl which is a take on AI and how it might take control, hence the name ctrl) in all the wrong ways.

the movie stars Ananya Pandey and Vihaan Samat, Nella, and Joe are a popular social media influencer couple. When he cheats on her, she turns to an AI app to erase his digital existence on her computer and social media. However, the maker of the AI secretly begins to take control of her data and life, illegally invading her privacy.

the format of the movie is somewhat similar to The Searching a 2018 American screen life mystery thriller film directed by Aneesh Chaganty

I read quite a few reviews about this movie and noticed that it didn't have a lot of great reviews which makes sense, because of the ending

it might seem quite slow at some intervals and did fail to keep me engaged at times, but the theme of the movie was quite fascinating, now everyone knows that meta specifically Instagram and also YouTube track your activity and algorithm, based on what type of content you engage with, the recommendations are tailored and personalized to the user, although the series of events that occur throughout the movie are exaggerated, it does remind us of the social media that we interact with on an everyday basis

SPOILER ALERT

at the end of the movie, despite the app ruining her life, she stays away from it for a certain period of time but she is slowly drawn back in when she sees an advertisement of the same, now everyone thought that this was extremely ridiculous and stupid and i kind of agree, i thought the same when i first watched it, but the more i thought about it, i realised that, we uninstall Instagram because it consumes too much of our time and we waste our time scrolling on reels, or we might deactivate our accounts during an exam but we still reinstall in a few days later. failing to stay away, it feels dangerously relatable which to me makes it interesting and worth watching once

this movie made me want to write a blog after almost a year.

Avatar 2: The Way Of The Water trailer and when its going to be out! -By Neha

 oh my god. the avatar trailer was released in theatres, specifically while watching doctor strange in the multiverse of madness. and the official trailer was out  and people say that the character na'vi is kate winlet's character. but we don't actually know anything as of now, i guess we'll get assurance when we watch the actual movie in theatres. but yeah it basically took cameron 13 years to film the sequel, and turns out kate winlet is also going to be playing a role in this movie. Jake Sully and Ney'tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans. 

Avatar: The Way of Water (colloquially known as Avatar 2) is an upcoming American epic science-fiction film directed by James Cameron. and apparently there are 3 more movies added to the sequel.The film's theatrical release has been subject to eight delays, with the latest occurring on July 23, 2020; it is currently planned for a release on December 16, 2022, with the following three sequels to be released, respectively, on December 20, 2024, December 18, 2026 and December 22, 2028.On October 3, 2017, it was reported that Kate Winslet, who starred in Cameron's Titanic (1997), had joined the cast of Avatar 2, and possibly its sequels. Cameron commented, "Kate and I had been looking for something to do together for 20 years, since our collaboration on Titanic, which was one of the most rewarding of my career", and added that her character was named Ronal. Although the nature of her character was originally unknown, Cameron stated the following month that Ronal was "part of the Sea People, the reef people", in reference to the Na'vi clan of Metkayina, making Avatar 2 Winslet's first role via performance capture, or motion capture altogether, which she was looking forward to; as she insisted on performing all her character's movements herself, she, like the child cast, had to learn free-diving for the film.Winslet, who had been notoriously reluctant about working with Cameron again because of the complicated situations he puts his actors in for their scenes, stated that Cameron proposed the role to her in July 2017 when he came to help her and their fellow Titanic collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio at a fundraiser in France, sending her the scripts shortly after. She commented that her role was "relatively small comparative to the lengthy shoot", as she would only have one month of shootings, but also "a pivotal character in the ongoing story". On April 30, 2018, Kate Winslet had "just a couple days" of shooting left to do.[97] While filming an underwater scene, Winslet held her breath for over seven minutes, breaking the record for longest breath held while shooting a film scene underwater, a record previously held by Tom Cruise for Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.In May 2018, Saldaña stated that filming was "kind of only halfway done" and that the crew is "about [to finish] motion capture production on the [second and third] movies, and then after that, they go straight into pre-production for the live-action part that would shoot for six months in New Zealand." Saldaña finished shooting her scenes on June 8, for both Avatar 2 and its sequel, while Cameron stated around the same time that 130 days of performance capture had been shot.On November 14, 2018, Cameron announced filming with the principal performance capture cast had been completed. and plus this is the only movie close to titanic 2 that I'm gonna get, so gonna have to watch this movie a million times too, i mean it's set in the water, and kate winslet is in it, the perfect cherry on top would be if leonardo dicaorio would also be in this film. and maybe then he could even change the storyline into jack and rose in this kind of world, and- ok im getting way too carried away, back to topic. yeah so this is the only thing close to titanic 2 that were gonna get so have to savour it all we can. the movie is coming out in December 16 2022, cant wait until then. and yeah im definitely watching it at least 5 times in the theater, because who knows when this movie's gonna be out on ott. and i just know this movie is going to be amazing, the graphics and the sfx everything is just top notch, and i really like the storyline of this movie. and well we can always trust james cameron, i mean he wrote titanic which was the highest grossing movie of all time, and then he wrote avatar which is still the highest grossing movie of all time even to this day. and i mean i love avatar too of course but titanic is always titanic to me, it got me through some things and it made me realise how we take today for granted, when we dont know if there's tomorrow, so fall in love, hang out with your friends and let go of the things you've been holding on. because you might not be here tomorrow, so live life to the fullest. and oh my god the dialougesn in titanic, and avatar too, the guy is amazing. but i mean i agree its a scam, jack shouldn't have died. but i guess that's the entire purpose of the movie, that rose didn't want to live but after she met jack she was full of life and laughter. and he made her realise the smallest joys of life are the most important ones, its as if he was her guardian angel. she lived for him and he died for her. i got wayyy off topic right there, anyway that's it for this blog i hope you guys liked it, im gonna go cry and i'll see you guys in the next one, ciao! 

some of the best kannada movies that you must watch! -By Neha

Kannada movies have been popularised by kgf and that makes me so proud as a Kannadiga of course, there are so many other Kannada movies that are actually amazing and some of the people have been missing out but I'm taking this as an opportunity to share some of the most amazing Kannada movies that I have seen ever since I was born honestly. 

1. Drama- if you guys are looking to watch more of Yash's films, this is a great one, it's one of his early appearances when he first joined the Kannada film industry. and it was amazing, the amount of comedy in this movie is amazing, and of course, the story is quite different than what you guys usually see. Venkata, a young student, falls in love with his classmate, Nandini. One day, she kisses Venkata and in return asks him to take revenge on the principal for slapping her in front of everyone. and the movie is directed by yograj bhat and he creates top-notch fantastic movies that everyone has seen and loved over time. Drama is a 2012 Indian Kannada romantic comedy thriller written, directed, and co-produced by Yogaraj Bhat under the banner Yogaraj Movies. and the songs in this movie, oh my god are just so beautiful and mesmerizing and it makes you want to listen to it over and over again and not get enough of it. and I certainly love this movie. and if you guys want to watch it it's on youtube and probably on sun nxt. 

