The brighter side of lockdown

BobClay

Well-Known Forumite
I've been enjoying having the time to cook new things!

I only really 'got into' cooking three years ago when we started a pre-wedding health kick - it stuck and we cook from scratch every night (apart from the odd cheeky takeaway!)

So far in lock down new things I've made are:

- Singapore Noodles
- Vege spring rolls
- Japanese Soup
- Risotto
- Pasta

All recommendations welcome!

I bought a new tin opener !! (as recommended on the bottom of a Fray Bentos pie tin, OXO Good Grips.)

Does that count ? …:teef:
 

That-Crazy-Rat-Lady

Well-Known Forumite
I bought a new tin opener !! (as recommended on the bottom of a Fray Bentos pie tin, OXO Good Grips.)

Does that count ? …:teef:

Pie is the one thing that I'm NOT going to try and make - far to much faff making pasty AND filling - then having to coax the dam thing out the tin!
 

That-Crazy-Rat-Lady

Well-Known Forumite
Pie making is easy especially if you have a slow cooker to make the filling , buy premade pastry like I do, or be good like @Glam and make your own... Pie.... Nom.

:pie:

Hmm - not sure what I'd fill it with?
How could I make it vegan and persuade the Husband to eat it?
Not sure the two things are possible!
 

littleme

250,000th poster!
Ooh thank you! These look great!
I take it back - I will attempt pie!

You'll have to wait two weeks to see the results unfortunately - I did my 'big shop' today so won't be going out for a while yet!
I'm lazy, and always use pre-made blocks of pastry, it's quite often a Sunday (when I'm at work) tea for us as it's easy & quick.

Filling in the slow cooker in the morning, then when I get home I prep any veg, roll out the pastry & add the filling, about half an hour an boom its done....

MrLittleme (who has taken over the cooking duties on the days I'm out at work) says I now have to make 2 pies on my days off next week...
 

Bob

Well-Known Forumite
I’m managing to grow some stuff, just harvested the spinach for the first time! Today the Asparagus seeds are soaking and Beans are planted and taking up residence in the home office for the next couple of weeks, unfortunately had stocked up on all manner of beans (French, dwarf, broad) but forgot runner beans. Kitchen windowsill and utility room are beginning to resemble the rain forest too. So far more seems to be surviving that I’m killing so that’ll do for now. Just trying to throw together some planters to get it all outside soon. I’m determined I’m going to get my home allotment going this year. I did kill the leeks but cheated and ordered some more from the garden centre along with two more rhubarb plants because i can’t grow It quick enough to keep the kids happy.

I’m still working, not expecting to be able to say that by the weekend but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Home schooling is hit and miss, mostly miss but I’m doing more cooking and gardening with the kids, they’re trying more things and I’ve recently learned that their favourite food is now shakshuka and my 11 year old is turning into a pretty decent baker.

I love being home with them, though literally have not had a minute to myself for weeks, I went to the co-op the other day and it felt like a treat comparable to a weekend away. I’ve told hubby when this is all over we’re booking a long weekend away somewhere that doesn’t play cartoons and musicals on repeat.
 

Withnail

Well-Known Forumite
Ooh thank you! These look great!
I take it back - I will attempt pie!
Dude, you should definitely :pie:.

Ready made pastry is one of the best things that modernity has given us, but it is relatively expensive, and home-made is easy enough to make yourself.

Half as much fat as flour - there it is - it now doesn't matter what units you use. Add some salt if it's for savoury, more (quite a lot more) sugar if it's for sweet.

Careful, however, with the water, that's where it gets you - chill it if you can (the water that is, believe me, it helps), and always remember it's never completely f**ked - if it's dry put a bit more water in, if it's a bit sticky add a bit more flour... you will need generally less water than you originally think. Always work in fractions of teaspoons.

Once you have your ball of dough, wrap it in cling film and chill it for at least half an hour, but remember to take it out of the fridge for at least an half an hour before rolling it out.

I can't help you with rolling, that's just where the Force must guide you, and practice will lead to the perfection you seek.

It is worth the effort, because there isn't much in life that is better than a good pie.
 
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