The General Chat Thread

the beer revolu · 11-11-2018 9:01am

New Home wrote: »

Isn't that a character in Futurama?

Had to look that up.
No, it isn't.
Calculon is.

New Home · 11-11-2018 10:06am

The Hill Billy · 11-11-2018 10:28am

I don't have any non-stick pans. Is that unusual?

RasTa · 11-11-2018 12:57pm

Nope stainless steel all the way for moi. Season the odd time and it turns into a non stick

B0jangles · 11-11-2018 3:38pm

We can't have non-stick because we have a couple of pet parrots and the gases released by overheated non-stick can kill them in minutes

It's fine when it comes to pot and pans, but getting non-non-stick baking tins is a bit of a pain if you just want to pick up a cheap one in the supermarket.

Dizzyblonde · 11-11-2018 3:42pm

B0jangles wrote: »

We can't have non-stick because we have a couple of pet parrots and the gases released by overheated non-stick can kill them in minutes It's fine when it comes to pot and pans, but getting non-non-stick baking tins is a bit of a pain if you just want to pick up a cheap one in the supermarket.

:eek: You'd like to think that all parrot owners know that.

igCorcaigh · 11-11-2018 3:44pm

Who's going to be the first to post the monty python sketch (sorry!)

B0jangles · 11-11-2018 4:07pm

Dizzyblonde wrote: »

:eek: You'd like to think that all parrot owners know that.

So do I! I try to mention it whenever nonstick comes up, just to spread the word because it could happen so fecking easily

L1011 · 11-11-2018 6:51pm

Realised I had a frankly irresponsible amount of veg that was close to the turning point (or beyond) in the house due to buying for planned cooking and not actually doing it. I really dislike food waste and have been specifically changing what I cook to try reduce it so felt this had to be sorted.

Some targetted batch cooking has dealt with that. Mushrooms, some onions and some spring onions were beyond saving unfortunately. Had to buy some ginger and chillis to do these but they last for ages.

Huge batch of curry base has addressed onions, garlic, and peppers
Big generic pasta sauce has dealt with left over pasata and cured meats from last nights pizzas, along with carrots and celery
Katsu sauce has dealt with the rest of the carrots.

Spuds will be mashed and frozen after I've eaten dinner - not sure what exactly yet, a veg balti or paneer dish from the curry base is likely.

igCorcaigh · 11-11-2018 8:06pm

You had me at curry base... What's the secret?

igCorcaigh · 11-11-2018 8:07pm

Onions, for sure.

L1011 · 11-11-2018 8:27pm

igCorcaigh wrote: »

You had me at curry base... What's the secret?

Loads of different variants around, mine is close to this:

http://www.greatcurryrecipes.net/2013/12/31/make-indian-restaurant-style-curry-sauce-large-batch/

Basically - onions, onions, onions. I used a mix of white and red today. Cook them alone for a long time until they are incredibly soft, then you've still got about 45mins with whatever other veg you want and all the spices. Blend it to a sauce consistency with a proper stick blender - a food processor will not do the job. Peppers and carrots are the usual extra veg, for peppers it'll be a mix of sharper and sweeter ones.

Even with huge amounts of spices, the base is not enough for a curry on its own - but it lets you just do some spices, some solid veg and whatever protein source you want and get a good curry in ~20mins.

There is the famous curry thread in the cooking club sub-forum here (pity that that died) which gives an alternate take on it but one you've figured out your taste preference you won't need to look back at recipes.

rubadub · 12-11-2018 2:15pm

Bisto "best" beef gravy granules on offer in tesco. These are by far the best instant granule ones I have had

https://www.tesco.ie/groceries/Product/Details/?id=258006276

Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules 200G
Special OfferSAVE 33%
valid until 13/11/2018
€1.60

Their standard bisto one is 1.59 but only 170g.

Only the beef shows online but they had others in the shop. I did get the beef one with carmalized onions which was not as good. Otherwise I have only had the beef, I think there was a chicken in the shop. I prefer beef gravy on chicken as it is what I grew up having.

rubadub · 16-11-2018 5:48pm

2kg chicken was E4.58, cut off the 2 breasts, with no skin or bone weighed 622g, so that is 7.36 per kilo just for them, which is already cheaper than most.

I can squeeze the remaining whole chicken into a standard philips airfryer to be roasted. I do not like the breasts on a large roasted chicken, and end up with decent sized chicken portions.

Saved the leftover fat for frying the chicken fillets. When luke warm I poured it into a small glass spice jar so takes up little room in the fridge.

The chickens were 2 for 8euro in tesco, at that price the fillets work out 6.43 per kilo.

Gloomtastic! · 18-11-2018 10:03am

The Journal’s 12 essential items every kitchen needs

https://www.thejournal.ie/essential-kitchen-equipment-4341623-Nov2018/

I score 10/12. No potato ricer or fire blanket but there is an extinguisher somewhere. You?

cefh17 · 18-11-2018 10:14am

11/12, missing tongs but make it 10/12 if you count a four sided grater as not being good enough

To my downfall (space-wise!) I don't usually treat myself by buying new clothes and whatnot, it's kitchen gear and cookbooks..

