Homemade hoisin sauce

Didn’t have any when needed, so thought I would see what the ingredients are and how difficult it was to make. Turns out very easy to make, and almost had the ingredients, but what I didn’t have, I had the substitutes for. It wasn’t quite the same taste, but it was still really nice, and after a bit of tinkering, I believe it will be better.

But here is the line up of ingredients.

4 tbsp Soy Sauce

2.5 tbsp Golden Syrup (should have been mollasses)

1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (should have been rice wine vinegar)

2 tpsp Light Olive Oil (should have been sesame oil)

2 tbsp peanut butter, I used crunchy, but some recipes called for smooth, which I might try next time

1 garlice clove minced, they said two, but were quite large so didn’t want to overdo it

3 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce (the recipe I read used Sriracha sauce)

1/4 tsp ground pepper – I just used black pepper

The recipes I read also use cornstartch and water, but I didn’t need it as it thickened up just fine on it’s own.

So, the method was, put in all in together and heat gently until it all combines and starts to thicken up. Took about 10 to 15 minutes, but you’ll just have to judge it yourself. It thickens further once cooled as well, and is sticky and sweet. Good first attempt I thought.

(c) K Wicks

Wood avens / St Benedicts Herb

While learning about what is edible and useful in the garden, I decided to try out the hidden and most important bit of this plant. The root. Its the pale stringy roots that have the oils, and flavour apparently. They say its like cloves, and after you dig up, wash and prepare them, you’ll know why. The clove like aroma started as soon as I had patted them dry. Quite nice actually. The process now is to dry and store for use, another for the herb cupboard.

(c) K Wicks