You are viewing the misc category
Unadulterated Chocolate Making
Who can resist chocolate? Not many people for sure, there are those of us who like the dark deep flavour of high cocoa chocolate. Whilst others amongst us love the light rich flavour of white. Of course, some prefer the middleground of milk. Where do you fall, let me know in the comments.
Personally, I fall at either extremes, really dark or really sweet. This is all about ‘real’ chocolate, nothing but the essentials are needed. Thanks to the people at Mayan Magic (yes that was a mini plug, I did receive the kit for free) I’ve had the opportunity to get messy in the kitchen with chocolate.
Mayan Magic Closeup
The kit itself has three main ingredients, powders, butters and agave nectar (for sweetening). Even if you can’t bake and have issues measuring things then do not fret. It’s as simple as :
- Chop & Melt the butters (bain marie aka bowl over water)
- Whisk in the powders till smooth
- Taste, and taste again.
- Add agave nectar till sweet enough.
- Pour into moulds.
- Chill
- Devour
Finished and Nibbled Chocolate
I used mini silicone tart tins as my moulds, and had a little nibble as you can see. Check back in the next day or two (or have a look at you RSS) to see about the mess I made using the chocolate. Just think, pure unadulterated truffles.
Early Morning Markets
I love food, and I really enjoy visiting local markets. Last weekend I had the opportunity to see the Birmingham wholesale markets. There was one slight issue, I had to wake up at 3.40AM to meetup at 4AM.
Neil - Interviewed for Big Paws by @Bounder - Taken by Lee Allen
Yes you heard it, 3.40. That was taken shortly after 4, all in aid of the 4AM Project. So a group of 30 people, were off wondering around Birmingham New St station at this ungodly hour. Check out the flickr stream, to see the pictures from around the world.
We headed off to the wholesale markets, whilst walking past a cocktail maker who was flaring (aka showing off) by the bus stop at 4.30AM! He looked surprised to see us.
I was amazed at the size of the warehouse that hosted the fruit/veg. There were many stores selling their wares.
An array of colour - Fruit & Veg.
Flower Choice - By Pete Ashton
It was a really nice change to be up so early, though we were starting to get hungry. Luckily, we had been told about a cafe to hit, so at around 5.30 I ordered the ‘full’ breakfast for £4.50. Bargain I thought. Unfortunately, I hadn’t seen anyone else order this.
A Full Breakfast - By Nicky Getgood
Underneath all of that, theres a tin of beans. Suffice to say, I did not manage to finish it all. Infact I’d say I made a small dent into it. So if you hit the cafe, just order a bap – it will be big enough.
After all that fun, I hit home and slept for a few hours. Before heading back to the ‘normal’ markets, which only open at 9AM. I was after some ingredients for a pork pie, and other goodies (I couldn’t get into the Meat area of wholesale unfortunately). Though when I asked around for pigs trotters, I got told that I was too late.
Not impressed!
Market goodies lately have included: Boar Sausages, Local Ales, Pork Shoulder, Oysters, Mussels and a wide array of vegetables. Tasty.
food for when you are ill
Right,
It appears that I’ve come down with something since early monday morning, and still at the tail end now (hoping the rest will get rid of the final symptoms).
Unfortunately, my kitchen hasn’t really been brim full of anything of late. A combination of being away at the weekends (my usual food shop time) and trying to use up some bits in the larder/be inventive, left me with a desolate fridge.
This in turn lead me to get takeout on Sunday night, and ill soon after (anyone see cause and affect); the effect was me not being so good!
So things to eat/drink when you are ill:
- Sips of water (don’t want to dehydrate)
- Nothing but sips water (for a while to try and cleanse the body and settle a stomach)
- Try some clear soups
- Light fruit juices (not too much, can have unpleasant effects)
- Some toast
- Fruit pieces (again not too much, more about flavour)
This also doubles up as my week 9 summary, as thats pretty much my intake this week!
Any other good advice, or things to consume? Let me know below.
comments