2. Gaalipata- oh my god, this movie has been so popular for so long and the sequel to this movie is coming out really soon! I've seen this movie with my family probably about 10 times, well at least 10. and I'm never tired of it, it's about three friends who are on vacation and they meet 3 women and fall in love with them while staying on the vacation. Ganesh, Diganth, and Kitty arrive in Mugilupete to stay at Diganth's grandfather's farmhouse. However, there Ganesh falls in love with Sowmya, a widow who stays with her in-laws, Kodandaram and Padma. and the songs in this movie are so iconic, this movie was released in 2008, 14 years ago, and I actually didn't realize but this movie was also directed by yograj bhat, the proof that he creates amazing unforgettable movies that all of us love. Gaalipata is a 2008 Indian romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Yogaraj Bhat. the actors have done their jobs amazingly. and if you guys wanna watch gaalipata, it's on Disney plus Hotstar. 

3. Milana- calling all Puneeth Rajkumar fans to this one! Milana is an amazing movie and it brings all of us nostalgia when we watch it and we sure know how to vibe to the songs in this one. this movie is also very popular but it's all popular for a reason, and the dialogues in this movie are very well written. you guys are going to have to watch the movie to find out the reason. and the story is beautiful and the way it's all portrayed is amazing. Anjali's father forces her to marry Akash. Unable to forget her past, she demands a divorce from Akash, but soon begins to fall for him. and the way he falls for her is soo aaahhhhh undescribable. and the songs are so beautiful and have such meaning and I'm sure there are 2 love interests in this movie, and no that is not a spoiler and you guys should watch this movie to tell me if it's a spoiler or not. Milana ( transl. Rendezvous) is a 2007 Indian Kannada-language romantic comedy-drama film co-written and directed by Prakash, starring Puneeth Rajkumar. and Puneeth Rajkumar's acting is always on spot and never fails. and apparently, it run an entire year in the theater. milana is on zee 5 if you guys wanna watch it. 

4. Jackie- oh my god, Jackie is one of my favorite films, man Puneeth Rajkumar sure knows how to pick em... the movies I mean- Jackie is a man who lives by his wits and reaches out to people to solve their problems. But he lands himself in trouble when he is suspected of helping a priest's daughter elope with her lover. and I can't even describe any of the songs. they're so amazing, and the dialogues are top-notch, and the story, the comedy, and the friendship with Rangayana Raghu. and his innocence in this film is just so adorable. and oh my god it was beautiful. and of course, everyone knows the most iconic song in this movie... Jackie. now it doesn't matter if you're a Kannadiga or not but if you live in Karnataka at least you must've definitely heard this song at least once. and if you're a Kannadiga who hasn't heard this song, are you even a Kannadiga at all? It is also considered one of the trend-setter films in the Kannada film industry. One of the landmark movies in Puneeth Rajkumar's career. and if you guys want to watch it, it's on youtube and probably sun nxt. but this movie is definitely a must-watch. it was released in 2010, so it's around 12 years old. this movie is seriously magnificent. 

5.  love mocktail: I've been talking about a lot of old movies, let's get into the millennial side of the movies now. I'm sure you guys must have heard of this movie, it became viral in 2020 and everyone i knew had seen this movie, and to everyone who hasn't seen it, you guys probably don't know the story, its about aditya who keeps finding love in different stages of his life, and when none of those work out he finds this someone else and realises how much she cares for him and falls in love with him, and you guys have to find out what happens next... 

After rescuing a woman, Adi reminisces about his love life and tells her about all the heartbreaks he endured in his quest to find his true love. Love Mocktail is a 2020 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film directed and written by Darling Krishna in his directorial debut. i love the songs in this movie by raghu dixit, really melodious and pleasant. this is probably my 4th favourite movie (after titanic, paramathma and jackie of course) every single scene of adi and nidhi gives you butterflies in your stomach, and it makes you realise the special and small moments in life are the most important and those who really matter. love mocktail is on amazon prime if you guys wanna watch it. 

6. upendra- yeah i know the name is the name of the actor in this movie. the movie is really good. and i believe this movie has 3 love interests so...and there are also 3 different stories and in each different story he learns something different.. or a different moral, and the end is quite unexpected. Upendra is a 1999 Indian Kannada-language psychological thriller film written and directed by Upendra. It starred Upendra, Raveena Tandon, Prema and Damini. it came out in 1999. there was one dialouge in this movie that made me sure that i loved this movie for sure, yeah it includes titanic. of course it does.Upendra is a 1999 Indian Kannada-language psychological thriller film written and directed by Upendra. It starred Upendra, Raveena Tandon, Prema and Damini. and the song i love to use in certtian circumstances called MTV subbalakshmige bari olu is also from this movie, which means lying or rather bluffing. and the song was super popular in the 90's as well and so was the movie. which is why a second part to upendra came out called uppi but if I'm being honest, the first movie is so much better than the second movie. not saying the second movie wasn't nice or that i didn't like it but the first movie is so much better, it has much more story and much more plot in it, the second movie is.... well just kind of very unrealistic i guess, and of course upendra is also very unrealistic, like watch the movie you'll understand. but its unrealistic in a kind of way that means something but uppi is just unrealistic in a way that makes no sense. and I'm also not going to say everyone is going to and will like this movie but its amazing in a way mostly people with a sharp mind get. (or at least that's what they say ;)   )  and upendra is on sun nxt if you guys wanna watch it. 

7. Mr and Mrs Ramachari- oh my god this movie is so amazing i love this movie so much, this is definitely my 5th favourite movie, the father and son sentiment, the romande and the love and the heartbreak, everything is just so emotional and has meaning. and the songs are the best part. my personal favorite is the title song of course, and there's that line in the song, nor adi cut outge haara biddahaagide hudgni neenu bandamele. After Divya becomes a victim of college bullies, Ramachari saves her and they fall in love. However, they part ways when Divya begins to question his way of life.Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari is a 2014 Indian Kannada romantic action comedy film written and directed by Santhosh Ananddram. the story is so simple yet is very emotional and relatable and it makes you connect to the characters on so many levels. which is why this movie is so popular. and it came out in 2017. and well there's another reason i love this movie so much.... my mom's brother was in this movie, so well a proud moment. mr and Mrs ramachari is on youtube and sun nxt if you guys wanna watch it. 

