Category Archives: Recipe? What Recipe?

Because you asked.. this is where I try to recreate some of my memorable dishes.

My Latest version of the traditional Easter Pizza Rustica or Ham Pie

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As some of you know I am on Tiktok these days on my original account @Frank_MentorSF, and my newly launched, more food focused @KithchenBearSF. While I work to get @KitchenBearSF up to its minimum followers to go live, I go live from my original one and weekly noon 12:00 noon PST on @foodtoktv collaborative account.

On Saturday I took a rare few hours and went live on my account to make my annual “Ham Pie” that I do most easter weeks. I have blogged about this in the past, but sharing below the latest version of the recipe. See this post for more step by step https://bitetheroad.com/easter-ham-pie-aka-pizza-gaina/ .

Full Recipe for the Filling- (enough for 4-6 pies depending on size)
1/2 lb whole milk insalada (or Insalata) ricotta, aka Ricotta Salata  (Firm salty ricotta cheese. – you can substitute any of your favorites or what you can find locally)

◦ 1/2 lb Pepperoni (Use the traditional sticks or the larger slicing one.)

◦ 1/2 lb Prosciutto (optional)

◦ 1/2 lb HOT Capicola or Hot Soppressata,

◦ 1/2 lb hard salami

◦ 1/2 lb Genoa salami

◦ 1/2 lb Procuittini (You can substitute this with any other pepper coated ham they have)

◦ 1/2 lb Abbruzese

◦ 1 lb Basket Cheese if available or use fresh Mozzarella cubed

◦ 1/2 lb Provolone (Other recipes use ricotta Salato etc.) or both

6 – 12 Large Eggs ((see notes for quantities))

For The Dough – 3 – 8” pies

• 1 tsp Ground Pepper (or more to taste for dough)

• 6 large Eggs

• 3/4 cup (or 12 tbsp) Shortening

• 4 1/2 cups All purpose flour

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 tsp Grated cheese (Parmesan) (for dough)

• 2 tbsp ice water (as needed)

 

Read these Notes first

  • Depending on where you live – some of these meats won’t be as available. Its totally fine to switch them out for your favorites or use more of one than the others.
  • When buying your meats and cheese – you will save time by asking the deli to slice it in 1/4’ slices for you.
  • The filling for the full recipe will make 1- 9 inch pie- (in a springform pan) and 1 foil or 3 –  8’ in foil round pans. depending on how much you fill them. I also like to use foil loaf pans.
  • I often make the first batch of dough, knowing I will have leftover filling. Then a few days later make another batch for the freezer. When freezing, cool, wrap in plastic, then foil then place in a ziplock bag
  • By volume, the foil pans take about 6-7 eggs worth of the whisked eggs and the springform will take up to 12 – 13 eggs depending on the size eggs you use. (Lessons Learned – have extra eggs handy just in case)
  • If you use a springform pan – be sure and give it a foil “condom”  around the bottoms and bake on a sheet pan in case it leaks

Pre-preparation

  • Cut all the meats and cheeses into small cubes. 1/4 to a 1/2 inch mix. You can do this several days before in resealable bags or containers.

Making the Dough

    • You can make the dough several ways.
      1. My usual method is in a large flat bowl (or on your counter if you have the room)- sift together flour and salt. Add eggs, ground pepper and grated cheese. This also works in a stand mixer with the dough attachment.
      2. If you use a food processor – its super fast and the dough will be softer. A few tips  include dice up the shortening and don’t over mix. If you make the full version, you’ll likely have to finish mixing it by hand, but if you use the half batch,  you will be able to process it right in the food processor
    • Add in the shortening and work in quickly. Use a pastry cutter if you have one.
    • Crack and break up the eggs. Add the eggs to the flour mixture and mix, adding up to 2 tablespoons of iced water as needed to bring the dough together.
    • Dump it on the counter and knead it until it comes together and form into a ball. DO NOT OVER WORK. Wrap in plastic or cover until ready to use.
    • You have two options now:
      1. You can divide the dough in 4, shape into discs and wrap and chill for 30 min or overnight  or
      2. Divide the dough and roll out and fit into your pans, pressing up the sides. Cut off at any extra to save as decoration on the top.

