How to Make Nougat

How to Make Nougat.

Nougat is a sweet, versatile confection. Hard nougat can be enjoyed on its own in small chunks, while soft nougat can be added to candy bars, cupcakes, and other treats. The basic procedure for preparing nougat is the same regardless of which texture you prefer; the main difference between soft and hard nougat is merely a change in cooking temperature.

Ingredients Makes 12 to 24 servings.

Basic Nougat : 3 egg whites, 1-1/2 cups (375 ml) granulated sugar, 2/3 cup (160 ml) light corn syrup OR liquid glucose, 1/4 cup (60 ml) water.
Optional Mix-Ins : 2 oz (60 g) unsweetened chocolate, 1/3 cup (80 ml) malted milk powder, 1 cup (250 ml) almonds or other nuts, 1 cup (250 ml) mixed dried fruit, 1/2 cup (125 ml) toffee bits.

Part 1 Part One: Preparations.
1. Line the baking pan. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch by 8-inch (20-cm by 20-cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside for later use.
Alternatively, you could grease the bottom and sides of the baking pan with butter, shortening, or nonstick cooking spray. Using parchment paper will make the pan easier to clean, though.
2. Fill a medium bowl with ice. Place about 3 cups (355 g) of ice in a medium mixing bowl. Set it aside.
The ice may not be necessary, but it's still a good idea to prepare it. If the syrup climbs above the desired temperature while you heat it, you'll need to use the ice to quickly “shock” the temperature back down.
3. Check your candy thermometer. Test the accuracy of your candy thermometer by dipping the tip into boiling water. The temperature should read 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).
Even if your thermometer was accurate the last time you used it, you should still check it again before preparing this or any other confection since your temperature measurements must be precise.
You can still use a candy thermometer that no longer reads the correct temperature. Simply adjust the temperatures in the recipe by the same amount of variation.
4. Melt the chocolate, if applicable. If you want to make chocolate malted nougat, you'll need to chop up and melt 2 oz (60 g) of chocolate before you begin working on the main part of the recipe.
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Set it aside as you work on the main part of the nougat. The chocolate should cool slightly, but not enough to start solidifying.

Part 2 Part Two: Make the Syrup.
1. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place these three ingredients in a heavy, medium saucepan. Set the saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook and stir until the sugar dissolves. Heat the sugar mixture on the stove, stirring continuously, until the sugar granules dissolve and the mixture reaches a boil.
This will usually take about 10 minutes.
If the mixture reaches a boil but sugar crystals are still present on the side of the pan, cover the pan and continue boiling the syrup for 1 to 2 minutes. During this time, the steam should help wash the crystals away.
Alternatively, you can wash down the sides of the pan by scraping them with a wet pastry brush.
3. Allow the mixture to reach the correct stage. Continue cooking the syrup mixture over medium heat until your candy thermometer reads the ideal temperature. For soft nougat, the temperature should reach the soft ball stage and read 238 degrees Fahrenheit (114 degrees Celsius). For hard, chewy nougat, the temperature should reach the soft crack stage and read 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius).
This will usually take anywhere from 6 to 12 more minutes.
When preparing soft nougat, you can actually cook the sugar syrup up to 245 degrees Fahrenheit (118 degrees Celsius). Similarly, you can allow the sugar syrup to reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius) when preparing hard nougat.
If the temperature climbs above your ideal degree range, though, quickly stop the cooking process by sticking the bottom of the pan into your prepared bowl of ice.

Part 3 Part Three: Combine the Syrup and Meringue.
1. Beat the egg whites. As the syrup mixture heats up to the indicated temperature, place the egg whites in a large heat-resistant bowl and beat them with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
For hard, chewy nougat that retains its on shape, beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form. If you'd prefer soft, fluffier nougat, you only need to beat the egg whites until they become frothy.
Note that you can beat the egg whites before you start to cook the syrup if doing so makes you feel more comfortable. They should hold even if you don't use them immediately, and once the syrup reaches the correct temperature, you'll need to work quickly.
2. Temper the egg whites with hot syrup. Once your egg whites are ready and your syrup is hot enough, pour one splash or ladle-full of hot syrup into the egg whites. Mix it into the egg whites using your electric mixer.
If using a stand mixer, set the mixer on low speed before you begin adding the egg whites. If using a hand mixer, begin mixing on low speed immediately after adding the egg whites.
Try to pour the syrup as close to the side of the bowl as possible without actually touching the side.
3. Pour in the remaining syrup. Once you've blended the initial batch of syrup into the egg whites, pour the rest of the syrup in while continuing to beat the mixture at low speed.
Pour the syrup slowly, but try to keep a steady, continuous stream. Continue at slow speed until all of the syrup has been added.
4. Beat until the mixture holds its shape. Once the syrup and egg whites are just barely combined, increase the speed of the mixer to medium and beat for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture seems thoroughly combined and stiff.
Stiff peaks should form regardless of whether you choose to make hard or soft nougat, but if you started with stiff peaks before you added the syrup, you should notice that the stiff peaks look less glossy during this stage than they did initially.