8.  paramathma- oh my god this movie is the best, paramathma is also in my favourite's list of course, the story is about a really rich guy who's in college with his friends and one of his close friends likes him but he has his heart set on another girl. Param is a rich young man who falls in love with Deepa. He soon discovers that his friend Sanvi is in love with him and tries to clear the air between them. Paramathma is a 2011 Indian Kannada-language romantic comedy film written, directed and co-produced by Yogaraj Bhat. yeah most of the best movies are directed by yograj bhat. and the songs in this movie are indescribable. there's that one song called college gate, and it was popular amongst college students and high school students in 2011. which is when it was released. I've grown up watching puneeth rajkumar's movies, and when i rewatched this one it definetly hit different, on an emotional level. and the love story, the romance and the friendship and everything is just on a whole different level. paramathma is on disney plus hotstar if you guys wanna watch it. 

9. googly- this movie is also definetly one of my favourite movies of all time, well you can also call this movie the greatest of all time. every kannadiga has seen this movie, and its so good, again the romantic aspects in this movie is so beautiful and relatable and the heartbreak oh my god. and the songs are groovy and you cant stop listening to them. especially the googly song. Googly is a 2013 Indian Kannada language romantic comedy film directed by Pavan Wadeyar and produced by Jayanna Combines, starring Yash and Kriti Kharbanda.Sharath and Swathi meet in Bangalore and fall in love but due to misunderstandings, they drift apart. However, few years later, destiny brings them face to face at a friend's wedding. googly is on sun nxt and youtube if you guys wanna watch it. 

10. Rajakumara- and the last but definetly not the least, rajakumara his movie is amazing, it is literally perfect. however you may describe perfect as. the story is about a rich adopted guy, with a perfect family and who has an amazing relathionship with his dad. but he falls in love with a girl, but his father wants him to get married to someone else, After losing his family, Siddharth learns about the various issues that they faced. He decides to take care of the people at an old age home but Jagannath attempts to foil his plans. this is the same director who shot Mr and Mrs Ramachari hence it being such a big success. siddhart's kind heart and the way he treats everyone with care and concern in the old age home, it's all astonishing. Raajakumara ( transl. The Prince) is a 2017 Indian Kannada language action drama film written and directed

Santosh Ananddram. 

Thats it for this blog, i hope you guys liked this blog and you guys have to watch all these movies, trust me its worth it. and I'll see you guys in the next one, ciao! 

kgf chapter 3 updates. -By Neha

We all know and love kfg. KGF was first released in 2018 and it was a big hit worldwide. and of course, you guys know that chapter 2 came out quite recently and it was even more successful than the first one, which made around 1,200 crores, now I'm pretty sure most of you have seen kgf chapters 2 and 1, or at least chapter 1. and well the dialouges are certainly top notch. 

 so you guys probably know the story but just to refresh all of it. rocky, a young man, seeks power and wealth to fulfill a promise to his dying mother. His quest takes him to Mumbai, where he gets involved with the notorious gold mafia. and an author who once wrote the book is being interviewed by a journalist, and being debated if the story is fiction or a true story. and if you guys have seen kgf 2, you guys must have seen the post-credits scene, kgf 3 is going to happen, but apparently not as soon as we thought. kgf chapter 1 came out in 2018 and chapter 23 came out in 2022, there's a 4-year gap, and rumors were going around that kgf 3 would be out in 2024 but Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films (who produced KGF Chapter 1 and 2) recently spoke about starting the shoot in October. Now shooting down the rumors, the executive producer of Hombale Films has come to share an update. Taking to Twitter, he said that the film isn’t going on floors anytime soon. It’s really heartbreaking for fans who are waiting for KGF Chapter 3. Let’s hope the production house soon shares some exciting news about the project.

Meanwhile, Vijay Kiragandur had told Dainik Bhaskar, “Director Prashant Neel is currently busy with Salaar. Around 30-35% of the shooting is done. The next schedule is slated to begin next week. We hope to complete it by October-November this year. So, we plan to begin the shoot for KGF after October this year. We hope to release the film by 2024.” 

that's it for this one, I'll see you guys in the next one ciao! 

insecure review- By Neha

so I was looking for tv shows to watch and oh my god, this one was so good, the end of the tv series brought tears to my eyes, and considering I am an emotional person and I do cry pretty easily at things that are so beautiful, this show was definitely something everyone would find beautiful, and you know that feeling when a really good tv show ends and it hurts so bad. 

insecure is about Issa who's in a relationship with a guy struggling to get his shit together. and she breaks up with him because of that, and I'm sure this is not a spoiler, after they break up he gets it together and Issa starts feeling guilty, and there's molly, her best friend who's a successful lawyer, and Issa who's sort of struggling in her job, the tv show is all about Issa finding herself as we move through, insecure is all about dating, being broke, and friendship and oh my god the jokes in this tv show is indescribable, 

Best friends Issa and Molly belong to the same social background and face similar experiences. They always strive to find solutions to their problems by facing them together.

and it's about how best friends are always there for each other no matter what and will love you unconditionally, it's like the saying that goes, friends are the family we choose to keep and love. all the drama and her feeling guilty for certain things really show how we make mistakes but we learn from them. and it really shows her character development. and her relationship with her best friend.

Insecure is an American comedy-drama television series created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore and is partially based on Rae's acclaimed web series Awkward Black Girl.[2][3][4][5] The series is about the awkward experiences of a contemporary African-American woman. The series premiered online on September 23, 2016, via HBO Now and HBO Go, before airing weekly on HBO from October 9, 2016

and I'm someone who gets really attached to certain things and oh my god, I could not stop bawling my eyes out when this tv show ended, I flew through the seasons without even realizing. 

i enjoyed writing this blog as much as I loved watching insecure, and I hope you guys liked it too. That's it for this one guys, ciao! 

What is Law attraction -By Neha

law of attraction

what is the law of attraction? 

The law of attraction is a philosophy suggesting that positive thoughts bring positive results into a person's life, while negative thoughts bring negative outcomes. It is based on the belief that thoughts are a form of energy and that positive energy attracts success in all areas of life, including health, finances, and relationships.

While the Law of Attraction has generated attention in recent years due to books like "The Secret," it lacks scientific evidence for its claims and is generally viewed as a pseudoscience.

the laws of attraction: 

Like attracts like: This law suggests that similar things are attracted to one another. It means that people tend to attract people who are similar to them—but it also suggests that people's thoughts tend to attract similar results. Negative thinking is believed to attract negative experiences, while positive thinking is believed to produce desirable experiences.

Nature abhors a vacuum: This law of attraction suggests that removing negative things from your life can make space for more positive things to take their place. It is based on the notion that it is impossible to have a completely empty space in your mind and in your life. Since something will always fill this space, it is important to fill that space with positivity, proponents of this philosophy say.

The present is always perfect: This law focuses on the idea that there are always things you can do to improve the present moment. While it might always seem like the present is somehow flawed, this law proposes that, rather than feeling dread or unhappiness, you should focus your energy on finding ways to make the present moment the best that it can be.

using the law of attraction: 

Be grateful

Visualize your goals

Look for the positives in a situation

Learn how to identify negative thinking

Use positive affirmations

Reframe negative events in a more positive way

tips for practicing the law of attraction: 

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you better learn to recognize your habitual thought patterns to see whether you tend toward optimism or pessimism and learn more about changing negative patterns of thought.

