Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Desserts

Today after school 

I'll learn to make this pie with my mom and post pictures later!



FOR PIE

  • Pastry dough
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

FOR MERINGUE

  • 5 large egg whites, at room temperature 30 minutes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar

MAKE PIE SHELL:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 13-inch round, then fit into a 9-inch pie plate (4-cup capacity). Trim edge, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang, then crimp decoratively. Lightly prick shell all over with a fork, then chill 30 minutes.
  • Line shell with foil and fill with pie weights or raw rice. Bake until side is set and edge is pale golden, about 20 minutes. Carefully remove weights and foil and bake shell until bottom and side are golden, about 20 minutes more. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 350°F.

MAKE FILLING:

  • Whisk together yolks in a small bowl.
  • Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a heavy medium saucepan. Gradually add water and milk, whisking until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently as mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and gradually whisk about 1 cup milk mixture into yolks, then whisk yolk mixture into remaining milk mixture. Add lemon zest and juice and simmer, whisking constantly, 3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until incorporated. Cover surface with wax paper to keep hot.

MAKE MERINGUE:

  • Beat whites with cream of tartar and salt using an electric mixer at medium speed until they hold soft peaks. Increase speed to high and add superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until meringue just holds stiff, glossy peaks.

ASSEMBLE AND BAKE PIE:

  • Pour hot filling into warm pie shell and gently shake to smooth top. Spread meringue decoratively over hot filling, covering filling completely.
  • Immediately bake until meringue is golden-brown, about 15 minutes. Cool completely on a rack, 2 to 3 hours. Cut with a serrated knife dipped in cold water.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Valentines Day Weekend

This past Friday, being Valentines day, I made all kinds of baked goods. Over the course of the weekend I made dinner Saturday night and Monday night. I've began to make dinner on my own for my family and friends. It's something I've really picked up on doing casually now and I've come to really enjoy it.

I've gone from attempting to make gourmet food to just making dinner casually and just random different recipes. Over this weekend I've made, lasagna, cookies, homemade salad dressing, a skillet breakfast, and homemade pizza.
I made the cookies from scratch, the dressing, and skillet and the pizza. I had bought noodles for the lasagna, but I plan to learn how to make homemade noodles. My mom and I made the spaghetti sauce from scratch and used that for the pizza as well. With both entrees, we had salads and used our homemade dressing.

Everything homemade always taste better rather than store bought meals. It takes time, but its worth it. Cooking and baking has really become a new thing to do. I have cooked with my parents and my boyfriend. Living in Jackson can be boring with nothing to do, but cooking at home has replaced going out to eat.
I like looking up new recipes and this is the next one I want to try:http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2007/06/grilledhaloumi
http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2008/10/souffleed-macaroni-and-cheese

Monday, February 3, 2014

Mid- Progress

So Far....

With my progress with being a gourmet chef, I've started to just learn recipes that are more wholesome than gourmet. 

I have yet to cook with Evan, but I've been cooking more with my dad and learning how to cook and season different meats such as preparing steaks, chicken, and a variety of fish. 

As many Americans would know, yesterday was Superbowl Sunday and I cooked a variety of appetizers and the main course alongside with my dad. Our appetizers included teriyaki wings, a polish sauerkraut dip with rye bread, and bean dip. The main course was steaks, twice baked potatos, and salad. 

Cooking the steaks with my dads, I learned the basics( rare, medium, and well done). Overall cooking with my dad is always fun and he's a really great cook. 

To be continued....