tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17201896858111090702024-02-20T05:30:58.321-08:00War and a Fancy PieceClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-24509384002511440952012-03-04T15:03:00.000-08:002012-03-04T15:03:32.619-08:00Vintage Recipe Swap: Little Caramelised Onion & Cheddar Pizzas<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUyPXaPf8axtWQZmDCIyeKcDpPoeqvoidULBH67nIZuxwEFmpvZ-1M5_sq7yeUR2eLcThhdPqAqZQ0IDosnP6Olsfni7uY27tOOGWHOF_F8VImGjxPGYMjDxgVFZkd3ggkCmvzD_x_X0/s1600/pizza+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUyPXaPf8axtWQZmDCIyeKcDpPoeqvoidULBH67nIZuxwEFmpvZ-1M5_sq7yeUR2eLcThhdPqAqZQ0IDosnP6Olsfni7uY27tOOGWHOF_F8VImGjxPGYMjDxgVFZkd3ggkCmvzD_x_X0/s320/pizza+pic+2.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know my photo isn't too appealing - but these really do taste amazing!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It has been a hectic but fun couple of weeks with work and home being very busy places!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cammy has his first tooth, Anna is potty training and we’ve had visits from Uncle Malc, Granny and Pampa and my wee brother turned 30 – this makes me feel old! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also managed to visit a restaurant I have been dying to visit for ages <a href="http://www.musaaberdeen.com/"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.musaaberdeen.com</span></a> where my favourite thing was the haggis spring rolls my husband ordered – yum! I’ve been busy on the baking front too and have had a bit on a Nigella fest – I can thoroughly recommend her Chocolate Guinness and Bounty cakes!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Work wise, things are really busy and I must admit to really enjoying being back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crisis in Syria has been keeping my colleagues busy and in here in Aberdeen, North Africa and Nigeria have been key areas of interest for my clients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see some of what I’ve been up to have a look <a href="http://www.libyaninvestment.com/libya-business-news/61262-ake-releases-libyas-oil-infrastructure-security-a-risk-assessment-.html.">here</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I had some very exciting news from a good family friend and former colleague who now lives out in Kabul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is part of a supper club out there they affectionately (and fabulously) term the “Mujahidinner” and he won with an Afghan-acceptable version of my <a href="http://warandafancypiece.blogspot.com/2011/11/lentil-soup-with-pumpkin-cheese-scones.html">Lentil Soup with Pumpkin Scones</a> (i.e. switching the ham for chicken).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so glad he emailed to tell me, his stories always make me laugh, but this made my week – thank you JMH!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the first month that the monthly recipe swap I participate in has split into two groups, one posting on a Sunday and another on a Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with my fellow Sunday posting pals, this month’s recipe for the Burwell General Store Vintage Recipe Swap is one of my favourites (and that of my girls) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– PIZZA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I encourage you to read all the lovely recipes on both days and hosted at <a href="http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/">http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The original recipe is from the <span style="color: #2a2a2a;">“<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Second Ford Treasury of Favourite Recipes from Famous Eating Places”.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB_q6OiTnimZSgSmbRopEAFakgeJP-tiA34jEQe2HJdwxKw0bxo7fr7mJtLzVn6k3CeAyDhGI9l1kUBi5ebUEz8TWbhvJlNT6UJRFdpjGWE3gV38q6NeHNfDpClYtWCr4L7rGHjqCXt0/s1600/recipeswap_pizza%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB_q6OiTnimZSgSmbRopEAFakgeJP-tiA34jEQe2HJdwxKw0bxo7fr7mJtLzVn6k3CeAyDhGI9l1kUBi5ebUEz8TWbhvJlNT6UJRFdpjGWE3gV38q6NeHNfDpClYtWCr4L7rGHjqCXt0/s320/recipeswap_pizza%5B1%5D.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My recipe this week is sooo simple, and inspired by one of my favourite snacks of recent weeks, involving oat cakes, strong Scottish cheddar and my mums red onion marmalade – mmmmm!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This recipe makes about 8-10 individual pizzas (I would serve two for adults and one for children).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pizza Base</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone has there own recipe for pizza dough, but this is a simple one from a very useful recipe book I bought not long after I was married, the “Good Housekeeping 1001 Recipes for Every Occasion”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">350g 00 Flour (+ extra to dust)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Teaspoon Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">7g Sachet fast-action dried yeast</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Tablespoon Olive Oil </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Tomato Sauce (enough for your pizza’s and to make a pasta sauce later in the week)</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 x 400g tinned tomatoes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Cloves Garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Tablespoon Olive Oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Fresh Basil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Topping</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Large Red Onions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Worcester sauce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">10 Teaspoons Light Brown Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">White Pepper </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Strong Scottish Cheddar – grated) – enough for a scant handful per pizza (I used the local <a href="http://www.devenickdairy.co.uk/">Devenick Dairy’s</a> Granite City Cheddar) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sour Cream and Fresh Basil to Garnish</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the tomato sauce, blend together the tomatoes, the garlic, basil and olive oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually do this earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge for the flavours to infuse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You obviously don’t have to do this and as it is so simple, you can easily do this while to dough is rising. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the dough, simply mix together the flour, salt and yeast in a large bowl, add the olive oil and 200ml of warm water and mix together with your hands until it forms a soft and sticky ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cover in the bowl and leave to rise for about half and hour. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">While this is happening, caramelise your onions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preheat your oven to about 200</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">C (</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> 180</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fan). Peel and slice your onions into about half centimetre rings (they look so pretty this way!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arrange them on a large baking sheet lined with baking paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinkle a teaspoon of the soft brown sugar on each, add a couple of drops of Worcester sauce to each and sprinkle with pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place in the oven for 15 minutes (although keep your eye on them – you don’t want them to burn).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When you remove the onions from the oven, turn it up by 20</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">C in preparation for your pizzas and line a couple of baking sheets with some baking paper. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Once your dough has risen turn it out onto a floured surface and punch down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flatten it out quite thinly with your hands and cut out your pizzas with a large round cutter (mine is about 10cm across).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spread a good dessert spoon of the tomato sauce on each of the bases and then top with a scant handful of the cheese. Carefully place one of your caramelised onion circles on each of the pizza’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transfer to the baking sheets and place in the oven for around 15 minutes (again keep an eye on them).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Serve with a dollop on sour cream on the top and sprinkle with some torn basil leaves. </span></div><script language="JavaScript" src="http://sweetgeorgines.com/bgs/bgs.js" type="text/javascript">
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</script>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-37836996226845486722012-02-05T15:09:00.000-08:002012-02-05T15:09:56.165-08:00Vintage Recipe Swap: Baked Polenta Stuffed Chicken with Sage<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvykuqY-7lJz73uNiC57mS2FjAUtt59unx-862C350sDkVHep9L3aC8aNVfT3W4hFgddzo7Edex3RfxAh021XYfu3wfl2VuUDWdALuugWbFki71l5sx-ajmr53CsG4U2SIEo_ldDB2oQ/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvykuqY-7lJz73uNiC57mS2FjAUtt59unx-862C350sDkVHep9L3aC8aNVfT3W4hFgddzo7Edex3RfxAh021XYfu3wfl2VuUDWdALuugWbFki71l5sx-ajmr53CsG4U2SIEo_ldDB2oQ/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Well I am probably cheating a wee bit here, as this is not a new recipe but one I have posted on my blog before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that none of my fellow recipe swappers are too cross at me for what may look like laziness on my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My excuse for this is that I have just gone back to work after seven months off on Maternity Leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you agree though that it does fit very well with the recipe Christianna has chosen for this months’ recipe swap – Wild Rice Dressing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It has been a strange week of mixed emotions but I have enjoyed being back at work, this despite missing my wee ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some exciting things going on at work and I guess not everyone gets to arrange the launch of their company’s Nigeria office, task their colleagues in Libya, organise training for personnel working in hostile environments and sessions on the challenges facing those looking to work in such desirable locations as Iraq, Colombia, Libya, East Africa, West Africa, Piracy and the Caspian Basin and still go home to be mummy to three gorgeous bairns by night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do consider myself a very lucky lady!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am only working four days a week at the moment, so will have an extended weekend with the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are therefore hoping that the cold but beautiful weather we had in Aberdeen today will continue tomorrow so we can get outside to play - despite our northerly location, we have not yet come to a weather induced standstill as they have in England this weekend. Anyway, Mondays in this house are for making muffins (for inclusion in lunch boxes for the rest of the week) and tomorrow we’ll be making use of the pears languishing in the fruit bowl (yes the girls declared a like for pears and again I bought them in vast quantity convinced their fruit intake would increase – it hasn’t).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll keep you posted as to our success or otherwise in the pear and choc chip muffin venture. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Back to this post though and as always, I am part of a gang of, I believe nearly 30, food-crazed bloggers who are part of the <a href="http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/">Burwell General Store</a> Vintage Recipe Swap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is our third monthly foray into the delights of</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> “<strong>The Second Ford Treasury of Favourite Recipes From Famous Eating Places”.</strong><span><strong> </strong>Please visit the links below to see all the other contributors to the swap and their delicious recipes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here is my contribution – I hope you like it..</span></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6rSpqlFxUTu5-o479LaWGMTPhxP-M71UiQwbgE1WcrPCJVyo5EaMGF2KsMFSMObuXAC2zni4zdYQzNxmg5b3t4M0au3H6-5naTIcS3S5_IUSlwBdpu4DtudxLzlPsO84puU2Rqm1rE8/s1600/recipeswap_wildrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6rSpqlFxUTu5-o479LaWGMTPhxP-M71UiQwbgE1WcrPCJVyo5EaMGF2KsMFSMObuXAC2zni4zdYQzNxmg5b3t4M0au3H6-5naTIcS3S5_IUSlwBdpu4DtudxLzlPsO84puU2Rqm1rE8/s320/recipeswap_wildrice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"></div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 Chicken Breasts</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8 slices prosciutto crudo</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fresh sage – 12 leaves</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">20g butter</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the stuffing:</span></em></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">50g polenta</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">20g bread crumbs (they don’t have to be fresh but homemade are best)</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">½ stick of celery</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">½ onion</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 small clove of garlic</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fresh sage – about one heaped dessert spoon finely chopped</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fresh thyme – about one teaspoon finely chopped</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">40g butter</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">½ of one beaten egg</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></span></b></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finely chop the sage, thyme, onion, garlic and celery.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put the polenta in a saucepan (one larger than you would think necessary as the polenta grows quite a bit when you add the water) and add 375ml of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat it on a low heat and simmer and stir for approximately 10 minutes until the polenta is thick and smooth. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add 20g of the butter and stir well, then add the sage, thyme, onion, garlic and celery and mix well. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove from the heat and add the breadcrumbs mix again and then add the beaten egg, stirring well and seasoning with salt and pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Allow the polenta mix to cool and set aside until it can be handled.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Prepare the chicken by slicing each breast open along <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the middle of one side so you can simply turn it like a page to open it up to add the stuffing. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Take about a dessert spoon of the polenta mix and make into a loose sausage-type shape, open the chicken breasts place the stuffing inside and close over so that none of the stuffing is showing. (There will probably be a little bit more stuffing than is required).</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Place three of the sage leaves on the top of each breast and wrap each of the breasts with two slices of the prosciutto crudo.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mash half the remaining butter (about 20g) onto the bottom of an oven proof dish (I use a lasagne dish for this) and place the chicken breasts close together on top of the butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divide the last 20g butter roughly in four and put a piece on top of each chicken breast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season well and drizzle with a little olive oil. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cover with tin foil and put in the oven for around 35 minutes – uncover for around the last ten minutes – basting the chicken well after taking off the foil. (I use quite large chicken breasts so the cooking time will be less if you use smaller pieces of chicken)</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>(Serves 4)</strong></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I usually serve this with new potatos and a nice green salad. Enjoy!</span> <br />
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</script>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-60760922247559371962012-01-08T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-08T15:14:11.797-08:00Recipe Swap: Cranachan Zabaglione<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1NIvQa7W6W5m46qw7zX1wGlH9Vc4Xux5b6I6ru-cN_hi3W4QiAdXRbII9xGzCGG4GKj1MyHp1YT85P_sJOqDF0osgzkyVyhhtEwLlfy88Vq7VOGvSPCNCE1EIspPjxl3yMgU2FkFoQ0/s1600/IMG_3473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1NIvQa7W6W5m46qw7zX1wGlH9Vc4Xux5b6I6ru-cN_hi3W4QiAdXRbII9xGzCGG4GKj1MyHp1YT85P_sJOqDF0osgzkyVyhhtEwLlfy88Vq7VOGvSPCNCE1EIspPjxl3yMgU2FkFoQ0/s320/IMG_3473.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy New Year one and all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstly, I must apologise for my lack of blogging over the past month, it really has been a crazy end to the year culminating, in fact, on Hogmanay (New Years Eve) with my lovely father-in-law having a heart attack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, he is on the mend, but it was a scary few days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I did have an amazing Christmas though, the children had a fabulous time and I got to live out my long-held ambition to host Christmas Dinner at my house – with 13 (including baby Cameron) for lunch from ages 6 months to 91!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mum did the starter and my Turkey (a very local bird ordered through the brilliant <a href="http://www.devenickdairy.co.uk/">Devenick Dairy</a>), was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part of all though was the AMAZING brown sugar meringues with whipped cream and lemon curd – the recipes for which came from a cooking demonstration I went to a couple of months ago by <a href="http://www.claire-macdonald.com/">Lady Claire MacDonald</a> of Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I will post the recipes shortly as they are too good not to share! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzh9W2e8pkkxgulugFsIRebqKXnjPXZKCiieqpoI6ojFglzgnP2meoSKfEXHxuJIsE3JaMYPwLLxIp0Os9-8Gl1IZM7t54KH6KlURGnB-YaAjNDx138qHJBk2nIAaBIJqZ7RVA1sMm3I/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzh9W2e8pkkxgulugFsIRebqKXnjPXZKCiieqpoI6ojFglzgnP2meoSKfEXHxuJIsE3JaMYPwLLxIp0Os9-8Gl1IZM7t54KH6KlURGnB-YaAjNDx138qHJBk2nIAaBIJqZ7RVA1sMm3I/s320/IMG_3342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Devenick Dairy getting our Turkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Back to this entry though, and it is recipe swap time again! Continuing the theme of puddings, the swap recipe this month is for Zabaglione, a traditional Italian dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she does every month, Christianna over at <a href="http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/"><span style="color: purple;">www.burwellgeneralstore.com</span></a> chooses a recipe from our current vintage cookbook </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“<b>The Second Ford Treasury of Favourite Recipes From Famous Eating Places” </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">and we (20+) swappers post our take on the original recipe. Here is mine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Once again, I thought I’d add a little Scottish twist to the swap and merge the cuisines of two of my favourite countries; something I starting doing when we lived in Florence (where for dinner at Hogmanay I made Haggis Lasagne for our guests - an unexpected success). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KpouocQHaPU7uddpFUSX9yXougLAnKCjmocTP65kt-TowFAfTaGb8MH3Ynp0H3D97yB6mHjHzQKKA72yHkVybIjcF6RPr1M2kiLenG9hVO-s4pW5m-0zyYsYnV1TfNigbYF7k7MMJdM/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KpouocQHaPU7uddpFUSX9yXougLAnKCjmocTP65kt-TowFAfTaGb8MH3Ynp0H3D97yB6mHjHzQKKA72yHkVybIjcF6RPr1M2kiLenG9hVO-s4pW5m-0zyYsYnV1TfNigbYF7k7MMJdM/s320/IMG_3467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert for which there are many variations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is made from cream, crowdie cheese, whisky, honey and oats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried a few versions for the swap, as well as a few different whiskies from my husband’s collection and also a whisky liqueur, however the latter was far too sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Col’s advice, I settled on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Balvenie Doublewood</i> (12yr), a whisky from the Speyside Region which he tells me has hints of fruits, honey and vanilla!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My resident whisky expert has also advised that it would be best to avoid the smokier, peatier malts of Islay for a dessert like this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyway, I hope you like this fusion of two traditional puddings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very happy with the result and think I will serve this on Burns Night later this month. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq8yIgnm7ikVB-CqVhJwoLyANhdOTLW3SV9QV46vfaQmt9y3lJcHZeHbkGJ_fviSbht25OtvO0thCQ4fhJP6jyntyEv2UJpENeby50W5A67u9heGVwFVhtLiqi10poF8K2uVKgYCmgeQ/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq8yIgnm7ikVB-CqVhJwoLyANhdOTLW3SV9QV46vfaQmt9y3lJcHZeHbkGJ_fviSbht25OtvO0thCQ4fhJP6jyntyEv2UJpENeby50W5A67u9heGVwFVhtLiqi10poF8K2uVKgYCmgeQ/s320/IMG_3465.