So, it’s safe to say there’s virtually nothing a Dutch oven can’t do!

Their key selling point is arguably their versatility, which allows them to be used both on top of and inside your cooker. So, if you’re in the market and are wondering what the best Dutch ovens in the UK are, all will be revealed…

Dutch Ovens vs Casserole Dishes – What’s the Difference?

Simply put, the difference between a Dutch oven and a casserole is that a Dutch oven is the more versatile of the two. A casserole dish is designed to go in the oven, and that’s it.

But a Dutch oven can go both inside the cooker and on top of the hob, making it ideal for cooking many different foods.

Read out guide to the differences between Dutch ovens and casserole dishes for more detail.

The History of the Dutch Oven

The Dutch oven was popularised by an Englishman named Abraham Darby in the 1800s. Darby travelled to the Netherlands to study metalsmith practices, particularly on the subject of brass.

The Dutch methods of crafting gave him the idea of the Dutch oven, but instead of using brass, he used cast iron, which was a cheaper material.

Traditionally, Dutch ovens would have had three little legs, as well as a handle that allowed them to be dangled over a fire.

Dutch ovens haven’t dwindled in popularity, due to their renowned versatility and that they are useful for outdoor activities, such as camping.

What Are Dutch Ovens Made From?

As we mentioned above, traditionally Dutch ovens were made from cast iron, which is still a popular material for cooking, owing to its robust nature, its ability to draw heat very quickly, its longevity, and that it’s a budget-friendly metal.

Most Dutch ovens nowadays are still made from cast iron, but many are coated in enamel, which makes them much easier to clean. They also do not need to be seasoned because no food will come in direct contact with the cast iron.

You can also get Dutch ovens in other materials, including stainless steel. Traditionally, Dutch ovens didn’t contain an enamel coating. To be technical, an enamel-coated cooking pot is actually called a French oven, otherwise known as cocotte.

Dutch Oven FAQs

Can you put a Dutch oven in the dishwasher?

If your Dutch oven has an enamel coating, you can usually clean it in the dishwasher. If it is pure cast iron, it shouldn’t come into contact with water, and should be regularly seasoned.

What should you look for when buying a Dutch oven?

Consider the size you require. If you cook for many mouths, it is wise to choose a Dutch oven that has a capacity of over five litres.

Material-wise, that is really down to personal preference. Buying one with an enamel coating will be easier to clean (and won’t require seasoning). However, enamel is prone to chipping, so in terms of longevity, a pure cast iron one will probably outlive you.

Are Dutch ovens non-stick?

Technically, no. Dutch ovens (enamelled or otherwise) do not contain non-stick chemicals, such as Teflon). However, if well-maintained, and if food isn’t cooked on too high a temperature, your Dutch oven’s enamel coating should act as non-stick, and should be easy to keep clean.

How do you avoid damaging a Dutch oven?

• Cooking on extreme heat – Dutch ovens are designed for slow cooking, and to retain heat, so going OTT with your temperature dials will burn your food/cause it to mould to the sides of the pan.
• Metal utensils – This is particularly important with most enamel-coated Dutch ovens. Metal utensils are notorious for chipping coatings, and will effectively shorten the lifespan of your Dutch oven.
• Being austere with oil or butter, or not using it at all – As mentioned earlier, Dutch ovens aren’t technically non-stick, so they will require cooking lubricants.

Conclusion

Dutch ovens are a great addition to any kitchen, based on their versatility alone. They’re also beneficial to those who enjoy outdoor adventuring, such as camping and hiking.

While they often look identical to casserole dishes, they exceed the basic casserole dish because they can be used both on top of your stove and inside the oven.

Many Dutch ovens nowadays are still made of cast iron, but often come with an enamel coating, making them easy to clean and not in need of seasoning.

But if you’re still stuck on which option to go with, allow us to lend our expertise. Here at Chef’s Pick, we love the Lodge EC6D32 enamelled Dutch oven. It is reasonably-priced, robust, and those colours are pretty funky!

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best Dutch Ovens (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Countertop ovens are the versatile, smart big sister of the microwave, allowing you to cook everything from steak to pizzas to baked goods, such as bread.

So, if you’re wondering what the best countertop mini ovens in the UK, allow us to indulge you…

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Countertop Oven

Really, there isn’t a massive difference between one product or another, so things to consider would be the space available in your kitchen and what your budget is.

