Cooking Archives - Serendipity Mommy

5 Must-Try Nordic Recipes That You’re Missing Out In 2021

April 5, 2021 by Mandy

Food is one of the most basic forms of entertainment. You can use it in any social event or gathering so much as events are incomplete without them. One such flavor-rich cuisine is Nordic Food. According to Norden, the Scandinavian nation has grown by 8.1%, including a sector of the immigrant population. It would only be a matter of time before their cuisine is famous; it hits international and local markets. You can get a head start and enjoy these recipes first. Here are some for you:

1. Caper Fish Balls: It is a delicious dish which consists of fish with a side of potatoes. Start by:

Using 600 g of peeled potatoes and cut them into chunks. Put them into a boiling pan of salted water and once they’re tender, strain them.
Then add 3 tbsp of milk with pepper as per preference, mash them together, and set them aside. Your next step is to prepare the fish.
Use sardines as your choice of fish. Use a 140 g tin of sardines in oil, holding onto the oil. Heat the oil in the frying pan and add shallots, fish, and lemon juice from one lemon into the mash and make about 20 balls.
Use two eggs and beat them together to prepare an egg wash. Roll the balls in the egg wash and then add them into 3 tbsp plain flour.
Fry your fish balls till they’re nice and golden. Finally, warm 200 g of creme fraiche and add them to 1-2 tbsp of dijon mustard. Add the balls to the mix, top it off with lemon zest and serve.

2. Little Coffee Pavlovas:The great thing about Scandanavian dishes is they range from savory to sweet. There’s a treat for everyone. If you like the recipes so far, click here for more. With that, let’s dive into a tasty dessert:

Start by preheating your oven to 248 F and lining your baking pan with baking sheets. In a large bowl with three egg whites till peaks start to form.
Add about 150g castor sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture turns glossy. Whisk in ½ tbsp instant espresso powder and 1tsp cornflour. Make swirls on the baking sheet and put them into your oven.
Make sure you bake your pavlovas till they’re crisp outside for one hour and let them cool on the wire rack. In another bowl, beat 125 g mascarpone and then add about 200ml of double cream. Whisk until soft peaks form, then add 1 tbsp icing sugar. Follow it by adding ½ tsp vanilla extracts and 1 ½ tbsp coffee liqueur.
Then add 100g blackcurrant jam. Pour this mixture on top of your pavlovas and serve immediately.

3. Skagen (Prawn Salad: This is an easy and delicious meal to make. If you like seafood, why not add it to your menu:

In 1 tbsp of olive oil, add 2 tbsp sour cream, use the zest of ½ a lemon and 1 tsp of juice. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste.
Then add about 200 g of cooked and peeled prawns, followed by ½ small chopped red onion. You can add about 2tbsp of chopped parsley and serve your salad. You can even enjoy this tasty treat on top of bread or eat it alone.

4. Jansson’s Temptation.A very delicious and traditional Scandinavian dish. It is best with salad and bread:

To start, preheat the oven to 392 F. Layer the baking sheet and slice six medium potatoes into matchstick sizes. Add about two finely sliced Spanish onions and one tin of chopped anchovies, draining them properly.
Pour 248 ml double cream in the pot and add a small amount of butter. Then add a sprinkle of 4 tbsps of fresh bread crumbs and pepper according to your taste.
Cover and bake your dish for the first twenty minutes. After which, you should uncover and bake for a further 25 more minutes for that crispy exterior.

5. Frozen Daim Bar Almond Cake:Another delicious treat for you to enjoy with your tea or a light snack. As always, when it comes to baking, always start by preheating the oven:

Preheat the oven to 338 F. Whisk about four egg whites in a bowl into soft peaks. Add about 150g of sugar and make the mixture even stiffer. Gently fold in about 100g of ground almonds. Butter a round baking pan and add the mix for baking.
Make sure it bakes for about 20 minutes, then cool the tin. Now bring your attention to the parfait. Whisk about five egg yolks and 100 g of sugar into one bowl and place the bowl over the water to let the mixture simmer.
When the mixture is thick and fluffy with a pale consistency, then leave it to cool down. Add 150 ml of double whipping cream and 20 ml of amaretto to form medium peaks, and then gently fold this mixture into your egg mix. Add crushed daim about 4 bars of 28 grams each and work through the combination gently.
The idea is not to let any air out. Put the parfait on top of your cake and cover it tightly with clingfilm for 4-6 hours or leave it overnight. Take it out and cut it into pieces and then put it back into the freezer for a few more minutes and then take it out for serving. You can also add chocolate and caramelized chopped almonds if you wish.

