Bavarian Cake

A bavarian cream cake is basically vanilla sauce that has it's shape retained by gelatin. The reason that it maintains it's texture and strength is due to the aerated structure. This is derived by measuring out equal proportions of ingredients in terms of weight. The bavarian cream as such can be used for various dessert preperations.

To make the Bavarian cream, we need to whip the cream, mix it with the vanilla sauce. The vanilla sauce should be allowed to cool and should maintain a temperture that is just warm. Any kind of flavoring needs to be added at this point. It is desirable to add extra flavoring as the whipped cream would reduce the final flavor of the product. (It is recommended to have the molds ready before preparation as the bavaraian cream will set soon).

Bavarian Cream:

Gelatin 1oz

Water 8floz

Heavy cream 32floz

Vanilla sauce 32floz

• Have the molds ready before preparation.
• In a bowl immerse the gelatin, until it is bloomed.
• Whip the cream to a soft peak.
• Have the vanilla sauce warm, into the sauce add the bloomed gelatin.
• Blend one third of the vanilla sauce with the whipped cream fold gently (as it is aerated it may loose volume)
• Mix in the remaining vanilla sauce and fold thoroughly.
• Pour the mixture into molds of your choice and refrigerate.

Vanilla sauce:

Egg yolks 12ea

Milk 1quart

Sugar 8oz

Vanilla extract 1/2tsp

• Heat the Milk and sugar with the extract to a boil.
• In another bowl whip the egg yolks thoroughly
• Add 1/4 portion of the mixture gently into the whipped egg yolks and temper it.
• Whisk it thoroughly and then add it back to the mixture and whisk it thoroughly, once it comes to a boil remove from heat and let cool.

Hard Ganache

We have seen those beautiful chocolate coated desserts, as we walk down the streets of New York. The smell of freshly baked breads filling the side walks, it just tempts us to walk in sit down, have a piece of that finely decorated desserts, with a cup of expresso. The clean silvers neatly arranged on the table, just welcoming you to join them to enjoy the freshness. It would be good to know how those shiny neatly coated chocolate desserts are made. The sheen of the chocolate depends on the tempering process. Usually tempering is done on a marble surface with the temperature being monitored. The ideal temperture for tempering dark chocolate is 84-86*F and in the case of white chocolate it would be 82-84*F.

There are different ways by which a dessert can be coated with chocolate and one of them is ganache which in french translates to: an emulsion of chocolate and cream. Ganache may also be made with butter or other liquids in place of cream.

There are two types of ganache (soft and hard).

Soft ganache:

Dark chocolate 1#4oz

Heavy cream 32floz

• Place the dark chocolate in a bowl
• Heat the cream to a simmer
• Pour the hot cream over the cocolate. Allow to stand for 1 minute, stirr until it is mixed thoroughly.
• It can be refrigerated for further use (needs to be melted on a double boiler when it is ready to be used again).

Hard ganache:

Dark chocolate 4#

Heavy cream 32floz

• Place the dark chocolate in a bowl
• Heat the cream to a simmer
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Allow to stand for 1 minute, stirr until it is mixed.
• It is recommended to use the hard ganache immedietly (as it hardens quickly)
• Also can be stored in refrigerator for further use (needs to be melted on a double boiler when it ready to be used again).

A simple breakfast

In the past fine dining was based strictly on French cuisine. But with today's international influences especially the spicy and garlicky flavors of thai and mexican food it's getting harder to find the right ingredients. With fusion cooking being a trend, for the demanding public who, have the electronic media to bring in Food network, America's test kitchen, these have changed the palate of the the masses. What is it in for a ordinary man when he/she watches prime time televison feauturing celebrity chefs cooking extravagant dishes, with morecular biology being explained in the background.

It would be a simple breakfast that would bring out the happiness in any laymans eyes. The sight of a plate with two waffles and maple syrup to accompany and sprinkled with powdered sugar, would be just mouth watering. It would be these simple aspects that could be included in the fight to be top chefs that would have a laymans attention towards these shows. Fusion cooking is the end result but it would be the breakfast that would be the begining. I am already hungry for some breakfast.

Sugar Decorations

Sugar decoration

This is a world, filled with fantasies. I would describe a true fantasy is in any form of art. My friend who is a baking and pastry student at the culinary institue of america was exited, when she heard i was going to take photos of her work. I found that nature comes alive in the forms we create, there are different ways to interpret this and she found solice in expressing it with sugar. I was overwhelmed, as i looked at the various creations that they had in store for me when i entered the classroom filled with future pattisiers readily allowing me to take photos of their decorations with sugar.

This is one of the sites that i found would help my picture above:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs2vkjYUaKA&feature=related

Hors d'oeuvre and appetizers

Hors d'oeuvre and appetizers represent an opportunity for the garde manger to pull together all the various skills and preparations of the entire discipline in a hihg impact way. Just as hors d'oeuvre set the tone for a reception or banquet, so can a well-executed appetizer selection on a menu set the tone for the entire dining experience.

Taking this into consideration, there are different kinds of appetizers, among them the Venison terrine is one that I enjoyed the most, not that i have not enjoyed the rest of the work that i do making pate and terrine, it is just that it was the first time i worked with venison and it was quite different in taste, texture and presentation once it was cooked.

Ingredients

Venison shoulder, boneless or leg meat 2#

Fatback 1#

Seasonings

Red wine 2floz

Ground Clove 1/2tsp

Crushed black peppercorns 1Tbsp

TCM (tinted curing mix) 1tsp

Minced onions sauteed and cooled 1oz

Salt 1oz

Ground black pepper 2tsp

Dried cepes or morels, ground 1oz

Eggs 3ea

Heavy cream 6floz

Chopped tarragon 2tsp

Parsley Chopped 1tsp

Garnish

Golden raisins plumped in brandy 2oz

Brandy 4floz

Mushrooms diced sauteed and cooled 4oz

Thinly sliced ham 8ea

• Dice the venison and fatback into 1inch cubes. Marinate them with the combined seasonings and refrigerate overnight.
• Prepare a straight forcemeat by grinding the marnated venison and fatback into a chilled mixing bowl. Mix in the eggs, heavy cream, tarragon, and parsley on medium speed for 1 minute, or until homogeneous. Fold in the garnish ingredients.
• Line a terrine mold with plastic wrap and the ham, leaving an overhang. Pack the forcemeat into the terrine mold and fold over the ham and plastic. Cover the terrine.
• Poach the forcemeat in a 170*F water bath in a 300*F oven to an inernal temperature of 150*F for 60 to 70 mintues.
• Remove the terrine from the water bath and allow it to cool to an internal temperature of 100*F. Let the terrine rest under refrigeration overnight. The terrine is now ready to slice and serve, or wrap and refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Cured meat and sausages

As our ancestors became herdsmen and farmers, they developed skills necessary to ensure a relatively steady food supply. This started off with domestication of animals and then raised crops and learned methods to preserve the foods. Foods were brined with seawater and dried on the shores. Curing methods have been tracked back as far as 3000 B.C.
Food preservation skills and the necessary ingredients, including salt, sugar, and spices were greatly valued. The romans bought with them their own recipes and formulas for preserving meats and fishes.
Today we enjoy new methods of preserving our food grains and meats. This is one of the many recipes that i found interesting.

