I love waking up to the smell of homemade bread. There is nothing better than the aroma of fresh bread wafting from the kitchen. It helps to wake the grumpiest person in our household with a smile. Making bread can be a laborious task and it needs a lot of time and patience. To make bread from scratch, a lot of stages are required such as mixing, kneading, proving, kneading again and proving again before the final bake. Although it can be therapeutic, one needs a lot of spare time before you can savour the freshly baked bread.
If like me you too enjoy fresh homemade bread but don't really have the time to bake it, what you need is a bread maker. There are many bread makers available to buy on the market, but I particularly like the Panasonic range. The bread makers are simple and easy to use with many integrated features such as a temperature sensor that adjusts programmes processes according to the surrounding temperature. They have 33 programmes, a nut and raisin dispenser that evenly distributes fruit and nut throughout the bread. The added facility of a digital timer that can be preset up to 13 hours is really excellent as it enables you to programme the bread maker the night before so that you can wake up to a fresh loaf of bread.
Included with the bread maker are accessories that help you create and measure the ingredients correctly. The variety of programs can create a basic loaf or you can make speciality breads without too much complications.
The bread makers come in 6 different models and there is a choice of colours; black, white or chrome, making them suitable for any style of kitchen.
The Panasonic bread makers start from £89 and range upwards depending on the facilities each model offers. If you enjoy baking bread, investing in a breadmaker would save you a lot of time and give you a lot of pleasure in creating different varieties of homemade breads.
This is a collaborative post, all views and opinions expressed in this post are unbiased and my own.
Fresh fruits and vegetables make up almost 75 % of my weekly shopping. We consume a lot of fruits and vegetables and to save money I always buy in large packs or in bulk. This sounds like a great idea but there are times this also means that there is waste. Often we can't always use up all the produce we buy and it starts to rot and we end up throwing it away. I check my fridge daily to avoid unnecessary wastage and any odd vegetables, tomatoes or small amounts of leafy veg that are left over I wash cut and chop into bite size pieces. I either use them for stews and soups on the day or freeze them for later. Any overripe fruits I also chop up and use in smoothies, sorbets or freeze to use them later in smoothies. I find that fruits and veggies tend to rot in the fridge because they produce a gas called ethylene. If the veg compartment is over filled and over packed or the fruit is left in plastic bags, the condensation formed inside rots the vegetables. This was a major problem in my fridge that is until I discovered the OXO Produce green savers.
Oxo produce green savers are the perfect storage solution as they have elevated baskets, adjustable vents and carbon filters in the lids. These maintain the perfect storage environment for the produce keeping it fresher for longer.
Activated carbon filter made from coconut absorbs ethylene gas and helps keep produce fresh
longer
Elevated basket promotes airflow to prevent rotting, features handles for easy removal and can be used as a colander.
Adjustable vent slides open and closed for optimal humidity levels for different types of produce
Comes in three sizes 1.5L, 4.0 L, and 4.7L.
There is a Sliding date indicator that shows when it’s time to replace the carbon filter
Convenient Chart or usage guidance included underneath the vent.
Available in three stackable modular sizes, the Green Saver small size, 1.5l is ideal for berries and the medium size 4l is ideal for lettuce, green bean, broccoli and grapes. The largest size 4.7l easily accommodates longer produce such as carrots, cucumbers and celery.
1 filter included
BPA free.
I love my Oxo Green savers that OXO sent me to review. They have made my produce storage solution easy. As always whenever I try out a new product I always want my readers to have the opportunity to do the same. OXO has been very kind and they have agreed to giveaway two of their Green saver 15 L to one lucky simplyfood reader.
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Closing date - 25th Jan 2016 12.00 am
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A delicious creamy aromatic gingerbread latte with aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
200 ml Full cream milk
40 ml Espresso coffee
1.5 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger paste
2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
Instructions
1. In a saucepan add the milk, sugar, ginger paste,1 teaspoon nutmeg, cinnamon and bring the milk to boil. Once it's boiled remove the milk from heat and strain it into a glass jug.2. Using an electric whisk or milk frother froth the milk.3. In two tall latte glasses, divide the espresso coffee equally.4. Top the espresso with hot milk and spoon the froth over the coffee. Sprinkle with the remaining nutmeg and serve immediately.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 2 servings
During the months of November and December, I have had a lot of foodie gifts either sent to e by companies or gifted to me by friends and family. I love the whole collection of these delicious healthy goodies.
