How to make Canelés (Cannelés) de Bordeaux from Serious Eats

- Sweet Technique: How to make Canelés (Cannelés) de Bordeaux | Serious Eats:
Directions
1. 3 days before baking:
In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat, whisk together the milk and the vanilla bean pod and seeds.
Bring the milk just barely to a boil; turn the heat off when the edges begin to bubble.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and place in the fridge (pod, and all) to steep overnight.

2. 2 days before baking:
Place the eggs and yolks in a bowl and break the yolks with a fork, do not whisk them.
Add the melted butter, stir gently with a fork just to incorporate, and set aside.
In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
Place a strainer over the bowl, and pour the steeped milk through the strainer; discard the pod from the vanilla bean.
Press the egg mixture through the strainer with a rubber spatula, then add the rum to the bowl.
Gently mix the batter with a spatula; avoid incorporating air.
Wash and dry the strainer, then push the batter through the strainer with a rubber spatula.
Cover the batter and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 48 hours.

3. 3 hours before baking:
Set the oven to 176C/350°F and place the metal (either copper or aluminum) Canelé molds inside for 10 minutes.
While the molds are heating, place the beeswax in a plastic, microwave-safe container and microwave in 30-second increments, swirling each time, until the beeswax is fully liquified.
Add the butter and microwave until it has fully melted, then stir until you have a solution of butter and beeswax. (This may also be done on the stovetop in a saucepan, but cleaning beeswax from pots is an unsavory activity, using the microwave is highly recommended.)
Remove the molds from the oven and allow them to cool for one minute.
Set up a cooling rack with plastic wrap underneath. Grasp the molds one at a time with the tongs, coat the insides of the molds with the wax mixture using a pastry brush (silicone is recommended, you will need to boil the pastry brush to get the wax off later) then invert the molds on top of the cooling rack and allow the excess wax to drip off.
Once the wax has cooled back to opaque, place the molds in the freezer for two hours.

4. Once it's time to bake:
Set a baking stone on the bottom rack of the oven and place a sheet tray on top.
Preheat the oven to 260C/500°F.
When the oven is ready, remove the molds from the freezer and fill them almost to the top, leaving a centimeter of space at the top of the molds.
Remove the preheated sheet tray from the oven, line with parchment, and then place the filled molds on the heated tray, spacing them evenly and far apart.
Place the tray of molds onto the stone in the oven, and watch it carefully for the first 30 minutes of baking.
The canelé will start to bubble, then rise up out of the molds.
When they rise more than one centimeter above the rim of the mold, use tongs to remove the mold and allow the canelé to sink all the way back down into the mold, then return it to the oven.
You will need to do this for the first 30-45 minutes of baking, until you notice that the canelé have developed an outer skin and a space has formed between the mold and the canelé on all sides.

Once this has happened, drop the temperature of the oven to 200C/400°F and allow the canelé to finish baking, approximately 45 more minutes (there is no exact time, since the temperature has fluctuated so much with the oven being opened and closed and the canelé spending time, as needed, out of the oven).
Watch for the tops to completely turn a deep golden brown and bubble (this is the butter in the batter) around the edges and middle. When the desired color is achieved on the tops, remove one from the oven using the tongs to test.
Allow it to cool for several minutes, then invert the mold onto the cooling rack.
If you are pleased with the color of the canelé, then remove the rest from the oven and allow them to cool for several minutes before unmolding.
If you are not, return the canelé to its mold and bake the batch longer.
The canelé should cool on the rack for 30 minutes before eating, and are best if consumed no more than 5 hours after baking.
'via Blog this'

Rhubarb pickle.

- Life Love Food – A Recipe Journal by Venetian Food Writer Valeria Necchio:
- Rhubarb pickle recipe - Telegraph:
This pickle works wonders with oily fish like mackerel or sardines, either smoked or grilled, as its acidity will cut through the fat and create a nice contrast of textures.
INGREDIENTS
500g rhubarb stalks (4 large stalks)
2 tsp peppercorns
½ tsp cloves
1 tbsp sliced fresh ginger
3 bay leaves
2 dry red chillies
250ml (1 cup) apple cider vinegar
250ml (1 cup) water
200g (1 cup) caster sugar
½ tsp fine grain salt
METHOD
Line two sterilised pint jars with lids.
Rinse the rhubarb stalks, scrubbing any residual soil, and trim the leaves and brown ends.
Cut into 2-cm long pieces and pack them into the two jars. Divide the rest of the spices between the two jars, then set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the cider vinegar, water, sugar and salt and bring to a boil.
Whisk often to help dissolving the sugar and salt.
As soon as the pickling liquid is boiling and the sugar and salt are dissolved, pour it into the jars until the liquid covers the rhubarb pieces.
Close immediately with the sterilised lids.
Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator.
Let the rhubarb pickles cure for at least 48 hours before eating, then enjoy within two weeks from opening.