Part 4 Part Four: Allow the Nougat to Set.
1. Add any desired mix-ins. Once stiff peaks form in the nougat, you should add any mix-ins you wish to use.
To create chocolate malted nougat, add your 2 oz (60 ml) of melted chocolate and 1/3 cup (80 ml) of malted milk powder. Blend in the ingredients using your electric mixer at low speed.
To create bars of chewy nougat with crunchy mix-ins like almonds, dried fruit, or toffee bits, simply add the desired ingredient to the nougat and stir or fold it in using a spatula. You can mix and match or stick to one mix-in, but try not to exceed more than 1-1/2 cups (375 ml) either way.
2. Pour the nougat into the prepared baking pan. Regardless of whether you added any mix-ins, pour the stiff nougat mixture into your lined baking dish. Use a spatula to even out the surface of the nougat.
3. Flatten hard nougat. When preparing hard nougat, place another sheet of parchment paper over the surface of the nougat. Gently press on the nougat through the paper to smooth out the top.
Do not do this if you're preparing soft nougat, however, since the parchment paper will be harder to peel away later.
Leave the parchment paper on the nougat until the mixture cools down.
4. Let it cool down. Allow the nougat mixture to sit out at room temperature until it cools. You'll likely need to wait for several hours.
Soft nougat can be cooled in your refrigerator, but you should always cool hard nougat at room temperature.
During this time, the nougat should set to its final consistency. Hard nougat will actually become too hard to press into. Soft nougat will become more firm, but it should not harden completely.
5. Cut hard nougat into pieces. If you prepared hard nougat, you can cut it into pieces once it cools.
Remove the nougat from the baking pan and peel off the parchment paper from both sides.
Use a sharp knife to cut the nougat into squares. You'll need to rock the knife back and forth to force it through the confection.
6. Store the nougat in an airtight container. Transfer the nougat to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for three days to one week.
For hard nougat, wrap the individual pieces of nougat in wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. You should also keep a layer of wax paper on the bottom of the container and in between stacked layers. Hard nougat should remain good for one week.
For soft nougat, use it immediately or spoon the entire batch into the container and seal tightly. Soft nougat will usually last for about three days.
Note that either type of nougat can remain good for about two months if stored in the freezer. Thaw the frozen nougat for one hour in your refrigerator before using it, though.

Community Q&A.

Question : Can I make this without wax paper?
Answer : You can make it without wax paper, but if you want to keep them from sticking together or save for a few days, wax paper is needed. Also, lining the pan and topping the nougat with wafer paper (also called edible rice paper, even though it’s made from potato starch) makes it easier to work with.

Tips.
Lining the pan and topping the nougat with wafer paper (also called edible rice paper, even though it’s made from potato starch) makes it easier to work with.

Things You'll Need.

8-inch by 8-inch (20-cm by 20-cm) baking pan.
Parchment paper.
Medium bowl of ice.
Candy thermometer.
Microwave-safe bowl (optional).
Heavy medium saucepan.
Mixing spoons.
Pastry brush (optional).
Electric stand mixer or electric hand mixer.
Large heat-resistant mixing bowl.
Spatula.
Wax paper (optional).
Sharp knife (optional).
Airtight container.

Mei 30, 2020

how to oven frying crispy pork chops

How to Oven-Frying Crispy Pork Chops.

Thick pork chops are tender, juicy, and a challenge to bake. Because they're so thick, you'll need to carefully cook the centers without burning the outsides. To simply cook thick pork chops, just sauté the sides on the stove until they're brown. Transfer them to the oven and bake them as long as you prefer. For crispier, oven-fried pork chops, dredge the chops in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture before searing them on the stove. For even juicer chops, chill them in a brine solution before sautéing them. Finish the chops in the oven and enjoy their slightly sweet flavor.



Ingredients.

2 eggs, lightly beaten.

1⁄4 cup (60 ml) milk.

1 1⁄2 cups (135 g) dry breadcrumbs.

1⁄2 cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese.

1 1⁄2 teaspoons (3 g) garlic powder.

1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5.5 g) salt.

1⁄2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper.

1 pinch cayenne pepper.

