Radically Retired

Tag: Homemade

  • Happiness Is … Achievement

    Happiness Is … Achievement

    After four years of learning and after making several hundred macarons, I came to a place where they were almost right.

    Through trial and error, I recently made a couple of tweaks to the process that solved everything.

    I was mixing my merengue too fast, and was stopping just short of correct macronage (mixing the merengue with the dry ingredients).

    My feature photo is of the batch I made with the technique adjustments.

    Macaron bakers are always in pursuit of four things: smooth shells, pretty feet, perfect texture (blend of slightly crispy shells and slightly chewy interior), and full shells (no hollows). Bingo! I got them all!

    After one day of maturing in fridge

    I’m completely happy with everything about these, and going forward, will apply what I’ve learned.

    As I’ve stated in previous posts, I have an ocd-ish personality. To finally get these right, frees up brain space to focus on something else.

    Hmmm … maybe my guitar?

  • Four Wins for the Win

    Four Wins for the Win

    Since returning home from Texas and after listening to rave reviews from my sister on Instant Pot Yogurt, I decided to finally give it a try.

    My sister has been making her own IP Yogurt for some time and says she prefers the flavour and texture to store bought.

    I’ve now made my second batch and to say I’m impressed is an understatement.

    From one gallon of skim milk, I get 10 cups of Greek Yogurt (the container with the red lid contains 2 cups). It’s fat free and preservative free, and has the creamy consistency of Fage.

    In addition, I’m saving the whey (in the jar on the left) from straining, to add to smoothies, soups, and baking.

    Not only is the taste and texture better than store bought:

    >The gallon (4 litre) jug of milk I use costs on average $6.50 Cdn ($4.72 USD)

    >The 10 cups (2500 mls) of Greek Yogurt that the recipe makes would cost, on average around $21 CDN ($15 USD)

    So, considering the no preservatives, the usefulness of the whey, the price point, and the better texture and flavour, the lengthy process is a win, win, win,win.

  • It’s That Day …

    It’s That Day …

    Happy 3.14 to all of the mathematicians out there!

    Pi day is the only day all year that I bake pies.

    Hubs likes homemade pie a wee bit too much, so I always wait until March 14 to bake a couple for him.

    This year, it’s homemade coconut cream from scratch.

    I predict that at least one of the three will be completely gone by morning.