December 31st Hufflepuff House
“Rose! Rosie,” Molly Weasley called as she spied her cousin across the Hogwarts grounds.
“Hey Molly. What’s up,” Rose asked as she waited for her Hufflepuff cousin to catch up to her.
“Professor Sprout just asked me to plan the Hogwarts New Years Eve party,” Molly said with her eyes shining with excitement.
“Molly, that’s awesome,” Rose replied, genuinely happy for her cousin. “What can I do to help?”
“Well for starters, we’ll need food. I know that the house elves will make anything we want them to, but I don’t even know where to begin,” Molly said.
Rose thought for a moment. “I know just the thing,” she replied. “I just hope I can find it. I’m pretty sure it’s not in the library.”
A few days later Rose found Molly in the Great Hall and ran over to her.
“I found it!” Rose said excitedly.
“What? What did you find?” Molly asked.
“I’d read about this in Hogwarts: A History, and even Mum didn’t pick up on it. But evidently each of the Founders left something of theirs here at the school for the future generations. And the perfect thing for this New Year’s Eve party is this,” Rose explained as she thrust an old book into her cousin’s hand.
“A book,” Molly asked skeptically. “Rosie, I love you but what’s this old book supposed to do to help with planning for the party?”
“Open it,” Rose said impatiently.
The girls put their heads close together as Molly opened it. At first there didn’t appear to be anything written on it, but as the girls stared at the parchment page, words began to appear.
A Collection of Recipes - found, located, and tried - by Helga of Hufflepuff.
Molly gasped as she realized exactly what it was that Rose had handed her. “Helga Hufflepuff’s Recipe Book? Oh Rosie, this is perfect!”
“But there’s more,” Rose said as she pointed to the book. “Keep reading.”
To use - tap your wand three times on the page and dive in.
“Shall we give it a go,” Rose asked pulling out her wand.
Molly nodded and together the girls joined hands as Rose tapped her wand three times and they were transported into the pages of the book.
* * * * *
Helga Hufflepuff bent over her parchment. She was working on her very special recipe book that she hoped that generations of Hogwarts students would find delightful. She’d just managed to make the instructions on how the book should work when a knock on her door sounded.
“Enter,” she called glancing up from her task.
“Mistress Helga, you’re needed in the kitchens,” a student told her. “There are some strange persons there.”
“I’ll come at once,” she replied with a smile. She had a feeling of what she’d find in the kitchens and she was expecting it.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” Helga said as she took in the group of people in strange clothes. “I am Helga Hufflepuff and I’m the one who has called you here. I’m in the midst of a project and needed your help.”
“Our help,” a blonde girl wearing a baseball jersey asked. “What do you need our help for? I’m mean we’re just honored to be here in your presence, right guys?”
“Yes, exactly,” TWZRD replied.
“I mean think about it guys,” said the girl with “Johnny’s mine” splashed across her t-shirt. “We’re being asked to help out one of the Founders of Hogwarts! It can’t get much more exciting than that.”
“Thank each one of you,” Helga replied. “Since you are from a time far in the future and are very knowledgeable about what will happen here at Hogwarts after my colleagues and I are gone, I’m giving each of you the ability to travel through time and space to seek out fascinating recipes that I can include in my book.”
“Oooh that sounds like a lot of fun,” SopohorousBean remarked. “Can we go to any time period we wish?”
“Of course,” the Founder replied. “However, let me tell you the rules. First, you must not alter history at all. Second, you may show yourself to only one being - human, elf, goblin, or creature. Third, these charms are portkeys and have only five charges in them. You may use all of them should you wish to, but immediately after the fifth charge is spent, you will appear back here in my kitchen. If you do not wish to use all of the charges, you need only speak the words ‘Return to Mistress Helga.’ and you will be instantly transported back to me. There is also a time limit on the charges. You are only allowed to be in whatever time period you chose for no more than two hours. That should give you sufficient time to find a recipe for me. Do each of you understand?”
The time traveling members of Hufflepuff House nodded and took the charms that Mistress Helga had prepared for them.
“Mistress Helga,” baseballblondie asked. “Why us? I don’t understand.”
“Well my dear,” Helga replied. “I’ve seen through time that you and your companions are the embodiment of a true Hufflepuff. You’re kind, loyal, hardworking. Exactly what I need. Besides if I went through time to gather these recipes, someone may recognize me. With you, you can easily pass as students in whatever time you find yourselves in.”
