Baked custards with salted caramel

The wind huffs and puffs at my front door

threatening to barge on through.

But my house is strong and made of bricks,

submit it will not do.

The wind is mighty and ferocious today with a temper that will not be tempered. Like a petulant child in the midst of a tantrum, it cares not who it hurts with its reckless assault, throwing things around with abandon. I dared not brave its wrath and have therefore been bound indoors. But as with all situations, I endeavoured to put it to good use and decided to make some custard.
As a child my mother would purchase store-bought creme caramels that I would tip upside down before flicking a tab to release the golden syrup upon the wobbly dome. I was slightly apprehensive as to whether these would un-mould as easily and be bathed in such a generous ochre -coloured liquid, but I need not have worried, as they worked out wonderfully, and with a far more complex and palatable flavour than those bought in chilled aisles.

Baked custards with salted caramel
from Cuisine.com.au
serves 4

400ml milk
175g caster sugar
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cinnamon stick
tsp sea salt
100ml water
3 eggs
2 extra egg yolks

Heat milk in a saucepan with 75 grams of the sugar, the zest and the cinnamon. Bring slowly to the boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and leave to stand for 30 minutes to infuse. To make the caramel, heat remaining sugar, salt and water in a heavy-based pan, stirring gently, until bubbles appear. Stop stirring and continue to cook, watching carefully as the liquid turns the colour of toffee. Remove from heat and carefully pour into four ovenproof moulds, swirling to coat the sides and bottom. Heat oven to 170C. Beat eggs and egg yolks lightly in a bowl. Slowly pour into milk mixture, stirring, then strain into toffee-lined moulds. Place in a baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides of the moulds. Bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Remove and cool, then refrigerate, covered, overnight. To serve, dip each mould into a bowl of hot water to melt caramel and run a knife around the edges. Invert onto a serving plate, allowing salted caramel to flow down the sides.

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 35mins.
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 1hour plus at least 4hours to chill.


taste: 4/5. Not your average custard.

The ivory dome submits beneath your spoon as the amber nectar drenches the custard in its salt-spiked sweetness, spicy cinnamon and hint of orange bitterness. The smooth custard is mild and creates the perfect base for the zesty caramel's depth.

would I make it again: No, as alas my husband would not even try one, as cold custard makes him quiver in disgust so I would rather make something we can both enjoy rather than having to eat four pots on my own, despite their deliciousness.

recipe: http://www.cuisine.com.au/recipe/baked_custards_with_salted_caramel

Parsnip soup with pecans & feta

Between turns of the page is where I have abided for the past week.
My eyes have devoured millions of words and my fingertips brushed the corners of countless pages during this phase of my bibliophilia. There is one drawback to reading so many books in such a short period, I often find myself too absorbed in some character's world to bother making anything other than a snack to settle the howling wolves of my stomach. After a few night's eating toast or porridge for dinner I decided enough was enough and that I needed a good, nourishing meal instead. Thus enters a large bowl of soup...

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 50mins.
total: 1hour & 5mins.

taste: 4/5. Sweet, creamy parnsip with salty feta and nutty pecans = delightful.

The feta is what makes this dish, without it the parsnip soup would have been too sweet for me, but with the cheese it was wonderfully balanced. The soup is thick and velvety and all together satisfying.

would I make it again: Yes.

recipe: http://cookingquest.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/parsnip-soup-with-toasted-pecans-and-feta/

Rhubarb, raspberry & rose tapioca pudding

May and June see me covered in mountains of wrapping paper, ribbons and tape; it is the Time of Birthdays. With both of my parents, as well as my husband's parents, and a dozen friends and relatives thrown in it becomes a bit of a party whirlwind. Last night was my Uncle's 30th where we dined on Turkish dips and meat packed skewers and were entertained by fiery belly dancers, twirling in blurs of beads and silk. Although it is a lot of fun, I am officially worn out. Today I wish nothing more than to drape myself over my couch whilst leisurely flipping through a magazine and slowly eating something by the teaspoonful.

