Tradition starts at the table.
Christmas is right around the corner I don’t know how your Christmas planning is going, but here in our house we’re taking it pretty easy. It’s a what happens will happen situation really. With a soon to be five year old in the house we …
These are the best peanut butter cookies to make with your kids. That is a big statement to make, but I stand by it. When it comes to making something with young children it should be easy and straight forward. It is more fun for …
Panna cotta is a great dessert to have in your repertoire. I find it incredibly forgiving for a beginner (or when you are distracted while making them). Panna cotta’s are best made a day in advance, so it is ideal for family get-togethers. All you need to do is pull them out of the fridge, unmould and serve.
With so many flavour options, you will be spoiled for choice. Don’t forget about that Lavender sugar sitting in your pantry. This is a great opportunity to use it for the flavour and sweetness.
These jiggly little beauties are great for the Christmas season. Dress them up festively with red raspberries, pomegranate jewels, sprigs of fresh mint.
Panna Cotta flavoured with herbal tea. This is a wonderfully delicate dessert, be sure to make it a day in advance!
Combine the milk, cream, sugar, and tea in a suitably sized pot. Scald it gently, stirring all the time to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and steep to develop the flavour of the tea.
Sprinkle the gelatine over the water and allow to bloom.
Strain off the tea and allow the milk mixture to cool slightly.
Heat gelatine to melt and stir into the milk mixture.
Pour the mixture into ramakins prepared with non-stick spray.
Leave at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to prevent condensation. Then move to the fridge and allow to set overnight.
To unmould, wet a finger and gently push along the sides of the panna cotta. Cover with the plate you are serving them on. Flip over while holding the ramakin and plate flush together. Give it a little shake and the Panna Cotta should come loose onto the plate.
Do you want to make a dairy free panna cotta? Substitute the cream and milk and coconut cream and coconut milk. Alternatively use just coconut milk or almond milk. The final set will be softer so you will need to increase the gelatine to 15ml and allow for extra setting time.
For more basic recipes to make your family meal a feast go to the Kitchen Essentials page.
How to make Potato Gnocchi As the weather finally cools down my cooking is edging more and more towards comfort cooking. And there is not much that is more comforting than a delicious serving of Gnocchi. The temptation might be there to simply pick up …
I love making things from scratch. In high school, I had a friend who’s brother made homemade liqueur. I found it fascinating. With Christmas right around the corner, this Aromatic Pear Liqueur will make the perfect adult foodie gift. It’s delicious served ice cold …
When it comes to baking especially, there are small little changes that can uplift a recipe from. Every day tastes can become something special with some thought and planning.
Lavender sugar is one of these little changes. It’s ridiculously easy to make and will give delightful results (and lavender has many health benefits).
I am very lucky to have extensive gardens available to me during the day with several different types of lavender. Any type will do. Some are more fragrant than others – use the type you like best! It is however recommended that you choose organically grown lavender.
The wonderful thing about flavored sugars is that you can build in any variety of extra flavors. Citrus peel, mint, rosemary, Bay, vanilla, chamomile.
Happy experiments to you!
Stir the lavender through the sugar. Pour into an airtight container and use in cookies etc.
If you want to use lavender sugar in something like a cake, first chop up the lavender very fine.
To make a lavender buttercream, substitute granulated sugar with powdered sugar and sieve before use.
How to make donuts The hardest part of baking a cookie or deep-frying beignets is inevitably waiting for it to cool enough to pop in your mouth. These pillowy donuts are no different. A delicious crispy outer layer surrounds the soft insides. An absolute bonus is …