Today was Matt's last visit from the physiotherapist. She was trying to get him to commit to going to exercise class which he did, sort of, kind of!! Then she took him walking in the corridors and apparently they bumped into someone who knows me and goes to the classes so he told her he would be there tomorrow. We'll see.
I am pleased to say I beat Matt at bowling on Thursday.
Ivy Shorts of Happy Whisk Fame has been posting vlogs of her air fryer tests and results. I have now been asked to pass on this information about tests of air fryers and have agreed to do so. There is no payment involved here I might add but I did ask them to consider the fact that I have readers from all over. I would love to get an air fryer of my own but cannot justify it at this time. This is a very thorough review of various makes of air fryers. I do hope you will find it useful if you are in the market for an air fryer.
Finding a great Air Fryer for your needs
For those who love fried foods, roasted veggies, or simply want a new way to switch it up in the kitchen, air fryers are a great option. These machines claim to offer the crunch and satisfaction of traditional fried foods while using less fat and being far easier to maintain than a typical deep fryer. The team at Reviews.com recently released a guide to finding a great air fryer to help readers find a model best suited for their needs. You can check out their guide here: https://www.reviews.com/air-fryer/, which covers what to look for (and avoid) in your own machine. And while many leading options on the market can’t quite deliver on their expectations, their team found two air fryers that stood head-and-shoulders above the rest: the T-fal ActiFry and the Philips HD9641. You can check them out here:
(US) T-fal ActiFry: USD $159.99
(US) Philips HD9641: USD $157.70
(Canadian) T-fal ActiFry: CDN$ 229.99
(Canadian) Philips HD9641: CDN$ 329.99
(Australian) T-fal Actifry: AUS $249.00
(Australian) Philips HD9641: AUS $259.00
Easter is coming and so is chocolate. You could also make yourself some truffles with this very easy recipe. We don't get double cream here so Whipping Cream is the best we can do in North America.
Easy Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles, beautifully wrapped in boxes, will put a smile on anyone's face – and they're so easy to make
300 g good-quality dark chocolate, 70% cocoa solids
300 ml pot double cream
50 g unsalted butter
Warm the cream and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts and the cream reaches simmering point. Remove from heat, then pour over the chocolate. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth mixture. Add any flavourings to the truffle mix at this stage (divide the mixture between bowls and mix in liqueurs or other flavourings, a tsp at a time, to taste. Try bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut rum or the zest and juice of an orange), or leave plain. Cool and chill for at least 4 hrs.
To shape the truffles, dip a melon baller in hot water and scoop up balls of the mixture, then drop the truffles onto greaseproof paper. Or lightly coat your hands in flavourless oil (such as sunflower) and roll the truffles between your palms. You could also use a piping bag to pipe rounds onto greaseproof paper.
Coat your truffles immediately after shaping. Tip toppings into a bowl and gently roll the truffles until evenly coated, then chill on greaseproof paper. Try: crushed, shelled pistachio nuts; lightly toasted desiccated coconut; or roll a truffle flavoured with orange zest and juice in cocoa powder. To coat in chocolate, line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Melt 100g milk, dark or white chocolate for 10 truffles. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. With a fork, pick up one truffle at a time and hold over the bowl of melted chocolate. Spoon the chocolate over the truffle until well-coated. Place on the baking tray, then chill.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight. To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you’re ready to give them.
Yield: 50
Tips
KEEP YOUR COOL
It will be much easier to roll or shape your truffles if your hands, and the kitchen you're working in are both at a cool temperature. If you find it's really hot or that the the truffle mix is becoming overly soft and difficult to work with try piping the mixture instead.
Have a great day
I am pleased to say I beat Matt at bowling on Thursday.
For those who love fried foods, roasted veggies, or simply want a new way to switch it up in the kitchen, air fryers are a great option. These machines claim to offer the crunch and satisfaction of traditional fried foods while using less fat and being far easier to maintain than a typical deep fryer. The team at Reviews.com recently released a guide to finding a great air fryer to help readers find a model best suited for their needs. You can check out their guide here: https://www.reviews.com/air-fryer/, which covers what to look for (and avoid) in your own machine. And while many leading options on the market can’t quite deliver on their expectations, their team found two air fryers that stood head-and-shoulders above the rest: the T-fal ActiFry and the Philips HD9641. You can check them out here:
(US) T-fal ActiFry: USD $159.99
(US) Philips HD9641: USD $157.70
(Canadian) T-fal ActiFry: CDN$ 229.99
(Canadian) Philips HD9641: CDN$ 329.99
(Australian) T-fal Actifry: AUS $249.00
(Australian) Philips HD9641: AUS $259.00
Easter is coming and so is chocolate. You could also make yourself some truffles with this very easy recipe. We don't get double cream here so Whipping Cream is the best we can do in North America.
