duminică, 29 martie 2015

Perfect basmati rice

Quantities for a meal for two:

1 small cup of rice (~ 200ml)
1 & 1/2 of the same cup with boiling water (from the kettle)
pinch of salt
a bit of vinegar (optional)

Rinse the rice with water and let it soak for 30min. Soaking is optional but it's said to produce fluffier results.
The secret to fluffy basmati rice is the right amount of water and a well sealed pot to capture the steam.

Drain the rice, put in the pot (pick one with a lid that fits as good as possible).
Add the boiling water by measuring it with the same cup where the rice was.
Add the pinch of salt and a splash of vinegar (helps keep the grains separated)

Cover the pot, bring to boil then reduce heat close to lowest setting.
If needed, seal the pot with some tin foil.
After 15 minutes, set aside for another 5 min.

Now it's ready, prepare for perfect fluffiness!!! Mix with a fork and serve!

duminică, 15 martie 2015

Ricciarelli

Follow this recipe for excellent results.

For filling a standard baking tray I recommend using a bit less sugar and more almonds: 250g almonds and 200g of sugar.
Also, add about a tablespoon of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to make it really soft.
Keeping it for a day in the fridge is essential!

On my oven, use 150 deg for 15min, on the middle tray!
Otherwise the bottom and top will overbake.