Monday, August 27, 2012

Food food food

I have been doing a small experiment today - to see whether food tastes better if it's mindfully eaten

The answer is a definite yes !!!!

Try eating even the simplest of meals with all your senses.

Sight - really look at the meal, the effort someone went to prepare it, the colours, textures etc

Smell - take a few seconds to really smell the aromas. What seasoning has the cook used, what herbs, what spices.

Taste - take the first bite, let the taste buds enjoy the sensation
Is it spicy, sweet, salty, sour, peppery, bitter

Touch - well if you are eating with your hands this is a possibility, but for most of us, what is the texture on your tongue, soft, crunchy, rough, slimy, gooey, crispy etc

Hearing - well at least listen to your fellow diners, but maybe it sizzles or you can experience the sound of it crunching, breaking or the subtle sounds of you chewing

I challenge you to enjoy your next meal with all your senses

N

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Saloon Cake

Just so it made it on the blog
Here is my latest creation, I will write more details in due course
N

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Dora cake

Here are the pictures of my latest cake.

I'll post the recipe and details later.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Macaron Madness 2

I found the best recipe for Macarons online - well I haven't perfected it yet but will keep you posted

I used the Italian meringue method rather than the French and it tastes good - still no feet but close to great

Here are some pics in progress

Saturday, August 4, 2012

More family dinner surprises

I never thought that rissoles could be gourmet ....

Menu - rissoles, served with ham wrapped asparagus spears with homemade egg free hollandaise, steamed steamed carrots and mushroom risotto

... A has recently found out that he can't eat wheat, eggs or any milk products ( cow, goat, Sheep etc)
So hollandaise without eggs was a real challenge

I managed it with some egg replacer and Nuttlex ( dairy free butter)
Turned out surprisingly well - couldn't have done it without the thermy !!!

Weeknight delights !!!

The inner domestic goddess in me has been desperate to show some mid week magic.

So ..
Lamb racks served with fennel and beetroot purée and sweet potato rounds.
Accompanied with baby eggplant and small zucchini boats ( covered in seasoned breadcrumbs)

The thermomix made easy work of the purée - put the veggies in and one lid of water, season to taste - perfect !!

Boats - thermomix breadcrumbs, thyme, salt, pepper and some
Parmesan - spread on each half of the zucchinis and eggplants, add some dollops of butter and drizzle with olive oil. Cook in oven and grill for a few minutes at the end to make golden brown

Delicious mid week delight