how to substitute spelt flour for allpurpose flour

How to Substitute Spelt Flour for All‐Purpose Flour.

Most traditional baking recipes call for all-purpose flour to provide structure to cookies, cakes, breads, and other baked goods. If you have a wheat allergy or sensitivity, though, all-purpose flour is off limits. Spelt flour is an ideal alternative because it is wheat-free and has a delicious, nutty flavor. However, substituting spelt for all-purpose flour requires adjusting your recipe just a bit so you get the same moist texture and structure for your baked goods that you would with all-purpose flour.

Method 1 Making the Basic Substitution.

1. Use white spelt flour instead of all-purpose flour. Spelt flour is available in two varieties: white and whole. White spelt flour has the bran and germ removed so it will provide a lighter texture in baked goods. As a result, it’s the best substitute for all-purpose flour in your favorite recipes.

You can usually find white spelt flour at natural food stores and the organic section of traditional grocery stores.

2. Reduce liquids by ¼. Spelt flour is more water soluble than all-purpose flour. That means you don’t need to mix as much liquid into your recipes if you’re substituting spelt. Reducing the amount of liquid ingredients in the recipe by ¼ usually provides the best results.

If you’re making a recipe with a liquid that’s hard to reduce, you can increase the amount of flour than you use instead. For example, if you need to add whole eggs, increase the spelt flour by 10 to 15% instead of reducing the amount of the eggs.

3. Mix the dough or batter lightly. The gluten in spelt flour is different than the gluten in all-purpose flour, so it’s important to handle the dough or batter you make with it accordingly. All-purpose flour can be kneaded or mixed for a long time, but if you overmix spelt batters or doughs, you can wind up with crumbly baked goods. Knead or mix until the dough or batter is just combined.

Method 2 Adjusting the Amounts.

1. Start with just ¼ spelt flour to test. When you’re beginning to experiment with spelt flour substitution, it’s best to ease your way into it. Replace just ¼ of the all-purpose flour in your recipe with spelt and use all-purpose flour for the remaining ¾ to see how the finished product turns out. You can gradually begin to increase the amount of spelt when you know how it will affect the recipe.

If you’re only using ¼ spelt flour for a recipe, you don’t necessarily have to reduce the amount of liquid. See how the final product turns out before deciding if you have to adjust the liquids.

2. Use 100% spelt flour for pancakes. For pancakes, you can make a 1 for 1 substitution with spelt and all-purpose flour. The spelt will give the pancakes a rich, sweet whole wheat flavor, while still creating a moist, fluffy texture.

If you’re doing a 1 for 1 substitution with spelt in your pancakes, be sure to reduce the liquids by ¼.

3. Use half spelt and half all-purpose for cookies, muffins, and breads. With baked goods like cookies, muffins, or sweetbreads, having a moist, soft texture is important. Instead of using a 1 for 1 substitution with spelt and all-purpose flour, you’re better off using half spelt and half all-purpose. That will keep them from being too crumbly.

It usually isn't necessary to reduce the liquid in a recipe if you're using half spelt and half all-purpose flour.

4. Opt for 50% spelt flour with yeast breads. If you’re making a delicious yeast bread, using all spelt flour in place of all-purpose can lead to dry bread that has a pronounced whole wheat flavor. Using half spelt flour instead keeps the bread moist and provides a sweet, mild flavor.

You don't have to reduce the liquid if you're only using 50% spelt flour in your yeast bread recipe.

Method 3 Getting the Best Results.

1. Sift spelt flour. White spelt flour is less refined than whole spelt. As a result, it’s a good idea to sift it before mixing it into your recipes as a substitution for all-purpose flour. That will help break up any lumps and remove any chunks of bran.

2. Weigh spelt flour for accurate measurements. Spelt flour often weighs differently than all-purpose flour, so using a cup of spelt may not necessarily weigh the same as all-purpose. To be sure that you get the proper amounts, weigh the spelt flour on a food scale before adding it to a recipe.

1 cup of white spelt flour contains 102 grams, while 1 cup of all-purpose flour contains 125 grams.

3. Add baking powder for self raising flour. Spelt flour doesn’t allow baked goods to rise all that much. If you are replacing self-rising all purpose flour in recipe, mix in ¾ teaspoon (3 g) of baking powder for every cup (102 g) of spelt flour that you’re using to get a good rise.

Tips.

If you’re making less structured baked items, such as pie crust, you can try starting with more than ¼ spelt flour in your recipes.

Desember 05, 2019

how to cook bulgur

How to Cook Bulgur.

Bulgur is a grain made from cracked wheat that’s popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a great source of iron, vitamin B, manganese, and magnesium, and it’s also high in fiber. If you like your bulgur soft like rice, then boiling it is your best bet. However, if you prefer a chewier texture, such as for a salad or tabbouleh, then soaking it is the better option. Once your bulgur is cooked to perfection, add your desired seasonings. This versatile grain will take on any flavors you add to it.



Ingredients.

Boiling Bulgur : 1 1⁄3  c (320 mL) of water, 2/3 cup (180 g) of bulgur.

Soaking Bulgur : 1 cup (240 g) of bulgur, 2  c (470 mL) of boiling water.

Making Bulgur in a Slow-Cooker : Butter, oil, or non-stick cooking spray to grease slow-cooker.

1 cup (240 g) of bulgur, 2  c (470 mL) of water or milk.

Seasoning Bulgur.

2  tsp (9.9 mL) of oil or butter and 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) of kosher salt (for simple bulgur).

1 lemon, 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 g) of chopped fresh mint, 1 cup (240 g) of chopped fresh parsley, 1 chopped tomato, and 1 chopped cucumber (for tabbouleh).

1 red bell pepper, 1/4 cup (60 g) of Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup (60 g) of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for Mediterranean bulgur).

1 chopped apple, 1/2 cup (120 g) of raisins, 1 tsp (5 g) of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup (60 g) of brown sugar (for breakfast bulgur).



Method 1 Boiling Bulgur.

1. Bring 1 1⁄3  c (320 mL) of water to boil in a sauce pan. You can use tap water or filtered water if you prefer. Measure out the water and add it to the pan. Then, turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the water to a boil.

Tip: For extra flavorful bulgur, use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth in place of water.

2. Stir in 2/3 cup (180 g) of bulgur and reduce the heat to medium-low. Use a wooden or metal spoon to stir the bulgur into the boiling water. Then, turn down the heat so that the water is just simmering instead of boiling.

You may want to stir the bulgur once every few minutes so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan or boil over.

3. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes. Place a tight-fitting lid on the pot and set a timer for 10 minutes. Check the bulgur to see if it has absorbed all of the water. If not, keep cooking the bulgur for up to 5 more minutes until all the water has been absorbed.

Pay attention to the bulgur while it cooks. If it starts boiling again, turn the heat down to low.

4. Let the bulgur sit for 10 minutes with the cover on before serving it. Once the water has been absorbed, turn off the heat. Leave the lid on the pot and set a timer for 10 minutes. The bulgur will be ready to eat after the time is up.

The bulgur will be very hot once it finishes cooking. If you want it chilled, place it into the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours or longer.

Bulgur will keep well in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.



Method 2 Soaking Bulgur.

1. Place 1 cup (240 g) of bulgur in a heat-proof bowl. Measure out the bulgur and add it to a glass, ceramic, or metal bowl. Some plastic containers are also heat-proof. Check to see if your container is microwave safe before using it to soak the bulgur with boiling water.

Don’t place the bulgur in anything that might melt, such as a plastic or Styrofoam.

2. Pour 2  c (470 mL) of boiling water over the bulgur. Bring 2  c (470 mL) of water to boil in a tea kettle, pot, or microwave-safe container, such as a glass measuring cup. Then, pour the water over the bulgur.

If needed, stir the bulgur and water together to ensure that the bulgur is fully covered in the bowl.

3. Cover the bowl and let the bulgur sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Place a plate or tea-towel over the bowl to cover it completely. Then, set a timer for 20 minutes. Once the time is up, check to see if the bulgur is at the desired consistency. If it’s still too chewy, let it sit for longer.

If all of the water has been absorbed before the bulgur is fully cooked, add another 1⁄4  c (59 mL) of boiling water and stir it into the bulgur. Then, cover the bulgur again and let it sit for 5 more minutes.

Tip: As long as the bowl that you placed the bulgur into is microwave-safe, you can also microwave the bulgur with an extra 1⁄4  c (59 mL) of water to finish cooking it if it’s still too chewy.

