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Europe Rejects U.S. Peace Framework Demanding Ukrainian Concessions

Ukraine suffered one of the worst Russian attacks in months when drones and missiles hit Ternopil.  European leaders have firmly rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and scale back its military capabilities. The plan, reportedly drafted by Washington and discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been described by European officials as tantamount to forcing Kyiv into capitulation. According to reports, the framework envisions Ukraine giving up land to Russia and partially disarming its armed forces. This approach has sparked alarm across Europe, where officials insist that any peace plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve both Kyiv and European partners in negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” underscoring the bloc’s position that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without its direct involvement. German...
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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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