Rich's Kitchen Tips

Before adding the plastic top to the pyrex, add a layer of cling film to help preserve your food.

Rich 

How to season a cast iron pan

Love my cast iron cookware :) I have quite a collection going with several sizes of skillets , a flat plate , and a even a few enamelled ones.  I was recently given 3 more skillets , small medium and large sizes ...  all brand new , and need of seasoning .

Its a very easy skill to learn , and comes in very handy , as its the same method to re-season an old pan , or one that was forgotten and rusted up  .

All that is required , other than the cast iron pans them selves is :

- Steel or Copper Scrub
- Dish Soap ( the only time your cast should ever see it ! )
- Hot Water
- Towel
- Hot Oven

Start by giving your pans a good wash, with hot soapy water , and a metal scrub - This is to remove the oil it was shipped in , and /or  to remove a rusty spot.

After washing , dry the pan well... you can pop it in the oven , or just give it a good towel dry ,  add a good splash of  high temp oil , or lard ,  I used sunflower .  

Rub the oil , all around the pan ,  including the handle and the bottom...  try not to have any puddles of oil . 

Pop it into a 350F oven for at least 1 hour , two is best ... longer is just fine ...  make sure to turn on your fan , and maybe open a window:) It will smoke !   After the cook time ,  I simply left them in the oven to cool on their own .    

That is it!! Its that easy :) Your cast iron pan is now ready for use,  just remember to rub a little oil into after each use... eventually , you will have a glossy black pan , that will rival the best non stick pan .

Good luck, and enjoy !  Well taken care of cast iron pans can last for generations !

Rich's Kitchen Tips and Tricks 2

Over the years, I have amassed all sorts of little tricks and tips to make life easier, faster, or healthier in the kitchen .  I've decided to start sharing some of those with you .   This is the second post for this new series.    I hope you enjoy, or at least find something interesting or useful .

 

In a moment of not thinking.... I used a metal spatula on my enamelled cast iron pot :(( I was left with a series of smalll scratches all the way around.... So I seasoned it ,(Slather it in oil and bake in a hot oven for a couple of hours ) like i have done with all my other cast iron cookware. The oil adhered to all the scratches... so I think Ive saved it, time will tell I guess...   A year later , everything is just fine , not a spec of rust to be seen :))  

 

To test your eggs for freshness , simply place them in a bowl of water .. if they lay flat , they are 100% fresh, if they stand on one end ... edible, but must be fully cooked ! If they float ... compost or throw them away . These ones are just fine :)  

 

Save money, and your health by switching to pyrex and glass storage containers... I use my canning jars too, perfect for hot liquids ( gravy in this case ) and a nice bonus is you can reheat them in a toaster oven, less dishes and no microwaves involved ;)

 

That's it, short and to the point.
 If you have a tip you would like to share , please post it on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rich-Fletchers-Good-Food-Revolution/118986254815432  or send me an email to richsgoodfood@gmail.com   and Id be happy to test and share it :))

Eat Well and Be Healthy
Rich 

RFGFR's Kitchen Tips & Tricks 1

One of the many things I love about the internet , is the ability to share kitchen tips and tricks,  either with photos , or video how too's.   I decided I wanted to start posting a few of my own .

If you follow me on Facebook,  you may have already seen these as I've had an album for tips  for well over a year now.   If you don't follow me on FB you should check out the daily fun :)   There is something like 160 albums and 3500 photographs to enjoy . 

To help keep your dinner warm , remember to warm your plates ... I simply slid them under the Naan and cheese for a couple of minutes. :) They only need 5 or 10 minutes and a towel will be required to take them out , but its so worth having hot food when you sit down :))

When buying spices in large containers, transfer a small amount to a small spice container . This will help keep your spice stock fresh ,as you won't be opening and closing the jar or tub as often.
I like to use these little magnetic ones.. very handy.

Three tips in one here, buy good quality freezers bags ! This is VERY important, as cheap ones will not protect your good food! Tip 2 , is buy the Bulk/club pack sizes and save a small fortune... i got both of these for $20 , compared to about $50 if just purchased in small 30 bag boxes. Tip 3 , look for the store brands, ones you trust , instead of name brands .. i didnt save any $$ by doing this but got an extra 25% more bags !

I hope some of that was new info for you ,  please feel free to share here ( leave a link in the comments section )  or head on over to my FB page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rich-Fletchers-Good-Food-Revolution/118986254815432 and let me know what your favourite kitchen tip or trick is :)

Eat Well and Be Happy !
Rich

Getting caught up :) LW,MF 12

Its funny , I was all caught up and up to date ...  then I started back at the farm  :))  Which gave me a whole bunch of ideas for posts ... too many in fact between the food Ive been making and starting back to work , building cold frames, and even a catering quote tucked in there ....  I think I was a little over whelmed.   I just needed a day when I can write to get started , and today is that day .  I have exactly 30 minutes to finish this before I have to go ( To the butchers to get some sausage for dinner :))  So Ill keep it short :)

Making a Tomato/Onion/Cucumber Salad for work :) 

Meatballs with the tomatoes I canned, Mozzarella and Onion 

Mexican Sausage Flat Bread Pizza,  with Mozzarella and Goats Cheese 

Breakfast to go ,  Melon slices with homemade WW bread, and a herbed yogurt spread 

More Mexican Sausage Pizza ??  Didn't mean to double up .. oh well, enjoy seconds. 

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread .  

Making a batch of butter in my food pro :)  

I had a MAJOR whoopsie moment and used a metal spatula on my enamelled cast iron .  So to avoid any future problems , I seasoned it like I would my other cast iron pots. Its a mess , but its protected and usable again !! Part of a new series on my Facebook page : Kitchen Tips & Tricks :))  

I hope you have enjoyed today's post,  I have some time set aside tomorrow to hopefully get a few more done . Is there anything you would like to see?? Recipes ? Pictures , Stories etc,...  don't be shy , leave a comment below.  :)
Happy Cooking
Rich