My post-party recovery time has also been a little longer than usual due to something wonderful; hubby and I are expecting our first baby this September. Currently protruding out at 6months I can say I have been one of those fortunate, annoying women who have a completely easygoing pregnancy; no nausea, back pain or weird cravings, and so far I have not yet had to buy any maternity clothes, but my maxi dresses have begun to be put on heavy rotation. The little one (we do not know the sex, and as a pedantic organiser it is driving me nuts!) has been a dream to carry, only giving a few kicks at bedtime whilst I read. It has truly been a wonderful experience and I am so excited at the thought of meeting them and getting to know who they are and how they see the world. I am also curious to see whether the foods I have been eating during pregnancy will have any bearing on the foods they prefer later in life...

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 30mins.
total: 45mins.


taste: 3/5. Delicate and dainty.

The tartness of the raspberry and rhubarb played well against the floral rose, crunchy pistachio and soft vanilla tapioca. I think my expectations of this dessert were a little high, as while it was pleasant it wasn't particularly exciting to eat, a touch too 'vanilla' for me.

would I make it again: No.

recipe: http://www.tarteletteblog.com/2011/04/recipegluten-free-raspberry-rhubarb.html

Pear & cranberry cake

With Autumn's fog-drenched finale I assumed the first day of Winter would be wrought with slippery, frosted driveways and sodden grass; looking out my window I could not have been more wrong. It seems Winter has wryly greeted us with a day of sunshine and I could almost say, warm temperatures.
Despite this seemingly friendly gesture I remain dubious and intend to stock my cupboards and counter tops with comforting and warming foods, waiting readily for the moment this illusion of a lemon soaked day gives way to the palettes of ash and glacial winds that I have come to expect of Mr Winter. I shall take your sunshiny day my friend, but don't think you have me fooled, I have a remedy to your bone-chilling temperament in the form of a fruit-jewelled cake, ready to restore rosiness to my cheeks at a moment's notice.

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 60mins.
total: 1hour & 15mins.

taste: 4/5. Slyly addictive.

A crunchy topping gives way to moist cake filled with warm spices, sweet pear, and vibrant tart cranberries. At first thought this cake seems rather humble but after the first bite you will find yourself going for a second, then a third and then before you know it you have had two pieces and are considering another slice. I truly have no idea why this cake is so addictive, but it is. I managed to polish off half of it within two days...

I did not bother with the glaze, and I'm glad I didn't as I feel it would have made the cake too sweet.
I also upped the cinnamon to 2tsp and doubled the cranberries to 2cups as I wanted more pockets of that wonderful cerise tang.

would I make them again: Yes. Everyone loved it.

recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pear-Cranberry-Cake-356040

Peach berry pie

Do you ever have those weeks where you feel as though you are perpetually getting in and out of your car with hardly a moment to sit down with a cup of tea? Well, it's been one of those weeks for me. Each hour stretched to seam-splitting capacity with errands and work and no end in sight until next week arrives; couple that with rainy weather that leaves me sitting in my car looking like a miserable soggy cat hoping that my constant shivering is at least burning some extra calories makes coming back to my heated house and doing absolutely nothing seem like heaven on Earth.

Thanks to some skillful organising I managed to scrounge up a large enough time-chunk in one afternoon to bake a pie and actually eat it, s l o w l y. There's nothing like warm pie to give you strength to get back out there and do what you gotta do!

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 1 hour.
cooking time: 1 hour.
total: 2hours.

taste: 3/5. Middle of the road.

This pie was nice; it satisfied a sweet craving but didn't really offer much more than that. It did however, reignite my search for a great pie.


would I make it again: No - there are more pies to try!

recipe: http://www.waitingforgateau.com/pies.html

Orange, cinnamon & yoghurt pancakes

As the Starks of Winterfell would say, 'Winter Is Coming.'

Winter's scent of moist soil and wet pavement has already begun to fill the dampened air, taking colour from our cheeks to lend it to the tip of our chilled noses. Scarves are coiled and tucked beneath upturned collars in an effort to make ourselves airtight and safeguard our warmth. Most days bring at least a drizzle of rain, making hair strands glisten with watery crystals. In spite of the bitter weather, my husband and I still venture out to move our legs and discover our surrounds. Each walk reveals something new, our most frequent one divulged a magical patch of fairy-esque toadstools, their cherry-red caps spotted snow white standing apart from the emerald grass and decaying leaves of Autumn's shedding; it was one of our best discoveries. I am sure we will continue our walks far into Winter's depth as our braving of the cold only makes coming home that much sweeter; like stepping into a cosy embrace.