1. Liberation Nuts- these selection of nuts are perfect for nibbles, party nibbles and snacking. Three delicious varieties making these perfect for all tasted.They come in small single serving packs or larger packs for sharing.
Oven baked Salted cashew and peanuts.
Oven Baked Chilli and Lime Cashews, peanuts and roasted corn
Oven baked peppercorn, peanuts with cashewnuts, habas fritas and crunchy beans
2. Quinoa Chips made by Eat Real, a super grain vegetarian and vegan snack that is delicious and healthy. These come is assorted flavours and are so moreish.
Coco Chomp-coconut, raw cashew, cocoa.buckwheat clusters and cranberries
Nuttin but energy, raw cacao,brazil nuts,almonds,sunflower seeds and buck wheat clusters
5.Planet Organic Gnaw on Nature Raw 46- mini bite size snacks made with natural goodness. These nibbles are free from grains, gluten,dairy and refined sugars
6. Dr.Karg's Organic crispbread Emmental Cheese and pumpkin seed crackers. these delicious and healthy bites a have pumpkin seeds and linseeds and are made with 100 % wholegrain flour.
After the indulgence of food during of the festive period, these delicious snacks are perfect if you want to have a guilt free snack for the new year.I was sent the liberation nuts to review all other products were bought for me by friends and family.
Indo Chinese flavours in this carrot soup makes this perfect for a winter warmer starter soup.
Ingredients:
4 Large Carrots
1 Medium Potato
1 Red Chilli(sliced and deseeded)
1 clove Garlic (peeled)
1 inch Stalk lemongrass
1 teaspoon Light Soya sauce
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon White Pepper
150 ml Water
1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds
1 sprig Sprig fresh coriander finely chopped
Method:
1. Peel and dice the carrots and potatoes.2.Add the carrots, potatoes, water, garlic, lemon grass, salt, soya sauce and red chilli in the Thermocook and cook on the auto thick soup option.3. Once soup is cooked you can add boiling water to adjust the consistency of the soup to preference.4. Serve soup in bowls garnished with chopped coriander leaves and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: Serves 4
This soup is suitable for the 5-2 diet
Calories per Serving
Carbs
Fat
Protein
Sodium
Sugar
74
17
1
2
495
5
I cooked my soup in the ThermoCook which I have been trialling. I love the versatility of the ThermoCook.
What is the ThermoCook?
ThermoCook is a multi-function cooking appliance that has loads of functions. It consists of a large 2 litre stainless steel power blender that blends as well as cooks and steams. It has over 20 functions that include stirring, steaming, kneading, cooking, blending chopping, whipping, mixing, emulsifying and milling.
If you like the sound of the ThermoCook this is what it comes with:
• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee – Includes Return Postage
• 2.0 Litre detachable stainless steel jar for blending and cooking
• Butterfly and kneading blade
• Stainless steel blade assembly
• Large 70x50mm LCD screen
• Separate Precise Glass Scale
• Soft silicon rubber spatula
• Simple pre-set auto programs and unique DIY program
• Adjustable timer and temperature gauge
• Dishwasher proof (non-electrical parts only)
• Comprehensive recipe book
Currently the ThermoCook is on special offer at £549.00, it may sound steep for a gadget but trust me it really does do everything it states and much more. You can actually prepare your whole meal using this one gadget.Think of all the washing up you will save.
If you want to take advantage of this awesome gadget you can check it out here.
Mogo or better known as cassava or yucca is a very common vegetable eaten in South America, India and also African countries. In East Africa cassava is a staple just like potatoes are in the west.
Cassava root is long and tapered, the vegetable has a thick outer brown skin and a white flesh. The tough outer skin/ rind has to be peeled before cooking. It can be eaten boiled, fried, mashed or dried made into flour too. It is also known as Tapioca. Cassava roots are high in starch and contain lots of calcium.It is high in vitamin c , folic acid and potassium.
Bhel is an indian name given to a street food type cold salad / snacks made with any vegetables such as potatoes, chickpeas, corn and is garnished with onions tomatoes, crunchy puffed rice and served with a dressing called chutney.
