Chocolate Cupcakes

A friend made chocolate cupcakes this week and put photos on facebook and I was inspired! Chocolate cupcakes were needed. I went to trusty old taste.com.au and picked my favourite recipe, I bought what was needed and the next day I went to work.

You can find the recipe here: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/22173/chocolate+cupcakes


Cake Ingredients -

• 100g dark chocolate
• 1 cup (250ml) water
• 125g butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (255g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (225g) self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup (75) plain flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder

Method -

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Line 18 x 1/3-cup (80ml) capacity muffin pans with paper cases.
2. Combine the chocolate and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition, until just combined. Add the flours and cocoa powder and stir until just combined. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Spoon evenly among the lined muffin pans. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

My batter ready to go!

Sadly the all cracked slightly but still kept a rather uniform top.

Ganache Ingredients - 

• 300g dark chocolate
• 300g sour cream

Method - 

To make the chocolate sour cream ganache, place the chocolate and sour cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth and glossy. Spread over each cake and set aside to set.

NT - I found the dark chocolate and sour cream to have a rather sour/bitter taste so added a dash of thickened cream to slightly sweeten the mixture.

So yummy and glossy :-)

Rather than setting up a double boiler I just used a heavy based pan over a very low heat to get the desired result :-) Beware of this as it's very easy to burn the chocolate this way so it needs your full attention. This is when I discovered the icing was WAY too runny!! I attempted to ice a few cakes but it just ran straight off the sides! This was however a ganache so I didn't need to add anything just give it some time to thicken, it took about an hour and a bit of time in the fridge to thicken. Still slightly runny I added the ganache a tiny bit at a time and used my trusty offset pallet knife to spread it and layered it on bit by bit.

My trusty offset pallet knife.

The finished product!!

You can see in the middle one of the ones that wore the ganache down the sides :-P

Very yummy!! I've already eaten too many. The recipe says it makes 18 but I ended up with around 22. Also being that they're made with dark chocolate the cakes and ganache are a little bitter so young kids may not be fans of the taste but grown ups will love these and adding a little coffee liqueur to the ganache would be yummy!! Or if you wanted you could exchange the dark for milk chocolate and get a more traditional flavour.

Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I would love to see some pictures. xxoo

Roxanne

My plans for The Block Week 2

Ok so follow up post to The Block 2012 Week 2 with my 'what I would have done'. I have decided that I'm liking Brad and Lara'a ideas the best so I'm going to imagine I'm designing in their house :-) (So glad it's the largest house.... ;-P) Therefore I am imagining I have enough space to design a Master/Ensuite and Walk in Robe.

Again I do not own the rights to any of these photos they are images I have used from Pinterest the online photo sharing site, so citing the true owner is a bit tricky. I have included the link from the place they were "pinned" from.

While I loved the recessed wall/bed head in Brad and Lara's room my plan would be to make it a full wall and put an almost hallway on the window side of the room with a sliding door into the walk in robe and then another into the bathroom. This would turn the walk in robe into a U shape and offer a lot more storage. Also using the window side of the room would give natural light to the walk way and help get some into the ensuite.

Main Theme

 http://media-cache9.pinterest.com/upload/78039006013446647_76I2Xd3t_f.jpg

The colour scheme is what I love here. The grey walls with white edging (though maybe would have gone a little darker in the grey) The wood look floor (laminate would be good as it minimizes noise) The big rug under the bed (giving the bed area a softer feel) and the dark contemporary furniture. That lamp would make a great bedside lamp! I'm not a fan though of the bundle of sticks, the white bed clothes or the asian look to the cupboard.

Feature 1

 http://inthenameofbeauty.tumblr.com/page/3

 I just love this light. To me it gives so much spunk to the room and a little bit of glamour. I would go a little smaller in size and lower it but it's just spunky! Also loving the sliding door in the foreground here. This would work for both the entry into the walk in robe and ensuite in a much smaller size though.

Feature 2

 http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/chateau-bedstead

I know it's tacky but I'm loving this bed and matching bedside table set. Ok, ok, so minus the gold....... (kind of) The lovely upholstery and shape are perfect. The gold I'd probably swap to a carved dark wood. Also I'd swap the grape colour for more neutral tones maybe grey, taupe, or navy........