4. Drain off any excess water after the bulgur is cooked. When the bulgur reaches the desired consistency, pour it into a colander over a sink to drain off the excess water. If there’s no excess water left in the bowl, you can skip this.

Store your extra bulgur in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.



Method 3 Making Bulgur in a Slow-Cooker.

1. Grease the inside of the slow-cooker. Spread 2 to 3  tsp (9.9 to 14.8 mL) of butter or oil all over the inside of the slow-cooker with a basting brush or your fingertips, or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

Opt for non-stick cooking spray if you’re trying to keep the fat and calories as low as possible.

2. Add 1 cup (240 g) of bulgur to the slow-cooker. Measure out the bulgur and pour it into the slow cooker. You can double or even triple the amount if desired. Just make sure to double or triple the liquid as well.

Tip: You can add bulgur to chilies, stews, and soups to make them heartier. Just make sure you balance the liquid in the recipe with the bulgur. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of water to bulgur if you want to absorb the liquid entirely, 3:1 if you want a thick stew, or 4:1 if you want a brothy soup.

3. Pour in 2  c (470 mL) of water or milk. Use water for lighter bulgur or add milk to give it a creamier texture. Measure out the water or milk an pour it over the bulgur.

You can also add extra ingredients to your slow cooker at this time if you want them cooked in with the bulgur.

4. Set the slow-cooker on low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Place the lid on your slow cooker and turn the heat to low. Then, cook the bulgur for 6 to 8 hours or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Check it periodically to ensure that it does not get overcooked.

If you want the bulgur to cook faster, turn the heat up to high and cook it for 3 to 4 hours.

Add and extra 1⁄4 to 1⁄2  c (59 to 118 mL) of water to the slow cooker if the water gets low and the bulgur still isn’t cooked. You can always drain off the excess water if there’s too much.

If you have extra bulgur, store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.



Method 4 Seasoning Bulgur.

1. Add oil or butter and salt for a simple seasoning. If you want to enjoy the simple, nutty flavor of bulgur, keep the seasoning simple. Pour 2  tsp (9.9 mL) of oil over the bulgur, or mix in 2  tsp (9.9 mL) of butter while the bulgur is still warm so it will melt. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) of salt over the bulgur and stir everything well.

Serve the bulgur as a side dish with chicken, fish, chili, or anything else you like.

2. Make tabbouleh with lemon, mint, parsley, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Pour the juice of 1 lemon and 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of olive oil over the bulgur and stir it together. Then, mix in 1/4 cup (60 g) of chopped fresh mint, 1 cup (240 g) of chopped fresh parsley, 1 chopped tomato, and 1 chopped cucumber in with the bulgur. Chill the tabbouleh for 2 hours or overnight.

Try serving the tabbouleh over lettuce with pita bread and hummus on the side for a complete meal.

3. Add peppers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean bulgur. Chop 1 red bell pepper, 1/4 cup (60 g) of Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup (60 g) of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir them in with cooked bulgur. Serve while the bulgur is still warm or chill the bulgur overnight for a Mediterranean style bulgur dish.

Try having this bulgur recipe with a simple salad or steamed veggies.

4. Stir in apples, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar for breakfast bulgur. Add 1 chopped apple, 1/2 cup (120 g) of raisins, 1 tsp (5 g) of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup (60 g) of brown sugar to the bulgur after the bulgur is cooked. Stir everything together and serve for breakfast.

Pair your bulgur with a cup of Greek yogurt and a glass of orange juice for a hearty breakfast.

Tip: Bulgur is versatile, so try swapping it in recipes that call for rice, couscous, millet, barley, or even pasta.



Question : Can I use bulgur wheat in a salad ?

Answer : Yes, bulgur wheat is a great salad addition. A good example is tabouli, a popular traditional Middle Eastern salad.

Question : Can I put raw bulgar in my soup while it's cooking?

Answer : You can do this but remember that it absorbs twice its volume in water. This means it will soak up the soup liquid and you'll need to replace that to ensure it remains a soup and doesn't turn into a stew. Try a little the first time you do this with your soup recipe, and gradually adjust it each time you make the soup until you get the amount just right. Or, use a recipe which gives exact amounts of bulgar wheat to add.

Question : What is bulgar wheat?

Answer : Bulgar or bulgur wheat is the wheat kernel with the bran portion removed. The kernel is steamed, dried and ground into different grades of coarseness to finish the product. The grain that results is golden-brown in color.

Februari 22, 2020

how to check the freshness of baking powder

How to Check the Freshness of Baking Powder.

Baking powder is a leavening agent (something that helps doughs to rise) that’s often used in baked goods. Expired or old baking powder won’t create the same chemical reaction as fresh baking powder, and this means your bread, cookies, or other baked goods may not rise. When stored properly, baking powder can last for over a year, but if you're not sure if yours is still good, you can test it out before adding it to a recipe.

Part 1 Testing the Baking Powder.

1. Boil some tap water. Use tap water and fill a kettle to the minimum fill line. You only need ½ cup (118 ml) of hot water to test the baking powder, but filling the kettle to the minimum fill line will ensure the heating element doesn’t overheat. Turn on the kettle and bring the water to a boil.

Don’t use more water than you need, otherwise the kettle will waste energy heating the extra water.

2. Place some baking powder into a bowl. Measure 1 teaspoon (4.6 g) of baking powder into a heat-safe bowl, glass, or dish. Once the water has boiled, you'll pour it over the baking powder, so it’s important to use a dish that can withstand the heat.

You can actually use this same method to test the potency of baking soda as well.

3. Measure and pour the water. When the kettle boils, pour some of the boiling water into a half-cup measuring cup. Slowly pour the boiling water from the measuring cup over the baking powder.

To test baking soda instead of baking powder, add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the hot water before pouring it over the soda. The acid in the vinegar will react with the baking soda and activate it if it’s still good.

4. Watch for bubbling. Baking powder that’s still fresh and good to use will immediately start to bubble and fizz when you pour the boiling water over it. Fizzing and hissing means the baking powder is fresh and can be used as a leavening agent in baking.

The more bubbles the baking powder creates, the fresher it is.

Part 2 Finding Substitutions for Baking Powder.

1. Mix baking soda with cream of tartar. Baking powder is actually just baking soda mixed with a dry acid, so you can make your own baking powder in a pinch if what you have on hand isn't fresh. To make 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking powder, whisk together 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda and 2 teaspoons (7 g) of cream of tartar.

To make larger quantities of baking powder, mix baking soda and cream of tartar at a one-to-two ratio and store extras in an airtight container.

2. Combine baking soda and buttermilk. Another acid you can use to convert baking soda into baking powder is buttermilk. To make baking powder this way, combine ½ teaspoon (2 g) of baking soda with ½ cup (118 ml) of buttermilk. This baking powder alternative is best in recipes that already call for the buttermilk, such as:

Pancakes, Muffins, Biscuits, Waffles, Breading or batter, Doughnuts.

3. Mix baking soda with lemon juice or vinegar. Both lemon juice and vinegar contain acid that will help activate baking soda and turn it into baking powder. To make this alternative, combine ¼ teaspoon (1 g) of baking soda and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice or vinegar. This yields 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking powder.

When making baking powder with a liquid plus baking soda, reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe by the same amount. For instance, if you made 2 teaspoons of baking powder made with lemon juice and baking soda, reduce the milk in the recipe by 2 teaspoons.

Part 3 Storing Baking Powder.

1. Store baking powder in an airtight container. When stored properly, baking powder will last for 18 months or longer. One of the most important factors when storing baking powder is to keep it in an airtight container that doesn’t let in any oxygen. Good containers include Mason jars, Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, Metal or ceramic baking canisters with sealing lids.

2. Increase shelf life by storing it somewhere dry. When baking powder mixes with moisture, it clumps together and becomes less effective. Dry places to store baking powder for an extended shelf life include in a pantry, cupboard, or other moisture-free area. Don’t store baking powder in damp basements, under sinks, or in areas that are prone to spills or leaks.

The moisture found in the air contains water, yeast, and other elements, and all of these will change the chemical composition of the baking powder. Eventually, the baking powder will become unusable if it’s exposed to moisture.

3. Keep it cool. Another way to get the most life out of baking powder is by storing it away from heat. High temperatures may activate the baking powder, especially if it hasn’t been stored in a dry enough location. Pantries and kitchen cupboards that aren't near the oven are ideal for baking powder.

Desember 27, 2019

Homemade Pizza | The Best Homemade Pizza You'll Ever Eat.

Homemade Pizza | The Best Homemade Pizza You'll Ever Eat.

BY ELISE BAUER.

What to do when your 8-year old nephew comes to visit? Make pizza, of course!