B0jangles · 18-11-2018 10:24am

Everything bar a non-stick pan (because birds), and a fireblanket, but we do have an extinguisher.
I disagree on potato ricers being a 'necessity' -they are ok, but they are a much more of a pain in the proverbial to clean than a masher and I compulsively avoid creating more washing up than I absolutely need to :P

BaZmO* · 18-11-2018 11:30am

Everything bar the fire extinguisher. Personally I’d say my ricer is an essential as I like my mash smooth.

Graces7 · 18-11-2018 11:35am

B0jangles wrote: »

Everything bar a non-stick pan (because birds), and a fireblanket, but we do have an extinguisher.
I disagree on potato ricers being a 'necessity' -they are ok, but they are a much more of a pain in the proverbial to clean than a masher and I compulsively avoid creating more washing up than I absolutely need to :P

Oh I am dead in the water on this one!

I do have a small nonstick frying pan, but no fire blanket, extinguisher , potato ricer ( whatever that is) , no measuring cup or really good knives, or heavy cast iron pot... I do have a slow cooker but never use it, preferring a low light on the gas cooker..

Grater yes but rarely use it..

No tongs; a slatted spoon works.

Ordinary scales are fine.

No measuring cups...

Hand blender, yes, the one thing I use often.

Do I get the booby prize?

And no mention of the really useful things like a spatula? Wooden spoons?

The Hill Billy · 18-11-2018 12:08pm

No non-stick pan, ricer or cast iron pot. Have never used Mrs Billy's silicone spatula. I haven't seen (or bothered looking for) my measuring cups in donkey's years. I'll go 7/12.

I cannot understand how people don't use tongs. They are the handiest tool I'd use day-to-day in the kitchen.

Kat1170 · 18-11-2018 1:08pm

The Hill Billy wrote: »

I cannot understand how people don't use tongs. They are the handiest tool I'd use day-to-day in the kitchen.

I wonder if Ruth has any in her kitchen :eek::eek::D:D

B0jangles · 18-11-2018 1:19pm

I used to be very fond of my old weighing scales, mostly because of nostalgia - but after using an electronic scales, I would never ever go back to an old-fashioned scales, even if it was an heirloom which had used to bake every cake in my family for the last 1000 years.

Electronic scales are a bit like stick blenders - you really don't know what you are missing until you get one.

sammyjo90 · 18-11-2018 2:31pm

I got 4/12 :pac:

Slow cooker..tongs..pan..and hand blender...

I cant say my greater is anything but adequate. Im in a shiitty rented apartment with a tiny kitchen.
Ill buy better things when I become a grown up with my own house.
I will never be 12/12 though...no need for a ricer!

RasTa · 18-11-2018 3:07pm

Potato ricers are a pain in the ass to clean. I just add more butter.

Toto Wolfcastle · 18-11-2018 3:37pm

Our potato ricer just goes in the dishwasher and it’s grand.

New Home · 18-11-2018 3:42pm

I use a toothbrush (one that I only use for the dishes, let me be very clear), I find it quite easy, too. Besides, you do need a ricer if you're trying to do potato croquettes, potato dauphines, gnocchi, or anything like that.

L1011 · 18-11-2018 4:43pm

I wash the ricer immediately and it's never an issue

Actually bought a new Salter electronic scales today as my no brander with allegedly touch sensitive buttons is nearly impossible to tare.

Have an extinguisher not a blanket, should really address that.

Maldesu · 18-11-2018 4:56pm

11/12 - no ricer for me. Last I looked, they weren't very compact and I need to keep my space. I'd not have the patience to clean it anyway (no dishwasher here)

oscarBravo · 18-11-2018 10:03pm

12/12

\o/

Birdsong · 18-11-2018 10:21pm

The Hill Billy wrote:

I cannot understand how people don't use tongs. They are the handiest tool I'd use day-to-day in the kitchen.

Agree with you, tongs & silicon spatula and I am happy

Dizzyblonde · 19-11-2018 12:17pm

10/12 for me - I don't have a potato ricer or fire blanket. I threw my potato ricer out because I hadn't got the patience for filling it over and over with potatoes. Must get a fire blanket and small extinguisher though.

Alun · 19-11-2018 1:17pm

I have no ...

Measuring cups (I don't bake, and rarely measure anything anyway

)
Potato ricer (I have one of these instead ... https://www.lakeland.co.uk/18908/Masha-Electric-Potato-Masher, and no it isn't the same as a hand blender!)
Slow cooker (never had any use for one)
Fire blanket (but do have an extinguisher)

Gloomtastic! · 19-11-2018 6:10pm

Visiting friends down the country at the weekend. Came back with a brace of pheasants.

Just finished preparing the pheasants - skinned as opposed to plucked - still a pretty messy job. It’s going to have to be stew tomorrow night.

Dial Hard · 19-11-2018 6:41pm

Is it just me or is the venison very late arriving into Lidl & Aldi? I thought they normally have it by now.

