Tuesday 6 March 2012

Chunky Pineapple Sorbet


Chunky Pineapple Sorbet


Inspired by: Myrecipes.com

Why?
I had bought a pineapple with the knowledge that we were having friends over for dinner. However when their plans changed, it was too much for two of us to eat, and in the light of the fact that we were going away for the weekend, I wanted to use the pineapple so we didn't come home to fruit rotting in the refrigerator. 

Time Taken:
20 minutes preparation+7 hours freezing.

Number of Dirty Dishes:
Fork, medium sized bowl/saucepan/container which is suitable for freezing, measuring cup, tablespoon, knife, chopping board.

I used:
1 cup sugar
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Pineapple

What I did:
In the medium sized bowl (which is suitable for freezing) dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice, and stir until combined. 
Skin and core pineapple and cut the remaining flesh into small pieces 1cm square, and add to the bowl. 
Mix with a fork and mash as much of the pineapple flesh as possible. 
For a smoother finish blend the pineapple, sugar and juice until pureed and then return to bowl. 
Cover bowl and freeze for 3 hours until it is frozen on the outside but still soft in the middle. 
Mash sorbet with a fork to break up the pineapple as much as possible and distribute the ice and then return to the freezer for 4 hours. 
Serve and Enjoy!

Comments after eating Pineapple sorbet:
YUM! This is delicious!

What I would do different:
Adding some fresh mint leaves in here would make a great flavor.

Scones


Scones


Inspired by:
Simon and Alison Holst- Gluten free baking.

Why?
We had just come back from a weekend away, and had no food in the house. I was feeling too unwell to go to the shops, but needed something quick and easy for lunch.

Time Taken:
10 mins preparation+15 mins cooking

Number of Dirty Dishes:
Tray, bowl, spoon, fork, measuring cup, measuring spoon

I used:
2 cups Gluten Free Flour
4tsp baking power
½ tsp salt
75g dairy free margarine- cold
¾ cup dairy free rice milk
3 Tbs sugar

What I did:
Preheat oven to 200C and line 20x 25cm baking tray. 
In a medium sized bowl mix gluten free flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and dairy free margarine and blend with a fork until the margarine is well combined and the mixture looks like small crumbs.
Add rice milk gradually and mix it in with a spoon to form the dough. 
When the dough is mixed, use a tablespoon to create equal spoons of dough on the baking paper, placing them a few centimeters apart (should make 10-12 tablespoons). 
Bake for 10-15 mins or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Comments after eating Scones:
YUM! I have missed the taste of hot scones with melted margerine! Delicious, a little bit sweet and so soft! Perfect with golden syrup, margarine or jam! Reheats well in the microwave.

What I would do different:
The proper way to make scones involves using a round to cut the floured dough into circular buns. However this method didn’t work for me and so I found spooning to be just as effective, or better. Next time I will space them out on the tray in an even pattern!

Lemonade


Lemonade


Inspired by:
Simply Recipes

Why?
I bought some lemons to make lemon bars and had some lemons left over. I came across the lemonade recipe as I was searching online for inspiration. I have never tried it before, but have heard so much about it through friends from the US, so I thought I would give it a go.

Time Taken:
15-20 mins preparation, plus 40 mins to chill.

Number of Dirty Dishes:
Saucepan, lemon squeezer, knife, spoon, measuring cups, jug

I used:
1 cup sugar,
1 cup lemon juice- from 6-8 small lemons
1 cup water
5 cups cold water

What I did:
In a medium sized saucepan add lemon juice, water and sugar and mix together. 
Place the saucepan on a medium heat and stir until sugar has completely dissolved. 
Take off the heat and allow to cool.
Add to 5 cups cold water and chill in jugs for 40 minutes, OR chill syrup for 40 minutes and add the cold water before serving.

Comments after drinking Lemonade:
I have made this three times in the last week I love it so much. Everyone that I have served it to, loved its refreshing taste and came back for more.

What I would do different:
Fresh mint would be a great garnish.