Strawberries

While out shopping today Pat & I came across these strawberries at our local green grocer. Roughly the weight came to 1 kilo, costing $2.50.

I don't want to guts into them, so none are wasted. How do I save the best ones for later on early next week?




After washing them and patting dry with some paper towel (which is then composted) I put the fruit that wasn't bruised or soft into the "food saver" canister.



By removing the air in the canister and refrigerated, these strawberries will keep in this condition for a week.

To open the canister I just have to press the little gray button and once the air stops hissing out, I can open it.

Nothing worse than spending money and food wasting through poor storage. Or too much and not doing something with it.

I want to buy more of these canisters as I can store spinach or lettuce as well, without damaging the food.

Off now to have a feed on strawberries and cream

Until next time....hoo roo

technorati tags: food savings, fruit

Drying Herbs

My parsley is starting to go to seed. With so many healthy leaves still on the plants, I thought I'd take advantage of this and dry some.

Up early before the sun gets onto the plants as this can lower the flavour of the herb. I was enjoying the early morning out the back with my ducks and chooks making noises.

I should get enough jars to see me through those lean days where parsley is scarce in my garden. A jar for my dad too, as he loves the flavour the parsley gives off in his cooking. Dad said its so much nicer than the bought variety.

If you don't have a dehydrator and want to dry herbs, you can use a microwave or your oven on low. I tried the oven way once...... forgot the herbs were in there, boy did that stink the house out . First time I used a dehydrator I borrow one from a friend and that sold me on getting my own.

Until next time....hoo roo

technorati tags: food savings, herbs, drying food

Almond Chocolate Fingers

Due to receiving a request for the almond fingers, I have decided to post the biscuit recipes here, over the next few days. They can be found on my main blog

60g (2oz) butter
125g (4oz) ground almonds
1/2 cup castor sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons plain flour

TOPPING

60g (2oz) butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup liquid glucose
125g (4oz) flaked almonds
2 tablespoons water
90g (3oz) dark chocolate
30g (1oz) copha


Base:

Place butter, ground almonds and sugar in small bowl of electric mixer.

Beat until well combined.

Add eggs, mix well.

Add sifted flour and stir through.

Grease a tray (I used a biscuit tray) and line with greaseproof paper and grease lightly again.

Bake in moderately hot oven for 7 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove and spread with topping while still warm.

Return to oven and cook another 5 minutes or until topping turns a pale golden brown..

Cut into fingers while still warm and cool on a wire rack.

Melt the copha and chocolate in a double saucepan simmering over hot water. Pour topping into a bowl and dip biscuits into the chocolate. Placing on an alfoil tray to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.


This is a very sickly biscuit and so make the finger sizes small rather than big. I also harden the biscuits off once dipped in the chocolate in the freezer, to set them quicker. Also make sure your tray is chilled before placing the dipped biscuits on it.

Note:

I found it a bit fiddly trying to remove the grease paper, so I turned the slice out onto a clean table and peeled the paper away and cut the slice up.

Resource: The big book of beautiful biscuits by the Woman's Weekly.


Until next time....hoo roo

technorati tags: biscuits

Whitening Leeks

Ever wondered how those leeks are made so lovely and white?? People have different ways of blanching them. I thought I'd tell you how I blanch mine.




These leeks were picked last night for the chicken pie I was cooking for tea. I popped a pencil next to the leeks, to give you an idea of their size.

The whiter the stalks the more tender the leeks are and also less waste. I used toilet rolls or kitchen toweling paper rolls cut in half.

By the time the leeks are big enough for harvesting, those leeks have become lovely and white. Perfect for the dinner plate.




All sliced and ready for the chicken pie. Toilet rolls are not wasted either, into the worm farm they go.

If you haven't grown leeks, give them a go. Great flavour and a good fill in for when you run out of onions in the kitchen.

Until next time....hoo roo

technorati tags: leeks, food savings