Make a mood board: Create a visual reminder that helps you maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and focus on your goals.

Practice acceptance: Instead of focusing on what is wrong with the present or what needs to be changed, work on accepting things as they are. This doesn't mean that you won't continue to work toward a better future, it just means that you won't get bogged down by wishing for things to be different right now.

Practice positive self-talk: If you struggle with being overly self-critical, set a goal to engage in positive self-talk each day. Over time, this may come much more easily and you may find that it is harder to maintain a negative mindset.

the history of law of attraction: 

While the law of attraction has received quite a bit of attention in recent years, the concept is not exactly new. These ideas have philosophical roots that date back to the early 19th-century approach known as "New Thought." There was a resurgence of interest in the idea during the 20th century, particularly with the 2006 release of the film "The Secret," which was then later developed into the best-selling book of the same title and its 2010 sequel "The Power."

some books on the law of attraction: 

The Secret-Rhonda Byrne

The Law Of Attraction- Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks

Law Of Attraction- Michael Losier

Ask And It Is Taken-Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks

Think And Grow Rich-Napoleon Hill

christmas traditions! -By Neha

 It's officially Christmas eve! Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year   (that and thanksgiving of course!) and I thought I would write a blog about Christmas traditions!     

                                                                           

every family has different traditions during Christmas and Christmas traditions have changed over the years. now I'm not gonna give a synopsis on why we celebrate Christmas and why we do all of the things that we do on Christmas because y'all obviously know that, and plus this isn't kindergarten class so. Nevertheless, I will let you know of one fun Christmas fun fact:

Christmas traditions don't get more traditional than this color scheme. But why do we err towards red, gold, and green if we want to create a 'traditional' feel? Unsurprisingly, this Christmas ritual has its roots in religion: red suggest the blood of Christ; gold is one of the gifts from the Three Kings; while green is a symbol of everlasting life. well, that and green and red are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. (ok yeah that's not the reason why Christmas colors are red and green, but it is a fun fact!) 

the top 5 classic Christmas traditions are:

1. carol singing

2. decorating the Christmas tree 

3. kissing under the mistletoe (or basil, if you know you know)

4. baking together 

5. exchanging gifts 

Even before the birth of Christ, and Christmas as we know it Christmas wreath ideas have been used as a symbol of honor and victory. 

In the Middle Ages, it was adopted by those of the Christian faith as a representation of the start of Christmas.

and of course, making mince pies! 

Mince pies were originally filled with meat as well as dried fruit and spices. It’s thought they were brought to Britain in the 13th-Century by returning Crusaders who’d enjoyed Middle Eastern dishes combining meat, fruit, and spices.  

Often called Christmas pies, they were first oval-shaped to represent Jesus’ manger. 

Later the Victorians left out the meat but retained the three spices, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to represent the three wise men. 

Tradition says we should eat one mince pie on each of the twelve days of Christmas to ensure 12 months of good luck. Refuse a mince pie and bad luck could follow. Ah, so now we have an excuse to indulge.

1. carol singing- Carols were once folk songs sung at celebrations throughout the year – and not just at Christmas. Later, in medieval times, they were adopted and adapted by churchgoers, and many of these carols still make up our most beloved Christmas traditions – The Holly and The Ivy is a medieval carol, for instance.

2. decorating the Christmas tree- of course, you're supposed to decorate the Christmas tree with your family, but after they've decorated it with you, you can take it all out and do it yourself because no one does it like you, of course, you could also leave it the way your family decorated it of course, but that was my way 😀

3. kissing under the mistletoe (or basil, if you know you know)- There is no simple reason why this tradition has come about – but it is thought to have started in the 1700s. and do you all remember the friends episode where their heater broke and it turned into a summer-themed Christmas party? and Mr treeger asked Rachel if it was mistletoe? and she said it was basil

4. baking together- baking together is also one of the most popular Christmas traditions which have been going around for decades, and you can bake almost anything, even plum cake or mince pies! and it sure sets the mood for the holidays. 

5. exchanging gifts- now when I was younger and when most people were younger, I thought Santa was real (if you're under 8 reading this, don't worry Santa's real) and I thought he brought us gifts, until I realized, and then looked it up on google when I was 7 or 8. but exchanging gifts on Christmas with your family is wonderful. and just the cherry on top at Christmas. 

6. Having a Christmas dinner with your family- I've seen way too many tv shows where everyone has a great Christmas dinner with their family or with their friends (yeah from friends of course) which just warmed my heart and of course, it's going to be even better when it's In real life with YOUR family. and while sometimes not everyone's always going to be available on such short notice, so start telling them to mark their calendars from the beginning of the month. 

anyway, that's it for this blog, I hope you guys liked it, comment down below and let me know what your Christmas traditions are, and I'll see you guys in my next one, ciao! 

friends cookbook! -By Neha

 I know that there are some incredibly delicious recipes in friends (except Rachel's trifle of course! but apparently joey finds it delicious?) and today, I'm going to be listing all of the recipes that are used in friends, and I know there's a cookbook on Amazon, I don't have it, so I'm not going to be copying the cookbook, so don't come @me for that! I'm also not exactly sure if the recipes I'm listing here, are the exact same recipe that was used in the show, but of course, I'll try my best. and of course, I'm not a chef, so I'm not assuring you that these are absolutely amazing recipes, I'm not sure, I've just done a LOT of research (so you don't have to and don't worry, I love researching) whether you're preparing an appetizer on a Friday, or whether you're throwing huge friends themed party, these recipes will... well be there for you :) 
1. salmon rillettes: while hosting a poker party, don't forget the essentials: chips, nuts, guacamole, and of course, salmon rillettes a high-class snack for a high-stakes game, am I right? 

yield: 4 servings, prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 15 minutes 

10 baguette slices 
2 tablespoons extra virgin oil 
2 cups dry white wine 
1 tablespoon roughly chopped shallot, (about 1/2 small shallot) 
1 pound salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces 
1/2 cup mayonnaise 
2 teaspoons thinly sliced fresh chives 
juice of 1 small lemon 
1 teaspoon kosher salt 
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1. set your oven to broil or to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a medium baking sheet, drizzle the extra virgin, olive oil over the baguette slices, and toast in the oven for about 3 minutes, or until the baguette slices have become golden brown, set aside. 

2. in a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the wine and shallot to a gentle boil, about 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low, and add the salmon pieces 

3. gently poach the salmon for 5 minutes, or until the centers of the fish are just barely opaque, drain the poaching liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and reserve the shallot, place the salmon and shallot in a large bowl. 

4. to the bowl with the salmon and the shallot, add the mayonnaise, fresh chives, and lemon juice. gently stir with a rubber spatula just to combine, make sure not to overmix. season with salt and black pepper. 