If you don’t have a stove in your kitchen, buying a countertop oven with a hotplate feature might be wise, but be mindful that you may not be able to use both the stove and oven capacity at the same time, which can be a huge inconvenience when preparing a meal.

While online reviews are subjective and can often be party to other factors that may not have been mentioned (such as general care and maintenance of the product), it can be wise to go with a product where the reviews are mostly favourable.

Countertop Oven vs Microwave: What’s the Difference?

Microwaves are designed to apply heat to food very quickly by heating the moisture within the food to cook it from the inside out. Therefore, dry foods aren’t advised to cook in the microwave.

While microwaves have their uses, they’re not designed to rely solely on for cooking whole meals.

This is where having a countertop oven will benefit you. You’ll have almost all the benefits an oven provides, but for less space and less energy-use.

How Long Do Countertop Ovens Last?

This will likely vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but also the care provided for the item determines its longevity. Poorly-cared-for products tend to have a shorter lifespan.

If well looked after, your countertop oven should last between 15-20 years. You will need to regularly and properly clean your oven, making sure the fan doesn’t get clogged with grease or food matter.

Where Is the Best Place to Put My Countertop Oven?

Space, of course, is the key issue here, but one of the useful things about countertop ovens is they provide ample choice of where they can be placed. Here are some of your possible options:

• Countertop
• Freestanding shelf
• Wall-mounted shelf
• Under cabinets

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Some of the best mini countertop ovens in the UK! Regardless of your kitchen space restrictions, you’re likely to find one just right for you.

Whether you require one with a hotplate, or just a basic oven function, there’s ample choices at your disposal.

If we had to choose just one mini oven to recommend, it would be the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven DT200UK. As the name suggests, it’s very versatile, with 10 different functions. It’s also energy efficient and can be a good alternative to buying a regular oven, though it is a pain to clean.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best Countertop Mini Ovens (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

With a blender, you can just chuck all those healthy ingredients in together and thirty seconds later – voila! You have the most delicious juices, smoothies, and purees at your disposal!

But if you want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs, but aren’t quite sure where to begin, allow us to indulge you…

This article outlines some of the most popular blender brands and breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the ideal one for your needs.

What to Look for When Purchasing a New Blender

As with looking into any product or service, scouring reviews on the Internet is always a good way to seek out a product in your price range that is sturdy, reliable, and will suit yours and your family’s needs.

If noise is a factor (and blenders have something of a reputation for being on the loud side!), then perusing reviews and finding a product that has been stated to be quiet will likely steer you in the right direction.

It is also worth taking your personal circumstances into consideration. For example, any physical issues that may require using an item that is ergonomic, lightweight, and easier to use.

As with all electrical appliances, it is worth finding one that comes with a good guarantee period, and possibly even insurance to cover any potential issues farther down the line.

Blenders vs Food Processors – What’s the Difference?

Although food processors and blenders have a couple of similarities, the food processor aims to provide you with quick and precise food prep that would otherwise be done by hand or with a non-electronic utensil (both of which would take a lot longer and can be rather exhausting!), whereas blenders tend to come with the standard built-in blade (sometimes it is detachable) and that’s it.

The blender’s purpose is to liquify all that comes into contact with it, such as juices, smoothies, purees, dips, sauces, crushing ice, and cocktails – and that’s it. Food processors on the other hand can be used for slicing and dicing veg, among other things.

Other Things to Consider When Buying a Blender

Space

If counter space is something of an issue in your kitchen, then it’s worth looking out for one that isn’t bulky or takes up a lot of room. If it can be stored in a cupboard, great, but if cupboard space is also an issue, a blender that comes with more than one jug and/or multiple attachments is best avoided.

Speed settings

Depending on how often you plan on using your blender – as well as what you plan on using it for – it is wise to consider investing in a blender that comes with more than one speed setting.

Certain foods, such as homemade nut butters, can require a bit of oomph, so it is worth looking into a blender that gives you the option to whizz up more tougher foods without the risk of overheating or damaging the blade.

Blender jug material

Blender jugs typically tend to come in either glass or plastic. Plastic is lighter (and safer if you’re a clumsy cook prone to dropping!), but it is notorious for absorbing odours, and will get scratched over time. Glass jugs are typically sturdier, but can be less lightweight (especially when full).

If either of those factors are an issue, you can (for a higher cost) invest in high-quality plastics, such as BPA-free Tritan, which is extra strong and light to handle. It looks like glass, therefore it offers the best of both worlds.