Feature 3

 Link broken

 On the opposite side of the room to the bed I'd have a large dark dresser with a large mirror on the wall. I couldn't quite find a dresser I liked so I've picked this one but I would have preferred it longer and on legs. then maybe an armchair or ottoman as seating (or dumping ground as it would end up in my house). Maybe I'm a little too in love with the dresser in the first photo.........

 Walk in Robe

 http://www.4inspireddesign.com/

So it obviously wouldn't be this wide but if you imagine the opposite wall being just out of shot it's not too bad. I love the slight period features, the colour and the clean lines. The wooden floor is nice and would be easy to clean but maybe a small rug would soften the feel. But I love it!

Ensuite

http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/109353097171586124_Fih64l0O.jpg

 

Sticking to the period feel I want I think this ensuite is nice and relaxed. Again it would need to fit in a much thinner room but with a recessed/floating loo and with a much smaller shower basin it would work. I love the wall sconce and would have the towel rack above the loo there. I know the vanity is a little old school but I like it :-) Sadly there wouldn't be a window though :-( Also, while I love the green, I would have to go a taupe or grey to follow on from the rest of the house.

So do you like my ideas so far? xxoo

Roxanne

The Block 2012 Week 2

Ok so better late than never right :-) These rooms are a little bit of old news but I'm addicted and can't miss my opportunity to give my opinion. I've been struggling to watch all the episodes as they are on at a really busy time for me with teaching, work and family commitments. Also apparently watching them online uses a buttload of internet as I learned after using up all our usage very quickly this month........ :-P So I've missed a few eps but I am still getting enough to know what's going on.

Ok, Week Two or Hell Week as they called it in the ads. Two rooms each, main bedroom and ensuite. An absolute crap week of stress and minimal sleep for all involved and I tell you what, I was equally unimpressed with the amount of challenges thrown at them this week because I feel this caused slightly less quality from all of the couples.

Dan and Dani's - Main Bedroom/Ensuite

Walls - Again the light grey from earlier, I really like it and think keeping the same colour scheme throughout the house will work. Also I'm Loving the warm tiles in the ensuite, they create quite a relaxed and luxurious look for me.
Floors - Again loving the dark carpet. I can just imagine rubbing my feet in it and it feels so comfy. And the tiles in the ensuite flowing onto the floor, a Big Tick from me :-)
Furniture - I love, love, love the artwork, not sure why the judges hated it? The bed was a bit, been there, done that after last week but it's their style....... The curtains and the cupboards looked
very professional and well thought out. The bedside lamps are a bit sexy but to me bedside tables are a must in a master bedroom. The toilet and shower were a good choice and the sliding door in the centre is great. I really felt for them with all the drama over their multiple basin choices that failed epically and I like the aesthetic of the small basin but I don't think it's going to work at all in an ensuite, which is basically used as a bathroom for two people every day......

My vote 7/10
The bedroom was a bit been there done that but their style is so strong, I like it. I don't, however, think this bedroom is going to function as such a great Master Bedroom, I personally need a lot more in my bedroom. The ensuite was well thought out and I think they were so clever with the sliding door and separate ends for shower and toilet. Unfortunately their plans for this room just did not happen and the it was unfinished by judging with no grout in the tiles, the sink not plumbed in and the taps being set for a higher design of basin but it was a great effort.

Mike and Andrew's - Master Bedroom/Ensuite

Walls - Yay!! Colour. The boys have gone for a Hotel oppulence here and I'm loving it! Again like the others just a light grey but I am so over stark white, it's exciting! The ensuite is a greyish painted glass. I have not really seen this done before and I love it but it would be a pain to clean and keep perfect.
Floors - I like the colour of the carpet but I'm a little wary of it as it looks a bit "public office"-ish and maybe a but uncomfortable/scratchy. Although I may be completely wrong..... I like that the tiles in the shower run down and across the floor it creates
a really nice visual line.
Furniture - The bed, bedside tables, bedside lamps and wall hangings are lovely. But I agree with the judges that they're missing a bit of personality. The cupboards were exceptional and the recessed curtains, OMG!!! Yes! I like the glass doors for the shower and ensuite entry, and the basin and tap ware were beautiful and functional and I am so impressed with the toilet cistern in the vanity! Also Rain shower head, oooohhhhh!

My vote 7.5/10
Pretty nice. I'm not going to say there's anything I hate here but I don't love too much of it either. The functionality and execution were right on par but there's just a bit of life lacking. Although it would make a great hotel room and to me that means the boys have achieved exactly what they wanted. Maybe this team are missing the female touch, just a bit, but they won so who am I to talk.