Bavarian Bratwurst

Pork butt (70%lean, 30%fat) 10#

Seasonings

Salt 3.5oz
Black pepper 1.5Tbsp
Ground mace 1tsp
Sugar 2oz
Lemon Zest 1/4tsp
Ground Marjoram 1.5Tbsp

(You will need ice about 6-8oz, 22ft hog casings, rinsed and tied at one end)

• Toss the pork withe combined seasonings.


• Grind the pork butt through a medium plate (grinder), grind fatback through a fine plate


• Add the ice and mix until stickly


• Stuff into hog casings and form links by tying every 6 inches


• Poach to an internal temperature of 145*F


• Prepare the sausage for immediate service by sauteing, grilling, broiling or baking just until hot, or wrap and refrigerate for upto 3 days

Pretzels

Freshly baked Blueberry muffins

Pretzels right out of the oven

Pretzels are of different sizes and they are available all over the world. It is has its history dating back to 1111A.D, it has come a long way and has changed the way we make pretzel today.

The recipe for making pretzel is:

Bread flour 5#

Water 2Quart

Soft butter 7oz

Malt 2oz

Salt 2oz

Yeast 2oz

Pre fermented dough 1#

For the lye

Sodium Hydroxide pellets 10oz

Water 1 quart

• Mix the dough by adding the flour, pre fermented dough, yeast, malt, salt water and soft butter, the dough should be mixed until the flour on the sides of the bowl must come clean.
• Once it is mixed let it rest, covered until relazed for 30 mintues.
• Devide the dough into 5oz pieces.
• One at a time, stretch each piece of dough to 12 inches and make a loop, twist it once and then fold the end into the top loop.
• Place it on greaced perforated sheets and then let it rest in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
• Prepare lye louction, combine the waer and sodium hydrozide pellets, stirring until the pellets are completely dissolved. (Wear protective gloves and googles be careful not to get any of the soultion on your skin).
• Remove the pretzels from the freezer and alow them to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. (If you dip the pretzels right away, the water temperature will drop and the sodium hydroxide will be less likely to stay in the solution).
• Using tongs, dip the pretzels in the lye solution and then place them on the perforated sheets again to drain out excess liquid. Sprinkle immediately with coarse salt.
• Bake the pretzels in the oven at 475*F until it reaches a deep golden brown color, in 12 to 15 minutes, and let cool.

Working with lye

After pretzels are shaped and proofed, they are dipped in a solution of water and sodium hydroxide before baking. This caustic solution, known as lye, gives the surface of the pretzels their characteristic color, shine, and tangy, salty flavor. When the pretzels are baked, the sodium hydroxide is transformed into inert salts. Use caution when working with a lye solution. Wear googles and rubber gloves to prevent contact with the soultion. As the pretzels are dipped, they should be placed directly on perforated sheet tray to drain. Once they are all dipped, they need to directly go into the oven.

Meringues a pastry delight

Swiss maringue garnish over tarts and blowtorched
Piping of Maringue before baking in oven

Whipping egg whites and sugar together creates the light yet stable aerated mixture known as a meringue. Meringue is commonly used for topping and filling cakes and pastries. It can also be flavored and or dried in a low oven to make cookies, containers (which can be used to hold fruit, mousse, or sorbet) or layers for cakes. Meringue is also used as an ingredient in mousses and batters to lighten, aerate, and leaven them.

A basic ratio for a meringue is 1 part egg whites to 2 parts sugar. As the egg whites are whipped, air is incorporated and the whites break into smaller and smaller globules to form bubbles. When sugar is whipped into the egg whites, the agitation of the mixture and the moisture of the whites begin to dissolve the sugar, which in turn surrounds the air bubbles, coating them and making them more stable.

There are a few basic rules to keep in mind for making a successful meringue. All utensils must be impeccably clean and dry. Make sure that no traces of fat of any kind come in contact with the egg whites, whethere in the form of grease on the utensils or other equipment or from traces of egg yolks in the whites themselves. Fat will interfere with the protein stands which will prevent the egg whites from developing into a foam. A small amount of an acid (cream of tartar, lemon juice, or vinegar) will relax the proteins,helping to stabilize the meringue. You can introduce an acid simply by wiping the bowl clean with lemon juice or vinegar before adding the egg whites or by adding a small amount of cream of tartar to the whites just as they begin to foam. Never use cream of tartar when whipping in a coppor bowl, as it will cause a toxic reaction, turning the whites sightly green. Room temperature egg whites will whip up more readily. Be careful to use sugar that is free of impurities such as flour or other ingredients. Whip the egg whites on high speed until they are frothy, then gradually add the sugar while continuing to whip to the desired consistency (soft, medium, or stiff peak). Avoid overhwipping egg whites, as they become dry and lumpy, making them difficult to incorporate into other ingredients. Prepare meringue (espcially common meringue) just before you intend to use it, because it will begin to collapse if it stands for long time.

There are three types of meringue: common (french), swiss and Italian. Simply whipping the egg whites and sugar to the desired consistency makes common meringue. This is the simplest type of meringue to prepare and the least stable. Also, unless pasteurized whites are used, because of the potential danger of salmonella, uncooked or unbaked common meringue should not be eaten. Therefore, it is most often used in batters to provide leavening. It can also be used for making merinuge shells, bases or layers for cakes, and for piping simple decorations that are baked.