1 tablespoon (1.5 g) dried parsley.

1⁄2 teaspoon (1 g) dried Italian seasoning.

2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil.

1 tablespoon (14 g) butter.

7 thick-cut pork chops.

Makes 7 servings.

Steps.

1. Set the pork chops at room temperature for 45 minutes. Remove 7 thick-cut pork chops from the refrigerator and put them onto a baking sheet. Let them sit out at room temperature so they're no longer chilled from being in the refrigerator. This will help them cook evenly.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Get out a 9 inches (23 cm) x 13 inches (33 cm) baking dish and spray it with cooking spray. If you don't have cooking spray, you can spread grease or butter along the inside of the pan. Set the baking dish aside.

3. Whisk the eggs with the milk. Crack 2 eggs into a shallow bowl and pour in 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) of milk. Whisk the mixture until the eggs are completely combined with the milk. Set the bowl aside.

4. Mix breadcrumbs with cheese and herbs. Pour 1 1⁄2 cups (135 g) of dry breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl along with 1⁄2 cup (50 g) of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir in.

1 1⁄2 teaspoons (3 g) garlic powder

1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5.5 g) salt

1⁄2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon (1.5 g) dried parsley

1⁄2 teaspoon (1 g) dried Italian seasoning



5. Dip the pork chops into the wet mixture. Take a thick-cut pork chop and lower it into the egg and milk mixture. Ensure that the pork chop is totally covered with the wet mixture. Dip each pork chop 1 at a time.

6. Coat both sides of the pork chops in the breadcrumb mixture. Lift a pork chop up out of the wet mixture so the excess liquid drips back into the dish. Immediately lower the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture and turn it over so both sides are coated. Coat each of the chops in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated pork chops on the baking sheet.

7. Sear the pork chops for 4 minutes. Put 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of oil and 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter into a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high. Once the oil mixture is shimmering hot, lay a few of the pork chops into the skillet. Cook them for 4 minutes so they become brown and crisp on the bottom. Cook the chops in batches since they won't all fit into the skillet.

Avoid turning or moving the chops while they're searing.

8. Flip and sear the pork chops for 4 more minutes. Use tongs to flip each pork chop over and continue to cook the other sides over medium-high heat. Cook the chops until they become browned and crunchy. Sear the remaining pork chops in batches.

9. Bake the crispy pork chops for 25 minutes. Transfer the seared pork chops to the prepared baking dish. Put them in the preheated oven and bake the chops until they're cooked to at least 145 °F (63 °C).

If you'd like well-done pork chops, cook them for about 5 minutes longer. Check the centers to see if they're as cooked as you like.

10. Rest the chops for 3 minutes before you and serve them. Once the chops have reached your desired temperature, remove them from the oven and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Rest the chops for 3 minutes and serve them immediately. Serve the chops with roasted potatoes, gravy, cornbread, or cooked greens.

You can store the leftover chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but they'll become soggy as they're stored. Store them for up to 3 or 4 days.



Things You'll Need.

Measuring cups and spoons.

9 inches (23 cm) x 13 inches (33 cm) baking dish.

2 shallow bowls.

Large skillet.

Tongs.

Whisk.

Oven mitts.

Instant-read thermometer, optional.

Desember 16, 2019

How to Make Sour Candy

How to Make Sour Candy.

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy the mouth-puckering taste of sour candy. But while you can find a wide variety of sour candies at the store, it's a little more fun to make your own at home. Whether you prefer sour gummies, hard candies, or jelly candies, you can whip them up at home with relative ease. The only special equipment you need is a candy thermometer and a little patience.

Ingredients Sour Gummy Candy.
1 cup (200 g) frozen fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, defrosted.
⅓ cup (79 ml) water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (43 g) honey.
4 teaspoons (12 g) unflavored gelatin, ½ cup (100 g) sugar, 1 to 3 teaspoons (6 to 18 g) citric acid.

Ingredients Sour Hard Candy.
Powdered Sugar, 10 tablespoons (125 g) sugar, 3 tablespoons (56 ¼ g) corn syrup, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water.
1 tablespoon (18 ¾ g) citric acid, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) raspberry extract.

Ingredients Sour Jelly Candy.
⅓ cup (79 ml) freshly squeezed lime, lemon, orange juice, 1 teaspoon (6 g) citric acid, divided.
½ cup (118 ml) water, divided, 4 envelopes powdered unflavored gelatin, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar.
1 tablespoon (8 g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting, 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch, 1 tablespoon (12 ½ g) granulated sugar.