* * * * *
It hardly matters what year you visit the Hogwarts’ kitchen if the elves are fond of you. Just a few compliments to the cooks, and recipes start appearing on odd scraps of notebook paper. (The kitchen elves keep recipes in their heads, I’ve found, but do have plenty of cast off lined paper they save from the general house cleaning.)
When Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter set up housekeeping, a few elves made a collection as a wedding present. The recipes were, of course, presented in a little knitted cap. I’m sure Hermione had to stifle a laugh. (NB If there’s an illustration, this could be on it.) Winky's note says the curry and cinnamon in this make it go well with Butterbeer, and its pretty purple-red color looks like a party, too.
Festive Red Cabbage Medley
(fills standard 2 QT square CorningWare dish)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbs Butter
1/2 cup shredded Carrots
1 1/2 cups shredded Red Cabbage (Choose one with tender, tightly placed leaves.)
1/4-1/2 cup chopped Onion
1/2 tsp Lemon Zest
1 tart firm chopped Apple (medium to large)
1-2 handfuls of Raisins
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2-4 tbs Balsamic Red Wine Vinegar to taste (if substituting apple cider vinegar, use more sugar)
1-2 tsp Curry powder
1 tsp ground Cinnamon
Soften first four ingredients (Butter, Carrots, Red Cabbage and Onion) in covered skillet. (Add a little water if in danger of scorching bottom.)
Add Lemon Zest, Apple and Raisins. Cook till apple softens.
Stir in Brown Sugar, Vinegar, Curry Powder and Cinnamon.
If Lucius Malfoy is dining, you can hide lemon peel in his plate under the cabbage. Bet on whether he will look any more sour when he bites into it. - Winky
* * * * *
The box was slightly dusty but covered in jewels and gold detail. It looked like an old relic, just like everything else in the house. When the lid was opened a puff of dust was released into the air. A collection of pieces of parchment lay inside the box. It soon became clear this was Hepzibah Smith’s recipe box. Each card contained a recipe written by hand in black ink. The top one was clearly a favourite. The card was battered and covered in splodges of chocolate. As well as that, a number of scribbles in a child-like hand had been added to the original elegant handwriting.
Hepzibah Smith’s Hufflepuff family recipe! The finest truffles fit for those special Huffles!
Ingredients:
4 ½ fl oz. Double Cream, (half fat - Miss Hepzibah likes to be slim and beautiful!)
9 oz. Plain Chocolate - finely chopped
2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
Instructions:
Put the cream into a saucepan and bring to the boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the plain chocolate until it has melted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill until it is firm. Do this early in the morning before Miss Hepzibah is awake so that Miss is not kept waiting for her chocolates! - Hokey
Put the cocoa powder onto a small plate, also covering your hands with a small dusting of cocoa powder. Wash hands afterwards so that Miss Hepzibah is not angry with Hokey for making a mess!
Take a teaspoon of the chocolate mixture and roll into balls about ¾ inch in diameter, then roll the ball in the cocoa powder. Repeat this process until you have used up the chocolate mixture. Place the truffles on a tray lined with baking parchment and chill until ready. Take truffles straight to Miss Hepzibah as soon as they are ready!
* * * * *
Crescent Mummy dogs (Pillsbury Baking calendar)
Ingredients:
1 8 oz. can Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
2 1/2 (2.5oz.) slices American Cheese, quartered (cheddar will work as well)
10 large Hot Dogs
Cooking Spray
Mustard or Ketchup, as desired
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Unroll dough; separate at perforations to seal
3. With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters
4. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like “bandages,” stretching dough slightly to cover hot dog completely. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate bandages so hot dogs show thru for “face.” On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake 13 -17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard draw features on “face.”
* * * * *
A loud thump from the direction of the kitchen startled Tonks. Sure, she may be clumsy, but she was one dynamite Auror and she knew when things weren’t supposed to make noise. Drawing her wand she, cautiously walked into the kitchen.
“Oh, hello,” said a girl with blonde hair wearing a baseball jersey. “You’re Tonks, right? I was hoping to see you. You see I need your help.”
“Help with what?” Tonks cautiously replied as she got closer to the girl. Realizing that the girl was not a threat, she sheathed her wand.
“Well you see,” baseballblondie began. “I’m not from around here. Helga Hufflepuff sent me here. Because she’s working on a project and has enlisted the help of myself and my friends. We’re trying to find Helga some wonderful recipes for the book she’s making.”
Tonks laughed. She couldn’t help it. At baseballblondie’s puzzled expression she explained.