Whilst Winter might be looming on my doorstep, within my dwelling I fight off frostbite with foods that remind me of sunny days and balmy breezes. For me, the bold sun-drenched colour of oranges along with their fresh citrus kick full of life and zest never fails to rouse me from a Wintry slumber.

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 5mins.
cooking time: 6mins each.
total: 17mins.

taste: 4/5. A stroll down Summer's lane.

These pancakes were delicious. I adored the tang of the yoghurt with the bright citrusy hit of orange that made these pancakes feel Summery. I also added a dash of cinnamon for some extra spice.


would I make it again: Yes.


recipes: http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Blogs/Dear-Dara/March-2011/FreshTartSteph-Recipe-Orange-Yogurt-Pancakes/

Chocolate mousse & caramel tarts

Life is full of so many magical things. One particular joy I had the pleasure of experiencing recently was the beaming smile of a friend's child. One look at his cherubic face, lit up brighter than the evening star, and I was grinning ear to ear, filled with warmth and love. I wish my smiles were as pure as those of babes. Being around children helps to remind you of the multitude of possibilities of happiness. I have seen little ones giggle with glee at the sight of a funny face, or laugh hysterically at the sound of paper being torn in two. Joy in the little things, that's the key to happiness.

One of life's small pleasures is chocolate. Even my husband marvelled recently at its ability to induce bliss from the moment it begins to melt on your tongue, 'no other food has that effect on me' he said in between mouthfuls of cocoa goodness.

"Other things are just food. But chocolate’s chocolate." - Patrick Skene Catling

I couldn't agree more.

Excuse the ganache in this shot, the ugliness is thanks to some clingwrap and refrigeration.

 

ease: 3/5.
prep time: 2hours & 30mins for the pastry to be ready.
cooking time: 4hours to chill caramel, mousse and ganache.
total: 6hours & 30mins.

taste: 3.5/5. Ooey gooey fluffy chewy with a little crunch as well.

The mousse was fluffy and luxurious whilst the ganache was rich and fudgy. I think I took the caramel a whisper too far as it edged towards a slight bitterness, and to be able to stand up against the chocolate you need that sweetness instead. The pastry was nice and crumbly and overall it was a pleasant dish, but for some reason it just didn't 'knock my socks off'. Perhaps too many layers of sweetness without a spice or some contrasting flavour? I really don't know why I didn't love this more.

would I make it again: No - too time intensive for me without a big enough payoff.

recipe: http://www.citrusandcandy.com/2010/03/chocolate-and-caramel-mousse-tart.html

Persimmon & sultana muffins

Since getting hitched I have had not one gentleman caller that was not related to me stop by; my husband is now the only one who rings my bell, so to speak. Until recently that is. You see, I have had another visitor frequent my doorstep, perhaps you know him?


He smells of childhood safety and sugary spice. His footsteps leave prints of flour dust and tasty crumbs. He is warm and rotund and welcome any time of the day. Have you guessed his name yet? Perhaps this old rhyme will help...

 Do you know the Muffin Man?
The Muffin Man, the Muffin Man
Do you know the Muffin Man
Who lives in Drury Lane?

The Muffin Man has been a weekly guest at my home latey, I blame the biting damp and leaden sky for my need of comfort from this portable baked good.  Nibbled like a mouse, torn asunder or split evenly and spread with butter you can eat them any way you feel like. They get you from breakfast to lunch without any effort and leave your tummy satisfied and your mind soothed. How can you not love a muffin?

ease: 4.5/5
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 40mins.

taste: 4/5. Moist, substantial and somewhat addictive.

Straight off the bat, these aren't the prettiest muffins at the fair nor do they taste particuarly fanatstic upon the first bite. But something strange happens mid chew and you find yourself wanting to try some more, and then more and before you know it one muffin has dissappeared and your fingers are already reaching for its twin.