Method 1 Preparing Sour Gummy Candy.
1. Puree the fruit. Add 1 cup (200 g) of frozen fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, that has been defrosted to a food processor. Process the fruit until it is pureed smooth.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can puree the fruit in a blender.
2. Heat the fruit, water, lemon juice, and honey to a simmer. Add the pureed fruit, 1 cup (79 ml) of water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons (43 g) of honey to a small saucepan. Place it on the stove over medium-low heat, and heat it until it reaches a simmer, which should take 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir the mixture with a whisk periodically to ensure that the ingredients are well blended.
3. Whisk the gelatin into the mixture. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, sprinkle 4 teaspoons (12 g) of unflavored gelatin over it. Use a whisk to mix it in, stirring constantly.
Add the gelatin to the mixture slowly. If you dump it in all at once, it can form a glob that you won’t be able to get rid of.
4. Return the mixture to a simmer. After the gelatin is incorporated, continue heating the mixture on medium-low. Allow it to come back to a simmer, stirring often to ensure that the ingredients are combined.
The mixture’s texture will change as the gelatin melts in. Instead of have a grainy, jelly-like consistency, it will become smooth and glassy.
5. Remove the mixture from the heat and strain it to remove hard bits. When the gelatin is fully melted in, take the pan off the stove. Pour into a heatproof measuring cup through a sieve to remove any hard bits of fruit or gelatin and discard the solids.
If there are any bubbles on the top of the mixture after you’ve strained it, remove them with a spoon.
6. Pour the mixture into molds and chill them for several hours. Once the mixture is strained, add it to silicone candy molds. Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to fully set up.
Because the candy has the texture of gummy bears, you may want to use bear-shaped molds.
If you don’t have candy molds, you can pour the mixture into a baking sheet that’s lined with plastic wrap and cut it with a knife or cookie cutters after it’s set.
When using molds, it helps to place them on baking sheets before filling them. That makes it easier to carry the candy to the fridge without spilling the mixture.
If you notice any bubbles in the mixture after you’ve poured it into the mold, pop them with a toothpick.
7. Mix the sugar and citric acid. For the coating, add ½ cup (100 g) of sugar and 1 to 3 teaspoons (6 ¼ to 18 ¾ g) citric acid to a small bowl. Whisk them together well to ensure that they’re fully blended.
Choose the amount of citric acid based on how sour you want the candies to be. A single teaspoon (6 ¼ g) will be fairly sour, but adding more makes the candy’s flavor more intense.
8. Unmold the candy and toss it in the sugar mixture. When the candy has chilled for several hours, remove it from the fridge. Carefully pop the candies out of the molds, and drop them in the bowl with the sugar coating. Toss well to ensure that they’re coated on all sides.
9. Store the candy in an airtight container. The candy is ready to eat right away, but if you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Method 2 Making Sour Hard Candy.
1. Grease a baking sheet and cover it lightly with powdered sugar. Use some softened butter to lightly coat the pan, and sprinkle a few pinches of powdered sugar over it. Tilt the sheet in all directions to ensure that the sugar evenly coats its surface. Set the sheet aside for the moment.
You can substitute non-stick cooking spray for the butter if you prefer.
2. Mix the citric acid and extract. Add 1 tablespoon (18 ¾ g) of citric acid and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of raspberry extract to a small bowl. Whisk them together well until they’re fully blended, and set the bowl aside for the moment.
You can use any type of flavor extract that you think would work well with a sour flavor in place of the raspberry. Lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry are other tasty options.
3. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Clip a candy thermometer onto the side of a small saucepan. Add 10 tablespoons (125 g) of sugar, 3 tablespoons (56 ¼ g) of corn syrup, and 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water to the pan, and whisk well to ensure that they’re fully combined.
When you clip the thermometer in place, make sure that it’s not touching the bottom of the pan.
4. Heat the mixture until it reaches 305 to 310°F (151 to 154°C). Place the sugar mixture on the stove, and turn the heat up to high. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches the right temperature.
5. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the flavoring mixture. Once the mixture has reached the right temperature, remove it from the stove. Whisk the mixture and slowly pour the citric acid and flavoring mixture in, blending until it’s fully incorporated.
6. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet. The mixture will still be hot, so add it to the prepared baking sheet slowly. Make sure that it’s spread in as even a layer as possible.
If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little more powdered sugar over the top once it’s on the sheet.
7. Allow the candy to cool to room temperature. It needs to cool down in order to set up and harden. Leave it out on the counter or table until it cools completely, which should take about 15 to 30 minutes.
8. Break the cooled candy into bite size pieces. When the candy has hardened, use the handle of a kitchen spoon or other utensil to hit it. When it’s broken into small pieces, store them in an airtight container and enjoy.

