Baking with Beluga

Last week, I got a surprise call from my sister. She told me about her latest discovery, the Kaluga Caviar. Well, I’ve never been really interested about caviar, not that I didn’t like it but because I couldn’t afford it. However, she says that her discovery is the more affordable version of the exquisite Beluga caviar. For those who don’t know much about Beluga caviar, it can cost as much as 10 grand per kilogram, not only because it comes from the Caspian Sea (an inland sea located between Russia and Iran), but because the Beluga whale is already an endangered species.

Going back to my story, she gave me the website where she found the River Beluga Caviar. I checked it out and found that what she was saying is true so I ordered a small jar. I wanted to introduce caviar to my kids so if they see it outside, they won’t be so ignorant. Aside from enjoying it in hors d’oeuvres, I also researched for other ways to enjoy it. It was a surprise to learn that people are actually  baking with beluga. I found a recipe online (www.merchant-gourmet.com) that I actually tried. It was delicious and my kids loved it.

Beluga Lentils and Mushroom Gnocchi Bake

2 x 500g packs Italian gnocchi
1 onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic. crushed
400g mushrooms, sliced
400g tin cream of mushroom soup
250g MG Ready to Eat Beluga Lentils
25g MG Mixed Mushrooms
3-4 slices stale white bread (or about 120g breadcrumbs)
Handful chopped parsley
Handful of grated parmesan cheese
Handful of grated cheddar cheese
20g butter

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180C.
2. Place the mushrooms in a mug, and cover in hot water, set aside until needed.
3. Make the breadcrumbs by whizzing the stale bread in a blender until fine crumbs add the parsley and parmesan and give a final whizz to mix it all up, set aside for later. (if using already bought breadcrumbs, simply combine with the parsley and cheeses)
4. Using a large casserole dish, fry the onion in the butter over a medium heat until soft and translucent (just a couple of minutes) Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic and fry for a further 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile in a separate pan, cook the gnocchi for half the length of time the instructions suggest (this may only be 1-2 minutes)
6. Put the rehydrated mushrooms into the casserole dish along with half of the mushroom water, the beluga lentils, and the tin of soup.
7. Once the gnocchi is cooked, drain and stir into the mushroom and lentil mixture, (if you do not have a casserole dish big enough, place into an ovenproof dish).
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
9. Cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese crumb starts to golden. Serve.

If you are looking to impress your family and friends, give them a taste of Kaluga Caviar. It tastes just the same as Beluga Caviar but it is more affordable.

***Recipe and Image was borrowed from Merchant Gourmet

WW – Heavenly Desserts

Red Velvet Cupcake

For this recipe you will need:

•     2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•     1 1/2 cups sugar
•     1 teaspoon baking soda
•     1 teaspoon salt
•     1 teaspoon cocoa powder
•     1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
•     1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
•     2 large eggs, room temperature
•     2 tablespoons red food coloring
•     1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
•     1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

•     1 pound cream cheese, softened
•     2 sticks butter, softened
•     1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•     4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
•     Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
3. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
4. For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
6. Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

*** Recipe was taken from foodnetwork.com

Collectors’ Convention

My husband is an avid collector of just about anything. He’s not into any specific collection like others are. He collects toys, military memorabilia and even caps. He also collects lighters and matches. The list is long.

During the convention, there were several military surplus auctions that were held. One collector had military surplus rifles for sale. I think a film outfit was the one who bought the lot. There were uniforms that were auctioned off, as well as an armored personnel carrier. I thought the convention would bore me. But with the many interesting items on sale and display. I really had a great time. I was surprised to see so many women collectors at the convention. I was able to talk to some of them.

There were vehicles on display at the rear of the convention center. Kids and adults alike were allowed to sit in them. There were a few tanks and armored vehicles. Perfectly restored jeeps were aplenty. I never knew they had so many versions of it. The marines had a booth and so did the army. A few men and women were there to sign up. There so many books on sale and my husband bought some. Maybe I could join conventions like this. I also collect stuff. Perhaps I can sell coins and stamps. This gave me a very good idea.

Honeymoon Cruise

My cousin and her husband went on a European cruise for their honeymoon. The cruise ship is one of the most luxurious ships around. Her husband did not scrimp on their trip. He really went all out and got one of more expensive cabins. The pictures and videos they sent back shows how luxurious their suite was.

The bathroom rivals the bathrooms of a five star hotel. The fixtures are all in gold. It even had a jacuzzi. The bedroom is equally grand. it had a king size bed with a luxury bedding

They wined and dined in class. The ship’s captain even hosted them for dinner. Only a few and very important guests are extended this privilege. Every night was a party with different themes. They even had a gala ball. Everyone came in their finest. Good thing they brought formal clothes. They visited several ports and they shopped till they dropped. It truly was a fairytale honeymoon. My cousin deserves no less and her husband made it happen. She’s three months on the way. The honeymoon was a complete success.