Step by Step Carnitas Recipe Carnitas Makes: 7-8 Servings Ingredients - 6 lb pork shoulder/pork butt - 2 lb lard - 1 can Evaporated milk - 1 small Coca Cola - 1 orange - 1 head of garlic - 6 bay leaves - 1 tsp whole cloves - 1 tsp whole peppercorns - 1 onion - ½ cup water - 1 tbsp salt Preparation • To the pork butt/shoulder, cut it into smaller chunks. Cut some excess fatty skin pieces. • To a large dutch oven/pot, add the lard on medium high heat, until it's fully melted. • In batches, fry the pieces of pork for about 5 minutes. Once browned, set aside until you've finished frying all the pork. • Add the remaining ingredients into the pot of lard; water, evaporated milk, orange, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, coca-cola and the fried Pork pieces. Cover, bring to a boil, lower heat and Cook on Medium low for 2.5 - 3 hours or until its easily shreddable. • Take the carnitas out of the lard & place them in a separate dish. Shred the Pork pieces to use in Tacos, Tortas or Gorditas. • Our favorite way to Enjoy Carnitas is Tacos; warmed up Corn Tortillas loaded with shredded Carnitas, topped with Salsa or Hot Sauce from D&P Bakery, purple onions and a shake of parsley and oregano. Feel free to tag us at @dessertbeforevareniki with your favorite toppings and ways to eat Barbacoa Have leftovers? Add the Carnitas pieces to the Air fryer and crispy pork pieces along with homemade Beans. Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Fruit Tarts Recipe Fruit Tarts Makes: 18 - 20 Tarts Ingredients •18 - 20 Mini pie shells •2 Cups Rhubarb/Strawberries or toasted Pecans ~ Tart Sauce ~ •1 cup Sugar •1 cup Evaporated Milk •1/3 cup of flour •1 tsp Vanilla extract •1/4 tsp Nutmeg Preparation • Pre-heat the oven to 375°F • Cut fruit into smaller pieces • Mix together the Tart Sauce ingredients until smooth. • Fill tart shells 3/4 full of Sauce • Spoon in 1 TBSP of Fruit or toasted Pecans • Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F • Cool slightly before serving. • Freezer friendly, reheat in the oven for 5-8 minutes. * I doubled the recipe and used Rhubarb and Toasted Pecans. * might need more or less tarts depending on how big they are or how much you fill them with sauce. Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Chili Supreme Recipe Chili Supreme Makes: 10-12 servings Ingredients •2 lbs ground beef •1/2 lbs ground pork •1 cup bacon pieces •1 inch chorizo •20 pepperoni; quartered •3.5 cups cooked kidney beans •3.5 cups cooked pinto beans •1 onion; chopped •1/2 yellow bell pepper; chopped •1/2 red bell pepper; chopped •3 cups tomato; diced •2 cups marinara sauce •1/2 tsp garlic powder •1 tsp oregano •1/2 TBSP Italian seasoning •1/4 tsp ground cumin •2-3 cups water (personal preference) Preparation Pre-cook: In a large pot, brown the ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside. In a frying pan, fry the bacon pieces and chorizo. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. Assembly: In a large soup pot, combine all the ingredients, including the pre-cooked meats and spices. Stir well, cover, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. For a complete meal, serve with cornbread or warm corn tortillas. Enjoy your Chili Supreme! Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Bienenstich Cake Recipe Bienenstich Cake Makes: 2 round cakes Ingredients •1 Cup Sugar •1/2 tsp Salt •1 1/2 Cup Flour •1 1/2 tsp Baking powder •1 tsp Baking soda •1/4 Cup Vegetable oil •2 Eggs •1/2 tsp Vanilla extract •1 Cup Buttermilk Pudding ingredients: • 1 pkg Vanilla instant pudding • 2 Cups heavy cream Honey-Almond Topping: • ¼ cup unsalted butter (4 TBSP) • 1.5 Cups sliced almonds • 1 Cup Brown Sugar • 1 Cup Honey • pinch of Salt Preparation ~ Cake - Pre-heat oven to 350° F, prepare 2 round cake pans (standard size) spray with nonstick spray, and set aside - In a Medium sized bowl; mix the dry ingredients, in a separate bowl; mix the wet ingredients. - Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. - Divide the batter evenly into the 2 prepared cake pans, and cover with Foil. - Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes - Take out, remove foil and cool completely. ~ Prepare the Vanilla pudding - With a hand mixer; Mix the package of instant vanilla pudding with 2 cups of Heavy Cream until smooth. ~ Honey - Almond topping: - In a saucepan on medium-high