What are you been cooking today

[Cornish Cream]

My goodness everybody is busy cooking and baking, It all looks so delicious,

[achookwoman]

Julie, love your experimenting.  Never thought to make brown sugar.  Always make castor sugar.
Cookie, nice.  Good idea to send them away.
Last night cooked a large 1/2 chicken in the BBQ. Ate it with salad. Will make leftovers into chicken and mushroom pies.

[JulieO]

I needed to replenish my vanilla bean paste, used up the last a couple of days ago.  I used the same recipe as last time from Changing Habits as I was really happy with it.  I still had some of the Maleo from last time so it didn't take long at all to make some.  Also my beans (being newer) were more soft/plump so they blitzed down very well and I didn't need to strain any fibres out like I did last time.  Once cold it goes a lovely thickened/gloopy paste.

Of course you can't scrape all the vanilla seeds out of the bowl so I made up a half batch of Thermomumma's custard to incorporate the seeds.  Will think of something to use it with but I couldn't let them go to waste 

https://changinghabits.com.au/recipes/vanilla-bean-paste/

I've also made these chicken nuggets using the recipe below.  Have read that kids love them.  I had everything in so made a batch.  I used breadcrumbs instead of ground almonds.  I got 22 out of the recipe..  I put 2 aside and I frozen the rest to take out when needed.  Have read they bake well from frozen but I may try in my airfryer to see if they come out okay.  I lightly fried the 2 I put aside as I was curious and I thoroughly enjoyed them in a sandwich with a little mayo.  The zucchini and carrot give them moisture.  I think the mixture would be great formed into burger pattie size served with salad in home made burger buns.  The crumb mix makes enough for 2 - 3 lots so I've put that in the freezer for now.  Will make for a quick meal next time. 

https://skinnymixers.com.au/skinnymixers-grain-free-chicken-nuggets/?fbclid=IwAR0XI5zIfqaGUC99Yae3o4YUFkf21WUhXvvqBOdECz4tYHy_CtWLPNrx6GM

[achookwoman]

Julie, thanks for those 2 links. 
I soak vanilla beans in Vodka.   After a couple of years when it is looking a bit weak I drain the liquid off and remove the beans . I mince the beans in the TMX.  It makes a stringy paste.  Still has flavour.  I use this in dishes where you can’t see the paste.  I keep it in the fridge. I will try your method. Thanks.
I think the kids would love those chicken nuggets. I usually use just Chicken breast , cut into cubes.  Pinko crumbs for coating.

[cookie1]

These recipes sound great JulieO I have plenty of vanilla paste at the moment but will try the nuggets.
I’ve made my fruit mince today, a Classic Loaf and rolls for tonight’s Chicken Burgers.

[Cuilidh]

Cranberry crumble, teriyaki tofu, Spanish bean stew and stir fried beans and carrots.

[achookwoman]

I tried a new recipe for fresh Salmon pancakes.  Needs tweaking but taste good.
Another Xmas cake.  I’ve made 3 different recipes now. This one Sunbeam recipe. No soaking fruit.
Looking at a recipe for Brioche tarts filled with cream cheese and strawberries.

[cookie1]

I put some fruit in to soak for a few days. I used to make a small Christmas cake for an Uncle. This is the same recipe for a very dear friend who lost his wife last year.
I've also made a rye SD to put in the fridge overnight.

[achookwoman]

I grew a new SD starter.  Took a while as it has been cold here.  Compared to my old one it is very sweet. Bubbling away nicely.  My old one was not behaving well, so I used all of it except for a cup.  Washed out and sterilised the jar and began feeding it slowly.  It is now very happy again.  With the new starter I made SD crumpets to give to the gut Dr.  I now have just my old starter.
Made watercress and potato soup for lunch. Used the last of the Brioche buns.  Will certainly be making more.

[JulieO]

Julie, thanks for those 2 links. 
I soak vanilla beans in Vodka.   After a couple of years when it is looking a bit weak I drain the liquid off and remove the beans . I mince the beans in the TMX.  It makes a stringy paste.  Still has flavour.  I use this in dishes where you can’t see the paste.  I keep it in the fridge. I will try your method. Thanks.
I think the kids would love those chicken nuggets. I usually use just Chicken breast , cut into cubes.  Pinko crumbs for coating.

Yes I also have vanilla extract and vanilla powder that I both make too.  Don't use much powder but sometimes recipes call for it.

My GS loved the nuggets so will make them again for him and I will try making burger patties from the mix too to see what they turn out like made into a burger. 

[mab19]

More Christmas cooking for my hampers.  2 of Kimmy's Boiled Fruit cakes, mini Christmas puddings, strawberry jam.   My strawberry jam kept on boiling over so I ended up finishing it on the stove.  The pic shows the second boil over.  The first one went all over the bench and tmx.

I must be over working my poor tmx as I have some fine oil dripping onto the base of the machine.  I made some enquires and the bearings  are going in the blade so have now ordered a new set of blades.
 

[JulieO]

Yesterday I started on these sourdough overnight coffee scrolls and finished them off and baked this morning.  So, so good.  Only used half the coffee icing and it was plenty.  The bread part was so soft and fluffy.  DH and I had one and I've put the rest in the freezer.  Very happy with these 

[JulieO]

Oh dear Mab what a mess.  I hope you get your blades quickly, especially being so close to Christmas. All your baking looks delicious. 

[cookie1]

Mab, how annoying. Your food looks delicious. I usually make the mini Christmas puddings and the fruit cakes look yummy.

JulieO those Coffee scrolls look so soft and fluffy. I haven't made a lot of sweet SD. I  must do some more.

I have my overnight SD rising and I need to make some biscuits today.

[judydawn]

Great cooking girls, I won’t be doing any but I’m going to enjoy seeing what everyone else makes.
Is this the first time you’ve replaced your blades Margaret?