Connect with us

Food

Getting Your Bake On? Here’s 5 Baking Tools Under 500

Published

on

Image from gourmet-cookie-bouquets.com

Now that Summer’s under way, are you planning to break out the baking and concoct confectionery marvels? Is your trusty oven feeling left out? Here are a few inexpensive baking tools you can get to improve your baking game!

Text credit: Rheanna Mathews

In all honesty, this list is by no means, comprehensive. But when it comes to baking tools for a budding baker, or an occasional one, here is where you can start.

The right measurements

Baking Tools 1: for precise measurements

Source: amazon.com

Every baker needs perfect tools to take perfect measurements. Here’s a swanky looking bunch of measuring cups and spoons to do just that. Of course, whether you follow the recipe religiously or not is up to you. But this is a good start, yes?

Silicon Cake Mould

Baking Tools 2: silicon mould

Source: amazon.com

Now, surely you have the basic square and round baking pans needed to make those fluffy, moist, melt-in-your-mouth cakes that all your friends adore. But what about striking out further afield a little? Suppose there’s a very special, romantic date coming up, and you want to up your game a little. This beauty of a silicon mould helps you bake a flawless heart-shaped cake without the hassle of double baking.

Cake Leveller

Baking Tools 3: for those who like an even cake

Source: amazon.com

Image source: webstaurantstore.com

You know what you need to take your cakes up a level? A leveller. Bad puns aside, a cake leveller is a handy tool that helps even out your cake. You can also use it to cut a cake into layers, and that’s aNother level up. If you manage to make a layered frosting cake, not only are people sure to be impressed, there’ll be more frosting in the cake. Win-win.

Rolling Mat

Baking Tools 4: coz you really need one

Source: amazon.com

Baking cakes is all well and good. (Almost) everyone enjoys a nice, spongey cake heaped with buttercream frosting. Add handfuls of coloured sprinkles and you’re set for any sort of occasion that calls for cake. But when you get tired of making and tasting and giving away cake, what do you do? Make pie, of course! Or swap out the buttercream for fondant. Either way, a rolling mat, especially one marked with measurements, is a great help.

Macaron Kit

Baking Tools 5: to help you reach patisserie pinnacles

Source: amazon.com

Image source: Pinterest

You want something interesting and definitely more challenging than cakes to take up your time, here’s what to make: macarons! Ask any pastry chef, read any pastry book, everyone will tell you, macarons are deuced hard to get right. But here’s a handy, and quite, quite inexpensive – all things considering – kit to help you do just that.

If you need some inspiration and want a glimpse of the magnificence a baker’s hands can create, just take a look at Georgia’s Cakes. And if you want a more local and definitely healthier option – we hear she even hosts classes – why not visit Eva’s Healthy Bakes?

If you want to cram you kitchen with more affordable baking tools, head on over to this place. But do remember, here at the office, we like all sorts of baked stuff too. So please feel free to send us some of your baking experiments. 😛

Advertisement
Comments

Food

Coffee Pairing: Foods That Complement Your Morning Brew

Published

on

International Coffee Day is a celebration for coffee lovers around the world, offering the perfect opportunity to elevate your morning coffee experience by pairing it with the right foods. While we often focus on how we brew our coffee, the right food pairing can make a world of difference, enhancing the flavors and aromas of your favorite cup of joe. Let’s dive into some delightful coffee and food pairings that will make your mornings even more enjoyable.

1. Espresso & Dark Chocolate

If you’re an espresso enthusiast, pairing this bold and concentrated coffee with dark chocolate is a match made in heaven. The richness of the chocolate complements the intensity of the espresso, balancing its bitterness while enhancing its deep, earthy notes. Try a square of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to elevate your espresso experience.

2. Latte & Croissants

For a softer and creamier start to the day, a latte paired with a buttery croissant is a classic combination. The mild and frothy nature of the latte contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery layers of the croissant, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

3. Cappuccino & Almond Biscotti

Cappuccino, with its frothy milk and rich espresso base, pairs wonderfully with almond biscotti. The biscotti’s crunchy texture and subtle sweetness complement the coffee’s bold flavor, making this an ideal choice for those who enjoy dipping their snacks into their coffee.

4. Cold Brew & Avocado Toast

For a modern and trendy breakfast, cold brew coffee pairs exceptionally well with avocado toast. The smooth, refreshing flavor of cold brew contrasts with the creamy, savory taste of avocado spread on toasted sourdough, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

5. Americano & Blueberry Muffins

The subtle and smooth profile of an Americano pairs perfectly with a fruity blueberry muffin. The sweetness and slight tartness of the blueberries bring out the brighter, fruity notes in the coffee, while the muffin’s soft texture complements the light body of the Americano.

6. Mocha & Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, pairing a mocha with a cinnamon roll will satisfy your sweet tooth. The chocolatey, rich flavor of the mocha mirrors the sweetness of the cinnamon roll’s glaze, while the spiced notes from the cinnamon add a layer of complexity to the pairing.

7. Flat White & Banana Bread

Flat whites are known for their smooth, velvety texture and strong espresso flavor, making them an excellent match for the moist, dense goodness of banana bread. The banana bread’s natural sweetness and subtle flavors work well to soften the intensity of the coffee, creating a balanced taste.

8. Turkish Coffee & Baklava

For a cultural twist, pair the bold, unfiltered flavors of Turkish coffee with the sweetness of baklava. The rich, syrupy layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey provide the perfect complement to the strong, concentrated coffee, creating a sensory experience that is both rich and satisfying.

9. Iced Coffee & Fresh Fruit Salad

On warmer days, an iced coffee goes well with a fresh fruit salad. The chilled, refreshing nature of iced coffee enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like melons, berries, and citrus, making it a light and healthy pairing for a quick breakfast.

10. Macchiato & Cheese Danish

For those who enjoy a macchiato, the addition of a cheese Danish offers a creamy and slightly tangy balance to the intense espresso shot topped with just a bit of milk foam. The Danish’s soft, cheesy filling contrasts well with the strong coffee, making each bite more indulgent.

The beauty of coffee lies in its versatility, and with the right pairing, you can transform your morning coffee into a more elevated culinary experience. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, there’s a perfect food match for every type of coffee. So, on this International Coffee Day, take a moment to experiment with different pairings and discover new flavors that enhance the joy of your morning brew.

Continue Reading

Food

Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

Published

on

Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

Continue Reading

Food

The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

Published

on

A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

Continue Reading

Facebook

Trending