For the filling (wet mix first)

    1. Crack and whisk the remaining eggs
    2. Add pepper, grated cheese
    3. You can add 1-2 tablespoons of the Basket cheese (if using) and gentle loosen it into the batter. This will add some moisture when cooking.

Assembling the Pie

    1. Preheat your oven*
    2. Roll out the dough, large enough to extend beyond your pan several inches as you will want the sides to hang over. You want it thin enough to be flexible
    3. Using either a 9in spring form pan (or an 8 inch one will do – but use less of everything) or simple foil cake or loaf pans
    4. Lay the dough in the pan and gently press into place and make sure all the corners and sides and flattened smooth.
    5. Sprinkle some grated cheese ( about a tablespoon) on the dough at the bottom of the pan.
    6. Place 2 cups (for foil pans) or 3 1/2 – 4 cups (for spring form pan) of meat and cheese mix in each prepared pan and spread it out. It should be no more than 3/4 of the way up the sides.
    7. Pour the wet batter over the meat and cheese. Using the back of a wooden spoon gently mix in. Essentially you want to barely cover the meat mixture. (If you run short of eggs, whisk up a few more and top off)
    8. Take the leftover dough and add any decorative topping you want (i.e. a cross hatch or cut out shapes), flute the edges.
    9. Brush with an egg or cream wash
    10. Sprinkle with more grated cheese
    11. Bake in a preheated oven* 350 degrees for 60 – 75 minutes
    12. When they are a golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Take them out of the over and let them cool on a rack, in the pan until cool to the touch
    13. Once cooled some, remove them from the pan  and let finish cooling on the rack (remember they will still be hot inside)
    14. You can serve these warm, room temp or cold.
    15. Once fully cooked ns cool – wrap in plastic wrap, then foil to keep. They freeze great!

*Baking Temperature & Times

  • My mom prefers to use 350 degrees for 60 – 75 minutes or until the toothpick comes out dry for the foil pans (my oven was dead on at 60 minutes. (For the larger springform – plan for another 20 min).
  • My original version https://bitetheroad.com/easter-ham-pie-aka-pizza-gaina/
  • Several other versions I have tried and liked include
    • https://cookingwithmamalombardo.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/another-easter-classic-pizza-gaina/
    • http://www.afamilyfeast.com/easter-pie/
    • http://www.food.com/recipe/pizza-gain-aka-pizzagaina-pizza-rustica-italian-easter-ham-pie-293899#top

 

Keto Chocolate Chunk Biscotti

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I am a huge biscotti fan and I have hate paying the price for them in the store when they are super each to make. I do a bunch of flavors, but one of my “go to’s” is a recipe for mini M&M Chocolate Marble Biscotti that I found some time back. But with friends and family members eating more Keto or gluten-free I have started to play around with recipes and this one got a remake this week.

So I went from this version with all the sugar and flour:

To a new version that uses almond four, sugar substituted ingredients:

 

With a few minor tweaks, I was able to get it working to rave reviews. But first, you have to have the ingredients. So I used these alternative brands (I don’t have a relationship or affiliate with any of them) but they are all easily available at both Safeway and Luckys grocery stores. in my test batches, I found I liked the chocolate bars chopped up better than using the Lily’s chips.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of margarine softened (You could use butter but it will affect the softness of the biscuit – but add more flavor)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar substitute – I used the Monkfruit version
  • Two large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 -3/4 cups Almond Flour ( with up to an additional 1/4 cup if needed on the side)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (you may find you can use less)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (you may find you can use less)
  • 1 -3/4 cups sugar-free chips or chocolate bars chopped up
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder*
  • 1 cup slivered almonds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional)

To make:

Preheat over to 325°F.

Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper ( if your sheet are large you can do two bars at once but they will spread some)

Note- this batter is soft enough to do by hand or hand mixer if you do not want to use a stand mixer

Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, cream margarine and sugar substitute until light and fluffy;
  2. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
  3. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda;
  4. blend into creamed mixture. Note: The dough will be much softer than the traditional version.
  5. you may want to add in some extra almond flour here if needed.
  6. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of chocolate pieces, mix well
  7. Layout plastic wrap on your counter and scoop out the dough and shape into a ball with your damp hands.
  8. Divide dough ball in half. Put one half back in the bowl, and leave one on the counter.
  9. Add the cocoa powder and coffee granules to one half of the dough in the bowl. Work together until the dough and powders are mixed. The cocoa powder will make the dough stiffer as well.

Making the marbled look

  1. On the plastic-covered counter ( you can also use almond flour on the counter if you prefer not to use plastic). Gently knead the  “white” dough and shape it into a wide log. Put aside.
  2. Do the same with the “chocolate” dough and gently knead into a similar shape
  3. Place the two logs together, one on top of the other, and knead them three times together to form a marbled effect.
  4. Divide the dough into two pieces again  and roll out as two similar shaped logs about 2 inches wide

Baking:

  • Place each log on a cookie sheet, (leave room around the log as they will spread in baking).
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes ( Almond flour burns faster than regular flour – so keep a close eye on it. In my oven 20 min was perfect)
  • Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes
  • Carefully remove from the pan to a cutting board (They will be soft! )
  • Using a serrated knife, slice logs into 1/2 inch slices (it may yield anywhere from 12 to 15 slices per log depending on how you cut them)
  • Rearrange them back on the cookie sheet cut sides down.
  • Bake an additional 10 minutes, Turning the over halfway through is optional
  • Turn the oven off and let them sit in the oven for another 5-10 min
  • Then remove from the pan and let them cool on a rack. store tightly covered

Other tips

  • Wrap each log in plastic and place in the refrigerator fo 15 min – 30 min before baking to chill helps to slow the spread when baking.
  • You can freeze the logs until ready to bake in the future, just let thaw 10 -15 min before baking.
  • Adding the coffee granules is optional. If I don’t have any, I don’t use them. Don’t use ground coffee.. it will be too bitter

 

 

Xmas Recipes 2019

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Here they are

I figured it was easier to post the links in one place for folks than trying to constantly add links to the recipes on Facebook. Since many of you asked about the recipes for the South African Chocolate Pepper Cookies and the Polenta Parmesan Cookies I mentioned on an earlier this week, I will start with them.

Black Pepper Chocolate Cookies

This recipe is pretty easy and I recommend you read the instructions a few times first. The Author also suggests starting with the minimum amount of black pepper and then ramp up. I think when I make a new batch I will increase the black pepper up a 1/2 tablespoon. I think you might also be able to swap out the pepper for other types you might have handy as well.

The recipe link is from the website Food52 and was reposted according to the author notes: Text and recipe from Where Flavor Where Flavor Was Born by Andreas Viestad Born by Andreas Viestad (Chronicle, 2007).

Polenta Parmesan Cookies

This recipe was in the December 2018 issue of Food Network Magazine on page 84. The recipe itself is pretty basic and already I am thinking adaptions. Such as making them a bit thicker and turning them into “thumb” print cookies and topping with pepper jelly or a tomato bacon relish. To the taste, they read both sweet and savory so I imagine I could also top with Lemon Rind Jelly.  Just a note on this one – it does need to time to chill. I made mine the night before and sliced and cooked them the next day.

The recipe link is Polenta-Polenta-Parmesan Cookies on Food Network Magazine

 

Lemon Bars with an extra crunch

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As promised;

For the Crust, you will need                 

8-9 graham crackers (each 2 1/2 by 5 inches)                  

1 cup of nuts. I used raw pistachios, which I toasted off first. But Almonds and Pecans also work.

Sugar  

    2 tablespoons regular fine white sugar

    5 tablespoon Turbinado              

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Pinch of salt                  

For the Filling                 

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, room temperature                  

1  8-ounce container of marscapone cheese (or substitute another 8-ounce package of cream cheese)

3/4 cup sugar fine white sugar                  

2 large eggs                  

Pinch of salt

Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon (2 to 3 teaspoons zest and about 3 tablespoons juice). If using Meyer you may need to check for tartness.  This also works for Orange and limes

DIRECTIONS  

Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325  degrees. 