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">4 large egg yolks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50ml Whisky</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">30g Porridge Oats </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">30g Soft Light Brown Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">100-150g Raspberries </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Heat up your grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Line a baking tray with foil and spread out the oats and brown sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toast under the grill until golden brown – remembering to keep your eye on them and move them about frequently or they will very quickly burn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set aside and keep for later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Fill a pan half full with water and bring to the boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Put the yolks, caster sugar and whisky in a glass bowl (big enough to sit atop the boiling water without touching) and whisk all together with a hand-held mixer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set the bowl in the pan of boiling water and whisk constantly until the mixture becomes thick, frothy, pale and creamy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful not to scramble the eggs!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Allow to cool slightly before adding two or three handfuls of the toasted oats to the mixture and gently and loosely mix in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then lightly squash a couple of handfuls of the raspberries in your hand before adding them in and mixing them in too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Keep a little of each to decorate).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spoon the mixture into serving bowls or glasses and refrigerate for around three hours before serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to serving, decorate with the remaining berries and sprinkle with some of the toasted oats. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKqRwmfXiqiA96LK1x3cV3i2AH2zQcqPqaV1ytgWeVuIjRGNpL04yCyJi6rFi9-wV4HcIOs8Ww9UQwN1FS7K6ThEwSuP0gFFhzFPrFAOaA3SluyGCqqKpA1Y4N_Vqa4gr1Pesks9J78c/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKqRwmfXiqiA96LK1x3cV3i2AH2zQcqPqaV1ytgWeVuIjRGNpL04yCyJi6rFi9-wV4HcIOs8Ww9UQwN1FS7K6ThEwSuP0gFFhzFPrFAOaA3SluyGCqqKpA1Y4N_Vqa4gr1Pesks9J78c/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Serve with some lovely Italian cantuccini or amaretti biscuits or some wee Scottish shortbreads. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(Serves 2)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</script>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-7094990373947342172011-12-04T14:17:00.000-08:002011-12-05T07:05:56.883-08:00Recipe Swap: Crunchy Clementine Christmas Biscuits<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkHna9KIZhaqZv1C4G5AQW_vLxyhwkDWdiyNcoCIEdiwJ851iAlRGH-RF6WqK2jSMaHBt5jHLullsiLxRrtPnpF8yiq1OJjyovuBSFOaFXsu1Gi1Cm3BriieNnIH27ItJqF9frzrtVvU/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkHna9KIZhaqZv1C4G5AQW_vLxyhwkDWdiyNcoCIEdiwJ851iAlRGH-RF6WqK2jSMaHBt5jHLullsiLxRrtPnpF8yiq1OJjyovuBSFOaFXsu1Gi1Cm3BriieNnIH27ItJqF9frzrtVvU/s320/IMG_3320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">What a week – I know that this is not the first time I have started a blog entry with this statement, but I do think my husband being taken into hospital with appendicitis warrants its repetition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is out now, in fact, he got out less than 24 hours after having his appendix removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not allowed to lift which is challenging, particularly as the children don’t understand why he can’t pick them up for cuddles, and has to take it easy for four to six weeks – I will do my best to be a good nurse and caring wife, but I am sure he would testify that I am not the best at this sort of thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will just have to cook him some yummy dinners to build up his strength!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There is, however, nothing like a medical emergency to help you get things into perspective and I am determined that we are going to have the best Christmas ever, especially as he should be well on the mend by then – yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In order to keep my sanity this week and take my mind of its events, I was determined to get my entry for recipe swap done, particularly as <a href="http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/">Christianna</a> has opened a new vintage cookbook for this month</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> “<b>The Second Ford Treasury of Favourite Recipes From Famous Eating Places” </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and from it chose an American classic, the Toll House Cookie</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was written in 1954, and features recipes from famous restaurants at the time, making it a fascinating vintage social register. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love books like this, they are such an amazing insight into social history and I can’t wait to see what Christianna will pick each month.</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS6jX5xOku4hyFSXcavaPvXIszUgvml9mKpYRfKDmxLKxRHnoZr7VEvt1A0OHQSiBUIoQDI3kjw82uFrKxegzI8kRJDi9kWFa7iDpxJ1BJ24y5fWcjX4m5U0YaxqH6Ksu_YjqFftZMQc/s1600/recipeswap_tollhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS6jX5xOku4hyFSXcavaPvXIszUgvml9mKpYRfKDmxLKxRHnoZr7VEvt1A0OHQSiBUIoQDI3kjw82uFrKxegzI8kRJDi9kWFa7iDpxJ1BJ24y5fWcjX4m5U0YaxqH6Ksu_YjqFftZMQc/s1600/recipeswap_tollhouse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">From <strong><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: x-small;">The Second Ford Treasury of Favourite Recipes From Famous Eating Places</span></strong>e</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Anyway, to enter into the Christmas spirit, I thought I’d make some Christmas biscuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been thinking about what ingredients to use and inspired by a favourite seasonal cake Clementine Cake, I decided on Clementines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A decision that was aided by the vast number of the tasty little citruses in my fruit bowl, part of my continued effort to encourage my girls with their fruit consumption!</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I should note here, that as you have to cook the Clementine for two hours before using it, it could be a good idea to make it alongside the aforementioned cake, which you can find on page 75 of Nigella’s How to Eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">As it turns out, these biscuits are really tasty, full of festive spice and a background of seasonal Clementine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, I had some assistance from Elsa and Anna on this and we’ll definitely be making them again as decorations for our tree!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smell when they are cooking is also amazing and sooooo Christmassy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkrVGzN3KTRu7bHJu3-Xq678gDgiSso93J1M9tXP40Mcmb2k5xpWDxa0sDBEwkwfqQk3Y0nIOHo6MQUWL6mxvYHNkblnTVzf5uarwbxm8CWtYEE1OeHQaESFj8hm0wxC6RZmXQXQBvyg/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkrVGzN3KTRu7bHJu3-Xq678gDgiSso93J1M9tXP40Mcmb2k5xpWDxa0sDBEwkwfqQk3Y0nIOHo6MQUWL6mxvYHNkblnTVzf5uarwbxm8CWtYEE1OeHQaESFj8hm0wxC6RZmXQXQBvyg/s320/IMG_3326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1 Clementine (place this in a pan and simmer, topping up with water, for approximately 2 hours – leave to cool, drain, remove seeds and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blend (skin and all)).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">350g Plain Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">½ Teaspoon Baking Powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves</span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 Teaspoons Cocoa Powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1 Tablespoon Cinnamon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Pinch of Salt </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">100g Butter or Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">200g Soft Brown Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Preheat your oven to </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">170<sup> o</sup>C (150<sup> o</sup>C fan).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prepare your baking sheets (you’ll need a couple).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sift the flour, salt,<span style="font-size: small;"> cocoa</span> and spices into a large bowl and in another, cream together the sugar and butter and add the Clementine puree, beating well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the flour gradually into the sugar and butter mixture until the dough forms a ball. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Wrap the dough in cling film or place in plastic bag<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and pop into the fridge for a least half an hour (but up to overnight).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cut the dough in half, and in order not to over-work it, roll one half out to approximately a ½cm between two sheets of floured baking parchment and cut out your shapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat with the remaining dough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used my new star cutters, but you could easily use any Christmas shape, and remembering to make a hole for a ribbon at the top of each biscuit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">Bake for around 25 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I iced the cookies with simple glace icing (300g of sieved icing sugar with approximately 4 dessert spoons of boiling water), but obviously you could decorate in any festive way you see fit.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyIN7Zg5Uqo3owsjbMadGsoaP-bh6TYyBtELMriblgef2a0p8TRoNHtqVqBh1H9EMvSgkEuL_NFRrsUZxmRGuU9eHP9oO2COwMF6MraY3cyYvv5fkBO6qRY273wnoEg1TT8A2JCxvVOs/s1600/IMG_3336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyIN7Zg5Uqo3owsjbMadGsoaP-bh6TYyBtELMriblgef2a0p8TRoNHtqVqBh1H9EMvSgkEuL_NFRrsUZxmRGuU9eHP9oO2COwMF6MraY3cyYvv5fkBO6qRY273wnoEg1TT8A2JCxvVOs/s320/IMG_3336.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little helpers!</td></tr>
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</script>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-1260030750964520902011-11-28T15:57:00.000-08:002011-11-28T15:57:29.646-08:00A Treat for St. Andrews Day - Tablet (and Ginger Tablet)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwRKX7MLywDJ_9VPse6yIJyHO8AFq6kbxGAeTetzmKUvq79mC1CYPn_Q_30t5rs1eoTfxGW81xVKQM_XtuMuYYkc6qZBE5olOCPCVmy1sflG90X0Ry2_rL_xvvpMhR6C7ldiuxG_YV_I/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwRKX7MLywDJ_9VPse6yIJyHO8AFq6kbxGAeTetzmKUvq79mC1CYPn_Q_30t5rs1eoTfxGW81xVKQM_XtuMuYYkc6qZBE5olOCPCVmy1sflG90X0Ry2_rL_xvvpMhR6C7ldiuxG_YV_I/s320/IMG_3299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I must apologise profusely for my failure to blog for the last couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A combination of preparing for a day back at work hosting two colleagues from our Nigerian partner company; a house<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>move; two trips to casualty (accident and emergency) with the children (all is well), and my birthday, made finding any time to blog pretty much impossible! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I did manage to talk at length with my lovely new Nigerian colleagues about food, largely as they found what was on offer here in Aberdeen and at our Hereford HQ, very bland!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have convinced them to send me some traditional Nigerian recipes that don’t involve the use of a goat head. Also on the work front, my friend and colleague John has also deployed out to Iraq where he is working with another friend Alan, who was my host in Lebanon a few years back – I have been pestering them for some authentic recipes and hoping they bring me back some wee gems! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I got a great haul of cook books and food-related goodies for my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among my absolute favourite pressies were the Chocolate Workshop voucher from my wonderful husband, a fabulous vintage cookbook from 1933 from my mum, and two amazing cake stands from my best bud Bexy, which are just crying out for some cakes to be made – watch this space...</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRFncGfKiJue0Ec9G23mCVXoNTt4fDJeUhUjHh3bc1Zcim4NS3HwbPF4a_Aln4rKV8ckvWkOQIx3qIihlTF65n4mIk1Yyo1-L9ZIQClXIlSlAqHySM5U4UudO76ly4xF6-uh-W_6pAQ4/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRFncGfKiJue0Ec9G23mCVXoNTt4fDJeUhUjHh3bc1Zcim4NS3HwbPF4a_Aln4rKV8ckvWkOQIx3qIihlTF65n4mIk1Yyo1-L9ZIQClXIlSlAqHySM5U4UudO76ly4xF6-uh-W_6pAQ4/s320/IMG_3301.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fabulous birthday pressie from my mum</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite all that has been going on, we are all getting very excited about Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can imagine that my two and four year olds are more that mildly hyper about the forthcoming festivities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hosting Christmas Dinner this year for both my family and my husband’s – we’ll certainly have a house full but I have always wanted to do this and am feeling decidedly grown up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also been inspired by all the Thanksgiving recipes posted by Blogging friends in the US, some of which I will definitely be trying on the big day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Before the delights of Christmas Dinner, my girls and I will be making a lot of our own Christmas pressies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is, in part, an economy drive (I am on maternity pay after all) and also an effort to keep the girls entertained and spending fun time with mummy before I go back to work at the end of January. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This week’s recipe is for one such gift (if you don’t eat it all before you get it wrapped) and a specific request from my good friend Karen, who by looking at her lovely figure, you’d never know she has a massive weakness for this amazingly delicious Scottish treat known as Tablet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note that this is not one for making with the children as recipes with boiling sugar rarely are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can also advise that even a small amount, if for example, pinched by a slightly naughty two year old, is like providing said child with rocket fuel – a massive sugar high and not advised!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Tablet has a long history in Scotland, it’s neither a toffee nor fudge, but has a unique texture that is completely irresistible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recipe I give here is that of my husband’s Granny Forbes (the photo is from her wartime handwritten recipe book).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did, however, make this with a twist for my dad this past weekend, adding some finely grated stem ginger in syrup and must admit to being delighted with the result. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK98YBm6t2Kdigz-GvJQkIBE5pKNrNZNPb1pQn3FFR7X-AJZSUrT0WWXT-vAPqx6_JSEnDOp4OdNeOiIukM3ZeLhqPiene5684JldjMtroRro4y8HOCZvyCHz1VAPFJ8891arvnvxqOg/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK98YBm6t2Kdigz-GvJQkIBE5pKNrNZNPb1pQn3FFR7X-AJZSUrT0WWXT-vAPqx6_JSEnDOp4OdNeOiIukM3ZeLhqPiene5684JldjMtroRro4y8HOCZvyCHz1VAPFJ8891arvnvxqOg/s320/IMG_3302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny Forbes Recipe Book</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2lbs (900g) Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 oz (55g) Butter or Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200ml Condensed Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200ml Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(If you are making Ginger Tablet, you will also need to grate 4-5 balls of stem ginger in syrup, and one teaspoon of the delicious syrup from the jar).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Grease a 20cm x 25cm rectangular tin. Put the Sugar, Milk and Butter in a large saucepan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring very slowly to the boil ensuring and add the condensed milk. Allow to come to the boil once again, and watch carefully for around 20 minutes (or until the colour turns darker), you can stir it during this time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Remove from the heat and beat vigorously in reverse (original instructions) until it thickens and the residue on the side of the pan looks grainy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pour into the greased tin and allow to set before marking into bars or squares. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(If you’re making Ginger Tablet, add the ginger syrup with the condensed milk but don’t add the grated ginger until you have removed it from the heat, just before you beat it). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb4Kl9vb65Lhb-sY7miaf4vLmjiXaZWiTlVuzkEzQPwJTgOgkqM64r1nspJ1yy3dIhWl8Fbok1gI4TN4JFaKBRj-1FDSo2nqzgCN9usXmmeA5JPMgGXoHJ4HwaGqSYXFm8RDqxEviLMA/s1600/IMG_3295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb4Kl9vb65Lhb-sY7miaf4vLmjiXaZWiTlVuzkEzQPwJTgOgkqM64r1nspJ1yy3dIhWl8Fbok1gI4TN4JFaKBRj-1FDSo2nqzgCN9usXmmeA5JPMgGXoHJ4HwaGqSYXFm8RDqxEviLMA/s320/IMG_3295.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-85025945533986558922011-11-10T14:49:00.000-08:002011-11-11T00:51:03.099-08:00Lentil Soup with Pumpkin & Cheese Scones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08QgIjeU5FDMW7h2t2MlaDRsvgtinZzj5_aU4EXQkzYi5P2ahIkGfYC1qdCegG-GMOBSh0MdSYPLagLev7x5KyjxvPTgdkgrW1R1ckLT6bx1At9SWj_ZGA0j6RQ6PNDg55lj31_sFFg4/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08QgIjeU5FDMW7h2t2MlaDRsvgtinZzj5_aU4EXQkzYi5P2ahIkGfYC1qdCegG-GMOBSh0MdSYPLagLev7x5KyjxvPTgdkgrW1R1ckLT6bx1At9SWj_ZGA0j6RQ6PNDg55lj31_sFFg4/s320/IMG_3236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I was really excited when Toni at the wonderful <a href="http://www.boulderlocavore.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Boulder Locavore</span></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blog suggested that I add a recipe to her special Thanksgiving recipe link even though we don’t celebrate this particular holiday here in Scotland. Despite not participating in the Thanksgiving festivities, I am certainly thankful for all the wonderful recipes being posted and I’ll definitely be trying some of them out soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, as I will be cooking Christmas dinner for 10 adults and my three children, I have been looking for inspiration and thanks to Toni, have definitely found some here!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Lentil Soup is a traditional Scottish soup and a family favourite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a useful one for this time of year; warming and delicious, and the ham hough used in the recipe can easily be substituted with some left over roast ham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pumpkin and Cheese scones are a relatively new creation – following some experimental pumpkin baking - but are a perfect accompaniment to the soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are also seasonal and lend themselves nicely to the lentil soup for a tasty winter lunch.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Firstly, the soup...</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVke9i3aXmB1Fmv6ElE2B3dnVZkKV2z3Yd1di99L2cgA4IbFT9RwUz9q5kyHmVC_whbWGY_lLu6DdVJuaVFafAYppHR80ku2102m7X8c5Bjjt_OPl9rURAJwJ04xn_Fcjto1xuEJJaLSA/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVke9i3aXmB1Fmv6ElE2B3dnVZkKV2z3Yd1di99L2cgA4IbFT9RwUz9q5kyHmVC_whbWGY_lLu6DdVJuaVFafAYppHR80ku2102m7X8c5Bjjt_OPl9rURAJwJ04xn_Fcjto1xuEJJaLSA/s320/IMG_3239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Lentil Soup</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Large Carrots</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Onion </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ham Hough (700g)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200g Red Lentils</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1.5 ltr Chicken Stock</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Tablespoon Oil (olive or vegetable) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In a large pan heat the oil and lightly brown the outside of the Ham hough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Dice the carrots and onion (I leave these quite chunky as I blend the soup at the end, however, you can chop them smaller if you wish to have a chunkier soup)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Add the veggies to the pan with the ham and sauté.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the lentils and heat through for a couple of minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Add the stock and a good grinding of black pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t add salt until the end as the ham will probably impart all the salt you will need. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Bring to the boil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 1 ½ hours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Leave to cool before removing the ham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can remove the ham from the bone and add it to the soup (either before or after blending) or use it for something else (I made a risotto!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I blend the soup, I prefer it this way and my little girls won’t eat it with identifiable chunks of veggies visible, but when I was growing up, my mum always mashed her lentil soup rather than blending.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Garnish with some crispy bacon, pumpkin seed oil or a splash of cream. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72RJKGia26zLj3u7Fgh5GukxaAT6CcQrBu3xGoo-BRx0EurZMLHVrpndJmtS6us4MhRVCoBRNG9MRhr0IH3YOK2aEP4_pPCV4rxZRxP0UkKzZLNlinlwMBuG-LqlWSfDI3zIA8GGZHvo/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72RJKGia26zLj3u7Fgh5GukxaAT6CcQrBu3xGoo-BRx0EurZMLHVrpndJmtS6us4MhRVCoBRNG9MRhr0IH3YOK2aEP4_pPCV4rxZRxP0UkKzZLNlinlwMBuG-LqlWSfDI3zIA8GGZHvo/s320/IMG_3238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Serve with...</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrot5inH8BbYVTRYt9bDBDD05l8U8ynK-0i_OmQQHFRVVCTNv_blDM5DdFDOFHrGYBMbCPkCC2oGAYfIZ9jRTf3D7LgpjmxF2kYHxehfpLgwrshZRrLPJ1XdbHaZAm8SOyk6zFmkCSIY/s1600/IMG_3231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrot5inH8BbYVTRYt9bDBDD05l8U8ynK-0i_OmQQHFRVVCTNv_blDM5DdFDOFHrGYBMbCPkCC2oGAYfIZ9jRTf3D7LgpjmxF2kYHxehfpLgwrshZRrLPJ1XdbHaZAm8SOyk6zFmkCSIY/s320/IMG_3231.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pumpkin & Cheese Scones</span></b><br />
