Cooking Archives - Page 3 of 4

Crispy Cobbler Pie – What’s The Difference

January 24, 2018 by Mandy

When it comes to dinner, many people’s favourite part is dessert. Who can blame them, right? With so many choices of desserts it’s easy to see why many love these sweet apres dinner finishers. From ice cream to cake, fruit salads to pies, what’s not to like? A favourite dessert for many, and one that tends to be featured after many roast dinners is that of pies, crisps, and cobblers. But what’s the difference between each and how do you make them? You can read about cobblers and pie in this article below!

Crisp (Sometimes Called Crumble)

A Crisp is a fruit based dessert that is typically fully covered in a mixture of flour, granola (or other cereals), nuts and sugar all mixed together and baked on top of the fruits themselves. This topping covers the fruit entirely and bakes to a golden brown and hardens up just slightly. Sometimes the fruit juices can leak on top of the crisp, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. The best part is almost any fruit makes a great crisp, but especially apples and berries, or some people even mix them to make mixed fruit crisp. Serve with ice cream.

Pie

Pies differ from both crisps and cobblers in the sense that the filling is almost entirely encased in pastry shell. The dish is lined with the pastry, the filling added and then a layer of pastry is added on top of the entire thing, with small holes pierced in the top to allow steam to escape. Pies can sometimes have only strips of pastry over the filling in a crisscross pattern that showcases some of the filling beneath. Pies often are considered to be a dessert or of a sweet flavouring, usually fruit but can also include things like chocolate, banana, lemon, lime as well as different types of meats. For fish lovers, check out ‘Stargazy Pie’, although you might never look at pie the same way again!

Cobbler

Cobbler on the other hand is somewhat similar in style to a crisp but with a batter or biscuit crust which is dropped in lumps onto the filling with spaces left between each to allow the filling to show through – much like a cobbled street, hence the name. Cobbler can come in a variety of types with mixed berries and fruits being the most popular.

So which will you choose for your next dinner party? Make sure to have ice cream on hand to go with whichever you choose and serve them up slightly warm. Bon appetit!

Kitchen Companion – The Ultimate list of What You Need in Your Kitchen

January 3, 2018 by Mandy

Source: Shutterstock

A builder is nothing without his tools, and the same goes for cooking. To simply and efficiently prepare delicious, home-cooked meals, you need to invest in the right cookware. By adequately equipping your kitchen properly, you’ll be able to whip up meal after meal with increasing ease. Here are seven items without which no budding chef should be.

Knives

This is one of the most crucial and frequently used items in the kitchen. A proper set of knives can achieve a wide range of cooking functions. By cutting your own produce and meats, you can save significant costs by avoiding the pricier, precut and prepared alternatives. It is critical to always use the appropriate knife for the job and ensure you keep them well sharpened. This will keep you safe from knife related injuries.

Cutting Board

Cutting boards are used almost every time you cook, so it is imperative to find one you love and that you can clean easily. Most boards are made of plastic or wood. Wood intrinsically has an antiseptic element to it, which means it naturally fights microbes. However, plastic can take more punishment and cleaned in the dishwasher, which makes them more convenient. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference, but you’ll need a durable surface on which to cut your ingredients.

Cast Iron Skillet

This could be the heaviest pan in your kitchen, and for a good reason. These skillets will last you a lifetime. Cast iron is naturally nonstick and easy to clean once you learn the routine. They are also extremely versatile and can do everything from cooking vegetables or eggs to creating the sear on the perfect steak. They are definitely worth the workout you’ll get by handling these substantial skillets.

Can Opener

This one may seem trivial, but can you imagine trying to open a can without a can opener like in olden times? Whether you select a handheld or electric, being able to open cans easily can invite a wide assortment of non-perishable foods to stock your pantry. Making a casserole? Throw in some canned corn. Burritos tonight? Prise open a can of black beans and save you the trouble of the required overnight soak. You definitely want to have a can opener easily accessible in your kitchen.

Colander

You may think that a colander’s sole purpose is for draining pasta, which it does very well, but this bowl with holes can also be used to rinse vegetables and rice or keep other food from racing down the sink. Ok, it may not be too exciting, but it definitely comes in handy for those pasta nights.

Spatula

Next on the list is an old SpongeBob favorite. This scraping tool is used to lift foods from the pot or pan without crumbling or destroying the item. Until you’ve perfected the art of pancake tossing in the air, a spatula is going to be your best friend for flipping and frying. If you have opted for cookware with nonstick Teflon, be sure to use plastic or silicone spatulas to avoid scratching your pans and reducing their lifespan.

Shears

Granted, knives can do the job of most kitchen cutlery, but the convenience of kitchen shears is just too good to leave off the list. You can cut everything from herbs to pizza with these scissors, turning mundane chopping tasks into an arts and craft project.

With these essentials in your kitchen, you can take on a host of recipes that can feed even a large family. Whether you are a novice in an apron or an experienced chef, be sure to keep these items on hand for your next kitchen creation.

What’s in Season in January? Your Winter Baby Food Guide

January 1, 2018 by Mandy

Making baby food for yourself means learning what’s in season, every season. When winter comes in the northern hemisphere, that usually means less available fresh fruits, but it also means there are a variety of great flavors that you will find harder to locate in the warm months. Here’s your guide to understanding how to make the most of your January seasonal vegetables and your baby food processor.

