Desserts

Banana Bread with Caramel, Dark Chocolate, and Banana Chips

by
pie

Ingredients:

  • 150 g plain flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda
  • 40 g walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 70 g butter, melted
  • 120 g caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 40 g plain yoghurt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 100 g milk chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 100 g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • 120 g butter
  • 20 g banana chips

For the Caramel:

  • 120 g butter
  • 150 g light brown sugar
  • 397 g condensed milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C Fan). Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.
  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and walnuts. Set aside.
  1. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
    • In another large bowl, mix melted butter, caster sugar, egg, yoghurt, and mashed banana.
  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • Add wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
  1. Bake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
  1. Make Caramel:
    • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and light brown sugar. Once melted, simmer for 4-5 minutes, then add condensed milk. Stir and bring to a boil. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  1. Top with Caramel:
    • Spread the caramel over the baked banana bread, ensuring an even layer. Allow it to cool.
  1. Prepare Chocolate Topping:
    • In a large bowl, melt milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and butter in increments of 30 seconds. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
  1. Top with Chocolate:
    • Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and spread it evenly.
  1. Final Touch:
    • Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and banana chips.
  1. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate until the chocolate has set. Slice and enjoy this decadent banana bread!

This recipe seems perfect for a special occasion or as a delightful treat. Happy baking!

Savory Corned Beef and Vegetable Pie Recipe

by
corned beef

Introduction: Indulge your taste buds in a hearty and flavorful meal with this delightful Savory Corned Beef and Vegetable Pie. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a golden, flaky crust, this recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and culinary satisfaction. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through each step, offering tips and insights to ensure your pie turns out perfect every time.

Pie Recipe
Pie Recipe

I. Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

  1. Vegetable Oil Elegance:
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil sets the stage for a rich and savory base.
  2. Mirepoix Magic:
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 2 carrots, chopped
    • 1 potato, diced
  3. Corned Beef Brilliance:
    • 340g can of corned beef, cut into large, succulent pieces.
  4. Worcestershire Wizardry:
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for a depth of umami.
  5. Beefy Embrace:
    • 300ml warm beef stock adds a comforting touch.
  6. Flaky Elegance:
    • 320g ready-rolled shortcrust pastry sheet.
  7. Milk’s Golden Touch:
    • 1 tbsp milk for that perfect golden sheen.
  8. Sidekick Greens:
    • Buttered kale, to serve, adding a nutritious and flavorful companion.

II. The Artful Method: Crafting Culinary Masterpiece Vegetable Pie Recipe

STEP 1: Sautéing Symphony Vegetable Pie Recipe

  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat.
  • Sautee onions and carrots for 5 mins, adding a colorful and aromatic base.
  • Introduce diced potatoes, cooking for an additional 5 mins, enhancing texture and flavor.

STEP 2: Corned Beef Ballet

  • Gently stir in the corned beef, allowing it to dance with the veggies for 2-3 mins until it starts to gain a beautiful color.
  • Infuse the Worcestershire sauce, warm beef stock, and a pinch of seasoning, simmering for 5 mins until the potato achieves the desired tenderness.

STEP 3: Preparing the Stage

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
  • Transfer the harmonious filling to a pie dish or small ovenproof dish, setting the stage for the upcoming pastry spectacle.
  • If needed, gently roll the pastry to size, ensuring it generously covers the top with a touch of excess.

STEP 4: The Grand Finale

  • Dampen the dish edges with water, inviting the pastry to join the performance.
  • Use a fork to press the pastry firmly onto the edge, creating a seamless connection.
  • Make a small slash in the middle, allowing the steam to gracefully escape, and trim any excess pastry with precision.

STEP 5: Baking Symphony

  • Place the pie on a baking tray, presenting it to the oven’s warm embrace.
  • Brush the pastry with milk, setting the stage for a golden brown crescendo.
  • Bake for 30-35 mins until the pie achieves a perfect harmony of colors and textures.

III. Presentation: A Feast for the Senses

The final act is as important as the preparation. Present your Savory Corned Beef and Vegetable Pie with artistic flair, perhaps accompanied by a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of gravy. The golden crust should crunch with a symphony of textures, and the rich, savory aroma will tantalize your senses.