Brad and Lara's - Master Bedroom/Ensuite/Walk in Robe

Walls -  Cream! Not far from white but again it's not white! Also the dark colour behind the bed works sooooooo well! I love it! And I'm still so, so happy this couple are restoring the period features of the house. It's the closest to the style I would have chosen myself. The dark painted glass in the ensuite is very swish, I love it.
Floors - I like the carpet, a creamy/brown colour and looks very soft and comfortable. I totally agree with the judges that the white square tiles on the ensuite floor were so cheap looking I actually cringed when I saw them on the show. WHY??
Furniture - Yes, yes, yes, they got it soooo right. I love the bed and the recessed bedhead/wall! So clever. The chair in the corner is pretty but I would never use a chair in my bedroom ever, only to throw clothes on..... Streamlined blinds, tick. Wall hanging, ummm. Ceiling fan, tick. Stainless steel power outlets, Urgh!! Walk in robe, yes, yes, yes, a big selling point for me and I loved the full length mirror as I'm dying living without one currently! Also the recessed lighting in there is A+. The ensuite vanity, I loved, and the door/draw clash thing wouldn't faze me either. The recessed toilet rocks and the shower is sexy!

My vote 7.5/10
I would have given it an eight were it not for those hideous floor tiles in the ensuite. This set of rooms, has warmth, light and functionality. I could see me living here and loving this room. There's a lot of great ideas floating in this room and they're working. I just need this couple to settle on their style and I'll be happy to settle in with them.

Sophie and Dale's - Master Bedroom/Ensuite

Walls -  Cream. Yes people all 4 teams have chosen a colour!! Yay, do you think they read my blog?.... Hmm, probably not since this was filmed ten weeks ago....... Love the cream, but again they went with the gray/blueish skirting. Noooo! The tiling in the ensuite rocks! It's just the style and colour I would have chosen. It's very fresh, clean and bright.
Floors - The carpet is a very similar colour to the tiles, I like it but it's a bit pale for such a heavily used room. I'm a fan of the tiles on the ensuite floor repeating from the walls. It's fresh.
Furniture - The bed is cute, I like the colours and the bedhead really works for me. Continuing the mason jar lighting is clever and the side table cut in half and attached to the wall as bedside tables turned out much better than I was expecting. Yay, decent curtains, they listened last week, very good! I'm actually a huge fan of the ottoman and the bird wall hanging, don't know why though.... In the ensuite I like the double basins and the waterfall taps are cute but maybe a little gimmicky.... Great lighting, great shower but I absolutely agree with the judges that the toilet is a failing as a concealed cistern would have given then so much more space. It's ok for these two who are rake thin but anyone else will be uncomfortable squeezing around it.

My Vote 7/10
A marked improvement on the first week, this room is designed to a much more sophisticated edge and has a lot more style to it. Still I don't think it's right for the selling market but they've locked into this style and they're sticking to it. I just hope they kick it up this much every week!!

So soon to come will be my week three review and my what I would have done post. I'm off to scour Pinterest for a few more ideas.....

See you soon xxoo
Roxanne

Thermochef

Ok I'm back! Sorry I've been a bit MIA but had a crazy week or so and needed to get a few things sorted. So I'm back and here's my first review of a product I have played with at work but do not actually own myself.

Thermochef  

What's a Thermochef you might ask? Don't you mean Thermomix.....?

Well this is a Thermochef.

  http://www.matchbox.com.au/Products-and-Brands/Appliances/Thermo-Chef/44

Still not helping....... A Thermochef is a new wiz bang kitchen gadget that is the perfect product for people without enough time or interest in being chained to the stove on a regular basis. It has multiple functions including heating, steaming, stirring, chopping, grinding, kneading, cooking and weighing. So basically your blender, food processor, mix master, digital scales and stove all in one.

All too good to be true? Well, you are going to pay for such a product. The Thermochef is $795, not an amount to be sneezed at for most of us but considering it's competition is $1939, for many it would be their only option in this market.

I am by no means a Thermomix basher, if you can afford this baby I'm sure it would be a brilliant product. I however have not had the honour of trialing it so have no comparison to go by. If you're interested in a full and comprehensive side by side comparison Michelle at Iron Chef Shellie wrote one late last year after using the two side by side - Thermochef vs Thermomix.