Dishwasher-safe components

Some blenders have dishwasher-friendly parts; some don’t. Washing heavily-staining sauces or smoothies out of blender jugs can be laborious, so if cleaning isn’t your vibe, purchasing a blender where all the detachable parts can go in the dishwasher is likely the best option for you.

Size & capacity

The capacity of your blender is an important focus – especially if you have more than one mouth to feed! One size doesn’t fit all in this case, so here is a brief guide to capacity considerations:

• Standard size: Most standard countertop blender containers hold circa 48-72 oz of liquid, meaning you’ll be able to prepare drinks for as many as nine people.
• High-performance: These tend to be bigger and more powerful. Some high-performance blenders can hold up to 145 ounces, so it can be useful for bigger, busy families.
• Individual servings: Personal blenders hold just 8 -20 ounces, so they can be useful if you’re the only one planning on using the blender.

Conclusion

Blenders are a really great attribute to any kitchen and take so much hassle out of the food prep process, but as with most modern products, there are always so many options to choose from and it’s hard to know which one will suit your needs best.

Here at Chef’s Pick, however, we know what we like and in the case of blenders, it’s the Ninja Nutri Slim Blender and Smoothie Maker that reigns supreme over all its competitors! Its strength, sturdiness, and agility make it our number-one choice, without a doubt.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best Blenders (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

This article goes through some of the best 80 cm induction hobs in the UK, covering their best features, any complaints from current users that may be worth bearing in mind, as well as prices that are suitable for different budgets.

Whatever you’re looking for with your induction hob, we will get you well on your way.

New to Induction Hobs?

If you’re new to the wonderful world of induction, here are some pointers to make your purchasing journey easier:

• Be careful if you have a pacemaker – Avoid buying an induction hob if you or someone you live with has a pacemaker. The ferromagnetic plates inside the top may interfere with a pacemaker’s settings.
• Make sure you have induction-compatible cookware – You will need to make sure your current pans are induction-friendly (see below for more information). If your current ones aren’t, you will need to kit yourself with a new set that will work on your induction hob.
• Induction is fast! – Induction is much faster at bringing heat to your pans, so your hob shouldn’t be treated as though it works the same as a gas or standard electric cooker. Many induction newbies may experience a few over-flowing liquid experiences in the initial period of owning the hob!
• Induction hobs sometimes buzz – They occasionally make buzzing and humming noises; and some are noisier than others. This is normal, but it can be irritating and disconcerting at first.

What Pans Can You Use on Induction?

As we stated earlier, not every pan on the face of the planet (or in your kitchen) will work on induction, which can be a nuisance, and may mean a trip to your nearest hardware store or supermarket may be in order.

So, if this is the case, here’s what will work:

• Cast iron
• Steel or enamelled steel
• Stainless steel with a magnetic base or core
• Aluminium and copper with a magnetic base

Pans that won’t work:

• Copper
• Glass / Pyrex
• Ceramic
• Aluminium

However, sometimes the pans listed above have a stainless-steel base, which allows them to work on induction. For example, you can get induction-compatible copper pans with a stainless-steel bottom.

How Does Induction Work?

While induction hobs are electrically powered, they work very differently from standard electric cookers.

An induction hob heats up by passing an electric current through its copper coils and into the pan. If a magnetised pan is then placed on the hob, the magnetic field will generate heat. Unlike other hob tops, it’s the pan and not the cooktop that gets hot.

Can I Install the Hob Myself?

If you purchase an induction hob, you will need a professional to install it for you. Depending on the retailer you purchase your induction hob from, this may be included within the purchase.

However, it is wise not to assume this, and to check whether they will send an engineer or whether you’ll need to organise/pay for this yourself.

Conclusion

So, we’ve shown you just some of the great 80 cm induction hobs that are currently on the market in the UK, but if you’re stumped at which to go for then allow us to offer our expert advice, we’re big fans of the Zanussi ZITN844K. It’s easy to use and easy to clean, and is generally very highly rated by users.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best 80 cm Induction Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

If you’re looking to splash out on a brand-new cooker to whip up some culinary crackers in your kitchen (and have your heart set on a gas cooker), but are a little stumped at where to begin, allow us to lend you our expertise!

This article looks at the best 60 cm gas cookers currently on the UK market. We’ll explore cookers from different brands and in different price ranges, and explain each particular cooker can do.

We’ll also look at some of the pain points of the cookers to give you an objective, unbiased insight to what you’ll be getting for your money.