Well, not of course, actually. I didn’t think of it until we exhausted Sorry, Monopoly, and gin rummy. But it did turn out to be a brilliant idea as my father had just received a baking stone for Christmas, and my nephew loves pizza.

I told him if he helped me make it I would talk about him on my website and he would be famous. That seemed to get his attention. He thought the dough was “slimy and gross” but he loved picking his own toppings, and the finished product was “awesome”.

The following method I patched together from recipes in both Joy of Cooking and Cook’s Illustrated’s The Best Recipe. The pizza dough recipe makes enough dough for two 10-12 inch pizzas.

Next time I’ll be a bit more patient with stretching out the dough so I can get it even thinner. Look to the end of this post for some excellent links about pizza from other food bloggers.

Pizza dough is a yeasted dough which requires active dry yeast. Make sure the check the expiration date on the yeast package! Yeast that is too old may be dead and won't work.

You can use all purpose flour instead of the bread flour that is called for in the recipe, but bread flour is higher in gluten than all-purpose flour and will make a crispier crust for your pizza.

Cup measurements can vary depending on how you are scooping the flour (we fluff the flour, lightly scoop it, and level with a knife). So I recommend using a kitchen scale to measure out the flour amounts by weight. This is the only way you'll get a consistently accurate measurement.

INGREDIENTS.

Pizza Dough: Makes enough dough for two 10-12 inch pizzas.
1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm water (105°F-115°F).
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast.
3 3/4 cups (490 g) bread flour.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (omit if cooking pizza in a wood-fired pizza oven).
2 teaspoons salt.
1 teaspoon sugar.

Pizza Ingredients.
Extra virgin olive oil.
Cornmeal (to help slide the pizza onto the pizza stone).
Tomato sauce (smooth, or puréed).
Firm mozzarella cheese, grated.
Fresh soft mozzarella cheese, separated into small clumps.
Fontina cheese, grated.
Parmesan cheese, grated.
Feta cheese, crumbled.
Mushrooms, very thinly sliced if raw, otherwise first sautéed.
Bell peppers, stems and seeds removed, very thinly sliced.
Italian pepperoncini, thinly sliced.
Italian sausage, cooked ahead and crumbled.
Chopped fresh basil.
Baby arugula, tossed in a little olive oil, added as pizza comes out of the oven.
Pesto.
Pepperoni, thinly sliced.
Onions, thinly sliced raw or caramelized.
Ham, thinly sliced.
Special equipment.
A pizza stone, highly recommended if you want crispy pizza crust.
A pizza peel or an edge-less cookie or baking sheet.
A pizza wheel for cutting the pizza, not required, but easier to deal with than a knife.

MAKING THE PIZZA DOUGH.

1 Proof the yeast: Place the warm water in the large bowl of a heavy duty stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved.

After 5 minutes stir if the yeast hasn't dissolved completely. The yeast should begin to foam or bloom, indicating that the yeast is still active and alive.

(Note that if you are using "instant yeast" instead of "active yeast", no proofing is required. Just add to the flour in the next step.)

2 Make and knead the pizza dough: Using the mixing paddle attachment, mix in the flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil on low speed for a minute. Then replace the mixing paddle with the dough hook attachment.

Knead the pizza dough on low to medium speed using the dough hook about 7-10 minutes.

If you don't have a mixer, you can mix the ingredients together and knead them by hand.

The dough should be a little sticky, or tacky to the touch. If it's too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour.

3 Let the dough rise: Spread a thin layer of olive oil over the inside of a large bowl. Place the pizza dough in the bowl and turn it around so that it gets coated with the oil.

At this point you can choose how long you want the dough to ferment and rise. A slow fermentation (24 hours in the fridge) will result in more complex flavors in the dough. A quick fermentation (1 1/2 hours in a warm place) will allow the dough to rise sufficiently to work with.

Cover the dough with plastic wrap.

For a quick rise, place the dough in a warm place (75°F to 85°F) for 1 1/2 hours.

For a medium rise, place the dough in a regular room temperature place (your kitchen counter will do fine) for 8 hours. For a longer rise, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 24 hours (no more than 48 hours).

The longer the rise (to a point) the better the flavor the crust will have.

MAKE AHEAD FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS.
After the pizza dough has risen, you can freeze it to use later. Divide the dough in half (or the portion sizes you will be using to make your pizzas). Place on parchment paper or a lightly floured dish and place, uncovered, in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. Then remove from the freezer, and place in individual freezer bags, removing as much air as you can from the bags. Return to the freezer and store for up to 3 months.

Thaw the pizza dough in the refrigerator overnight or for 5 to 6 hours. Then let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching it out in the next steps.

PREPARING THE PIZZAS.

1 Preheat pizza stone (or pizza pan or baking sheet): Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. If you don't have a pizza stone, you can use a pizza pan or a thick baking sheet; you need something that will not warp at high temperatures.

2 Divide the dough into two balls: Remove the plastic cover from the dough. Dust your hands with flour and push the dough down so it deflates a bit. Divide the dough in half.

Form two round balls of dough. Place each in its own bowl, cover with plastic and let sit for 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

3 Prep toppings: Prepare your desired toppings. Note that you are not going to want to load up each pizza with a lot of toppings as the crust will end up not crisp that way.

About a third a cup each of tomato sauce and cheese would be sufficient for one pizza. One to two mushrooms thinly sliced will cover a pizza.

4 Flatten dough ball, and stretch out into a round: Working one ball of dough at a time, take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a lightly floured work surface.

Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough to 1/2-inch thick. Turn and stretch the dough until it will not stretch further.

Let the dough relax 5 minutes and then continue to stretch it until it reaches the desired diameter - 10 to 12 inches.

Treat the dough gently!

You can also hold up the edges of the dough with your fingers, letting the dough hang and stretch, while working around the edges of the dough.

If a hole appears in your dough, place the dough on a floured surface and push the dough back together to seal the hole.

Use your palm to flatten the edge of the dough where it is thicker. Pinch the edges if you want to form a lip.

5 Brush dough top with olive oil: Use your fingertips to press down and make dents along the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil (to prevent it from getting soggy from the toppings). Let rest another 10-15 minutes.

Repeat with the second ball of dough.

6 Sprinkle pizza peel with corn meal, put flattened dough on top: Lightly sprinkle your pizza peel (or flat baking sheet) with cornmeal. (The corn meal will act as little ball bearings to help move the pizza from the pizza peel into the oven.)

Transfer one prepared flattened dough to the pizza peel.

If the dough has lost its shape in the transfer, lightly shape it to the desired dimensions.

7 Spread with tomato sauce and sprinkle with toppings: Spoon on the tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and place your desired toppings on the pizza.

8 Sprinkle cornmeal on pizza stone, slide pizza onto pizza stone in oven: Sprinkle some cornmeal on the baking stone in the oven (watch your hands, the oven is hot!). Gently shake the peel to see if the dough will easily slide, if not, gently lift up the edges of the pizza and add a bit more cornmeal.

Slide the pizza off of the peel and onto the baking stone in the oven.

9 Bake pizza: Bake pizza in the 475°F (245°C) oven, one at a time, until the crust is browned and the cheese is golden, about 10-15 minutes. If you want, toward the end of the cooking time you can sprinkle on a little more cheese.

Elise Bauer.
Elise Bauer is the founder of Simply Recipes. Elise launched Simply Recipes in 2003 as a way to keep track of her family's recipes, and along the way grew it into one of the most popular cooking websites in the world. Elise is dedicated to helping home cooks be successful in the kitchen. Elise is a graduate of Stanford University, and lives in Sacramento, California.

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Juli 19, 2020

how to easy cook arugula

How to Easy Cook Arugula.

Arugula is a sharp, peppery green that can be used in a variety of dishes. Though arugula is best known as a raw ingredient in salads, it can also be wilted and sauteed, used to make soup, or mixed with goat cheese to create a delicious stuffing for your favorite meats.







Method 1 Wilting Arugula.



Ingredients Wilting Arugula.

Water.

Salt.





Put salted water in a pot. Put a few inches of water in the bottom of a large pot. You only need enough to create steam to wilt your arugula. To give your arugula a bit more flavor, add a pinch of salt to the pot of water.



Heat the water to boiling. Place the pot of salted water on a stovetop burner and heat it to boiling. Then, turn the heat down so the water bubbles gently.



Place arugula in a vegetable steamer over the boiling water. If you don’t have a steamer, you can rest a metal colander or strainer inside the pot, making sure the boiling water doesn’t touch it. Use as much arugula as you think you will need. Cover the pot to trap the steam inside.