The persimmon in this is more of a moisture factor than flavour factor; it's a little too subtle when baked into a muffin but it does add a soft sweetness and absolutlely luscious crumb. The sultanas bring the jammy sweetness to the party and with hint of warm spices (I would add more next time), it is a rather addictive, mellow muffin.

This made 9 muffins.


would I make it again: Yes.

recipe: http://catesworldkitchen.com/2010/12/persimmon-muffins/

Porridge with poached apricots, honey & creme fraiche

"in omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro" 

Translation: Everywhere I have searched for peace and nowhere found it, except in a corner with a book

The pleasure of a good book is immeasurable to me. Getting lost within its pages whilst losing all concept of time is truly transporting and blissful. Most of my leisure time is spent exploring worlds within paper pages and black ink. Sometimes, however, I prefer something more visually tantalising such as a film or my favourite type of television program, a cooking show.

I had the serendipity of stumbling unto an episode of The Delicious Miss Dahl and became compeltely besotted with her adorable charm and quirky cooking. I particularly adored when she would read a quote from a book whilst sampling the products of her labour. I immediately asked my husband to obtain the other episodes and was crestfallen to learn that it had been prematurely cancelled and only a handful of episodes were made. This sadness was brief however, when I learned she had also penned a cookbook. A hasty trip to the library and I was back home, book in hand and a smile upon my face.

Needless to say her cookbook was a wonderful read, and I do mean read, as she not only spoke of her life but each seasonal recipe contained a snippet of her thoughts or humorous suggestions, such as "If its a rowdy sort of breakfast, you could also add some rum." Her words, and the gorgeous photography, were truly a delight.

Porridge with poached apricots & creme fraiche
adapted from Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights by Sophie Dahl
serves 2

1 cup oats
2 cups milk
1/2cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
handful of apricots
1 cinnamon stick
3tbs creme fraiche
2tbs honey

Combine oats, water and milk over low-medium heat and cook for 10mins or until oats are soft.
Meanwhile, simmer apricots in orange juice with cinnamon stick in a small saucepan for 5mins or until plump.
Pour porridge into two bowls, top with apricots, a dollop of creme fraiche and a drizzle of honey.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 5mins.
cooking time: 10mins.
total: 15mins.

taste: 3.5/5. Too luxurious for me, but not for my other half.

Whilst I found the luscious creme fraiche and sweet, syrupy apricots too heavy to eat first thing in the morning, R thoroughly enjoyed it. Flavour-wise, the creamy oats pair wonderfully with the slightly tart but sweetly rounded plump apricots, hint of spicy cinnamon and rich, tangy creme fraiche.

would I make it again: No - it was all a bit too heavy for me, but for those who like to indulge, dig in.

Pumpkin pecan crunch muffins

 Today is Greedy Gourmand's 3rd Blogiversary.

I shall be celebrating quietly this day; there will be no candles to be extinguished nor cakes to be sliced, instead I will be sitting on my back porch, steaming cup of tea warming one hand with another leisurely picking at a muffin filled with Autumn's essence. Here's to your 3rd birthday, little blog.

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 20mins (does not include steaming pumpkin).
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 45mins.


taste: 4/5. Incredibly moist marvellous morsels.

The smell emanating from the oven whilst they baked and bronzed was enough to make you swoon and fall into a sugary-spice induced daze. The muffins themselves had a lovely, crunchy topping that gave way to a burnt umber base flecked with cinnamon and that was as moist as moist can be. They were so soft that I had to be extra delicate when popping them out of the pan. Even hubby declared them a winner.

I reduced the batter sugar amount by 1/4cup which I thought gave them that perfect amount of sweetness without being overly sweet.
I also reduced the nutmeg to 1/2tsp as I find nutmeg can be a little overwhelming, and there were enough other spices to keep it flavoursome.
I used steamed pumpkin in place of canned puree.
This made 12muffins for me.

would I make it again: Yes.


recipe: http://www.onceuponachef.com/2010/10/pumpkin-pecan-crunch-muffins.html