24 other ways Recipes

rules for making sugar syrup, fudge is based on a sugar syrup , which is a solution of sugar in liquid. when making a sugar syrup, whether it is as simple as sugar and water or contains other ingredients, the rules remain the same., always stir sugar and liquid over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved., if the mixture comes to the boil before all the sugar is dissolved, a crust of sugar crystals, which is hard to get rid of, will form around the edge of the pan., once the sugar has completely dissolved , allow the mixture to come to the boil, and do not stir the mixture, unless specifically instructed to in the recipe. stirring the boiling mixture will cause it to become cloudy and crystallised, which may or may not be desirable, depending on the recipe., using a sugar thermometer, boil the mixture for the full time, as specified in the recipe. because stoves vary so much, as do interpretations of high, medium or low heat, we have given a sugar thermometer reading as an exact gauge. the sugar thermometer should be fixed to the pan before the mixture comes to the boil, as handling the boiling liquid can be very hazardous., when the mercury reaches the temperature called for in the recipe , the fudge is ready. watch the mixture carefully towards the end of the cooking time, as it will burn quickly if left cooking too long., length of time the mixture cooks , and therefore the temperature it reaches in that given time, determines how the mixture will set. sugar thermometers are the simplest, most accurate way of determining when a syrup has reached the desired stage. when the thermometer reaches 115dc (240df), the mixture is at soft-ball stage., worry too much if you don tsp have a sugar thermometer , as fudge is fairly forgiving mixture, unlike hard sweets, for which a sugar thermometer is crucial., way to check for soft-ball stage is to drop a small amount of mixture into very cold water. when rolled between your thumb and index finger, it should form a soft ball., brushing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush dissolves any crystals which have formed on the sides of the pan. it is a good idea to do this if the recipe says to, but don tsp allow to much water to drip into the pan, as this will slow down the cooking process and interfere with the given time., other equipment, heavy-based pans are best for making fudge. because it is a high sugar content, the mixture can catch and burn if the pan has a thin base, such as those on aluminum pans., use a long-handled wooden spoon if the mixture is to be stirred while still hot, as wood will not conduct heat., as soon as the mixture is ready, remove the pan from the heat , place it on a wooden board or heatproof trivet and allow to cool as directed. the pan will be very hot so, if it has a metal handle, use a thick cloth around the handle when moving it., beating the mixture, mixture may be beaten while still hot , or may be asked to wait until has cooled. beating thickens the mixture and causes it to lose its gloss. the recipe will indicate whether to use a wooden spoon or electric beaters - it is not a good idea to use electric beaters in a very hot mixture. there is usually a fine line between the mixture reaching the desired consistency and being too firm and dry to spread into the tin, so watch it carefully as you work., warning, take great care with every step of the procedure, as hot sugar syrup is very dangerous, and heat will transfer to any heat-conducting equipment it comes in contact with. keep children well away from the hot mixture., always use a long-handled wooden spoon for stirring., if you do get burnt , hold the afflicted area under cold water to wash off the syrup and then keep the burn immersed in cold water for about 10 minutes.

cinnamon graham crackers, raw sugar, earth balance margarine (melted ), vegan cream cheese, raw sugar, non-dairy whipped topping (divided 3 ways), bananas, sliced (use firm ones ), soymilk (or other non-dairy milk), coconut pudding (i used the cooked kind), toasted unsweetened flaked coconut

cobb salad with grilled chicken, mercury , in dallas, special equipment 4 four-inch ring molds approximately 2 inches tall, champagne vinaigrette 1/4 cup champagne vinegar, egg yolk, creole mustard, canola oil, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, in a bowl whisk together the vinegar , egg yolk, and mustard. then slowly pour in the oil, whisking to emulsify. season with salt and pepper. refrigerate until ready to use., salad 2 ripe avocados, peeled, seeded, and flesh broken into large pieces, hard-boiled eggs, grated, ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and diced, cooked bacon, diced, blue cheese , preferably roquefort, approximately 1 cup champagne vinaigrette (recipe above), head romaine , cut in julienne strips 2 inches long, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, in a large bowl toss the avocado , grated egg, tomato, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and enough champagne vinaigrette to just moisten the ingredients. with a spoon, mash everything together until it resembles a loose guacamole. season with salt and pepper. if you are not using immediately, cover surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate., when you are ready to assemble the salads, set out 4 dinner plates. place a ring mold on each plate and fill it with salad. using moderate pressure, press the salad down with a spoon or fork until it is flush with the top of the ring. refrigerate the salads for 1 hour., chicken 4 boneless chicken breasts, approximately 6 oz each, basil oil (for garnish , optional), chile oil (for garnish , optional), grill the breasts until just done , about 5 minutes per side. may be sauteed, if you wish. keep warm., unmold the salads , hold down the top of the salad with 1 hand while you carefully remove the ring with the other, giving it a slight twist as you lift up if it doesn tsp move easily., warm chicken and place on top of the salads in a grid fashion, 2 pieces 1 way, 2 the other, and so on. drizzle the plate with the basil and chile oils, if desired. serve immediately. serves 4., this recipe comes courtesy of chef chris ward and his four-star dallas restaurant, the mercury.