5. transfer the mixture to a small serving bowl and serve with baguette slices. 

2. creamy artichoke dip 

 yield: 8 servings, prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 30 to 35 minutes

2 (14- ounce drained cans artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped 

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese 

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, finely minced 

2 scallions, roughly chopped 

salt and pepper to taste 

1. preheat the oven to 425 degree 

2. in the bowl of a food processor, place half the artichoke along with the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of parmesan, and the lemon juice and garlic. process until smooth 

3. add the chopped scallions and the remaining artichokes, continue to process just a second or two more. 

4. transfer the dip to a 1-quart baking dish and sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top 

5. bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling, serve immediately 

  

3. joey's meatball sub:

Ingredients

- 2-4 Bread rolls

- Mozzarella cheese

For the meatballs

- 500g Beef mince (can also do half pork and half beef for a different flavor)

- 1 tsp ground black pepper

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tsp onion powder

- ½ tsp salt

- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs

- ½ cup fresh white breadcrumbs

- 1 small brown onion, diced finely

- 1 egg

- 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce

- 1-2 tsp Olive oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce

- 1 small brown onion, chopped finely

- 1 small stalk of celery, chopped finely

- ½ small carrot, chopped finely

- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

- ½ tsp salt

- ½ tsp black pepper, ground

- ½ chicken/vegetable stock cube

- 1 clove garlic minced

- ¼ cup tomato paste/pizza sauce

- 400g tin of crushed tomatoes

- 1 tsp Balsamic vinegar

- 1-2 tsp Olive oil for frying

Equipment

- Mixing bowl

- Small sauce pot

- Wooden spoon

- Stick blender

- Frying pan

- Spatula

- Oven + oven trays

- Aluminium foil/baking paper

2. the marinara sauce 

For the marinara sauce heat, some olive oil (a couple teaspoons) in your small saucepot, and on medium-high heat brown your onions, this should take about 3-5 minutes. Then add your carrots and celery and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then add the minced garlic and stir until it becomes aromatic, be careful not to burn the garlic as this can make the sauce bitter. Then add the tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and spices, bring it to a boil and then turn to medium-low heat, cover with a lid and allow it to simmer for 15-30 minutes until the vegetables are softened and cooked through. Once cooked blend the sauce with a stick blender

3.  Meatball Sub 

To make the meatballs add your mince, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, spices, and BBQ sauce into your mixing bowl and then mix it together with your hands until the mixture has come together.

Then take a couple of Tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll the meat between your hands to form your meatballs. place on a plate to the side and prepare to fry them!.

4. Fry the Meatballs 

To fry, the meatballs place a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat and place the meatballs in and cook them for about one and a half minutes per side. this should give us a crispy outside and a soft inside.

**Do not overcrowd the pan, we want these to become nice and brown if you put too many balls in at once they may sweat and not crisp up.**

Then add half of the marinara sauce over the meatballs and continue to cook them on a simmer so that the meatballs cook all the way through and absorb the delicious saucy goodness.

5. Assemble the sandwich and bake it 

To recreate how Joey's sandwich looked in the episode we are going to bake them and wrap them in aluminum foil. So cut your bread rolls in half and place your meatballs on the flat half of the roll. Then top with more marinara sauce and top with as much mozzarella cheese as you want.

Then place the sandwich under your grill setting in your oven for a couple minutes. if you do not have a grill setting place it in an oven pre-heated at 200 degrees Celcius (395 F) until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.

5. Ross's MoistMaker Sandwich 

ingredients:

for gravy 

3 tbsp. butter

3 tbsp. all-purpose flour 

1/2 c. turkey pan drippings 

1 tsp. freshly chopped thyme 

1 tsp. freshly chopped rosemary 

2 c. low-sodium chicken or turkey broth 

Kosher salt 

Freshly ground black pepper 

for herb mayo 

1/2 c. mayonnaise 

2 tbsp. dijon mustard 

2 tsp. freshly chopped parsley 

1 tsp. freshly chopped thyme 

1 tsp. freshly chopped chives 

for the sandwich 

9 slices white bread, toasted 

1 lb.  leftover turkey, sliced 

1 c. leftover mashed potatoes 

1 c. cranberry sauce 

1 c. leftover stuffing 

Arugula

gravy: 

1. Make the gravy: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook until golden, 1 minute, then whisk in pan drippings. (If you have more than a 1/2 cup of drippings, use it and reduce the amount of broth!)

2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in fresh herbs, then whisk in broth and return mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. 

3. Simmer 10 minutes, gradually adding more broth if gravy is too thick. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly. 

4. Make herb mayo: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh herbs.

5. Spread herb mayo on one side of 6 pieces of bread. Dip the remaining 3 pieces of bread into a gravy, making sure plenty soaks in.

6. Build sandwich by placing turkey on a mayonnaise spread piece of bread, then top with turkey,  mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a gravy-soaked piece of bread, stuffing, arugula, and another mayonnaise spread piece of bread. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 2 more sandwiches. 

6. phoebe's grandmother's chocolate chip cookies: 

A recipe that’s been passed down through your family’s generations. Maybe even of French origins.

Maybe even from your great-great-grandmother, Neselé Toulouse.

Or maybe just the chocolate chip cookie recipe from the back of the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip package.

But maybe that recipe burned up in a fire, SO WE’LL NEVER KNOW, WILL WE?

ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups (1 12-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1 cup chopped nuts (*if omitting, add 1-2 extra tbsp flour)

1. preheat oven to 375 F.

2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat butter, both sugars, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing completely after each one.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until fully combined.

6. Slowly stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2" apart.

8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then move to wire cooling racks to cool completely.

7. Monica's "little drops of heaven" 

ingredients: 

226 g butter, unsalted 

230 g heavy cream 

60 g water 

155 g light corn syrup 

400 g sugar 

Vanilla extract 

Kosher salt

Dark chocolate, finely chopped

Flaky salt

1. Prepare a square pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment (large enough that there is an overhang on all four sides).

2. Melt butter and combine with heavy cream. Reserve. 

3. Combine water, light corn syrup, and sugar in a high-sided pot.

4. Cook sugar mixture until 320 F. 

5. Add butter mixture in multiple additions.

6. Cook caramel until mixture comes back to 240-245F. 

7. Pour into the prepared pan. Let cool completely. At least 6 hours.

8. Invert the block of caramel onto a greasy surface and cut it into desired shapes

9. Place caramel cubs onto parchment paper (sprayed with nonstick spray on both sides) place on a rimmed baking sheet.

10. Chop up a large bowl of dark chocolate. Place bowl over not quite simmering water.

11. Stir occasionally until the chocolate has melted completely at a temperature of 110-120F.  Make sure water doesn’t boil.