</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">450g Plain Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Teaspoons Baking Powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pinch of Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 eggs lightly beaten</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">110g Margarine or Butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Handful of Mature Scottish Cheddar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Tablespoons pureed pumpkin (approx 350g pumpkin flesh cooked, drained and pureed)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">25ml Milk </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Squeeze of Lemon Juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSXx8jLzBcT3Nd3uk8t2Dp2gu-4BF-nFeVVmrYR-mD3V6U58LT1gLnoFfJTiHi-YhZ6klG6tijW-HX2L6l7MhyphenhyphenSoxtjlqeopPqAWl_AO45SqwW93UU5NnXp-mipNiG9qtdy86dLnoJo8/s1600/IMG_3240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSXx8jLzBcT3Nd3uk8t2Dp2gu-4BF-nFeVVmrYR-mD3V6U58LT1gLnoFfJTiHi-YhZ6klG6tijW-HX2L6l7MhyphenhyphenSoxtjlqeopPqAWl_AO45SqwW93UU5NnXp-mipNiG9qtdy86dLnoJo8/s320/IMG_3240.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Preheat your oven to 220<sup> o</sup>C (200<sup> o</sup>C fan).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grease or line a large baking tray.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Sieve the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the margarine and rub together until like rough breadcrumbs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Stir in the beaten egg and cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">In a small bowl add the squeeze of lemon juice to the milk - it will thicken and sour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add this to the <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ingredients in the large bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Add the pumpkin one tablespoon at a time and mix in but don’t over mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dough will be quite sticky.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface and dust with flour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flatten down with your hand as it will be too sticky to roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be about </span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">1 and a quarter inches thick. Cut out the scones, I use a 3 <sup>5/8</sup> “ cutter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> makes 6-7 big scones – a scone has to be big!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Place on a greased baking tray (spaced quite widely apart) and bake for 10-12 minutes. </span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-81870439691056968622011-11-06T14:33:00.000-08:002011-11-06T14:33:01.039-08:00Recipe Swap: Sticky Maple Muffins & Maple Syrup Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QRVUARoxmk3LjhRN_bXA76YeZ7u69kcf2RldkChcif480NU1ymnDg-3aRgGL8fgPNTBXOaNROlISK9RpltjC1cRMT2uGjcPhNAVey8wBjxQWQHzzm_LPh0M1eD3TUU-DuRdUGiOYEUQ/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QRVUARoxmk3LjhRN_bXA76YeZ7u69kcf2RldkChcif480NU1ymnDg-3aRgGL8fgPNTBXOaNROlISK9RpltjC1cRMT2uGjcPhNAVey8wBjxQWQHzzm_LPh0M1eD3TUU-DuRdUGiOYEUQ/s320/IMG_3266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Well it is that time again...Vintage Recipe Swap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month marks the first birthday of this excellent adventure in cooking, and although this is only my third month of participating, I feel part of something exciting and am delighted to have met so many lovely and inspirational cooks from all over the world. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So, Happy Birthday to the Vintage Recipe Swap and many thanks to Christianna for coordinating this monthly endeavour!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please visit Christianna’s Blog <a href="http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/p/recipe-swaps.html">here</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I am always nervous about revealing my contribution and curious as to what take everyone else will have on the same original recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month, as the recipe is for cake, I am even more eager than ever to see what my fellow swappers have created. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHF4AAK6qDRX6gVdhu23h2s7vKj8NiUr_FcrNENI81vgi4AjdE0CUpIxm6VwfYgQOtjLnn7J5tKsLToCoxKktLcqKzFellKGYOcJqiNntiU3hxV9wh9sZ1xQUKAxDu7IfO0GI-fHQXoY/s1600/swap_maplesyrupcake%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHF4AAK6qDRX6gVdhu23h2s7vKj8NiUr_FcrNENI81vgi4AjdE0CUpIxm6VwfYgQOtjLnn7J5tKsLToCoxKktLcqKzFellKGYOcJqiNntiU3hxV9wh9sZ1xQUKAxDu7IfO0GI-fHQXoY/s320/swap_maplesyrupcake%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So to this months swap – Maple Syrup Cake!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t decide what to do with this and actually got a wee bit carried away, and, with the assistance of my eldest daughter, Elsa had a little celebratory tea party to mark the first anniversary of the swap with both cake, and muffins! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The first is a maplely twist on my mums amazing sticky toffee pudding (the recipe for which, I’ll post soon!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhId34Q41tjigz0FvFtIkRHc1wKBYiM7uRiCOs1fnFs2NxKHRtFLaGmimBN7IlO1Qf7XnWfKDEj9uoge7pt0R9zmx2XhpW9KtTPvfatkXBPUopzT-e4C2hgGm0_XkbJKCxEwTPIH7pYY0/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhId34Q41tjigz0FvFtIkRHc1wKBYiM7uRiCOs1fnFs2NxKHRtFLaGmimBN7IlO1Qf7XnWfKDEj9uoge7pt0R9zmx2XhpW9KtTPvfatkXBPUopzT-e4C2hgGm0_XkbJKCxEwTPIH7pYY0/s320/IMG_3273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8xB4I0DxVvfPk5FyDtOAAJ_WOoT4-fcy03loJCmAK-E_Kap7c48OqGFO9tIttEj1gtx6m3CcVYk79_6xXbBknBzN2yVWPswsn43g_mzxJhlE27cbHlGCDdPgQiCSSUuoXZ_jwKY0JSU/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8xB4I0DxVvfPk5FyDtOAAJ_WOoT4-fcy03loJCmAK-E_Kap7c48OqGFO9tIttEj1gtx6m3CcVYk79_6xXbBknBzN2yVWPswsn43g_mzxJhlE27cbHlGCDdPgQiCSSUuoXZ_jwKY0JSU/s320/IMG_3274.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sticky Maple Muffins (With Maple Buttercream)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">240g Chopped Dates</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">150ml Water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">110g Butter or Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">110g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">280g Self Raising Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">260g Maple Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon Cinnamon </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the icing (and plenty of it):</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">700g Icing Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">175g butter or margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">5 Tablespoons Maple Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">16 Pecan kernels to top</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Preheat your oven to 180</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> (160</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C Fan) </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">and place the muffin cases into your muffin tin (this recipe makes around 16 muffins).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In a small pan, cover the dates with the water and bring to the boil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simmer for 5 or so minutes before removing from the heat and stirring in the Bicarbonate of Soda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave to the side. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar and then add the eggs one at a time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beat in the maple syrup and once combined, sieve in the Flour, Baking Powder, Salt and Cinnamon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Then add the date mixture and stir in well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Divide the mixture between the muffin cases and bake in the oven for around 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow to cool before icing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the Maple Buttercream Icing...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put the icing sugar in a food processor and pulse, this will remove any lumps. Then simply add the butter and maple syrup and blitz until fully combined and looking smooth and tasty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think because of the inclusion of the syrup, this icing is slightly more difficult to work with than regular buttercream and the results may not be as pretty, but this stuff is extremely delicious and works very well with the sticky muffin base.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Maple Syrup Cake (With Fluffy Maple Topping)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp91K1oZ7N8Cgum1Iv8jKjspAIyLEEPkiOa4RiGtOwJzuBicheSOydltJbTO4Bzkq99EaJgrz3duTbnsmGJdhmjVeDgHCL_k7VjBrPmmRyVxZBMuIARda97JQIUl0k82CytjL2SLAP1ug/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp91K1oZ7N8Cgum1Iv8jKjspAIyLEEPkiOa4RiGtOwJzuBicheSOydltJbTO4Bzkq99EaJgrz3duTbnsmGJdhmjVeDgHCL_k7VjBrPmmRyVxZBMuIARda97JQIUl0k82CytjL2SLAP1ug/s320/IMG_3276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I actually decided to make this cake after finding the recipe for the topping, so while I can take credit for the cake, the topping comes courtesy of Jim Fobel’s Old Fashioned Baking Book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The cake is very simple and is not dissimilar to the original recipe for this months’ swap and doesn’t require to be iced. In fact, I think it would be nice dotted with some pecans or walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup, however, I just had to make Mr. Fobel’s “Fluffy Maple Frosting”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Here goes...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">425g Plain Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Teaspoon Baking Powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pinch of Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon of Cinnamon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">¼ Teaspoon of freshly grated Nutmeg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">4 Tablespoons of Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">425g Maple Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Fluffy Maple Frosting:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">130g Maple Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">110g Granulated Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Egg Whites</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pinch of Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Handful of walnut halves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Grease a 23 cm cake tin and preheat your oven to 170</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> (150</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C Fan). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sieve the flour, spices, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In a pan, gently melt the butter and maple syrup together and remove from the heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beat the eggs and add them, together with the milk to the syrup mixture. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and beat to remove any lumps. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pour into the prepared tin and bake for approximately one hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave to cool before icing. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the Fluffy Maple Frosting - </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sit a glass bowl atop about an inch of boiling water and beat all the ingredients together with an electric hand mixer for around 6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>minutes or until stiff peaks are formed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove the bowl from the pan and beat for a further minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use the frosting immediately to decorate your cake. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna - pinching muffins!</td></tr>
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</script>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-37676561436535177882011-10-30T15:53:00.000-07:002011-10-30T15:53:32.827-07:00Pumpkin & Apple Bread (with a sticky topping)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wx3ok_KbC_JC4xwhghK0dpvXNCMtxAynokqr_x-mHIEIm6a57HDsikG6cXDshD3ONnqIx-e5RO_NfojvsklOkf25rcLdWMefvqOnaOS4k3bUzMjKhNUBDaUMOcXUK4CGZ5za2AGHGUI/s1600/IMG_3254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wx3ok_KbC_JC4xwhghK0dpvXNCMtxAynokqr_x-mHIEIm6a57HDsikG6cXDshD3ONnqIx-e5RO_NfojvsklOkf25rcLdWMefvqOnaOS4k3bUzMjKhNUBDaUMOcXUK4CGZ5za2AGHGUI/s320/IMG_3254.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This was actually the second recipe I came up with while experimenting with pumpkin over the last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit to having never cooked with pumpkin before, aside from soups, but as my little girls have been getting excited about Halloween and they are readily available in the shops at this time of year, I thought why not. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">While pumpkins are obviously the norm these days for making Halloween lanterns, here in Scotland we have traditionally used turnips, known here as “neeps”, to make them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as I was in the mood for baking and didn’t think turnip flavoured cakes would be too tasty, I opted to use this relative newcomer to northern Scottish Halloween festivities – the pumpkin.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnB9xd2QY-N4cOUcERn_-FD1wlgWVyMOSvdMUFULn5nkPGaOK38YD8j0j1YdsfDY5iUzFIBVhHU23HWaLGRyBlqHMgS3TmjLxDvJ90wmrKEY8iWa51xoswI9CE2G3mqFPxjtLyyStI01k/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnB9xd2QY-N4cOUcERn_-FD1wlgWVyMOSvdMUFULn5nkPGaOK38YD8j0j1YdsfDY5iUzFIBVhHU23HWaLGRyBlqHMgS3TmjLxDvJ90wmrKEY8iWa51xoswI9CE2G3mqFPxjtLyyStI01k/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">300g Wholemeal Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">100g Soft Dark Brown Sugar </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Teaspoons Bicarbonate of Soda</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 ½ Teaspoons Cinnamon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon Grated Nutmeg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50ml Ground Nut Oil (or other flavourless oil)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">340g Pureed Pumpkin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">115g Pureed Apple</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the topping:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Handful of Roasted Pumpkin Seeds*</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50g butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50g caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Tablespoon of Plain Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1Tablespoon of Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Apple – Cored, Peels, Quartered & Thinly Sliced</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Preheat your oven to 180</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> (160</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C Fan) and grease and/or line a 900g/2lb loaf tin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Add the flour sugar, Bicarbonate of Soda and Spices to a large bowl and mix together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In a separate bowl, mix together the pureed fruit, eggs and oil and then add to the dry ingredients – be sure not to over mix. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for approximately 55 minutes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">You don’t need to add a topping, but this is very tasty!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In a small pan, melt the butter and gently sauté the apples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the rest of the ingredients and melt together slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring to the boil and remove from the heat. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Heat up your grill and simply pour the mixture over the cake (you may want to arrange the apple pieces).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place the cake under the grill until the topping begins to bubble – remove from the heat and leave to cool. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">*I used the method posted the other week by my friend <strong><a href="http://www.boulderlocavore.com/2010/10/roasted-pumpkin-seeds-best-method-ever.html">Boulder Locavore </a></strong>from Recipe Swap - only I added a shake of cinnamon instead of salt, herbs or savoury spices. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3UAKeWi7DpkakNFvqcbdfS1q1mUn0TD2wM_SNaqlFtUF_O56hyphenhyphen98Laxl6ydGDixaCrII4zp5QaUrA3IlcAYYj0gXcf4PvZyUy9pIOWhXIXxkcQFyf5PGiD2oe2p2DpZ35bZZVFdeG9Q/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3UAKeWi7DpkakNFvqcbdfS1q1mUn0TD2wM_SNaqlFtUF_O56hyphenhyphen98Laxl6ydGDixaCrII4zp5QaUrA3IlcAYYj0gXcf4PvZyUy9pIOWhXIXxkcQFyf5PGiD2oe2p2DpZ35bZZVFdeG9Q/s320/IMG_3256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-24151491981050479232011-10-25T15:36:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:36:25.844-07:00Sweet Heat Monthly Chilli Challenge: Zalouk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbINj35gnhFH6fsoRcwm_-TTLUDcstkkbs-sGqZIkpiDtEv16njy5F5Ayh3kZM4rbnHRf-O2koh74STmgax16u4SaOnThKGZx5VBWSehtpzv-EMvwyeEUqJq13O85ovIpWG9aeyRvZtN8/s1600/IMG_3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbINj35gnhFH6fsoRcwm_-TTLUDcstkkbs-sGqZIkpiDtEv16njy5F5Ayh3kZM4rbnHRf-O2koh74STmgax16u4SaOnThKGZx5VBWSehtpzv-EMvwyeEUqJq13O85ovIpWG9aeyRvZtN8/s320/IMG_3250.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Well this is my contribution to a monthly challenge, founded by my friend from university and former flatmate, Lyndsey; a most excellent cook (I have first hand experience) and prolific blogger. Check out her blog at: <a href="http://vanillacloudsandlemondrops.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">http://vanillacloudsandlemondrops.blogspot.com</span></a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the inaugural <a href="http://vanillacloudsandlemondrops.blogspot.com/2011/10/sweet-heat-monthly-chilli-challenge.html">Sweet Heat Monthly Chilli Challenge</a> and I am delighted to be participating and encourage you all to get involved for next month’s event - the challenge for which will be announced on 1<sup>st</sup> November.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmJcFA6payzxYIrqR8usGoAhing3e6DGg1PCvm1xpJOk787bjK1G4guciMZf2xD3PtiwCHyC3BgCXoF1I2LELS1HkXFftIPAVRvXZR9kwOo1cazubs7dUSSAHrXRhk_WFIFQ4Cj6MdcI/s1600/Sweet+Heat+Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmJcFA6payzxYIrqR8usGoAhing3e6DGg1PCvm1xpJOk787bjK1G4guciMZf2xD3PtiwCHyC3BgCXoF1I2LELS1HkXFftIPAVRvXZR9kwOo1cazubs7dUSSAHrXRhk_WFIFQ4Cj6MdcI/s1600/Sweet+Heat+Badge.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For this month though, the challenge was condiments so my mind immediately leapt to one of my favourite and versatile dips/accompaniments, a North African treat – Zalouk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not be the hottest or aesthetically pleasing of entries to this challenge, but I guarantee it is one of the tastiest and I only wish I could have transmitted the cooking aromas from kitchen this evening.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It may seem that I am being a little lazy as this is something that I have posted previously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my defence, it was my second post ever and, trust me, had a limited readership and no picture. It was posted by me while in hospital with my baby boy earlier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today, I made some Zalouk for both consumption and photographic purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Yes that is a picture of my husband on a camel in the background!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">While you can read my original post <a href="http://warandafancypiece.blogspot.com/2011/07/well-here-i-am-sitting-in-hospital.html">here</a>, here is my recipe for Zalouk – enjoy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Although having spent some time in the Middle East and North Africa both with work and for pleasure, this is more of a culmination of attempts to recreate flavours experienced both there and in one of my favourite North African restaurants in London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you from the region, please don’t take offence at my deviation from tradition, but hope you will agree this is a tasty version. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Serve Zalouk warm with pitta as a starter or dip when entertaining – yum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, however, equally good spread on a lamb or beef steak and stuffed in a pitta with some salad as it was this evening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Totally versatile and delicious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ingredients:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 large (or two small) aubergine</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3-4 tomatoes</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4 cloves garlic</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3 tablespoons of parsley </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 medium chilli (deseeded) or 1 teaspoon lazy chilli</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 tablespoon paprika</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 tablespoon cumin</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2 teaspoons salt</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Pinch of cayenne pepper </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">60ml olive oil</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">80 ml water</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Method:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This is really simple but very tasty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peel and dice the aubergine and peel and deseed the tomatoes (and chilli if using).