“I’m not a cook. In fact Remus does all of the cooking,” she said with a laugh. “Only that husband of mine isn’t available right now for you to speak to.”
“That’s right,” baseballblondie muttered to herself. “I’d quite forgotten it’s a full moon. Well no matter. Surely you have something that we can use?”
Tonks started to shake her head no when she remembered the sugar cookies her dad’s mum would make.
“I’m pretty sure I have one that my grandmum on my father’s side made. She gave it to my mum when my parents got married,” Tonks said.
“Oooh that’s perfect,” baseballblondie said excitedly. “It sounds just like what we need.”
Tonks summoned her mother’s recipe collection and the two sat down at the table and started going through them. After a few minutes, Tonks waved a sheet of paper triumphantly in the air.
“Here it is,” she said with a smile.
Baseballblondie took the paper and began to read.
Mother’s Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
3 ¾ cup sifted Flour
½ tsp Salt
1 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Shortening
1 2/3 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
3 tbsp Milk
Cream sugar, eggs, shortening and vanilla. Add milk. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. If dough is stiff, add 1 tbsp milk. Roll dough out and cut into shapes. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 °F for 8-10 minutes. Cool.
“Thanks Tonks! This is perfect,” baseballblondie announced. She pulled out her portkey, waved goodbye to Tonks, and with the words “Return to Mistress Helga” vanished from Tonks’s kitchen and reappeared in the Hogwarts kitchens.
* * * * *
PLUNK! The group of Hufflepuffs landed in the middle of a hilly paddock.
“Where are we?” MerryMarge said, looking around to take in her surroundings.
“I don’t know, but there’s a building over there!” FurryDice pointed to a distance a few miles away. The word “HOTEL” was visible on the roof.
“It’s a hotel! We’ll be able to find a new recipe for Helga in there!”
The group trekked their way across the paddock and upon the road. TWZRD found a sign of their location: Waingaro.
“Wane-ga-roh?”
Each of them took a turn trying the pronounce the town’s name, but none of them confidently.
“It’s Why-narrow”.
The group spun around. They’d forgotten they weren’t meant to be seen. By all but one, and it looks like this young man would have to be it.
“It’s amusing to hear you tourists try to pronounce it. I’m ArryGrotter by the way.” He held out his hand for each to shake.
“ArryGrotter?” FurryDice exclaimed. “This must be why we were sent here. It’s us, Arry! FurryDice, TWZRD, MerryMarge, baseballblondie, freelantzer, HMN and SopophorousBean.”
Arry was a bit taken aback. He didn’t think he’d ever meet his fellow CoS Hufflepuff students in person.
“Hi guys! What brings you to New Zealand?”
“We’re on a secret mission...” baseballblondie started.
“Well, it’s not that secret. We can tell him, he’s a Hufflepuff too!” HMN interjected.
“Helga Hufflepuff has sent us to find recipes from around the world and across time for her collection.” freelantzer explained. “Do you know any good ones we can add?”
“I know the perfect dish, named after this town in fact. I hope you like dessert!” Arry replied.
“Also, we’re not supposed to be seen by more than one person” added baseballblondie, looking nervously over her shoulder. “We should get off the road.”
“Well, I’ll take you into the kitchen,” said Arry, pointing to the hotel on the hill. “It should be empty at the moment”.
The kitchen was old fashioned but the group was able to comfortably fit around the bench.
“So what’s this Why-nay-roh dish you were talking about?” Bean asked Arry.
“Well, Waingaro is very simple to make, yet is very delicious. My family always makes some for Christmas lunch.”
“Is there a recipe here we could borrow?” TWZRD asked.
“Waingaro’s so easy, you won’t even need a recipe!” Arry replied. “Bean, could you get some cream out of the fridge? And MerryMarge, why don’t you select a bottle of white white from the rack behind you?”
Each did so, while Arry got a preparation space cleared.
“First, we’ll need to whip some cream. A 500ml bottle should be enough for a normal cake-sized Waingaro, but you can use whatever quantity you feel like.”
Arry added a small amount of vanilla essence and icing sugar to the cream and began to whip the cream in the bowl.
“HMN, there should be some chocolate chip biscuits in the cupboard beside you.”
HMN got them out and passed them over.
“I like to use fudge flavoured chocolate chip biscuits - they add a nice flavour to the dish. The biscuits don’t have to be soft - in fact, the tougher ones like these are preferred.”
“Why’s that?” Bean asked.
“Because we’re going to soften them with wine. Freelantzer, could you pour some onto a saucer?”