Swiss meringue is made by stirring the egg whites with sugar using a whip ove a hot water bath until they reach a temperature between 115*F and 165*F/46and 74*C, depending on the intended use. The whites are then whipped in a mixer to the desired peak. The meringue can be piped and baked, or dried, in the oven. Swiss meringue can also be used for the same preparations as common meringue to lighten mousses and creams, to fill various cakes, or to add a delicate piped shell border or other decoratie element. Swiss meringue is more stable than common meringue.

Italian meringue is made by whipping the egg whites in a mixer and then adding a cooked sugar syrup. The sugar is cooked to the soft ball stage (240*F/116*C) and added in a thin, steady stream to the whipping egg whites when they have reached the medium peak stage. The whites are then mixed on a medium speed to the desired peak. Italian meringue is the most stable of the meringues and is used in various mousses, buttercreams and for decor work.(above topic taken from baking and pastry)

Mousse

Rolls before the egg wash

The rolls right out of the oven

Creme Brulee being garnished

Though the photos do, not relate to the topic mousse, i just would like to bring the activities that happen in our kitchens.

Mousse

The name for this delicate dessert cmes froma french word that translates literally as frothy, foamy or light. To make a mousse, an aerator such as a whipped cream and or a meringue is folded into a base such as a fruit puree, vanilla sauce, cream or pudding, curd, sabayon, or pate a bombe. The base should be light and smooth so the aerator can be incorporated easily.

To make an egg-safe mousse, use pasteurized egg whites or a swiss or italian meringue. Stablizers such as gelatin may be used in variying amounts depending on the desired result. If a mousse is stablilized with gelatin, it will begin to set immediately, so prepare all molds, serving containers, and so forth before preparation.

Folding is the techinique used to combine a foamy mixture, such as meringue, shipped cream, or beaten egg whites, into a base mixture. The base is usually denser or firmer than the foam and will inevitably collapse the foam somewhat. Proper folding ensures that the foam loses as little volume as possible.

The base should be cooled if necessary befoe the foam is added. Add the foam to the base, rather than the other way around, and if using more than one foam, add the least stable one last. For example, if you are adding both a meringue and whipped cream, add the meringue first and then the cream.

Working quickly, add a small amount of the foam to the base to lighten it. Some pastry chefs add the foams in thrirds for the greater possible volume. Fold the foam in with a rubber spatula or other tool with a similar broad, flat surface. Using a cirular motion, gently run the spatula over the mixture, down and across the bottom of the bowl, and back up to the top again. Rotate the bowl as you work to mix the foam in evenly. Continue to fold the base and foam together until you have an even color and consistency, with no visible pockets of meringue, whipped cream.(Above topic taken from baking and pastry mastering the art and craft)

Maringues are devided into three types:

Common ratio 10oz sugar, 1#egg white

Swiss ratio 1#egg white, 1to2#sugar

Italian ratio 22oz sugar, 7oz liquid and then add common maringue.

Franchipan Apple Tartlet

The above photo is the mixing of cookie dough

This is the video of the production of Franchipan apple tartlet

This is a easy but delicious dessert that i enjoyed making. This was kind of hard for me to understand when my friend first treated me to this dessert. But when i tried out the recipe that is when i found that it was easy and great.

The production of Franchipan apple tartlet, begins with the making of the cookie dough. The cookie dough basically cosists of:

Sugar 1part

Fat/Butter 2parts

Flour 3parts

Egg 4ea

This needs a creaming method which involves mixing the sugar and fat, then add the eggs and then the flour. Once the dough is done, it needs to be rolled out flat and thin, cut them into rounds and lay them flat on tart moulds.

Once the dough is layed flat on the tart moulds, the franchipan can be piped onto the tarts.

(franchipan consists of almond paste, sugar, butter, egg and flour). Once it is piped it needs to be layered with sliced granny smith apples (good for baking). Once this is done it is baked in the oven and glazed with lemon jelly.

Expanding Poaching's potential

The above photos and the topic is taken from Food arts magazine

For many chefs, low-temperture cooking conjures images of vacum bags and avant-grade good,but one extremely classic technique well-suited to low temperature cooking is poaching in fat and it doesn''t require a bag.

Low-temperature cooking is often confused with sous-vide cooking. Sous-vide uses vacum packaging, regardless of cooking temperture. Boil in bag qualifies as sous-vide. Low temperature cooking is the technique with temperatures cloe to, or equal to, the food's final desired internal temperature, whether a vacuum bag is used or not. Only two things are required for low-temperature cooking: very accurate tmeperature control (in the world of low-temperature cooking, a single degree celsius can be a big deal; egg yolks go from liquid to creamy to set beteween 62 and 64*F or 144 to 147F) and a good heat ransfer medium, usually water or water vapor.

Immersion cirulators are fantastic little piences of equipment designed to do this job. Over the past year or so the price of ciruclators has dropped below $1,000, helping them to proliferate in kitchens across the country. They come in different varieites, but the type most chefs use plungs inot a normal 120 volt socket, takes up less space than a blender, and can be clamped onto any pot, bus tub or deep hotel pan. Essentially the cirulators consists of a 1,000 watt heating element, a temperature sensor, a stirring pump (to keep the temperature even throughout the cooking medium), and an electronic control cirucuit. Typically, these cirulators use water as the cooking medium, but water is not the only choice. They're designed to cirulate oil as well.

Circulators with oil has many advantages:

• No speical sous-vde HACCP permits are required.
• No expensive vacuum machine is necessary
• poaching in oil or fat can add flavor and mouthfeel without leaching out the flavor as water would.
• Oil paching and foods cooked a la confit are classic, respected, and customer accepted technique
• A circulator can heat a larger volume of oil than it can water because it takes less energy to heat oil than water.
• Treated properly, the oil can last a long time because it's not being overheated.
• Oil des not evoperate as water does.

Biriyani treat

The above is a marination for the chicken biriyani

As it was a long weekend, i came over to my brother's place. I had my family all exited when i told them that i was planning on cooking for them. It was a video i saw in youtube that had me going with the idea of preparing biriyani. I was planning for this occasion for quite a while.
There are different styles of making this wonderful dish biriyani and this is one of the ways that i like to make it.