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put all the ingredients into a food processor (I use a magimix) and blend together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add an extra splash of olive oil to a deep pan and add the blended mixture to the pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simmer the mixture over a medium heat for around half an hour ensuring the pan is covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stir occasionally and season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until there are no liquids remaining.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I often serve this with warmed pitta as a starter before a main of my lamb and prune tagine – the recipe for which will follow on a later post. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0J94ojiltI8Fmb9X30CRnH1Bqf8kiiVulTb_HCgOKqF41D98tPCmUXXcjZ-KYBPZnbSFYGWKQxSwH3k_SIbhXzf64IlRaKKJF9NPZTR98ItKczx5Qk0_UVGJ2X7ORpBmW2wXhFB-bzI/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0J94ojiltI8Fmb9X30CRnH1Bqf8kiiVulTb_HCgOKqF41D98tPCmUXXcjZ-KYBPZnbSFYGWKQxSwH3k_SIbhXzf64IlRaKKJF9NPZTR98ItKczx5Qk0_UVGJ2X7ORpBmW2wXhFB-bzI/s320/IMG_3249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-50000366795791797112011-10-23T14:05:00.000-07:002011-10-23T14:05:34.084-07:00Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH092fnYHrge6cFW3KclKh3prvYKlUxzsWHV-F3pSAJF_QU7Wq9yoa8PrhGRcM6ANBgdtClg7B87yWYy1ZjfhoVLdaCotlnOe8NKaFs777T26HfyGiIp8Qaow-eOjih9rF_2X94X23rM/s1600/IMG_3234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH092fnYHrge6cFW3KclKh3prvYKlUxzsWHV-F3pSAJF_QU7Wq9yoa8PrhGRcM6ANBgdtClg7B87yWYy1ZjfhoVLdaCotlnOe8NKaFs777T26HfyGiIp8Qaow-eOjih9rF_2X94X23rM/s320/IMG_3234.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If you read my post last week, you will have noted that I had problems with recipe I was desperate to make as it just sounded sooooo delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this week, with a few alterations from the original recipe, I’ve done it and yes, it is good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Still on our holidays at Granny and Pampa’s, I have had more time to cook because of the extra hands to help out with the wee ones and have had willing Guinea Pigs for the various sweet and savoury recipes which I’ll be posting soon – so keep watching this space!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Unsurprisingly, given the capture of a certain Libyan Colonel this week, work has been on my mind, particularly knowing (with a little jealousy) that this will impact greatly on the work load of my colleagues. With Gadaffi dead it is likely that many of my clients in Aberdeen will be looking at entering or re-entering the Libyan market, which will make for interesting times when I finish my maternity leave at the start of next year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are interested in what is going on in Libya right now, sign up for a free copy of the Weekly <a href="http://tinyurl.com/intelake">Libya Report</a> prepared by my colleagues. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A low point of this week has also been work related, with the difficulty I have experienced sorting out childcare for when I go back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really think there should be more help with childcare costs for young working families as there is in other European Countries and in Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly makes it difficult to find that work-life balance!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Rant over and despite the appalling weather and childcare stresses, we’ve been spending lots of time with family and good friends, making teddy bears, and jumping on bouncy castles - and I, at least, have been eating way more than I should be!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It is obviously apple season and when I saw this recipe in the October issue of my favourite foody magazine, <a href="http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/">Delicious</a>, I was really keen to make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being at Granny’s house in a little village in Lanarkshire, I couldn’t find ground rice in the local shops and nor did Granny have a baking tin of the size detailed in the original recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I overcame these obstacles only to be thwarted by the caramel recipe which, most likely through fault of my own rather than the recipe, I could not get right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this end, I resorted to a tried and tested family recipe for caramel, which worked a treat! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Shortbread:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200g Butter / Margarine (chilled)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">250g Plain Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Caramel:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Tablespoons Golden Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200ml Condensed Milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">115g Butter / Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">115g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Extra Knob of Butter (for frying apples)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Braeburn Apples </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Topping:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">150g Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">100g Milk Chocolate Cooking Chocolate</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Grease and line a 28cm x 18cm Swiss Roll tin and preheat your oven to 170</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> (150</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C Fan)</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sieve flour into a large bowl or blitz quickly in a food processor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Chop the butter into small pieces and add to the flour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can either rub this in with your fingertips or pulse in a food processor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mix in the caster sugar and work until it all comes together. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Press the shortbread dough into the prepared tin and use a tumbler to even out the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prick all over with a fork and put into the oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake for five minutes before reducing the temp to 150</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> (130</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C fan),</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> and baking for a further 40-45 minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Remove from the oven and cool before adding the caramel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To make the caramel add the butter, sugar, condensed milk and syrup to a medium sized saucepan and gently melt together, stirring all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring the mixture slowly to the boil and continue to do so for 7 minutes – and don’t forget to keep stirring!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When you have finished making the caramel, peel, core and thinly slice the apple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a shallow pan melt a knob of butter and fry the apple until soft and golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the apple to the caramel and mix through. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When the shortbread base is cold, pour the caramel mixture over the shortbread and spread out evenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put in the fridge to set. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the topping, you can, obviously use any combination of chocolate you like, but the gram quantity detailed here should adequately cover the tin size I used. For this, simply melt the chocolate in a glass bowl over boiling water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set the chocolate aside for a few minutes before pouring over the shortbread and caramel to cover. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Leave to set before cutting into squares or slices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Once, cut up, it is best to keep this in the fridge as it is sticky!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkJ3dzxsRB2MWi_njGo9Rv7XqN4VCkNPRSCknWLHKU0B9e54_5cJ_r4s_umVY8886ZgfCpZdmXPXH_thB5EDYrW65z8VhoF4fjGdxQEqdiSGqYFYKUf1Tm7DhscfgkeVw1YbAGxaQLIs/s1600/IMG_3235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkJ3dzxsRB2MWi_njGo9Rv7XqN4VCkNPRSCknWLHKU0B9e54_5cJ_r4s_umVY8886ZgfCpZdmXPXH_thB5EDYrW65z8VhoF4fjGdxQEqdiSGqYFYKUf1Tm7DhscfgkeVw1YbAGxaQLIs/s320/IMG_3235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Just FYI, and if you are interested in making the original recipe (which can be found on page 106 of Delicious, October 2011) this may be of use...</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The original recipe is as above with the following changes: </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Use a 20cm x 20cm tin.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead of 250g of plain flour, it calls for 200g plain flour and 50g of Ground Rice (or Semolina).</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the caramel, it instructs as follows:</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Add 350g Caster Sugar and 200ml water to a sauté pan, dissolve slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Increase the heat and bubble the mixture for 10 minutes until the syrup colours around the edges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carefully watch the mixture and occasionally shake the pan (but do not stir).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once it has turned a dark caramel colour, pour in 260ml of double cream and mix quickly with a wooden spoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also instructs to transfer to a bowl to cool slightly before adding the apples. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Try as I might, I could not get this to work (although I suspect the fault here is mine and not that of the recipe).</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Top with 200g or dark chocolate (60% cocoa solids).</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Otherwise, the methods as detailed in my version above are the same. </span></i></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-65400740389240363142011-10-16T12:58:00.000-07:002011-10-16T12:58:33.122-07:00Retro Recipe: Mars Bar Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uTQnr2gL8Fu-UeVRy05IWceHmv7UNuiuVrp-2wmXH0wTByCCs0c12YqH6ItEEQY1SkzlqqiX0mBq9KKmSxCnPYDF4com1wzqh1Zjg89euxCjNEfzvDguU8COgwJkQWPhEaaWW-Kmxvw/s1600/mars+bar+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uTQnr2gL8Fu-UeVRy05IWceHmv7UNuiuVrp-2wmXH0wTByCCs0c12YqH6ItEEQY1SkzlqqiX0mBq9KKmSxCnPYDF4com1wzqh1Zjg89euxCjNEfzvDguU8COgwJkQWPhEaaWW-Kmxvw/s320/mars+bar+cake+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOgz0tIj9oApzQw5c-VZoNg-2c_JomC8Pqc4YYmlGynLW-jKhXQwwLdmHQ9TZ8MF2tourkZArSLekqg7-GM9LcJrzDI33LLNgAt1WVPPOd0SmC0XdUjUu1FKe5zJ1nRT6VtdQIrIFQws/s1600/recipe+granny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOgz0tIj9oApzQw5c-VZoNg-2c_JomC8Pqc4YYmlGynLW-jKhXQwwLdmHQ9TZ8MF2tourkZArSLekqg7-GM9LcJrzDI33LLNgAt1WVPPOd0SmC0XdUjUu1FKe5zJ1nRT6VtdQIrIFQws/s320/recipe+granny.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny's Recipe Book</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Well while we are down at Granny’s for the tattie holidays I thought I might do another retro –recipe (she’ll kill me for calling it that) from her wee hand-written cook book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time in celebration of Chocolate Week, another of my husband’s childhood favourites – Mars Bar Cake.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This was actually not my intended recipe for this week, but I’m including it for three reasons... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(i)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was an easy one to make with Anna when she was bored last weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 35.45pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.45pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(ii)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I had intended to make Toffee Apple Millionaire Shortbread from last month’s <a href="http://www.delicious.magazine.co.uk/">Delicious Magazine</a> (I am planning to blog about recipes from my monthly subscription to force my hand at trying new things).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This didn’t happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began making it on Wednesday night, the same night both my girls kept waking with bad dreams and every time I started making the caramel, one of them would wake up needing a cuddle and settling again, interrupting this process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By midnight I gave up and went to bed myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(iii) Simply because it is delicious. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It turns out that this holiday is not really a holiday for me, and without nursery and playgroup the girls are getting bored, particularly as the weather has been just awful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have, however, been cooking - not least this easy but tasty treat which, as you can see, my little Anna really enjoyed.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxSJ5BSx5WSZzF4gjFwvluE-0RCllFjlTu7-ZM7GdgAZwlP9PbqJo5jmNtNgsT4l8lzmLSt-V0KIYTEFiRNTiE6ymaf9V66ktrEh9Jn-bhfo5QQToifkaLwNoHjVXxiu1wBDiO-EkarI/s1600/choccy+chops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxSJ5BSx5WSZzF4gjFwvluE-0RCllFjlTu7-ZM7GdgAZwlP9PbqJo5jmNtNgsT4l8lzmLSt-V0KIYTEFiRNTiE6ymaf9V66ktrEh9Jn-bhfo5QQToifkaLwNoHjVXxiu1wBDiO-EkarI/s320/choccy+chops.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite my need for rest, we have been having a good week and have even sold our flat (yippee).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband got back from Slovenia on Tuesday bringing with him vast quantities of continental chocolate – delicious and very apt given it is chocolate week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fun to spend time with family and friends and we had an amazing day today with some lovely people including one of my best friends in the whole wide world at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Before our museum adventure, we went for Pizza - a great success with all the little ones eating their way through three courses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Museum has recently been refurbished and is a great place for children – they got to dig for dinosaurs and were very excited at all the amazing exhibits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will definitely be back to see all the things we didn’t get to – and it is all free!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Mars Bars </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">85g Margarine </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">85g Rice Krispies</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 (large) Tablespoon Golden Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">250g Chocolate to top (I used a mixture of one third dark chocolate and two thirds cooking chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could easily increase this if you wanted an even more chocolaty topping – there was no quantity specified on the original recipe).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(There was no instruction on Granny’s original recipe for the size of tin that should be used for this, so I used a Swiss Roll tin (28 x18cm)).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Grease the baking tin. Gently melt the margarine, Mars Bars and syrup in a large saucepan, add the Krispies and coat thoroughly in the Mars Bar mixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Press the mixture into the tin and leave to cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water and spread over the Krispies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow to cool and set properly before cutting into squares or bars. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-6mP81fVT0QXhyphenhyphenfkhPBM0TzbG39s1-JjptbXdDfuKmRu3vksMKa18-FjMtnyx-kxrslbUze2vHFyJ79s9ZOVVnuUXQLFQ0q7C0FS66RshOy8F8wGoeIZGeuHutgTYP0LkWIJUUATZZw/s1600/mars+bar+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-6mP81fVT0QXhyphenhyphenfkhPBM0TzbG39s1-JjptbXdDfuKmRu3vksMKa18-FjMtnyx-kxrslbUze2vHFyJ79s9ZOVVnuUXQLFQ0q7C0FS66RshOy8F8wGoeIZGeuHutgTYP0LkWIJUUATZZw/s320/mars+bar+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-83841420495457489922011-10-09T14:24:00.000-07:002011-10-09T14:24:56.291-07:00Tosca Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOKlNLG9kbexJgXfx1ja5QZ4Y-Lye8qwxU-ppoNrMZ64uo0gW2LZNYUu9vbusR9pQHJAV0mA0GRWSmDZi4zGoZOOFtWIqK7g8lVForhsbgN0FbLsuDOSCDAw6WPMpDgvTra5xAVaxkfE/s1600/IMG_3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOKlNLG9kbexJgXfx1ja5QZ4Y-Lye8qwxU-ppoNrMZ64uo0gW2LZNYUu9vbusR9pQHJAV0mA0GRWSmDZi4zGoZOOFtWIqK7g8lVForhsbgN0FbLsuDOSCDAw6WPMpDgvTra5xAVaxkfE/s320/IMG_3180.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I am salivating as I write this, in memory of this delicious cake that I first made for a family BBQ last weekend (and because I am starving and waiting for my Chinese food to be delivered)!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyway, it is the “Tattie” holidays in Aberdeen (so called as it is traditionally when everyone helps with the potato (tattie) harvest in this part of the world).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am still on maternity leave and my eldest is off nursery for two weeks, we thought we’d visit Granny and Pampa – some extra hands while my husband is off in Ljubljana interviewing for his current research project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fun-filled two weeks planned visiting family and friends a little further south in Scotland, in Lanarkshire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I have always loved northern European cakes and when I spotted this recipe in my strange (but fabulous) little cookbook, a charity compilation put together by the International Women’s Club of Moscow, it invoked memories of ones eaten as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just had to make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really simple, light and absolutely delicious and great as a cake or desert – Mmm!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe this cake to be of Swedish origin but attributed to a lady called Mette Iversen of Denmark in the book – thank you Mette, whoever you may be - I will be making this again and again! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Cake</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">125g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Large Eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">100g Self Raising Flour </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pinch Salt </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">50g melted Butter or Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Topping</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">100g Softened Butter </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">125g Lightly Toasted Almonds (I used sliced almonds)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">100g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Tablespoons Plain Flour </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Tablespoons Milk or Cream</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Prepare a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin (I used a deep sandwich tin) & preheat your oven to 160</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <sup>o</sup>C (140<sup>o</sup>C Fan).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In a roomy bowl beat the eggs until they are thick and pale and then gradually beat in the sugar until it falls in thick ribbons. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fold in the sifted flour, baking powder and salt. Mix in the melted butter (this should be quite cool).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(If you have a double oven put your grill on quite a high heat just prior to the 30 minute mark).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">While the cake is baking, prepare the topping by simply adding all the ingredients to a pan, stirring constantly and heating until it just boils – do this just before the cake is ready to take out of the oven.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(If you have a single oven, put the grill on quite a high heat as soon as you remove the cake from the oven)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Remove the cake from the oven and carefully spread the topping over the cake. Put the cake under the grill until nicely brown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to cool the cake before removing from the tin – 2 hours!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(My brother took what was left home to include in his pack lunch – I think this one will keep well in a tin for a good few days!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAI15xj6OoLEooaIwkwiMlam90zzYu_6kQiWU-xOP5jmdEywo1MCa_VosX3yPoKReGQEn3uaI05rAt09-2ImoLSLUG5kjALmxL7MzZ2OWiC80-lBhAL94eC6wJV60Uh5Bd0osXVrboOU/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAI15xj6OoLEooaIwkwiMlam90zzYu_6kQiWU-xOP5jmdEywo1MCa_VosX3yPoKReGQEn3uaI05rAt09-2ImoLSLUG5kjALmxL7MzZ2OWiC80-lBhAL94eC6wJV60Uh5Bd0osXVrboOU/s320/IMG_3179.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-42416000778087099232011-10-02T14:22:00.000-07:002011-10-02T14:22:01.797-07:00Recipe Swap: Hot Pink Slaw<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFrqWFv0JHqOcZIoLbcF5ywc8rr0bcAuqtC8PHWVLVBHtI9jkFCcGDJvyam90OhNuDuEW3o_Z8fY9G2-P_yVwdLTsEX4kO0RftUh6qYts_ltq2AKLZ9Rv_R9V6SI-OBf6H5ksOMCyL5M/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFrqWFv0JHqOcZIoLbcF5ywc8rr0bcAuqtC8PHWVLVBHtI9jkFCcGDJvyam90OhNuDuEW3o_Z8fY9G2-P_yVwdLTsEX4kO0RftUh6qYts_ltq2AKLZ9Rv_R9V6SI-OBf6H5ksOMCyL5M/s320/IMG_3162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We took a last minute decision to take our little ones off for the holiday weekend to rural Perthshire; together with my best friend, her husband and wee girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to get away, the girls had a ball running around outside and splashing in puddles while I enjoyed the company of some of my favourite people, cooking and eating – lots. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the best parts of the whole weekend was Saturday night, when Becky cooked up steak and chips with meat from her parents’ farm – the best beef ever! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The low point, was finding out that the Rannoch Smoke House in the village near where were staying wasn’t open to the public – boo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoxN5PMBW7L2VkTKe1_aZlGA1wJJdTiAfOOuxoWHLHhdiKRNrSFWaAit1oKrFqJodcarVgTnvZeBynyczJBKE5LQvhpa4DidLoy0x_sYSpehpDU4MI2RJjXwGKabygDyKBbwhDJ3PzJ4/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoxN5PMBW7L2VkTKe1_aZlGA1wJJdTiAfOOuxoWHLHhdiKRNrSFWaAit1oKrFqJodcarVgTnvZeBynyczJBKE5LQvhpa4DidLoy0x_sYSpehpDU4MI2RJjXwGKabygDyKBbwhDJ3PzJ4/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Elsa & her best friend Isla</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5G_0VqOvousUYwzENRD15WQISD9hLB_JOzQscZok8-5UE64neaairQ1IMGv1gUS7Myv0BYqJnNnIn0PQfGfdW9ntUR37wTHQTtrjOQUfAjCnMVF5KNpehQ-6u3-ziEzpbeXY-2mCyMM/s1600/IMG_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5G_0VqOvousUYwzENRD15WQISD9hLB_JOzQscZok8-5UE64neaairQ1IMGv1gUS7Myv0BYqJnNnIn0PQfGfdW9ntUR37wTHQTtrjOQUfAjCnMVF5KNpehQ-6u3-ziEzpbeXY-2mCyMM/s320/IMG_3118.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I also had to pop into work this week to help ahead of a training course; although I am not sure how much help I was given I had to take all three children with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A massive thanks has to go to Iona, who deals with all the admin while also manning the reception in my office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stoically entertained them with highlighter pens and the photocopier! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Well here it is – my second contribution to the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.burwellgeneralstore.com/p/recipe-swaps.html">Burwell General Store vintage recipe swap</a>, which this month is entitled “Hot Slaw”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again I am apprehensive about posting my wee recipe alongside those of the other participants and their wealth of experience both blogging and cooking!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The original recipe in the book behind this project (<i><span style="color: black;">All-Day Singin' and Dinner on the Ground) </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">calls for a slaw with a hot dressing (as in temperature). My slaw is cold but with a warming dressing – perfect for autumn; fabulously pink and, I think, delicious!</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7kjRN_pyhAdIi1j1KGQrq98-Xly2WtdH8Em8dOBvPCMTyxjPkqsHW0wlVxLKYg09EZM7sjKm9zyfqYf_5IK0rU78-xy2IgEZXQN52w3yXN1zlhve-4L7xrbgh_iaL8k_taIdqqma5Mc/s1600/recipeswap_slaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7kjRN_pyhAdIi1j1KGQrq98-Xly2WtdH8Em8dOBvPCMTyxjPkqsHW0wlVxLKYg09EZM7sjKm9zyfqYf_5IK0rU78-xy2IgEZXQN52w3yXN1zlhve-4L7xrbgh_iaL8k_taIdqqma5Mc/s320/recipeswap_slaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original swap recipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: black;">In all honestly, I took this opportunity to use an ingredient I hadn’t used before – or really eaten (except in its pickled form) - but after being served an amazing beetroot accompaniment to smoked salmon at my friend Jill’s wedding in July, I was keen to try it. I am pleased with this one and it seemed to go down well at the family BBQ at my parents this evening too. I must also say that I am looking forward to making this next time we have a roast ham - as I think this will go wonderfully with the cold leftovers.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHjuJNbAZwoQDqGjLgIYSrA6C_uCruqRWZcKBb9ytbK5v6euxWeXar3wjW9aQqyUxfKvQ9BxKXKWvEkeKC1lWbpRsYvNwIG-djHS40wqS7RrnkyRrSDjVnr78sozllMgUWqs3XiDA6_w/s1600/beetroot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHjuJNbAZwoQDqGjLgIYSrA6C_uCruqRWZcKBb9ytbK5v6euxWeXar3wjW9aQqyUxfKvQ9BxKXKWvEkeKC1lWbpRsYvNwIG-djHS40wqS7RrnkyRrSDjVnr78sozllMgUWqs3XiDA6_w/s320/beetroot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hot Pink Slaw </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">500g Red Cabbage</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">500g Beetroot</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Small Onion </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">60ml Olive Oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">60ml White Wine Vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1tsp Dijon Mustard</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Tablespoon Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Teaspoon Salt </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Black Pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Prepare the veggies; topping, tailing and peeling the beetroot; peeling the onion, removing the very centre of the cabbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shred them all and mix together (praise be for the magimix). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Remember to wear gloves when handling the beetroot as it stains your hands!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For the dressing, mix together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, mustard, caster sugar and cloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making sure they are well combined pour over the veggies and mix until thoroughly coated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinkle over the salt and add a good grinding of black pepper – mixing again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">All done!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiK9XuJD20TI26hzdT277fn7GUTJXEspZyD2QfAGHwoNA9M3HzFUkNAWqFHCbm6w6lZhYHDhJ6SVsB2DmmQ0NY2KNXBjXF_U8fIXuAkAsN_5hfPB4p1inJKrvsJ85Bvo-PxRpVHPhAEs/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiK9XuJD20TI26hzdT277fn7GUTJXEspZyD2QfAGHwoNA9M3HzFUkNAWqFHCbm6w6lZhYHDhJ6SVsB2DmmQ0NY2KNXBjXF_U8fIXuAkAsN_5hfPB4p1inJKrvsJ85Bvo-PxRpVHPhAEs/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc-_GvjoK-1EabKmTNNK8Y-IXWxo7wX66dqrTglHCq8GC7RIyqQyvZr3HYgsgza4LThdMid12cJHpMkBVWsxxMO7O6BQK42o_UemGGo1sGi5w-lFAFh4hExpvdbYPJ3Wl_ArkpMIrooY/s1600/IMG_3147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc-_GvjoK-1EabKmTNNK8Y-IXWxo7wX66dqrTglHCq8GC7RIyqQyvZr3HYgsgza4LThdMid12cJHpMkBVWsxxMO7O6BQK42o_UemGGo1sGi5w-lFAFh4hExpvdbYPJ3Wl_ArkpMIrooY/s320/IMG_3147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely husband & girls playing outside our holiday house - beautiful!</td></tr>
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</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-62708274419361447392011-09-22T16:11:00.000-07:002011-09-22T16:11:26.637-07:00Plum & Ginger Loaf Cake<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaEe2CfEOI_dehytvcznRw4olCUgdFZILz944fJIeFrPD7aPwhMdFWJZM9NcSyNSFo08ejNRTVc57mIdAG8wp6Wory152OOqTKkmI1jShmbgoa_uywLltpeTFTGFtAC_6Ly5e3zOHDhk/s1600/plum+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaEe2CfEOI_dehytvcznRw4olCUgdFZILz944fJIeFrPD7aPwhMdFWJZM9NcSyNSFo08ejNRTVc57mIdAG8wp6Wory152OOqTKkmI1jShmbgoa_uywLltpeTFTGFtAC_6Ly5e3zOHDhk/s320/plum+cake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, yet again this week has somehow slipped away from me! Col has been in London all week so I’m feeling particularly shattered – having daddy away did not go down well with the girls. Anyway, I was inspired last Sunday by my friend Emma who completed her first half marathon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was slightly embarrassed to be sitting on the sidelines helping my girls munch their crackers, while other peoples’ children cheered on their mums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my baby boy now three months old, it is time to get fit – it is the only way as I like food far too much to diet!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nonetheless, my recipe for this week is for a cake...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am very pleased with this one as it was a bit of an experiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a glut of plums in the house I wanted to use them up and this cake recipe is definitely a tasty way to do this; and I think will be one of my seasonal favourites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a lovely golden coloured cake and has a lovely warm autumnal taste – I hope you enjoy it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plum & Ginger Loaf Cake </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6oz/175g Butter or Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6oz/175g Self Raising Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6oz/175g Caster Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8oz/200g Plums (stoned and roughly chopped)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">40g (around 3 balls) Stem Ginger in Syrup (grated) & 2 Tablespoons of the syrup from the jar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinch of Salt </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Juice & Zest of half a lemon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat the oven to </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">170 </span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C (150 <sup>o</sup>C fan) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and grease and line a loaf tin (900g-1kg).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cream together the butter and sugar and add the eggs one at a time adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fold in the remaining flour together with the salt and the ground ginger.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix in the plums, lemon juice, lemon zest and grate in the ginger.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 50 minute (although check regularly from 40 minutes).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you remove the cake from the oven and while still in the tin, drizzle 2 Tablespoons of the ginger syrup from the jar over the top of the cake and leave to cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been eating this as a cake; however, I think it may also be rather good with some custard and served as a pudding.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that’s it for this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am off on a wee holiday with my husband, children and my best friend, her husband and wee girl too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoping for some food adventures and happy days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh and I must tell you that it will be my second shot at the vintage recipe swap next week so watch this space...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-88052940853368201932011-09-15T16:08:00.000-07:002011-09-15T16:08:22.578-07:00Hot Smoked Salmon Pasta & Lemon and Poppy Seed Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hHGHzqkJQeqf8nJaYmlmzSCsd5dcR05WzohBQC0kExG5-llEZV5OzQoyQLhvrDxhxjAj92NKDUkdvujuxVq27wNEyUiJN5U1jNAALqafH3mlNK1Px5W0R-VroiJLRP47KFqKWTRtr0E/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hHGHzqkJQeqf8nJaYmlmzSCsd5dcR05WzohBQC0kExG5-llEZV5OzQoyQLhvrDxhxjAj92NKDUkdvujuxVq27wNEyUiJN5U1jNAALqafH3mlNK1Px5W0R-VroiJLRP47KFqKWTRtr0E/s320/IMG_3066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWbM0IsR7gNNcGBaZJeDiH2Ua2PD72NJnw1GeIGWBYfYV5QSKhPLiIoCRrkCe9sR2JjQGNGJbkSmJPCrc2NvIJLVfb8qmMVgJYlzV8br9EgFE4Cc9Zmfm4WDkEVqKuB0Mz8Rq4ciFAOQ/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWbM0IsR7gNNcGBaZJeDiH2Ua2PD72NJnw1GeIGWBYfYV5QSKhPLiIoCRrkCe9sR2JjQGNGJbkSmJPCrc2NvIJLVfb8qmMVgJYlzV8br9EgFE4Cc9Zmfm4WDkEVqKuB0Mz8Rq4ciFAOQ/s320/IMG_3075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I must apologise for not blogging last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was back at work for a week for a large exhibition and conference, a week sandwiched between both my daughters’ birthdays and one with little sleep thanks to my baby boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit to thoroughly enjoying my time back at work, and despite missing my wee ones, sleep deprivation and being a logistical nightmare, it confirmed what I already knew, that I need a balance in my life that includes my job. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a week filled with press briefings, book launches, conference lectures and a surprise visit to our stand by one of the people I helped organise evacuation from Libya for earlier this year (who brought my two rather lovely scarves from said unstable North African state).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice to be part of the buzz and to see a lot of hard work coming to fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">With the birthdays topping and tailing the week, I had a lot of cake making to do ahead of the joint birthday party and spent every evening of the conference week making cupcakes (in various shades of pink) a giant butterfly cake and mini muffins.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Given my failure to post last week, this week, I will give you two recipes that I think complement each other nicely...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The first can hardly even be considered a recipe and is something I first made while on holiday on the west coast of Scotland after a visit to a smokehouse in the back garden of a fisherman in the village of <a href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shieldaig/shieldaig/">Shieldaig</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make it frequently as it is something even my fussy little ladies will eat; it takes minutes and is totally delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Served with a herby green salad and some of my Lemon and Poppy Seed bread, it’s near on perfect – Yum!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I am very lucky to have a weekly visit from a “fishman” in a van who comes straight from Abroath (just down the coast) to sell his delicious fish, so don’t have to rely on pre-packed or long-distance fish and for this I am eternally grateful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1F9iMB_o4JW7qleV4JXrxshaONwBbpO_5YJcpKWXfApbec8UCQ85tKh-MHr2ie0LPhdaeCguHy0B-noQbboea8lpXNyW42sYFMNAx7C-KwNTGa2BufSAbDgqzjWJg6SnOMzwE_YlMLo/s1600/IMG_3000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1F9iMB_o4JW7qleV4JXrxshaONwBbpO_5YJcpKWXfApbec8UCQ85tKh-MHr2ie0LPhdaeCguHy0B-noQbboea8lpXNyW42sYFMNAx7C-KwNTGa2BufSAbDgqzjWJg6SnOMzwE_YlMLo/s320/IMG_3000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hot Smoked Salmon Pasta </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(for two hungry people)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200g Hot Smoked Salmon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">250g Pasta </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3 Tablespoons Olive Oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Juice of Half a Lemon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Simply cook your pasta as per the packet instructions and flake the salmon through it adding the olive oil, lemon juice and a good amount of black pepper. That’s it - told you it was easy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcbun5lZYXN-RfSklD7RNm0EZHWuReTAwf5iPuk60htQ0_WFLcJTpUZfzppY9wc_fEq7x8uhQ-YladVZbAIqmkZDOCaZn-ACLVswoMHqFWfzxK9n_8CnK8IZMlcVcUJrcN3w9orsDh4Q/s1600/fish.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcbun5lZYXN-RfSklD7RNm0EZHWuReTAwf5iPuk60htQ0_WFLcJTpUZfzppY9wc_fEq7x8uhQ-YladVZbAIqmkZDOCaZn-ACLVswoMHqFWfzxK9n_8CnK8IZMlcVcUJrcN3w9orsDh4Q/s1600/fish.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBKeafZyqhyS5BP37IzPRsCQWXy-od1dojSeIEwgUU6YRvxGyRUCc7I3NoleRhd713SdfJixCGOOM3wIFQvzhUNHYfEwPzQ9T1XeH1pj4nkgS1wci4lB46eZBmdGG32v_8-TomIaYFZ0/s1600/fish1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBKeafZyqhyS5BP37IzPRsCQWXy-od1dojSeIEwgUU6YRvxGyRUCc7I3NoleRhd713SdfJixCGOOM3wIFQvzhUNHYfEwPzQ9T1XeH1pj4nkgS1wci4lB46eZBmdGG32v_8-TomIaYFZ0/s1600/fish1.bmp" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Lemon & Poppy Seed Bread</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This recipe is adapted and converted from a recipe I found in a charity cookbook produced by The International Women’s Club of Moscow, produced, I think, in the early 1990s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember where I got this book but can only assume, given its origin, it must have been through work. While the original recipe is for a sweet loaf and includes fruit, I first made my version of this lemon scented bread to have on the table with the Hot Smoked Salmon Pasta recipe above but I since discovered it is also very nice for smoked salmon sandwiches and even the humble tuna sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also very good for sweet French toast once it loses its freshness and for toast for breakfast with some Nutella. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also simply omit the lemon for a delicious white loaf.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><em>Ingredients</em></strong> (for two loaves)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">200ml milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Teaspoons Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">4 Tablespoons Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">25g Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Cup (250ml) Water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">750g Strong White Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Sachet Instant Yeast (7g)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Grated Zest of a Lemon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Poppy Seeds to Top</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In a pan scald the milk, remove from the heat and then stir in the margarine, salt, sugar and the water. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In a large bowl, sieve in half the flour and mix the yeast in with a fork or your fingers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Add the liquid to the flour and mix until smooth and elastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sieve in the remaining flour to make a soft dough – it is easiest to do this with your hand with a rotational motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is too sticky, add a little more flour. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Turn the dough out onto a flat, flour-dusted surface and sprinkle the lemon zest on the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kneed the dough, incorporating the zest, until smooth and elastic. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Return the dough to its bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave for around 10 minutes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Cut the dough in two pieces with an oiled knife and shape into your desired shape – I tend to use a double-decker pleat or a simple round.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Place on a lined baking tray, remembering that the dough will more than double in size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cover with a tea towel and place in a warm place for an hour to an hour and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(With half an hour to go, preheat your oven to 190 </span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(170 <sup>o</sup>C fan)).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mix a beaten egg with a teaspoon of water and paste the top of the loaves before baking in the oven for around 35 minutes. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZOwTliNVNa70bB74l4jMEeDuFDE2rz_q9AXtlKjYi-D2IJt0k-k_hnbhlh8VtgT6t9AQoADowfdioG3TejBT4qw4CT-Vhoy-eXmK1nS6-QiEPXBKJEBFAgXI_byPUrdjgSBAoc7SMII/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZOwTliNVNa70bB74l4jMEeDuFDE2rz_q9AXtlKjYi-D2IJt0k-k_hnbhlh8VtgT6t9AQoADowfdioG3TejBT4qw4CT-Vhoy-eXmK1nS6-QiEPXBKJEBFAgXI_byPUrdjgSBAoc7SMII/s320/IMG_3060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little ladies helping to make bread - very messy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-70425822010642641582011-09-03T16:11:00.000-07:002011-09-03T16:11:15.147-07:00Recipe Swap: Rabbit with Shallots, Whiskied Prunes and Leekie Chappit Tatties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KVyIEIU_XyamzjmzEzL5EcACY3G0HATa9yHJXX4nXUBMVZ2jxYoDGL-TY7c0T2NhekLPeBkIPRcy2UMutgTVdLaY273qHSIgCeAVxX_iMpANai7NS8YI8M61XZbhf1-he2OliN9Em3U/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KVyIEIU_XyamzjmzEzL5EcACY3G0HATa9yHJXX4nXUBMVZ2jxYoDGL-TY7c0T2NhekLPeBkIPRcy2UMutgTVdLaY273qHSIgCeAVxX_iMpANai7NS8YI8M61XZbhf1-he2OliN9Em3U/s320/IMG_3032.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwklx3rPm3Tp9fV11B0SwtTFp7GdFVoniqXz-xZttZriHS0Pe6_ohfImFGRlLrhwLoKk4mPErDicIraFZCUuzD2HHxMD6vtXmEFcCr8zENoijU0WyWlwydAyq_av2FaKFhMwW4DWHTMQ/s1600/recipeswap_rabbitstew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwklx3rPm3Tp9fV11B0SwtTFp7GdFVoniqXz-xZttZriHS0Pe6_ohfImFGRlLrhwLoKk4mPErDicIraFZCUuzD2HHxMD6vtXmEFcCr8zENoijU0WyWlwydAyq_av2FaKFhMwW4DWHTMQ/s1600/recipeswap_rabbitstew.jpg" xaa="true" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Run Rabbit Run...</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am so excited to be part of a recipe swap, especially one that is based on recipes from a vintage cook book (I love old cook books!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am joining this project several months in, but it all began when Christianna at </span><a href="http://www.burwellgeneralstore.com/"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">www.burwellgeneralstore.com</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> (all the way over in sunny California) discovered a book, <i><span style="color: black;">All-Day Singin' and Dinner on the Ground, </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">in a second hand shop. It has since accumulated a group of bloggers who each month recreate a recipe from the book – tweaking it to their liking. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has been good cooking with a new ingredient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rabbit, despite being readily available here in Scotland, is not something I have cooked with before. With trepidation I ordered my wild rabbit from my butcher. I took my eldest daughter (nearly 4) with me to collect it from the butcher whereupon I said “I’m here to collect my rabbit”, she chirped “yippee we’re getting a fluffy little rabbit, and I’ve always wanted a rabbit mummy!” Despite that awkward moment and the fact that I had to remove shot gun pellets from my bunny, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first foray into recipe swapping and I hope you like my take on this recipe.