- In a Pickle: Pickled Rhubarb Stalks | Serious Eats:
Any variety of rhubarb works for this recipe.
Don't avoid the pale green stalks, they may not look as pretty in the jar, but they make up for it in good texture and flavor.
If you like a less sweet pickle, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe by up to half.
I like the balance that it achieves as written, but the beauty of making your own pickles is that you can adjust the flavors to suit.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound rhubarb stalks (4 to 6 large stalks)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine grain salt
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
2 star anise
DIRECTIONS
1.Prepare two wide mouth pint jars and lids.
2.Wash rhubarb stalks well and trim to fit into the jars.
If the stalks are broad, slice them into lengthwise sections.
In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar and salt and bring to a boil.
3.Divide the mustard seeds, peppercorns, cloves and star anise between the two prepared jars.
Pack the rhubarb pieces into the jars above the spices.
4.Once the pickling liquid has boiled and the sugar and salt are dissolved, pour it into the jars over the rhubarb, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Tap the jars gently to dislodge any air bubbles.
If the headspace level has dropped significantly, add more pickling liquid.
5.Wipe jar rims, apply lids and rings and process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.
When time is up, remove jars from canner and set them to cool on a folded kitchen towel.
When jars are cool enough to handle, remove rings and test seals.
If jars are at all sticky, wash them to remove that residue.
Sealed jars can be stored in the pantry for up to 1 year.
Unsealed jars can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 2 weeks.
6.Let this pickle cure for at least 48 hours before eating.

- pickled rhubarb | Punk Domestics:
Sweet Rhubarb Pickles
I used four large stalks of rhubarb
Start by peeling the rhubarb
then cut each stalk into thirds.
Combine
1/4 tsp of vanilla,
3/4 c brown sugar,
1/2 c white sugar,
1 tsp salt, and
2 c vinegar in a small saucepan.
I used equal parts balsamic and raspberry red wine vinegar, and tossed in a handful of frozen raspberries to amp up the berry flavor.

Heat on medium–high, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, then boil for about a minute.
Scoop out the raspberries (don’t toss them, they’re amazing over vanilla ice cream), then pour the hot vinegar mixture over your rhubarb and screw the lid on the jar.
Refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to one week, and enjoy!

- Pickled Rhubarb and a Couscous Salad:
Couscous Salad with Grapes, Feta, and Pickled Rhubarb
2 cups dried couscous (I used Bob’s Red Mill whole wheat couscous)
3 tablespoons good, fruity olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 cup diced pickled rhubarb*
2 cups halved red grapes
1/3 cup chopped parsley
6 ounces brined feta, crumbled
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Prepare couscous according to the instructions on the package.
Pour the cooked couscous into a large bowl.
Dribble with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Toss lightly with a fork, making sure to not mash the couscous.
Add pickled rhubarb, grapes, parsley, feta, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Toss lightly again, and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.
'via Blog this'

Blood Orange Marmalade with Beaujolais - red wine.

- Blood Orange Beaujolais Marmalade | Serious Eats
Blood Orange Beaujolais Marmalade.
As I researched recipes for blood orange marmalade, I came across one in Better Homes & Gardens that incorporated a cup of Beaujolais, a light-bodied, high acid French red wine made from the Gamay grape.
Intrigued by how the wine might enhance the flavor and color of my marmalade, I borrowed the idea.
The flavor is a bit sweeter than traditional marmalade, with notes of raspberry and wine.
It would be absolutely delicious sandwiched between layers of almond or polenta cake, or try it with cornmeal biscuits.

5 cups sugar
6 small to medium blood oranges
1 cup Beaujolais or other light-bodied red wine - Pinot noir.
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons regular powdered fruit pectin
1/4 teaspoon unsalted butter

This recipe makes six half-pint/284 millilitres jars.

1.Measure the sugar into a large bowl and set aside.
2.Wash the blood oranges and remove the rind in quarters.
Thinly slice the rind lengthwise, then roughly chop them crosswise into smaller pieces.
Transfer the rind to a large pot and add the wine, baking soda, and 1 1/4 cups of water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rinds have softened, 15 minutes.
3.Meanwhile, coarsely chop the oranges and remove any seeds.
Transfer the oranges to a food processor and pulse until the orange pieces are broken up but still chunky, about 8 pulses.
Add the oranges to the pot with the rind and bring to a simmer.
Simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
4.Measure the mixture.
You should have about 5 cups. (If you have less, add a bit more wine. If you have more, discard the extra.)
Stir in the pectin and butter and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add the sugar all at once and return the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Boil hard for 1 minute.
5.Remove the pot from the heat and skim any foam from the surface of the marmalade with a cold metal spoon.
Ladle the marmalade into hot sterilized jars and process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Beaujolais Pronunciation: bow-zhuh-LAY
Notes: This is a region in Eastern France that produces light, fruity, fresh-tasting red wines that are relatively low in alcohol.
Beaujolais wines should be drunk while young.
Substitutes: Gamay OR Pinot Noir OR Burgundy OR Chianti OR Barbera.