This recipe serves 6 people

Ingredients:

For the Biriyani

Basmati rice – 2 cups (for each cup add 1cup water)
Chicken – 3 lbs (1½ kg)
Chilly powder – ½ tsp
Coriander powder – 1½ tsp
Cinnamon – 10 pieces
Cloves – 10 nos
Cardamom - 8 nos
Ginger – 1" piece
Garlic pods - 8 nos
Mint leaves – 2 - 3 stems
Coriander leaves - 2 - 3 stems
Cashews - 20 nos
Raisins - 15 nos
Ghee/Oil/Butter - As reqd
Curd – 3 Tbsp
Saffron – A pinch
Onion(big) - 3 nos
Tomato - 3 nos
Green chillies - 2 - 3 nos
Oil for frying

For marinating

Chilly powder - ½ tsp
Coriander powder - 1½ tsp
Turmeric powder - 1.2tsp
Black pepper - 1/2tsp
Garlic-ginger paste - 1/2 tsp
Masala powder - A little for taste
(Cinnamon-Cardamom-Cloves powder)
Lemon juice - 5 - 6 drops
Curd - 5Tbsp

For marinating:

Have the chicken cut into equal sizes and in a bowl add the curd, coriender powder, ginger garlic paste and the masala powder, tumeric powder, black pepper and the powders together and marinate it for 4 hours. The mixture needs to be mixed well.

For the Biriyani:

Make a fine paste of the fresh coriender, mint leaves and ginger garlic. Heat oil/butter/ghee in a pan, once hot add the cinnamon stick, clove, cardamom and fry it until the cloves start to crackle. Add the coriender powder, chilly powder and just release the flavor. Then add the rice and cook until the rice gets translucent. Add the paste to the rice, in another pan add little oil and saute the onion until it changes color and then add the tomatos transfer it to the rice and then add water to the rice. Allow the rice to just simmer and then add the marinated chicken to the rice and mix up making sure not to break up the rice. Pour the soaked saffron liquid to the rice. Bring it up to a boil. Once it is come to a boil, reduce the flame, cover the pan tightly and finsihed in a oven at 300*F for 30 minutes.

For the Garnish:

Fry cashewnut and Raisins in ghee and sprinkle on top of the rice.

Pepper glazed pork chop with Apple chutney

This is a recipe for serving 4 people

Ingredients:

For the Pork

Olive Oil 1Cup
Garlic Chopped 5ea
Sage leaves 4ea
Salt to taste
Pork chops

For the Glaze

Apple Juice 2Cups
Honey 1/4cup
Cracked black and white pepper 2Tbsp
Grated zest of Orange 1ea

For the Chutney

Green apples chopped 8ea
Raisins 1/2cup
Cider Vinegar 1.5cups
White Sugar 1/2cup
Brown Sugar 1/2cup
Garlic peeled and chopped 2ea
Nutmeg 1/2tsp
Cinnamon 1/2tsp
Cloves 2ea
Pinch of Salt

For the Potato Pancakes

Small onion minced 1/2
Grated Potato blanched in lemon water and dried
Salt and pepper to taste
Egg beated 1ea
All-purpose flour 3Tbsp
Baking powder 1tsp
Clarified butter

For the garnish

Pork jus
Curry oil
Fried sage leaves

Directions:

For the pork: Heat the olive oil in a saute pan, add the garlic and sage and cook until the garlic is softened. Cool and pour over the pork. Marinate at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

For the glaze: Combine the juice, honey, pepper and zest in a saucepan and reduce to a coating consistency. Set aside and keep warm.

For the Chutney: Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened; stir to prevent scroching. Col to room temperature and set aside.

For the potato Pancake: Combine the onion and potatoes and season. Beat the egg, flour and baking powder together in a seperate bowl and stir inot the potato mixture. Form eight, one-inch thick pancakes, about two-inches in diametre, refirgerate.

To assemble: Heat two tablespoon of the pork marnade in a saute pan. Remove the chops from the marinade, cook on both sides to medium doneness and season. Pour off the excess oil and spoon some of the glaze onto the chops, rolling the chops over to coat them well with the glaze. Let rest and keep warm.

To finish the pancakes: Heat a half-inch of clarified butter in a saute pan. Add the pancakes and brown, about three minutes on each side until crispy and then drain.

To serve: Place the chop on a plate and garnich with the potato pancakes and chutney. Drizzle the pork jus and any leftover glaze on the plate. Dot with the curry oil and top with the fried sage.

Cherry clafouti

This is a recipe that serves for 4 people

For the clafouti

Eggs 6ea
Sugar 3oz
Vanilla bean Split and scraped 1ea
Salt 1 pinch
Brown Rum 2Tbsp
Milk 3/4cup
Flour 3oz
Butter for greasing
Fresh Cherreis pitted 1.5#

For the Cherry Sauce

Fresh Cherries pitted 1Cup
Confectioners sugar 1Tbsp

For the Garnish

Fresh Cherries
Melted White chocolate
Confectioners Sugar
Cookie twirls
Mint

Directions:

For the clafouti: Crack the eggs into a bowl, and sugar and whisk together until foamy. Add the vanilla bean and salt, whisk in the rum and milk, then fold in the flour. Liberally grease four oven-proof remekins with the butter. Fill each ramekin 1/4 full with the batter. Divide the cherries evenly among the remekins, and fill to the top with the remaining batter. Bake in a 325* oven for 40 minutes. Remove, allow to cool slightly, then turn the clafoutis out of the remekins.

For the cherry sauce: Place the cherries and sugar together in a blender and puree to a smooth consistency.

To Serve: Cut a wedge out of the clafouti, positon together on the plate, and spoon the sauce onto the plate beside it. Place fresh cherries on the plate and drizzle the chocolate over them. Garnish the dish with the confectioner's sugar, cookies and mint.

Culinary Creations the Pastry way

BLOW SUGAR CREATION

Though you may not understand what they speak in the video, it is worth the art and the skill in which it is done.