Beets, Squash, Taters, It’s Tuber Season

The biggest stars of the winter produce aisle are all vegetables that come from the ground, and while there are some differences to the cooking times and seasoning you will use, they all have similar challenges, too. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and earthy like acorn squash or you’re in the mood for old-fashioned potato dishes, you will find they cook up best when they are heated for a long time, allowing them to soften, and they can be baked or steamed to taste.

Kale and Cabbage: Your Winter Greens

If you are looking to stay in season with your leafy greens, know that kale and cabbage make up the bulk of what’s available in the winter. You can prepare them in a variety of ways:

Steam them like spinach and puree for baby food
Boiled cabbage makes a great soup base
Baked kale chips for a crunch grownups and older kids will love
Fresh, crisp, and just out of the wash for salad

Leafy greens are some of the most important foods in any diet because they are rich in so many essential nutrients, and kale is so rich in these nutrients it is considered a superfood.

Finding the Best Baby Feeding Supplies

If you’re looking for ways to make these great winter vegetables into tasty baby food that is suitable for any child over 6 months, you need a great food processor that steam cooks, so you don’t lose nutrients or flavor. That’s why BÉABA made the Babycook®. Contact them today for more information about models and accessories, recipes, and more.

Benefits of Hosting a Christmas Lunch Versus a Christmas Party in Essex

December 29, 2017 by Mandy

If you’re responsible for planning this year’s Christmas event for your family or friends, you want to make sure that you plan the right type of gathering to encourage everyone to have a great time. While some groups of people prefer to share memories of the past year over a gourmet meal, others like to kick back and cut loose over a boozy night out. The kind of venue, decorations, and entertainment you should book all depends on the type of event you want to have. The first major decision you have to get out of the way is whether you should have a Christmas lunch, or a party held in the evening.

Advantages of Having a Christmas Lunch

A Christmas lunch can be a lot of fun for the right group of people. If you’re going to be seeing family and friends you haven’t seen all year, a lunch is great because it allows everyone time to sit and catch up in a quieter space. It’s also a good choice if you know your guest list includes a range of ages such as senior citizens, children, and adults. A lunch can also be held in many different types of venues, from the local pub to a fancy hotel in the city centre.

Advantages of Having a Party at Night

Great Christmas parties are the memories that can stay with people for many years. With merriment in the air and the alcohol flowing, it’s easy to get everyone in a good mood. Night Christmas parties typically last longer than lunches, giving you time to do more things. You can exchange gifts, swap stories, make toasts to your friends, eat a meal, and do some dancing; all in the space of the party time. Plus, a night Christmas party gives your friends or employees an excuse to get dressed up, get a babysitter, and have a good time. It can be a great break from the stress of getting ready for the holidays, but it can be harder on your budget, especially if you’re going to decorate and hire a DJ or band.

How Can You Make a Choice?

The key to making the right choice for your event is knowing your guest list. Are they lively people who are likely to enjoy the chance to cut loose, or are they more intellectual types who prefer stimulating conversation? The setting you choose and the timing of your party should match the preferences of most of the people who will be attending to help them feel comfortable.

No matter what kind of holiday celebration you’re going to have, choosing the right place from the wealth of Christmas Party Venues in Essex is a tough decision. There

are many great local places where you can host a lunch or a Christmas party and wish the year a farewell.

and have a wonderful time.

Top Healthy Finger Food Menu For The Perfect Party

October 12, 2017 by Mandy

Whether for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you feel like it; everybody loves a party! One of the most important parts of any festivity is the food. The hors d’oeuvres we serve are always a treat, but they don’t always treat our bodies as well as our mouths. Luckily, there’s no reason your next party platter cannot be both delicious and healthy. In that spirit, here is a healthy finger foods menu which you can prepare at home, or hire a caterer like Flavours Catering to provide, which is sure to have your guests gossiping about what a smart party planner you are!

Cauliflower Crackers

Chips and dip are classic party fare, but the fat and salt add up fast. You can control both by making these savory crackers. Simply chop one head of raw cauliflower into large chunks and steam until tender. Allowing them to cool to room temperature first, you will want to transfer them into a food processor and mill until they have the consistency of dried oats.

Next, add spices like oregano and garlic powder for an Italian flair. Blend in a tablespoon of your favorite olive oil, two eggs, and enough flour to bind into a dry but malleable dough, and spread the mixture evenly onto an oiled pan. Pop them into a 400-degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown, and allow them to cool before slicing the sheet into any finger-sized shape you like! These savory crackers pair well with any dip, but tapenade is a particularly apropos choice.

Avocado Crostini

Sometimes the best foods are the ones you fuss with the least, allowing the natural flavors to be the center of attention. Crostini topped with slices of rich, healthy avocado and cherry tomato halves is the very embodiment of this culinary principal!

Simply cut a whole grain baguette into quarter-inch slices, brush them with olive oil, and dust with freshly cracked pepper before toasting them for 15 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Once they’re golden brown to your liking, top them with spoonfuls of avocado, garnish with a cherry tomato, and finish them off with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled Shrimp

Bacon wrapped treats, and seafood dipped in buttery sauces are a staple of any party scene. While decadent, they are also loaded with extra calories. By substituting prosciutto for the bacon, and substituting the buttery sauce for one rich in healthy fats, your guests can enjoy all of the decadence without the regret.

You can begin by steaming shrimp or buying them pre-cooked from your seafood counter. Cut your prosciutto into thin strips which you can wrap around your shrimp and roll them up. For the sauce, drain a can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes and blend with olive oil and sweet basil. Add a few teaspoons of crushed horseradish for a healthy, spicy take on cocktail sauce.