Ever found a forgotten slab of chocolate, excited at the recipe prospects, only to see that it’s developed a strange sci-fi-like white film? Yeah, me too. Not only is it a bummer, but it also makes you wonder whether it’s safe to eat at all. Here’s how it impacts the taste and safety of that slab. What is it? Although those streaks and patches might look suspicious, they aren’t – and you should not panic, or chuck it. That white patch is what’s called, in the world of chocolatiering, “bloom”. It does not mean the chocolate has gone bad,…
Bright, rustic and elegantly simple, this seasonal pasta celebrates summer’s juiciest tomatoes and creamy goat’s cheese. “Paglia e fieno,” meaning straw and hay, refers to the contrasting green…
Ever wondered why your pots and pans feel sticky, even after a vigorous clean? Well, it’s more common than people think – fats and oils used for cooking break down at high temperatures, turning into a tacky film. To successfully clean your cookware, you’ll need a little more than elbow grease. Fortunately, you’ll find out more below. The culprits Many of us use fats, oils and cooking sprays while we cook and bake. These break down at high temperatures and start turning into a sticky residue. Paired with steam, splatters, starchy foods, and detergents that aren’t fully rinsed away,…
Sometimes eating well isn’t about cutting things out or following strict rules. It can be as simple as putting the right foods together on your plate. Certain ingredients…
Bananas are a commonplace item on many a grocery list, working well as a quick snack, or in many breakfasts and baked goods. But one thing that drives most banana fans crazy is the speed at which they ripen and over-ripen. For most, it feels like they have one good day of bright yellow fruit on their counter, and as soon as they blink, the bright yellow fades, and brown, freckled skin takes its place – leaving you with overly ripe, mushy fruit and another banana loaf to make. This begs the question: what’s the best way to store bananas?…
Sweet, smoky, crisp and fresh – this grilled plum salad with golden “popcorn” chicken is the kind of dish that makes weeknight cooking feel a little special. Juicy…
Guacamole is one of the most popular dishes of Mexican cuisine. This creamy, fresh and vibrant dip commonly accompanies crisp tortilla chips and other Mexican dishes, like pulled-beef tacos and nachos. This simple dip, made with only a handful of ingredients, is the perfect way to contrast bold, spicy and meaty flavours, bringing balance to almost any dish. With so many variations and methods out there on the worldwide web, we wanted to set the story straight and show you how to make the perfect, most authentic guaca every time. Ingredients are everything Guacamole isn’t overly complicated, but the…
Crumbed pork strips made with Panko crumbs, served alongside a creamy chutney-yoghurt dipping sauce. These make the perfect anytime snack, quick lunch, and lunchbox addition. Also…
That late-afternoon stretch is a danger zone. You’re not quite done with the day, dinner still feels far away, and suddenly you’re wandering into the kitchen “just to look.” One cracker becomes five, the cheese gets a “taste test,” and before you know it, you’ve demolished half the snack cupboard without a second thought. The good news is that the mid-afternoon slump isn’t a personal failing but rather a mix of energy dips, dehydration, and not having a snack plan that holds you. Here are three simple, realistic ways to avoid the pre-dinner snack raid. 1. Thirst often shows…
Every chef is mad about truffles, using a few shavings to transform a plain dish into something so unique and amazing, thanks to their rich, earthy aroma and…