CREME BRULEE

A days experience shared

As the day begins, at 5.00am in the banquets, there are three cooks and one supervisor who does the breakfast. The breakfast includes, hash brown potatoes, scarmbled egg, crispy bacon and burritos. On a typical day, there is one cook handling the scrambled eggs and potato and another handling the crispy bacon and burriots. This is in co-ordination with the garde manger which has its mis-en-place ready for the sandwiches which are soft tortilla's applied with mayonnaise and filled with mixed lettuce and then it is drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. They are individually filled with turkey and ham. They are tightly rolled inside the tortilla flour. It is cut into two equal pieces in a bias and place in to go container's. This is generally depend on the amount of order placed from for the day from the management.
Once the breakfast is picked up there is a total sanitization process that takes place. Two cooks are generally assigned the task of sanitization. Once cook goes around with a soap filled red bucket and a scrubber to clean away the residues that is left on the tables and counter tops. The next cook has a sqeeze to clean away the soap and the residue into another container. Once the tables are ridden of any soap and residue it is then cleaned with sanitizing solution, this process is repeated every tow hours. The buckets are labeled with time that the last sanitization process took place. So everybody, is well aware of the time and when the next cleaning is due. Once the cleaning is complete the supervisor checks the parties (booking) for the shift, he get's what is called as a master sheet. Once he is confirmed about the parties that are gooing to take place that afternoon, he assigns duties for the cooks on a chart. This includes the timing and the amount of people. It also indicates the no of people for the party. If the party is going to be plated or buffet style (including the special requests). Once this is put up on the chart then the supervisor, calls all the cooks of the banquets which includes the garde manger to attend the standup (briefing). The supervisor explains the layout of the party for the shift and the mis-en-place that needs to be ready.
He also makes sure to explain individual jobs and the deadlines for the job to be done. Once everybody is ready with their assigned duties and it's ready for service, the supervisor makes sure all the utenesils and equipments are working and the cooks would not have any problem once the service flow starts. If the party is a pre-plated request, the hot boxes are bought to each station and also there is a count on the hot boxes that goes for each party, in the cold kitchen there are cold boxes provided by the steward's. Once the hot boxes are ready it is plugged in and the conveyer belt is turned on. The hot plates are placed individually on the conveyor belt, there are about five cooks assigned for one conveyer belt. Each cook has assigned duties when the plate comes to them, it is differentiated by starch, protein, vegetable and sauce. Each person is assigned each duty. Once the plate is all set, it is placed on the table so that every other plate that follows are the same as the one approved by the chef. At the end of the conveyor belt there are stewards, who clean the plate and cover them, and they are counted. These are then staked in four's and then set in the hot box with labels on the door of the hot box telling how many plates are in one hot box. Once the day is come to a close the fridges and walk-in's are cleaned thoroughly and labeleld individually with the date and also the time. There are HACCP (hazard analysis critical control point) being followed in all steps of operation on a day to day basis. The final job of cleaning and labelling has to be approved by the chef who, walks through the kitchen and makes sure that it is according to the health standards.

Grilled Tenderloin of Pork

Pigs are raised for the market in 5 to 6 months. They are much leaner now than in the past. Mainly due to their diet, in the farms. There is a huge difference between a farm raised pig and a domesticated pig. Storage time for pork cannot be extended because it is not suitable for vacuum packaging. Pork can be frozen only for a period of 3 months.
Here is a recipe for a spicy treat of pork.

This recipe serves 4
INGREDIENTS

For the barbecue sauce:

Peanut oil 1Tbsp
Mangoes, peeled and diced 2ea
Carrot peeled and diced 1ea
Habaneor Chili pepper minced 1ea
Champagne Vinegar 1/4cup
Ketchup 1/4cup
Sugar 1Tbsp
Salt to taste

For the Chutney

Peanut oil 1tsp
Shallot peeled and minced 1ea
Ginger root grated 1tsp
Mango peeled and diced 1ea
Sugar 1/2cup
Chili caribe 1tsp
Champagne vinegar 1/4cup
Chives finely cut 1Tbsp
Salt to taste

For the Posole Gratin

Cooked poslole 2Cups
Heavy cream 1/2cup
Green chillies, seeded and diced 2ea
Parmesan Cheese grated 2Tbsp
Bread Crumbs 2Tbsp
Salt to taste

For the Pork

Chili Molido 1Tbsp
Ground allspice 1Tbsp
Thyme 1/2 Tbsp
Salt 1/2 Tbsp
Pork Tenderloins 2ea (large)

For the Garnish

Wilted greens 1cup
Habanero peppers split 2ea
Black bean sauce 1Tbsp
Red chilli ground 1tsp

Directions

For the barbecue sauce: Heat the peanut oil in a saucepan and saute the diced mangoes with the carrot and the habanero chili, just long enough to bring ou the natural sugars. Pour in the vinegar and the ketchup: and in the sugar and add the salt and simmer until the mangoes, carrots and chilli are softened. Puree in a blender, and reserve.

For the Chutney: Heat the peanut oil in a saucepan and sweat the shallot with the ginger until softened; toss the diced mango in with the shallot and then add in the sugar, the chili and the vinegar. Simmer just long enough for the sugar to dissolve and reduce with the vinegar into a light syrup. Add the chives, season to taste and reserve.

For the posole gratin: In a heavy saucepan, heat the posole with the cream and the green chilies, allowing the posole to absorb the cream as it reduces; bind with the parmesan cheese and the bread crumb and season to taste.

For the pork: Combine the chili molido with the allspice, thyme and the salt. Coat the pork tenderloins with the seasoning mixture and sear them, on all sides, in a hot, lightly oiled skillet; finish cooking to the desired temperature in a hot oven.

To serve: Make a bed of the wilted greens in the centre of each plate and top the greens with the posole; slice the tenderloins and arrange the slices on top. Dribble the barbacue sauce over the sliced pork loin and around the plate with the chutney mounded on top of the sliced pork and in tlittle mounds around the sauce. Top the dish with the split peppers overflowing with more chutney and garnish the plate with drops of the black bean sauce and a sprinkling of ground red chilli.

Citrus glazed lobster with Ravioli

This morning was great with a this new idea that came to my mind of having a few recipe's costed to include in the menu that i was working on. This was one of the recipes, that i had high food cost on, this is recommended for household surprises for your families. I found this recipe to be great. I just loved it.

