Week Four: Churros!

I'm off to Barcelona!  I'm heading off next weekend so this week's challenge could only be churros!

I have made churros before, so I was at a little bit of an advantage (and I've eaten churros many times before!) but my churros have never looked pretty so that was my aim this week.  Also, presentation is an issue for me as a baker and I often feel my bakes taste wonderful but look 'informal' as Mary would say!

Full recipe here - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2459641/churros-with-chocolate-dipping-sauce 


Ingredients

• 50g butter
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  , melted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 250g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• about 1 litre sunflower oil
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• few chunks of bread

For the sauce

• 200g bar dark chocolate, not too bitter, broken into chunks
• 100ml double cream
• 100ml whole milk
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract, if you have some

For the cinnamon sugar

• 100g caster sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Method

Step One: Make the Churros
Mix the butter and vanilla extract with 350ml boiling water.  Sift the flour and baking powder together and add a pinch of salt.  Then make a well and mix the wet and dry ingredients together quickly with a wooden spoon until smoooooooooth!  Leave to rest while you make the sauce.

Step Two: Make the Sauce
Easy peasy - melt all the ingredients together, either in the microwave, a bain-marie or in a saucepan.  I melted mine in a saucepan on the hob because the cream spreads the heat and ensures the chocolate doesn't burn.  

Step Three: Pipe the Churros
I tried piping butterfly churros - it did not work!  Too complex a shape.  So I went for party rings instead ;) I drew small circles onto baking paper.  I didn't have a round cutter so I drew round my baking powder pot!  Then I piped my ring-shaped churros using a star nozzle.  Finally, I chopped the baking paper into squares so that each churro ring was sitting on its own personal magic carpet!

Step Four: Cook the Churros
Fill a deep saucepan about 1/3 full of oil.  Heat the oil until a small piece of bread cooks in about 1 min.  Cover a tray with kitchen paper ready for your churros.  Using a slotted spoon, place your churros and baking paper into the oil.  (You can probably do 3-4 at a time)  After about a minute, flip the churros and paper.  The paper should come off and you can drag it out with the slotted spoon.  Drain the churros rings on the paper.  Once you've cooked them all, dip them in sugar and enjoy with the chocolate sauce!

My score: 5/5 super easy and quick!  Loved the piping - took them to the next level!  Absolutely delicious!

Julia's Top Tips

• Watch the churros carefully when cooking.  They need to be a deep golden brown.  If they are not cooked long enough they will be doughy.  If they are cooked too long they will be oily.
• Keep your design simple!  Circles work well, hearts etc...
• Maybe try flavouring the dough?  I think orange essence would be DELISH
• Try different dipping sauces,  Salted caramel, white chocolate, raspberry cream cheese... the options are endless!

Leftover Egg White Meringues!

So, I had some leftover egg whites from making the custard for the dampfnudel.  I could have made macarons - but I would have had to go out for ground almonds.  I could have made chocolate mousse - but I would have had to go out for double cream.  (Are you sensing a theme here?!)  So I decided to make meringues, as they only require egg whites and sugar :)

Full recipe here - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2445/ultimate-meringue

(Although I did modify it slightly...)

Ingredients

• 4 large organic egg whites, at room temperature
• 115g caster sugar
• 115g icing sugar

Method

Step One: Make the Meringue

Preheat the oven to 100C.  Beat the egg whites until they look like a fluffy cloud.  Add the caster sugar one spoonful at a time until the mixture is thick and glossy.  Then sift in the icing sugar and fold.  (I then divided the mixture in two and added 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to create a chocolate swirl.)

Step Two: Pipe the Meringue

I decided I wanted a chocolate swirl meringue, so I spooned my two mixtures into either side of my piping bag.  If I did this again, I would only make 1/3 of the mixture chocolate so as to have a more clearly defined swirl.  I drew small circles onto baking paper and piped my meringue into swirls.  I don't think I beat it enough though as it did not keep its shape perfectly.  Bake for 1 1/2 hours (check after 1 hour) until the meringue sounds hollow when you gently tap the bottom.  

Step Three: Assemble the Meringues

Finally, I made a quick chocolate buttercream.  I have to admit that I have no "recipe" for buttercream, I just add ingredients until it reaches the right consistency!  I always start with a tablespoonful of salted butter, otherwise I find icing is always too sweet.  Then I add icing sugar and beat until stiff.  Obviously, as this was a chocolate buttercream, I also added a tablespoon of cocoa powder.  When it gets stiff, I add a tablespoon of boiling water and beat until smooth.  As I said, I add different amounts of butter and icing sugar until I get a smooth, spreadable buttercream.  I matched up my meringues into similar sizes (I must get better at consistency!)  Then I piped buttercream onto one meringue and sandwiched it with the other.