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #fffcf9; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;">There are some fabulously talented cooks involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please check out their blogs here,</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.rosemarried.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Lindsay</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.morethanamountfull.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Chef Dennis</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.theunexpectedharvest.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Mari</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.boulderlocavore.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Boulder Locavore</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://theherbedkitchen.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Joy</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://fatandhappyblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Monique</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.goodfoodweek.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Shari</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.sweetucatering.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Priya</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.adventuresomekitchen.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Jennifer</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.cakeduchess.com/"><span style="color: purple;">The Cake Duchess</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://cookingitalianinthemidwest.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Pola</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://theglutenfreedgourmet.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Mary</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://randomactsoffood.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Jamie</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.fromthelittleyellowkitchen.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Crissy and Lauren</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.thetomatotart.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Sabrina Modelle</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.rhythmoftheseasons.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Nicolle</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.thedustybaker.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Jacqueline</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.everybodyeatsnews.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Linda</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.foodpluswords.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Jaclyn</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://anopencookbook.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Alli</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://bluechairfruit.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Rachel Saunders</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.bibberche.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Lana</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://nomnivorous.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Emily</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.yumsandloves.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Alex</span></a><span style="color: purple;">, </span><a href="http://www.thenovicehousewife.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Shumaila</span></a> and <a href="http://www.creative-culinary.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Barb</span></a><span style="color: purple;">. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #fffcf9; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.1pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I must admit to being more than a little nervous submitting my recipe to this group of established and entertaining food writers but here goes...</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The title of the recipe given in the book is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wild Rabbit with Vegetables</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have given this a Scottish twist as the only Scottish participant (so far); I thought this might be fun. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did some research into Scottish recipes for rabbit and many of those I came across involved prunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prunes, one may think, are an unusual ingredient for cooks in the windswept wilds of ancient Scotland and more usual in California. However, they are a key ingredient in a famous traditional recipe - that of Cock-a-Leekie (chicken and leek soup).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took this as my inspiration and hope you enjoy it.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeW0Ixfy3DQIuJ2bFkkP5WNIbUSHvoOIuK_F_OY9KhspSU7NNmowIdpvMnJXrIAopbNdfyXh9b10CMQRqxJHlinfsVJicl-dY4HR3VxdgFRn9ao79dfucIacCmBxRayV6kF3nLOPv-Co/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeW0Ixfy3DQIuJ2bFkkP5WNIbUSHvoOIuK_F_OY9KhspSU7NNmowIdpvMnJXrIAopbNdfyXh9b10CMQRqxJHlinfsVJicl-dY4HR3VxdgFRn9ao79dfucIacCmBxRayV6kF3nLOPv-Co/s320/IMG_3036.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rabbit with Shallots, Whiskied Prunes and Leekie Chappit Tatties</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Rabbit (jointed)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">200ml full fat milk</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Juice of half a lemon</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">100g Diced Pancetta or Smoked Bacon</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Bay Leaf</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Sprig of Thyme</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">250g Shallots</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Teaspoons Honey</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">450ml Chicken Stock</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">12 Prunes</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 Tablespoons Whisky</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">50g Butter</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon Olive Oil</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the potatoes (Leekie Chappit Tatties)</span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1kg Potatoes (Maris Piper or other fluffy variety)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">50g Butter</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 Tablespoons of Cream</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Teaspoon Olive Oil</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Large Leek</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Overnight, soak the prunes in the 3 tablespoons of the whisky, reserving the remaining tablespoon. (I used a speyside whisky, which tends to have more subtle flavours than the the Islay malts).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove as much of the silvery sinew from the rabbit as possible prior to cooking – this requires a sharp knife and some patience, this will prevent the meat from shrinking too much. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Measure out the milk into a jug, add the lemon juice and mix, pour into a sealable plastic bag and add the rabbit pieces, seal and place in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">140 </span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">C.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove the rabbit from the bag and wipe off the marinade. Dust the meat in seasoned flour.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In an oven proof pot (with lid), heat the butter and olive oil and brown the rabbit then remove with a slotted spoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add the pancetta to the pan with the shallots and cook for several minutes until the pancetta is browning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the Rabbit. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir it in well before adding the stock, bay leaf, honey, thyme, the liquid from the prunes and the remaining tablespoon of whisky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season. Bring to simmering point and cook gently on the hob for about 15 minutes before putting on the lid and transferring to the oven.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It will require to cook for 2 hours but after 90 minutes add the prunes.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Everyone has their own way of making mashed potatoes, but here is mine for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leekie Chappit Tatties</b>...</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peel and boil your potatoes in salted water until soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drain and return them to the hot pan but not directly on the heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mash well and add the half the butter, and one tablespoon of the cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mash together and add the remaining cream as necessary and season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a wooden spoon beat the mash until smooth and delicious. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wash and finely slice your leek and soften for around 10 minutes in the remaining butter and olive oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mix most of the leek through the potatoes, reserving a little to scatter on the top of the finished dish.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serve the rabbit on a bed of the tatties.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(This would also be good with chicken instead of rabbit).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serves 4</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i2PsKyg4XFoxyb8M0KjXp9LRmnOJq1vWwDpDcsAG-HGc84Y1cG3EhWM40WGz7urGklMokEoXu7_zQpH9wjh5Evk1AmasZhTDEKgEy9-X3CXmFsP-AmIwjz8cEgdfIhqP-1_XXz1Xafw/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i2PsKyg4XFoxyb8M0KjXp9LRmnOJq1vWwDpDcsAG-HGc84Y1cG3EhWM40WGz7urGklMokEoXu7_zQpH9wjh5Evk1AmasZhTDEKgEy9-X3CXmFsP-AmIwjz8cEgdfIhqP-1_XXz1Xafw/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-69835220574384515982011-08-27T15:33:00.000-07:002011-08-27T15:33:33.402-07:00Strawberry Party Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlixNQVQKhUrpmv7oIR6j91zaJ8u5JxeCcNoddrHPr4WU1ziXpwXleLgHQRfMpv8cT-hC6Rn87pdr0JPz9sHZpWI18PIZnn0Y2GX1JvApWLIbnFPQ232FUUb1dPAd5CD_undD6mkwZlmY/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlixNQVQKhUrpmv7oIR6j91zaJ8u5JxeCcNoddrHPr4WU1ziXpwXleLgHQRfMpv8cT-hC6Rn87pdr0JPz9sHZpWI18PIZnn0Y2GX1JvApWLIbnFPQ232FUUb1dPAd5CD_undD6mkwZlmY/s320/IMG_2972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="" name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">I’m feeling for my colleagues this week who are busy dealing with the fallout from the conflict in Libya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit to be itching to know what is going on at work, who is deployed where and what clients we are working with. It is always an interesting job; it is at its most interesting during times of crisis, but also, obviously at its most stressful. Despite the worry about leaving my baby boy (and the logistics of breast feeding and the potential Dolly Parton outcome), I am looking forward to the Offshore Europe Conference I’m going back to work for (temporarily) in a couple of weeks time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">(If any of you are interested in what is going on in Libya right now, my colleagues are producing a free report on Libya which you can access here -</span> <a href="http://www.akegroup.com/intelligence/free-intelligence.php">Weekly Libya Report</a>)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back on the mum front, I’ve had a different kind of stress with my eldest daughter starting pre-school nursery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the whole that has gone very well and she seems to love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had a rather nice week which started last Sunday when I spent the afternoon with my bestest bud, her wee girl and my brood making cakes and cheese straws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also happy to report my first venture out alone with all three of my little darlings to the Duthie Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed fine and it was nice to prove to myself that despite the general chaos, things are good and fun and I can do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also had a successful week developing recipes which I’ll share in the coming weeks. So, all in all a happy Clairey!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last week I gave you a recipe using lovely summer peaches and this week’s recipe includes scrummy strawberries by way of my ...<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Strawberry Party Cakes </span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWMfOFnai2dbWJl42C6VLT3BnhY_E45uaQXA2XhMXaWKc2RdQDcRiS27zUrvrgXIc6B1Yh1OyUvCm4wewFHYhd6VtuOJyI3iiGWzHQyf3YrvaZQeA7n0uuOmFXMVtJ7TXk1g8xnpsyvo/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWMfOFnai2dbWJl42C6VLT3BnhY_E45uaQXA2XhMXaWKc2RdQDcRiS27zUrvrgXIc6B1Yh1OyUvCm4wewFHYhd6VtuOJyI3iiGWzHQyf3YrvaZQeA7n0uuOmFXMVtJ7TXk1g8xnpsyvo/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As promised, here is the recipe for these summer beauties! These are smaller than the now rather large cup cakes that I too am guilty of making (they look so pretty), and more akin to the fairy cakes I remember as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I call them party cakes to avoid having to cut the tops off and make the little fairies – lazy I know).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they are a much better size for my little ones and the fruity toping makes me feel less guilty about their cake consumption too!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can take no credit for the sponge recipe which is from a book by Rose Prince called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchenella-secrets-nurturing-cookery-everyone/dp/0007328877/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314483522&sr=8-1">Kitchenella</a></i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a fabulous recipe and can be made not only into these little party cakes, but also into a splendid sandwich sponge and also a loaf cake. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back to the wee party cakes, for which this recipe makes approximately 36 - so great for catering for parties or playdates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can also be frozen before being decorated.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My twist is the strawberry topping which we love and hope you do too.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></span></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">280g Softened Unsalted Butter</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">280g Caster Sugar</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5 Eggs</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">280g Self-raising Flour</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons Ground Almonds</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">250g Icing Sugar</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Around 15 Strawberries </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Small carton Whipping/Double Cream</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Small Bar of White Chocolate</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></span></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Heat your oven to 180 </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">o</span></sup></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(160 <sup>o</sup>C fan) </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">and place the fairy cake cases into bun trays (you may have to do this in batches, like I do, due to the number of cakes this recipe makes). </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the eggs one at a time together with a teaspoon of the flour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the vanilla essence, and then fold in the remaining flour and the ground almonds. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoon the mixture evenly between the paper cases and bake for 10 minutes. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To make the icing, blitz five or six of the strawberries with a hand blender and push the puree through a sieve to remove any of the larger seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sieve the icing sugar into a separate bowl and add the strawberry puree until you get the right consistency – thicker than a glace ice, but not too thick. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once the cakes have cooled you can ice them and grate over a little of the white chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can leave them like that (I always leave about half like this as my eldest will not eat an actual strawberry) or for an extra special little cake, I do this...</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whip the cream, adding a little icing sugar to sweeten it and chop the remaining strawberries into quarters. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once the icing is set, put a dollop of the cream on the top of each cake and top with a bit of strawberry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Do this on the day you are eating them as obviously, they won’t keep well like this)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(I have often used this sponge recipe for a sandwich cake and would highly recommend it for this purpose too).</span></span></span></span></div><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawsmySPrkcIUEG0lPhuheqoy87YwBboQ-0y1QJmrRMiKj9VGYd0Sg0W3Jsa_G_ttUdV1F4IbYnDI-wHp8tXIwBBeeYRybI10eFhkz7RUSbL4kLhzNlG9Nir4jZmY5PMjSr7F5Xd-niuE/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawsmySPrkcIUEG0lPhuheqoy87YwBboQ-0y1QJmrRMiKj9VGYd0Sg0W3Jsa_G_ttUdV1F4IbYnDI-wHp8tXIwBBeeYRybI10eFhkz7RUSbL4kLhzNlG9Nir4jZmY5PMjSr7F5Xd-niuE/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My girls and their big cousin Finlay</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5J3DOH_WBrqE4M_tqnpn5n5zrBZDyZzsCy8N00Au9SXbuPJclFnoELqG5U8dU6fdb846AHB8wNjST9_ifgO10egQp4O6KbtXMg053maNgZmuRgCziioQtJ98c1AUTapMUNKVMYvMubo/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5J3DOH_WBrqE4M_tqnpn5n5zrBZDyZzsCy8N00Au9SXbuPJclFnoELqG5U8dU6fdb846AHB8wNjST9_ifgO10egQp4O6KbtXMg053maNgZmuRgCziioQtJ98c1AUTapMUNKVMYvMubo/s320/IMG_2970.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">one of my gorgeous girls</span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-73660480951439707562011-08-18T06:19:00.000-07:002011-08-18T06:19:53.068-07:00Peach & Ameretto Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCsAG8E5sHAz1whYLSvPKINyqgu_wEYx9hXM4A5_Bb_W7g8Elh_VoM5tb6ABeoyOnNKbj5iFQg_hzvdCkDeIjCspvKU8pRgYmnG2x9KMiqydOZubE-Z5cfP7Q9hhXjs7GYQ8cqHkhGro/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCsAG8E5sHAz1whYLSvPKINyqgu_wEYx9hXM4A5_Bb_W7g8Elh_VoM5tb6ABeoyOnNKbj5iFQg_hzvdCkDeIjCspvKU8pRgYmnG2x9KMiqydOZubE-Z5cfP7Q9hhXjs7GYQ8cqHkhGro/s320/IMG_2962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="" name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Well, my husband has been in Edinburgh for a few days this week, leaving me for the first time with all three children to deal with since my baby boy was born (can’t believe he’s 8 weeks old already). It has been crazy, with bedtime being a particular problem. Bedtime for three is going to take a little while to master!</span></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">On the work front, I am still a little worried about the fact that I have to represent the company at a huge conference in just two weeks time. I don’t have any clothes that fit, let alone have anything to wear to a book launch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that I have been in the midst of a baking fest is doing little for this. Note to self – healthy savoury recipes for next week’s blog!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">On a slight tangent, a copy of the book I contributed to was delivered together with an invitation to its Aberdeen launch and advance warning of the London launch slightly later in the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very excited (Its called The Technical & Legal Guide to Global Hydrocarbons, </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.aberlour-press.com/"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">www.aberlour-press.com</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">). I know not everyone will get excited about this other passion of mine, but for those of you who are it covers the security challenges facing the international energy industry. And the section I contributed also includes photos my colleague Justin sent back from Libya while out there evacuating clients earlier in the year (see below).</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTBPd709Klkdj3rY6ujuHL4u09NYUDwVXV-5anA9lDnFkcguDuS0t-g7tUZgYfnMFnaWEMLLBrSlsC4JH7GHmrZFBusJ8NEDmoM5ZJdy4V_ZYi38YAqquKLkQHX72K_wzoS52CXftRgs/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTBPd709Klkdj3rY6ujuHL4u09NYUDwVXV-5anA9lDnFkcguDuS0t-g7tUZgYfnMFnaWEMLLBrSlsC4JH7GHmrZFBusJ8NEDmoM5ZJdy4V_ZYi38YAqquKLkQHX72K_wzoS52CXftRgs/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrzwUnh77X98rRUci1XHFN8yGu3Ann6bzNfITGynVbgFLY_uZz-Cpp_wNvpEDJfFCbooYkyd5VS9saQp3Wvym1w93M8iavsI3clMZo2wniTqDEaS8miCof7mored2FzQWIQ2V6BtL5jY/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrzwUnh77X98rRUci1XHFN8yGu3Ann6bzNfITGynVbgFLY_uZz-Cpp_wNvpEDJfFCbooYkyd5VS9saQp3Wvym1w93M8iavsI3clMZo2wniTqDEaS8miCof7mored2FzQWIQ2V6BtL5jY/s320/IMG_2992.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">On the cooking front, it really has been a cake fest as we were scheduled to have several playdates this week. A combination of chicken pox and building works putting and end to one picnic, but we did our best to munch our way through lots of cakes when my aunty, cousin and her wee ones came to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must say we didn’t do too badly!<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">My cakes this week have utilised two of my favourite summer fruits - delicious peaches, and lovely Scottish strawberries (recipe for my strawberry party cakes coming soon).