ALL-DAY PANCAKES: SHROVE TUESDAY 2020

Courtesy of Pinterest and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Shrove Tuesday 2020 - Pancake Day - is on 25 February. 













67goingon50's favourite pancakes recipes are listed below.  

The Basic 67 recipe is the fat-free, no/low sugar Scotch Pancakes, which are eaten hot or cold, here. 

PREPARE AHEAD 

Weekday mornings aren't usually conducive to pancakes but two recipes can be prepped or made in advance.  

The batter for Blueberry pancakes is made the night before; blueberries are stirred in the next day, just before cooking. (If your kids like the idea of purple pancakes, toss in the blueberries before refrigerating; the blueberry juices give it a lovely hue).  After preparing the batter, tray up bacon and sausages, cling film and refrigerate.  While cooking the pancakes, roast the meats 20 mins in a 180c/350f oven. 

if you'd rather have something savoury, Sweetcorn & Ham Pancakes can be cooked the night before and taken to work or school. 

WEEKEND BRUNCH PANCAKES 

Want to wait for the weekend for your pancakes? These recipes take a little more time but are worth it.

Chocolate Flower Pancakes make a great family brunch.  Kids love them, not just because they're pretty and tasty but also because they can be involved in making them.

Vegan Spelt, Polenta & Sweetcorn pancakes go double duty.  They're a brunch conversation stopper spread with avocado and a poached egg - so delicious.  They can also replace toast in the classic English breakfast or accompany soups. 

Fluffy American Buttermilk Pancakes  fluffy mouth-watering ultra-rich high-risers; an indulgence 

DINNER PANCAKES 

Vegetarian Crepes stuffed with Ricotta & Sunblush Tomato, with White Wine Sauce will thrill a special someone on a special occasion.

Skinnier Crepes a l'orange have all the flavour and yumminess of the classic dessert without all the sugar and fat.  Ace.

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These recipes  have been developed or adapted by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  They may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.

PEACH, BRANDY & CARDAM0M COMPOTE, low-sugar

Sensational flavour but still healthier than most...

Low-sugar, almost-instant Peach, Brandy & Cardamom Jam
'Really, really delightful. It's chunky with just the right amount of sweetness.' 

This instant compote/jam is for the sophisticated palate - sticky & rich with fresh ripe fruit, brandy overtones and a layer of smoky cardamom.

The ingredients work beautifully together enhancing toast, pancakes, popovers or waffles.  Try it with clotted cream or, on ice cream, as a heavenly sauce.

It takes just minutes to prepare.

There's only one drawback -- there's only enough for 2-3 people (that's why it's called a 'Weekend' jam).  But it's very easy to double or triple the recipe.

Peach, Brandy & Cardamom compote will be fine in the fridge up to 3 days.

Cost: £1.50'ish 
Serves: 3-4 

Ingred:
    2-3 peaches, peeled &  stone removed
    1 tbsp butter
    min 1, max 2 tbsp soft brown sugar

    1/4 tsp dried cardamom 
    3-5 cardamom pods, peeled, with inner seeds crushed (opt)

    1/2 tsp good vanilla
    2-4 tbsp brandy or whiskey or orange/white grape juice

    1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Method:

HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES FOR BUSY MUMS, easy-peasy

Healthier, lower-sugar, butter-free, budget-friendly lighter treats...

Lighter, Healthier, Lower-Sugar Chocolate Cupcakes

15/1/17

These light chocolate cupcakes are the answer to a busy mum's prayers when it comes to making home-made goodies for kids to take to school.  

They are as much of a treat for mum as they will be for school kids.  

For one thing, it's a one-bowl wonder and easy enough for the kids to get involved.  

They're also healthier than most: 

• no butter
• wholemeal flour
• free of common wheat if you use spelt flour
• some sugar replaced with dried unsweetened coconut 

The ones in the photo were for a special occasion; they were iced with melted chocolate and sprinkled with with nuts & candied ginger.  For an ordinary school  treat, a light dusting of icing sugar or dribbles of melted chocolate would be enough.

Cost: £1.50'ish

Feeds: 8 small or 6 large cupcakes; recipe doubles easily.

