Posts by Gail South

Before cooking, sprinkle shells w cornmeal and soak for 20 min in lukewarm water to get rid of ingested sand

First of all, chop chocolate into small pieces, which melt faster. Make sure everything is perfectly dry, even a drop of water will sabotage the effort. Microwave method: put chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and zap at 50% power. For 2-4 ounces, begin checking after 2.5 min; for 5-8 ounces, begin checking after 3…

Line 2 cookie sheets w foil. Place semisweet chocolate and 1/2 tsp shortening in small bowl. Set over simmering water until melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove from over water. Using small metal spatula or spoon, spread thin layer of chocolate over veined underside of 6 leaves, being careful not to drip over edges. Place…

With a sharp knife, carefully cut a 1/2″ gash on either side of chestnut shells. Heat cooking oil in heavy skillet and add nuts. Shake over low heat for 5 min, then roast at 450 for 5 min. When cool enough to handle, remove shells w paring knife or let guests do it. Chestnuts 2…

Wet & wring out 4 layers of cheesecloth approximately 18-20″ sq. Spread out over a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl or pitcher. Stir herbs into yogurt and spoon the mix into the center of the cheesecloth. As cloth falls, grab 2 corners of square in each hand and bring them together. Tie them around the…

Line colander with quadruple layer of cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. In large pot over medium-high heat, whisk together all ingredients til smooth. Bring to a simmer and heat until the mix just begins to curdle. Pour mix into colander. (For a drier ricotta with bigger curds, continue to simmer 1-2 minutes longer…

In a large stainless steel kettle, slowly bring milk to 180 degrees, stirring once in a while (not more than every few min) 30-40 min.. Let stand, undisturbed, for 2-3 hours to let curds form. Line a large mesh strainer w a damp kitchen towel or several layers of damp cheesecloth, making sure that the…

Heat milk to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in juice. Allow to sit 5 min. Strain through fine sieve and discard liquid. Season w salt. Milk 2 qts wholeLime Juice 4 T

Crumble or slice into small pieces and place in freezer. Use in the next recipe that calls for grated cheese.

Brush a large sheet of foil w veg. oil. In dry 3 qt heavy saucepan cook sugar over moderately low heat, stirring slowly w fork to help melt evenly, until melted and pale golden. Cook caramel without stirring, swirling pan to ensure even coloring, until deep golden. Remove pan from heat. Working very quickly and…