heat; add butter and sliced almonds and stir occasionally until almonds are slightly toasted. - Turn heat to medium-low, and add brown sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt. - Stir to incorporate; let simmer for 3 minutes or until sugar is melted and resembles syrup. Assembly: - Once cooled; level and split the cake, holding the cake steady with one hand, use a long serrated knife to cut the cake into even layers. - Spread half of the pudding evenly on one layer. Gently replace the top layer of the cake - Evenly pour over half of the Honey-Almond topping on top of the cake. - continue the same step with the second cake. Slice and Enjoy! The original German Bienenstich Cake is a Yeast Cake with a Pastry Cream filling and a Honey-Almond topping. My Mom has made this recipe as prepared above for years and we love the taste. Maybe one day I will try to make the Yeast version and compare them. I hope you enjoy this version of the Bienenstich Cake as much as we do. Feel free to tag us @dessertbeforevareniki Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Pizza Rolls Recipe Pizza Rolls Makes: 20 rolls Ingredients •1 1/3 cup warm water •4 1/2 tsp instant yeast •2 tsp sugar •4 tbsp Oil •1 1/2 tsp salt •1/2 tsp garlic powder •1 tsp Paprika •1 tsp Oregano •1 tsp Parsley •1/2 tsp thyme •3.5 cups flour (520g) Filling: 1.5 Cup of pizza sauce 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese 1 cup finely chopped pepperoni Preparation - In a small bowl, stir together water, yeast and sugar, set aside and proof until frothy. - In a Stand Mixer with dough attachment, combine all the dry ingredients together. - add in Yeast mixture and Oil. - Mix together until edges come clean, continue Kneading for 10 min. - Take out of the Bowl, round into smooth shape. Place in a Oiled Bowl, Cover and let rise until doubled in size. - Once dough has risen, roll out pizza dough into a rectangle. - Spread pizza sauce on dough to within 1" of the sides, then top with pepperoni and cheese. - Roll the dough up, not to tightly. Pinch the seam to seal. - Slice with a bread knife, 2" rolls. - Place the rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet 1 inch apart. - Cover and rise for 40 minutes. - Preheat oven to 425° F, while rising Rolls. - Bake for 15-18 minutes, until light golden brown. - Store Leftovers in a Airtight container, place in the refrigerator. Enjoy! Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Sugar Chai Cookies Recipe Sugar Chai Cookies Makes: 30 Cookies Ingredients •1 cup butter - at room temperature •1 1/4 cups sugar + 1/4 for dipping •1 egg, room temperature •1 tsp vanilla extract •2 1/4 cups of sifted flour •4 bags of chai tea - cut bags, use dry content •1/2 tsp baking powder •1/4 tsp baking soda •1/2 tsp salt Tips: • Ingredients perform better at room temperature unless the recipe indicates otherwise. • I prefer using Mexican vanilla extract; if you're using an artificial extract, make sure to double the quantity when following my recipes. Preparation • Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper. • In a bowl or mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine sifted flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the contents of chai tea bags. • Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined. • Scoop cookie dough, shape into balls, roll in the sugar for dipping, and place them on the baking sheet. Ensure there is a 3-inch gap between each ball. • Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cookie tray to cool completely. • Enjoy your cookies and store any leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Pizza Dough Recipe Pizza Dough Makes: 2 Pizzas (10" - 12") Ingredients • 1.5 cup warm Water (110°F) • 1.5 TBSP Yeast • 1 TBSP Sugar • 1.5 tsp Salt • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder • 1/4 tsp Oregano (optional) • 4 Cups Flour + for rolling • 4 Tablespoons olive Oil + for Brushing Preparation •In a Small bowl; mix Water, Yeast and Sugar, set aside to proof for 10 minutes. •Meanwhile in a stand mixer bowl combine 2 cups of flour, salt, garlic powder and Oregano. •Add olive oil and proofed yeast mixture, mix until ingredients are well incorporated. •Gradually add another 2 cup of flour. Add any additional flour as needed (additional ⅓ cup), until beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl The dough will still