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s recipe, however, is for the grown ups - </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Peach & Amaretto Cake</span></span></b></span></span></div><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Ingredients</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">100g Soft Butter or Margerine </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">1 Egg + 1 Egg Yolk</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">325g Plain Flour (sieved) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">2 Teaspoons Cream of Tartar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">1 Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">75ml Full Fat Milk</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">3 Tablespoons Ameretto (and about an extra teaspoon to paste on top of the cake)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">1 Tablespoon Ground Almonds</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">1 Large Peach</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">3 or 4 Ameretti (Soft Almond Macaroons)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">80ml of Peach Juice (M&S do a peach & grape Juice if you can’t find pure peach juice – or you could use water)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">100g Icing Sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Method</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Preheat your oven to </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">190<sup> o</sup>C (170<sup>o</sup>C fan) and prepare a 9” springform cake tin (23cm)</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Then by hand, mix in the eggs and add the milk.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Mix in the flour, cream of tartar, bicarbonate of soda and ground almonds.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Add the Ameretto and mix. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Quarter and de-stone the peach and then slice, leaving the skin on.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Pour the batter into the cake tin and arrange the peach slices on the top – pushing them down slightly.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Sprinkle some sugar on the top.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Bake in the centre of the oven for around 40 minutes.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">While the cake is still warm, paste the top of cake with a little more Ameretto. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">To make the glaze, warm the peach juice and mix with the icing sugar until you get the required consitancy (should be quite runny).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Drizzle or paste half of the glaze over the top and then crumble the Ameretti over the cake, finally, pour the remaining glaze over the top and leave to set. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">(You don’t have to use the Ameretti to top the cake and just glaze the cake)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Delicious served as a cake or as a pudding with some whipped cream.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92f4aQyL22tw_Fro5mwjoHVue4tPN1Xn648j4XpbuPfcEvVIu2vYg7d2N4fOHjdij0oVnES2n7w7nprEzk4cANlogiyQz4WqraqXQevUThV7mldcXYpt97C5m85D8Dze83ALGf8PZtEI/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92f4aQyL22tw_Fro5mwjoHVue4tPN1Xn648j4XpbuPfcEvVIu2vYg7d2N4fOHjdij0oVnES2n7w7nprEzk4cANlogiyQz4WqraqXQevUThV7mldcXYpt97C5m85D8Dze83ALGf8PZtEI/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-21073337028897353682011-08-12T15:16:00.000-07:002011-08-12T15:16:43.797-07:00Sugar Topped Banana Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFkl3H9A6b0AKHmNEPIp5pbPlysJsWe1sZT5JlIZWTUHv7DgHQXNHHjd2COXB66i6Of2EfcEu3rSHiaXfZ0ilBoIp4fq_JSTwBG2g1PwKeQDfozKhaIeRASOdiIkV0bk9tZhCat_zqBU/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFkl3H9A6b0AKHmNEPIp5pbPlysJsWe1sZT5JlIZWTUHv7DgHQXNHHjd2COXB66i6Of2EfcEu3rSHiaXfZ0ilBoIp4fq_JSTwBG2g1PwKeQDfozKhaIeRASOdiIkV0bk9tZhCat_zqBU/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well I am a day late in posting this week but am using the excuse that I am a mum to three children under the age of four, one of whom has hit the terrible twos early and the youngest of which is only 7 weeks and thinks day is night and night is day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had intended to post this week’s recipe last night but the chaos that ensued after dinner meant this was not to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eventually got my eldest (3 and a half) to bed after she managed to poke herself in the eye with a fairy princess wand. She went on to demand a cold compress (which she currently has a obsession with) but gave the game away as to the severity of her injury by asking me “which eye was it mummy”.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Despite the chaos I had an exciting day yesterday. Although I’ve been in a caught up in a cooking frenzy for the last few weeks, it was a work that caused the excitment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I experimented with a new cake recipe (unsuccessfully), I received an email to my work Blackberry (yes I still have it despite being on leave) inviting me to the launch of a book in which I’m a contributor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am now awaiting delivery of all three volumes of the precisely titled (and I feel future international best-seller) “The Technical and Legal Guide to Global Hydrocarbons”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have written articles for journals and newspapers, and even given live TV and radio interviews on all sorts of security related issues, but this is the first book I will have appeared in and I am so excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My section focuses on the security challenges facing the international energy industry, about as far removed as it it gets from the my current bedside reading<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which currently includes such foody titles as “An Omlette and a Glass of Wine” by the doyan of cookery, Elizabeth David.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The book launch will be held during Offshore Europe 2011, a huge oil and gas industry event, at which I will be using my “keeping in touch” days to work to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means I have to fit back into my work suits after having my baby boy; and amid my ongoing baking fest. Oh dear, only three weeks to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I don’t think these will help with the weight loss much, but these tasty muffins are excellent for lunchboxes and picnics, here is this week’s recipe:</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3t7Kjz2I6Uo-AHwrBCRqYd6SwMRnyYW-fVLpPc6OT2vT2MHnJa2H_wsxZW7s8WGMCUHLSnc2fTlFDn53pUcpB8JRcCxh63SKt0ENq5GD7Dmf-zel8waKnr10vDqwUGXQdH7Vxuva7Gk/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3t7Kjz2I6Uo-AHwrBCRqYd6SwMRnyYW-fVLpPc6OT2vT2MHnJa2H_wsxZW7s8WGMCUHLSnc2fTlFDn53pUcpB8JRcCxh63SKt0ENq5GD7Dmf-zel8waKnr10vDqwUGXQdH7Vxuva7Gk/s320/IMG_2749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Sugar Topped Banana Muffins</span></b></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">320g Self Raising Flour</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Teaspoon of Salt</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Eggs – beaten</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">100g Golden Caster Sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">100g Soft Brown Sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 Large Bananas</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Zest & Juice of ½ a Lemon</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">150ml Vegetable OR Sunflower Oil</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon Milk</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">100g Chocolate Chips (optional) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Granulated Sugar to top the muffins</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Preheat your oven to 180 </span><sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">o</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">C <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(160 <sup>o</sup>C fan) & prepare your muffin tins -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to use paper </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">cases, but you don’t have to. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a large bowl, mix together the oil and sugars.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a separate bowl mash the bananas with 1 tablespoon of milk and the juice and zest of half a lemon. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add the banana mix to the oil and sugar and beat in the eggs. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sieve in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon (if using) and the salt <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and mix together well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add 6 tablespoons of tepid water</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally add the chocolate chips if you are using them. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Divide the mix into the muffin tin(s) and dredge the top of the muffins with the granulated sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bake for around 30 minutes (but check from around 20 minutes)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Makes 16 Muffins</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">NOTE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can add 100g of sultanas or other dried fruit if you fancy a change or something healthier than the chocolate. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(MUMMY’S TIP: You can also add a tablespoon or two of bran or oatbran if you have a child with constipation!)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Wb0HCVwzE-Efhx9AdNzig6AyBzQc6MDRHqq5CgMOpDD_ig15VnLG8HRfay2zHs4toLOrBTIokuJJ9WnLZvpqMyZMpMYiyYr_gt2jqhRfrMy2P0u0eyEq2LT1VcDfCfHdcig6Wve8E8I/s1600/IMG_2738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Wb0HCVwzE-Efhx9AdNzig6AyBzQc6MDRHqq5CgMOpDD_ig15VnLG8HRfay2zHs4toLOrBTIokuJJ9WnLZvpqMyZMpMYiyYr_gt2jqhRfrMy2P0u0eyEq2LT1VcDfCfHdcig6Wve8E8I/s320/IMG_2738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-59762978811407428942011-08-08T15:38:00.000-07:002011-08-08T15:38:29.518-07:00Chocolate Mint Cake<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkZtJI0RMdoE_CRPMxmJQO67TgyDiasTs7sSvqkGc_oAzrOe_iqi8vus2Ijl5iLnDDSiIniggOQjqDEfiOIoroyLBaGIG4NBffRil0hWtzhmWnKugqyLxp6b0KasEuiEh5BHyhjAf8-I/s1600/IMG_2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkZtJI0RMdoE_CRPMxmJQO67TgyDiasTs7sSvqkGc_oAzrOe_iqi8vus2Ijl5iLnDDSiIniggOQjqDEfiOIoroyLBaGIG4NBffRil0hWtzhmWnKugqyLxp6b0KasEuiEh5BHyhjAf8-I/s320/IMG_2887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shortly after moving back to Aberdeen from London, and newly pregnant with my first daughter, I found myself rushing about after work to make cupcakes for my best friend’s party that night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking I’d have plenty time after work to make them, I hadn’t counted on the having to talk to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Scotsman</i> newspaper about the terrorist threat to St Fergus Gas Terminal north of Aberdeen. Taken slightly by surprise, I was caught in the middle of baking. The result was me with an icing bag in one hand and a phone in the other, getting mixed up and talking to the journalist through a piping bag while getting bright pink icing in my hair and trying to ice the cupcakes with my cell phone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can have a look at the actual article here:-</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.akegroup.com/documents/intel/AKE_thescotsman.pdf"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.akegroup.com/documents/intel/AKE_thescotsman.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back to this week and I’ve thankfully had no similar problems. I’ve been reading through the handwritten recipe collections of my husband’s mum and his granny, and decided it would be fun to do a retro recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband chose this one (which I have only tweaked slightly) for Chocolate Mint Cake, a tray bake and favourite of his from when he was wee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you like it and depending on your response I think I might do a retro recipe once a month!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The green food colouring available today is not the nuclear green I remember as a child, and I’ve swapped the cooking chocolate which is traditionally used to top this ‘fancy piece’ with a mixture of good quality dark and milk chocolate. The taste brings back lots of happy memories and is delicious – yum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chocolate Mint Cake</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients </span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">110g Self Raising Flour</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">20g Corn Flakes</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">110g Margarine</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">70g Desiccated Coconut</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">60g Sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">500g Icing Sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peppermint Flavouring</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Green Food Colouring</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">300g Chocolate to top (dark, light or a mixture of the two)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Preheat your oven to 160</span><sup><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> o</span></sup><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">C <span style="color: #2a6050;">(140</span><sup>o</sup>C fan<span style="color: #2a6050;">) and grease or line a swiss roll tin. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Melt the margarine in a large pan and add the flour, coconut, cornflakes, sugar and cocoa powder mixing them well.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Press the mixture into the prepared tin and put in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set it aside until cold.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a large bowl, sieve the icing sugar and mix with small amounts of water until you have a stiff but pliable mixture, adding the peppermint flavouring and green colouring to your aesthetic liking and taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your icing mixture gets to thin once you have added the flavour and colour, simply add some more sieved icing sugar until you get the right consistency. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour and spread on top of the cold base and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a6050; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Melt the chocolate in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water (much more reliable than the microwave) and pour over the top of the glorious green layer allowing to cool and set completely before cutting into square or slices.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-49518720565291038362011-08-03T15:52:00.000-07:002011-08-03T15:52:54.336-07:00Baked Polenta Stuffed Chicken with Sage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOofcTmxMgflEknI3entwVgos0lUb1uHsAX7ZvT8qZ8Wp4OcQPjs3Rqpwf2Hd_Gg4o4xwK1jgyudl0Q0PwBVmI_Nj9WyETAZ_DYZCHQ4JcqNKLBZMrBg8jJa7PLyiNCvd6tqeRhEcuvQE/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOofcTmxMgflEknI3entwVgos0lUb1uHsAX7ZvT8qZ8Wp4OcQPjs3Rqpwf2Hd_Gg4o4xwK1jgyudl0Q0PwBVmI_Nj9WyETAZ_DYZCHQ4JcqNKLBZMrBg8jJa7PLyiNCvd6tqeRhEcuvQE/s400/IMG_2766.JPG" t$="true" width="371" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A week at Granny and Pampa’s house and at last some sunshine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing what a difference it makes to moods and behaviour (my own included).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My girls love to be outside and we took the opportunity to feed the ducks and have a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My youngest (18 months) quickly finished throwing her bread to the ducks and couldn’t understand why she wasn’t allowed to throw anything else that came to hand at them. Stopping her fun, she then took off and chased them at full speed, sending them in quacking retreat back into the middle of the pond.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The sun and the cloudless sky and our trip to feed the ducks (a daily feature of life in Florence) today reminds me of our time in Italy and how much I miss it - as does my eldest daughter, who thinks every aeroplane she sees in the sky is heading to our “Italy house.”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">At risk of going way off track here (these tangents I take drive my husband and friends mad) she also thought the football she was playing with on Aberdeen beach the other month was heading to Italy when the wind swept it up and carried it out to sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In homage to my time there, I thought I would share a rather nice recipe for chicken with you - : </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Baked Polenta Stuffed Chicken with Sage </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">4 Chicken Breasts</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">8 slices prosciutto crudo</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Fresh sage – 12 leaves</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">20g butter</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">For the stuffing:</span></span></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">50g polenta</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">20g bread crumbs (they don’t have to be fresh but homemade are best)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">½ stick of celery</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">½ onion</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">1 small clove of garlic</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Fresh sage – about one heaped dessert spoon finely chopped</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Fresh thyme – about one teaspoon finely chopped</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">40g butter</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">½ of one beaten egg</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Method</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Finely chop the sage, thyme, onion, garlic and celery.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Put the polenta in a saucepan (one larger than you would think necessary as the polenta grows quite a bit when you add the water) and add 375ml of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat it on a low heat and simmer and stir for approximately 10 minutes until the polenta is thick and smooth. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Add 20g of the butter and stir well, then add the sage, thyme, onion, garlic and celery and mix well. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Remove from the heat and add the breadcrumbs mix again and then add the beaten egg, stirring well and seasoning with salt and pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Allow the polenta mix to cool and set aside until it can be handled.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Prepare the chicken by slicing each breast open along <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the middle of one side so you can simply turn it like a page to open it up to add the stuffing. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Take about a dessert spoon of the polenta mix and make into a loose sausage-type shape, open the chicken breasts place the stuffing inside and close over so that none of the stuffing is showing. (There will probably be a little bit more stuffing than is required).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Place three of the sage leaves on the top of each breast and wrap each of the breasts with two slices of the prosciutto crudo.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Mash half the remaining butter (about 20g) onto the bottom of an oven proof dish (I use a lasagne dish for this) and place the chicken breasts close together on top of the butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divide the last 20g butter roughly in four and put a piece on top of each chicken breast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season well and drizzle with a little olive oil. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Cover with tin foil and put in the oven for around 35 minutes – uncover for around the last ten minutes – basting the chicken well after taking off the foil. (I use quite large chicken breasts so the cooking time will be less if you use smaller pieces of chicken)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>(Serves 4)</strong></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I usually serve this with new potatos and a nice green salad. Enjoy!</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-77347028615978139012011-08-01T13:46:00.000-07:002011-08-01T13:46:52.025-07:00Scones & Wild Raspberry Jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mOgfHcvkY8E_OAykXhpCOJ-USelrPJoyh0D-vkQwbFJ8Tbj8V_XCSbODPJ9P40xln1Btr_GutnpyR0ieHwFC8eOhbIeQuaXWQoTgeeAv74JclFFFmI4bbb8VYEhXlwUKwTsUfm9IMGg/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mOgfHcvkY8E_OAykXhpCOJ-USelrPJoyh0D-vkQwbFJ8Tbj8V_XCSbODPJ9P40xln1Btr_GutnpyR0ieHwFC8eOhbIeQuaXWQoTgeeAv74JclFFFmI4bbb8VYEhXlwUKwTsUfm9IMGg/s320/IMG_2774.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This has been a tough week. I’ve had stressful days at work, and should be used to a lack of sleep, but last week was hard. A five week old baby, two toddlers, and putting our flat on the market has taken its toll on my senses. Did I mention that my darling baby boy has decided that he wants to feed every two hours (aghh!). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see why recordings of babies crying are (allegedly) used for sleep deprivation on SAS selection!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have, nonetheless done quite a lot of cooking – baking in particular – my stress buster and comfortingly tasty too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the first Monday of the month, I would usually be scanning the pages of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Energy</i></b> (</span><a href="http://energy.pressandjournal.co.uk/Default.aspx?UserKey"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://energy.pressandjournal.co.uk/Default.aspx?UserKey</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">) for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Security Notes</i></b> column. As part of my job I regularly contribute to this journal - covering topics such as kidnap in the Niger Delta, to terrorist attack in Algeria and evacuation from Libya; all very far removed from my ramblings on food on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You can have a look at one of my work articles here </span><a href="http://energy.