As she did, Arry placed a few biscuits in it, the wine covering them. (“Don’t leave them there for too long though!” he added, “we still want them to stay in one piece.)
“And here’s where it all comes together!”
After placing a large plate in the middle of the bench, Arry took the wine-sodden biscuits and, using a knife, sandwiched them with the whipped cream. The group of Hufflepuffs helped soaking more biscuits while Arry sandwiched them all together with cream, forming a ring on the large plate.
“That’s enough now,” Arry said as the biscuit ring meet. “That was, what, 400 grams worth of biscuits, but it really depends on the size you want. We’ll cover it now with the rest of the cream, and you can put a few chocolate chips on top for decoration.”
“Is that it?” baseballblondie asked. “Can we have some now?” Her mouth was watering...
“Well, you need to let it sit overnight, so the biscuits become more soft. You’re welcome to come back tomorrow to try it, though!”
“We can’t,” said Freelantzer, “We’re only allowed to stay for two hours. Well, just over one more hour now.”
“That’s a shame,” Arry replied, placing the Waingaro in the fridge. “Oh wait, there’s some here from yesterday!”
So he got them all bowls and spoons and served them a piece each.
“Mmmmm.”
“This really is good.”
“Well, I hope Helga enjoys it! What an honour it must have been to meet her. Here, take the rest back to her.” Arry passed over the rest of the Waingaro he found in the fridge.
“Thank you Arry! I’m sure she’ll love it!” baseballblondie said.
“I better write this all down” added HMN, rummaging for a quill and parchment in her bag.
WAINGARO (pronounced why-narrow)
Ingredients:
(Note, all measurements are approximate)
500 milliliters bottle of cream, with some icing sugar and vanilla essence for whipping
350 grams chocolate chip biscuits/cookies (NOT soft ones)
For the Kiwis out there, ArryGrotter prefers Griffins Cookie Bear Choc Chip Fudge Biscuits
A third of a bottle of white wine
Chocolate chips to decorate
Start by whipping the cream.
Soak the biscuits in white wine for approximately 15 seconds.
Use the whipped cream to sandwich each of the biscuits together, forming a ring on a plate.
Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the ring.
Decorate with chocolate chips.
Refrigerate overnight.
Serves 8-12 (depending on how big your pieces are!)
“I think that’s everything” Arry said.
Noise was coming from the other side of the kitchen doors.
“You better go now then - the others are returning.”
The group of Hufflepuffs got out their next portkey.
“Ready?” baseballblondie asked the others.
“Ready,” they all replied.
And with a small pop, they left the kitchen.
* * * * *
The kids landed back in the Hogwarts kitchen where some of the House Elves piped up, "It wouldn't be a holiday party without GingerHouseElf Cookies! This recipe is a favorite, it's perfect for Huffles, because the cookies are sweet and spicy. They should be perfect for the party!
Hufflepuff GingerHouseElf Cookies
Makes about 6 Dozen Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Vegetable Shortening
3/4 cup firmly packed Light or Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Unsulfured Molasses
1 large Egg
2 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp ground Ginger
1 tsp ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground Cloves
1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg
Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the shortening and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the molasses and egg until well blended.
Gradually sift the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg into the molasses mixture, and beat until blended. The dough will be sticky.
Divide the dough into 4 balls, cover each ball with waxed paper or plastic wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured board, roll one of the chilled balls of dough 1/4 inch thick.
Lightly dip a cookie cutter in flour (this makes it easier to release the cookie) and press it straight down into the dough.
Transfer each cookie to the baking sheets.
Bake until the cookies are set, 8 to 10 minutes.
Make the Royal Icing
Ingredients:
2 large egg whites, or more to thin icing
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar, or more to thicken icing
Juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
Beat the whites until stiff but not dry. Add sugar and lemon juice
Beat for 1 minute more. If icing is too thick, add more egg whites; if it is too thin, add more sugar.
Decorate the GingerElf Cookies using a decorating bag (or a zip-top bag and clip the corner to squeeze the icing out of).
We have lots of House Elf shaped cutters and we loves being silly and crazy, putting fancy dresses on the girls and lots of hats on the boys! We woulds never wear them in real life! But the cookies makes the students laugh!
* * * * *
“Oh Rosie, this is so perfect,” Molly exclaimed as she hugged her cousin. “I never knew that Helga’s recipe book was such a treasure trove. And to think, one of the Founders enlisted the help of all of those people!”
“I agree Molly,” Rose replied. “Using these recipes will certainly make a New Years Party that Hogwarts will remember for ages!”
