Categories
Creative Cookery

How To Decide What Apple Pie to Make

There are dozens of ways to make an apple pie. Of course, this isn’t much help if you’re looking for a recipe to use right now. So what I’m going to offer in this post are some questions you should ask yourself before you go searching for that recipe. That way, you’ll be able to find the one that is just right for your needs.

How To Decide What Apple Pie to Make

Do you want a shallow or deep-dish apple pie?

The answer to this question will help you determine not only the style of pie that will work best but also how many apples you’ll need.

What kind of crust are you hankering for?

Do you want a traditional pastry crust? What about a crumb crust made out of shortbread or gingerbread cookies?

Do you want a covered or open-faced pie?

Because the apples in your pie can get dried out if you don’t put a cover on them, you may need to make a wetter sauce for an open-faced pie.

If you choose covered, what kind of cover do you want? Full pastry? Latticed pastry? Or something more akin to a cobbler, made with crumbs, brown sugar and butter?

What type of filling do you prefer?

Do you want the purest filling that is nothing but apples and sauce? Or do you want to get adventurous with flavor? Maybe you’d like to try a pumpkin-apple pie? What about a pear and apple pie? Custard and apple pie? Caramel apple pie? There is no limit to the combinations you can create… except that of your imagination.

How will you garnish your pie?

Depending on the flavors you’ve blended, you should select a garnish that not only looks nice but compliments the pie’s flavor mix. Garnishes can range from whipped topping or ice cream to toasted nuts or even mint leaves.

Once you’ve made all these decisions, finding the apple pie recipe you crave should be a whole lot easier.

[divider]

[one_fourth] [/one_fourth]
[three_fourth_last] Looking for a few more pie recipes to try? Want to create your perfect, signature pie, but just can’t find the right recipe? Your Perfect Pie just may be the cookbook for you. Breaking down the mystique of homemade pie, this simple cookbook is sure to please. Learn more and grab your copy at CarmasCookery.com/yourperfectpie [/three_fourth_last].

Categories
Cooking Techniques Creative Cookery Flavor Blending

A Meat Lovers Heaven

Are you one of the meat lovers? When it comes to eating meat, you’re either really into all the different types of meat, or you really don’t care one way or the other. The world is divided as to how much meat we should be eating, and if we should be eating any at all. But all of these conspiracy theories created by people who love to shake the world, should not distract you away from the benefits of meat.

I admit, eating it in large quantities is not going to do your digestive system any good. But meat is something you’re most likely only going to eat once a day, in your evening meal. When you do, you’re getting so much protein and vitamins and minerals, that it would be a shame to give it all up. And some people have to eat meat or they’ll get sick!

But for those of you who are serious meat lovers, giving up is just not on the agenda. Eating meat is life, and the flavors it creates, and the texture it adds to a dish, just can’t be replicated. This article is dedicated to those of you who know you just can’t live without your meat fix. I’m going to show you the different ways you can step up your meat game.

Countries around the world have taken cooling meat to the next level, and simply sticking it in the pan and waiting for it not to be raw is not an option anymore. So if you’re ready to step up your game, sit back and relax, and see what you think of these ideas.

A Meat Lovers Heaven

Different Ways of Cooking Meat

Let’s start off with the most important part. So many of people are missing out on beautiful tasting meat, simply because they stick to cooking it in the pan with just a little bit of olive oil or butter to make sure that it doesn’t stick. But this is most definitely not the way you should be cooking your meat, especially if you’re always looking for the finest tasting option.

True meat lovers own a smoker. Smoking meats is what so many big chain restaurants do in the U.S., and what nearly all of the smaller family businesses use. It’s literally the secret key–that’s not so secret–however, many people just don’t implement this cooking method.

You can get little smokers that can sit in your garden while your meat is slowly smoke-cooked. This type of cooking method is the best with brisket and steaks, simply because it produces that deep smokey flavor while leaving the meat so tender and juicy. You’d have to do your research as to how long to cook each meat, but generally, you’ll have to learn by trial and error. This is a super good, long term investment, and I promise you won’t regret it if you give it a go for the summer!

