Bacon-Wrapped Potato Croquettes Recipe

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Category: Food & Drink

Created on Thursday, 20 August 2015 08:50

Written by Northern Living

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Croquettes

Croquettes are the perfect appetizer to serve at a party or family function where you want to make something that shows the appetizers weren ‘t just an afterthought, or worse bought in! You can easily make a regular batch and a vegetarian batch by omitting the bacon, if you have vegetarian guests.

Ingredients:-

Quantities to server 4 as an  appetizer / starter

1 pound mashed potatoes (about 3 cups)

10-12 slices bacon or prosciutto

8 oz. cabbage, shredded

3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

all-purpose flour, for dredging

vegetable oil, for frying

Crushed black pepper

Method:-

(1) Fill a small pan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a boil.

(2) Boil shredded cabbage for 15-16 minutes, or until tender.

(3) Drain water and pat dry with paper towels or cook over low heat to reduce moisture.

(4) In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes with drained cabbage.

(5) Add in egg and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Then add cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

(6) Divide potato cabbage mixture into even sections, form into patties and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

(7) Set up a shallow bowl with enough flour to thoroughly coat all the croquettes and heat 1/2-1 inch of oil in a deep pan until it reaches 160 F.

(8) Dredge all croquettes in flour, making sure to coat them completely. Then wrap a slice of bacon around each one and attach with wooden toothpicks or cocktail sticks.

(9) Carefully slide the croquettes into the hot oil, leaving enough space so they don't touch.

(10) Cook each side for about 3 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown and cooked through.

(11) Move croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate and let drain. 

(12) Remove toothpicks. 

(13) Sprinkle with crushed black pepper.

Blackberry Liqueur Recipe

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Category: Food & Drink

Created on Tuesday, 18 August 2015 06:41

Written by Northern Living

Despite the changeable weather this summer the early blackberries are read. As we've had quite a bit of rain recently they are plump and sweet, but may not keep very well as soft fruit. So here is a recipe you might enjoy later in the year if you have a glut at the moment...

Ingredients:-

750ml vodka. A generic brand will be fine, but decent quality

450g fresh blackberries

600g caster sugar

250ml water

Method:-

(1) Add the sugar and water to a pan and heat slowly until all the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature

(2) Now pour the vodka into a large, clean glass container or decanter. Add the sugar syrup and the blackberries, taking care not to crush the berries. Cover with cling film and leave to infuse for at least 2 weeks. You can give it a stir every couple of days, but don't be too violent and crush the fruit.

(3) After 2 weeks, strain the drink through a fine muslin or cloth into bottles - 1 large or a couple of small. Resist the temptation to drink it right away, but leave it to sit for another couple of weeks.

 Makes approx 1 litre.

Sunday Lunch from around the world - South African Bobotie

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Category: Food & Drink

Created on Sunday, 16 August 2015 09:25

Written by Northern Living

Ingredients:-

500 g beef, minced

2 eggs

2 slices stale white bread with the crusts removed

water

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons cooking oil

2 tablespoons hot water

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons curry powder

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon crushed garlic

1 teaspoon turmeric

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Topping

1 egg, lightly beaten

1⁄2 cup milk

Bay leaves

Method:-

(1) Pre heat oven to 160°C.

(2) Soak bread in water for around 10 minutes, remove and squeeze excess water and tear into small pieces.

(3) Add 2 eggs to a large bowl and whisk. Add mince and mix to combine. Set aside.

(4) In a large frying pan, heat oil and fry onion until golden in colour.

(5) Add onion mixture to mince along with crumbled bread, hot water, sugar, lemon juice, curry powder, cloves, garlic, turmeric and salt. Mix to combine all ingredients.

(6) Spoon mixture into a greased, oven proof dish and cook in oven uncovered for 40 minutes, remove from oven.

(7) Combine topping ingredients and pour over bobotie. Place back in oven and cook for another 10 minutes. Or until topping is set.

Anybody for Bacon Jam?

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Category: Food & Drink

Created on Friday, 14 August 2015 19:14

Written by Northern Living

Bacon Jam – There are some recipes / dishes / condiments who's names belie their potential. Take Bacon Jam for example. Initially this concoction sounds hideous, but in actual fact look at the ingredients read the recipe and give it a go and you'll be thoroughly surprised – in a good way!

Ingredients:-

1 lb. thick cut bacon

2 extra large sweet onions, quartered and thickly sliced

½ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup strong coffee

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Method:-

(1) Cut the bacon into half inch slices and add to a large frying pan. Don't worry if the bacon pieces stick together, they will come apart as they cook. Cook over medium high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bacon is cooked but still quite chewy. A few crispy bit are ok.

(2) Using a slotted spoon remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.

(3) Add the onions to the pan and cook for about 8-10 minutes then reduce the heat to low. Add sugar and stir. Continue to cook until the onions have caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add the coffee, ½ cup of water and the reserved bacon and continue to cook, stirring about every five minutes, until the onions are thick and jam like, about 30 minutes.

(4) Remove from heat and stir through the balsamic. Taste for seasoning and salt if necessary.

Use immediately or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring back to room temperature before serving.