The differences I'm aware of are that:

• The Thermomix is up to their 5th generation and is made in France and designed in Germany. The Thermochef is the equivalent to their 3rd generation and is made in China and designed in Spain. 
• The Thermochef's bowl is made of 18/10 grade stainless steel (the same as stainless steel cookware and cutlery) where the Thermomix's bowl is made of surgical grade stainless steel, which is more hygienic and less likely to take on strong smells. 
• The Thermomix has a reverse function that the Thermochef does not. This reverse function is designed to minimise chopping of certain products and to gently break apart others. I have not witnessed the reverse function as I have not used the Thermomix but heard from a customer that she was told at a Thermomix demo that this means the Thermochef is unable to chop mushrooms or shred chicken, however I have been able to perform both of these functions in the Thermochef using their lower speeds...... 
• Also the scales in the Thermomix are within the bowl and ingredients are weighed in 5gm increments as added to the bowl. Whereas the Thermochef's scales are located on the side over the keypad and measure in 1gm increments. Personally I find the separate scales to be a much better idea as I am a chronic over-pourer who always over estimates and puts too much in and has to take some out which would be much harder if the extra ingredients were already in the bowl with the other parts.

There are pros and cons to both machines and different functions will work for every different person. We had a lady come into our shop who had worked as a Thermomix demonstrator and borrowed our Thermochef to compare. While she admitted she did write a list of differences she decided taste testing was going to be her decider and found that in the end her family could not tell the difference.

Here's a video From New Wave - the Thermochef's producer.

What I have made -

• ANZAC biscuits. What else do you make in April? :-) Using the recipe in the included recipe booklet I whipped these up in no time. Melted the butter and heated the syrup while combining them, whizzed in the boiling water and Bi-Carb and then added all other ingredients and gave it all a quick knead. Done. I used one measuring jug to weigh out all the ingredients on the scales, measuring spoons, the provided spatula and a spoon for portioning at the end. 10 mins in the oven and the best tasting ANZAC's I've ever made were ready to be scoffed down!  And believe me as a sample they disappeared fast!
• Risotto. Yum, yum is all I have to say about this one, chop and saute the onion and garlic in a little oil, lock on the butterfly whisk (this stops the blades from chopping while still spinning, and helps mix the ingredients). Whip through the rice, add wine, stock, mushrooms and s&p and leave to cook and mix for 15 mins. Mix through some parmesan and butter and serve with fresh chopped herbs. So quick, so easy and so yum! I was extremely happy with this result as the rice was fluffy and there was still just enough liquid so make it smooth and creamy and not gloopy.
• Soup. I whipped up a pumpkin, potato and bacon soup. Very yummy and the bacon gave it a perfect saltiness that meant no more was required. Recipe was chop onion and bacon and saute with some oil, pop in cubed and peeled pumpkin and potato with the stock and cook for 30 mins (no butterfly whisk here as you want the food to be chopped) Let the soup cool slightly (as apparently whizzing soup once cooled makes for a smoother consistency) then give it a quick fast whiz, and mix in some cream or natural yoghurt and fresh parsley. Re-heat if needed and serve. Mmmmmmm!
• Steamed Chicken into chicken spread. I was yet to use the steaming function and seeing as there's three steaming baskets and it's a fantastic and healthy way to cook I was desperate to give it a go. I steamed an entire chicken breast and this took around 30 mins all up, now there is a list of how long you need to cook each item but as chicken has so many variable sizes and weights it was a bit of a test. I was unsure of how much water to put in so I went with the maximum suggested and had some aside in case more was needed as this was a HUGE chicken breast. I put it on for 15 mins and knew it needed more time so added more water but stupidly added cold water so put it on for another 5 mins but the water was only just started to steam again by the time this was up so I started it for another 5 straight away. After this it looked pretty done so I cut it in half to check and it was still a tiny bit pink (as I said this was a huge breast) but another 5 mins cut in half we achieved perfection! (Next time I'd definitely cut up the breast before steaming) Now to turn it into a spread. 4-5 pecans given a whiz, 1 celery stalk cut in chunks given a whiz and set aside, chicken breast cut in 4 whizzed on speed 3 for 15 seconds and it was a perfectly shredded mound. Mix pecans, celery and chicken together, add mayo and s&p to taste and Wha La, a perfect chicken sandwich spread! (also great on crackers as a sampler/canape!)