The girls closed the book and made their way to the kitchens where the house elves waited for the instructions on the food for the party.
“Hey Molly. What’s up,” Rose asked as she waited for her Hufflepuff cousin to catch up to her.
“Professor Sprout just asked me to plan the Hogwarts New Years Eve party,” Molly said with her eyes shining with excitement.
“Molly, that’s awesome,” Rose replied, genuinely happy for her cousin. “What can I do to help?”
“Well for starters, we’ll need food. I know that the house elves will make anything we want them to, but I don’t even know where to begin,” Molly said.
Rose thought for a moment. “I know just the thing,” she replied. “I just hope I can find it. I’m pretty sure it’s not in the library.”
A few days later Rose found Molly in the Great Hall and ran over to her.
“I found it!” Rose said excitedly.
“What? What did you find?” Molly asked.
“I’d read about this in Hogwarts: A History, and even Mum didn’t pick up on it. But evidently each of the Founders left something of theirs here at the school for the future generations. And the perfect thing for this New Year’s Eve party is this,” Rose explained as she thrust an old book into her cousin’s hand.
“A book,” Molly asked skeptically. “Rosie, I love you but what’s this old book supposed to do to help with planning for the party?”
“Open it,” Rose said impatiently.
The girls put their heads close together as Molly opened it. At first there didn’t appear to be anything written on it, but as the girls stared at the parchment page, words began to appear.
A Collection of Recipes - found, located, and tried - by Helga of Hufflepuff.
Molly gasped as she realized exactly what it was that Rose had handed her. “Helga Hufflepuff’s Recipe Book? Oh Rosie, this is perfect!”
“But there’s more,” Rose said as she pointed to the book. “Keep reading.”
To use - tap your wand three times on the page and dive in.
“Shall we give it a go,” Rose asked pulling out her wand.
Molly nodded and together the girls joined hands as Rose tapped her wand three times and they were transported into the pages of the book.
* * * * *
Helga Hufflepuff bent over her parchment. She was working on her very special recipe book that she hoped that generations of Hogwarts students would find delightful. She’d just managed to make the instructions on how the book should work when a knock on her door sounded.
“Enter,” she called glancing up from her task.
“Mistress Helga, you’re needed in the kitchens,” a student told her. “There are some strange persons there.”
“I’ll come at once,” she replied with a smile. She had a feeling of what she’d find in the kitchens and she was expecting it.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” Helga said as she took in the group of people in strange clothes. “I am Helga Hufflepuff and I’m the one who has called you here. I’m in the midst of a project and needed your help.”
“Our help,” a blonde girl wearing a baseball jersey asked. “What do you need our help for? I’m mean we’re just honored to be here in your presence, right guys?”
“Yes, exactly,” TWZRD replied.
“I mean think about it guys,” said the girl with “Johnny’s mine” splashed across her t-shirt. “We’re being asked to help out one of the Founders of Hogwarts! It can’t get much more exciting than that.”
“Thank each one of you,” Helga replied. “Since you are from a time far in the future and are very knowledgeable about what will happen here at Hogwarts after my colleagues and I are gone, I’m giving each of you the ability to travel through time and space to seek out fascinating recipes that I can include in my book.”
“Oooh that sounds like a lot of fun,” SopohorousBean remarked. “Can we go to any time period we wish?”
“Of course,” the Founder replied. “However, let me tell you the rules. First, you must not alter history at all. Second, you may show yourself to only one being - human, elf, goblin, or creature. Third, these charms are portkeys and have only five charges in them. You may use all of them should you wish to, but immediately after the fifth charge is spent, you will appear back here in my kitchen. If you do not wish to use all of the charges, you need only speak the words ‘Return to Mistress Helga.’ and you will be instantly transported back to me. There is also a time limit on the charges. You are only allowed to be in whatever time period you chose for no more than two hours. That should give you sufficient time to find a recipe for me. Do each of you understand?”
The time traveling members of Hufflepuff House nodded and took the charms that Mistress Helga had prepared for them.
“Mistress Helga,” baseballblondie asked. “Why us? I don’t understand.”
“Well my dear,” Helga replied. “I’ve seen through time that you and your companions are the embodiment of a true Hufflepuff. You’re kind, loyal, hardworking. Exactly what I need. Besides if I went through time to gather these recipes, someone may recognize me. With you, you can easily pass as students in whatever time you find yourselves in.”
* * * * *
It hardly matters what year you visit the Hogwarts’ kitchen if the elves are fond of you. Just a few compliments to the cooks, and recipes start appearing on odd scraps of notebook paper. (The kitchen elves keep recipes in their heads, I’ve found, but do have plenty of cast off lined paper they save from the general house cleaning.)
When Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter set up housekeeping, a few elves made a collection as a wedding present. The recipes were, of course, presented in a little knitted cap. I’m sure Hermione had to stifle a laugh. (NB If there’s an illustration, this could be on it.) Winky's note says the curry and cinnamon in this make it go well with Butterbeer, and its pretty purple-red color looks like a party, too.
Festive Red Cabbage Medley
(fills standard 2 QT square CorningWare dish)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbs Butter
1/2 cup shredded Carrots
1 1/2 cups shredded Red Cabbage (Choose one with tender, tightly placed leaves.)
1/4-1/2 cup chopped Onion
1/2 tsp Lemon Zest
1 tart firm chopped Apple (medium to large)
1-2 handfuls of Raisins
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2-4 tbs Balsamic Red Wine Vinegar to taste (if substituting apple cider vinegar, use more sugar)
1-2 tsp Curry powder
1 tsp ground Cinnamon
Soften first four ingredients (Butter, Carrots, Red Cabbage and Onion) in covered skillet. (Add a little water if in danger of scorching bottom.)
Add Lemon Zest, Apple and Raisins. Cook till apple softens.
Stir in Brown Sugar, Vinegar, Curry Powder and Cinnamon.
If Lucius Malfoy is dining, you can hide lemon peel in his plate under the cabbage. Bet on whether he will look any more sour when he bites into it. - Winky
* * * * *
The box was slightly dusty but covered in jewels and gold detail. It looked like an old relic, just like everything else in the house. When the lid was opened a puff of dust was released into the air. A collection of pieces of parchment lay inside the box. It soon became clear this was Hepzibah Smith’s recipe box. Each card contained a recipe written by hand in black ink. The top one was clearly a favourite. The card was battered and covered in splodges of chocolate. As well as that, a number of scribbles in a child-like hand had been added to the original elegant handwriting.
Hepzibah Smith’s Hufflepuff family recipe! The finest truffles fit for those special Huffles!
Ingredients:
4 ½ fl oz. Double Cream, (half fat - Miss Hepzibah likes to be slim and beautiful!)
9 oz. Plain Chocolate - finely chopped
2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
Instructions:
Put the cream into a saucepan and bring to the boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the plain chocolate until it has melted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill until it is firm. Do this early in the morning before Miss Hepzibah is awake so that Miss is not kept waiting for her chocolates! - Hokey
Put the cocoa powder onto a small plate, also covering your hands with a small dusting of cocoa powder. Wash hands afterwards so that Miss Hepzibah is not angry with Hokey for making a mess!
Take a teaspoon of the chocolate mixture and roll into balls about ¾ inch in diameter, then roll the ball in the cocoa powder. Repeat this process until you have used up the chocolate mixture. Place the truffles on a tray lined with baking parchment and chill until ready. Take truffles straight to Miss Hepzibah as soon as they are ready!
* * * * *
Crescent Mummy dogs (Pillsbury Baking calendar)
Ingredients:
1 8 oz. can Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
2 1/2 (2.5oz.) slices American Cheese, quartered (cheddar will work as well)
10 large Hot Dogs
Cooking Spray
Mustard or Ketchup, as desired
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Unroll dough; separate at perforations to seal
3. With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters
4. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like “bandages,” stretching dough slightly to cover hot dog completely. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate bandages so hot dogs show thru for “face.” On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake 13 -17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard draw features on “face.”
* * * * *
A loud thump from the direction of the kitchen startled Tonks. Sure, she may be clumsy, but she was one dynamite Auror and she knew when things weren’t supposed to make noise. Drawing her wand she, cautiously walked into the kitchen.
“Oh, hello,” said a girl with blonde hair wearing a baseball jersey. “You’re Tonks, right? I was hoping to see you. You see I need your help.”
“Help with what?” Tonks cautiously replied as she got closer to the girl. Realizing that the girl was not a threat, she sheathed her wand.
“Well you see,” baseballblondie began. “I’m not from around here. Helga Hufflepuff sent me here. Because she’s working on a project and has enlisted the help of myself and my friends. We’re trying to find Helga some wonderful recipes for the book she’s making.”
Tonks laughed. She couldn’t help it. At baseballblondie’s puzzled expression she explained.
“I’m not a cook. In fact Remus does all of the cooking,” she said with a laugh. “Only that husband of mine isn’t available right now for you to speak to.”
