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Gaza Truce and Hostage Deal Faces Last-Minute Crisis

  In a dramatic turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a last-minute crisis with Hamas is delaying the approval of a highly anticipated ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The deal, which was set to be approved by the Israeli Cabinet, has been put on hold as Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions. The ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar, was expected to bring a temporary halt to the 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas. However, Netanyahu's office stated that the Cabinet would not convene to approve the agreement until Hamas backs down from its new demands. Hamas, on the other hand, has denied the allegations, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq asserting that the militant group remains committed to the ceasefire agreement. The delay has raised concerns about the implementation of the...
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Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

 This cake is nicely spiced, ultra-moist, and topped with lavish swirls of cream cheese frosting.

Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup currants (soaked in hot water to plump them up, then drained)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 pound carrots (finely chopped in a food processor)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), baking soda, and salt. Whisk to blend.
  3. Add 1/4 cup of the flour mixture to the drained currants and nuts. Toss well; coating the currants and nuts with flour will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
  4. Next, add the finely chopped carrots to a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until they are the consistency of couscous.
  5. Transfer the carrots to a bowl and wipe the processor bowl clean.
  6. Add the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the processor. Process until smooth.
  7. With the machine running, slowly pour in the vegetable oil.
  8. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Add the carrots, currants, and nuts. The batter will look very orange!
  9. Transfer the batter to a greased and floured 9x13-inch cake pan.
  10. Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
  11. While the cake cools, make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • Combine 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and creamy.
    • Gradually add 2 cups confectioners’ sugar. Once all the sugar is added, beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
  12. Use an offset spatula to frost the cake. Sprinkle nuts on top, if desired, and serve the cake directly from the pan.

Note: This cake can also be made as a 9-inch layer cake. You’ll have enough frosting for the middle and top of the cake; just leave the sides bare — it’s pretty that way.


 

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