Wrap Up

Scandinavian dishes make for a tasty treat. The recipes mentioned bringing a festival of flavors in your mouth. Not only are these dishes they’re easy to make and nutritious. With your seafood mix, you can quickly cook a tasty treat for your palette that you can enjoy with fresh bread or a side of salad. Maybe you want something sweeter? Indulge in an almond cake with parfait or treat yourself to a lovely pavlova. You can take your culinary skills to the next level by either cooking for yourself or enjoying with your coworkers at office parties and enjoy these delicious Nordic wonders.

Perfect Italian Gravy with San Marzano Tomato

October 6, 2020 by Mandy

San Marzano Tomatoes are the best varieties of tomatoes that are grown in the volcanic soil of Italy. Botanically San Marzano tomatoes are called Solanum Lycopersicon. These are small oval-shaped tomatoes having a thin elongated pointed tip. The skin of San Marzano is dark in color, which is smooth and easy to peel. These tomatoes are fleshy and thick which make it perfect for making San Marzano tomato sauce and also it has low moisture content with a mildly acidic flavour. That makes the sauce sweet, complex and jam-like which has made it favorite of all top row chefs in Italy and other countries too.

Nutritional Description

The San Marzano tomatoes are not only famous for their rich flavors, but they also have great nutritional value. They are the perfect source of Vitamin A and C having a higher content of antioxidants which helps in making a strong immune system and increase collagen production, which is best for the skin.

These tomatoes are also filled with fibre, potassium and folate that helps the body fight against free radicals. Moreover, these properties are even restored in the San Marzano canned tomatoes, making it ideal to be used in all food items.

Applications

These tomatoes have firm flesh, fewer seeds and lower juice content which makes them perfect for making best quality San Marzano pasta sauce. You can use canned variety in pasta, pizzas, lasagna or ragus by roasting or cooking them. The fresh San Marzano tomatoes are mostly used for sandwiches, salads and bruschetta either cut into thin slices or baked into a savoury tart drizzled with olive oil and some rock salt.

The canned San Marzano Tomatoes are whole peeled and packed in puree too and are mainly used in making tomato sauces for pasta and pizza. However, you can also find San Marzano tomatoes in dried and grounded form as a powder or may be made into a tomato paste to be used for a longer time.

You can use San Marzano tomatoes paired well with any herbs like basil, parsley, thyme and oregano which works like magic in so many dishes. And you can use any version of San Marzano tomatoes in them whether freshly picked from farms or canned. Each will give the same sweetness and acidic flavour.

How to Know If They Are Fake Or Real?

As it is said, all good things are subject to fakery these days, with time these Italian San Marzano tomatoes are being grown outside the official region of them and becoming available everywhere. These tomatoes can be of the same type as San Marzano canned tomatoes grown in similar soil and then preserved in the same way. However, they are not true DOP San Marzano. A can of best San Marzano is labelled as “Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese Nocerino DOP”. However, you should look for an important part which is ‘DOP’ which stands for Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (Protected designation of origin). Its certification is ordered by the European Union and administered by the Italians which guarantees that San Marzano canned tomatoes are available.

How to Make San Marzano Tomato Sauce?

San Marzano tomatoes where to buy from, this is one of the biggest questions that worries most housewives out there. But what if we tell you that you can prepare the san Marzano tomato sauce in your home itself? Will you believe? You should believe us as here is the simple and easy recipe of making it.

You need to sauté minced garlic for around 30 to 60 seconds on the medium heat and don’t forget to continue stirring it. You have to use tons of garlic while making this recipe so that your tomato sauce has amazing flavor.
Now add tomatoes in it and cook it slowly at low heat. This will allow the sauce to thicken the sauce and helps in richening the flavor.
Now you need to add herbs to the recipe to give it a fresh and vibrant herb flavor to give it finishing touch.