Method 3 Whipping Up Sour Jelly Candy.
1. Combine the fruit juice, citric acid, and some water in a saucepan. Add ⅓ cup (79 ml) of freshly squeezed lime, lemon, or orange juice, ½ teaspoon (3 g) of citric acid, and ¼ cup (59 ml) of water to a small, straight-sided saucepan. Whisk the ingredients together and heat them on low until the granules dissolve completely, which should take 3 to 5 minutes. Take the pan off the heat.
2. Sprinkle the gelatin over the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. Use four envelopes of unflavored gelatin and spread them as evenly as possible over the fruit juice mixture. Don’t stir the mixture -- allow the gelatin to sit until it absorbs the liquid on its own.
3. Mix the water with the sugar. Add ½ cup (100 g) of granulated sugar and the remaining ¼ cup (59 ml) of water to another small, straight-sided pan. Whisk the two together until they’re fully combined.
4. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar. Place the pan on the stove, and heat it over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches a boil and the sugar dissolves completely.
Stir the mixture with a whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves.
5. Heat the mixture until it reaches 300°F (148°C). When the mixture comes to a boil, place a candy thermometer in the pan. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches the right temperature without stirring it at all.
6. Pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture. After the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature, carefully add it to the gelatin mixture. The sugar will form a big clump when it hits the gelatin, which is normal.
7. Stir the mixture over the heat until it softens. Place the pan with the candy mixture on the stove, and heat it on medium-low. Use a whisk to stir it continuously until the mixture softens and dissolves, leaving no hard bits behind.
8. Transfer the mixture to a glass dish and let it cool for a couple of hours. Take the pan off the heat, and carefully pour the candy mixture into an 8-inch (20-cm) glass baking dish. Allow it to sit on the countertop for 2 hours to set up.
9. Whisk the powdered sugar and cornstarch together. Add 1 tablespoon (8 g) of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon (8 g) of cornstarch to a small bowl. Use a whisk to blend them together well.
10. Mix the granulated sugar into citric acid. To make the coating, add 1 tablespoon (12 ½ g) of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon (3 g) of citric acid to a separate small bowl. Stir the two together well, and set aside.
11. Unmold the candy and cut it into strips. Lightly dust a cutting board or countertop with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Peel up a corner of the candy block to pull it out of the dish and onto your work surface, and turn the block over so both sides are coated with the powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut the candy into a dozen ½-inch (13-mm) strips and then cut each strip into 5 pieces that are approximately 1 ¼- inch (3-cm) long.
12. Toss the candy in the citric acid mixture. Drop the candy into the bowl with the citric acid and sugar mixture, and use a fork to stir them around until they’re well coated. If the candy begins to get sticky, toss it in the cornstarch mixture first and then into the citric acid mixture.
13. Let the candy dry until the coating hardens. Place the coated candy pieces on a wire cooling rack, and allow them to dry until the coating is crunchy and hard. It should take approximately 8 hours.
14. Store the candy in an airtight container. Once the candy is dry, you can eat it right away. If there are leftovers, place them in a jar or bag and store at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week.

Things You’ll Need.

Sour Gummy Candy : Food processor, Small saucepan, Whisk, Heat-proof measuring cup, Sieve, Silicone candy molds, Small bowl, Fork, Airtight container.
Sour Hard Candy : Baking sheet, Small bowl, Whisk, Candy thermometer, Small saucepan, Wooden spoon or other utensil, Airtight container.
Sour Jelly Candies : 2 small, straight-sided saucepans, Whisk, Candy thermometer, 8-inch (20-cm) glass baking dish, 2 small bowls, Knife, Wire cooling rack, Airtight container.

Mei 25, 2020

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 easy pemmican

How to Make Easy Pemmican.

Pemmican is a traditional Native American food known to last for years when it's prepared properly. To make your own, choose high-quality ingredients, such as dried fish or meat, dried berries, and fat. Grind the protein and berries until they're powdery and then mix them with warm rendered fat to make a thick paste. You can spread the pemmican flat and cut it into strips or shape it into a log for easy slicing.



Ingredients.

1⁄4 pound (110 g) of dried fish or red meat (such as salmon, deer, beef, or caribou).

1/2 cup (75 g) of dried berries (such as Saskatoon berries, blueberries, or cranberries).

1/2 cup (100 g) of rendered fat or bacon grease.

1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) of salt.

1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) of freshly ground black pepper, optional.

Makes about 1 cup (340 g) of pemmican.





Grinding the Meat and Berries.