This recipe is for 4 people
INGREDIENTS

For the lobster and glaze:

Lobster 4ea 1.5#
Lemon 1ea
Turmeric 1Tbsp
Salt 1/4 tsp
Ground white pepper 1/8tsp
Butter softened 2Tbsp

For the Ravioli:

Fennel 1bulb
Mascarpone cheese 2tsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Ravioli Pasta 16ea
Egg Wash 2ea
Olive oil for brushing
Reserved Lobster claw meat

For the sauce:

Fennel Stock 3Cups
Olive Oil 1tsp
Garlic minced 2ea
Tomato Juice 6oz
Tarragon Chopped
Butter 1Tbsp
Salt and pepper

For the Fennel stock:

Fennel Scraps, coarsely chopped 2 Cups
Fennel seeds toasted 1Tbsp
Burgundy wine 1/4 cup
Chicken stock 1.25Cups
Olive oil 1Tbsp

For the Greens:

Lemon juice 1ea
Olive oil 2Tbsp
Shallot minced 1ea
Chives chopped 1tsp
Assorted Vegetables 1/2 cup

For the Fennel oil:

Fennel Stock 2Cups
Extra Virgin Olive oil 1Cup
Fennel stalk 1Cup

For the Garnish :

Fennel oil
Thinly sliced fennel
Toasted fennel seeds
Paprika powder

Directions:

For the Lobster and glaze: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the lobsters for five minutes. Remove from water and allow to cool. Combine the butter, lemon juice, turmeric, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Remove the claws of the lobster and remove the meat. Dice them for the ravioli. Split into half after removing the tail. Brush with lemon butter and set aside until ready to serve.

For the Ravioli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the fennel until soft. Remove the fennel from the water and separate the leaves. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a hot grill (barbecue grill) and cook until charred. Remove fennel from the grill and place in a food processor with the mascarpone and puree until smooth. Pass through a fine mesh, fold in the claw meat and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to cool. Lay pasta squares onto a flat surface. Place 1/2tsp of the filling on eight of the squares and brush the edges with the egg wash. Cover with the other eight squares and seal the edges well.
Refrigerate until ready for service.

For the sauce: Place the fennel stock in a sauce pan over medium heat and reduce by 3/4th. Heat the olive oil in a separate saucepan, add the garlic and saute until soft. Add the reduced fennel stock and tomato juice and reduce by 2/3. Add the tarragon and season with salt and pepper. Remove saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter. Set aside and keep warm.

For the fennel stock: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan, add the fennel scraps and lightly saute for ten minutes. Add the fennel seeds and deglaze with the burgundy wine. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for one hour. Remove saucepan from the heat, strain and cool the stock.

For the greens: Whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Add the shallot and chives and season with salt and pepper. Coat the greens with the vinaigrette and set aside.

For the fennel oil: Place the fennel stock in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce to 1/4 cup, remove pan form the heat and cool. Whisk the olive oil into the fennel reduction, transfer to a blender, add the fennel stalk and puree. Strain and set aside.

To assemble: Steam or gently boil the ravioli until cooked. Heat a saute pan, place the lobster tails, buttered side down, in the hot pan and cook until well browned. Remove the lobster from the pan.

To Serve: Place the charred fennel at one end of the plate and place the greens beside it. Cover with the split lobster tail. Place two ravioli at the other end of the plate and spoon the sauce over them. Drizzle the fennel oil onto the plate and garnish with the raw sliced fennel, fennel seeds, paprika powder.

Tamarind Shrimp with pan Roasted Coriander Seeds

I guess it's the same everywhere. If you are a asian, you find it very interesting about the spices and the ingredients that go into the making of a dish. My brother and sister-in-law had taken me to a Malaysian restaurant (Penang). I had two some memorable dishes the roti canai which is a combination of Indian and local malaysian cuisine. The seafood tom tom yum mee hoon, may sound had to spell but it was a delightful experience. Inspired by this experience i would like to share with you a asian dish which tastes great.

This serves 4 people

For the tamarind marinade:

Tamarind paste 5 Tbsp
Honey 1 Tbsp
Water 1/2 cup
Lemon juice 1/2 cup
salt to taste
cumin seeds roasted and ground 1/2Tbsp
Coriender seeds roasted and ground 1/2 Tbsp
Fennel seeds roasted and ground 1/2 Tbsp

For the Shrimp

Shrimp peeled and deveined 4ea
Coriender seeds 1 Tbsp
peanut oil 1/4 cup


For the Vegetables

Golden beets (cooked, peeled and minced) 4ea
Roma tomato, finely diced 1ea
Papaya peeled and Julienned 1/4
Carrot peeled and Julienned 1/4
Fennel 1Tbsp
Fresh Cilantro 6ea
Couscous 3Tbsp
Thai Chili julienned 1/2
Chives Chopped 1/2
Corn oil 2Tbsp
Rice Vinegar 2Tbsp
Salt & Pepper to taste
Sugar to taste

For the Curry Vinaigrette

Corn oil 2Tbsp
Shallots peeled and minced 1 inch
Ginger peeled and minced 1 inch
Lemon grass 1/2 inch
Curry powder 1 tsp
Rice wine vinegar 1Tbsp
Egg Yolk 1 ea
salt to taste

Garnish with Lemon grass and Cilantro

For the Tamarind Marinade- Combine the water, lemon juice, salt, honey and tamarind paste in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Continue cooking over medium heat, until the mixture has reduced to a syrupy texture. Add the spices and cook for about 4 minutes and refrigerate.

For the Shrimp - Add the coriander seeds and shrimp to the tamarind marnade, cover and marinate for 4 hours in the refrigertor.

For the vegetables - Combine all the ingredients except the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine.

For the Curry Vinaigrette - Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a saute pan, add the shallot, ginger, lemon grass. and curry powder, and sweat until softened. Deglaze with vinegar, remove pan from the heat, and set aside to cool. Add the egg yolk and emulsify with a hand mixer. Gradually add the remaining oil with the mixer still running to emulsify the vinegrette. Season with salt.

For Presentation - Add oil and vinegar to the vegetables, season with salt, pepper, and sugar, and set aside. Heat the peanut oil ina saute pan, remove the shrimp from the marinade, add them to the hot oil. Pan-fry the shrimp, basting them lightly with the tamarind marinade as they cook. Remove shrimp from the pan and drain on paper towels. Spoon the curry vinaigrette onto the side of the plate and place one shrimp in it. Spoon the vegetables onto the other side of the plate and drizzle a ring of the tamarind marinade around them. Garnish with lemon grass and coriander leaves.

Grape & Banana chocolate Wantons

This is a very simple dessert/appetizer, that you can prepare when you have guests that pop-in unexpected. It is a quick and easy appetizer to keep them engaged when you prepare that gourmet meal.

