Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Sweet Red Onion Jam

A staple in my kitchen....This recipe can be used for just about anything. Use it to liven up your grilled arugula, fig and prosciutto panini or place it over baked brie and serve with crisp olive oil crostini for a delectable appetizer that everyone will love.

Recipe Yield: 5 – 250 ml jars

Ingredients:
2 cups sliced red onion
½ cup chopped dried cranberries
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cider vinegar
zest of two oranges
3 cups unsweetened apple juice
1 package powdered fruit pectin
4 cups white sugar

Method:

1. Refer to canning guide lines below and prepare jars and lids. You must read the canning guide lines before making this recipe!

2. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat add onions, brown sugar, vinegar and diced cranberries. Cook until onions are translucent about 10-12 minutes.

3. Measure out white sugar in bowl and set aside.

4. In a medium stainless steel pot add orange zest, apple juice and onion mixture. Add in pectin and whisk until fully incorporated, bring to a boil over high heat then add in white sugar at once – stir constantly until it comes to a boil then continue to cook for 1 minute. Turn heat off and skim off foam and discard.

5. Ladle hot mixture using a stainless steel wide mouth funnel over jars leaving ¼ inch of head space. Wipe rim and cover with seals and repeat until all jars are full. Tighten with kitchen towel or oven mitt as jars are hot.


6. Place jars in canner, jars should be covered completely with water. Bring to a boil and process for 15 minutes. Remove canner lid, let stand 5 minutes before removing jars, cool and store. 

Individual Tiramisu Jars

Recipe Yield: 8 to 9 - 500 ml jars

This is a take on a classic tiramisu recipe with a modern twist adding some character by serving in vintage style mason jar mugs.
 
Ingredients:
8 egg yolks
2/3 cup white sugar
500 grams mascarpone cheese
2/3 cup whipping cream
500 ml brewed cooled espresso
2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
1 package – 400 grams Italian style ladyfinger cookies
2 tablespoons cocoa powder to garnish
9 mini amaretto cookies to garnish

Method:
1. In a stainless steel medium bowl over just simmering water, constantly whisk egg yolks, 4 tbsp of sugar and 4 tbsp of water until thickened and pale in colour, approximately 2-3 minutes. Set aside and cool to room temperature.

2. In a medium size bowl place 500 grams of mascarpone cheese and set aside.

3. To mascarpone cheese gently fold in 1/3 of the cooled egg mixture until combined. Add remaining egg mixture and incorporate.

4. In a separate bowl whip the whipping cream with 4 tbsp of sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 whipped cream into cheese mixture and combine. Add remaining whipped cream to bowl and fold until fully incorporated.

5. Brew 500 ml of strong espresso, place in a small bowl and add remaining sugar and 2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur, stir and cool to room temperature. To cool it quickly place bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice water and stir.

6. Assembly. Place 9 jars on a baking tray to allow easy storage in refrigerator. Start by dropping 1 tbsp of cheese mixture into bottom of jars, slightly spread with spoon. Break lady fingers in half and dip quickly in espresso mix. Place 2 halves of cookies in jar then an additional 2 halves in the opposite direction directly on top of those cookies (this will help add height to the dessert and allow it to be stable in the jars).  Repeat, add another layer of the cheese mixture and top with dipped cookies. Finally, top with cheese mixture.


7. Wrap with clear wrap and place in refrigerator for up to 10 hours. Just before serving add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to a small sieve and lightly tap over top of the jars. Garnish with a crisp mini amaretto cookie and serve to your guests. 

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Home Boiling Water Heat Processing and Canning Guide Lines

1. Wash all jars and sealing closures in hot soapy water, rinse. It is not required to dry them. If using previously used bottles and or seals carefully inspect for any imperfections and if present discard.

2. Heat the jars, place a rack within the bottom section of a boiling- water canner. Next place required number of jars into canner and fill with water. Bring to a simmer and temperature of 182° F. Keep jars hot until needed.

3. Prepare and sterilize the closures. The screw seals do not require heating, actually it is required that the screw bands be at room temperature for sealing. However, the flat closures must be sterilized, place in small pan, cover with water and bring to a simmer (182° F). Keep hot until needed.