Ditch Your Morning Coffee: 5 Best Herbal Supplements for Energy

September 7, 2020 by Mandy

More than 30% of adults in the United States get fewer than 7 hours of rest each night.

Many medical professionals recommend getting at least 7 hours of sleep so that your mind and body can recharge.

If you are on the threshold of not getting enough rest or constantly feel tired, there are supplements that can help.

Continue reading to discover the best herbal supplements for energy so that you can feel rested and awake!

1. Blueberry and Gogi

Blueberry and Gogi berry herbal supplements are becoming a popular choice for improving energy.

These types of berries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce toxins and fight off free radicals. Simply walking through the city and breathing in air pollution can build up toxins in your body, meaning that any defense will be helpful.

Without these toxins, your brain and body will be protective. These supplements can even improve your memory and mood!

2. L- Theanine

An excellent choice of herbal supplements for anxiety and energy is L- Theanine.

L- Theanine is an herbal supplement that comes naturally from green tea. You will feel more alert taking this supplement because of its concentration- increasing benefits. Unlike many other energy supplements, L- Theanine can have relaxing effects, but it won’t make you drowsy.

3. Vitamin D

Without vitamin D, muscle fatigue is bound to happen.

If you have been sluggish, you may need vitamin D. People that primarily stay indoors and don’t drink milk are at risk of having lower vitamin D levels. It is important to monitor your vitamin D intake so that you can get the supplements it needed.

4. B6 and B12

One of the best herbal supplements for energy is B vitamin.

Both B6 and B12 can help increase mental energy, which is needed for school and work. In order for the brain to function properly, you need to get enough of these vitamins.

There are many ways to take B vitamins. Capsules are a common way, or you can get powders and gummies. Learning about what’s in your herbal supplements is important when it comes to buying B vitamins. By getting the purest form of B vitamin, you can improve your mood and energy.

5. Creatine

Have you ever noticed that you get energy after eating red meat and seafood?

The amino acid, creatine, that is found within these proteins are responsible for the increased energy. Many athletes and gym-goers use creatine because improves their muscle recovery times.

This is an excellent supplement to try if you live an active life and want to prevent sports-induced injuries.

Try These Herbal Supplements for Energy

There are many herbal supplements for energy that you can try.

Depending on your type of lifestyle, there are certain supplements that will make you feel more energized. Creatine and vitamin D are excellent for active people. Gogi and blueberry supplements are another great option for when you feel sluggish.

Each supplement has various benefits that your body will be happy to receive.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about the best supplements and how they can improve your health and happiness!

How to Use a Dutch Oven: A Guide for Beginners

August 6, 2020 by Mandy

Have you been wondering about getting a Dutch oven? These versatile cooking pots can cook anything from sourdough bread to chicken stew, so they’re a great addition to your kitchen cookware. Even if you’re a novice chef, you can create some amazing dishes if you know what you’re doing.

Ready to get cooking? Keep reading to learn how to use a Dutch oven!

What Are the Types of Dutch Oven?

There are several types of Dutch ovens, so spend some time researching which one is right for you. Stainless steel dutch ovens tend to be easier to clean, but seasoned cooks say that they don’t keep their heat — an essential part of the cooking process — as effectively as other types.

Cast iron is a favorite among avid cooks because of its weight and ability to retain heat. You will have to clean it and season it regularly, however, and there is the possibility that flavors from a previous dish will impact the next dish you create. If you’re baking bread after a series of fish stews, this could be a bad thing!

How To Use a Dutch Oven

One of the big advantages of a Dutch oven is that it can be used on the stove and in the oven. You can sear your meat at a high temperature on the stovetop to start a recipe. Then you can slide it into the oven with all of the other ingredients to cook at a lower temperature.

The thick walls of Dutch ovens ensure that these pots will keep in the heat. That makes them ideal for any sort of slow-cooking process. Use them to braise meats so that they’re perfectly tender. Put together a tasty casserole dish and know that it will cook slowly and evenly in a Dutch oven.