“That’s right,” baseballblondie muttered to herself. “I’d quite forgotten it’s a full moon. Well no matter. Surely you have something that we can use?”
Tonks started to shake her head no when she remembered the sugar cookies her dad’s mum would make.
“I’m pretty sure I have one that my grandmum on my father’s side made. She gave it to my mum when my parents got married,” Tonks said.
“Oooh that’s perfect,” baseballblondie said excitedly. “It sounds just like what we need.”
Tonks summoned her mother’s recipe collection and the two sat down at the table and started going through them. After a few minutes, Tonks waved a sheet of paper triumphantly in the air.
“Here it is,” she said with a smile.
Baseballblondie took the paper and began to read.
Mother’s Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
3 ¾ cup sifted Flour
½ tsp Salt
1 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Shortening
1 2/3 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
3 tbsp Milk
Cream sugar, eggs, shortening and vanilla. Add milk. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. If dough is stiff, add 1 tbsp milk. Roll dough out and cut into shapes. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 °F for 8-10 minutes. Cool.
“Thanks Tonks! This is perfect,” baseballblondie announced. She pulled out her portkey, waved goodbye to Tonks, and with the words “Return to Mistress Helga” vanished from Tonks’s kitchen and reappeared in the Hogwarts kitchens.
* * * * *
PLUNK! The group of Hufflepuffs landed in the middle of a hilly paddock.
“Where are we?” MerryMarge said, looking around to take in her surroundings.
“I don’t know, but there’s a building over there!” FurryDice pointed to a distance a few miles away. The word “HOTEL” was visible on the roof.
“It’s a hotel! We’ll be able to find a new recipe for Helga in there!”
The group trekked their way across the paddock and upon the road. TWZRD found a sign of their location: Waingaro.
“Wane-ga-roh?”
Each of them took a turn trying the pronounce the town’s name, but none of them confidently.
“It’s Why-narrow”.
The group spun around. They’d forgotten they weren’t meant to be seen. By all but one, and it looks like this young man would have to be it.
“It’s amusing to hear you tourists try to pronounce it. I’m ArryGrotter by the way.” He held out his hand for each to shake.
“ArryGrotter?” FurryDice exclaimed. “This must be why we were sent here. It’s us, Arry! FurryDice, TWZRD, MerryMarge, baseballblondie, freelantzer, HMN and SopophorousBean.”
Arry was a bit taken aback. He didn’t think he’d ever meet his fellow CoS Hufflepuff students in person.
“Hi guys! What brings you to New Zealand?”
“We’re on a secret mission...” baseballblondie started.
“Well, it’s not that secret. We can tell him, he’s a Hufflepuff too!” HMN interjected.
“Helga Hufflepuff has sent us to find recipes from around the world and across time for her collection.” freelantzer explained. “Do you know any good ones we can add?”
“I know the perfect dish, named after this town in fact. I hope you like dessert!” Arry replied.
“Also, we’re not supposed to be seen by more than one person” added baseballblondie, looking nervously over her shoulder. “We should get off the road.”
“Well, I’ll take you into the kitchen,” said Arry, pointing to the hotel on the hill. “It should be empty at the moment”.
The kitchen was old fashioned but the group was able to comfortably fit around the bench.
“So what’s this Why-nay-roh dish you were talking about?” Bean asked Arry.
“Well, Waingaro is very simple to make, yet is very delicious. My family always makes some for Christmas lunch.”
“Is there a recipe here we could borrow?” TWZRD asked.
“Waingaro’s so easy, you won’t even need a recipe!” Arry replied. “Bean, could you get some cream out of the fridge? And MerryMarge, why don’t you select a bottle of white white from the rack behind you?”
Each did so, while Arry got a preparation space cleared.
“First, we’ll need to whip some cream. A 500ml bottle should be enough for a normal cake-sized Waingaro, but you can use whatever quantity you feel like.”
Arry added a small amount of vanilla essence and icing sugar to the cream and began to whip the cream in the bowl.
“HMN, there should be some chocolate chip biscuits in the cupboard beside you.”
HMN got them out and passed them over.
“I like to use fudge flavoured chocolate chip biscuits - they add a nice flavour to the dish. The biscuits don’t have to be soft - in fact, the tougher ones like these are preferred.”
“Why’s that?” Bean asked.
“Because we’re going to soften them with wine. Freelantzer, could you pour some onto a saucer?”
As she did, Arry placed a few biscuits in it, the wine covering them. (“Don’t leave them there for too long though!” he added, “we still want them to stay in one piece.)