This is the Lemon version with the extra sugar layer crust

This is an orange version with the single step method crust

Note – this crust is made in two parts!

  • Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. You can fold the extra foil over the edges.
    • I don’t recommend using a foil pan for this. They are too thin and bend when moving. You want the solid stability of the hard pan. 
  • In a food processor, blend 5 graham crackers, 1/2 cup of nuts with 2 tablespoons of fine sugar until finely ground; add 2 tablespoons of the butter and pulse until it looks like damp sand.
  • Transfer the first level of crumb mixture to prepared pan, and pat in gently. Bake 6-7 min

Second layer

  • In the same food processor, blend remaining 3 graham crackers with the remaining 1/2 cup of nuts and 4 tablespoons of turbinado sugar until finely ground; add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the butter and pulse until moistened.
  • Add the layer to the prebaked layer.  Pat firm, sprinkle on the remaining 1 tablespoon of turbinado sugar.  Bake until beginning to brown, another 7- 10 minutes. 

While crust is baking, Make the filling:

  • Place the 16 ounces cream cheese in the (wipe processor bowl clean first) food processor; blend until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice; blend 
  • When ready, remove the crust from the oven and pour the mixture on the top layer over the hot crust in pan; smooth top.
  • Return to oven, and bake until set (filling should jiggle only slightly when the pan is gently shaken), 35-45 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and cool completely in pan.
  • When cool, cover very loosely with plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 2 hours (and up to 2 days).
  • Use foil overhang to lift cheesecake out of the pan. With metal spatula, lift cheesecake from foil; cut into squares.
  • You can sprinkle confectionary sugar or top with candied lemon peels etc.

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It Was A Fermentation Weekend

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Fermentation you say?

Yup. I got a rare chance to take a class on it. This one was on Fermentation, but first.

OK yes. I am “one of those” that when I get a new cookbook; I read it cover to cover. So there’s nothing better than getting a cookbook that actually has some storytelling in it. I finally got my copy of DeepRunRoots from A Chefs Life’s Chef and Author, Vivan Howard. All I have to say is it’s a good thing I had a full pack of post-it tabs! Oh and by the way- the cookbook is huge and very well done and worth every penny.

So, of course, that meant a morning was spent first finishing up another batch of DeepRunRoots version of watermelon rind pickles. My first batch did well, (which I Facebooked and Instagrammed but didn’t write here about but you can find via the hashtag #BiteTheRoad) but having used those bowling ball sized watermelons which will only make 4-5 jars. Those went pretty fast, and I also wanted some of that leftover liquid to simmer down further into a syrup for other uses this weekend.

Next on my “To Do’s” before I could get myself ready for Fermentation class

Was to knock out a few quick “gestures” for a few pals recovering from surgery; my fav lemon bundt cake converted to mini loaves drying. Many of you who read this, know I am a big fan of making a heartfelt and genuine gesture or appreciations. Be it a way of saying “thank you” or recognizing someone who went the extra mile or simply to cheer up a sick friend.

In this case, in addition to having someone home laid up post surgery, I have two other friends who also went under the knife (or laser as the case may be” and wanted to prepare a little something to send over. To be precise –  my philosophy is either drop it off and go or mail it. When making a gesture like this, it isn’t supposed to be a way for you to take up the persons time with social stuff. It’s your making the effort to drop something off and not be in the person’s way by making them entertain you.

Now I keep a few recipes for precisely this. That meant a trip to the “tree” to get some lemons and I adapted my favorite lemon bundt cake into mini loaves. Now, this isn’t my recipe – it’s one of those from the folks at King Authur flour called Lemon Bliss Cake. They do it so well I don’t really screw with it. The batch recipe makes a huge bundt, two loaves or 4 mini’s. (Check out the recipe’s comments as many shared include some great tips). One lucky person is even getting a jar of the pickles.

When all that was done – it was time for fermentation!

Why Fermentation?