Ingred:  

   

    65gm/2 1/3 oz self-raising wholemeal flour (add 1/2 tsp baking powder if flour is plain)
    20gm/3/4oz white flour
    2 generous tablespoons cocoa (not drinking chocolate)

    1/2 generous tsp baking powder

    1/2 tsp instant coffee (opt)

    50gm/1 2/3 oz sugar

    15gm/1/2 oz unsweetened dried shredded coconut

    75 ml sunflower or light veggie oil

    75 ml milk

     1 large egg

     1/2 tsp vanilla 

     

 Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350f/180c/170f; stuff 8 muffin holes with paper liners
2. Place all ingred in a deep bowl.  Beat with electric beaters, a stand-alone mixer, or a whisk until well-blended, 2-4 mins
3. Fill paper liners 2/3 full
4. Bake 18-20 mins; a toothpick in the centre should come out dry
5. Cool completely before decorating 

VARIATION: Chocolate & Pear Cupcakes

Insert finely sliced, peeled pair into the top of the cupcake batter before placing in oven

Alternate Toppings: 

Melt 35gm dark cooking chocolate over but not touching simmering water (or in the microwave but in 5 second increments):

• spread melted chocolate over cupcakes; add chopped walnuts & sugared ginger or drained ginger in syrup
• Add a tablespoon or two of milk to the melted chocolate; dribble over cupcakes

OR Lightly dust cupcakes with icing sugar 

                                           More kid-friendly baking onNav Bar: Recipes1 

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This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission

CASSEROLE OF CURRIED BEEF, budget & family friendly

Beautifully understated curry but with inner strength...

Delicious, mildly understated beef curry suitable for all ages
'A great winter stew with a nice spicy taste.' Taster

 photos 29/5/19

The price of beef is pretty reasonable these days, as the 'with-it' set go vegan and everyone else cuts back on meat for financial or health reasons.  

67 loves vegetarian food, enjoys vegan dishes (that aren't stuffed with nasty additives) but experience has shown that a diet without fish or meat leaves my body depleted and my state of mind strained.  

If you're in that category, here's a lovely dish that'll satisfy the taste buds, the wallet and a body clamouring for Vitamin B12 (only available in animal or fish protein).

Curried Beef adapted from the Downton Abbey cookbook is rather lovely, rich and gorgeously spicy without being in your face.  

This is one for an evening or day in.  It will take a couple of hours to cook but it only needs to be stirred every now and again to prevent sticking.  It can be prepared the night before needed. 

Cost: £5'ish
Feeds: 6

Ingreds:
   400gm/14oz stewing beef, in small cubes
   1.5 level tbsp curry powder
   1 tsp cinnamon
   3/4 tbsp flour
   1/2 tsp salt
   good pinch cayenne
   generous pinch cloves   
   generous pinch chilli flakes (opt)

   25gm/0.8oz butter (you can add half olive oil but the butter adds lovely richness) DIVIDED IN TWO
   1.5 onions, sliced
   large clove garlic, crushed
   min 1/2, max 1 tbsp fresh ginger
   1 bay leaf
   
   1/2litre/1pint beef stock 
   juice 1/4 lemon

  1 large potato, in bite sized cubes
  2 med  carrots, in bite sized cubes

  1/4 cup nut or dairy milk

   cooked rice & mango chutney (opt)


Method:

RASPBERRY & WHISKEY EASY-BAKE CHEESECAKE , an indulgence

Being able to make this light lovely easy-bake cheesecake 48 hours before needed is a bonus...

Indulgent dark chocolate oats, cloud-like filling & whiskey soaked raspberries.   
'Yummy!!' Tasters

The gorgeous colours of this easy-bake cheesecake with raspberries makes it a natural for Valentine's Day but the addition of whiskey and crunchy chocolate hobnobs adds a touch of Burns Night.

This is not a dessert for vegans.  It's rich with dairy -- cream cheese, yoghurt and soured cream.  It has eggs, too, and more sugar than is usual for 67 desserts, though quantities have been slightly reduced.  

The baked cheesecake produces a fluffy, almost cloud-like body that somehow provides a delicate heft.  Unlike most cheesecake bases, this one is thin and crispy.

Properly chilled, it is unbelievably good.

It is a definite indulgence - calorifically and financially, even if you take advantage of some the cream cheese bargains in the supermarkets.

But it is a dessert intended for special occasions and, with the filling being rather deep, it will go far.

Cost: £6-7
Serves: 10

Base:
    200g/7oz dark chocolate hobnobs
      60g/2.1 oz unsalted butter, melted


Filling:
   480g/17oz full-fat cream cheese (67 used Duchy organic; Philadelphia will be fine)
   160ml plain yoghurt (not too thick)
    1 tsp vanilla extract 
    3 yolks from med free range eggs

     3 egg whites from med free-range eggs, separated
     100g/3.5oz caster sugar
       
Topping:
   250-300ml soured cream

Garnish:
   150gm/5.2oz raspberries, 1/2 mashed, the rest quartered, mixed with a tablespoon or two of sugar & whisky
    
Method:

SENSATIONAL ORANGE GINGER TOFU: triple duty

A sensationally yummy sauce for crispy protein, vegetables and rice...