Wilt the arugula for 2-3 minutes over the water. Allow the arugula to steam for a few minutes, or until wilted to your liking. Then, carefully remove the steamer from the pot of water and serve the arugula.





Things You’ll Need.

Wilting Arugula.

Large pot.

Vegetable steamer or metal colander.









Method 2 Sauteing Arugula.



Ingredients Sauteing Arugula.

Chicken broth.

Onion powder.

Garlic powder.

Pepper.

5 oz. or 150 g of fresh arugula.





Heat chicken broth and spices on the stovetop. Put ¼ cup (60 mL) of chicken broth (you may choose a reduced-sodium variety, if desired), ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 mL) of onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 mL) of garlic powder, and a dash of pepper into a frying pan. Stir to combine, and heat the mixture until it boils.



Add arugula to the pan. Mix in 5 ounces (150 g) of washed and trimmed fresh arugula. Make sure the arugula is evenly coated in the broth and spice mixture by using tongs to toss the greens in the liquid.



Stir occasionally and let it wilt. Keep the pan on the burner for another minute or two to allow the arugula leaves to wilt. If needed, add another splash of chicken broth to keep the arugula wet. Stir the mixture occasionally.



Remove the pan from heat and serve the dish. All you need to do now is turn off your burner, remove the pan from heat, and serve the arugula. You can have it as a side dish with a meal, put it on mashed potatoes, or use it as a salad topping.





Things You’ll Need.

Sauteing Arugula.

Frying pan.

Tongs.









Method 3 Making Arugula Soup.



Ingredients Arugula Soup.

4 tablespoons (½ of a stick or 57 g) of unsalted butter.

½ of a chopped onion.

3 sprigs of thyme, with the leaves removed.

1 small Yukon Gold potato, washed, peeled, and cut it into 1-inch (2.54-cm) pieces.

4 cups (1 L) of chicken .

4 cups (1 L) of chopped, wilted arugula.

1 ½ cups (343 mL) of frozen peas, thawed.

1 teaspoon (5.0 mL) of sugar.

Crème fraîche.

Chopped herbs (like tarragon, mint, parsley, or chives).





Melt butter in a pan. Put a medium saucepan on a stovetop burner set to medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons (½ of a stick or 57 g) of unsalted butter and allow it to melt.



Add onion and thyme and cook them for 5 minutes. Add ½ of a chopped onion and 3 sprigs of thyme, with the leaves removed. Stir the mixture and cook it about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.



Add potatoes to the pan and cook them for 2 minutes. Wash and peel 1 small Yukon Gold potato (or ½ of a russet potato), then cut it into 1-inch (2.54-cm) pieces. Stir the potato pieces into the pan and cook them for about 2 minutes, or until the potatoes look chalky.



Mix in broth and cook the potatoes another 8-10 minutes. Pour 4 cups (1 L) of chicken broth (you can use a low-sodium broth if you wish) into the pan. Stir to combine the ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil. Cook it for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.



Add arugula, peas, and sugar, then remove the pan from heat. Add 4 cups (1 L) of chopped, wilted arugula, 1 ½ cups (343 mL) of frozen peas, thawed, and 1 teaspoon (5.0 mL) of sugar to the pan. Mix the new ingredients thoroughly into the broth and potato mixture. Remove the pan from heat.



Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, then puree it. Let the heat of the other ingredients soften the arugula for around 10 minutes. Then, pour the mixture into a blender and run it until all the ingredients are smoothly blended. You can season the soup with salt at this point, if desired.



Top the soup with crème fraîche and herbs, then serve it. Pour the soup into serving bowls. Put a dollop of crème fraîche on top of each portion of soup, then add chopped herbs (like tarragon, mint, parsley, or chives), and serve your soup.





Things You’ll Need.

Making Arugula Soup.

Medium saucepan.

Blender.









Method 4 Creating Goat Cheese and Arugula Stuffed Chicken.



Ingredients Goat Cheese and Arugula Stuffed Chicken.

Salt.

Pepper.

4 chicken breasts (totalling 1.5 lbs or 0.68 kg) pounded thinly.

4 oz. (115 g) of trimmed and washed arugula.

4 oz. (115 g) of soft goat cheese, broken into pieces.

1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) of butter or olive oil.







Preheat your oven then pound the chicken cutlets thinly. Preheat your oven to 425° F (218° C). To serve four people, use four chicken breasts (totalling 1.5 lbs or 0.68 kg). Place plastic wrap over the chicken breast cutlets. Pound the meat with the smooth side meat tenderizer until you have a thin, even layer.

You could substitute chicken for flank steak in this recipe, as well!



Arrange goat cheese and arugula on the chicken. First, add salt and pepper to your meat to season it. Then, lay the chicken flat and layer arugula and chunks of goat cheese in the middle of the meat.

For four people, 4 oz. (115 g) of trimmed and washed arugula and 4 oz. (115 g) of soft goat cheese, broken into pieces, should suffice.



Roll up the chicken cutlets. Begin with the narrowest end and roll the meat up into a pinwheel, or “roulade.” Wrap the meat with kitchen twine or secure it with toothpicks so they don’t unroll.



Brown the roulades. Put 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) of butter or olive oil in a large non-stick, oven-proof skillet. Heat the butter or oil over medium heat, then add the roulades. Brown them on all sides.



Put the skillet in the oven. Place the skillet in your preheated oven and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to 165° F (74 ° C). Carefully remove the pan from the oven using a pot holder.



Cover the chicken with foil and allow it to rest. Place aluminum foil over the skillet and seal it semi-tightly. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, then remove the foil and the toothpicks or twine. Cut the roulades into round slices and serve the dish.



Finished.





Things You’ll Need.

Creating Goat Cheese and Arugula Stuffed Chicken.

Non-stick, oven-proof skillet.

Meat pounder.

Toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Aluminum foil.

November 19, 2019

how to make baking powder

How to Make Baking Powder.

Baking powder (not to be mistaken for baking soda) is a leavening agent used to lighten doughs by releasing gas, forming bubbles causing the dough to rise. It is often bought ready mixed but you can easily make your own with a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Method 1 Making Your Own Baking Powder.

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need a bowl, a sifter, a whisk, a small container with a lid, baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch or arrowroot.

2. Measure the ingredients. Use ¼ cup (130 g) of baking soda, ¼ cup (27.5 g) of the cornstarch or arrowroot, and ½ cup (81 g) of cream of tartar.

3. Sift the ingredients. This will prevent any lumps from forming in your mixture, and help to more fully incorporate all the ingredients.

4. Stir the mixture. Using a whisk, fully mix all the ingredients together.

5. Store your baking powder. It should be kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture from entering, and is good for 7 to 10 weeks.

Method 2 Making Other Baking Powder Substitutes for Recipes.

1. Use buttermilk for a rich substitute. Combine equal parts baking soda and buttermilk or plain yogurt.

The cultures in these dairy products react with the baking soda to create the gas necessary for leavening your baked goods.

Only use buttermilk as a substitute in recipes that already require wet ingredients. If necessary, reduce the measurements of the other wet ingredients to prevent your batter or dough from being too moist.

2. Try lemon juice if you don’t want to use dairy. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda for any recipes that require baking powder.

The acid in the lemon juice creates the chemical reaction with the baking soda, working in a pinch if you don't have baking powder.

Using lemon juice may leave a residual flavor, so only use it in products that you don't mind tasting mildly of citrus.

3. Use molasses if the flavor would complement your recipe. Mix ⅓ cup (113 g) of molasses with ¼ teaspoon (130 g) of baking soda. This substitution is best used in recipes that would not affect the taste much, such as in gingerbread or spice cake.

Method 3 Using Baking Powder in Your Home.

1. Freshen your carpet with baking soda. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with ¼ cup (130 g) of baking powder. Sprinkle the combination over your carpet and leave for 10 minutes, vacuuming afterwards.

2. Use it as a cleaner. Baking powder is great for cleaning or adding a little power to many common cleaners.

Sprinkle some baking powder in your dishwasher for an extra clean set of dishes.

Pour 1-2 tablespoons (33-66 g) baking powder in with your laundry to help boost your detergent.

Mix a little baking powder with hot water to create a paste and leave on dried food. It will work to remove the food from stoves, countertops, and dishes so that cleaning them down with a sponge afterwards is much easier.

Clean your microwave. Mix 2-4 tablespoons (66-132 g) of baking powder with 1 cup (240 mL) of water and place the mixture in the microwave. Heat until the water boils, and allow time for it to cool in the microwave. Afterwards, it should be much easier to wipe down the interior of the microwave.