Well, why not? I grew up seeing my Mom occassionally can and jar fruits, pickled eggplant and such but never really learned how. Last year I started to explore more about canning and pickling and decided why not learn more. A pal who has taken classes from the UC Master Food Preserver Program mentioned they were doing one on fermentation. What I liked most was it was hands-on and you got to take stuff home and all materials and supplies were provided, you just had to bring an apron. You can read more and see whats coming up here or the more San Francisco/San Mateo centric list here.

So bright and early Saturday morning we drove down to the Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center for the class.

I have to say it was one of the best mornings I have had in a while.  With some great volunteers and trainers from the Master Foor Preserver program and a small group of learners, we got down to business with making a huge batch of Kimchi, a jar of preserved Lemons (which I had already tried and written about last year) and a starter kit for making home-brewed Kombucha.

Oh yeah  – if you are so inclined, the next Master Food Preserver Open House/Volunteer Recruitment is May 8th. I may be leaning towards doing the Master Food Preservers Introduction to Canning next myself. They can also be found on facebook: MFP Facebook

Turmeric & Ginger Rice Porridge in the Slow-cooker

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In the past, I had posted about making a slow-cooker version of rice porridge or a rough version of congee. So when a pal who also happens to be vegetarian mentioned he was sick I played around with a version that he might like. After making a few times, and with my housemate writing things down as I “added this and that”  I came up with this version of the recipe below. But this is mostly a recipe to taste. So start with conservative amounts and then you can add more halfway through to meet your pallet needs. the soup is done pretty much when it is thick and rich.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Arborio Rice (you can use other kinds of rice, this is one I like as I often have it on hand for other dishes)
  • 6 cups of hot water (from the tap is fine) or you can use vegetable or chicken stock for more flavor.
  • 3-inch piece of ginger peeled,  or (ground ginger about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1-2 Bay leaves (fresh or dried)
  • 1 2-inch strip of lemon peel ( or a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (or up to as much as 2 teaspoons to taste)of Zaatar ( you can also use any other dried herbs such as Herbs De Province or even Oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon of onion flakes (you can use 1/2 cup of diced onions if you want more texture as well)
  • 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Stat with a 1/2 teaspoon and then add to your taste to a total of 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper (you can also use white pepper) but I like the flecks of black in the finished product
  • 1 4-5 inch sprig of Rosemary
  • 1/8 (or up to as much as 1/2 to  taste) of Ground Aleppo pepper
  • 3 heaping teaspoons of Tumeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ok kosher salt (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon of dried parsley (fresh is fine as well but add towards the end)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons of Agave syrup
  • 3 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 – 1/2 juice of one lemon

Optional – slow cooker liner bags. I started to sue these for some of the dishes I make that could get sticky. This is one of them that it works great with but totally optional.

Instructions

  • To your slow-cooker add rice and water. Turn on high.
    • Add the following now:
      • Bay leaves, garlic powder, onion flakes, lemon peel, 1/8 portion of the black pepper and the rosemary.
    • Cover and leave it alone for 4 hours. You can stir occasionally after the first hour.
  • After 2 hours
    • add the Aleppo pepper, Tumeric, Zatar, salt, dried parsley, Cayenne pepper, Agave, Apple Cider vinegar and lemon juice
    • Stir well and taste remembering you will taste it again in a few hours once the base flavors have melded some.
  • After another hour, stir and taste.
    • Make adjustments to any of the flavors. You may also want to add additional water (up to 2 cups) if you feel it is too thick for your taste)
  • After a total of 4 hours
    • Remove the bay leaves, rosemary, ginger root and lemon peel.
  • Serve warm.

Total cook time is 4 -4.5 hours

A few additions – you can through in some butter or stir in some coconut oil (about a heaping teaspoon) at the end to add some smoothness.

 

 

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Oatcakes with a Protein Punch

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Who would have thought adding protein to my snakes would be so good.

So life has had me in full out overload mode for a few weeks so I have been a little behind in my posting. Today I am hoping to catch up with a few over the week.

One of the fun finds I came across was a great recipe for a protein-based, oatmeal version of “pancakes” I wrote about them on my blog post on my Engage blog which had a theme that day about “How A Middle-Aged Workforce Can Keep Up With Millennial Coworkers“. I found this recipe in the  March Issue of  Men’s Health Magazine for Blueberry Oat Pancakes, the primary ingredient is plain oatmeal with added protein. While dense, when whipped up on a Sunday night, cooled and wrapped – they freeze well and I can grab them on my way out the door.

Cold or toasted, maybe with a bit of peanut butter on them, they are a lot better than skipping a meal or grabbing something on the road. I found a similar version here, but the March version as follows is updated more and better tasting.

Since then I have made it a few times and made some additional revisions:

I am sharing my adapted version of the March version below:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats (any will do I just happen to use this one)
  • 3 scoops of Vanilla whey protein powder (I use a few versions and mine tend to be lactose-free. I also found that those with “pea” base didn’t lend this a very good aftertaste. A little too “green for me”
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 3 bananas
  • 3 large eggs, plus 6 egg whites (I used the pre-made version from the store for this)
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (I would use more at least a full teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of All Spice (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter for brushing the cooking surface

To Make: 

  • Using the blender or a Ninja machine; blend together everything but the blueberries and the oil/butter. It will be “batter” like texture.
  • Using a non-stip skillet, brush with coconut oil or butter and ladle about a 1/3 of a cup of batter (this will make about 12 cakes).
  • Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Cool (or eat), package in zip bags and freeze or put them in refrigerator

Note: this is a simple example of how to snack or eat on the go – it’s a flexible batter – so change it up! So while recipe says a serving is 3, I found 1 -2 to be perfect.

 

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The Power of Home Crafted Vanilla2.0

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For You More Creative Types, Make Your Own Vanilla2.0

Yup – that’s right. Well, I goofed this week – I had intended to let had my guest post from Anna go live first, but some of you might have gotten a sneak preview of this one when the “now” feature got clicked. In either case, you can read Anna’s post  “Know Your Extracts: Sniffing out the Best Vanilla for Your Baking” once it goes live late this week, then perhaps you will be inspired to go on to the next step and try making your own version of Vanilla2.0

Vanilla is one of those elements in baking that you either love or don’t. Somewhat like using good quality Tumeric is in cooking. I got started on this road myself after watching some of the baking shows on TV that were using Vanilla Bean Paste which I hadn’t seen before. After visiting the blog Superfoodly.com which had posted a December piece “The Scandal Between Vanilla Bean Paste vs. Vanilla Extract” .and served as a good place to start (I didn’t necessarily agree with everything – they shared some great content on the post).  I started following links, speaking with other folks who do more baking and came across the whole movement of making your own Vanilla Extract.

Several great recipes are available online for making your own home inspired version of vanilla extract. But to make a good quality one, you need time and the right beans. It isn’t something you want to rush. In fact, if you get them started now. They will make great Holiday gifts this season.

Choosing which beans you want to use also takes some research. Areas to take note of include the grade of bean, the type of bean, the age of them and the source ( they can be expensive) and what liquid you intend to use to extract the flavor (a variety of options exist based on flavor or non-alcohol needs).

My next plan

I will be starting a batch in April in fact with ” Tahitian Grade B beans but I also like the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans (Vanilla Planifolia so may make some comparison batches. A few of the online sites that offer recipes for making your own, including purchasing recommendations include: 

Once you get ready to start making your own here are a few things you will need to have on hand.

If you are like me and tend to be more creative, plan early:

  • You will need the beans; that means deciding on the grade of the bean and the ration of beans to the liquid mix; I saw lots of variations on this from 1 whole vanilla bean for every 2 liquid ounces of alcohol. I think to keep it simple I may start with a 1:1 ratio as in 1 bean to each ounce of liquid (then depending on the jar size might top off)
  • Extracting liquid; lots of options for this the most common include Bourbon, Rum, Brandy, and Vodka. The key factor is the liquid has to be greater than 70% proof
  • Bottles/Jars; You will need to decide if you are making a large batch then decant into smaller ones or just go right to the smaller ones. I think I will be hitting the swap and flea markets for vintage and unusual decanters to use as gifts. One common theme I heard was to avoid clear jars (or keep stored in a dark place) and my preference to stay away from plastics. As a back up I found 4 ounce Amber jars on Amazon that I may order to have on hand for “extra” last minute needs.
  • Labels: start thinking what size you will need and how you plan to label them if you are gifting them

Note: this post has some affiliate links to Amazon

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Know Your Extracts: Sniffing out the Best Vanilla for Your Baking

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Vanilla extract; the first thing I check on my baking supply list.