This recipe is for 6 people

Grapes 12ea
Banana sliced 2ea
Wonton wrapper 12ea
Chocolate spread 1cup
Egg Beaten 1ea
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar 20gms
Strawberry halves for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 220*F
2. Coat the edges of the wonton with the egg wash.
3. Place 1grape and banana slice with the chocolate spread in the centre of the wonton and fold into triangles. Seal it tightly but make sure the wonton has no holes.
4. Pour the oil in a medium sized pan and heat to 350*F.
5. Fry the wonton, in the oil (make sure to turn it constantly to get a even color).
6. Once fried transfer onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
7. Place in a sheet tray and place in the oven.
8. Finish the rest of the wonton the same way.
9. Once it ready for service, sprinkle the wontons with powdered sugar and garnish with strawberry halves.

When the guest bites into the wontons they get the melted chocolate and also the grapes break up leaving its juices. That is going to be a great treat for your guest (another reason for them to pop-in unexpectedly again).

Parmesan crusted Tilapia

Tilapia, is a fish found in ponds, lakes and rivers. It taste's great when cooked right. Here is a simple recipe which serves 3-4 people.

1# Tilapia fillet
2floz Parmesan cheese grated
1floz softened butter
1.5Tbsp Mayonnaise
1Tbsp Lime juice
1Tbsp Onion chopped
1tsp Pepper ground
1Tbsp Olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Julienne of Fresh Basil (for garnish)

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and finally add the onions.
3. Place the fillet the fresh side up, and apply the mixture to the fillet. Repeat the same on the bottom side.
4. Heat a non-stick sauté pan and place the fish with the presentation side down (flesh side).
5. Sear it just enough to give the fillet a good color.
6. Transfer to a sheet tray and place in the oven for 5 minutes.
7. Once it is cooked, take it out of the oven and drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil.

A seed that changed the world

A beverage so strong, it can have you up and fresh for the day ahead. If you have not got what i am talking about, you need a cup of COFFEE. The seeds of today’s Starbucks and McDonalds coffee, was founded by the Arabs, by accident when the goats, they were herding graced on the coffee seeds. They gradually refined the method of preparing the drink, with having elaborate ceremonies being associated with this drink.
The word coffee is derived from the Arabic world gahwah or from kaffa, a province in southwest Ethiopia (although this is being argued upon).The use of coffee as a beverage has been around only for about 700 years. Though it was used for it’s medicinal values. To this day the Japanese believe to reduce wrinkles and to improve their skin, it is advisable to bathe in coffee ground with the pulp of pineapple.
There are different varieties of coffee trees in the world, and among them only two varieties are extensively cultivated (Arabica and Robusta). Robusta beans are higher in caffeine and also higher in chlorogenic acid, that produces a bitter taste. Arabica is a superior variety that produces a good cup of coffee.Today Brazil is the largest coffee producing nation in the world.
Points to remember when storing or holding ground coffee or whole beans of coffee:
· Store in a ventilated place were there is no unwanted odors that can interfere with the fresh smell.
· Airtight containers are the best choice, with a tight lid, to avoid the oils from evaporating.
· Keep the coffee ground in the refrigerator but not in the freezer.
· It is best to have the beans stored, and when needed if it is freshly ground it helps in maintaining the frehness.

Eggs take it easy

An egg consists everything you need to make a chick, all the ingredients and chemical machinery and fuel. The egg is one of the most nutritious food we have. It’s unmatched as a balanced source of amino acid. It includes a plentiful supply of linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that’s essential in the human diet, as well as of several minerals, most vitamins, and two plant pigments, lutein and zeaxanthin (antitoxidants).
One large egg contains around 215 milligrams of cholesterol. Compared to meat this is quite high (50mg), this is for the embryo to develop and reproduce before it can become a chicken (this also depends on the breed, diet). Recent studies have shown that egg consumption has little influence on blood cholesterol.
Egg substitutes are in high demand among the general public. Companies have come up with formulations that imitate whole beaten eggs, and can be cooked into scrambled eggs or omelets or used in baking. These products consist of genuine egg whites mixed with an imitation of the yolk, which is usually made from vegetable oil, milk solids, gums that provide a thick consistency, as well as colorings, flavorings, and vitamin and mineral supplements.

Hospitality industry as a career.

According to the department of labor the employment in the food sevice industry is predicated to grow by 1,337,00 within 2012. This relates to a growth of 1.5% each year. The hotel industry in with relation to food service has a wopping 2,080,00 jobs coming out within the year 2012. That realtes to 1.6% each year. Of the 8,740,000 total workers employed in the accommodation and food services industry in 2003, 5,343,000 work full-time (61%), while 3,397,000 work part-time (39%). The food service/hotel industry, has a plans in place to have entry level positions, were the person is trained on the job and providing them promotions. The chains that are in the market have various plans by having managers take company sponsored seminars and short term certificate course. Also having them take up a assoicates or a bachelor's degree programs in management.
There are colleges, that offer short term programmes, for aspiring chefs. The industry is also taking into consideration the cultural differences that may arise in a typical work environment. This is being tackled by developing, programs in interpersonal communication. Management of food chains and hotels are providing courses on labour laws, employee management. All these show us that the brigade system which escoffier had in place for cooks, has changed to a more realistic approach by involving the work force in decision making and building a strong platform.

Ricotta Gnocchi with Smoked tomato sauce.

Ricotta Gnocchi, is a classic dish which I truly enjoy doing. The ingredients that are used in this dish needs to be followed carefully, for good results. The ingredients are:
Ricotta Cheese 1/4 tub
Flour 6oz (can add more if needed)
Fresh chopped herbs (oregano, thyme, parsely) 2oz
Smoked tomato sauce 12oz
Fontina cheese 8oz
Egg whole 2ea
Egg yolk 1ea
Salt 2oz

The ricotta gnocchi are made by, mixing the ricotta cheese, egg yolk and whole eggs. Once you find it’s thoroughly mixed add in the flour & salt, according to consistency add more. In a large pan pour water and let it simmer for sometime. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and cut about 1 inch from the tip to make a hole in the sharp end of the piping bag (use disposable piping bag). Now gently pipe, the mixture into the simmering water. As you are piping into the water cut the gnocchi mixture about 1inch, and let it fall into the water. I would advise to check consistency by sampling one of the cooked gnocchi. Once you think it is right (the gnocchi should hold firm in the water), start to cook the rest of the batch. You can know if the gnocchi is cooked, when it starts to float on the surface of the water. Once it starts to float transfer to a sheet tray and let it cool in the refrigerator. In the meanwhile you can prepare smoked tomato sauce. (It is the same as making tomato sauce but the tomato’s are smoked before they are made into a sauce).
For serving place 1oz of smoked tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish, and place 10 each gnocchi and again cover with the sauce. Sprinkle grated fontina cheese and bake in convection oven or a clay oven at 400*F, until you get a golden brown color. Once done garnish with fresh oregano.