Things to Consider When Buying a Gas Cooker

Product reviews

The beauty of the digital era is that every product or service advertised online is likely to have numerous “brutally honest” product reviews from previous consumers, so you can ensure a product’s reliability will have an unbiased account to it.

This can make the selection of your gas cooker easier. It will allow you to understand if the cooker is ideal for your cooking needs, as well as advice about product reliability and any other info regarding the supplier that may be applicable.

Space

Other top tips include ensuring there is at least 76 cm clearance space above where you intend to put your cooker to allow for a safe “hot zone” area. You will also need to make sure the measurements of your desired cooker are compatible with the space in your kitchen.

Installation

Most importantly, it is vital to ensure the cooker is safely and correctly installed to its gas connection, therefore you will need a gas-safe registered engineer to fit the cooker.

Gas vs. Electric Cookers

There are pros and cons to each, of course. For example, a gas cooker is often cheaper to run than an electric cooker, but they can be slower to heat up and more tedious to clean.

There is no definitive answer as to which is the best option. It is down to your particular kitchen and your own preferences within your cooking needs.

Conclusion

A gas cooker is a strong choice of equipment for any kitchen, and regardless of your budget, you’re likely to find one that is stylish, practical, and easy to maintain for your kitchen.

Gas cookers heat up quicker than electric ovens and can often be more energy-efficient, meaning the costs of cooking for yourself and your family doesn’t have to break the bank!

If it was down to us, however, we would choose the Stoves Sterling since it is very highly rated by users, has a stunning stainless-steel design and has a great range of features while being easy to clean.

However, it is quite pricey. If the Stoves Sterling is out of your price range, the Indesit ID67G0MCB/UK is a reliable choice.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best 60 cm Gas Cookers (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

What even is FlexInduction? And what does it actually do?

A FlexInduction hob is a cooktop made up of several cooking zones. You can use multiple pans at multiple temperatures per zone, or combine the two zones to fit large pans or program them to cook independently.

Simply put, it gives you flexibility and complete control and evenness with your cooking, whatever size pans you use, and it does so very quickly.

So, if that’s whetted your appetite a little, but you’re still unsure where to begin with finding the best FlexInduction hob, allow us to get you started…

What Is a FlexInduction Hob?

FlexInduction works the same way as standard induction—by drawing electromagnetic heat via copper coils underneath a glass top. As with gas or electric cooktops, regular induction tops generally have four ‘rings’ in which your pan should be placed.

FlexInduction, however, allows you to place a pan anywhere on the glass top ‘zones’ to draw heat, thus providing more space and flexibility with your cooking.

Like regular induction tops, FlexInduction also has four coils. However, they are unique to a traditional induction hob because they provide cooking ‘zones’ as opposed to typical cooking rings, thus generating more cooking space.

FlexInduction vs Standard Induction

Whether you opt for a standard induction hob or FlexInduction, you will likely be impressed with what your hob can do.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your domestic kitchen from a standard induction hob to a FlexInduction, there are things to consider.

While FlexInduction certainly is a powerful asset to any kitchen, it might not be necessary. It fully depends on your cooking needs and living situation.

The benefits of FlexInduction

FlexInduction will suit commercial kitchens and households with large numbers of mouths to feed because you can cook with multiple pans, and at different temperatures.

It is also a great way to gently warm foods/maintain heat after cooking. It is also a useful attribute to those who host dinner parties regularly.

Another impressive factor is that your FlexInduction can estimate the size of a pan, meaning it will heat that area only, as opposed to the entire hob or heat zone. This saves on both electricity and will prevent your kitchen from getting hot.

As with standard Induction, FlexInduction is also extremely energy-efficient; meaning you can cook to your heart’s delight without needing to brace yourself for a hefty gas or electricity bill.

Due to their glass top nature, quick cooling methods, and lack of gas, Induction and FlexInduction are the safest ways of cooking. They’re designed to eliminate the possibility of a potential gas leak or burns to yourself or your loved ones.

As with a standard Induction unit, FlexInduction is also extremely easy to keep clean.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a FlexInduction Hob

The benefits of owning FlexInduction are many, but there may be a few key factors to bear in mind when shopping for a FlexInduction hob.

• They aren’t suitable for people who have a pacemaker.
• You will need to make sure your pans are compatible with your induction hob. Not all pan bases ignite the ions that conduct heat from the induction plates.
• They are much faster at bringing heat to your pans, so they shouldn’t be treated as though they work the same as a gas or standard electric cooker.
• They occasionally make buzzing and humming noises. This is normal, but it can be annoying and disconcerting at first.