Clean your dirty mop by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and baking soda. It will remove any unwanted odors from mold or mildew that may be trapped in the mop head.

Clean your drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda and then half a cup of vinegar down your clogged drain. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain to rinse.

3. Clean smelly shoes. Fill a clean old sock with baking powder and let set in a pair of shoes that have begun to smell. The baking powder helps to absorb the odors.

4. Get rid of ants. If you have an ant problem in your home, sprinkle a trail of baking powder mixed with salt in front of whatever entrance you think they’re using.

5. Erase crayon from walls. Mix baking powder with warm water to create a paste. Dip a clean toothbrush into the paste and use to scrub walls with crayon drawings on them.

Tips.

Keep the baking powder dry until you are ready to use it.

Store-bought baking powder may have traces of metal or corn in it, so making your own is a way to remove these ingredients.

Desember 17, 2019

how to easy make hush puppies

How to Make Hush Puppies.

Hush puppies are an easy and delicious fried treat. Originating in the American South, they are a wonderful accompaniment to most meals, specifically seafood. Originally, legend states that southern fisherman used to cook hush puppies to feed their barking dogs, giving the treat its distinctive name.







Ingredients Rich Southern Hush Puppies.

2 cups (300g) corn meal.

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour..

1 teaspoon (3g) baking powder

1/2 teaspoon (1.5g) baking soda.

1 1/2 (8.5g) teaspoons salt.

1 tablespoon (12.6) sugar.

1/2 large onion, diced.

1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk.

3/4 cup (180ml) water..

1/2 cup (4oz) butter, melted

1 egg.







Method 1 Making Classic Hush Puppies.





Preheat a deep fryer to 365 °F (185 °C) or heat up 2 cups oil over medium-high heat. The most common oil used is peanut, but vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil will do as well. As the oil warms to its appropriate heat, start mixing up ingredients.

If you don't have a deep fryer, don't worry. You can use a piece of bread to check your oil's temperature as well.



Sift the dry ingredients -- flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, baking soda and powder -- together. Use a fork or whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed in.



Finely dice your large onion and add it to the dry ingredients. To dice an onion, cut it in half from end to end and peel off the skin. Cut off the tops -- the long, spindly end -- from each half. Then make long, vertical slices, following the onion's long, visible lines. Finally, cut horizontally across these long cuts to get small squares.

For even smaller pieces, stand the onion up on its end and cut each part in half once more before cutting your squares.



Melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts, then stir it into the buttermilk. Put the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. If it's not totally melted, add 10 seconds at a time until it has just turned liquid -- it doesn't need to be hot. In a separate bowl, mix this butter into the buttermilk.



Whisk the egg and water into the buttermilk. You want all of your wet ingredients to be together, well mixed, in this separate bowl. It can help to whisk the egg ahead of time so that it is already scrambled.



Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Pour your bowl of buttermilk mixture straight into the flours, salt, and sugar.



Mix until combined, without any chunks. You want a batter that is thicker than pancakes, but not so thick that it can't be stirred easily. Once it is all mixed in, stop -- you don't want to over stir. Use a rubber spatula for the best results.

If the batter is very wet and runny, add 1-2 more tablespoons of corn meal.

If the batter is thick and difficult to stir, add 1-2 more tablespoons of milk.



Test the heat of the frying oil, aiming for 365F/185C. A candy or frying thermometer is easiest, but it is far from your only option. Cut a 1-inch (2.5cm) piece of bread and drop it into the hot oil. If it is completely browned within 60 seconds, your oil is hot enough to fry with.

If the bread browns faster than 60 seconds, turn the heat down.

A kernel of popcorn will not pop until it's reached the right temperature, and can be used as another test subject when dropped in oil.



Drop 6-7 pieces of batter into the hot oil using a metal spoon. A normal spoon should have the right amount of batter. Dip it in cold water to prevent the dough from sticking, then scoop a roughly 1" (2.5cm) piece of dough into the hot oil.

Only cook 6-7 pieces at once to prevent cooling the oil with too much cold batter. If the oil gets too cold the puppies will take longer to cook and will come out greasy.



Turn puppies after one minute to ensure that they cook completely. Hush puppies will sometimes flip themselves, but if not you can use a slotted spoon to turn them over. This ensures all sides cook evenly.



Fry until golden on all sides. If they look nice and golden all over, they are ready to remove. While the exact time will depend on the size of the hush puppy and oil's heat, they shouldn't take longer than 2-3 minutes.



Rest finished hush puppies on a plate of paper towels to drain. This removes some of the excess oil from the surface, which helps the outsides cool into a crisp, delicious exterior. Enjoy!









Method 2 Making Recipe Variations.



Ingredients Simple and Easy Hush Puppies.

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour.

1 cup + 2 tablespoons (175g) self-rising cornmeal.

1/2 cup (100g) white sugar.

2 eggs, beaten.

1 large onion, finely diced.

1/2 cup (120ml) milk or buttermilk.

1 teaspoon (2.8g) salt.



Simplify your liquids to just milk and two eggs for a denser, easier hush puppy. This recipe is much quicker and leads to a heavier treat than the light, airy puppies shown above. To make, simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine, and then cook as shown above:

Wet ingredients

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

Dry ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup + 2 tablespoons self-rising cornmeal

1/2 cup white sugar

1 large onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon salt[8]



Consider a denser, all cornmeal variation. Instead of using a mixture of flour and cornmeal, get a more classic flavor by just using 2 cups of cornmeal. Use 2 eggs instead of 1 to help it hold together better.



Add a shredded green bell pepper for a Cajun/Creole twist. Green bell peppers are at the heart of Louisiana cooking, and some Cajun chefs can't do without them. To make them, use a mandolin or sharp knife to cut fine, small strips of pepper and add with the onion.



Throw in 8 ounces of fresh crab meat for crab cake hush puppies. To make them, mix the pulled and shredded crab meat into the buttermilk before adding to the dry ingredients. Cut the amount of all-purpose flour in half and cook like normal.

One cup of chopped raw shrimp can also be used for a seafood kick.

This recipe also goes well with the green bell pepper variation mentioned above.



Substitute a half can of beer for the buttermilk for a tangier, lighter treat. Sometimes called Mississippi hush puppies, this is the same concept as a beer-battered fish or fry. The also go well with a chopped jalapeno pepper. The rest of the cooking is just like normal.

This should be roughly 3/4 cup (180ml) beer.



Bake the hush puppies in a muffin tin at 450F/230C for 10 minutes for a low-fat option. Want delicious hush puppies without frying? You can fill a muffin tin with your batter instead of frying to get delicious, puffy hush puppies anytime. Just add 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil to the batter and stir in to help them cook.

Use cooking spray, oil, or butter to lightly grease the muffin tin.



Finished.





Tips.

In humid weather, expect to add 1-2 tablespoons more corn meal. In drier climates, you should prepare for a touch more milk.



Warnings.

Use care when cooking with a deep fat fryer -- hot oil is very dangerous.



Things You'll Need.

Mixing bowls.

Measuring cups and spoons.

Mixing spoon.

Deep fat fryer.

November 18, 2019

How to Make Sugar Maple Candy

How to Make Sugar Maple Candy. 

Sugar maple candy is a melt-in-your-mouth treat! This popular recipe is nice and easy and only requires only a few ingredients. Enjoy these delicious treats yourself or gift them to your friends and family in the holiday season. Pick out some good quality maple syrup, grab your candy thermometer, and get boiling!

Ingredients.
2 cups (644 grams) real maple syrup, ½ cup (62.5 grams) of chopped walnuts (optional), Makes 18 candies.