My score: 5/5 Very easy, quick to make (you do need to be around long enough for them to cook though), absolutely delicious!  Need to be made with something that needs egg yolks though, unless you are happy to use the egg whites in a carton (I'm not)

Julia's Top Tips

• Make sure the mixture is really stiff before you fold in the icing sugar
• Only make 1/3 of the mixture chocolate for a clearer swirl.
• Experiment with different colour and flavour combinations.  Maybe banana essence in the meringue with a caramel buttercream??  Or mint essence and chocolate ganache??  The possibilities are endless :)
• Don't leave them in the oven too long - mine were a little overdone.
• Do hide them from your husband if you want any left!

100 Days Til Christmas!!

I know I'm a bit late getting on the bandwagon as it was actually on Friday, but I still wanted to share my thoughts and plans.

I freaking LOVE Christmas!  Imagine the Spaceship scene from The Lego Movie but replace the word 'Spaceship' with 'CHRISTMAAAAAAS!!'

However, I do think the run up to Christmas starts waaaaaaaay too soon.  It's very easy to get Christmassed out, especially when the shops start stocking decorations and gifts in August!  I'm also a big fan of Halloween and Bonfire Night, so I do like to enjoy those before I start thinking about Christmas.  Also, my husband's birthday is the 23rd of November so I'm not even allowed to mention the C word til after that ;)

Having said that, as soon as the clock hits midnight on the 30th November, the Christmas decorations are up and the Christmas music is on!

So here are my plans for Christmas 2016...

• I no longer make a Christmas Cake as my husband hates it so there's no point making a wonderful cake just for myself!  Last year we made a chocolate Christmas cake (because I knew my husband would eat it) and decorated it as a QPR snowman.  This year, I'm planning on making miniature Christmas cakes, cupcake sized.
• My dad LOVES florentines but I'm rubbish at making them.  Instead, I'm going to add nuts and fruits to the top of some chocolate brownies to make Florentine brownies.
• I always make cherry and cranberry blondies - they're delish!
• I really want to try making this gorgeous cake! http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gingerbread-cake-caramel-biscuit-icing


• I'd also like to have a go at something more traditional like stollen or lebkuchen.

Here's some Christmas baking ideas to tickle your taste buds...
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/christmas-baking

When I've finished all my Bake Off bakes, I'm planning on a Halloween post (red velvet cheesecake yum!), something for Bonfire night, my husband's 30th birthday cake, and then I'll get started on Christmas bakes!  I'll try for one a week.  Until then...  Keep baking!  

  

Breadxit

I am absolutely devastated.  As you may have guessed, Bake Off is my favourite programme on TV (is it that obvious??)  I feel very strongly that it is a quintessentially BBC programme and I think it will be ruined by Channel 4, not out of incompetence or malice, but because of a lack of understanding about what makes Bake Off, Bake Off.  I think it will lose it's old fashioned, British charm and become another fast-paced reality show.  

I don't think adverts, product-placement and constant recaps and previews will work, I think they'll be a lot more "sob stories" and fake emotional moments and fake drama.  I love the fact that Mel and Sue intentionally swear when the bakers are too upset so that the footage cannot be used.  I don't think new presenters will protect the contestants as well.  

Above all, I think the hardest thing for Channel 4 will be to preserve the warmth and joy of Bake Off without the Fab Four.  Mel and Sue have already (understandably) bowed out.  No-one can replace their perfect puns and genuine care for the contestants.  They're so sweet and lovely, always helping the bakers emotionally and with their bakes.  I really don't think Mary will move and Bake Off without Mary Berry is like life without sunshine.  I never warmed to Bake Off Creme de la Creme because the presenters and judges were different and it was more like Masterchef then my lovely Bake Off.  

Here are a few websites (mostly news and opinions) that I found very informative:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37353262
http://www.recipesfromanormalmum.com/2016/09/14/coriander-falafel/ (Looks like a falafel recipe, is also Holly's opinion of Breadxit, written very beautifully)
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/sep/13/sue-perkins-and-mel-giedroyc-to-leave-great-british-bake-off  

I really am hoping desperately that Channel 4 somehow manage to keep the Bake Off Magic going - but I'm horribly worried that my beloved show now has a soggy bottom... :(

Week Three: Dampfnudel

Three technical challenges in a row!  I think it's purely because the technical challenge is always shorter, it's easier for me to achieve :)  I have NEVER heard of dampfundel but they sounded delicious and I knew I had to try some sweet German dumplings ;)

Full recipe here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/dampfnudel_36590

Ingredients

For the dampfnudel

            500g/1lb 2oz strong white flour, plus extra for dusting

            100g/3½oz caster sugar

            7g sachet fast-action yeast

            150ml/5fl oz full-fat milk, warmed

            2 large free-range eggs, lightly beaten

            70g/2½oz unsalted butter, melted

            1 lemon, finely grated zest only

            vegetable oil, for greasing

For the plum sauce

            4 ripe plums, roughly chopped and stones removed

            1 medium orange, juice only

            50g/1¾oz demerara sugar

            pinch ground cinnamon

For the vanilla sauce

            150ml/5fl oz full-fat milk

            150ml/5fl oz double cream

            3 large free-range egg yolks

            ½ tsp vanilla bean paste

            2 tsp plain flour

            50g/1¾oz caster sugar

For the poaching liquid

            25g/1oz unsalted butter

            150ml/5fl oz full-fat milk

            25g/1oz caster sugar

Wow!  Complicated!