What Pans Can You Use on a FlexInduction Hob?

Any given pan you have knocking about in your cupboard may not work on your swanky new induction hob.

This is because induction requires an electrical current that is triggered by ferromagnetic metal making contact with it.

So be prepared for the possibility of needing to kit yourself out with a new set of pans if you invest in a FlexInduction hob. The pans that will work are:

• Cast iron
• Steel or enamelled steel
• Stainless steel with a magnetic base or core
• Aluminium and copper with a magnetic base

Most modern pan packaging will state whether the products will work on induction, but if you’re ever in doubt, double-check with the manufacturer.

Can You Use an Induction Hob if You Have a Pacemaker?

According to the BHF (British Heart Foundation), it isn’t entirely safe for a person with a pacemaker to come within two feet of an induction hob.

This is because the electromagnetic field that’s generated when an induction hob is being used may interfere with pacemaker settings.

However, because there are numerous different types of pacemakers. Some may be fine with an induction hob, but it is worth double-checking with both your physician and the induction manufacturer to make sure.

Can You Install an Induction Hob Yourself?

No. You will need a professional to do this for you. Depending on the retailer you purchase your induction hob from, this may be included within the purchase.

However, it is wise not to assume this and check whether they will send an engineer or whether you’ll need to organise this yourself.

Conclusion

So, regardless of which induction manufacturer you go with (and what price you pay), you can guarantee your FlexInduction hob will ensure dinner times are made much quicker, your energy bills will be reduced, and your kitchen will be a safer environment, particularly if you have children.

No product is perfect, and despite induction hobs being modern and high-tech, they come with various niggles, regardless of the brand. They also take some getting used to; particularly if you’ve never used one before and you’re used to gas or standard electric cookers.

It can be a shock to the system how quickly they heat pans, and pans filled with liquids prone to expanding (such as milk and cream) may find you may have one or two messy incidents with the liquid overflowing.

But which FlexInduction hob is best? Well. That’s down to you and your individual needs, of course. However, since you asked for our professional advice, here’s what we think.

We LOVE the NEFF N70 T58FD20X0 80cm Induction Hob. It is superior predominantly because it has five heat zones (as opposed to the typical four which most induction hobs come with). It is also very easy to keep clean, and it looks darn chic inside your kitchen!

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best FlexInduction Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Deeper and often more robust than the average frying pan, the sauté pan retains its heat in the bottom, allowing you to steam, deep-fry, sear and poach your food easily, safely, and with minimal spitting!

Available in many different shapes and sizes, the sauté pan sometimes comes with two handles, and with or without an accompanying lid. And in case you’re not already in the know, they can often be used inside your oven!

But where to begin finding the best sauté pan that can go in the oven that is ideal for all your cooking requirements? Allow us to help…

What to Look for When Buying a Sauté Pan

Modern sauté pans are often a brilliant addition to any kitchen because they are versatile, therefore, they can be used for various different functions.

However, to ensure you’re buying one that will serve you well, make sure you invest in one that is made from heavy gauge material and that the bottom of the pan is thick; this will ensure it won’t be prone to warping and creating large ‘hot spots’ across the surface.

Your pan of choice often depends on your personal needs. For example, the size and capacity will depend on what you use the pan for (and how many mouths you have to feed).

If you have issues with more heavyweight pans (such as arthritis), it is worth investing in a lightweight pan.

Those not concerned with avoiding cooking oils can benefit from a more traditional sauté pan, such as cast iron.

Non-Stick vs. Cast Iron

Both have their benefits, and both have their staunch devotees. Non-stick pans are generally more practical, but because their coating often contains chemicals (and can be prone to flaking), a cast iron pan (if properly maintained) will undoubtedly last you your lifetime.

Conclusion

Cooking has never been easier. Non-stick? Yup. Dishwasher-friendly? Got you covered. Something that looks good enough to forsake a plate and just eat out the pan? Take your pick.

But which is worth the investment? Which one will tick all the boxes and serve you well?

In our professional opinion, the Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel 24cm Sauté Pan is likely to be your best bet. Yes, it’s a little more costly than the others, but you will get your money’s worth… and then some.

Le Creuset is one of the most robust and reliable brands on the market. This pan is also an ideal size (not too lofty or bulky) and will ensure all your cooking tasks are easy, mess-free, and a general pleasure!