Shrimp Cocktail

The shrimp cocktail can be served as an appetizer, before the main course. The shrimp used for this is A grade shrimp, (can be substituted for other grades) for good appearance. It is best to be served in a martini glass. The lettuce used is iceberg, the lettuce should be cut into juliennes, (once cut put in chilled water for crispness) and placed in the martini glass. On top of the lettuce place avocado pulp mixed with chopped onion, tomato, lime juice, salt and pepper. To the rim of the glass placed the cooked shrimp that is peeled and deveined, and on top the avocado pour a tablespoon of cocktail sauce (tomato ketchup, grated horseradish, salt, pepper) this could be two variations with or without mayonnaise. On top of the cocktail sauce place julienne jicama and sprinkle with paprika powder.

Beef short rib Osso Bucco

The beef short rib osso bucco is one of my favorites which tastes great. The items required for this dish are:
Polenta cake 1oz
Swiss chard ½ oz
Osso Bucco bone in 1ea (8oz)
Port wine sauce 1/2oz

The method of doing this recipe is, firstly prepare the polenta cake. The method to do polenta cake is by cooking the polenta with taleggio cheese, chicken stock and milk. It has to be cooked over low heat, until it is done. One objective is not to allow the polenta to stick to the surface of the pan when cooking.
The only way to do this, is by mixing it continuously. Once it is cooked spread on a sheet tray, or a flat pan to form a even layer. Refrigerate the polenta until ready to use. Once it is cold, cut into round shapes, with the help of a cutter or a knife by placing a overturned bowl to give a round shape. Now it is time to do the port wine sauce.
The port wine sauce consists of:
shallots ½ cup
1tsp of minced garlic
1.5 tsp of olive oil
1tsp of sugar
1 cup port wine
2.5 cups beef stock
salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat the oil in a pan. Once hot, add shallots and garlic sauté until it turns golden brown, add port wine and sugar, and add the stock, season the sauce. As this is cooking put the osso bucoo inside the sauce, and let the osso bucco cook in the sauce.
In the meanwhile the swiss chard has to be cut into, ½ inch thickness and sautéed with garlic and shallots, (to give moisture add hog broth) salt and pepper.
The presentation that I would suggest is to place the polenta cake in the centre of the plate, on top of the polenta, place the sautéed swiss chard and carefully place the osso bucco. The sauce has to be poured over the meat and the bone to give it a nice sheen. The meat is garnished with gremolata with is basically orange zest, horseradish and parsley chopped (all items to be toasted). Now it is ready for service.

Mixed lettuce salad with Vanilla Balsamic Vinegratte

This salad consists of four varieties of lettuce (mache, arugula, frizze, watercress). The lettuce has to be individually washed and spin dried to remove all the water. Keep the mixed lettuce aside. Now it is time to prepare the dressing, the ratio that needs to be followed is 1 part Balsamic Vinegar, 3 parts oil, vanilla essence or fresh vanilla beans (use two beans for each part vinegar), ½ tsp sugar, salt and white pepper to taste.
Now first add the oil and balsamic vinegar and blend it, add the vanilla essence/beans, and finally add salt, sugar, white pepper and blend it, until it coats the surface of the spoon. In a mixing bowl, place the mixed lettuce and add the dressing according to the quantity of the lettuce. The dressing should be just enough to coat the lettuce.
Serve with candied walnuts (walnuts, 1cup sugar, 1 egg white, roasted in a preheated oven), strawberry halves and crumbled blue cheese.

Junk food today or tomorrow

Well, people pay the prize(price). This is what i would say, when the government in london has introduced a ban on junk food advertising for teens (link here). Here in the U.S, the fast food industry has grown to the extent that, the general public are not ready to give up their routine. Studies have shown that between 1980 and 2000, obesity rates have doubled. The alarming fact is that among children, obesity has doubled and tripled. Type 2 diabetes which was believed to affect only adults is now being diagnosed among teens. When is the government going to take strict action against the money guzzlers in the fast food industry? The fast food industry has spread globally. It has become a part of the culture in China to eat at these fast food chains. on the other hand, in a reversal, western market is catching up with the rice friendly society. There needs to be sense of awareness among the public, to the health hazards that these giants bring with them to your table.

Sushi

Sushi, it is become a household name, with regards to international cuisines. There are different varieties of sushi in the market that can be bought made or done to order.
The ingredients that you need to have for sushi are:
4oz short grain rice
1floz rice vinegar
2.5tsp sugar
4 sheets nori
Avocado cut thinly (julienne)
Cucumber cut thinly
Carrot cut thinly
Scallion
Salt as needed
Wash the rice and add water to the rice (1 inch) over the rice and cook until it’s done.
Once the rice is cooked keep hot and gently add vinegar, sugar, salt and mix well.
Allow the rice to cool. If you have a bamboo mat at home it can be used to make sushi or you can use clear film plastic, place a sheet of nori on bamboo/plastic film, and spread rice evenly. Place the cucumber, carrot, scallion, avocado and roll carefully. To have the roll compact apply rice vinegar to the end of the nori sheet and press to seal. Once it’s done arrange on plate or platter and serve with ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.

Oven baked Calamari

Calamari (squid) is easy to make and also tastes good. Squid can be bought frozen, once out of the packet thaw in running water. The tentacles has to be removed from the body, which is a good compliment for bar service, once it is fried dusting it with seasoned flour. The tube is the body of the squid, it has to be cleaned of all impurities by running water into the tube slowly. There is a thin cartilage inside the tube, which needs to be removed. Once it is cleaned, poke tiny holes in the tube for air to escape once the tube is stuffed. The stuffing consists of sausage stuffing, that has be cooked on slow heat until the it turns color from red to opaque. After it has turned opaque add julienne swiss chard and cook for about three minutes. Take it off the flame and cool it removing all the excess moisture in the mixture. Once it is cold stuff the mixture into the tube. Take a ceramic or earthen dish and pour one six ounce ladle of tomato concasse, Place the stuffed squid over the sauce and sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top and garnish with bread croutons. Once it is ready for service you can bake it either in a pizza oven or a convection oven at 400*F. You can identify if the squid is done when the tube tighten up and holds the filling. It can be garnished with chopped parsley before service.