Tag: version

Croquembouche, the recipe for the French dessert – Gordon Ramsay’s version

It is one of sweets most famous in the world and has French origins: I’m talking about the Croquembouche! A mountain of delicious cream puffs filled with cream and glazed with caramel.

The process of this recipe is a bit complex because it requires the creation of three preparations:

that of cream puffs
that of the cream
that of caramel

But don’t worry, here you will find all the secrets to obtain your mountain of perfect glazed cream puffs, within everyone’s reach!

As for the cream puffs I advise you to use the recipe you find here on our site because it is delicious and the result is a guarantee: “Puffs, how to make them at home? The recipe with all the steps.”

However, if you have little time and don’t want to make them at home, you can also buy them ready-made cream puffs. In any case, your croquembouche will be beautiful, delicious and will amaze all your guests.

Curiosity

The word “croquembouche” literally means “that crunches in the mouth” and derives precisely from the fact that as soon as you taste one of these cream puffs you perceive the caramel crunch.

The recipe was codified at the beginning of the 19th century by Marie-Antonie Carême, considered one of the greatest chefs and pastry chefs in history. He was responsible for the definition of haute cuisine. With L’Art de la Cuisine Française established the basic principles, such as the healthiness of the food, the visual importance of the dish and the balance of flavour, triggering a real revolution in the culinary world. And it’s in his pastry treatise Le Pâtissier Royal Parisien who gave the recipe for Croquembouche.

Ready to try this preparation together? It really can’t be missing from your Christmas recipes! So let’s get started… but first here are some recipes to save:

Perfect struffoli, the 5 mistakes not to be made and that everyone makes: “never use 00 flour”. Nonna Maria’s recommendations – Gordon Ramsay’s version

The struffoli are the Neapolitan Christmas desserts par excellence, small balls of dough fried or cooked in the oven and covered with honey, candied fruit and colored sprinkles. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, struffoli represent a concentration of taste, flavor and sugar, fully appreciated only by true gourmands and fortunately prepared no more than twice a year for the good of our cholesterol.

Their name could derive from the Greek “strongylos,” which means “rounded in shape.” However, according to other interpretations, struffoli arrived on Neapolitan tables only during the Spanish domination, representing the local version of an Andalusian dessert called piñonate. Supporting this hypothesis is the Sicilian name of this dessert: fussy.

Sometimes, despite putting in the effort, the result is not the desired one. So, below I will show you how to prepare perfect struffoli in compliance with the Christmas tradition, also indicating the mistakes to avoid: from the selection of ingredients to the cooking phase, let’s find out what to pay attention to.

Christmas struffoli

Tips and mistakes to avoid

1. How to choose flour:
We often associate the perfection of desserts with 00 flour, but struffoli are so unique that they defy the rules of pastry making. Which flour should you use to ensure success? To obtain perfect struffoli, it is advisable to opt for a low-protein and “weak” flour, such as type 0 flour. This choice will allow the struffoli to remain soft on the inside and crispy enough on the outside, without being rubbery.

2. The right amount:
If during frying you notice the formation of a strange foam on the surface of the oil, it is a sign of an excess of flour in the dough. Avoid exaggerating with the quantities of flour both when laying out the dough and when forming the struffoli to avoid the risk of compromising the final result.

3. Work hard:
In cooking and pastry making, the “elbow grease” is a fundamental ingredient present in many recipes, including struffoli. Kneading the dough is a critical moment that requires attention and strength. Don’t be afraid to vigorously stir the sugar and eggs after adding them to the flour. The dough should become soft, elastic, smooth and compact. Only when it reaches this consistency can you proceed to the next step.

4. The necessary rest:
After preparation, the struffoli dough requires adequate rest. Avoid haste and don’t neglect this essential step, otherwise you risk compromising the goodness of your Christmas desserts. After forming a sphere with the dough, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hoursor even up to 12 hours according to some legends. Once the necessary time has passed, you can resume the dough to form the struffoli.

5. Be careful when frying:
Correct frying is essential to obtain soft, delicate and light struffoli. Use peanut oil, lighter than extra virgin olive oil and with a high smoke point. Make sure you fry the struffoli in a pan with high sides and avoid overloading the oil with too many balls, ensuring each one has the space needed to cook optimally.

Read also: Damiano’s baked struffoli, better than fried ones with a trick: “What is added to the dough”

Can you drink tea every afternoon? Benefits and contraindications – Gordon Ramsay’s version

Regular consumption of a food or drink, even when considered beneficial, could cause the body to react in an unexpected way. Yes it can drink tea every afternoon?

Drink tea every afternoon For many it has become almost a ritual that winks at English habits because tea time relaxes and warms during the coldest days.

However, when a person regularly introduces this drink into their daily routine, one must be aware of its effects on the body.

Tea, origins and varieties

Tea is a popular drink made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. There are several varieties, each with distinct characteristics and production processes.

Green tea: Green tea, loved for its fresh, slightly herbaceous taste, has gained popularity due to its many health benefits. Green tea leaves undergo minimal oxidation, thus maintaining a high antioxidant content.
Tender: With its dark color and full flavor, black tea is the result of a more complete oxidation process of the tea leaves. This is what gives it its characteristic robust flavor and complex aromatic profile (as well as its richness in theine, flavonoids and antioxidants).
White tea: It is considered one of the most delicate and refined teas. The young, tender leaves undergo minimal processing, thus preserving their natural freshness and sweetness. White tea is renowned for its high content of polyphenols and antioxidants.
Oolong tea: It can be considered as a harmonious fusion between green tea and black tea, thanks to its process of partial oxidation of the leaves. With a complex flavor that ranges from slightly floral to slightly fruity, oolong tea offers a range of benefits.

Of course, in addition to the main varieties, there are unique and fascinating teas that capture attention with their distinctive flavors and aromas.

Drinking tea every afternoon: what are the effects?

drinking tea every afternoon benefits — Tea time

Tea offers more than just relief on a cold day or a refreshing break. Its leaves are a source of numerous benefits that manifest themselves when you make tea part of your daily routine. But what are the effects of drink tea every afternoon?

Immune system – This drink promotes a more robust response in the body against external threats, helping to fend off common diseases and infections.
Free radicals – It is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, such as catechins and flavonoids, which have been shown to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cardiovascular health – Catechins can help improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Metabolism – Green tea, in particular, is known to aid weight loss and metabolism. The credit goes to the catechins and caffeine present which can help burn fat and improve fat oxidation in the body, thus contributing to weight management.

Are there any risks in drinking tea every afternoon?

drinking tea every afternoon contraindications — Tea leaves

Tea offers numerous health benefits, but it is important to also consider some downsides or downsides to regular consumption, especially when overused.

Caffeine content – Although generally lower in quantities than coffee, tea may contain caffeine. Excess caffeine can cause nervousness, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances and increased heart rate.
Interference with iron absorption – Some compounds present in tea, such as tannins, can interfere with the absorption of iron contained in foods, an effect that is particularly relevant for those who suffer from anemia or who need a high intake of iron.
Risk of staining teeth – Tea can contribute to the formation of stains on the teeth, especially if you drink it in large quantities or if you add sugar or honey.
Risk of acid reflux – In people with gastroesophageal reflux problems, tea may increase the risk of acid reflux or cause gastric irritation, especially if consumed in large quantities or if it is a very concentrated tea.
Possible drug interactions – Some compounds found in tea can interact with certain medications. For example, green tea may interfere with some anticoagulant medications, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives.

These “cons” of tea depend on the quantity and frequency of tea consumption: consumed in moderation and mindfully, tea continues to be a healthy drink for many.