Part 1 Making the Mixture.
1. Boil 2 cups (644 grams) of maple syrup until it reaches 110 °C (230 °F). Measure and pour the maple syrup into a large saucepan. Pure maple syrup works best as it has the strongest and most genuine flavour. Avoid using maple-flavoured syrup as this won't thicken correctly and has a weaker flavour. Heat the maple syrup over medium heat until it reaches 110 °C (230 °F). Stir the syrup with a wooden spoon as it heats to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the maple syrup. Submerge the tip of the thermometer in the mixture to get a correct temperature reading. Avoid the thermometer touching the pan as this can give a false temperature reading.
Run hot water over the inside of the measuring cup before you measure the maple syrup. This will cause less maple syrup to stick to the measuring cup.
Purchase maple syrup from a supermarket or natural health food store.
2. Take the pot off the heat and wait for the syrup to cool to 80 °C (176 °F). Place the pot of maple syrup onto a cold element or a wooden board to cool. Leave the candy thermometer in the syrup so that you can monitor the temperature. Most candy thermometers can be clipped to the side of the pot.
It will likely take about 10 minutes for the temperature of the syrup to drop.
Don’t stir the syrup as it cools.
3. Mix the syrup vigorously for 4 minutes. Remove the candy thermometer from the pot and then use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture briskly. Continue to stir the syrup until it begins to thicken and gets creamier. This should take about 4 minutes.
Keep the pot off the heat while you stir it.
Stop stirring the mixture once it starts thickening so that the candy doesn’t set in the pot.
Take care not to splash yourself with the mixture because it will be incredibly hot.
4. Stir in ½ cup (62.5 g) of chopped walnuts if you want a nutty flavour. Walnuts help to add texture and extra flavour to the candy. Measure the nuts into the pot and then slowly stir the mixture to evenly distribute them. As soon as the nuts are distributed, stop stirring the mixture.
If you don’t like nuts or want a smooth candy, skip this step.

Part 2 Setting the Candy.
1. Pour the candy into rubber moulds. Rubber moulds are a great choice for maple syrup candy as they are easy to pop the candies out of. Carefully and slowly pour the syrup from the pot into the moulds and fill them right to the top.
If you don't have rubber moulds, use lightly greased wooden or metal moulds instead. Avoid using plastic moulds as the heat of the candy will melt the plastic.
Purchase candy moulds from a craft store, speciality kitchen shop, or online. Popular moulds include: ones shaped like maple leaves, standard round candy moulds, and heart-shaped moulds.
2. Smooth the candies with a knife and then allow them to cool. Use the face of a butter knife to help flatten the mixture in the moulds. This will help the base of your candies look smooth and professional. Leave the candies in the moulds at room temperature until they are cold.
The cooling process takes about 1 hour.
3. Remove the candies from the moulds. If you have used a rubber mould, turn the mould upside down and push the candies out. If you have used a wooden or metal mould, turn the mould over and lightly tap it to help agitate the candies away from the mould.
If the candies are stuck in the mould, use a knife to help pry them out.
4. Place the candies on a cooling rack for 2 hours. This helps the candies to dry and gives them a nice, soft but firm texture. If you don’t have a cooling rack, place the candies on a plate instead.
5. Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Transfer the candy into a container and make sure the lid is on tightly. If you don’t eat them first, the candies can last up to 1 month.
If you are gifting the candies, put them into small decorative bags and let the recipient know that the candy keeps best in an airtight container.

Community Q&A.

Question : How long does it take for the candy to harden?
Answer : It takes 10 to 20 minutes. You can put the molds in a freezer to speed up the process.
Question : Do I need to use a candy thermometer?
Answer : No, you can use the cold water test. The cold water test is when you drop the sugar into cold water to see which stage it is at. If you are unsure how to do it, you can look it up online.
Question : I don't have candy molds; what size pan should I use instead?
Answer : Use any flat sheet with rigid sides, then cut the candy into squares.
Question : How to filter dirt out of maple syrup?
Answer : Cheese cloth folded over several times works great for me.
Question : Can I make this candy without the nuts?
Answer : Yes, you can. I prefer it without nuts. Just skip that step completely.

Things You'll Need.
Saucepan, Candy thermometer, Wooden spoon, Measuring cup, Candy moulds, Butterknife, Baking tray, Cooling rack.

Mei 22, 2020

How to Make Sugar Maple Candy

How to Make Sugar Maple Candy.

Sugar maple candy is a melt-in-your-mouth treat! This popular recipe is nice and easy and only requires only a few ingredients. Enjoy these delicious treats yourself or gift them to your friends and family in the holiday season. Pick out some good quality maple syrup, grab your candy thermometer, and get boiling!

Ingredients Makes 18 candies : 2 cups (644 grams) real maple syrup, ½ cup (62.5 grams) of chopped walnuts (optional)


Part 1 Making the Mixture.
1. Boil 2 cups (644 grams) of maple syrup until it reaches 110 °C (230 °F). Measure and pour the maple syrup into a large saucepan. Pure maple syrup works best as it has the strongest and most genuine flavour. Avoid using maple-flavoured syrup as this won't thicken correctly and has a weaker flavour. Heat the maple syrup over medium heat until it reaches 110 °C (230 °F). Stir the syrup with a wooden spoon as it heats to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the maple syrup. Submerge the tip of the thermometer in the mixture to get a correct temperature reading. Avoid the thermometer touching the pan as this can give a false temperature reading.
Run hot water over the inside of the measuring cup before you measure the maple syrup. This will cause less maple syrup to stick to the measuring cup.
Purchase maple syrup from a supermarket or natural health food store.
2. Take the pot off the heat and wait for the syrup to cool to 80 °C (176 °F). Place the pot of maple syrup onto a cold element or a wooden board to cool. Leave the candy thermometer in the syrup so that you can monitor the temperature. Most candy thermometers can be clipped to the side of the pot.
It will likely take about 10 minutes for the temperature of the syrup to drop.
Don’t stir the syrup as it cools.
3. Mix the syrup vigorously for 4 minutes. Remove the candy thermometer from the pot and then use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture briskly. Continue to stir the syrup until it begins to thicken and gets creamier. This should take about 4 minutes.
Keep the pot off the heat while you stir it.
Stop stirring the mixture once it starts thickening so that the candy doesn’t set in the pot.
Take care not to splash yourself with the mixture because it will be incredibly hot.
4. Stir in ½ cup (62.5 g) of chopped walnuts if you want a nutty flavour. Walnuts help to add texture and extra flavour to the candy. Measure the nuts into the pot and then slowly stir the mixture to evenly distribute them. As soon as the nuts are distributed, stop stirring the mixture.
If you don’t like nuts or want a smooth candy, skip this step.

Part 2 Setting the Candy.
1. Pour the candy into rubber moulds. Rubber moulds are a great choice for maple syrup candy as they are easy to pop the candies out of. Carefully and slowly pour the syrup from the pot into the moulds and fill them right to the top.
If you don't have rubber moulds, use lightly greased wooden or metal moulds instead. Avoid using plastic moulds as the heat of the candy will melt the plastic.
Purchase candy moulds from a craft store, speciality kitchen shop, or online. Popular moulds include: ones shaped like maple leaves, standard round candy moulds, and heart-shaped moulds.
2. Smooth the candies with a knife and then allow them to cool. Use the face of a butter knife to help flatten the mixture in the moulds. This will help the base of your candies look smooth and professional. Leave the candies in the moulds at room temperature until they are cold.
The cooling process takes about 1 hour.
3. Remove the candies from the moulds. If you have used a rubber mould, turn the mould upside down and push the candies out. If you have used a wooden or metal mould, turn the mould over and lightly tap it to help agitate the candies away from the mould.
If the candies are stuck in the mould, use a knife to help pry them out.
4. Place the candies on a cooling rack for 2 hours. This helps the candies to dry and gives them a nice, soft but firm texture. If you don’t have a cooling rack, place the candies on a plate instead.
5. Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Transfer the candy into a container and make sure the lid is on tightly. If you don’t eat them first, the candies can last up to 1 month.
If you are gifting the candies, put them into small decorative bags and let the recipient know that the candy keeps best in an airtight container.

Community Q&A.

Question : How long does it take for the candy to harden?
Answer : It takes 10 to 20 minutes. You can put the molds in a freezer to speed up the process.
Question : Do I need to use a candy thermometer?
Answer : No, you can use the cold water test. The cold water test is when you drop the sugar into cold water to see which stage it is at. If you are unsure how to do it, you can look it up online.
Question : I don't have candy molds; what size pan should I use instead?
Answer : Use any flat sheet with rigid sides, then cut the candy into squares.
Question : How to filter dirt out of maple syrup?
Answer : Cheese cloth folded over several times works great for me.
Question : Can I make this candy without the nuts?
Answer : Yes, you can. I prefer it without nuts. Just skip that step completely.

Things You'll Need : Saucepan, Candy thermometer, Wooden spoon, Measuring cup, Candy moulds, Butterknife, Baking tray, Cooling rack.

Juni 05, 2020

how to easy cook kabobs

How to Easy Cook Kabobs.

Meat on a stick is always a big hit at barbecues. But kabobs aren't just about the protein -- mixing in some tasty veggies with the steak, chicken, or pork gives you a complete meal, all on one handy skewer. The good news is you don't even have to wait for a barbecue to enjoy kabobs. Grilling is certainly the classic way to cook them, but you can also throw the skewers in the oven under the broiler and wind up with kabobs that are just as delicious.







