Fresh Yeast vs. Dry Yeast

Do you know the difference?

Yeast is a leavening agent, which means it is used in a baked product to increase volume and produce shape and texture. Yeast comes in fresh form as well as two types of dry forms:

1. Fresh yeast - (also called compressed yeast) is moist and perishable and is preferred by professional bakers
2. Active dry yeast - a dry, granular form of yeast that must be rehydrated in warm water before using it
3. Instant dry yeast - (also called rapid-rise or quick-rise yeast) also a dry, granular form of yeast, but does not have to be dissolved in water before use. It can be added in its dry form because it absorbs water much more quickly than regular dry yeast.

Because yeast is a living organism, it is sensitive to temperatures. The ideal temperature in which yeast grows (for proofing bread) is between 70-90 degrees F. If yeast is exposed to temperatures above 140 degrees F, it is killed and it's leavening reactions cease.

What is...Sorbet?

With all this summer heat, I thought the best things to blog about are frozen treats! So what exactly is sorbet? Sorbet (pronounced "sor-bay") is a frozen dessert made from sweetened water flavored with fruit juice or puree, chocolate, wine, and/or liqueur. Although most sorbets are eaten as a dessert, they can also be served between courses as a palate refresher.

Sorbet comes from the French word meaning "sherbet." However, sorbets differ from traditional American sherbets because they do not contain any dairy products. Sorbets are almost identical to the Italian treat called granita, which is also made from fruit puree and water.

Produce Lesson - Olallieberries

The olallieberry is a cross between a youngberry and a loganberry, each of which itself is a cross between a blackberry and another berry! A bit confusing, but it's best to know that olallieberries have a distinctive, sweet flavor and look like an elongated blackberry. They are primarily grown in California and have a very short window of harvesting time from mid-May until mid-July. This means they are in season right now! Olallieberries are delicious both fresh and cooked and are excellent in jams, jellies, and pies.

What is...A Pink Peppercorn?

Pink peppercorns aren't real peppercorns, but actually are the dried berries from the Baies rose plant. They're cultivated in Madagascar and imported through France, which is the reason for their high price. The berries are rose in color, pungent, and slightly sweet. When dried, the pink peppercorns are used as a spice and add a pepper-like taste to foods. This special ingredient can be found in specialty gourmet stores and are usually sold freeze-dried or packed in brine. They are most commonly used to flavor sauces and in meat and fish dishes.

Did You Know...Olive Oils

Olive oil has now become a staple in most people's kitchens, probably because of its great cooking and health benefits. But do you know the difference between all the types of olive oils? All olive oils are pressed from tree-ripened olives, however the difference in types are based upon taste, aroma, and nutrient contents. Here is a simple break down to help you choose your next bottle:

Extra-Virgin: Comes from the first pressing of olives and is the least refined and has the highest level of antioxidants. It is also the highest quality and is the most flavorful.

Virgin: Comes from the second pressing and is slightly more acidic than extra-virgin oil.

Light: A less flavorful, more acidic type of oil. It is lighter in color and fragrance, not lighter in calories. All olive oils have the same amount of fat and calories. Because light olive oil is more refined, there are less antioxidants.

The next time you're at the grocery store, I would recommend extra virgin olive oil to get the best flavor, aroma, and most antioxidants!

Salt!

Salt is one of the most common food seasonings and is used in multiple culinary ways. It can be added to enhance flavors of foods, in desserts to intensify sweetness, it can be used to preserve food, and it can even cook foods! It comes in a variety of forms including unrefined salt (sea salt), refined salt (table salt), and iodized salt. The flavor of salt is one of the five basic tastes, along with sweet, sour, bitter, and umami.

Salt is an important part of the diet as well. Too much or too little salt intake can lead to muscle cramps and/or dizziness. The Food and Drug Administration suggests that people should intake no more than 2,300 mg of salt per day.

Another Type of Soup: Bisque

Did you know that bisque is another type of soup, originating from French cooking? A bisque is rich and creamy with a thick, even texture throughout. Traditionally bisques were made of pureed crustaceans or seafood, wine, cream, and a variety of spices. Some creamy soups that are made from a vegetable base instead of seafood are also called bisques. The origin of the word bisque is somewhat of a debate. Some food historians believe that the word refers to the fact that this type of soup is cooked twice. Others believe that the origin of the word is related to the Bay of Biscay, located between France and Spain. The type of food from Biscay usually includes spicy ingredients similar to those used in bisque.

What is...Gazpacho?!

What is it?! Well, gazpacho is a type of cold Spanish soup that has a tomato-base. It descends from the region of Andalusia and the main ingredients typically include fresh tomato, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, onion, garlic, stale bread, parsley, olive oil, Sherry vinegar, cold water, and salt. Gazpacho can also be paired with different garnishes such as croutons and a chopped hard boiled egg. This soup is very nutritious and without the egg garnish, can be cholesterol free! Most people consume this dish in the summer because of its cool, refreshing texture.

What is??

Anchovy paste is the combination of pounded anchovies, vinegar, spices and water. It is usually packaged and sold in tubes and can be used for a variety of cooking purposes such as canapes and Caesar salad dressing.

What is??

What are gherkins? Gherkins, also called cornichons, are a variety of small, dark green cucumbers especially grown to make pickles. They are usually sold in jars and packed in a pickling brine. You can find them in most grocery stores in the pickle section.

Xanthan Gum

So what is it and why is it in so many ingredient lists? Is it healty? Is it okay? Xanthan Gum is produced from the fermentation of corn sugar and is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in foods such as dairy products and salad dressings.

Orange Flower Water

Orange flower water is a perfumy distillation of bitter-orange blossoms. Orange-flower water is used as a flavoring in baked goods, various sweet and savory dishes and a variety of drinks.

Rose Water

Totally underrated and in my opinion, not used often or creatively enough, rose water is one of those obscure little ingredients that is finding it's way back into my kitchen. Especially with Valentine's Day coming up, this may be a creative and delicious way to spice up your day! So what is it? Rose water is a distillation of rose petals that has the intensely perfumy flavor and fragrance of its source. It has been a popular flavoring for centuries in the Middle Eastern, Indian and Chinese cuisines. And in addition to culinary uses it is also used in religious ceremonies and as a fragrance in some cosmetics.

What is??

What is a blintz really? It is an ultra thin, tender pancake that can be made with any number of flours. It is typically rolled up and filled with a sweet or savory filling (ricotta cheese, fruit or meat mixtures). Blintzes are then sauteed until golden brown and then served with sour cream.

What is??

A pistou is a mixture of crushed basil, garlic and olive oil used as a condiment or sauce. It's the French version of Italy's pesto.

What is???

What is a minimum internal cooking temperature? It is the minimum temperature a meat should be cooked. For example, the minimum internal cooking temperature for chicken is 165. It should not be considered done or ready to eat until it reaches a minimum internal cooking temperature of 165.