Method

Step One: Make the Dampfnudel

Much easier than I thought!  A simple enriched dough.  You put the flour in the bowl, add the yeast and sugar to either side, then add the milk, eggs and butter.  Paul says you should use your hands, but I cheated and used the machine!  (Then you can tidy up/chop plums while it's going!)

When the dough is soft and smooth and sticking together, scatter over the lemon zest and knead that in.  Then it needs to be left to prove.  Oil a bowl and some clingfilm, then leave the dough in the bowl, top covered with clingfilm, for about an hour or until doubled in size.  (When I eventually remodel my kitchen I am totally having a proving drawer!) 


Step Two: Make Everything Else!

While the dough is proving, you've got time to make the plum sauce and custard - again, relatively easy.  I've made my own custard a few times - it's definitely worth the fuss, it tastes SO much better than shop bought.

For the plum sauce, tip the plums, orange juice and sugar into a pan and cook over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved.  Whack the heat up to full and boil for 10 mins, squishing the mixture with a masher.  Then stir in the cinnamon and let it cool for a bit.  I whizzed mine in the food processor for a super smooth sauce.

For the custard, heat the milk and cream in a pan until it is just bubbling around the edges. Take it off the heat, then whisk the egg yolks, vanilla, flour and sugar in a bowl.  Then pour the milk and cream on top, whisking continuously - otherwise you'll end up with scrambled eggs! Pour it all back into the pan and cook on a really low heat for a few minutes, stirring the whole time.  Finally, pop it in a jug or bowl with clingfilm on so it doesn't get a skin.

Step Three: Cook the Dampfnudel

First, you need to make the dough into nudels.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and turn inwards til the air is knocked out.  Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll into balls.  (I will admit I was a loser and weighed them - it was the only way to get them equal!)  

Next, make the poaching liquid.  Heat the butter, milk and sugar in a large pan (Paul says a saute pan, I didn't have one so I used my poaching pan).  When the sugar has dissolved, take the pan off the heat, add the balls and let them sit for 15 minutes until (you've guessed it!) doubled in size.  Reduce the heat and cook for another 25-30 minutes.  Then remove the lid and keep cooking for another 5 minutes until their bottoms are carmarelised.  Finally, reheat the sauces and serve!

My score: 5/5 Easy and delicious!  They are time-consuming though, not something to bash out quickly.  I think they'd be delicious at Christmas time, maybe over the holidays when you have a whole day to leave things proving and muck around making sauces.

Julia's Top Tips

• Do use a poaching pan or a saute pan - I used a ceramic dish to start with and it cracked!
• Do use a pan that's big enough - my pan was small so they're all a bit misshapen.
• Do experiment with different sauces - I also made a chocolate ganache sauce with leftover cream and it was DELICIOUS.
• Don't leave your tin in reach of your cat - or this will happen!

Keeeeeeeep baking!

Week Two: Viennese Whirls

This week's challenge was chosen purely for time restraints.  Now I'm back at school, I do not have time to make intricate iced biscuits or stunning gingerbread sculptures!  Viennese whirls were the quickest  - but unfortunately not the easiest!  I have tried making Viennese whirls before, years ago, and I've clearly not learnt from my experience as they were a disaster!

Full recipe here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/marys_viennese_whirls_96895


Ingredients

For the jam

• 200g/7oz raspberries
• 250g/9oz jam sugar

For the biscuits

• 250g/9oz very soft unsalted butter
• 50g/1¾oz icing sugar
• 225g/8oz plain flour
• 25g/1oz cornflour

For the filling

• 100g/3½oz unsalted butter, softened 
• 200g/7oz icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 

Method

Step One: Make the Jam

I did not make the jam!  I have better things to do with my life!

Step Two: Make the Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 190 (170 fan).  Line your baking tray with baking paper and draw round a 5cm cutter.  (I didn't have a 5cm cutter, so my Viennese whirls were HUGE!)

Beat the butter (MUST be butter!  I used margarine and my biscuits were too soft) and sugar together then sift in the flour and cornflower and mix until blended.  Then pipe the whirls into the circles (using a star nozzle)

Put your whirls in the fridge to firm up.  Bake for 13-15 mins until pale golden.  Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving onto a wire rack.  

Step 3: Assemble the Biscuits

Beat the icing sugar, butter and vanilla together to make the buttercream filling.  Match your biscuits up and lay side by side.  Pipe cream onto one side, jam on the other.  Sandwich together and viola!

My score: 3/5 - Not insanely difficult but reasonably tricky!  Tasted wonderful but they were too big and the texture was off.

Julia's Top Tips

• Use real butter!  I cannot stress this enough.  Marg did not hold the correct shape.
• Get the right sized cutter and right sized nozzle!
• Don't make jam - life is too short. :)

Keeeeeeeep baking!