Archive for the ‘Fruits & Nuts’ Category
The Acai berry is the latest superfood hitting the diet and weight loss industry providing similar benefits to those of the blueberry and possibly more. The Acai berry possesses a variety of properties which are known to be beneficial for the body and general health and may also help in the quest for weight loss including antioxidants, fibre and essential fatty acids. In addition to a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise the Acai Berry can produce amazing results when it comes to losing weight. Moreover, the berry contains vital vitamins and minerals which enhance and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Combinations such as this one, which comes from Polynesia, are open to variation.
for the salad:
Airing my views about marmalade, and in particular the apparent foolishness of incorporating Scotch whisky in it, led to an interesting discovery. A scientist at Cambridge University wrote to point out that, while whisky might interfere with the true flavor of marmalade, anyone who dispenses with the interior seal would do well to float a teaspoon of alcohol (which could be brandy or vodka) on top of i t before applying the outer seal. This will stop mold from forming at the interface between the marmalade and the small amount of air trapped above it.
A Canadian favorite. for generations. It is sometimes called jam and sometimes conserve. Whatever the name, its constant features are oranges and peaches.
3 oranges
9 cups sugar
8 cups peeled, pitted, finely chopped peaches
1 cup slivered, blanched almonds
For the pastry
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
scant 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 stick butter or margarine
1/4 cup shortening
3 tablespoons cold water
for the filling
1 large lemon
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
1 cup shredded suet
1 cup currants
1/2 cup sugar
cup candied fruit, finely chopped
One of the strongest culinary traditions in Cumbria, England is this “plate cake”, really an enclosed fruit pie, thin but hearty. Numerous fruits are suitable for the filling: black currants, blackberries, gooseberries, plums, apples and rhubarb are all used in Cumbria. But if one is in the tropics one might just as well make the “cakes” with tropical fruits, choosing robust fruits rather than those with a delicate flavor or texture.
A famous dish of Newfoundland.
for the dough
3 cups flour
11/2 sticks butter
I teaspoon sail
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
3-4 tablespoons rice or barley (optional)
for the filling
1 pound blueberries, washed
13/4 cups sugar
4 blood oranges
2 regular oranges
superfine sugar
2 teaspoons orange flower water
A classic French dessert, Apricot Conde is easy to prepare and makes an elegant end to a special dinner.
Almonds with a sugar or honey coating have been known from earliest times and were recorded as having been served in Ancient Rome at family celebrations. Home-made sugared almonds may not look as beautiful as the commercially made variety, but they surpass them in flavour and texture. They can be stored, for about a week, in an airtight jar.