We eat cassava a lot in our household, the easiest and tastiest way to cook it is to boil it and eat it as a warm side salad or snack.I am sharing here my simple yet yummy Cassava Bhel recipe cooked in my new ThermoCook. You can boil the cassava on the stovetop in a normal way too.
print recipe
Mogo Bhel (Boiled cassava salad)
by Nayna Kanabar December-11-2015
African style mogo, spicy, tangy and garnished with red onion, green and red peppers and coriander leaves.
1. Place the frozen cassava chips in the thermocook and add 150 ml water.Add 1 teaspoon salt and the turmeric powder and cook on boil function for 25 minutes or until cassava is fully cooked and soft.2. Cut the red onion in half and slice it into thin slices.3. Dice the peppers into small pieces.4. Slice the red chilli into thin round slices.5. Chop the coriander finely.6. Once the cassava is cooked remove from the thermocook and discard any water.7. Pat the cassava dry with kitchen paper and cut it into 1cm diced pieces.
8. In a large bowl put the chopped cassava, sliced onions, diced peppers, lemon juice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, chilli powder, red chillies, olive oil and chopped coriander and toss together. 9. Transfer to serving plates and serve warm or cold.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 2 servings
I cooked my cassava in the ThermoCook which I have been trialling. I love the versatility of the ThermoCook.
What is the ThermoCook?
ThermoCook is a multi-function cooking appliance that has loads of functions. It consists of a large 2 litre stainless steel power blender that blends as well as cooks and steams. It has over 20 functions that include stirring, steaming, kneading, cooking, blending chopping, whipping, mixing, emulsifying and milling.
If you like the sound of the ThermoCook this is what it comes with:
• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee – Includes Return Postage
• 2.0 Litre detachable stainless steel jar for blending and cooking
• Butterfly and kneading blade
• Stainless steel blade assembly
• Large 70x50mm LCD screen
• Separate Precise Glass Scale
• Soft silicon rubber spatula
• Simple pre-set auto programs and unique DIY program
• Adjustable timer and temperature gauge
• Dishwasher proof (non-electrical parts only)
• Comprehensive recipe book
Currently the ThermoCook is on special offer at £549.00, it may sound steep for a gadget but trust me it really does do everything it states and much more. You can actually prepare your whole meal using this one gadget.Think of all the washing up you will save.
If you want to take advantage of this awesome gadget you can check it out here.
In my kitchen I have a vast collection of cookbooks. I know nowadays you can get recipes on line but there is nothing nicer than browsing through cookbooks, looking at the glossy photos and flicking through the pages.
Make it Easy cookbook by Jane Lovett is a lovely cookbook with 100 pages. It has a selection of foolproof, stylish and delicious go ahead recipes ranging from soups and starters, fish, meat, lunches and desserts. All the recipes are simple and easy to follow so the book is suitable for an amateur or an expert cook.
Although the book does not have strictly vegetarian recipes, there are a few and most can be adapted to make them suitable for vegetarian by substituting ingredients. The book has a nice tips section at the front and also a little bit about the author. It's always nice to read something about the author as it gives a good insight as to how the author created the recipes. The book would make a lovely christmas present for someone who enjoys cooking or would like to learn. It retails at £12.99 ISBN :9781504800549
I have tried a few recipes from the book such as Spanakopita a a spinach and feta tart, Oriental salad and the sticky spiced nuts. They turned out delicious.
Score:
My score for the book: 12/15
Content -3 /5 (Purely because of not enough vegetarian recipes) Illustrations- 5/5 Recipe Instructions- 4/5
All the views and opinions expressed in this post are my own. I would like to thank Lifestyle books for sending me this book to review.They have also been very generous and agreed to provide an additional copy for one simplyfood reader.
How To Enter:
Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway
Closing date – 28th Dec 2015 12.00 am
Entries open to UK residents only
How Rafflecopter works:
You will need to complete the mandatory entry first – usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
Login to Rafflecopter – click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void.
Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
For information on how to find the URL of your tweet click here.
For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries.
If you are still unsure as to how Rafflecopter works please do check out this short video.
If you are a foodie like me I am sure you are all aware that the first and foremost kitchen tool in any kitchen is a good set of knives. Without good knives the food you cut will be damaged ,bruised and the above all it's very dangerous to use blunt and damaged knives. I have an assortment of knives in my kitchen, however I do find that a lot of them are blunt or the blades and pointsare bent or damaged, so it was time to replace them with some good quality knives.