Chopping/grinding options

• Raw Almonds - Almond meal
• Rice - Rice flour
• White sugar - Castor Sugar
• White sugar - Icing Sugar
• Whole Nutmeg - Ground nutmeg
• Etc, etc, etc

There are so many things these machine can do: knead bread, mix cake batters, make curry pastes, cook curries, steam rice, make dips, make sauces, whip cream, make sorbet and I could go on and on and on! I may as well just say the only thing it won't do is the dishes and a back massage...... Buuut, on speed 4 at 70 degrees with some water and a drop of detergent it cleans itself pretty bloody well ;-)

Here's an image with all included extra's Obviously starting with the machine itself on the left. Then from top to bottom the Butterfly Whisk, Steamer Baskets (2 baskets plus lid), Extra Jug (A limited edition offer), 3 Piece Spatula (pulls apart for storage and so the handle can be used to lift the steamer insert) and the Steamer insert (sits inside bowl for steaming rice etc). You also get included in the set is a folder that's about 5cm thick with recipes and an easy to understand instruction manual as well as a DVD where you can watch the machine being used.

So the details....

• Blending and heating for easy cooking with multiple functions
• 2 litre jug capacity. Detachable jug with S/S blades
• Multi-functions: scale, turbo, blend, heat, kneading, steam and timer
• Optional temperature levels from 37-100°C
• Optional 1-10 speed levels, plus turbo.
• Gift box accessories includes: instruction manual, DVD, recipes, warranty card, rating label sticker, steamer, butterfly, spatula, and basket.
• 2 Year Warranty
• 1550W（Motor:550W，Heater:1000W）

 http://www.newwavekitchenappliances.com.au/catalogue/products/thermochef-natura/thermochef-natura

So what else can I say, so easy, so simple, so thorough, so capable, so versatile, this is truly a brilliant machine that is going to make life 100 times easier for so many. If you need something to make cooking at home easier, to make space after getting rid of those machines you never use anymore, to do all those little things that just make a mess and a fuss and to inspire you to cook fresh over bottled and packaged, then this is the product for you. 

So after reading my personal observations I hear many people asking "would you buy one?"......... Honestly, no. This is not though due to the quality, function or maintenance of the machine, it's because I LOVE TO COOK! I love to stand in my kitchen throwing together big meals and playing and fiddling with all the nitty gritty, chopping, mixing, stirring etc. While I'll complain as I do them (I do not have a dishwasher) I feel so accomplished after doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen. I love staying home all day as something slow cooks in the oven or on the stove. I love kneading bread and waiting for it to prove, I love it all. Currently as I build my business and it's just my partner and I, I have the time and patience to cook (well most days anyway). So this is not the machine for me, I have many other items on my wish list before I'd spend $800 or even $2000 on a product that takes some of the fun details out of cooking a meal. Strange I know, to rave about a product that you wouldn't buy yourself but I guess I'm becoming a true salesperson. I see merit in a product, even when it's not for me. :-P

Anyway, that's my first product assessment, I hope you've enjoyed it and now that I've decided to go ahead with my blog I'll try capture some of my own pictures to put in my posts.

Thanks for reading xxoo

Roxanne
This post is not a paid review it is purely the opinion of the author after personal experience using this product.

My plans for The Block Week 1

So I decided to follow up my post about the Week 1 Rooms From The Block with what I would have done if I was competing. I would have done a Sitting Room/Study/Home Cinema. Ambitious I know, but I'll show you in pictures how it would have worked. (I'm sure this would have been fairly out of the question budget wise but if Sophie and Dale can spend $6000 on their share house/second hand look dining room...........)

Also I do not own the rights to any of these photos they are images I have used from Pinterest the online photo sharing site, so citing the true owner is a bit tricky. I have included the link from the place they were "pinned" from.

Firstly I would have, like Sophie and Dale, knocked out a door to the left of the fireplace but would have taken out the original door to the hallway. This gives you a lot more room and furniture space. Though I would have put in a door in the new opening instead of leaving it open.

Main theme

 http://bijouandboheme.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/some-prettiness.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+BijouAndBoheme+%2528Bijou+and+Boheme%2529

This is the style I would have gone for in this real estate market. Minus the carpet though, it's a bit too busy for me, but remove the pattern and it's the perfect colour. I would probably minimize the artwork but the couch and chairs are perfect! Also love the recessed curtains just not their colour, I probably would have gone a gold or taupe! (Floor length yes!!)

Feature 1

 http://studioten25.com/blog/?p=7683

Like most of the teams I also would have restored the fireplace, leaving the mantel in place! The furniture would sit in a similar way to this also.