Tofu and stir fried veg bathed in finger-lickin' Orange Ginger Sauce
It's triple duty; replace tofu with pork, chicken, beef or fish.  
'I loved, loved, loved it...the flavour is amazing.' Taster

67goingon50 first came across this stunning Asian style Orange sauce while researching tofu recipes.  It was so good with the tofu, 67 knew it would be equally scrumptious with meat and fish.   

Part of the sauce's appeal is a layer of sweetness which makes it a kids' favourite.  It's perfect for introducing anyone to the joys of vegan tofu.  

The sauce is made up mostly of orange juice (freshly pressed takes it to another level) and only a few tablespoons of brown sugar (or maple syrup).  The ginger, garlic and soy sauce add depth & exoticism without overwhelming.  

Freezing the tofu makes it drier and easier to work with.  Otherwise make time to press it with a heavy object (see below).

For those pressed for time, much of the dish can be prepared the night before.  Then you'll need only half an hour to cook and serve.  

Cost: £5'ish, less for chicken
Serves: 4-6

Ingreds:

  Protein

       450gm/17oz firm tofu OR chicken thighs/breasts OR pork fillet/steaks OR beef rump OR a sturdy fish (or whole fish)

  Stir-fried Veg: 
     small handful each of 

         small broccoli heads

         thinly sliced red bell pepper
         small bunch green beans
         1 stalk peeled celery, in large matchsticks OR

  OR for the frugal, a coffee mug filled with two veg

Sauce  

    1 cup fresh orange juice (economy oranges are perfect for this) from a carton

    1.5 tbsp cornstarch (67 used rice flour which works equally well)

    min 2, max 4 tbsp (ideally) brown sugar or maple syrup

   1 tbsp soy sauce

   1 tbsp fresh/jarred grated ginger OR 1 tsp dried

   2 med garlic cloves, grated OR 1/2 tsp granules 

   1 tsp orange zest

Garnish: sesame seeds

   
Cooked white rice.

Method:

The night before:

QUICK & EASY 'MIDI' SODA BREADS: butter, egg & yeast free; budget friendly;

Super-quick, utterly delicious and healthy: Butter, Egg & Yeast-free budget-friendly Soda Breads...

updated 12/24

Quick & Easy Butter & Egg Free 'Mini' Soda Breads
from left: Olive, Walnuts & Seeds, Dried Cherry with Nuts & Seeds

These wonderfully rustic delicious soda breads - adapted from telly chef James Martin - are full of fibre and flavour (though butter-and-egg-free).  They are also terrifically versatile.

Organic flours gives the best results.  

Providing two small('ish) loaves, or a single loaf, it's perfect for a small household or a single meal.

Replace or supplement nuts with seeds and/or fruit (see Tips below) in the basic dough for a single loaf  OR divide the dough in two and make two completely different loaves.

Leftovers - if any - can be sliced, separated by a small square of greaseproof paper, bagged up and frozen.  Just reach in whenever you  need a slice or two for brekkie or a snack.

Unlike many soda breads, this one makes great toast without falling apart.

Cost: min (organic flour is more) £3.00'ish (12/24)

Ingred:

   170g/6oz self-raising brown flour  (see self-raising tips below)

    170g/6oz plain white flour
            (*67 used Duchy Organic for both)

   min 1/4 tsp, max 1/2 tsp salt
   1 tsp baking soda

   300 ml dairy or plant buttermilk OR 3/4 plain dairy or plant yoghurt + 1/4 water or milk

   50-100 gm chopped nuts OR sesame, pumpkin & sunflower seeds OR both.  (more variations in Tips) 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200c (fan)/180c/350F, gas 6; Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper or a silicone mat
2. OR line air fryer tray with greasproof paper;  when loaves are ready preheat to 170-175c/325-50F (depending on your air fryer)
3. Mix dry ingred in a good-sized bowl
4. If making a Single loaf: add choice of nuts and seeds; if making a pair of loaves, leave out nuts & seeds
5. Add buttermilk; stir until all is incorporated (hands may be needed in the final stages)
6. Dump dough onto a lightly floured board
7. single loaf: shape into a round or oval loaf
8. 2  loaves with different additions, divide dough evenly;  flatten each loaf, scatter over desired additions, roll up and shape into 2 loaves
9. Bake/Air-fry 15 mins or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.  Turn loaf bottom-side up for a few minutes for even cooking 
10. Cool at least 10 mins before eating

Comments:
'The olive bread is amazing. So was the cherry one but in different ways.  Never had bread with cherries in it!' Political agent

Tips:

• Turn plain flour into self-raising by adding 2 tsp baking powder for every 150g/6oz plain flour; sift together.  Add extra 1/4tsp baking soda

Midi Soda Bread Variations: Generous handful of...