The Black Diamond kitchen knives made by Edge of Belgravia are an absolute must in any kitchen. These precision knives are designed by Christian Bird. They are made from from stainless steel with a non stick coating and they have a futuristic bold design which is very eye catching and stylish.
The set comprises of:
15 cm BREAD knife- A nimble knife with a serrated blade that is perfect for slicing crusty bread, fresh bread without squashing it.
12.5 cm DEBA knife - A Japanese style knife perfect for sushi, steak, fish, fruit and veg.
15 cm CHEF'S knife- The perfect knife for cutting and slicing.
10 cm PARING knife - The one knife that you must have for smaller tasks and small chopping, peeling, cutting.
The four knives can be stored in a beautiful black diamond shaped block, which will look great on any kitchen top.
I was sent a set of knives together with the block for review purposes, All views and opinions in this post are my own.I was not asked to write a positive review I am so happy with my knives that I really would like one simplyfood reader to get a set for Christmas too. The lovely people at Edge of Belgravia have agreed to provide one set of knives worth £69.90 together with the diamond shaped block worth £89.90 as a prize. Total prize value £159.80
How To Enter:
Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
This competition is open to UK residents only .Please read the rules below .
Leaving a blog comment is mandatory and failure to do so will void any other entries.
Closing date - 21st December 2015 12.00 am
How Rafflecopter works:
·You will need to complete the mandatory entry first – usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box.Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
·Login to Rafflecopter – click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
·Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void.
·Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
·For information on how to find the URL of your tweet click here.
·For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries.
·If you are still unsure as to how Rafflecopter works please do check out this short video.
In the past you have seen that I have been using the Froothie Optimum 9400 and the Optimum 600Cold press Juicer in the simplyfood kitchens. I can’t stress enough how good both these products are. They do the job of all kitchen gadgets that you have lined up on your kitchen top.
I have created many delicious recipes using these amazing gadgets and I can't imagine my kitchen without them. They are my best kitchen helper buddies!!! But now I have some exciting news, to this awesome duo Froothie have added another fantastic gadget the ThermoCook. As a brand ambassador I have had the chance to try out this new addition to the Froothie range. How exciting is that? Santa has come early it looks like I can start making friends with this new beauty.
What is the ThermoCook?
ThermoCook is a multi-function cooking appliance that has loads of functions. It consists of a large 2 litre stainless steel power blender that blends as well as cooks and steams. It has over 20 functions that include stirring, steaming, kneading, cooking, blending chopping, whipping, mixing, emulsifying and milling.
To test out my ThermoCook I started off by using the steaming facility. Easy does it as I am not that great when it comes to operating electrical gadgets, but to my surprise even I managed to set up and use this gadget at a click.!!!
There are three parts to the steamer, the small 2.6 litre steamer, large 3 litre steamer and the lid. I steamed some sweet corn in it using the auto programme "steam" and it came out perfectly cooked. I served it with a knob of butter and a sprinkling of freshly ground Black pepper and Salt. OMG it was delicious, you may think what's in steaming sweet corn its easy!!! I know but conventional methods sometimes leave the sweetcorn kernels shrivelled up and shrunk, instead my corn retained its freshness and texture the kernels were cooked to perfection.
My second attempt in the ThermoCook was a spiced butternut squash soup. I added chopped onions and chunks of butternut squash in the jug with green chilli, pinch of cumin, salt and water and hit the "Quick soup" function and I had delicious hot piping soup in less than 20 minutes. Things were getting better and better so impressive!!!
My third attempt was to make Jam. I followed the instructions in the ThermoCook book for plum jam but made Apple and mixed berry jam with cinnamon. I had to use the manual function on the ThermoCook, this took a little more understanding and dial turning but when you have a manual with simple instructions anyone can do it right??? The jam turned out perfect. I think all my friends are now going to get homemade jams and chutneys for Christmas.
print recipe
Apple and Mixed Berry Jam
by Nayna Kanabar November-27-2015
Tangy, rich and deliciously spiced with cinnamon this Jam would be perfect for any breakfast.