Different Meats To Try

If you call yourself a meat lover, I have this question for you: How often do you venture outside the common two? The two types of meat that most people seem to eat are chicken and beef. Pork seems to be the meat left out of the picture so often, but it’s one of the most flavorsome meats when you cook it right. But this is the part that so many people get wrong, including myself. How many times have I made pork and ended up with a dry lump of meat? I’ve lost count. My husband, on the other hand, makes an awesome pork steak that is juicy and flavorful! Go figure.

The problem with cooking port often starts with the cut. If you don’t get a good cut of meat, it won’t come out right. So first of all, think about sourcing something such as brine pork ribs. Ribs are massively underestimated, but when seen on a menu in a restaurant, soon they get the standing ovation they deserve.

However, at home, it’s just not common to see pork ribs. Here’s the scoop: This dish starts in the morning. Get a big enough dish, and coat the ribs in your favorite BBQ sauce. Go a bit fancy, and source one that you know restaurants use. Leave it to soak all day, and then slow roast them in the oven in the evening. That strong BBQ flavor, alongside juicy slow-cooked meat, is a winning combination. Have a side dish of beans, corn on the cob, and maybe a few chips or fries, and you’ve got yourself a succulent meat dish we know you’ve been sleeping on!

The Best Country for Meat Lovers

If you really love meat, then you should definitely think about going on a little meat lovers adventure around the States. So many restaurants serve the craziest meats, cooked to perfection. Just going there simply to eat food is enough, but you’re all aware of the super cool things you could do alongside that. So do your research, and find out what states are the best for well-cooked meats!

And don’t stick to the obvious, sit-down restaurants either. Some of the best pulled pork I’ve ever had was cooked in a smoker in the parking lot of an Ollie’s in Maryland.

Categories
Creative Cookery Product Reviews Tools of the Trade

Review: Handy Baking Club

Do you like getting cook baking stuff in the mail? Me too! So when I was asked to post a video review of the Handy Baking Club in return for a free sample, I said, “Totally!”

What: Handy Baking Club – Star Wars embossing rolling pin and The Baking Times Newsletter, Dec. 2018

Where: To be announced?

Mentioned in the video:

Product link on Amazon: Embossing rolling pin Star Wars. Wooden embossing rolling pin with Star Wars

Books about the chemistry of cooking:


Categories
Creative Cookery Flavor Blending

Brookies and Kitchen Creativity

This past week I had my first experience with brookies. In case you don’t know, a brookie is part brownie, part cookie. The recipe I used had a layer of brownie topped with a layer of sugar cookie. I add in some mini M&Ms and rainbow sprinkles. People loved them! This experience got me to thinking of all the different kinds of brookies you could make.

rainbow brookies

The recipe I used is based on cookie mixes, so I’ll start there.

Brookie Layer 1: The Brownie

I used a dark chocolate brownie mix with miniature M&Ms mixed in, but you could use any brownie mix and any mix-ins (or none) you desire. In fact, it could be fun to experiment with blondies or other-than-chocolate-flavored brownies.

  1. Follow the instructions for the brownie mix.
  2. Add mix-ins (see list below for suggestions) if you wish
  3. Spread over the bottom of a 13×9-inch pan that has been coated with cooking spray.

Brookie Layer 2: The Cookie

I used a sugar cookie mix with miniature M&Ms and rainbow sprinkles mixed in, but you could use any cookie mix and any mix-ins (or none) you desire. In fact, see notes below for some other cookie mixes that could be fun.

  1. Follow the instructions for the cookie mix.
  2. Add mix-ins (see list below for suggestions) if you wish
  3. Drop by spoonfuls on top of the brownie batter.

Bake about 40 minutes or until the brownies are set and the exposed cookies are lightly golden brown. Cool for an hour and a half before serving. Cut into five by four rows.

Suggested Mix-Ins

These are just suggestions. Feel free to be as creative as your taste buds will let you be.

  • Mini M&Ms
  • Chopped nuts
  • Shredded coconut
  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Chocolate jimmies
  • White chocolate chips
  • Chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Toffee bits
  • Miniature peanut butter cups
  • Caramel bits
  • Butterfinger candy bits
  • Crushed Oreo cookies
  • Craisins


Suggested Cookie Mixes

I’m listing cookie mixes because that is the easy way to go, but you could just as easily use from scratch brownie and cookie mixes and get even more creative.