Easy Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles, beautifully wrapped in boxes, will put a smile on anyone's face – and they're so easy to make
300 g good-quality dark chocolate, 70% cocoa solids
300 ml pot double cream
50 g unsalted butter
Warm the cream and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts and the cream reaches simmering point. Remove from heat, then pour over the chocolate. Stir the chocolate and cream together until you have a smooth mixture. Add any flavourings to the truffle mix at this stage (divide the mixture between bowls and mix in liqueurs or other flavourings, a tsp at a time, to taste. Try bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut rum or the zest and juice of an orange), or leave plain. Cool and chill for at least 4 hrs.
To shape the truffles, dip a melon baller in hot water and scoop up balls of the mixture, then drop the truffles onto greaseproof paper. Or lightly coat your hands in flavourless oil (such as sunflower) and roll the truffles between your palms. You could also use a piping bag to pipe rounds onto greaseproof paper.
Coat your truffles immediately after shaping. Tip toppings into a bowl and gently roll the truffles until evenly coated, then chill on greaseproof paper. Try: crushed, shelled pistachio nuts; lightly toasted desiccated coconut; or roll a truffle flavoured with orange zest and juice in cocoa powder. To coat in chocolate, line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Melt 100g milk, dark or white chocolate for 10 truffles. Allow chocolate to cool slightly. With a fork, pick up one truffle at a time and hold over the bowl of melted chocolate. Spoon the chocolate over the truffle until well-coated. Place on the baking tray, then chill.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight. To give as presents, place 8-10 truffles in individual foil or paper cases inside small, lined boxes tied with ribbon. Keep in the fridge until you’re ready to give them.
Yield: 50
Tips
KEEP YOUR COOL
It will be much easier to roll or shape your truffles if your hands, and the kitchen you're working in are both at a cool temperature. If you find it's really hot or that the the truffle mix is becoming overly soft and difficult to work with try piping the mixture instead.
Have a great day
A friend has an air fryer and loves it. Not being a fan of fried foods, it doesn't interest me. Truffles, OTOH, do!
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the point Denise. They are not really fried. You can make roast potatoes quickly, with or without a little fat. Ivy has cooked all kinds of things in hers, they seem to have a large range of uses.
DeleteYou and me both, I am not sure I dare make these.
Lots of uses. Mine is great for baking slicing bread, rolls, bagels, potatoes and even cookies. Really, anything. So fun. But the name fryer, really confuses the issues, I think.
DeleteIvy has posted some great tips on using an air fryer, especially on her YouTube channel. We tried the egg rolls and they were amazing.
ReplyDeleteI am sure they were Alex. I do so want one but....
DeleteThanks, Alex and Jo. Air fryers are so much fun. I have my eyeballs firmly locked on my second one.
DeleteHi Jo - sounds like people love the air fryers ... not my scene - but then I don't need to consider one. Look like they could make some interesting meals though. Good luck with Matt and his exercises - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteActually Hilary, from what I read and see Ivy cooking, they would be perfect for a person living alone.
DeleteHe is still planning to go, when he remembers!
We got an air fryer a couple of months ago, but haven't used it yet. We have a Breville oven that doubles as an air fryer, and we use that all the time (just not as an air fryer). Have to ask Mary about it...
ReplyDeleteI've heard of Breville John, but not used any of their products. From what I hear and see though, an air fryer is a wonderful tool
DeleteIf I had the room I'd have all kinds of kitchen gadgets. Russell wants a breadmaker next.
ReplyDeleteAn airfryer would be less fattening JoJo, fresh bread would have you both munching uncontrollably LOL
DeleteI'm glad to hear they've invented something which will cut down fatty food. I hope restaurants start using them.
ReplyDeleteProbably too expensive for most restaurants when you think of how many French Fries they cook Pinky. But these do seem to produce some great crispy food without any fat at all.
DeleteI love my air fryer and my next one is going to be DeLonghi. Oh my gosh, so great. So much fun to play with these little fan ovens.
ReplyDeleteCookies, cakes, breads, potatoes, veggies and spring rolls that are killer good. Oh my gosh, Jo. So fun. Thanks for the mention.
Glad you beat Matt! That's funny.
I am jealous Ivy, I would really love one. I agree with your earlier comment, fryer is a misleading statement.
DeleteSo was I Ivy.
It really is misleading. And I get what they do it. And it is true, I can air fry onion rings and they come out clean tasting but yeah, weird wording.
DeleteMaybe they should be called air cookers Ivy.
Delete:-)
Delete