Ingredients.

3 ½ pounds (1.6 kg) protein, such as beef, chicken, pork, or seafood.

3 to 4 vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Marinade (optional).

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional).







Part 1 Making the Kabobs.



Cut a protein into cubes. You can use any type of protein that you like for your kabobs, but beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and seafood are the most common options. Use a sharp knife to cut 3 ½ pounds (1.6 kg) of the protein you’re using into approximately 2-inch cubes (5-cm) that you can easily thread on a skewer.[1]

When it comes to seafood, choose heartier fish, such as salmon, swordfish, or tuna. Shrimp also work well for kabobs.

If you’re a vegetarian, you can omit the protein or substitute tofu for any type of meat.



Marinate the protein for a few hours. To ensure the most flavorful kabobs, you should create a marinade for the protein. Choose a marinade that complements the type of protein that you’re using, and allow the meat sit in it for to 2 to 5 hours.[2]

A marinade doesn’t really penetrate the meat or protein, so there’s no need to marinate overnight.

If you don’t want to marinate the protein, you can simply season the protein on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Make a basic marinade by mixing 1 cup (237 ml) of vegetable oil, ¾ cup (177 ml) of soy sauce, ½ cup (118 ml) of lemon juice, ¼ cup (59 ml) of Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup (62 g) of mustard, 2 garlic cloves, and freshly ground black pepper.[3]

You can also try a pineapple marinade, Jack Daniel’s marinade, Coke marinade, or your personal favorite marinade recipe.



Chop the vegetables. To ensure that the kabobs cook evenly, pair your protein with veggies that have the same cooking time. Onions, bell peppers, zucchini, grape tomatoes, and yellow squash are good options with most proteins. Use 3 to 4 whole vegetables, depending on their size, and cut them into chunks that are the same size as your protein.[4]

You can also use fruit, such as pineapple, peaches, and mangoes, for your kabobs.



Choose metal or wooden skewers. To assemble the kabobs, you’ll need some type of skewer. Metal skewers are reusable, but they can be difficult to clean and are often hot to the touch when they’re done cooking. Wooden skewers are inexpensive so you can throw them away when you’re done and not worry about cleanup. They are prone to charring, though.[5]

For a good sized portion, choose skewers that are about 12-inches (30-cm) long.



Soak wooden skewers for a half hour. Because wooden skewers can burn easily, you should soak them in water before you cook your kabobs. Place the skewers in a shallow dish, and cover them with water. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes.[6]



Space the ingredients on the skewers. When your protein is finished marinating, you can assemble the kabobs. Thread the protein and vegetable pieces onto the skewers, pushing the items so they’re close together without actually touching. Make sure there’s some space at the end of the skewer to avoid overcrowding -- 2 -inches (5-cm) is usually enough. [7]

You can thread the protein and vegetables on the skewers however you like. Alternating them is usually the most common method.

If you’re not sure if the cooking time of the protein and veggies matches up, you’re better off making separate kabobs for the protein and vegetables.







Part 2 Grilling the Kabobs.



Preheat the grill to medium-high. It’s best to grill kabobs over direct medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat at medium-high for 10 minutes with a gas grill and 20 to 25 minutes with a charcoal grill.[8]

For a gas grill, you can just set the temperature gauge to medium-high for preheating.

With a charcoal grill, you can tell that it’s reached the right temperature by holding your hand 4 to 5 inches (10- to 13-cm) above the cooking grate. When you can only keep your hand there for 4 to 5 seconds before the heat is too much, it’s at medium-high heat.

You can also use a grill pan on your stove to cook the kabobs.



Grill the skewers on the first side for several minutes. When the grill is preheated, arrange the kabobs in a single layer on the cooking grate. Let them cook for several minutes on the first side depending on what type of protein you’re using:

Grill steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minute per side.

Grill pork for 6 to 8 minutes per side.

Grill lamb for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Grill salmon, tuna, or swordfish for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Grill tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side.



Flip the kebabs over and cook for another few minutes. When the kabobs are finished grill on the first side, use a pair of tongs to turn them over. Cook them on the second side for the same amount of time that you did the first.[9]

The kabobs are done grilling when the veggies are tender and all of the protein and vegetable pieces are browned on all sides.







Part 3 Broiling the Kabobs.



Preheat your broiler. Place your oven rack so it’s approximately 4-inches (10-cm) from the broiler element. Turn the broiler up to high, and allow it to preheat for about 10 minutes.[10]

Be sure to follow your oven’s instructions for proper use of the broiler.



Place a baking rack on top of a baking sheet. To keep the kabobs from steaming in the liquid they release, it’s important to keep them elevated. Set a baking rack on top of a large baking sheet so the liquid can drip below while they broil.[11]



Arrange the kebabs on the rack. With the baking rack on the baking sheet, set the kabobs on top of the rack.Set them in a single layer so they’ll cook evenly.[12]



Broil the kebabs for a few of minutes. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Allow the kababs to broil for several minutes depending on what type of protein you’re using:[13]

Broil steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Broil chicken for 6 to 8 minute per side.

Broil pork for 6 to 8 minutes per side.

Broil lamb for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Broil shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Broil salmon, tuna, or swordfish for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Broil tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side.



Turn the kebabs over and cook for another few minutes. When the kabobs are finished broiling on the first side, use a pair of tongs to turn them over to the other side. Let them broil on the second side for the same amount of time that they broiled on the first side.[14]

You can tell that the kabobs are done broiling when all of the sides are browned and the vegetables are tender.



Finished.





Tips.

You can get creative with your kabobs. Try different combinations of protein, marinades, and veggies to see which are your favorite.

To save time, you can tell the butcher that you’re making kabobs when you purchase your meat. That way, they can cut it into cubes for you.

For fancy, flavorful kabobs, try using herbs as the skewer in place of metal or wood. Rosemary works well because its stalks are woody and thick.



Things You’ll Need.

Knife.

Shallow dish.

Whisk.

Metal or wooden skewers.

Grilling.

Gas or charcoal grill.

Tongs.

Broiling.

Broiler.

Baking sheet.

Baking rack.

Tongs.

November 19, 2019

how to make potstickers guo tie

How to Make Potstickers (Guo Tie).

Called "guotie" in Mandarin, and translated to "potstickers" in English, these are a popular type of dumpling traditionally eaten in many Asian countries. Follow the instructions below to make the guo tie completely from scratch, or purchase potsticker or Chinese dumpling wrappers ready-made and make your own filling. The following recipe makes about 20 dumplings, enough to serve as a meal for three or four people, or an appetizer for ten.





Making the Potsticker Wrappers.



Ingredients.

Potsticker Wrappers (alternatively, use storebought wrappers).

2 cups (480 mL) all-purpose flour (have extra on-hand).

1/3 cup (80 mL) boiling water.

2/3 cup (160 mL) room temperature water.

1 egg (optional).

1/4 tsp (1 mL; a small pinch) salt (optional).

1 tsp (5 mL) vegetable oil (optional).



Mix boiling and room temperature water together. The potsticker dough may reach a better consistency if the water is slightly warm.[1] Boil 1/3 cup (80 mL) water, then remove from heat and add 2/3 cup (160 mL) room temperature water.

Alternatively, heat 1 cup (240 mL) water on low heat and remove from heat after one to three minutes. If the water begins to simmer or boil, remove from heat and let cool to slightly above room temperature before using.



Consider adding optional ingredients. While none of these ingredients are required to make guo tie, some recipes call for salt, vegetable oil, and/or egg.[2][3] Stirring roughly 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt (or a small pinch) into the water may add flavor. The other optional ingredients should be added to the flour instead, before you continue to the next step. Mix the flour with 1 tsp (5 mL) vegetable oil and/or 1 small egg to add flavor and help the dough stick together. Continue as usual, but be aware that the egg will add more liquid to the dough, so you will probably not end up using all your water in the next step.

If this is your first time making potstickers, you may wish to skip this step to keep things simple. If the wrappers fall apart or taste too bland, you may add one or more of these ingredients in your next attempt.



Mix the water gradually into the flour until it becomes sticky. Put 2 cups (480mL) all-purpose flour into a large bowl. Add the warm water a little at a time, stirring the ingredients together with chopsticks or a wooden mixing spoon. Stop adding water once the dough feels slightly sticky, and there is no more dry flour visible.

Depending on the brand of flour and the humidity in your kitchen, you may not need to use all of the water you prepared. Keep the extra water around during the next few steps in case the dough dries out.



Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth. Once the dough becomes too sticky to stir, place the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface and knead the flour and water together. The dough should become smooth within a few minutes of kneading. Stop when the dough has no lumps and can be formed into a ball.

Add a light dusting of flour to the work surface or your hands if the dough sticks to them. Knead in more flour if the dough is too wet to work with.

If you see dry flour that isn't mixed into the dough, or if the dough won't stick together into a ball, add a little more warm water and knead it in.

Remember to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you begin kneading.



Wrap the dough and let it sit 10–30 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. This will trap the moisture released by the dough and cause it to soften.[4] Let the dough sit for at least 10 minutes, and preferably for half an hour.

To save time, make the filling while you wait. This step does not have to be precisely timed, so return to the dough once you are done making the filling.



Divide the dough into roughly twenty pieces. Return to the dough after it's had enough time to "relax," or soften into an easily manipulated ball. Pull it apart into small pieces, each one using about 1/20th of the total dough. You may find it easier if you first divide the dough into four large pieces, then cut each of these large pieces into five smaller ones.

Alternatively, you may use your hand to roll out the entire ball of dough into a long log 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cut this log into discs 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) wide.[5]



Roll each piece of dough into a circle. Sprinkle flour over a flat, clean counter or cutting board to prevent the dough from sticking. Use a rolling pin to flatten each piece of dough over this surface, creating circles about 3 inches (7.5 cm) across.[6] Use smaller circles if the dough breaks apart or looks translucent, as the dumplings may fall apart if they are rolled too thin.

You can speed up the rolling process by using the heel of your palm to flatten each piece of dough into a roughly circular shape before you roll it out more thoroughly.

Filling the potstickers may be easier if you keep the center of the circle thick and the outside edges thin.



Sprinkle each circle with flour. After each circle is finished, sprinkle both sides generously with flour to prevent sticking, and add it to the stack of finished dough circles. Your dumpling wrappers are now complete.



Keep the wrappers wet. Cover wrappers with a damp paper towel to keep them moist as you work. Once you have made the wrappers, it is best to fill them immediately before they dry out. Store unused wrappers in the fridge if you will use them within a few days, or freeze them and use any time in the next few months.[7]







Making the Filling.



Ingredients Filling.

1/2 lb (250 g) ground meat (pork, shrimp, or beef are all common).

1 cup (240 mL) Napa cabbage, Chinese cabbage, or bok choy (finely chopped).

2 tsp (10 mL) sesame oil or Chinese cooking wine.

1 tsp (5 mL) fresh ginger.

1 tsp (5 mL) fresh garlic.

1-2 stalk(s) green onion.

2 tsp (10 mL) soy sauce.

1 tsp (5 mL) salt.

1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) pepper.

1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken stock (optional).



Finely chop the cabbage. Finely chop the vegetables until you have 1 cup (240 mL). While you can use any hard, leafy, green vegetables, guo tie are traditionally made using Napa cabbage or bok choy. Both of these vegetables are sometimes sold under the name "Chinese cabbage."

If you are making vegetarian potstickers, chop 2 cups (480 mL) of vegetables instead.



Remove excess moisture from the cabbage. Toss the chopped cabbage in 1 tsp (5 mL) salt. Let sit five minutes while the salt draws out moisture, then drain the cabbage in a strainer or colander.[8]



Peel and chop other herbs and vegetables. To add a spicy flavor to the guo tie, peel fresh ginger and fresh garlic, then chop them finely until you have 1 tsp (5 mL) of each. Finally chop one or two stalks of green onion (scallions).



Mix the vegetables and ground meat together. Mix these vegetables in a large bowl containing ground or finely minced meat. In different areas of Asia, ground pork, beef, or shrimp are all commonly used, or a mixture of these.

Wash your hands in warm, soapy water after handling raw meat to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria. Clean any surfaces or utensils that came into contact with the meat in hot, soapy water once you are done using them.



Add seasonings. Mix in 2 tsp (10 mL) soy sauce, 2 tsp (20 mL) sesame oil or Chinese cooking wine, and 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) pepper. There are many variations on this recipe, and you may decide to replace some seasonings or add your own. Other common options include 1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken stock or chicken broth, a dash of chili powder, or a dash of Chinese five spice powder.[9]

If you'd like to adjust the seasonings before you make the potstickers, take a small spoonful of filling and fry it in oil until it is browned through. Taste the filling and add more seasoning if necessary.







Filling the Potstickers



Hold a potsticker wrapper on the palm of your non-dominant hand. Take one of your circular potsticker wrappings and place it on the palm of the hand you use least.



Place the filling in the potsticker wrapper. Take approximately 1/2–1 tablespoon (7–15 mL) of filling using a spoon or chopsticks and place in the center of the potsticker wrapper. If the dough is thin or the circles of dough are small, use less filling.



Fold the wrapper loosely around the filling. Fold the potsticker in half to make a half-moon shape, but do not press the edges completely together. Only press the center of the edges together, so the corners of the dumpling are still unattached.

Note: If you are using storebought dumpling wrappers, use wet fingers to dampen the edges until they are soft enough to press together.



Fold a piece of dough at one corner. Grasp one layer of dough at the corner with your index finger and thumb, then fold it toward the center of the potsticker edge, where the two sides of the circle are pressed together.[10] The soft dough should stretch into a classic potsticker pleat or wrinkle. Press the two layers of dough together at the fold to keep it in place.



Repeat until there are three or four folds on each side. Using the same technique, grasp one layer of dough at the corner and fold it over toward the center edge. Press together with the opposite layer of the potsticker. Repeat this until there are three or four folds on each potsticker, and the potsticker is completely closed.







Frying the Potstickers



Heat a pan of oil. Add cooking oil to a wok, flat skillet, or frying pan, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan in a thin layer. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer, or when a small piece of vegetable or filling sizzles when placed in the oil.

Use a vegetable oil with a high smoking point, such as canola oil or peanut oil.



Add the potstickers to the hot oil. Carefully drop the potstickers into the pan from a short distance above the oil. Arrange them with a heat-safe utensil so the dumplings are close together but do not touch each other.[11]

You will likely need to cook your potstickers in several batches. Do not pile potstickers on top of each other in the pan, or they may not cook properly.



Reduce heat and cover the pan. Cover the pan, reduce to low heat, and fry for a few minutes until the bottom of the potstickers are crisp and golden-brown. Depending on the temperature of the pan, this could take anywhere from two to seven minutes.[12][13] You may lift the lid to check on the potstickers' progress.

Remove from heat immediately if you smell burning. Use a heat-safe utensil to unstick the potstickers from the pan, and continue after one or two minutes.



Add a small amount of water to the pan. Once one side of the potstickers are brown, lift the lid and pour 1–3 tablespoons (15–45 mL) water onto the pan, just enough to cover the base of the pan with a shallow layer.

Pour the water while rapidly moving in a circular motion around the edge of the pan. This distributes the water evenly and prevents one part of the pan from cooling down too quickly. This also reduces splatter from hot oil and water coming into contact.



Cover and cook for a few minutes more. Cover the pan again and cook on moderate or low heat for 4-5 minutes. Add more water if it boils away before the potstickers are done cooking. Note that you do not need to flip the potstickers at any point in this process; it is intentional that they are only crisp on one side.

Remove a potsticker and cut it open to check that it is done. The filling inside should be browned and fully cooked.



Serve immediately with dipping sauce. Remove the potstickers from the pan and cook additional batches if necessary. Once all the potstickers are cooked, serve them with a sauce of your choice:

Any dark vinegar can be used alone or mixed with an equal amount of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil.

Mix vinegar with sherry or dry wine and sweet soy sauce for a sweeter dipping sauce.

Black pepper and sliced ginger add a sophisticated flavor, and can be provided with or without a dipping sauce.



Dipping Sauce.

2 tbsp (30 mL) dark vinegar (especially Qing Kiang)..

2 tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce.

1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil.

Ground white pepper to taste.







Tips.

If you do not wish to fry your dumplings into potstickers, cook them in boiling water for 4–6 minutes instead. This method is also traditional in many areas where potstickers are eaten.

Based on preferences, filling can vary--in components and ratio--from pure meat (pork, shrimp, chicken, etc), to pure vegetables (bamboo, shiitake, cabbage, bok choy, etc), to a mixture of meat and vegetables.

The measurements for the dipping sauce can vary depending on how much sauce you want, as well as how salty or sour you would prefer the sauce to be. Feel free to experiment!



Things You'll Need.

Large bowl.

Mixing utensil.

Cling wrap.

Wok, frying pan, or flat skillet.

Lid that fits over the pan.

November 14, 2019