Choose dried meat or fish. You can make pemmican with your choice of protein or a combination of proteins. Purchase salmon, deer, beef, or caribou that don't contain preservatives or added flavorings or dry your own. To dry your own, start with 3⁄4 pound (340 g) of fresh meat or fish since it will lose weight as it dries. Briefly cook it in a 350 °F (177 °C) oven and turn it off. Leave it to dry in the oven for about 1 day.

For a hands-off way to dry meat or fish, put the prepared meat in a dehydrator and dry it for 8 to 12 hours.

For pemmican that has the most nutritional value, choose grass-fed meat instead of grain-fed meat. Grass-fed cows ingest more nutrients that are passed on in the meat, such as omega-3s, vitamins B1 and B2, and vitamin E.



Select dried berries. Most pemmican recipes rely on using equal amounts of dried fish or meat and dried berries. Dry your own or buy dried berries, such as Canadian Saskatoon berries, blueberries, or cranberries. To dry your own, start with about 3/4 cup (225 g) of fresh berries. Spread them on a baking sheet and cook them at 150 °F (66 °C) for up to 10 hours or put them in a dehydrator for 10 to 16 hours.

The berries will add a tangy flavor to the pemmican. If you don't want the flavor, you can leave the berries out and double the amount of dried meat or fish.



Grind the dried berries until they're powdery. Put 1/2 cup (75 g) of dried berries into a mortar and use the pestle to crush the berries. Since the berries have lots of very tiny seeds, you'll need to spend about 20 minutes to grind the berries into a fine powder. Transfer the powdered berries to a bowl.

Tip: To save time, you can grind the dried berries and dried meat or fish together in a food processor.



Weigh the dried ingredients to ensure they're equal. Once you've got your dried protein and dried berries, weigh them separately. You should plan on using the same weight of dried ingredients.

Save excess meat, fish, or berries for another use.



Grind the dried meat or fish until it's powdery. Put 1⁄4 pound (110 g) of your dried fish or red meat into the mortar. Pound and grind the fish or meat until it's powdery like the dried berries.

It should only take 5 to 10 minutes to pound the meat since there aren't tiny seeds.



Combine the dried berries and meat or fish. Spoon the powdered berries onto the powdered meat or fish in the mortar. Then use the pestle to grind and mix them together.

If you used a food processor to grind the ingredients, you can skip this step.







Warming the Fat.



Choose a rendered fat to use in the pemmican. You can render your own fat if you have a high-quality source of meat fat, such as grass-fed beef or elk. Start with at least 1 cup (200 g) of fat and shred it until it's crumbly. Heat it over low for 2 to 3 hours so impurities float to the top and strain it to use in the pemmican. To save time, you can purchase rendered fat and then measure out as much as you need. Look for fats from beef, elk, bison, or caribou.

Although you can use pork or lamb fat, they don't contain the same nutritious fatty acids as grass-fed red meats have.

If you want to render bacon grease, it's important to heat it slowly over low heat until all of the water evaporates from the grease.

Tip: Avoid using vegetable oil, shortening, or butter in the pemmican. These can separate and they don't contain the nutrients that fat from red meat has.





Put 1/2 cup (100 g) of rendered fat into a saucepan. To make it easier to measure the rendered fat of your choice, let it come to room temperature. Then spoon it into a 1/2 cup (100 g) measuring cup and pour it into a small saucepan.

Most rendered fats that you purchase will be solid, but if you're using homemade rendered fat that's still warm you can skip this step.





Melt the fat until it reaches 120 °F (49 °C). Stick a thermometer onto the side of the saucepan and turn the burner to low. Heat the fat and stir it occasionally so it melts and warms to a temperature of 120 °F (49 °C).

It's important to prevent the fat from reaching 150 °F (66 °C) because you'll lose valuable nutrients if the fat gets too hot.







Assembling the Pemmican.





Stir the rendered fat into the powdered ingredients. Once the rendered fat is warm, stir it into the bowl with the powdered berries and meat or fish. To help the mixture absorb the fat, stir in a little at a time until it's all combined.

The pemmican mixture should look moist and crumbly, but you shouldn't see any liquid or fat pooling in the bottom of the bowl.





Season the pemmican, if desired. Since pemmican is traditionally made for its nutritional and storage qualities, it's not heavily flavored. If you'd like to make the pemmican more palatable, you can mix in 1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) of salt and 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) of freshly ground black pepper.

If you don't plan on storing the pemmican for more than 2 weeks, you can also experiment by adding ground dried mushrooms or herbs. If you're using finely ground flavorings, add up to 1 tablespoon (6 g).