Conclusion: A Culinary Masterpiece on Your Plate

This Savory Corned Beef and Vegetable Pie recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece. From the careful selection of ingredients to the meticulous crafting of each step, this dish is a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises to deliver a satisfying experience that lingers on the palate and in the memory.

The Art of Perfect Custard: A Comprehensive Guide

by

Introduction

Imagine the luscious aroma of vanilla-scented custard cascading over a delightful serving of apple crumble, sticky toffee pudding, or jam sponge. The allure of this classic dessert companion is undeniable. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of custard-making, exploring its traditional roots, troubleshooting common issues, and discovering creative ways to elevate this timeless treat.

Unveiling the Basics of Traditional Custard

  1. The Foundation: Ingredients and Process

Traditional custard is a harmonious blend of milk, eggs, sugar, and a hint of vanilla flavor. The basic recipe serves as a canvas that can be tailored to personal preferences. As you master the fundamentals, you’ll unlock the ability to adjust thickness, richness, and even infuse chocolatey notes with a touch of cocoa powder.

  1. The Cornflour Conundrum

The classic crème anglaise, or pouring custard, relies solely on eggs for thickening. However, the addition of a dash of cornflour introduces a layer of foolproof security. It prevents the eggs from overcooking, resulting in a smoother, thicker custard.

  1. Vanilla Variety: Pod vs. Extract

For those without a vanilla pod, fear not. Vanilla extract can seamlessly substitute. Discover the art of incorporating the extract at the custard’s final stages for an equally enchanting flavor.

  1. Enhancing Richness: Yolks and Cream

Unearth the secrets to crafting a decadent custard by increasing the egg yolk quantity or substituting whole milk with double cream. This adjustment not only enriches the custard but also transforms its texture into a delectable baked custard consistency.

Troubleshooting Custard Quandaries

  1. Whisking Woes: Lumps and Texture

To avoid lumps, maintain a continuous whisking motion while introducing milk. Alternatively, add milk gradually, a ladle at a time. When returning the custard to the pan, low heat is key to preventing clumping and sticking.

  1. The Perils of Scrambling: Temperature Matters

Custard may turn grainy and scrambled if the milk is too hot. Allow it to cool slightly before slowly incorporating it into the eggs, preventing undesirable cooking on contact.

  1. Battling the Dreaded Skin

Preserve the custard’s velvety texture by placing clingfilm directly on top, creating a protective barrier against air exposure.

  1. Straining for Perfection

While straining isn’t mandatory, it can be the secret to achieving an impeccably smooth finish. Pass the custard through a sieve if a grainy appearance troubles your culinary masterpiece.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Custard Adventures

  1. Churning Delights: Custard Ice Cream

Explore the realm of frozen treats by churning custard in an ice cream machine. The result? A heavenly topping for pavlovas or a stand-alone indulgence.

  1. Trifles and Puddings: Custard Extravaganza

Immerse custard in the world of trifles or elevate bread and butter pudding by soaking slices of brioche before baking. Transform your custard into a lavish crème brulee by skipping the final saucepan stage and caramelizing under a hot grill.

The Perfect Custard Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 600 ml milk
  • 1 vanilla pod (or ½ tsp vanilla extract), cut down the middle and seeds scraped out
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp. caster sugar (about 30g)
  • 2 tsp. cornflour

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring milk, vanilla seeds, and pod to a boil.
  2. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour in a bowl. Remove boiled milk from heat, let it cool, and remove the vanilla pod.
  3. Gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
  4. Return the mixture to the pan over low heat, stirring gently until thickened to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

TOP TIP: Don’t discard the vanilla pod; rinse and add it to a jar of sugar for delightful vanilla sugar!

In conclusion, custard-making is an art form that combines tradition with creativity. Mastering the basics and troubleshooting common issues opens the door to a world of culinary possibilities, from frozen delights to elegant desserts. So, embark on your custard journey, and let your kitchen be filled with the enchanting aroma of this dreamy, velvety creation.