So we have another great guest post this week on the power of vanilla from my pal Anna who also wrote the “5 Ways to Taste the Mediterranean Without Actually Going” post. I love sharing BiteTheRoad with folks who want to write and talk about the various passions they have so was grateful she was willing to do this one. Ok, and truth be told it’s one of my favorite flavoring tools! Thanks again Anna!

 

Know Your Extracts: Sniffing out the Best Vanilla for Your Baking

It’s a question that seems as old as baking itself — chocolate or vanilla?

These two are the most popular cake flavors out there, and making a good chocolate or vanilla cake is critical to any baker’s repertoire. But we’re not here to argue. Whether as a flavor enhancer or the star of the show, vanilla tastes good, smells good, and has been used in all kinds of sweets for hundreds of years.

But did you know that not all vanilla is created equal? While it’s likely not shocking to learn that there are different forms of vanilla you can buy, it might be more surprising to know that some are better than others for certain contexts. This, as well as the overall quality of what you use, can have dramatic effects on what comes out of your oven.

High Quality Vanilla vs Low Quality

Know Your Extracts: Sniffing out the Best Vanilla for Your Baking

In general, “high quality” and “low quality” designations for vanilla are related to the origin and purity of the flavor, as well as alcohol content.

Imitation vanilla, on the other hand, is often made using lab-created vanillin (the flavoring compound found in vanilla). Generally, this vanillin is made as a byproduct of other forms of manufacturing, such as while processing wood pulp. While that might sound concerning, it is still perfectly safe to consume, though typically has a slightly less pronounced vanilla flavor and less alcohol content.

Pure vanilla extract is exactly what it says on the label; pure vanilla extracted from vanilla pods and processed into a liquid by boiling it with ethanol and water. Additionally, it is required by law to contain at least 35% alcohol content and 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter.

Natural vanilla is taken directly from vanilla beans and has the least amount of alcohol at roughly 3% per bottle. It generally has the most pronounced and “pure” vanilla flavor of the three liquids.

Vanilla paste is a compromise between liquid vanilla and straight vanilla beans. It is made from vanilla extract, adding sugar and thickening agents for texture. Most brands also add small quantities of ground vanilla beans to achieve the desired speckling.

Vanilla beans are considered the ultimate for vanilla in flavoring and baked goods. These are the real deal, no alcohol or additives in sight. Just a long dark pod filled with tiny caviar-like “beans” ready to add to any recipe.

When to Use Each Kind of Vanilla

Know Your Extracts: Sniffing out the Best Vanilla for Your Baking

While instinct may say to use vanilla beans for everything, this would not actually be the best use of resources. Imitation is, of course, the cheapest and most affordable, but the more pure and better quality the vanilla, the more it costs:

(Prices based on Cook’s Bulk and Wholesale Vanilla)

  • Non-alcoholic vanilla — $12
  • Pure vanilla extract — $13
  • Vanilla bean paste — $25
  • Vanilla bean pods (3) — $15

Aside from price restrictions and personal preference (for example, imitation vanilla may have a less robust flavor/aroma than vanilla bean pods), any form of vanilla can be used for any type of baking.

That being said, most bakers (and especially social media food personalities) prefer vanilla bean paste and pods for the telltale speckling that they leave in the finished product. This only works for light-colored, vanilla-centric baked goods, however. If you wish to use a high-quality vanilla in a darker product, save some money and use a good vanilla extract.

For bakers who object to using alcoholic vanilla in recipes that don’t involve heat (frostings, creams, sodas, etc.), non-alcoholic vanilla or vanilla bean pods are optimal.

Love vanilla? Try these vanil-licious recipes from Bite The Road:

 

Be sure to read the next BiteTheRoad.com post on other creative Vanilla ideas later this week

 

 

 

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