Wrap the pemmican in plastic wrap. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and spoon the pemmican onto the center. Use the back of a spoon to form it into a log shape. Then wrap the pemmican tightly with the plastic wrap.

If you'd like to make thin, flat strips of pemmican instead of a round log, spread the pemmican flat across a piece of parchment paper. Then refrigerate it until it hardens. You'll need to transfer it to an airtight container for longer storage.

Tip: You can also put the pemmican into lined small loaf or cupcake molds. Refrigerate the pemmican until the small portions are easy to pop out of the molds.





Store the pemmican at room temperature. For long-term storage, wrap the pemmican log in aluminum foil and place it in a sealable plastic bag. Keep the pemmican at room temperature in a dry, dark location. For example, if you have a cellar or pantry, put the pemmican there until you're ready to use it.

If you prefer to chill the pemmican, keep it in the refrigerator. Check it periodically to ensure that moisture hasn't gotten into the pemmican, which could cause it to spoil.



Use the pemmican within a few years. If you made the pemmican properly and removed all of the moisture from the ingredients, pemmican can be stored and eaten for several years. If you made a log of pemmican, peel back a bit of the plastic wrap and slice rounds off of it. You can eat the pemmican as it is, fry it in a pan until it's hot, or boil and mash it.

If you made thin, flat strips, it's best to treat the pemmican like jerky and eat it without cooking it further. It's also great as a garnish for crackers or flatbreads.

Always check if the pemmican has gone bad before eating it. Look for signs of mold and smell it. If it smells rancid, throw it out.





Tips.

If you prefer to dry your own meat and berries, you'll need 2 to 3 times the amount of dried meat or berries that are called for. Then dry them in a dehydrator or in a 200 °F (93 °C)oven for about 1 day.

If your pemmican doesn't harden, you'll need to stir in more rendered fat.



Things You'll Need.

Measuring cups and spoons.

Mortar and pestle.

Bowl.

Spoon.

Plastic wrap.

Small saucepan.

Thermometer.

Sealable plastic bag.

Molds, optional.

Digital scale, optional.

November 12, 2019

How to Make Molded Chocolates

How to Make Molded Chocolates.

Molded chocolates make a nice dessert as well as a great gift for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. Whether you want to use high-quality or standard chocolate, making molded chocolate is not a difficult process!

Part 1 Buying and Melting Your Chocolate.
1. Buy chocolate bars or chips for the cheapest option. Chocolate chips and chocolate bars don't usually use true chocolate and do not have the same rich taste as couverture chocolate. However, they are more stable—meaning they can be microwaved—and are a lot cheaper than couverture chocolate.
Always look at the ingredients first to determine the chocolate type. Confectionary chocolate—cheaper chocolates rich in carbohydrates and sugar—contain vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter.
You can use any chocolate for molded chocolate. In general, anything with vegetable fat (most store-bought chocolates) is going to be easier to melt but not as tasty.
If you're making chocolate with kids, confectionary chocolate is a great choice because it comes in lots of different colors.
2. Purchase couverture chocolate for the best taste. Couverture chocolate is high-quality and tastes great, but much is more expensive than standard chocolate. It also must be heated with a double-boiler. But if you're picky about your chocolate, couverture chocolate is worth the price!
Check the ingredients to determine the chocolate type. Couverture chocolate contains cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, and vanilla.
Any chocolate with cocoa butter must be tempered, which means you must use a double-boiler.
3. Microwave the chocolate if you're using chocolate bars or chips. Put 1 pound (450 g) of chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 1 minute on medium. Afterward, stir the chocolate as much as you can. Continue microwaving the chocolate in 1-minute intervals and stirring it afterward until it's a smooth consistency.
When the chocolate is properly melted, it should pour from a spoon like syrup.
Be sure that the bowl is microwave safe and never use a microwave without an adult present.
Don't overcook your chocolate or you'll ruin its consistency.
4. Double-boil the chocolate if you’re using couverture chocolate. Heat 1 pound (450 g) of couverture chocolate on low for 15 minutes. Place your chocolate into the top pan or bowl. Set the heat to low—2 or 3 on your stove dial—and boil it for about 15 minutes. Use a cooking thermometer to make sure the chocolate is 110 °F (43 °C) when it's done. Be sure to stir the chocolate every 1 to 2 minutes once you notice it start to melt.
If you don't own a double-boiler, make one on your own.
Never use an oven without the help of an adult.