You can also take Dutch ovens camping! They are the perfect multi-purpose pot to place over the coals the next time you are out in nature — just be sure to use a cast-iron version when doing campfire cooking. Find some tasty recipes for your wilderness adventure at www.easycampfirerecipes.com.

Accessorize Your Dutch Oven

Cooking with a Dutch oven will be even better with a few accessories. Since the lids on these pots are so heavy, it can be helpful to have a lid lifter. You’ll keep your hands safe from burns!

Another necessity is a cleaning brush. It’s important to care for your Dutch oven, and regular cleaning will keep it in good shape for a lifetime of cooking. You can also look into getting a scraper to remove those pesky bits of food that get stuck on the bottom.

And if you’re cooking outdoors a lot, consider adding a trivet to your list. A trivet gives you a way to elevate the Dutch oven during cooking — and when you’re done cooking.

Start Cooking

Knowing how to use a Dutch oven opens up lots of culinary possibilities. While the name and weight of these pots can seem intimidating, they are very user-friendly and they will elevate your cooking game!

When you’re ready to find some fresh lifestyle tips, check back with us for more articles!

Sunday Roast: Amazing Ways to Cook Delectable Lamb Recipe

July 29, 2020 by Mandy

Introduction

A lot of people like to eat lamb for Sunday dinner, or some other religious or spiritual experience. Now, most of you know that you can eat lamb at any time, but many do not eat unless they are observing some kind of spiritual day.

There are a variety of recipes you could try like keep it a low-carb recipe or keto-friendly or add white beans, a simple recipe for a delicious, soul-warming soup-lamb & cabbage soup which can be made in an instant pot!

A simple authentic recipe-a baked pasta dish with a flavorful lamb as simple & Delicious as middle-eastern lamb stew along with chickpeas & some spices.

That, my friends, is about to change.

Below we have some exciting dishes that you might want to consider cooking outside of the spiritual norms. It turns out; lamb is not just for Sunday dinner after all.

Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb

Sounds good, doesn’t it? You have to take this outside though. You marinate this in some yogurt, lemon, and saffron. The best way to talk about the recipe is to tell you to click here.

The Lavender Crusted Lamb Chops

The lavender is used to infuse the senses while creating a lavish and lush dining experience. The best way to eat this(according to those who have cooked it before) is to add some spring vegetables as a side dish. This is also best cooked during the spring and summer months.

Another delicious recipe you can create is grilled lamb chops + harissa yogurt. The lamb is seasoned with a simple Harissa spice rub. After that, it is then grilled along with summer veggies of your choice. You can also add on sweet peppers, some zucchini & summer squash.

A Lamb Burger

Now, this one is for the burger lovers out there. One great way to eat this is to infuse parsley and dill. Make sure to add in some feta and spring arugula(Which you can get in spicy and mild versions, I believe).

Once you see some of the pictures online, you will be dying to try it. It does look pretty delicious and yummy.

The Golden Lamb Fritters

Some say this is very addictive to eat. It is like eating potato chips. You can’t stop once you have one. This is also a great way to eat lamb and not have it dry out so fast.

This dish can operate as a main dish or snack. You may want to add in some chickpeas and curry(for those who enjoy those things). It is a fried lamb that works great either by itself or with some gravy over it. Down there in the southern region, most people like to throw in some gravy to spice things up.

It is like eating chicken nuggets without the chicken.

Some Lamb Kebabs

Most of you have heard of steak or chicken kebabs. Well, now you have lamb kebabs. This is another excuse to fire up the grill. You can infuse any kind of vegetables you want into the mix. You can also add in some cumin and/or pomegranate juice to top things off.

Serve succulent lamb kebabs on sticks at a grill or summer gathering. From doner kebabs to minty Greek-style koftas, we have a lot of motivation. Do you want the recipe to try it out? Fire up the grill now. This is an excellent treat to eat as a snack or meal. It also works better in the spring and summer months.

The Lamb Shoulder Nachos

This is one of the more intricate lamb dishes on the list. You will want to carve away extra time to get this one cooked and ready.

What you need to do is let the lamb absorb all the juice overnight. The recipe will show you how. After that, you need to let it slow roast for about four hours (give or take). Apply the toppings you want, and you are done. Once again, the recipe will show you how to do everything.