Feature 2

 http://www.houzz.com/photos/269134/Coranado-traditional-home-office-cincinnati

Then against the opposite wall I would have put in high and dark shelving and depending on space would have used a separate desk like this or would have put one in the centre of the shelves. With lots of work space and a big comfy office chair it would make a traditional style home office.

Feature 3

http://www.diynetwork.com/home-improvement/media-room-makeovers-for-four-hollywood-celebs/pictures/page-21.html

Then to really make this room special I would have hung a hidden/drop down screen, making this a home cinema and second entertainment space. This would be over the desk/office space as it would be unneeded when the screen's in use and the couch and chairs would be used to watch from.

Feature 4

 http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/look-hidden-projector-behind-w-78139

And finally the projector. Quite unsightly hanging from the roof or sitting on a big shelf, I love the idea of a hidden recessed shelf with an artwork hiding it. This would fit perfectly in the styling I'm going for and would add some value and extra use to a room some may think unnecessary.

What would you have done for this space? xxoo
Roxanne

Pizza Stone

Have you heard of a Pizza Stone? Or a baking stone? Well I hadn't until I began working in a kitchenware shop. A new and exciting discovery for me, they're a great gift idea for budding Chef's as well as really reasonably priced and don't need cleaning!!

Since my baking has taken off wildly lately and my Chef is very partial to a pizza (homemade and bought) I decided to invest my hard earned $10 in one :-P Yep, $10! Or you could go $15 for a BBQ shaped one.......... I even got a pizza wheel cutter as a bonus extra.

This is the one I went for, a 33cm round stone with a wire rack. The rack is used as handles to get the stone in and out of the oven and then can be flipped and used as a stand.

Bread was actually the reason I made this 'dramatic' purchase. I was watching an episode of Hugh Fernley-Wittingstall's River Cottage and he made a super easy Soda Bread and I copied down the recipe and knew that a stone would be the best cooking aid in my residential kitchen.
For the yummy recipe I used go here. http://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/classic-soda-bread/

 This was the outcome, so yummy I almost ate the whole loaf in 24 hours!

Anyway back to the pizza's. Today I went out and bought all of our favourite homemade pizza supplies and went to town! Pita bread, cheese, pasta sauce, salami, ham, fresh tomato, sun-dried tomato and olives! Mmmmmmmmmm!

The way the stones work are you pre-heat them in your oven (or BBQ) as you prepare your toppings. They will take on the heat and hold it so beware they get very hot, this is where the rack comes in handy. You want the oven to be quite hot, 220˚C Plus! The idea of the stone is that it takes on all the heat and cooks food faster by drawing moisture out of the it. Therefore the surrounding heat needs to be high to cook the toppings faster to keep up with the base. Because the stone works by drawing the moisture out you'll get a lovely crisp base on your food. You may get some food spillage on your stone but never fear this is a good thing!! Depending on how crisp and/or brown you like your pizza it will only take 10-15mins to cook. Also if you're cooking for a crowd you may want two stones running at once for an even faster turnover.

Yum, yum, my first pizza of the night straight from the oven!! (after 10mins cooking)

Once you've finished cooking on your stone put it back into the hot oven and turn the heat off. This allows the stone to cool slowly (as quickly may cause it to crack and break) drying out all the moisture and any food spillage. Now the best bit, once cooled, scrape off any dried food and put away. You do not want to put moisture near this baby so washing or wiping with a damp cloth is strictly forbidden! And that messy spilled food stain? This will become a seasoning, it will increase every time you use your stone and eventually will begin smoking and giving your food a wood fired oven flavour!!!!! Yep, a wood fired oven flavour in your regular old oven!

Food spillage? No problem!

 

Lastly another golden rule is to not cut on the stone!! These cheaper stones are made of a sort of clay and running a blade over it will cut into the surface and make cracking an almost certainty. Also serving on them is not such a brilliant idea as they are incredibly hot and you risk burning the table surface or reaching hands, plus sticking to the 'back into the oven to cool slowly' rule will ensure the life of your stone is extended. There are stones available that are enamel coated and therefore fine to cut and serve on and they come in wonderful colours but you're looking at over $50 for one of those.

So all in all a very simple design and fantastic kitchen gadget! I'm in love <3 and can't wait to whip up another bread xxoo

Roxanne

This blog post was not sponsored by any outside source. It is entirely my own opinion on a product I already own.