  • Chocolate chip cookie mix
  • Double chocolate chip cookie mix
  • Oatmeal cookie mix
  • Snicker Doodle cookie mix
  • Gingerbread cookie mix
  • Lemon cookie mix
  • Chocolate crinkle cookie mix
  • Peanut butter cookie mix
  • White chip macadamia nut cookie mix
  • Molasses cookie mix
  • Salted caramel

Unleash Your Kitchen Creativity

Not only can you get creative with your brownie and cookie base, as well as your mix-ins, you can get creative with how you form these brookies. Traditionally, they are a sheet cookie. But you could layer them in muffin or mini-muffin tins, as well.

The possibilities are mind-boggling. I’m definitely going to give some of these ideas a try! How about you?


Categories
Creative Cookery

Bring a Touch of Romance Back to Your Date Night Dinner

Being busy parents can make it a challenge to find the free time to spend with one another and catch up on how you’ve been. Finding a babysitter isn’t always an option, and money and routines might be tight, especially if your older kids are now back to school. However, it’s crucial to the success of the relationship with your other half to make an effort to enjoy their company when it’s just you two there. Food is the perfect way to show someone how much you love and care for them, and you can treat your spouse to a date night in your own home.

Bring A Touch Of Romance Back To Your Date Night Dinner

There’s no need for expensive restaurant meals, trips to the theater, or an overpriced cocktail lounge; your kitchen and dining space will provide a dreamy location for you to chat, reminisce and enjoy your culinary delights together. Whether you pick a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy your stay-at-home date; ask for some help in getting the kids ready for bed, ensure you’ve done the right prep and planning, and cook up a feast. The following are some tips and ideas for those who want to create the perfect date night for their spouse, where the focus is on the food, and more importantly, the company.

Set Your Kitchen Up

It always helps if your kitchen is stocked up with the equipment you’ll need to create you and your partner’s favorite meals. You can begin collecting items piece by piece, until you’ll be able to grab any cookbook (or food blog) and whip up something delicious, without worrying about not having your oiless deep fryer or electric whisk. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled (as well as your vegetables) so that you can spot the latest equipment on the market, and find a great deal on what you need.

Choose the Right Recipes

Although you’ll want the cooking side of things to go as smoothly as possible on the big night; you don’t want to serve your beloved something that you are always eating together as a family. You’ll want to make the night a little more special by making something new or putting a twist on their favorite cuisine. Think about simple dishes or regional food that you both enjoy eating; perhaps Italian or Greek is the running theme throughout the night, and each dish complements the next. You don’t have to become a master chef; just put as much effort into the meal as possible so that you’d happily pay for the food in a restaurant. If you have no interest in cooking at all; perhaps it’s time to order in your favorite take away or pick something up from a great restaurant on the way home, but that’s for another blog post.

Add Style to What You Serve

Try to ensure that you serve your date night food so that it looks appealing and your loved one will be excited to dive into the meal. If you’re heading in the paella direction, you could invest in a paella dish that will look great as the table centerpiece. The same goes for any specific cuisines; tagines, balti dishes, and ramen dishes will all add the touch of a restaurant to your date night, and you’ll be able to utilize them in the future, so could be a purchase worth considering. Take your side dishes into consideration also; rice, pasta, and potatoes will look great in a decorative bowl or in your best serving dish. For a more formal feeling to your meal; plate everything up at the kitchen counter, before bringing it over to your spouse and beginning your evening together.

Categories
Creative Cookery Product Reviews Taste Tests

Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Herbs Are Easy to Use

Have you ever bought a ginger root or bunch of fresh herbs only to use a small portion and have the rest go bad? I know I have!

I’ve tried freezing ginger root — it makes it hard to cut into cubes later. I’ve tried refrigerating ginger root — it goes bad before I can use it all. I’ve even tried storing it in potting soil — it takes up up a lot of space, is messy, and if you don’t remember to water it, it goes bad. That’s why when I was given the opportunity to try out Dorot’s all-natural frozen seasoning products, in particular, its crushed ginger, I was intrigued.

I was sent samples of Crushed Ginger, Crushed Garlic, and Chopped Basil. Below are my thoughts and ideas about the product.

Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

About Dorot’s Frozen Seasoning

Dorot Garlic & Herbs specializes in developing, producing and marketing frozen seasoning products throughout the world. The company was established in 1992 and is fully owned by Kibbutz Dorot in the southern part of Israel. The kibbutz has more than 3,500 acres of field crops, which are picked, and then immediately chopped, packaged and frozen in a unique fast freeze process, maintaining their taste, freshness and nutritive value.

Dorot’s frozen herb and seasoning products help cooks have on hand fresh, flavorful ingredients they can use in a pinch. It solves the problems of food waste while not sacrificing flavor. And it saves you time in the kitchen – no prep or clean up needed!

The herbs are packaged in miniature ice cubes and can last up to two years in your freezer. All Dorot products are natural, raw, and vegan. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free, and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. Dorot is kosher and halal.

You can find it in the frozen veggie aisle at most major grocery retailers including ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Kings, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Wegman’s, Ralph’s and Safeway, among others. They retail for about $2.99 per package.

What I liked about Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

They are so easy to use and take up very little space in the freezer. The selection I received, as well as others that are available, are all flavors that I’ve personally struggled with issues of food waste or preparation. These are really handy to have around, and because they last up to two years, you will have a lot less food waste.

What I didn’t like about Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

I really couldn’t come up with something I didn’t like about these seasoning cubes. They were quite handy and I noticed no reduction in flavor.

How I tested Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

I used the basil and garlic in a couple of soups I made from scratch. I also added the ginger to smoothies. Each seasoning added flavor just as well as fresh or dried versions of the same herbs I’ve used before. An added benefit is that because the ginger was frozen, it helped chill my smoothie, so I used less ice!

Overall Comments on Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

I really enjoy having these seasoning cubes around. Once you get in the habit of looking for your herbs and spices in your freezer, you’ll rarely go back to fresh!

Who Is Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning Suitable for?

Home cooks will love these, especially the garlic and ginger, which can be so problematic for many. Garlic can be hard to prep and often leaves your counter and hands smelling of garlic for days. Ginger is hard to grate or chop, can be really stringy and is hard to store for long. Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning solves all those problems.

For More Information

  • Dorot’s Website
  • Flavors available: Garlic, Ginger, Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Dill and Sautéed Glazed Onions

Score: 5 out of 5

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] thumbs up [/one_fifth_last]

NOTE: I received a free copy of this product in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past product reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to buy or not buy this product, even if you disagree with my opinion.

Categories
Creative Cookery Product Reviews Taste Tests Video Podcast

October 2017 Foodstirs Kit – Little Monsters Cupcakes

Carma’s Cookery Foodstirs Series, Part 2

October 2017 Kit – Little Monsters Cupcakes

My second Foodstirs Kit was perfect for Halloween … but I made them much later. These Little Monsters Cupcakes are fun, creative, adorable and tasty!

Foodstirs October 2017 Kit - Little Monsters Cupcakes

Extra Ingredients You’ll Need

The kit comes with all the non-perishable ingredients you’ll need to make the cupcakes. What you’ll need to add to the list are these perishable ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Yogurt

Unboxing and Baking Video

What I Liked About Foodstirs Little Monsters Cupcakes Kit

First, even when I was impatient and screwed up, the kit turned out adorable.

Second, they tasted fabulous! I could barely bring myself to share them!

As with the last kit, the instructions were easy to follow and simple to implement.

I had a lot of fun assembling the monsters. They were creative and well-designed.

What I Didn’t Like About Foodstirs Little Monsters Cupcakes Kit

I wish I had been more patient and let the cupcakes cool off before putting on the frosting. Also, the frosting is very soft at room temperature, so I would advise trying a little less liquid when whipping it up.

Overall Thoughts on Foodstirs Little Monsters Cupcakes Kit

Since I started this Foodstirs project, I received four kits and have only done three of them. The third, I didn’t even think to photograph or video record, so I won’t be able to share it with you. Out of the three, this kit was my favorite. They were fun, delicious and so very cute!

Who Is This Kit Suitable for?

Foodstirs makes kits that are suitable for parents to do with their children. I think kids would really get a kick out of this kit.

Score: 5 out of 5

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] thumbs up [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] thumbs up [/one_fifth_last]

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.