How to Make Scrambled Eggs

The secret to making moist, fluffy scrambled eggs is all in the scrambling.

You'll need low, gentle heat and patience to make perfect scrambled eggs.

1. To make breakfast for two, we used six eggs, six tablespoons of milk, salt and pepper to taste, and two teaspoons of chopped fresh parsley.

Plan on using three eggs per person for a good-sized serving. If you're counting calories, you can substitute egg whites for one or two of the whole eggs.

* Scrambled Egg Recipes

2. Crack the eggs into a bowl that's deep enough to support vigorous whisking.

3. Thin the egg mixture with milk, cream, or even water: this will make gently cooked scrambled eggs more tender (note: if the heat is too high, the liquid can separate from the cooked eggs). Use approximately one tablespoon of milk per egg.

4. Whisk the mixture until well combined. Don't add salt yet, as it can make the eggs tough.

5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. We melted a pat of butter in the pan to add its rich flavor to the eggs, but you can use cooking spray or use a nonstick pan if you prefer.

6. When the butter starts to bubble or a drop of water added to the pan sizzles, pour in the egg mixture. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste (about ¼ tsp. salt to start). Don't stir the pan: you want to let the eggs begin to set before you start scrambling them.

7. This is the time to add minced herbs, shredded cheese, chopped scallions, sautéed mushrooms, chopped tomato, or anything else you like.

8. With a wooden spoon, start to scrape the eggs from the edge of the pan to the center, forming large soft curds.

9. Continue scraping your spoon along the bottom of the pan to redistribute the eggs as they cook.

10. You should start to see the bottom of the pan as your spoon scrapes a trail through the eggs.

11. When the eggs look wet but are no longer liquid, gently mound the eggs into the center of the pan.

12. Turn off the heat but leave the skillet on the burner. The scrambled eggs will continue to cook from the heat of the pan and from the residual heat in the eggs. Now's the time to put toast in the toaster and grab a pair of plates.

13. Divide your light, fluffy eggs between the two plates. Sneak a taste and add more salt or pepper before serving, or season the eggs at the table.



allrecipes.com

Making a Lattice-Top Pie Crust

Making a lattice top is not a complicated process. And the woven design is a great way to dress up fruit pies, quiches, pastries, and tarts.

First, prepare your dough: it should be chilled at least half an hour before you begin rolling it out and making your lattice.

1. For best results, roll out the bottom crust and line your pie plate. Then roll out the top crust into a flat circle. Chill both halves of the pie dough before filling and baking to prevent shrinkage.

* On a lightly floured surface, roll reserved dough out to a ¼-inch thickness.
* Roll it in a circle, as though preparing a double-crusted pie. Transfer the dough to a small cutting board, baking sheet, or other rimless pan that will fit in your refrigerator.

2. Carefully cut the dough into strips approximately ¾-inch wide. You can use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or scallop-edged pastry wheel. If you're worried about cutting straight, use a ruler as a guide.

3. Cover the pastry strips with plastic wrap and place the pan of dough in the refrigerator to relax while you prepare the pie filling and transfer it to the pastry-lined pie plate.

4. When you're ready to weave, moisten the rim of the pie with a small amount of water. Start with the longest strips and lay the first two in an X in the center of the pie. You can arrange them at 90 degree angles or at a sharper 45-degree angle. Alternate horizontal and vertical strips, weaving them in an over-and-under pattern. Use the shortest strips for the edges of the lattice. If you're having trouble removing the dough from the cutting board or pan, roll the strips up like a rug and unroll them onto the pie. Press the ends of the strips firmly to the lip of the pie and trim away any excess dough with kitchen shears or a paring knife.

5. The amount of filling left to peek through the lattice is entirely a matter of style: thin strips of dough make a more elegant lattice, while a few wide strips give the pie a more rustic look. You can even twist the strips of dough as you form the lattice, so they look like festive paper streamers.

6. Once the pie has been covered with the lattice, brush the top with egg wash (an egg beaten with a tablespoon of water or milk) or milk for a brown, shiny crust. Dust the top with cinnamon-sugar, if desired.



source : allrecipes.com

How to?? Make a perfect sponge

The secret ingredient in light-and-fluffy sponge cakes is air. So, if you’ve ever had trouble creating this classic cake, just follow these easy tips to make it perfectly every time.
Tip 1: Baking is a science, so measure all of your ingredients carefully for best results. Sift your flour three times to aerate it and remove any lumps. This helps create a light sponge. Also make sure your eggs are at room temperature.

Tip 2: When you start beating the mixture, use electric beaters on high speed to create air pockets. Then, to keep it light and airy, reduce the speed to medium and beat for 5 minutes or until a ribbon trail forms when the beaters are lifted. Don't beat for too long, as this can cause the mixture to become thin and lose its volume and airiness. When adding dry ingredients, use a large metal spoon to gently fold the mixture until just combined. Don't use a wooden spoon - they're thick and heavy, and can cause the mixture to lose air.

Tip 3: Don't open the oven door while your sponge cake is baking, otherwise it can flop in the centre. When your sponge is cooked, it will come away from the sides of the pan, and spring back when touched lightly in the centre.



Source
Good Taste - September 2008, Page 97

HOW TO??? (Crush Garlic)

Most home cooks use a crusher to prepare fresh garlic (and end up leaving a lot of the clove behind). Chefs, however, use a knife. This method produces a paste with an even consistency that distributes through the dish more easily.

Step 1: Place an unpeeled garlic clove on a plastic chopping board (a wooden chopping board absorbs the flavour of the garlic and you want to preserve that for the dish). Place the blade of a large, wide knife on top of the clove. Using the palm of your hand, press the blade down onto the clove, crushing it and splitting the skin.

Step 2: Peel the garlic clove and discard the skin. (The skin should come away easily. If it doesn't you may need to crush the clove further.) Use a sharp knife to roughly chop the garlic.

Step 3: Sprinkle the chopped garlic with a little salt. (The salt helps draw the moisture from the garlic, making it easier to crush. It also acts as an abrasive and prevents the garlic slipping out fromunder the knife.) Gently press down on the chopped garlic with the flat side of the knife and work the garlic into a smooth paste.



Source
Good Taste - April 2004, Page 51