12. Take off heat and add in a small amount of finely chopped unmelted chocolate. 

13. Stir vigorously and constantly until 86F is reached. *If reheating chocolate is needed, don’t heat about 94F. 

14. Dip and cover each cub of caramel and place onto a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet.  Finish off with flaky salt. 

15. Let set before serving.

8. Rachel and Chandler's stolen cheesecake 

ingredients:

200g Digestive biscuits

100g butter, melted

900g cream cheese

225g caster sugar

200 ml sour cream

2 tbsp cornflour

3 large eggs and 1 egg yolk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1. preheat oven to gas mark 4/180C/160C Fan and line the base of a  9-inch springform cake tin.

2. Blitz the digestive biscuits in a food processor until they form a fine crumb (Top tip! Don’t have a food processor? Place the biscuits in a sandwich bag and crush them with a rolling pin.)

3. Add the crumbs to a bowl with the melted butter, stirring together until it becomes the texture of wet sand. Tip your crumbs into the prepared tin and, using the flat bottom of a glass press the crumb mixture into the base and up the sides to form your cheesecake crust. Bake for 10 minutes until golden.

4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth. Then add the sour cream and cornflour and mix together.

5. Beat in your vanilla, and the eggs and egg yolk one at a time. Try not to beat it too hard, as you’ll add too much air to the mixture which can cause the top to crack.

6. Pour the mixture over the cheesecake crust and bake in the oven for 45 minutes until it's lightly golden on top and has a slight wobble when shaken.

7. Turn the oven off and open the oven door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely like this. (Top tip! Cooling your cheesecake in this way will also help to prevent the top from cracking.)

8. Once the cheesecake is cool remove it from the tin and serve… preferably not on the floor!

9. Monica's blue fingernail quiche: 

ingredients:

1 sheet refrigerated pie crust

1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 poblano pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium tomato, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks

3/4 cup half-and-half cream

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese, crumbled

1. Unroll pie crust into an ungreased 9-in. tart pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Line unpricked crust with a double thickness of foil. Fill with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice. Bake on a lower oven rack until edges are golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake until bottom is golden brown, 3-5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.

3. In a large bowl, combine eggplant, pepper, tomato, and garlic. Add oil; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Roast until tender, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.

4. Reduce oven setting to 375°. Spoon roasted vegetables into crust. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, cream, salt, and pepper until blended; pour over top. Sprinkle with goat cheese.

5. Bake on a lower oven rack on a baking sheet until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cover edges with foil if they begin to get too dark. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

10. perverted salad:

ingredients:

1 tablespoon pistachios, chopped

1 tablespoon cashews, chopped

2 to 3 walnuts, chopped – optional

1 tablespoon almonds, chopped or sliced – optional

1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

2 teaspoons sesame seeds, white or black

1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

and add dirty lettuce and firm tomatoes ofc-

1. Heat a small frying pan or skillet. When it becomes warm, add the following nuts and seeds.

2. Keeping them on the lowest heat, stirring often. Roast the nuts and seeds until lightly golden, crisp, and fragrant. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside. 

3. Rinse the veggies well, then drain the water and set aside.

Peel and chop the 1 small to medium-sized cucumber in 0.5 cm cubes (½ cup chopped).

NOTE: Peeling the cucumber is optional; during peak season, the skin is quite thin and can stay on. If the skin is thick and tough, I recommend peeling it.

Remove the seeds and chop 1 small red bell pepper in 0.5 cm cubes (½ cup chopped).

Peel, rinse, and chop 1 small to medium onion (⅓ cup chopped).

Dice 1 medium tomato to 0.5 cm cubes (½ cup chopped).

Also, chop 1 celery stick (about 3 tablespoons). Set aside.

4. In a small mixing bowl, add 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

5. Add the following ingredients:

¼ teaspoon minced garlic

¼ teaspoon ground white or black pepper

½ teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Add the dried herbs – ¼ teaspoon dried thyme and ¼ teaspoon dried basil. You can also add Herbes de Provence in the dressing.

 With a wired whisk, mix dressing ingredients briskly for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. 

Take chopped veggies and celery in a bowl. 

Halve a ripe avocado ( 1 medium to large). Scoop the pulp. Chop and add to the mixed vegetables. Add all of the lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Add the cooled roasted/toasted nuts and seeds, 2 tablespoons golden raisins, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.

Add ¼ cup crumbled feta.

Mix and toss thoroughly till the dressing has coated the veggies evenly.

Serve veggie salad straightaway, garnishing with some additional crumbled feta and parsley. Enjoy vegetable salad as is, or with any Mediterranean, Italian, European, or American main course. Enjoy!

11. Monica's Breakup Jam: 

ingredients:

2lbs strawberries 

1/4 cup of lemon juice 

4 cups of white sugar 

mash the strawberries

add the mashed strawberries into a pan, 

add four cups of sugar following 

add the lemon juice,

stir and boil until 220 degrees Fahrenheit

let the mixture cool and refrigerate

12. sweet potato and marshmallow casserole  

ingredients:

8 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes 

1/2 cup whole milk 

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter 

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for salting water 

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

2 cups marshmallows 

1. preheat the oven to 375degree Fahrenheit 

2. place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water, salt the pot generously and then set the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. reduce the heat, and let simmer until sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes, drain and return the sweet potatoes to the saucepan 

3. add the milk, butter, ground nutmeg to the saucepan and mash the potato mixture with a potato masher. mash until smooth, then season with salt and black pepper 

4. transfer to a 2- quart baking dish and top with marshmallows 

5. bake for 20 minutes, or until the center is warmed through and the marshmallows have browned slightly. remove them from the oven and serve warm.

13. garlic bread:

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened

1 baguette or French bread, cut lengthwise

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

1/4 c. grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 425° and line a large baking sheet with foil. Make garlic compound butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, salt, and parsley until well combined.

Spread cut sides of bread liberally with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Bake until bread is toasty and golden at the edges, about 10 minutes.

14. curry dip for crudites:

1 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons Heinz chili sauce

½ teaspoon curry powder

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon salt

Dash pepper

2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar

1. Whisk all of the ingredients together. (How easy is that?) Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

2. Serve with vegetables of your choice.

15. onion tarlets: 

4 tablespoons butter

2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon dry white wine

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 packages (15 count, each) Athens Mini Fillo Shells

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes until softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook onions 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add fresh thyme leaves. Cook yet another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and very caramelized. Add white wine and continue to cook 3 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese, egg and parsley until well combined.

2.Place fillo shells on rimmed baking sheet. Fill each shell with a scant tablespoon onion mixture. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until shells are lightly golden and filling is lightly browned on top. Serve warm.

16. thanksgiving yams:

2 (29 ounce) cans sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ (16 ounce) package gingersnap cookies

1 (16 ounce) package miniature marshmallows

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the sweet potatoes, butter and lemon juice. Break the gingersnap cookies into the mixture. Stirring occasionally, cook until thick, about 15 minutes.

