Cooking Hints And Shortcuts

[sageyefc]

Best way to peel a boiled egg aslong as its not too softly boiled. Crack the shell like normal on a flat surface then roll it along the surface under the palm of your hand using decent pressure, then it should just peel of like nothing

 

[ItsOKImAPilot]

Speaking of eggs, this cracks me up.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeands...ts-review-egg-master-horrifying-unholy-affair

The sounds it makes in the video are awful, and I am sure it comes out of you the same way.

 

[blue4eva77]

That takes longer than in a pan

No it doesn't. Hard boiled eggs in a pan take around 20 minutes, from waiting for the water to boil, to placing the eggs into the water and waiting.

That microwave container is also very convenient in that you can stick it in the microwave and just forget about it if need be and come back to it hours later. The pan option you have to remember to take them out of the water ASAP and put in iced water to stop the internal cooking from continuing etc...

 

[sageyefc]

No it doesn't. Hard boiled eggs in a pan take around 20 minutes, from waiting for the water to boil, to placing the eggs into the water and waiting.

That microwave container is also very convenient in that you can stick it in the microwave and just forget about it if need be and come back to it hours later. The pan option you have to remember to take them out of the water ASAP and put in iced water to stop the internal cooking from continuing etc...

20 minutes kinell.

Boil a kettle so water is already boiling when you pour into pan, then put a room temprature egg in and let it go for 6 or so minutes

 

[chrismpw]

My missus does scrambled eggsies in a microwave - and they're always lush. Seems a dark art to me though, so I stick to stirring vigorously with a little milk and pepper and some grated cheddar, in a non-stick saucepan.

 

[chrismpw]

Tips for making Stews Better

u are using woody herbs such as rosemary or older thyme, include the stalks as well. Again remove at the end. Tomato vines are also good for this
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Sounds lush that - I especially like the shin beef in stews. Worried about the tomato vines though. Thought the plants were poisonous ... only the fruits are non toxic.

Anyone have any good tips for making eggs over easy? Or sunny side up? Any time I try they just end up scrambled.

Finish 'em by putting the frying pan under the grill. I do this with omlettes too.

 

[chrismpw]

Yes, it was @the esk who first taught me to use vinegar in curries, so naturally I tried it in stews. It does the same work as wine but adds greater acidity. You can add a sprinkling of sugar to counter it if its not to your taste.

Right so ... and if you add too much vinegar - counteract this with a little sodium bicarb (baking soda) until you neutralise the vinegar.

A friend gave me some home-made wine once - and it was almost like vinegar - but I didn't notice until it was in my stew. I added some bicarb to save the day and the whole stew fizzed up - quite a sight! Worked though.

 

[summerisle]

Tips for making Stews Better

I love making stews and over the years have picked up loads of techniques to make them better ......



Use cheap cuts of meat like, beef shin, lamb shoulder, chicken thighs. Don’t be tempted to remove all the fat as a long cook will render it into the sauce

Dredge the meat through well-seasoned flour for a thicker sauce

Cook on a low heat for a longer period of time e.g 3-4 hours

Build layers of by, browning the meat first then removing, browning the meat adds caramelisation which equals flavour. Onions next to soak up the flavour, until they’re soft, followed by other dry ingredient such as Garlic, Carrots, celery etc. Then Deglaze (collect all the tasty bits of caramelised meat), usually with wine. Add stock, herbs the meat again. Season as you go through each stage

Try and use a pan that is both hob and oven proof, that way you retain the flavours better.

Other Flavour enhancers

Parmesan rind, works wonders and adds depth of flavour. Remember to take it out. As do some other hard cheeses

Marmite, whether you like it or not adds a meaty flavour. My kids hate the stuff but they don’t know it’s in there

Ketchup adds sweetness but don’t add too much, this also works if you use Worcestershire sauce

Small pinch of chilli flakes add a warmth to the stew

If you are using woody herbs such as rosemary or older thyme, include the stalks as well. Again remove at the end. Tomato vines are also good for this

Tomato purée/paste also adds depth but put it in just after the onions to cook out​

Make some dumplings :

125g, 4oz. SR Flour sifted
60g, 2.5oz. Suet - or vegetarian suet
Your choice of herbs

Put into bowl and add 100ml of water and stir to make a soft and slightly sticky dough. Break off walnut sized pieces of dough (or larger) and place on top of the stew. Put in the oven for about 30 mins or until brown - delicious.

 

[chrismpw]

Speaking of eggs, this cracks me up.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeands...ts-review-egg-master-horrifying-unholy-affair

The sounds it makes in the video are awful, and I am sure it comes out of you the same way.

Gone off eggs, now.

 

[Penno]

Fresh fish should never smell fishy, and the eyes should be clear not cloudy

I have the exact same philosphy with Wigan birds. You can never be too careful.

 

[Baines' left foot]

Unless you have one of these. Trust me these are pretty darn good. Some water in the bottom of the device, microwave on high for 9 minutes and you have perfect hard boiled eggs. The best part is that because these eggs are basically steam cooked, the shell just falls off. Lesser time for soft boiled eggs.

WANT

Anything that helps me be more lazy in the kitchen is a winner.

 

[summerisle]

WANT

Anything that helps me be more lazy in the kitchen is a winner.

I bought one of these last week - they're great.
Just put water in the bottom of the pan and simmer. Makes lovely poached eggs.

 

[Ashtonian]

For a healthy and easy meal try this

Instant noodles in the pan, cook them til they are nearly done, take out the water and add cut up fresh tomatos and tuna.

Simmer for 5 minutes and serve. Doesnt look great but its a 10 minute healthy meal for when you are in a rush

 

[Sid James]

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Sounds lush that - I especially like the shin beef in stews. Worried about the tomato vines though. Thought the plants were poisonous ... only the fruits are non toxic.

Use them in tomato based sauces/stews, still here to tell the tale

 

[Fresh Prince of Belle Val]

My missus does scrambled eggsies in a microwave - and they're always lush. Seems a dark art to me though, so I stick to stirring vigorously with a little milk and pepper and some grated cheddar, in a non-stick saucepan.

Don't add milk. Use cream cheese instead and chopped chive. Also don't add salt while the eggs are cooking as it breaks them down, add it at the end to season.