Praline coated popcorn

Yesterday the new SBS food network channel was launched. I got to see so many cooking shows. I think it's such a great move for people like me. So far, I have watched Giada at Home, Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals and Reza: Spice Prince of Vietnam. All seem to be great shows. 

In Giada at Home, I came across some pizza popcorn and it gave me some inspiration to make my own popcorn at home- which I did. I bought some popping corn, and looked for some recipes online. These are actually so easy to make and I cannot believe I only tried making them just now. They are really 'popped' corn.

I had some praline from Morish nuts and decided to use that instead of making my own caramel sauce, which turned out great. Essentially, you only need 3 ingredients, which made the job even more easy. I shall try some savoury popcorn next time, maybe some butter and herbs flavoured ones.

Recipe 

For the popcorn:
1/3 cup corn
2 tbs oil

For the praline:
75g praline
2-3 tbs water

Method:
1.In a small pan, heat up the praline.
2. Once hot, pour the water and bring up to boil and let to cool.

3 Heat oil in a heavy base pan
4. When hot, try popping 1 corn. Once it pops up nicely, put all the remaining corn in the pan and the lid on. You should hear the corn popping. it's only a matter of seconds. Shake the pan a little.
5. Once all corns are done (you won't hear any sounds), stir in the praline mix and mix well, still with the heat on.
6. Once coated, turn of the heat and let cool in the pan for a few minutes.
7. Transfer to an air tight container and enjoy.

These are really crunchy, with just that little hint of sweetness which make it so tasty. You definitely want to try this.

Sugary praline bubbling away

Just popped

With caramel coated

Polenta Pudding

Polenta pudding or most commonly known as 'pudding mais' in Mauritius is one of my favourite sweet treat. I had a craving for them and decided to try and make my own version. I was quite happy with the result, so here is the recipe I used.


POLENTA PUDDING RECIPE

Serves: 12 approx

Ingredients:
1/2 cup corn meal (polenta)
1 tbs custard powder
2 1/2 cups + 3 tbs of skim milk
3/4 cup sugar (I used brown sugar)
Dessicated coconut
Raisins, soaked in water for about 10 minutes  (optional)

Method:
1. Rinse corn meal and let sit in cold water for about 20 minutes.
2. Place milk in a saucepan and bring to boil.
3. Mix custard powder and 3 tbs of milk until there is no more lump.
4. Once milk is heat, pour in the custard mixture, drained corn meal and sugar.
5. Whisk until well combined, and continue stir for about 15 minutes on high until the mixture thickens, then for another 10 minutes on low heat.
6. Add your raisins, if using them.

6. Dust your pan with coconut powder. Pour polenta mixture and cover with more coconut powder. Let cooled and place in the fridge before cutting.
Serve and enjoy.

 

 

Zucchini corn fritters

I just realised that 2013 is  going to be over soon *sigh* a sign of relief or annoyance, not so sure right now. Anyway what matters is the present and the future. I have a lot of posting to catch up with I know. Last week and this week was a bit hectic. The other day I come across the question: if you could have an item from Harry Potter, which would it be? Without hesitation I would pick the time turner. It would be so handy I guess, not to change the past but to get to do so many other things I wish I could do, if this make sense. I miss Harry Potter days so much- it was mostly like the so-called golden age era for me. Alright it is not that long time ago, but it feels like so long time ago and like yesterday at the same time.
Back to topic, last Friday I made those zucchini fritters. They tasted so good. I did not expect them to be so yummy.
Will post the recipe soon.

Tuna pasta bake

I love pasta. Last week I made tuna pasta bake which is a great dish I must admit. Easy to make. So simple and of course delicious.  For my recipe I used zucchini. So basically, I cook some garlic, onion together. Add the zucchini and button mushroom. Then mix in tuna, cream and finally the corn. Season with pepper and salt. Sprinkle with parsley, basil, any herb you like. That’s it. Then fold in a baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray with cooking oil and pop into the oven for 15 minutes at 180 degrees or until cheese is melted and golden.  Let rest and dig in. I like the sweetness that comes from the corn. Well all you have to do now is to try it.