2. Cover the mixture with desired quantity of marshmallows. Remove from heat and cover 5 minutes, or until marshmallows have melted. Serve warm.

17. on the side ceasear salad:

1 large or 2 small heads of romaine lettuce

Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

Crisp croutons – homemade can be made several days ahead. The recipe below makes enough for 2 salads.

Caesar salad dressing – homemade is best and here is our favorite store-bought dressing in a pinch

crutons:

Cut baguette in half lengthwise and slice into 1/4″ thick pieces and place on baking sheet.

Combine 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic. toss breads with garlic infused oil and 2 Tbsp parmesan.

Spread Evenly and Bake to desired crispness.

ceasar salad dressing: 

Whisk together minced garlic, dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice and red wine vinegar.

Whisking while adding oil emulsifies the dressing for a smooth and creamy (not oily) consistency.

Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your ingredients and toss gently to coat the lettuce in caesar dressing. 

18. fried stuff with cheese: 

9 – 10 Button mushrooms

Some bread crumbs

1 Processed cheese cube – grated

3 Tbsp mozzarella cheese – grated

½ Tsp red chili powder

1 Tsp oregano

Salt to taste

½ Cup cornflour

¾ Cup maida

½ Tsp crushed black pepper

2 Tbsp ginger garlic paste

Salt to taste

½ Cup cornflour

¾ Cup maida

½ Tsp crushed black pepper

2 Tbsp ginger garlic paste

Salt to taste

 Take 9-10 button mushrooms and remove their stems.

To prepare the stuffing, take 1 grated processed cheese cube in a bowl and add 3 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp red chili powder, some chopped green coriander and some salt to taste. Give it a good mix till everything is well combined.

Fill the mushroom cavity with this cheese stuffing.

To make the batter, take 3/4 cup plain flour (maida), 1/2 cup cornflour, 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper, 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste and some salt to taste. Give this a mix and start adding water to make batter of medium consistency.

Take the stuffed mushrooms and dip them in the batter. Give them an even coat of batter.

Place the batter coated mushrooms on breadcrumbs and coat them tightly with the crumbs.

Keep the coated mushrooms in refrigerator for 15 min.

After 15 min, heat some oil in a frying pan and slide the mushrooms gently in the oil.

Fry them on medium to high flame till they become golden in color.

Once done, take them out on a paper towel and serve them with your choice of dip. Enjoy!

19. brunch bagel: 

2 bagels, split in half

½ cup cream cheese (about 4 ounces)

1 small Kirby cucumber

½ plum tomato, cut into wedges

1. Toast the bagel halves and spread each with the cream cheese.

2.

Cut the Kirby into 8 rounds and several thin slices that can be used to form eyeglasses. Cut the tomato into 4 wedges and use one on each bagel half to form a smile. 

20. banana nut muffins:

2 to 3 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed (about 1 1/4 cup mashed)

1/3 cup melted butter (salted or unsalted)

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee or espresso, or a pinch of instant coffee granules mixed with a tablespoon of water (optional)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch salt

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted or raw)

1. Preheat oven, prepare muffin pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

2.Combine wet ingredients and sugar:

Thoroughly mash the bananas in a large bowl. Stir the melted butter into the bananas. Mix in the sugar, egg, coffee and vanilla extract.

3. Combine dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add the dry ingredients into wet, add nuts:

Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, a third at a time, stirring until it is just incorporated. (Do not over-mix! Over-mixing will result in dense, tough muffins.)

5. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

6. Fill muffin cups, and bake:

Lightly spoon the mixture into a prepared muffin tin. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

7. Check for doneness by pressing down on the top of the muffin. If it bounces back, it's done. You can also test by inserting a skewer or other tester into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, it's done.

8. Cool on a rack.

21. stupid british snackfood scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

2½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled

½ cup heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons for brushing

½ cup light brown sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to combine. Using a box grater, grate the butter into the dry ingredients, then toss with either your hands or a fork to combine.

2. In a small mixing bowl, add ½ cup heavy cream along with the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and whisk to combine.

3. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Work the dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly floured work surface. Press the dough into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut eight triangles from the dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Brush the scones with the remaining heavy cream and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown with edges just slightly crispy.

22. grandma's chicken salad:

4 cups chopped cooked chicken

2 hard-cookeds eggs, peeled and chopped

1 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3/4 teaspoon table salt

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

Dash of ground red pepper

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Fresh parsley, for garnish

1. Gently toss together first 9 ingredients in a bowl. Fold in 1/2 cup of the mayonnaise; cover and chill 2 hours.

2. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Spoon chicken salad into a serving dish; sprinkle with paprika.

23. creamy and cool cucumber soup:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

4 cups peeled, seeded and thinly sliced cucumbers, divided

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 avocado, diced

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

½ cup low-fat plain yogurt

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 1 to 4 minutes. Add lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Add 3 3/4 cups cucumber slices, broth, salt, pepper and cayenne; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook at a gentle simmer until the cucumbers are soft, 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Transfer the soup to a blender. Add avocado and parsley; blend on low speed until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Pour into a serving bowl and stir in yogurt. Chop the remaining 1/4 cup cucumber slices. Serve the soup warm or refrigerate and serve it chilled. Just before serving, garnish with the chopped cucumber and more chopped parsley, if desired.

24. acting lines noodle soup:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 rib celery, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

⅓ cup uncooked orzo noodles

4 cups

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

To a medium saucepan set over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the celery, carrot, and onion. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender, and the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine, cooking just an additional minute longer (be careful not to burn the garlic).

Add the orzo to the saucepan and cook until the pasta just begins to brown and toast, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil, about 7 minutes.

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Stir in the fresh parsley and squeeze in the lemon juice just before serving.

25. steak and an eggplant:

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup thick steak sauce

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

8 (1/2-inch) eggplant slices, purged with salt

1 cup grated Parmesan

3 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional

1. In a small bowl whisk together the Worcestershire, steak sauce, olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

2.Pat your eggplant dry with paper towels. With a pastry brush apply the sauce to both sides of the eggplant. Place eggplant rounds onto a sheet tray fitted with a rack. Place the tray under the broiler for until eggplant is nicely browned, approximately 2 minutes. Turn slices over and place back under broiler to brown the other side. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over all of the slices. Place back under the broiler for 1 minute to nicely brown the cheese. Serve plain or sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs.

26. kiddie mac and cheese:

1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni

¼ cup butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

ground black pepper to taste

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.

27. chickenpox spagetti salad:

1 package (16 ounces) thin spaghetti, halved

3 medium tomatoes, diced

3 small zucchini, diced

1 large cucumber, halved, seeded and diced

1 medium green pepper, diced

1 medium sweet red pepper, diced

1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1-1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds

1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon celery seed

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber and peppers.

2. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

28. mushroom pizza:

All-purpose flour, for working the dough

1 pound store-bought refrigerated pizza dough (enough for 1 pizza)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup diced onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with their juices

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/4 cup grated pecorino romano cheese

Kosher Salt and freshly ground black pepper

20 frozen tots

1/2 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

Cornmeal, for working the dough

1 cup banana peppers, chopped

1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough on top. Sprinkle more flour on top and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow to come to room temperature before using, about 1 hour.

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Add the tomatoes with their juices, the oregano, the pecorino cheese, and salt and pepper and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Using a stick blender, blend the sauce until smooth. Cover the pan and set aside.

Preheat the oven to the highest temperature, with an oven rack set just below the broiler. Place a pizza stone, baking steel (my preference), or overturned sheet pan on the rack to preheat.

Meanwhile, place the tots on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle them with the vegetable oil. Toss the tots gently to coat them evenly with the oil, then spread them out in an even layer. Warm them in the oven while it preheats, about 10 minutes.

Stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture into a squeeze bottle (or a zip-top bag) and set aside.

Sprinkle a small handful of cornmeal onto a pizza peel (or place a sheet of parchment paper on a cutting board) and put the dough round on top.

Remove the tots from the oven. Top the pizza dough with the sauce to taste (I usually use a heaping ½ cup of sauce), leaving the edge bare. (Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.)

Sprinkle the banana peppers over the sauce, top with the Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then scatter the tots evenly on top.

Switch the oven on high to broil. Carefully slide the pizza onto the pizza stone (if using parchment on a cutting board, you can slide the dough-topped parchment directly onto the stone) and broil, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning, until it is bubbling in the center and the tots and crust are browned, about 5 minutes.

Pull the pizza out of the oven and slide it onto a large cutting board.

Squeeze the mayonnaise mixture onto the pizza in decorative lines (if using a zip-top bag, snip a small hole in one corner to make a piping bag). Cut the pizza into slices and serve!

29. joey's pigs in a blanket:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. I’ve done it both ways and each works great.

Pop open the crescent dough packages and unroll each tube flat onto the counter or cutting board.

Separate each triangle and using a knife or pizza cutter, cut it down the middle lengthwise.

Then place one sausage on the wider end of the dough.

Roll the sausage up in the dough making sure the end tip is tucked under when placing it on the baking sheet. This will ensure that it doesn’t get too toasty.

Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Make sure to evenly space them out on the tray.

In a small bowl whisk the egg together with 2 tablespoons of water.

Brush egg wash over each pig in a blanket.

Sprinkle with the Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Remove from the oven and cool slightly before serving.

30. california roll:

2 cups sushi rice(460 g), cooked

¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar(60 mL)

4 half sheets sushi grade nori

1 teaspoon sesame seed, optional

8 pieces imitation crab

1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks

1 avocado, thinly sliced

Season the sushi rice with the rice vinegar, fanning and stirring until room temperature.

On a rolling mat, place one sheet of nori with the rough side facing upwards.

Wet your hands and grab a handful of rice and place it on the nori. Spread the rice evenly throughout the nori without mashing the rice down. Season rice with a pinch of sesame seeds, if using, then flip it over so the nori is facing upwards.

Arrange, in a horizontal row 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom, the crab followed by a row of avocado and a row of cucumber.

Grabbing both nori and the mat, roll the mat over the filling so the extra space at the bottom touches the other side, squeezing down to make a nice tight roll. Squeeze down along the way to keep the roll from holding its shape.

Transfer the roll onto a cutting board. Rub a knife on a damp paper towel before slicing the roll into six equal portions.

Enjoy!

31. engagement ring lasagna:

1 (16-ounce) package dry Lasagna Noodles (not “no-boil”)

1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

¼ cup finely diced Shallots (about 2 small shallots)

3 cloves Garlic , finely diced

1 tablespoon Tomato Paste

1 pound ground sweet Italian Sausages

1½ teaspoons Garlic Powder

1½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning

1½ teaspoons Cumin

2 (17.6-ounce) cartons crushed Tomatoes

1 tablespoon Brown Sugar

24 ounces Mozzarella Cheese , grated

8 ounces Parmesan Cheese , grated

fresh Parsley , roughly chopped

Salt

Black Pepper , to taste

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Lay lasagna noodles on kitchen towels to dry separately.

In a medium sauté pan set over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the shallots and sauté until barely translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, about 2 minutes more, keeping an eye on the garlic to make sure it doesn’t burn. Add the tomato paste and stir to incorporate with the shallots and garlic.

Add the ground Italian sausage and break up with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.

Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and salt and pepper, and stir. Cook until the sausage has browned, about 7 minutes.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the brown sugar as well as more salt and pepper to taste. Stir and let simmer on low anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

Spoon about ¼ cup of the sauce onto the bottom of a 9 × 13-inch casserole dish.

Arrange three noodles in a single layer. Sprinkle a handful of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, top with more sauce, and sprinkle another handful of the cheeses. Repeat this step three more times.

Once the lasagna has been assembled, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lasagna begins to bubble. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley immediately after removing from the oven.

Let the lasagna cool for at least 30 minutes (longer, if you have the time) before cutting into it and serving.

32. vegeterian tacos:

Quick-pickled onions

Creamy avocado dip

Easy refried beans

8 corn tortillas

Recommended garnishes

Salsa verde

Shredded green cabbage (for extra crunch)

Crumbled Cotija or feta cheese

Chopped fresh cilantro

Lime wedges

Prepare the onions, avocado dip, and beans as directed, in that order.

Once they’re ready, warm the tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat in batches, flipping to warm each side. Alternatively, you can warm them directly over a low flame on a gas range. Stack the warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a tea towel to keep warm.

To assemble the tacos, spread refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top with avocado dip and onions (for reference, I used all of the beans and about half of the avocado dip and onions). Finish the tacos with garnishes of your choice, and serve immediately.

Leftover components are best served separately; reheat the tortillas and beans before serving. Leftover pickled onions and avocado dip are great on quesadillas, nachos or tortilla chips, sandwiches, etc.

33. spicy enchilaadas:

1 tbsp sunflower oil

1 large red pepper, deseeded and chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 x 395g cans essential Waitrose Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

pack of 8 plain flour tortillas

75g vegetarian Cheddar, grated

170ml tub essential soured cream

1 green chilli, chopped

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the pepper and onion for five minutes until softened. Stir in the beans.

Divide the bean mixture between the tortillas and sprinkle with a little cheese (reserve some) then roll up and lay snugly in an ovenproof dish.

Spoon over the cream and scatter with the green chilli and reserved cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for ten minutes, then remove the foil for a further ten minutes until golden and piping hot.

34. top-notch tomato sauce

5 cut tomatoes and