TikTok Pasta? Insta Cloud Bread?
And Much More!
Recipe of the Week:
TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients:
200g block of feta cheese
300g cherry tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and left whole
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
300g pasta of your choice
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F).
Prepare the Ingredients: Place the block of feta cheese in the centre of an ovenproof dish. Scatter cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves around the cheese. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, ensuring the feta and tomatoes are coated. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Bake the Dish: Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta cheese is soft and slightly golden.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, about 1/2 cup, then drain the pasta.
Mix it All Together: Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Gently mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork to create a creamy sauce, mixing in the garlic. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Finish off with fresh basil leaves for a touch of herbaceous brightness and serve it hot.
Tips for Variation:
Vegetables: Add in your favourite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Protein: Consider grilled chicken or prawns for some added protein.
This Baked Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that fits any occasion, from weekday dinners to social gatherings. Its ease of preparation and burst of flavours make it an instant hit and a worthy candidate for your readers. Plus, the comforting, cheesy goodness is perfect for the cooler months!
Oh, whilst we are looking at popular Social Media driven recipes, here is one that gained a lot of traction on Instagram:
Cloud Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
3 egg whites
30g (about 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
10g (about 1 tablespoon) cornstarch
Food colouring (optional, for those striking visuals)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 150°C (about 300°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
Add Cornstarch: Sift the cornstarch into the egg whites and gently fold it in, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Colour the Mixture: If you’re using food colouring, add a few drops and gently fold it in until you achieve your desired shade.
Shape and Bake: Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, shaping it into a cloud-like mound. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
Cool and Serve: Let the cloud bread cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy it as is, or spread with a bit of butter or jam for added flavour.
Why It's Popular:
Unique Texture: Cloud bread is light, airy, and resembles a fluffy cloud, making it both fun to make and eat.
Aesthetic Appeal: The ability to colour the bread makes it perfect for striking Instagram photos.
Versatility: While often made sweet, it can also be adapted with savoury toppings.
Diet-Friendly: It's naturally gluten-free and low in calories, appealing to those with specific dietary preferences.
Dining Spotlight of the Week:
Last week we looked at a popular food outlet in the USA and this week I am highlighting somewhere a little closer to home, well for me anyway as I live in Spain.
"La Churrería Chocolateria San Ginés" in Madrid. Although more of a traditional establishment than a modern street food vendor, it has become an iconic destination for street food enthusiasts, especially those seeking the classic Spanish snack of churros and chocolate.
La Churrería Chocolateria San Ginés
Location: Situated in the centre of Madrid, close to the bustling Puerta del Sol, this establishment has been serving delicious churros since 1894.
Website: San Ginés
Why It’s Popular:
Rich History: As one of Madrid’s oldest churrerías, San Ginés offers a nostalgic experience steeped in tradition.
Famous Churros and Chocolate: Known for their crispy churros and thick, rich hot chocolate, it's the quintessential treat for both locals and tourists.
Cultural Experience: Visiting San Ginés is more than just about the food; it’s a taste of history and culture, often frequented by famous personalities and celebrated by the people of Madrid.
Convenient Location: Its central location makes it a perfect stop for those exploring the city’s famous sights.
Foodie Tip of the Week: Mastering the Art of Herbs
Revive Your Culinary Creations with Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are not just a garnish—they are a powerful way to elevate your dishes with vibrant flavour and aroma. Here’s how to make the most out of them:
Storing Fresh Herbs: To keep herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil fresh for longer, treat them like flowers. Trim the ends and place them in a glass of water. Cover the leaves with a loose plastic bag and store them in the fridge (except basil, which prefers room temperature).
Freezing Leftovers: If you’ve got herbs nearing their shelf life, chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays filled with olive oil or butter. These herb-infused cubes are perfect for adding a flavour boost to soups, sauces, or stir-fries.
Herb Pairing 101: Up your pairing game by matching herbs with complementary ingredients. Try pairing basil with tomatoes, rosemary with lamb or potatoes, and cilantro with avocado or lime for a burst of flavour.
Using the Stems: Don’t toss those stems! Herb stems like coriander and parsley can be finely chopped and added to dishes for an extra layer of flavour, especially in soups and stews.
Timing is Key: To preserve the vibrant flavour of fresh herbs, add delicate herbs like parsley, chives, and basil towards the end of cooking, while robust herbs such as rosemary and thyme can be added earlier.
Fresh herbs can transform even the simplest of dishes into something extraordinary.
Reader Recipe Corner: Share Your Culinary Creations! 🍽️
We want to hear from you! Do you have a cherished recipe that brings your family together? Maybe a secret dish that never fails to impress? Share your culinary creations with us! Submit your favourite recipe, along with a photo, and get a chance to be featured in our next newsletter. Let's celebrate the joy of cooking together—your delicious ideas could inspire fellow food lovers!
Click the button below to send us your recipes! We can't wait to see what you've been cooking up! 🥘❤️
Fun Food Fact: The Surprising Origin of Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce, (and I know many struggle to pronounce it lol) the savoury condiment we often reach for to enhance our steaks and stews, has an intriguing origin story that traces back to 19th century England.
In the early 1830s, Lord Marcus Sandys returned to England after serving as the Governor of Bengal. Craving a taste reminiscent of his travels, he approached chemists John Lea and William Perrins in Worcester, UK, requesting they recreate an Indian sauce he had enjoyed while abroad. The concoction they created, however, was far too strong and deemed a failure, leading them to abandon it in a cellar.
Fast forward a couple of years, Lea and Perrins rediscovered the forgotten barrels and, curious about the fermentation, decided to give the sauce another try. To their surprise, the lengthy maturing process had transformed it into a wonderfully complex sauce with just the right balance of flavours. Delighted, they began selling it, and Worcestershire sauce quickly gained popularity.
This accidental creation became a staple, appreciated worldwide for its unique blend of ingredients like anchovies, tamarind, vinegar, molasses, and an array of spices. It’s a testament to the wonderful surprises that can come from culinary experimentation—and a bit of patience!
Closing Thoughts: Until Next Week! 🌟
As we wrap up this week’s edition of Foodie Scribbles, we hope you’re feeling inspired to get into the kitchen and whip up some delightful dishes! Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipes, indulge in the flavours of our featured restaurant, and explore seasonal ingredients that are just waiting for your culinary touch.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your cooking adventures, dining experiences, or your own tips and tricks. Your insights are what make our foodie community flourish!
And don’t miss our next issue, where we’ll dive into more delicious recipes and explore even more unique dining spots to fuel your culinary wanderlust! Until next time, keep cooking, keep tasting, and keep sharing the joy of food! 🍽️❤️✨
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