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2152790"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://energy.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2152790</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. One of the nice things about a regular column is that it is scheduled deadline. You know what has to be researched and written; and you know when the deadline is. The other aspects of my job often mean you don’t know what’s coming next - the nature of international security incidents, conflict and issues of political risk do not lend themselves to forward planning. Although planning ahead helps, very often plans are taken over by events – terrorist attacks, urgent evacuations or kidnap tend to turn the best laid plans upside down. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the home front with three children, forward planning can also obviously be hampered. This has been one such week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I love my home city, it is fair to say that the appalling Aberdonian weather struck again and turned all my good plans upside down. Unable to drive because of my caesarean, coupled with the Aberdeen’s recent bad weather has limited the activities I’ve been able to do with my wee girls. We have defaulted to baking and a couple of tea parties (when our planned picnics have been rained off).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve and made lots of mess and had lots of fun in the process! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first thing on our bake list was scones, to accompany the wild raspberry jam I made earlier in the week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEvtlvpF-WWJzcWXD1GLHLX3ackoo13NbnCJABbksA-hgVXm5DCqpXunUX9GNN0NvHskLkJlsDwoixbt3kUxgWOnpOj4wPz4eEEdtpfqTc5KU59Yc9qLLL6n3bmW4qkqMnOpbzyJPupw/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEvtlvpF-WWJzcWXD1GLHLX3ackoo13NbnCJABbksA-hgVXm5DCqpXunUX9GNN0NvHskLkJlsDwoixbt3kUxgWOnpOj4wPz4eEEdtpfqTc5KU59Yc9qLLL6n3bmW4qkqMnOpbzyJPupw/s320/IMG_2775.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkEky26AAGtvP0cDE1XP5YraWC3vjEgbXMLRl3Ds-62rqfBhp-znJdLHr-ungXt87kiaXvICOgt6Irkzx5V1Oh3AXZILi5se8Irsd_Nd21Qm7WVITP7swgTqd_gun6jGKwLyYAP19jos/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkEky26AAGtvP0cDE1XP5YraWC3vjEgbXMLRl3Ds-62rqfBhp-znJdLHr-ungXt87kiaXvICOgt6Irkzx5V1Oh3AXZILi5se8Irsd_Nd21Qm7WVITP7swgTqd_gun6jGKwLyYAP19jos/s320/IMG_2771.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Scones </span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This recipe is an adapted version of one from a lovely lady called Mrs. Mathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original recipe calls for Soda Bread Flour; as it is not always easy to get I use the plain flour and baking powder combination detailed below.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">450g Soda Bread Flour and 1 teaspoon of Baking Powder <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(OR – and I use this - 450g Plain Flour and 3 teaspoons Baking Powder)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">110g Margarine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 heaped tablespoons of sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 eggs, lightly beaten</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pinch of salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enough buttermilk to mix into a soft & sticky dough (I find that two standard pots of buttermilk will make 3 batches of scones)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 220<sup> o</sup>C (200<sup> o</sup>C fan).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grease or line a large baking tray.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sieve the flour (or soda bread flour) and baking powder into a large bowl and add the margarine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rub together with your hands into a crumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add the sugar and mix loosely.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Add the eggs and mix gently with a spoon then pour in enough buttermilk to make a soft and sticky dough.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do not overwork the ingredients, just make sure they are mixed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roll out to 1 and a quarter inches thick and cut out the scones, I use a 3 <sup>5/8</sup> “ cutter which makes 6 big scones – a scone has to be big! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Place onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 -12 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(If you are using a smaller cutter, you will require a shorter baking time).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(If you want to make fruit scones, add a handful of sultanas when you add the sugar and for cheese scones, omit the sugar and add a handful of grated cheese at this stage – for these, it is also nice to scatter a little cheese on the top of the scones prior to putting them in the oven).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSJ1NrhH57lIL8aNPXQQTOEjoOZX2VMlThxTrcaIn5D3dhYJbCyAo5X4rZipMT_SdurtHpN1lm8FwkEs4fgw5VTBKqbqLrlEVInvyZMY70x62M6DODoFxFhk4UIDshs-LoNuRYKuTLdw/s1600/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSJ1NrhH57lIL8aNPXQQTOEjoOZX2VMlThxTrcaIn5D3dhYJbCyAo5X4rZipMT_SdurtHpN1lm8FwkEs4fgw5VTBKqbqLrlEVInvyZMY70x62M6DODoFxFhk4UIDshs-LoNuRYKuTLdw/s320/IMG_2737.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wild Raspberry Jam (works for regular raspberries too!)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Although we came across a huge raspberry crop on our walk we only managed to pick 450g of berries;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>two bored little girls put an end to the berry picking after a couple of near misses with some nettles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless, according to my mum whose recipe I use and who is a brilliant and prolific jam maker, one pound (450g) is the minimum requirement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m looking forward to taking my wee girls to the pick your own fruit farm soon, where armed with a special basket, I am sure they will last longer for some more berry picking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later in the year, I plan to take them to the plum orchards near my husbands mum in Lanarkshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, we’ll make the most of all the lovely summer berries.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1800g Raspberries</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1800g Sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Juice of half a lemon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(You can make this jam with equal quantities of fruit to sugar with a minimum of 450g of each – for 450g of fruit and sugar, use just a squeeze of lemon juice and increase with quantity with common sense.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You will obviously also require jam jars (maximum of 2 per 450g of raspberries) and wax paper circles for each jar.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Prepare your jars by cleaning them thoroughly in hot soapy water, drying them and sterilising them by placing them in a 140 oven until just prior to use – whereupon you can take them out and place them upside down on a clean tea towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The still warm jars will also prevent them cracking when you add the hot jam. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Prepare your raspberries by removing any stalks (and if you’ve picked them from the hedgerow like me, remove any beasties that may be lurking)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put a small plate in the freezer – for testing the jam’s readiness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put your fruit in a large pot and warm gently and add the sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the lemon juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melt the sugar into the fruit on a low heat until the sugar is totally dissolved – stirring frequently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bring gently to the boil – watching all the time – for three minutes before testing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove the jam from the heat and check it is ready by dropping a small amount onto the chilled plate – if the jam forms wrinkles on its surface if you push it with a spoon, it is ready. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If it is not quite ready, put it back on the heat and slowly bring back to the boil for another couple of minutes before checking again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour the jam into your prepared jars and top with a waxed paper circle – allow the jam to cool before sealing with the lids, as this will prevent mould from growing on the top of the jam.</span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-57013671746806653462011-07-24T14:37:00.000-07:002011-07-24T14:37:16.151-07:00Pear & Chocolate Tart<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI58bJZ1C0YcfmnBCQC2vDBBY7T4jReOj3Uv6tDzUFa5MNOrNYx6hGmRemlJPqiWO5YlmxViSMXvYYpf7z9XaMahB9wsEoWFn8F7fxrUG55jPdy7glDCv0CsaMH4wgXGzmWTNYImX9xQ/s1600/pear+tart+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI58bJZ1C0YcfmnBCQC2vDBBY7T4jReOj3Uv6tDzUFa5MNOrNYx6hGmRemlJPqiWO5YlmxViSMXvYYpf7z9XaMahB9wsEoWFn8F7fxrUG55jPdy7glDCv0CsaMH4wgXGzmWTNYImX9xQ/s320/pear+tart+1.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the ins and outs of my day job are fairly far removed from my passion for cooking and my home life, I am not the only food obsessive I have come across in the private security sector. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my immediate colleagues (and expert in Middle East Security) hails from the Isle of Mull where his family run the local chocolate shop; another, a former member of the SAS, runs a gastro pub when not deployed on deeds of daring do; and my director of kidnap response (formerly of the CIA) first communication with me was to send a booklet on where to get a good steak in Scotland – the cheek of it! Indeed, food is such a morale booster for my colleagues deployed to places such as Baghdad and Kabul that we now employ local chefs at our compounds in both cities, and reports suggest that the food is excellent. I hope to share some authentic recipes with you soon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, over the last few years I have witnessed a pattern emerge and it transpires that the busier I am at work, the more I hit the kitchen in an attempt to transport myself back to mummy mode. The result is a steady stream of cakes into the office for my colleagues to taste; a small apology to those who have to work with me during such times! The good side of this is that the tireless consumption of cakes and bakes by my workmates has proven very helpful for the development of my recipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, as I’m currently on maternity leave my usual audience for trying new “fancy pieces” is unavailable. Today’s recipe fell on my husband and one of my best friends to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They approved. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s recipe: Pear and Chocolate Tart</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although not seasonal, my eldest daughter’s declaration that she liked pears (a fruit – woo hoo!) sent me running to the shops to buy some, whereupon she declared that she only liked pears at nursery, not at home (Agghh).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few days of looking at a fruit bowl full of pears, combined with my Aberdonian hatred of waste, I felt the need to do something with this glut of imported fruit. Inspired by Rose Prince’s recipe for a quick apple tart in her fabulous book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kitchenella</i>, I thought I’d try something similar with pears... and chocolate!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd0gV7_SiA5H7KsOEEk6pGyHO8-ZQvzKQUS_OfFQGv9wfS89v43gSg3juSMxXdNW2DfrxHhuKEhIh6W5daphNP_yy6DICdUxoSlOObp1mws6BIDvLYoS2nxKiknZUtEAMnyFx39FV0LM/s1600/pear+tart..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd0gV7_SiA5H7KsOEEk6pGyHO8-ZQvzKQUS_OfFQGv9wfS89v43gSg3juSMxXdNW2DfrxHhuKEhIh6W5daphNP_yy6DICdUxoSlOObp1mws6BIDvLYoS2nxKiknZUtEAMnyFx39FV0LM/s320/pear+tart..jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">500g slab of ready made puff pastry</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 Pears </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15g dark chocolate chips</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tablespoons apricot jam</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat the oven to 220<sup> o</sup>C (200<sup> o</sup>C fan).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thoroughly grease or line a large baking tray – I use my grill pan as it is the perfect size.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roll out the pastry into a large rectangle and transfer to the baking tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pierce the pastry base all over with a fork to prevent it bubbling up when cooking. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peel and core the pears and slice them thinly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place them on the pastry sheet, overlapping them to cover all but approximately 1cm around the edge of the pastry base. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scatter the chocolate chips over the pears and put the tart in the oven until the edges of the pastry are golden brown and the pears are slightly singed at the edges. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To glaze, melt the apricot jam and water together, strain and, using a pastry brush, paste the border and entire surface of the tart with the apricot glaze. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is delicious served warm with a good vanilla ice cream, or as I discovered to the detriment of my post-baby weight loss plan, just sliced and served patisserie style, cold and unaccompanied. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 156.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy!</span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-7033070660291282252011-07-17T14:15:00.001-07:002011-07-17T14:15:57.984-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, here I am sitting in hospital, having gone into labour early and having our little boy four weeks before his due date, and three weeks before my scheduled caesarean!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, after a few days in neonatal and a couple at home, we are in the sick children’s hospital as my wee man has a chest infection!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so looking forward to getting home with my boy to my girls and to some decent food!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband has brought me my notes from home and I thought I’d take the opportunity of being cooped up in an isolation ward with my darling boy to post another recipe. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time a North African recipe for a lovely cooked aubergine salad called Zalouk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although having spent some time in the Middle East and North Africa both with work and for pleasure, this is more of a culmination of attempts to recreate flavours experienced both there and in one of my favourite North African restaurants in London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you from the region, please don’t take offence at my deviation from tradition, but hope you will agree this is a tasty version. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve Zalouk warm with pitta as a starter or dip when entertaining – yum (much better than the macaroni and cheese with boiled, cubed mixed veg I was just served here in the hospital!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zalouk</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 large (or two small) aubergine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3-4 tomatoes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 cloves garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tablespoons of parsley </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 medium chilli (deseeded) or 1 teaspoon lazy chilli</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon paprika</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon cumin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 teaspoons salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinch of cayenne pepper </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">60ml olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">80 ml water<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is really simple but very tasty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peel and dice the aubergine and peel and deseed the tomatoes (and chilli if using).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put all the ingredients into a food processor (I use a magimix) and blend together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add an extra splash of olive oil to a deep pan and add the blended mixture to the pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simmer the mixture over a medium heat for around half an hour ensuring the pan is covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stir occasionally and season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until there are no liquids remaining.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I often serve this with warmed pitta as a starter before a main of my lamb and prune tagine – the recipe for which will follow on a later post. </span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720189685811109070.post-73214926858103363452011-07-17T14:15:00.000-07:002011-07-17T14:15:14.873-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first post – I can’t believe I have actually done it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I spent most of my last maternity leave in Florence, Italy where my husband was conducting research at the European University Institute in Florence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhat ridiculously in hindsight, my daughters and I travelled out to join my him when my youngest daughter was only four weeks old. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my favourite foods ever, is one of the simplest staples of life in Florence and Italy in general – Foccacia. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A daily staple, I bought this from the local pizzicheria<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a deli selling cheese and cooked meats but also home made pasta, sauces and anti pasta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in Aberdeen, however, good focaccia is not easy to come by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cravings for this glorious salty, oily, chewy bread only increased with pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made my own...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Focaccia all’olio</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">500g 00 flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Tablespoons of olive oil & extra to drizzle</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7g sachet instant yeast</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">300ml lukewarm water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinch of sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 teaspoons cooking salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sea salt to top</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To a wide bowl, add the flour and 2 teaspoons of cooking salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the sachet of yeast and stir in with your hands or a fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the two tablespoons of olive oil bringing the mix together and add the 300ml of water. Knead for approximately 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can add more water and flour if necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I usually keep a little of extra at my side as you will inevitably need one or the other.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave somewhere warm for about 90 minutes (I use the airing cupboard)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– it should double in size. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While this is happening lightly grease a large baking tray with some olive oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually use my grill pan as this is the perfect size for a loaf – approximately 30 x 40 cm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transfer the dough to the baking tray and spread it out with your fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently rub some olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with sea salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cover again and put it back in its warm place for another half hour. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pre-heat the oven to 200<sup>o</sup>C (180<sup>o</sup>C fan). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drizzle a little more olive oil and salt over the dough<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and bake for 30 minutes or until crusty and lovely and golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also sprinkle with dry or fresh rosemary just prior to baking or even add some finely sliced onion at the second rising stage. I love it simply with the salt and oil. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1.5pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazing eaten with extra virgin olive oil and a good balsamic or make a sandwich with a good prosciutto cotto and cheese!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: for those of you from the Aberdeen area – when in Italy, I missed rowies (butteries) a lot and this bread was the nearest thing to this Aberdonian delicacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, now back in Aberdeen my eldest daughter calls rowies – “Aberdeen Focaccia”</span></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00676610081397506299noreply@blogger.com0