“And here’s where it all comes together!”
After placing a large plate in the middle of the bench, Arry took the wine-sodden biscuits and, using a knife, sandwiched them with the whipped cream. The group of Hufflepuffs helped soaking more biscuits while Arry sandwiched them all together with cream, forming a ring on the large plate.
“That’s enough now,” Arry said as the biscuit ring meet. “That was, what, 400 grams worth of biscuits, but it really depends on the size you want. We’ll cover it now with the rest of the cream, and you can put a few chocolate chips on top for decoration.”
“Is that it?” baseballblondie asked. “Can we have some now?” Her mouth was watering...
“Well, you need to let it sit overnight, so the biscuits become more soft. You’re welcome to come back tomorrow to try it, though!”
“We can’t,” said Freelantzer, “We’re only allowed to stay for two hours. Well, just over one more hour now.”
“That’s a shame,” Arry replied, placing the Waingaro in the fridge. “Oh wait, there’s some here from yesterday!”
So he got them all bowls and spoons and served them a piece each.
“Mmmmm.”
“This really is good.”
“Well, I hope Helga enjoys it! What an honour it must have been to meet her. Here, take the rest back to her.” Arry passed over the rest of the Waingaro he found in the fridge.
“Thank you Arry! I’m sure she’ll love it!” baseballblondie said.
“I better write this all down” added HMN, rummaging for a quill and parchment in her bag.
WAINGARO (pronounced why-narrow)
Ingredients:
(Note, all measurements are approximate)
500 milliliters bottle of cream, with some icing sugar and vanilla essence for whipping
350 grams chocolate chip biscuits/cookies (NOT soft ones)
For the Kiwis out there, ArryGrotter prefers Griffins Cookie Bear Choc Chip Fudge Biscuits
A third of a bottle of white wine
Chocolate chips to decorate
Start by whipping the cream.
Soak the biscuits in white wine for approximately 15 seconds.
Use the whipped cream to sandwich each of the biscuits together, forming a ring on a plate.
Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the ring.
Decorate with chocolate chips.
Refrigerate overnight.
Serves 8-12 (depending on how big your pieces are!)
“I think that’s everything” Arry said.
Noise was coming from the other side of the kitchen doors.
“You better go now then - the others are returning.”
The group of Hufflepuffs got out their next portkey.
“Ready?” baseballblondie asked the others.
“Ready,” they all replied.
And with a small pop, they left the kitchen.
* * * * *
The kids landed back in the Hogwarts kitchen where some of the House Elves piped up, "It wouldn't be a holiday party without GingerHouseElf Cookies! This recipe is a favorite, it's perfect for Huffles, because the cookies are sweet and spicy. They should be perfect for the party!
Hufflepuff GingerHouseElf Cookies
Makes about 6 Dozen Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Vegetable Shortening
3/4 cup firmly packed Light or Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Unsulfured Molasses
1 large Egg
2 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp ground Ginger
1 tsp ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground Cloves
1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg
Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the shortening and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the molasses and egg until well blended.
Gradually sift the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg into the molasses mixture, and beat until blended. The dough will be sticky.
Divide the dough into 4 balls, cover each ball with waxed paper or plastic wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured board, roll one of the chilled balls of dough 1/4 inch thick.
Lightly dip a cookie cutter in flour (this makes it easier to release the cookie) and press it straight down into the dough.
Transfer each cookie to the baking sheets.
Bake until the cookies are set, 8 to 10 minutes.
Make the Royal Icing
Ingredients:
2 large egg whites, or more to thin icing
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar, or more to thicken icing
Juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
Beat the whites until stiff but not dry. Add sugar and lemon juice
Beat for 1 minute more. If icing is too thick, add more egg whites; if it is too thin, add more sugar.
Decorate the GingerElf Cookies using a decorating bag (or a zip-top bag and clip the corner to squeeze the icing out of).
We have lots of House Elf shaped cutters and we loves being silly and crazy, putting fancy dresses on the girls and lots of hats on the boys! We woulds never wear them in real life! But the cookies makes the students laugh!
* * * * *
“Oh Rosie, this is so perfect,” Molly exclaimed as she hugged her cousin. “I never knew that Helga’s recipe book was such a treasure trove. And to think, one of the Founders enlisted the help of all of those people!”
“I agree Molly,” Rose replied. “Using these recipes will certainly make a New Years Party that Hogwarts will remember for ages!”
The girls closed the book and made their way to the kitchens where the house elves waited for the instructions on the food for the party.