The Hill Billy · 19-11-2018 7:13pm

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

Visiting friends down the country at the weekend. Came back with a brace of pheasants.

Just finished preparing the pheasants - skinned as opposed to plucked - still a pretty messy job. It’s going to have to be stew tomorrow night.

Or jointed & browned with bacon lardons, then braised in cider & mustard with apples & thyme? Just sayin'...

Maldesu · 19-11-2018 7:25pm

The Hill Billy wrote: »

Or jointed & browned with bacon lardons, then braised in cider & mustard with apples & thyme? Just sayin'...

Keep on with the ideas. I'm hoping to do pheasant for Christmas this year

Gloomtastic! · 19-11-2018 7:33pm

The Hill Billy wrote: »

Or jointed & browned with bacon lardons, then braised in cider & mustard with apples & thyme? Just sayin'...

The breasts are shot to pieces :rolleyes: so it’s a stew. I was planning on using a Mary Berry recipe that has apple juice and bacon in it so not far off.

Muahahaha · 20-11-2018 12:30am

Where do you get an extinguisher & fire blanket? Also what type should the extinguisher be, for electrical fires Im guessing?

New Home · 20-11-2018 12:34am

For grease would be your best bet in the kitchen.

rubadub · 20-11-2018 12:54am

Muahahaha wrote: »

Where do you get an extinguisher & fire blanket? Also what type should the extinguisher be, for electrical fires Im guessing?

littlewoods have blankets
https://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/streetwize-accessories-fire-blanket/1460826526.prd?_requestid=355962&Ntt=fire%20blanket

argos have both, blankets are expensive and only a small bit bigger.
http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10152&catalogId=14551&langId=111&searchTerms=FIRE+BLANKET&authToken=

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7001583.htm

Muahahaha · 20-11-2018 12:59am

Nice one, must get both sorted. Have never come near to a kitchen fire but one without them would not end well

shortcircuitie · 20-11-2018 11:15am

Has anyone seen tins of chestnuts in Aldi or Lidl yet? I normally stock up this time of year.

Graces7 · 20-11-2018 2:47pm

shortcircuitie wrote: »

Has anyone seen tins of chestnuts in Aldi or Lidl yet? I normally stock up this time of year.

Plenty of fresh

shortcircuitie · 20-11-2018 4:05pm

Graces7 wrote: »

Plenty of fresh

I actually cannot stand the hassle of using fresh chestnuts. Cut the cross in every single one. Then roast them. Then wait for them to cool. Then take them out of the shells. And then you have to remove every bit of that hairy wooly stuff that coats the chestnut. Life's too short!

B0jangles · 20-11-2018 4:40pm

shortcircuitie wrote: »

I actually cannot stand the hassle of using fresh chestnuts. Cut the cross in every single one. Then roast them. Then wait for them to cool. Then take them out of the shells. And then you have to remove every bit of that hairy wooly stuff that coats the chestnut. Life's too short!

+1 My nails took days to recover last time I peeled and prepped a load of chestnuts.

Never Again :mad:

shortcircuitie · 20-11-2018 4:46pm

B0jangles wrote: »

+1 My nails took days to recover last time I peeled and prepped a load of chestnuts.

Never Again :mad:

It's pure hardship. And the vacuum sealed ones taste absolutely fine, so there is no justification for the torture of roasting your own

igCorcaigh · 20-11-2018 7:14pm

Are chestnuts nice? I've seen the canned puree...
I guess I could make soup?

Gloomtastic! · 20-11-2018 7:37pm

Maldesu wrote: »

Keep on with the ideas. I'm hoping to do pheasant for Christmas this year

I used this recipe https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.bbc.com/food/recipes/beaters_stew_70079/amp

It was very tasty but if I was doing it for Christmas, it would be a perfect Christmas Eve meal and not the big day.

Maldesu · 20-11-2018 7:45pm

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

I used this recipe https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.bbc.com/food/recipes/beaters_stew_70079/amp

It was very tasty but if I was doing it for Christmas, it would be a perfect Christmas Eve meal and not the big day.

I'm after a big day one. Could just keep it simple and cover with bacon, muslin and butter galore

New Home · 20-11-2018 7:49pm

igCorcaigh wrote: »

Are chestnuts nice? I've seen the canned puree...
I guess I could make soup?

Roasted sweet chestnuts (on a naked flame, ideally on a wood fire) are to die for - yes, cutting them before roasting can be a pain, but the trick is to peel them while they're still piping hot - let them go cold, and it's a nightmare. Also, cold roasted chestnuts turn rock hard, and can be turned into a flour (with the suitable equipment), then the flour can be used to bake, or to make a porridge-like pudding. Canned/boiled chestnuts can be used in soups, stuffings, and to make Mont Blanc. Sweet chestnuts can also be made into a very creamy jam (with a texture similar to that of a chocolate spread), and they're absolutely delicious! If you're into tricky, lengthy, time-consuming recipes that take days, then you can make marrons glacés. I'll stop now, I'm drooling.

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