4. Prepare the recipe as per method. If doubling the recipe or if cooking time is greater than 30- 40 minutes, the jar sterilization process (steps 2 and 3) can be postponed until the tomato sauce is returned to saucepan and brought to a boil (as this step usually takes time).

5. Fill the jars one jar at a time. Remove each jar as needed from water canner. Place jar on wood/ towel (heat resistant) surface to prevent jar temperature shock and breakage. Place funnel in jar and ladle hot sauce/liquid leaving ½ inch headspace from top. Next to reduce air bubbles place rubber utensil in jar and move around 2- 3 times. With a clean damp cloth wipe rim. Using a utensil (tongs) retrieve a flat closure from water and place over jar opening, place screw seal on jar and tighten with hands. Do not use tools to over tighten seals as it can cause seal failure. Caution- jars are hot, oven mitts/tea towels can be useful in this process to prevent discomfort.

Return filled jar to hot water canner and repeat process until all jars are filled.

6. Heat process. Once all jars are filled in the canner correct water level so all jars are covered by 1 inch of water over top. Place lid over canner and turn heat to high, bring to a rolling boil. Process 1 litre jars for 40 minutes under a constant boil.

7. Cooling and removal of jars. Remove canner lid and let jars stand for 5 minutes in canner to release the pressure. Lift jars straight wards out using utensil. Place jars upright on a towel in an undisturbed area for 24 hours. Place tea towel over jars to prevent any drafts from interfering with the sealing process.

8. Checking for proper sealing. Jars after being processed and left to cool for 24 hours will demonstrate a concaved centre with regards to the flat sealing closure on top. There should be no movement from the flat seal closure. Refrigerate any bottles that have not been sealed properly and use within 1-2 days.

9. Store sealed jars in a cool dry place and consume within 1 year for best quality. Label each jar with the date processed and main ingredients.









Tomato Sauce

Recipe Yield: 12 – 1 Litre Jars
 
Notes:
a. Depending on the size and liquid yield of the tomatoes the quantity will vary. On average a single 1 litre jar (1 quart) will require 5 lbs (pounds) of tomatoes.

b. Each bottle will require a preserving agent. There are two options of either bottled lemon juice or citric acid. Choose one of these two ingredients and follow the quantity requirement per single 1 litre jar as follows:

Preserving Agent Options
Required Amount Per 1 Litre Bottle
Bottled lemon juice
2 Tablespoons
Citric Acid
½ Teaspoon


Ingredients:
60 lbs tomatoes
24 tablespoons bottled lemon juice OR 6 teaspoons of citric acid
12 teaspoons Italian spice blend (recipe below)
12 teaspoons salt

Italian Spice Blend
4 teaspoons dried parsley
4 teaspoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons dried basil  

Method:
1. Blend spices together using a spoon until combined. Set aside.
2. Refer to and follow the ‘Home Boiling Water Heat Processing and Canning Guide Lines’ above.
3. Wash and sort tomatoes, discard any bruises or discoloured sections.
4. In a large half full pot of boiling water add tomatoes until pot is almost full. Bring back to a boil and blanch tomatoes, approximately 4-5 minutes or until tomato skins are cracked.
5. Working in batches using a slotted ladle to discard excess water, pass the blanched tomatoes  through a tomato press (electric or manual) and discard seeds and skins. Catch tomato juice with a bowl.
6. Repeat process until all tomatoes have been pressed. Return tomato juice to saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until liquid is reduced by 1/3 for a medium to thin bodied sauce.

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Spaghetti and Meat Balls

Tomato Sauce Ingredients: 
2 tbsp olive oil
½ onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tsp tomato paste
1 L tomato sauce
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt and pepper

Method:
1. Heat a Le Creuset medium braiser or medium pot over medium- high heat. Add olive oil and allow to get hot.
2. To the pot add onion and sauté for 1 minute, then add in garlic and continue to sauté until onion becomes translucent.
3. Add in tomato paste and stir to combine with onion, allow to cook for 30 seconds.
4. To the pot add in 1 L of tomato sauce, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt and ½  tsp pepper.
5. Bring to a boil and immediately turn down to a simmer, cover leaving the lid slightly open to allow excess water to evaporate, ensuring a thick, rich sauce.
6. Cook for 30 minutes while preparing the meat balls.