be slightly sticky. •In a separate large bowl generously brush with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, brush dough Lightly with oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place. •Allow dough to rise for 40 minutes. •Preheat oven to 425°F, prepare pizza Pan, line with parchment paper •Once the dough has risen, transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Divide Dough into two equal parts, cover one part with a towel to prevent drying while working with the first dough. •Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into 12" circle. •Transfer dough to a pizza pan and fold edges over to form a crust. • With pastry brush; brush the entire surface of the pizza including the crust with olive oil. •Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the pizza to keep the dough from bubbling up in the oven. •Add desired toppings and bake at 425°F in preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until toppings are golden brown. •Repeat same steps for the second piece of Dough. Bake or freeze unbaked for a quick dinner. •Slice, serve and Enjoy! • Par-Bake Pizza for freezing - Pre-heat oven to 450°F, transfer dough to a pizza pan and fold edges over to form a crust. • With pastry brush; brush the entire surface of the pizza including the crust with olive oil. •Use a fork to poke holes all over the center of the pizza to keep the dough from bubbling up in the oven. •Bake crust for 3-5 min, take out and cool. •Add on all toppings, freeze on a baking sheet for 3 hours unwrapped, wrap tight with plastic wrap several times. Freeze until ready to use. *Baking frozen Pizza: Preheat oven to 425°F, remove all Plastic wrap. Place on a pizza pan and Bake at 425°F for 25-30 min until cheese is melted and slightly browned. •Slice and Enjoy. Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Flour Tortillas Recipe Flour Tortillas Makes: 8-10 tortillas Ingredients • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 cup melted butter • 1/4 cup bacon fat • 3/4 cup warm water Preparation • Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. • Mix in butter and bacon fat until it resembles coarse crumbs. • Gradually add warm water until the dough forms. • Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour if sticky. Cover and rest for 10 minutes. • Divide the dough into 8-10 balls, cover, and let rest for 15-30 minutes. • Roll each ball into a thin circle (8-10 inches). • Cook each tortilla in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side until bubbly and lightly browned. • Keep cooked tortillas warm under a towel and repeat with remaining dough. Serve warm with creamed honey or your favorite dish. Here are some creative tortilla ideas to try: ▪︎ Herbed Tortillas: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives to the dough for extra flavor. ▪︎ Whole Wheat Tortillas: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nuttier taste and more fiber. ▪︎ Spicy Tortillas: Mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick, perfect for tacos or wraps. ▪︎ Cheesy Tortillas: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dough for a cheesy twist that complements any filling. Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Syrup Cookies Recipe Syrup Cookies Makes: 24 Cookies Ingredients Make Syrup ahead of time: • 2 Cups Brown Sugar • 1 Cup Water • 1/8 cream of tartar (optional) -Place ingredients in a medium sized saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat and lower heat to low simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. -Remove from heat and pour in a heat safe container. - Cool and refrigerate for 12 hours before using. Cookies: • 1 Cup Brown Sugar • 1 Cup White Sugar • 1 Cup Margarine or Oil • 1 Cup Whipping Cream • 2 Eggs • 1 tsp Vanilla • 2 Cups Syrup (made ahead of time) • 1 tsp Baking Soda • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder • 1/4 tsp Salt • 7 Cups All Purpose Flour Preparation • Preheat oven to 350° F, prepare Baking Sheets lined with parchment paper. • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer; cream together Sugar and Margarine/Oil, then mix in eggs, Cream and vanilla extract. • Next add in the Syrup, mix until well combined. • Mix in baking soda, baking powder and salt. • Add in half of the Flour, mix well before adding the rest of the Flour. • Once all ingredients are well incorporated; scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ice cream Scoop works great. • Bake at 350°F for 12 - 13 minutes. • Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to cooling rack to cool completely. • Eat them plain or add your favorite spread, dipped in Chocolate or both. Pictured Syrup Cookies: Dulce de Leche spread and dipped in Chocolate Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Horchata Recipe Horchata Makes: approx. 