Ingredients
3 Braeburn Apples
240 g Mixed Berries
1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
1 Lemon
350g Sugar
Instructions
1. Peel and core the apples and dice them.2. Wash the berries and if large roughly chop.3.Extract the juice from the lemon4. Add all berries,apples,sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice to the Jug of the ThermoCook.(The jug should be fitted with blade assembly blade.)5. Lock the jug in place and set the ThermoCook on speed three, temperature 90 degrees C,heat power 7 and timer on 50 minutes.6. After 50 minutes check the jam temperature using a sugar thermometer, if its at 105 degrees C .Stop the cooking and transfer the jam to a bowl for cooling. If the temperature has not reached 105 degrees cook the jam for another 5 minutes.7. Once jam is cooled transfer it to sterilised bottles.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 2 Jars
If you like the sound of the ThermoCook this is what it comes with:
• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee – Includes Return Postage
• 2.0 Litre detachable stainless steel jar for blending and cooking
• Butterfly and kneading blade
• Stainless steel blade assembly
• Large 70x50mm LCD screen
• Separate Precise Glass Scale
• Soft silicon rubber spatula
• Simple pre-set auto programs and unique DIY program
• Adjustable timer and temperature gauge
• Dishwasher proof (non-electrical parts only)
• Comprehensive recipe book
Currently the ThermoCook is on special offer at £549.00, it may sound steep for a gadget but trust me it really does do everything it states and much more. You can actually prepare your whole meal using this one gadget.Think of all the washing up you will save.
If you want to take advantage of this awesome gadget you can check it out here.
Disclosure: Froothie UK sent me the Optimum ThermoCook to use and review at home. I have not been paid for this post and was not required to give the ThermoCook a positive write up. All views and opinions expressed in this post are of my own experience. Photos of Optimum 9400, Optimum 600 and Optimum ThermoCook were used with permission and supplied by Froothie.
When I went to India, one of the most common sandwich that was available on every street corner was the Bombay Sandwich. I was really intrigued with the ingredients potato and spices in a sandwich!!!! Being a foodie I had to try it and trust me I was not disappointed, it was amazing and immediately it became my firm favorite.
It was a wonderful combination of green coriander chutney layered in between toasted bread, thin slices of boiled potato with cucumber, tomato and slices of red onion. The sandwich was delicious and the ingredients did vary slightly from vendor to vendor. I have created my own version of the Bombay Sandwich using the Chunky proper Pickle from English Provender.
print recipe
Bombay Sandwich
by Nayna Kanabar November-22-2015
Toasted bread rolls layered with spicy sauteed potatoes and garnished with English Pickle, peppers, cucumber, tomatoes and red onions.
Ingredients:
3 Medium Potatoes Boiled
2 Medium Tomatoes thinly sliced
8 Cucumber slices
1 Small red onion thinly sliced in rings
1/2 of each colour Red and Green pepper thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Red chilli paste
1/2 teaspoon Garlic paste
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
2 tablespoons English Provender chunky Pickle
2 Soft Bread Rolls
Method:
1. Slice the potatoes into 5mm thick slices.2. In a bowl add 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic paste, chilli paste, salt, lemon juice and mix together to make the marinade.3. In a shallow dish pour half the marinade and place the potato slices on it. Pour the rest of the marinade onto the potato slices and cover the dish and keep aside for flavours to infuse in potato slices.4. In a frying pan add 1 tablespoon olive oil and wait for it to heat, once hot add the pepper slices and saute for 2-3 minutes. Remove them from pan with slotted spoon and keep aside.5. In the same pan add the marinated potato slices and saute them on both sides until golden brown. Remove from pan and keep aside.6. Cut the bread rolls in half and in the same pan place the bread rolls cut side down and brown them slightly. Remove from pan and place the 2 bottom pieces of toasted bread rolls on a serving plate.To make the sandwich. Spread a layer of English Provender chunky Proper Pickle on to the toasted bread. Add a few slices of spicy potatoes, add cucumber, tomatoes, sauteed peppers and finish off with a dollop of English Provender chunky pickle and the onion rings.Place the top part of the toasted bread roll to complete the sandwich.
Details:
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 2 Sandwiches
I was sent four jars of the English Provender Proper Pickle to sample ; Proper Pickle onion. Proper Pickle Beetroot, Proper Pickle finely chopped and Proper Pickle Chunky. In this recipe I have used the Proper Pickle Chunky.
“This post is an entry into the #ProperPickle Challenge with The English Provender Co and Foodies100”
