By Harriet Hodgson
The directions for using my new electric pizzelle maker were simple: plug it in, drop batter, cook a few seconds, and remove the cookies. But as I discovered, several variables are hidden in these directions. Like making waffles, my first batch of cookies were so-so.
The cookie batter can be combined with an electric mixer or whisk. It is a very "short" batter, which means high in fat. You may use melted butter or vegetable oil for the fat. Adding baking powder is also a personal choice. I watched a video about mixing batter. It had no baking powder and the flour was added gradually, to form a thin batter.
I followed the recipe that came with the grill for my first batch of cookies. They had baking powder in them and were thicker than expected. To make the cookies more distinctive, I added nutmeg. The second batch was an adaptation of an orange cookie recipe in the newspaper. Instead or orange extract, I added lemon extract and lzest. The cookies were delicious and led to a cookie quest.
Could I bake perfect pizzelles? With experience, I realized there were essential steps to take. These steps, which apply to an electric grill, produce beautiful cookies.
1. Baking powder decision. Want cookies for ice cream sandwiches? Add baking powder. Want thin cookies to go with fruit? Leave the baking powder out.
2. Milk or no milk? Most of the recipes I have found do not contain milk. But the Big City, Little Kitchen website has a recipe that includes baking power and milk. The result is extra crispy cookies.
3. Preheat the grill. My grill has a green light that turns on when it reaches baking temperature.
4. Don't oil the grill. Many grill makers say you should oil the grill plates or brush them with butter. I don't do this. The non-stick coating works well and the batter is already loaded with butter.
5. Set temperature. After experimenting with several settings, I chose number three. It gives me a few extra seconds to get to the grill, open it, and remove the light brown cookies.
6. Measure carefully. I have tried a measuring spoon and a tablespoon. While both worked, I think a small scoop will work better.
7. Position batter. According to the Mangia Bene Pasta website, putting the batter a bit behind the center of the pattern creates rounder cookies. "This is because, as you cose the baker, the batter squeezes forward slightly."
8. Remove gently. Using a plastic or wooden spatula will prevent grill scratches. Remove the cookies gently and cool on waxed paper or parchment.
9. Trim with scissors. In a perfect world, every cookie would be a perfect circle. They are not. But you can cut off the raggedy edges with scissors.
10. Store properly. Pizzelles absorb moisture easily, so store them in an air-tight tin. If the cookies get moist, warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Finally, I hope you will experiment. This batter is very forgiving. Try adding ground almonds and almond extract, or chocolate powder, or cinnamon. Let your imagination be your guide.
Copyright 2009 by Harriet Hodgson
http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journlist for decades. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of Health Care Journalists, and Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from Amazon.
Centering Corporation has published her 26th book, "Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life" and a companion journal with 100 writing prompts. Please visit Harriet's website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_Hodgson
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Choosing a Waffle Maker - What You Should Know
By Andrew Emerson
What is a Waffle Maker?
A waffle maker (or waffle iron) is a cooking appliance which is used to make waffles. The appliance usually consists of two non-stick coated metal plates, which have a honeycomb design on them. The plates are heated and a batter mix is poured between them. The plates are then closed and the waffle bakes in a matter of minutes.
What to look for when buying a Waffle Maker
The first thing you should consider is the amount of space you have available. Some designs can be quite large in size, and if you only have a limited amount of space in your kitchen it is suggested you steer away from these. Some models have retractable cords, whilst others can be stored in an upright position - both of these will save you storage space.
You may also wish to consider the design of the machine. Many different colours and styles are available. You may be prefer a modern, stainless steel waffle maker to go with the contemporary look of your kitchen, or perhaps you will stick with the traditional white colour to match your other appliances.
You should then think about what you require from the waffle maker. Some machines simply make waffles, whilst others are also a toasted sandwich maker or pizzelle maker.
The next thing to consider when choosing a waffle maker is what shape and size you want your waffles to be. Some produce regular square waffles, whilst others cut 'fingers', which are ideal for dipping. Some waffle makers produce thick, chunky waffles, whilst others make thin slices. There are plenty of options on this front - shop around and see which type you would like.
Some of the more expensive waffle makers also have an LED display. This gives you readout of things like temperature, power on/off, time elapsed and time remaining. An LED display is well worth considering if you plan to use the waffle maker on a regular basis, as it will allow you to better gauge what you are producing, and then make adjustments accordingly for your next batch.
The amount and type of cooking settings is an important feature to think about when making your purchase. Most waffle makers will come with an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to decide how browned you would like your finished waffles to be. Some people prefer theirs well-cooked, whilst others prefer a paler waffle. This is a great feature if more than one person is going to be using the waffle maker, as each person can used their own preferred settings.
Overall, the best thing to do when purchasing a waffle maker is to shop around. Read online reviews and ask friends and family for feedback if they own a waffle maker. Assess your requirements and buy according to your needs and budget. If you do this you will be happier with your purchase, and soon been enjoying lots of delicious, home-made waffles!
UK author who is meeting a need for website reviews of the best kitchen and cooking equipment by publishing several sites including Smoothie Makers and Waffle Makers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Emerson
What is a Waffle Maker?
A waffle maker (or waffle iron) is a cooking appliance which is used to make waffles. The appliance usually consists of two non-stick coated metal plates, which have a honeycomb design on them. The plates are heated and a batter mix is poured between them. The plates are then closed and the waffle bakes in a matter of minutes.
What to look for when buying a Waffle Maker
The first thing you should consider is the amount of space you have available. Some designs can be quite large in size, and if you only have a limited amount of space in your kitchen it is suggested you steer away from these. Some models have retractable cords, whilst others can be stored in an upright position - both of these will save you storage space.
You may also wish to consider the design of the machine. Many different colours and styles are available. You may be prefer a modern, stainless steel waffle maker to go with the contemporary look of your kitchen, or perhaps you will stick with the traditional white colour to match your other appliances.
You should then think about what you require from the waffle maker. Some machines simply make waffles, whilst others are also a toasted sandwich maker or pizzelle maker.
The next thing to consider when choosing a waffle maker is what shape and size you want your waffles to be. Some produce regular square waffles, whilst others cut 'fingers', which are ideal for dipping. Some waffle makers produce thick, chunky waffles, whilst others make thin slices. There are plenty of options on this front - shop around and see which type you would like.
Some of the more expensive waffle makers also have an LED display. This gives you readout of things like temperature, power on/off, time elapsed and time remaining. An LED display is well worth considering if you plan to use the waffle maker on a regular basis, as it will allow you to better gauge what you are producing, and then make adjustments accordingly for your next batch.
The amount and type of cooking settings is an important feature to think about when making your purchase. Most waffle makers will come with an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to decide how browned you would like your finished waffles to be. Some people prefer theirs well-cooked, whilst others prefer a paler waffle. This is a great feature if more than one person is going to be using the waffle maker, as each person can used their own preferred settings.
Overall, the best thing to do when purchasing a waffle maker is to shop around. Read online reviews and ask friends and family for feedback if they own a waffle maker. Assess your requirements and buy according to your needs and budget. If you do this you will be happier with your purchase, and soon been enjoying lots of delicious, home-made waffles!
UK author who is meeting a need for website reviews of the best kitchen and cooking equipment by publishing several sites including Smoothie Makers and Waffle Makers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Emerson
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