Meat Ball Ingredients:
Yield- 18 meat balls

½ lb lean ground veal
½ lb ground beef
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ zucchini finely diced
½ carrot finely diced
½ onion finely diced
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried or fresh thyme
¼ cup Italian parsley finely chopped

Method:
1. Heat oven to 375 °F.
2. In a food processor finely chop the onion, carrot (peeled) and zucchini or finely dice them using a Chef’s knife. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl add all ingredients and combine until just incorporated.
4. Form meat balls into 1 ½ - 2 tbsp balls and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or silicon baking sheet.  Bake for 10 – 12 minutes until lightly golden brown.
5. Add meat balls to tomato sauce and continue to simmer for an additional 25- 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Bring pot of salted water to a boil and cook your favourite long style pasta according to package. I recommend spelt spaghetti or spelt linguine. Serve tomato sauce and meat balls over pasta and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.












Products/Ingredients - available at Consiglio’s


Le Creuset braiser -

Mini Food Processor –

Chef’s Knife-

Scale-

Monday, 4 March 2013

Ginger Spice Pizzelle

Yield: 2 dozen
Equipment required – Pizzelle Maker

This recipe from my kitchen to yours is a flavoursome twist on a traditional Italian specialty that has been passed down from generation to generation. As a Chef and cook I love adding spices to many of my recipes, it adds another dimension and allows for a subtle surprise.

Ingredients:
3 eggs
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
1tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp molasses
½ cup butter melted, cooled to room temperature
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder

                                                     Method:
1. Please read Pizzelle Maker instructions prior to first time use.
2. In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
3. In a separate medium bowl whisk together, eggs, white sugar and brown sugar until incorporated.
4. To the egg mixture whisk in molasses and cooled melted butter. It is essential to cool the butter in order to avoid cooking the eggs.
5. Add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until fully combined. Make sure to use a spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated from the bottom of the bowl.
6. Heat Pizzelle iron according to instructions. The iron is coated with a non-stick material therefore, no non-stick spray will be necessary.
7. Place 1 generous tablespoon of ginger spice batter onto the centre of each Pizzelle iron. Close Pizzelle iron and cook until golden (about 1 to 1 ½ minutes). The Pizzelle will be soft at first, using a fork pull Pizzelle cookies out of iron and place of a wire rack to cool and harden.
8. Store in an airtight container and enjoy with an espresso or as a garnish on your favorite gelato.


Vocabulary:
Tsp- teaspoon
Tbsp- tablespoon

Products/Ingredients - available at Consiglio’s
Aurora Pizzelle Maker-

Chef’s Choice Pizzelle Maker-

Traditional Pizzelle Maker-

Monday, 11 February 2013

Coconut Pecan Fennel White Chocolate Biscotti

Ingredients:
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup white sugar
2 eggs + 1 egg for egg wash
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup pecans, raw – coarsely chopped
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup white chocolate chips
1 ½ tablespoons fennel seeds – whole
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 325° F, adjust racks to accommodate two baking trays. Measure all ingredients (mis en place).
2. Line two baking trays with silicon mats or parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl whisk oil, sugar, eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract until incorporated. Stir in chopped pecans, coconut, white chocolate and fennel seeds, stir to incorporate.
4. In a separate medium bowl stir flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide dough in two and place each half on a baking tray. The dough will be sticky, using floured hands work with the dough to create evenly shaped longs, length wise on each tray.
6. In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and brush over the dough.
7. Place trays in oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes. On a cutting board slice dough using a Chef’s Knife or serrated knife into 1-2 cm wide biscotti and place back onto baking trays, bake for a second time for 20 minutes, turning trays after the first 10 minutes to ensure even colouring.


These biscotti are truly delicious, the raw pecans contrast the crunchy texture and give the biscotti a beautiful buttery quality. I guarantee your friends and family will ask you for the recipe as these biscotti will become a staple in your kitchen as they make the perfect accompaniment to an espresso.

Store biscotti in an air tight container for up to one month.


Vocabulary: 

 Mis en place: everything in place.



Products/Ingredients- available at Consiglio’s
Chef’s Knife-
Serrated Knife-

Knife Steel Sharpener-