1 Gallon Ingredients •2 Cups Uncooked Rice •5 Cinnamon Sticks •15 Cups Water •2 cans Evaporated Milk •2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk •Whipped Cream + Ground Cinnamon for topping - Optional Preparation • In a Large container; add 2 Cups of uncooked Rice, 5 Cinnamon sticks and 5 Cups warm Water, cover and leave overnight. • Add Rice and Cinnamon to a Food Processor or Blender, don't discard the Rice Water. *Add the water to Blender if desired, my processor makes a huge mess if I add the water, also the Rice blends smoother without the water. • Once Rice is blended smooth add it back to the Rice Water and stir. • Add 10 cups of Water to a Pitcher or Drink Dispenser, strain the Rice Water and pour it into the Pitcher • Add in 2 cans of Evaporated Milk plus 2 cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk • Stir and Chill until ready to use. • Pour over Ice, add Whipped and ground cinnamon. Enjoy! Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Lasagna Recipe Lasagna Makes: 8 Servings Ingredients Lasagna: 1 lb Cooked Cooked Ground Beef 6 - 8 Oven Ready Lasagna Sheets 2 1/2 Cups Pasta Sauce 1 Cup Ricotta or Cottage Chesse 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese *Homemade Pasta Sauce: 1/2 C Onion, diced 1 Tbs Garlic, minced 1 Large Can Tomato puree 1 Can Tomato paste 2 Tbs Sugar 2 tsp Italian seasoning *Garlic Spread: - 1 Cup Butter, softened -1/2 TBSP Garlic Powder -1 TBSP Parmesan Cheese -1 tsp Italian Seasoning -1/2 tsp Black Pepper -1/4 tsp ground Paprika Preparation Lasagna: Pre-Heat oven to 350 F ~ In a Heat safe Dish; pour in 1/2 Cup of Sauce to cover the bottom. ~ Add 2 Cups of Sauce into the Ground Beef and mix it together. Lasagna Layering. 1- Sauce 2- Noodles 3- Ground Beef 4- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese 5- Mozzarella Cheese 6- Noodles 7- Ground Beef 8- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese 9- Mozzarella Cheese ~Cover with Foil, bake Covered for 45 minutes. ~Uncover and bake for another 15 min ~Take out of Oven and rest for 10 min before cutting. Enjoy with Garlic Jitzkucken. *Homemade Pasta Sauce - Over medium heat sauté onion and garlic. -Add puree, paste, Sugar seasoning -Cover and bring mixture to a simmer and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. -Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. *Garlic Spread -Mix all ingredients well -Spread on Bread or Jitzkucken (fried bun dough) -Heat in a Oven at 350°F for 10 min. Serve Warm. Click for step by step pictures

Step by Step Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Honey Garlic Chicken Makes: 2 servings Ingredients 3 skinless chicken breasts (cut into smaller strips if desired) ⅓ cup all-purpose flour ¼ tsp salt 1 TBSP olive oil 1 TBSP butter 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced ⅓ cup honey ¼ cup water 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 teaspoon cornstarch whisked with 1 tablespoon of water Preparation •Mix Flour and Salt •Drench Chicken in Flour •Heat oil in a Skillet •Cook Chicken pieces both sides (internal temperature 180°) •Transfer Chicken to a plate •Add butter, garlic to the skillet until garlic is lightly golden. •Add honey, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch/water mixture and bring to a simmer for about 1 - 2 my min •Carefully add chicken back to the pan. •Let simmer in skillet in Medium-Low for about 10 min. *If the sauce becomes too thick and looks like it might burn, add a couple tablespoons of water to the pan. •Transfer chicken to a clean plate and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. •Add the left over sauce from the skillet onto the Chicken. Serve with desired Sides. Ex,. -Mashed Potatoes -Alfredo Gnocchi -Rice & Vegetables "*The vinegar cuts the sweetness of the honey, if you want to have it more sweet cut the vinegar amount in half or leave out . Click for step by step pictures