Let's Wallop

How to Make Fennel Soda Bread

2011-09-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

3 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons of chilled butter
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
2 beaten eggs
1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons melted butter

Steps:

First we need to preheat the oven to for 175 degrees C, then grease a 10 inch round cake pan.
Next is get the 2 big bowl, for the 1st bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and fennel seeds together. Then for the 2nd bowl, stir the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter together.
We need to stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, then blended it using a spoon. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Dot with the 3 tablespoons of chilled butter.
Bake it for 1 hour in the preheated mode, or until it puffed and golden.
Cut into wedges or what you prefer then serve it warm and ready to eat.

How to Make Kefir Milk

2011-08-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1-2 tbsp natural Kefir grains
1 quart cow or goats milk
1 liter jar
lid for jar or clean cloth
plastic strainer
plastic spoon
cup

Steps:

Place the kefir grains in a jar.
Add the fresh milk.
Cover the jar.
Place jar in a room temperature of 18oC – 25oC (65oF – 77oF) and away from direct sunlight.
Leave for 1-3 days.
Separate the kefir from the kefir grains. - Now you have your milk kefir
The last step is to drink your milk kefir.

Note - For the milk you can use cows, goats, sheep, even camel and buffalo milks.

How to cook Stir Fry Bitter Melon

2011-08-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 pound bitter melon (about 1 1/4 melons)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
a few drops sesame oil (optional)

Preparation: (Preparation Time: 15 minutes and Cooking Time: 5 minutes)

First we need to prepare the bitter melon by cutting into half lengthwise, remove all the seeds and cut it thin slices. Degorge the bitter melon by sprinkling salt over the slices and placing them in a colander to drain for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mash the chili pepper flakes with the minced garlic.

Heat wok over medium high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chili mixture. Stir-fry briefly until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

Add the bitter melon. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, then splash with the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Stir in the sugar. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the bitter melon is browning and beginning to soften. Stir in a few drops sesame oil if desired. Serve hot.

Note - This recipe calls for red wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a bit more "bite." but if you have a good Chinese rice wine feel free to substitute it.