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Best Sauté Pans That Can Go in the Oven (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

But if you’ve got some leftover liver and you’re wondering whether it’s safe to reheat it, Let’s find out…

Reheating Liver – Yes or No?

The good news is, yes, it’s absolutely fine to reheat liver. But you need to be mindful of a few things to ensure it’s safe to eat, and that you won’t risk sacrificing the well-known liver texture into an unpleasant chewy mess. Here’s how to go about reheating liver.

How to Reheat Leftover Liver

First things first. The chances of you reheating your leftover liver and fully retaining its original texture is rather remote. That’s liver for you.

So, don’t be disheartened if it isn’t as delicious as it was the first time around. Other things to bear in mind when reheating liver:

1. Always cook it on a low-medium heat.
2. Use plenty of oil to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
3. Use a lid or cover to prevent moisture escaping.
4. If you find the perimeter of the liver is dried from cooking, trim around it. The main capacity should still be tender and moist, providing you’ve used enough oil, and haven’t overcooked it.

Reheating Liver in the Oven

As mentioned above, use a protective cover for the dish and use plenty of fluid to keep the meat moist. Tin foil will work fine.

Pre-heat your oven and place the dish inside on a low temperature (175 degrees Celsius is a good recommendation), and cook the liver for up to ten minutes.

Remove it and use a temperature probe to ensure it’s fully-heated and safe to eat. If not, aim for a few more minutes and regularly check the temperature.

Bear in mind, it won’t take long for the liver to overheat and dry out.

Reheating Liver in the Microwave

If you’re wondering whether it’s okay to reheat liver in the microwave, the answer is yes. This method will certainly be quicker and easier than the oven option.

Microwaving liver is actually better because microwaves will not allow moisture to escape, so you’re less likely to dry out the meat.

As with the oven, make sure your microwave temperature is low-medium. Using a little cooking fluid is also recommended though.

Heat your liver in short bursts to ensure you don’t overcook it. Again, use a temperature probe to ensure it’s fully cooked in the centre/thickest parts of the liver.

Can You Eat Raw Liver?

Technically, yes, most people can eat raw liver with no problems, but there are a few things to take into consideration first:

Eating raw liver (or raw red meat and fish in general) may contain bacteria and parasites. Cooking the liver will ensure that these are destroyed, so this is recommended if you’re concerned about safety.

It is wise to go as organic as you possibly can when purchasing liver to ensure you’re not consuming steroids and other chemicals built up in the liver from non-organically raised animals.

People with certain health conditions or compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw liver.

Always eat raw liver when it’s fresh. Wash the liver as well to remove external bacteria or chemicals.

Make sure the liver is sourced from a reputable retailer and has been prepared, stored, and wrapped properly.

Can You Freeze Cooked Liver?

Yes, it’s absolutely fine to freeze cooked liver for a period of up to three months. Always make sure it’s wrapped in air-tight wrapping to avoid any air bubbles being exposed to the meat, and to avoid freezer-burn. Once thawing, only reheat cooked liver once.

The Bottom Line

It’s absolutely fine to reheat liver, as long as you are mindful or not overheating it, and making sure it’s fully cooked.

The microwave is one of the best methods for doing this, as it will help keep moisture locked into the meat and prevent it from drying out. It isn’t recommended, however, to cook raw liver in the microwave.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Can You Reheat Liver? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

But what about our go-to sugary pancake condiment? This article answers the question, does treacle ever go off?

What Is Treacle?

Treacle is a sweet syrup that derives from the sugar refining process. The most common version is golden syrup (which many of us love to use on pancakes, or in hot sponge desserts), but there are darker, more bitter versions, such as black treacle and molasses. Treacle’s main component is sugar.

How Long Does Treacle Last?

Black treacle

Tins and bottles of black treacle will come with both an expiry date and a warning that says, “Dispose of upon expiry”, which suggests that despite being considered a long-life product, it does indeed go off. This is if the product isn’t opened.

Once opened, black treacle should be stored in a cool, dry area and consumed within three months. The treacle itself should be properly sealed to avoid exposure to airborne bacteria.

Golden syrup (light treacle)

As with black treacle, golden syrup has a long life, but it will also have an expiry date, and it’s likely that at some point, it’ll eventually be unwise to consume.

Unopened golden syrup will last many years (with some food industry workers claiming it’ll never go off) if it is stored and sealed properly.