Part 2 Molding Your Melted Chocolate.
1. Purchase a plastic candy mold for your chocolates. Always choose clear molds whenever possible—this makes it easier to tell when your chocolates are done. In terms of size, select whatever mold you'd prefer. Just remember that larger molds take longer to cool.
Invest in custom molds to create your own shapes and designs!
Never use a metal mold.
2. Paint the surface of your candy mold if you want colored chocolates. Use small, food-safe paintbrushes to apply 1 or more colors of a confectionary coating into the surface of each chocolate mold. If you're going to paint multiple colors, make sure to purchase multiple colors of confectionary coating and let each color dry one at a time before adding another. Once all the colors have dried, you can add your chocolate!
If you're up for the challenge, you can also melt cocoa butter (following the same instructions as for chocolate), tint it with fat-soluble food coloring, and use paint the mold surface with it.
3. Pour the melted chocolate into the mold. If you have squeeze bottles, pour your chocolate into them and squeeze it into each mold cavity. If you don't have squeeze bottles, spoon your chocolate from the bowl and gently pour it into the cavities.
Gently tap the mold tray onto a tabletop after filling all the cavities. This will remove air bubbles by leveling out the chocolate.
4. Scrape the excess chocolate from the mold. Run the edge of a small palette knife or offset metal spatula across the top of the mold to remove excess chocolate. Afterward, the chocolate should be level with the surface of the mold.
If you're making your molds into lollipops, insert the sticks now. Be sure to twist the sticks all the way around once to ensure the chocolate coats it evenly.
5. Place your mold in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove small bite-sized chocolate molds in about 5 minutes and standard molds in around 10. Leaving the mold in the freezer is nothing to worry about—it's much better than taking it out too early.
If you can't freeze your chocolate, refrigerate it for about 15 to 30 minutes (the former for small molds and the latter for standard molds). However, remember that freezing "quick-cools" the chocolate, which makes the pieces easier to remove.
6. Check that the chocolate has set before taking them out of the mold. Before trying to remove your chocolate pieces from the mold tray, make sure that they have properly contracted and dried. For clear molds, check the underside and make sure the chocolate doesn't look wet. If your mold isn't clear, gently touch the surface of the chocolate while wearing candy handling gloves.
Purchase candy handling gloves from kitchen stores and online suppliers.
7. Remove the molded chocolate from the tray. After removing the mold tray from the freezer, gently tap it against a clean towel spread across a flat surface. If the chocolate cooled properly, the pieces should fall out immediately. For chocolates that don't fall out, gently tap the back of each mold.
If you used a refrigerator to cool your chocolate, you might have to push each chocolate piece out of the mold from behind the tray.
Use a paper towel to gently remove any moisture from the chocolate pieces.
8. Clean your mold as soon as possible. Always clean your mold while the chocolate is still melted. Clean and rinse it thoroughly with soapy water. If there's any chocolate left, put the mold in the freezer until the problematic chocolate hardens. Afterward, gently tap the mold against a hard flat surface and the chocolate should cleanly fall out.
Use this same strategy for squeeze bottles.
9. Store your chocolate in a plastic air-tight container. Always place the container in a dry, cool place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Ambient temperature should be 55 to 70 °F (13 to 21 °C) and humidity should be lower than 50 percent.
Never store your chocolate in the refrigerator.

Community Q&A.

Question : How long can the chocolate be stored?
Answer : If it's in an airtight container, it can last as long as the date on the chocolate you used to make the candies!
Not Helpful 1Helpful 10
Question : Can I make my own molds?
Answer : Yes. You can make your own molds by getting a piece of chocolate and shaping it with a molder or knife.
Question : Is there any chocolate that can be made without a mold?
Answer : You can't make chocolate candies without a mold, but you can make chocolate shards with a sheet pan.
Question : I tried to melt Vanhouten Professional Chocolate Bars, dark chocolate with 66% cocoa, on a double boiler. It never melted. How should I make molded chocolates with this brand?
Answer : Was the water boiling? If not, that might have been the problem. If the water was boiling, then the chocolate might have not been in small enough pieces.
Not Helpful 0Helpful 8
Question : How much time does it take to make it?
Answer : Maybe an hour, at most.
Question : Should I grease my chocolate molds?
Answer : You can give them a light spray, just to make sure the chocolates come out, but it's not necessary.

Things You'll Need.

Plastic candy mold.
Double-boiler (for couverture chocolate), Mixing bowl (oven-safe if you're microwaving).
Cooking thermometer, Squeeze bottle, Spoon or 5 ounce (140 g) ladle.
Small palette knife or offset metal spatula, Lollipop sticks (for chocolate lollipops).

Warnings.
Never wash your candy mold in a dishwasher.
Don't use a microwave or oven without the help of an adult.

Mei 09, 2020