Tag Archives: love cooking

My Favourite Cookbooks – My latest good read

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Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking – by Michael Ruhlman

This book was recommended by Chef Marco Ropke at the Vancouver Pastry Training Centre when I took a course there. If you see this book in a book store, you probably wouldn’t think it’s a cookbook. It doesn’t have any mouth-watering food photos or unique recipes.  Although I think it would be nice to have some coloured pictures inside.  But for less than $20, it is well worth it. It talks about culinary ratios, which are the backbones for all recipes. For example, a basic pie dough ratio is 3-2-1, 3 parts flour, 2 parts fat and 1 part water; a vinaigrette is 3 parts oil and 1 part vinegar. Once you know these ratios, you can add your flavours (sweet or savory), herbs, spices, seasonings, etc. You can create recipes according to your own preference. Even if you are trying someone else’s recipe, you can change it to the way you like as long as you keep your backbone ratios.  It also has many cooking tips. So, if you like to cook and create your own recipes, you will enjoy reading it.

You can find this great book on the Amazon website by clicking on the title of the book. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase the item. 

 

 

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The Special Ingredient

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I was looking for some powder food coloring and my friend referred me to a cooking supply warehouse.  Wow ! What an eye-opener ! There were so many different ingredients, cooking tools, kitchen ware, dinnerware.  Lots of cute little gadgets too !   We ended up spending 2 hours in the store, looking at almost every single item, and of course, came out with the powder food coloring plus……well, just a FEW more other purchases.

To make tasty food, we have to find the right ingredients and add the right amount. However, there is one ingredient which you won’t be able to find it in any store. You won’t spoil your dishes by adding too much of it. In fact, the more the better! This special and precious ingredient is LOVE. The love for food, the love for cooking, and most important of all…… the love for families and friends.

It just makes my day when my kids say ” mom, is so yummy !” , “mom, can I have more? ” Those contented little smiles are priceless. Cooking can be a lot of work, but if you are cooking for your loved ones, it becomes happy work and it’s all worth it!