Once opened, most chefs and environmental health workers will recommend that it should be consumed within the aforementioned three-month timeframe.

Molasses

Molasses originates from, and is typically used in the warmer regions of the Americas, therefore its storing and maintaining methods may vary from traditional English treacle syrups.

It is recommended that molasses should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location. If stored correctly, it will then last for up to one year.

Heat and humidity are the biggest threats to molasses; both can cause bacteria to grow into mould.

Can You Keep Treacle in the Fridge?

You can, but it isn’t the best place, as it will cause the treacle to turn hard and unmanageable when you come to use it. This goes for opened or unopened black or golden treacle.

If you live in a hot climate, however, and your cupboard space or pantry becomes overheated, treacle can be placed in the fridge to preserve its longevity/stop it from becoming runny or inconsistent in texture.

Molasses can be kept in the fridge, but again, it isn’t mandatory.

What Is the Difference Between Black Treacle & Molasses?

Many people wonder if molasses and black treacle are the same. The answer is no – black treacle and molasses are different. They have similarities, but molasses is darker and more opaque than black treacle. The taste is also stronger and much more bitter. Molasses is often used as a natural preservative and a binding agent, without being too sweet.

Is Treacle Vegan?

Yes, vegans can consume all types of treacle, as they do not contain any animal components. It can often be a good sweetening alternative to honey.

Conclusion

There are many schools of thought on the subject of whether treacle goes off or not. Most products have a sell-by date on its packaging, and it’s up to the consumer’s discretion whether to adhere to it or not.

Treacle lasts a long time, but if it isn’t stored properly, it can be at risk to moisture, airborne bacteria, and flies, making it unwise to eat.

To avoid this, store your treacle in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry), and make sure it is concealed properly upon opening and no treacle remnants are exposed around the rim of the lid or external packaging.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Does Treacle Ever Go Off? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Some of us are just keen experimentalists! This article asks whether you can use lasagne sauce for pasta.

Using Lasagne Sauce for Other Pasta Dishes

Can you use lasagne sauce for other pasta dishes? The short answer is yes. Absolutely. Lasagne is pasta, and pasta sauces lend ample flexibility to playing around with other dishes.

This applies whether your lasagne sauce is store-bought (in a jar or as a dry mix), or homemade.

The purpose of the sauce within a pasta dish is to add flavour and moisture and/or to help gently bind the ingredients when baking.

So, if you’re hoping to make an al forno dish or carbonara dish with lasagne sauce… go for it.

What Is in Lasagne Sauce?

Lasagne’s trademark white sauce is comprised of your typical béchamel sauce, which is butter, flour and milk. Cheese of choice is optional too.

Béchamel is very easy to make, and often works out cheaper (and more delicious) than buying a store-bought ready-made lasagne sauce.

Because this sauce is so versatile (particularly with pasta-based dishes), it can be ideal for many types of pasta dishes.

How to Make a Béchamel Sauce

A béchamel sauce for lasagne is very quick and easy to make:

1. Gently melt your butter in a saucepan. Stir in equal amounts of flour, and cook the mixture for just under a minute on a medium-high temperature.
2. Stir in your milk (a little at a time) and continue stirring well to ensure no floury lumps.
3. Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring constantly (this is important), so that the mixture thickens and turns into a roux. Boil for a couple of minutes, still stirring constantly.
4. If you want to add a nice Italian cheese, grate it down finely and add it to the mix at the same time you take it off the heat – and keep stirring. The secret to a great lasagne sauce: Stir, stir, stir!
5. Season to taste.

Is Lasagne Sauce Vegan?

A traditional lasagne or cheese sauce is not vegan, as it contains butter, milk, and cheese (optional).

However, because there are plant-based versions of these ingredients, a vegan lasagne sauce is possible to make. Please note, the texture and consistency may differ from the original.

Conclusion

A lasagne sauce is simply a traditional béchamel sauce made of melted butter, milk and flour, so it can lend itself to many dishes that require a sauce.

It is important to note, however, that béchamel sauce is typically rather bland, so if you’re looking to substitute it for another pasta dish, you may find you need plenty of garlic, seasoning, and other ingredients to give the dish some flavour.

Béchamel sauces are very quick and easy to make, and often work out cheaper making from scratch at home than buying a store-bought sauce or dry mix.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

The post Can You Use Lasagne Sauce for Pasta? appeared first on Chef's Pick.