Fruit Compote

Something nice to have as an extra to yoghurt or ice-cream, or whatever you might like to add a bit of a fruity twist to. From left to right – raspberry, blueberry, passionfruit and the final one is fruits of the forest with blackberry, raspberry and blueberry.

(c) MKW Publishing

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

Homemade cherry jam ๐Ÿ’

I have found jam making. I tried once a few years ago to make a plum jam, it was far too solid and sweet, and was forgotten. Until I had some cherries a few days ago, which i miss when they aren’t in season. So figured, starting turning things into storable items for when they aren’t in season. And being honest I wasn’t content with just cherry, so more to follow ๐Ÿ˜

250g cherries

150g sugar

1 small lemon juiced

That’s it, just 3 ingredients and a short amount of time. Pit the cherries, cut up 3/4 of them, simmer in the lemon juice for 5-10 mins. Add the sugar, dissolve on low heat, then have at a rolling boil for 10 mins or so.

Then test, put a small blob on a plate in the fridge for 2 minutes, then check the consistency. That’s what I didn’t know to do years ago with the plum, which makes me one!

And from that, we get a small homemade jar of cherry jam ๐Ÿ˜‹ ๐Ÿ’

(c) K Wicks