1. Dried berries/cherries or raisons/currents soaked in boiling water for a few mins, drained, dried & dusted with flour (to prevent clumping).  
2. Small fresh berries such as cranberries or blueberries
3. Hard cheese in tiny cubes 
4. Cooked ham hock in small dice or shreds OR butcher's ham, in small cubes, or pastrami or spiced beef
5. Olives which have been rinsed (to reduce salt),  drained and dried, and dusted with flour

More soda breads on Nav Bar: Recipes II  (bottom page)

Please leave a Comments in the box below 

This recipe has been adapted by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission. 

HOW TO...CHRISTMAS 2019

New Year's Day & Buffets for the end of the season

Exquisite Cream Crackers: low-salt, for cheeses or soups; easy 

Sensational Cheese Straws: leftover cheese elevated to luxury treat

End of decade Cocktail Snacks & Buffet Foods

How to...work off the excesses of holiday feasting

CROWD-PLEASING FESTIVE SWEETS & TREATS 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fingers: vegan option, easy-peasy
Spicy Plum Pineapple Crumble Cake: fab egg-free tea-time treat
Pear, Date & Hazelnut Streusel Cake: rich, rewarding indulgence
Desserts/Sweets Christmas 2019
How to...Christmas Leftovers 2019

Main Courses Christmas 2019

(NEW) Beef Mushroom & Cream Casserole: 'Poor man's Beef Stroganoff'; slow cooked (Lucky him!)
(New) Main Courses for Christmas 2019
(NEW) How to...Turkey

(NEW) How to...Prepare for Meltdowns

(NEW) Holiday Cupboard Staples 

Post: 04/12/19 Christmas Sides/1st Courses

(NEW) How to...Best Ever Roasties

(NEW) Celeriac & Apple Potage: no-dairy silky yumminess 

(NEW) Cranberry Nut Oatmeal Molasses Bread: easy healthy more-ish bread

(NEW) Simple Sensational Sprouts with Savoury Spices & Lemon

(NEW) How to...Best Ever Gravy

(NEW) Christmas 2019: Sides/First Courses

Easy dishes for kid/ults for the run-up to Christmas...

Kids' Delightful Easy Fishcakes: budget friendly, make ahead

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs: on a platter with quick breads or in tomato sauce with pasta 

Vegetarian: Carnivore's Delight Meat-free Lasagne: vegan option 

67's fav easy pre-Christmas family meals: for partners & kids to make and eat

LUXURY KEDGEREE, Indulgence with opt for budget friendly

Luxury spiced rice & fish for an ambrosial special occasion...

photo 28.12.19

Not that long ago every London 5-star hotel worthy of its ranking offered the gorgeously creamy spiced rice & fish dish known as kedgeree as part of the traditional English breakfast.  

Some still do.

Imported from India in the days of the Raj, kedgeree was altered to suit British tastes.  

Recipes for the beautifully spiced dish abound, with degrees of spiciness.  But 67, despite many efforts, has never been able to reproduce the glorious rich creaminess of posh hotel versions and gave up as age and cholesterol-phobia took hold.

Recent extracts from the new Downton Abbey recipe books showed the vital ingredient missing from 67's efforts was...eggs.  Raw eggs, mixed roughly with cream before adding to the rice, produces the soft, luxuriant unmistakable texture of those wonderful kedgerees.

Reader, it was a revelation.  

The dish is ideal for any special occasion.  Best quality fresh salmon was chosen but can be replaced by quality smoked haddock or white filets.  The frugal can opt for frozen wild salmon fillets.

The dish is lightly spiced so will suit kids and/or the ill and infirm. 

Cost: depends on fish (Whole Foods' salmon is wonderful but reflected in the price - 400gm for £10; Iceland & Waitrose have good prices for frozen wild salmon about £4 for 400gm)
Serves: 3-4 but recipe multiples easily


Ingreds:

Court Boullion: (poaching liquid which heightens the flavour of the fish) 

• enough water to cover the fish
• 1 med onion, sliced
• 1 small carrot, sliced
• 1 stick celery, sliced
• 2 small bay leaves
• 1/4 tsp peppercorns
• 50 ml white wine

225gm/8oz salmon  

4 tbsp butter 

388gm/13.5oz white or brown rice, cooked in leftover Court Boullion topped up with water if necessary.  It should be slightly underdone, cold, rubbed until grains are separate

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 - 1 tsp mild curry powder  
salt & black pepper

1 raw egg
80ml (5.5 oz) double cream

Garnish: half a small bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped
             1 hard-boiled egg, peeled & sliced

Method: