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Freezer Reserve

Australian Meat Pies

By Denise Pare-Watson

Urb’n’Spice Freezer Reserve Series

Have you ever had an Australian Meat Pie?  If you haven’t, you are missing out on one of life’s great pleasures.  We had an opportunity to enjoy several traditional Australian Meat Pies at a ‘footy’ (Aussie Rules Football) while travelling in Australia. Joining the jovial and boisterous (and slightly intoxicated) crowd on the buses to the game was an experience we will never forget.

Aussie Hand Pies | urbnspice.com

Each and every footy fan (even the babies) donned vibrant scarves in the colours of their favourite teams.  The atmosphere was friendly and the excitement was infectious as fans chanted and waved their scarves wildly.

We typically see in North America hot-dog and taco chip vendors walking up and down the stadium steps. In Australia, the meat pie vendors troll the stadium steps at the footy games selling their pies. Australians eat over 270 million pies every year. That is a lot of pies considering their population is 24.3 million.

What exactly is an Australian Meat Pie?  Australian Meat Pies are made of well-seasoned meat packed into pastry shells. They are also commonly known as Aussie Meat Pies. These meat pies could be considered their national fast food.

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Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
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Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Baking Techniques, Casual Dining, Freezer Reserve Series, Main Dishes or Entree Options, My Recipes, Pastry, Pies and Tarts Tagged With: Appetizers, Baking, Freezer Reserve, Hand Pies, Lunch Dishes, Pastry, Pate Brisee, Small Plates, Snacks

National Cookie Day – A Cookie Story

By Denise Pare-Watson

Have you heard of National Cookie Day?  This is a happy day in the UrbnSpice kitchen. It could be National Cookie Day any day of the year, as far as my family is concerned.  Growing up, baking was something that happened frequently. My Mom would typically bake on Saturday morning – I was always a little shadow beside her in the kitchen, tucking myself into the crook of her elbow as she mixed, rolled and scooped dough. It is little wonder I became a pastry chef. Making cookies still gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling of baking with my Mom. Just as my Mom did, I welcomed my little ones into the kitchen.  Sharing this experience with my own daughters was such a joy to me. I see the same thing happening all over again with my grandchildren and their Momma – my heart just melts.

Chocolate and Oat Cookies with a Creamy Filling | urbnspice.com

Chocolate and Oat Cookies with a Creamy Filling

National Cookie Day – A Cookie Story

So, let’s talk about cookies. What do you think of when you hear the word cookie? Do you have food memories of sandy textured shortbread, or melty chocolate chip, or crispy meringues?  Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to their cookie favourite. Most folks are unable to bake on a whim, however. I can offer a few suggestions, tips and techniques that will make any day a cookie baking day for you and your family.

There are many ways to have cookies on hand for occasions when you just have to have a freshly baked cookie. I have dough in my freezer just for occasions like this – slice and bake varieties have endless possibilities, like this cookie dough shown below. The dough is separated into three different varieties: chocolate, strawberry and vanilla bean. It is just a matter of cutting strips to make Neapolitan or twisting the colours together into a cylinder, or just mushing them all together and come up with something different and interesting with every piece of dough.  But don’t stop there.

Cookie dough fun - three different cookie doughs formed into many varieties | urbnspice.com

Cookie dough fun – three different doughs formed into many varieties

Making a chocolate chip cookie dough ahead of time, for instance, use a scoop to portion all of the dough, roll them into balls, flatten just slightly, and place the nuggets close together on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, freeze the dough nuggets until firm, and label and store them in a zipper type plastic bag in the freezer until you are ready to bake them.

I worked at a private golf club where we would freeze the nuggets of dough, called “Toonie cookies”  for the menu. They were baked to order – hot and fresh to the customer’s table in 8 minutes. Before the busy Christmas season, we would stock up our cookie nugget inventory, literally making pails and pails of cookie nuggets.

Icebox cookies are also great make-ahead options. The flavour possibilities are endless and they are quick to mix together, roll into a cylinder to make a tiger cookie, wrap, label and freeze.  When you are ready to bake them, remove them from the freezer. They will be easy to slice from the frozen state into 1/4 inch slices and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Bake and enjoy.

Cookie Dough | urbnspice.com

Cookie Dough shaped into logs and stored in the refrigerator or freezer is very handy for baking adventures

Tiger Dough | urbnspice.com

Tiger Dough: made by twisting two different cookie doughs together

For a baby or bridal shower, you may want to try just working with two coloured doughs to make a variety of very pretty, delicate, and tiny cookies. They are just as pretty as the checkerboard version, if not prettier, in my opinion. Take a look at the collection of pink cookies below that I made for a baby’s christening. These cookies were by far one of the most pleasant baking requests that I have ever had in my career.

National Cookie Dough: Checkerboard cookies and variations | urbnspice.com

I have to admit that our favourites are not typically the fancy cookies or those that take time to make and bake, but the rustic, homemade, old-fashioned cookies like oatmeal, peanut butter and particularly, chocolate chip and my Mom’s Hermit Cookies.  Shown in the photograph below is my husband’s favourite:  Urb’n’Spice’s Ultimate Chocolate Chip Pecan – cookies ‘to die for’ according to him.  And they are delicious, indeed.  Roasting the pecans first make all the difference.   There are many tips and techniques that are part of the baking fun.  You can learn more baking tips and techniques from this post.

Chocolate Pecan Cookies | urbnspice.com

Chocolate Pecan Cookies and Gluten Free Chocolate Pecan Cookies from the cookbook series

You Might Also Like these UrbnSpice Cookie Recipes:

Baking Testing Day and a Kitchen Disaster

My Dee’s Old Fashioned Oatmeal Coconut Cookies – some of the best cookies that I have ever tasted!

Vanilla Bean Poppers  – These award-winning tiny, delicate cookies that are worthy of gift giving any time of the year.

Italian Almond Macaroons – a gluten-free meringue type cookie that is fun to make with kids

Urbnspice’s Chocolate Cookies, Brownies and Squares – Volume Two of the series, “Chocolate Desserts Made Easy and Delicious”

So, what is your favourite cookie?  I can’t wait to hear your stories.

Have fun with cookies today – promise me that you will have at least one cookie today!

Happy Cookie Baking, everyone!

Denise Pare-Watson - The Urb'n'Spice Chef | urbnspice.com

Denise Pare-Watson

The UrbnSpice Chef

National Cookie Day

You can find me on social media (see links below) – just be sure to tag @urbnspice and #urbnspice so I am sure to see it. Enjoy! 

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urbnspice Chef

Follow me on Social Media

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2017 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
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License Abstract:You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Cookies, Food Fun, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series Tagged With: Baking, Baking with Children, Cookies, Freezer Reserve

Money Saver – Life Saver – Food Saver

By Denise Pare-Watson

Favourite Kitchen Tools Series

There is one question that I am often asked:  “What are some of your favourite kitchen tools?”  This question provides me with an abundance of material for future posts. My Food Saver is at the top of my list of favourite kitchen tools, and the chosen item to start my Favourite Kitchen Tools Series of posts.  I have used this brand of vacuum systems for over a decade.  There are many benefits to using a vacuum system for your food storage needs.

While most chefs are not huge fans of gimmicks and gadgets (actually, to be honest, pastry chefs might be the exception), there are certainly some items that I would not and could not do without!

I believe that I have single-handedly increased the sales of Food Savers in Canada as result of my demonstrations to family, friends and relatives, extolling the virtues of this amazing appliance.

No more pitiful dried out pork chops, freezer-burned beyond recognition in a week’s time; no more frozen blueberries in a bag of crystallized “snow”; no more stale nuts or dried up bits of cheese.

How did I ever live without it?  The Food Saver will easily pay for itself when one considers the amount of waste occurring from food spoilage and freezer burn.  That is why I decided to write about this appliance and why it is my favourite kitchen appliance.  It is a:

Money Saver – Life Saver – Food Saver

Food Saver Tips & Techniques | urbnspice.com

Best Freezer Reserve Tools: Vacuum Sealer, Sealer Bags and the ever-present permanent marker

My mom and daughters now have Food Savers and use them regularly.  This is not an appliance that sits at the back of the cupboard.  I use mine on a daily basis for sealing homemade soups or prepared entrees or even for storing dry beans, lentils, rice, and many other items.

I live in an area where local farmers’ markets are abundant.  It is marvellous to take advantage of all the seasonally fresh apples, apricots, plums or berries to freeze in the handy pouches.   I can pull them out of the freezer at any time for that fresh-picked taste.

It is very satisfying to take a bag of perfectly stored, frozen halved apricots or plums and make a frangipani tart for dessert in the middle of February, or a batch of jam in March.

Seasonal Apricots, ready for freezer storage | urbnspice.com

Tips and Techniques for using Vacuum Sealers

My Food Saver has made buying foods in bulk much more efficient and cost-effective. I generally buy a family sized pack of chicken breasts or pork chops. I separate the bulk items into smaller portions, seal and freeze them.

It is so easy to go into my freezer and remove a bag and place it in the fridge to thaw.  If I am in a hurry, I place the item in a large measuring cup or bowl filled with enough cold water to cover the frozen pouch and place in the fridge for a quick thaw.  It will thaw and be ready to cook or reheat in less than 30 minutes.

Another revelation:  I found that I could store ten times more in my little freezer with the flat frozen food bags than I ever could with rigid stackable containers.

Examples of foods you can make individually are items such as Shepherd’s Pie,  Chicken Pot Pie, lasagna or desserts.    Just freeze the prepared foods (uncovered) on a tray until firm, then seal either in individual portions or family sized portions.  When life gets busy and chaotic, you will find that having a reserve in your freezer is a lifesaver!

Creating Convenience Foods: Individual Shepherd's Pies | urbnspice.com

Creating Convenience Foods: Individual Shepherd’s Pies

Those are not cupcakes you see in the photo.   They are individual portions of Cottage/Shepherd’s pie.  Or, Australian Meat Pies, pre-made and ready to bake at moments notice from the freezer to the oven to the table.  A light salad is all you need for a light lunch or dinner.

Aussie Pies ready to bake or freeze | urbnspice.com

Aussie Pies ready to freeze or bake

I make little food packages for my Mom.  When I visit, I pack as many frozen packages as I can into my suitcase to place into her freezer.  She loves having smaller portions of nutrient dense food packages prepared and ready-to-eat in her freezer for the days when she does not feel like cooking.  For example, I prepare the shepherd’s pie, place the mixture into paper-lined muffin tins, pipe the potato topping on top, then freeze the portions on a tray, uncovered; once they are frozen, I seal in family portion bags and freeze.  You do not have to thaw the little shepherds’ pies – just remove from the bag and reheat in the microwave or oven and enjoy.

Money Saver – Life Saver – Food Saver

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when working with a food vacuum system, together with time-saving techniques and countless possibilities for you to consider:

1)      Chill the food thoroughly first, then portion into bags and seal.  Freeze flat on a tray, then store in the freezer.

2)      Label your sealed item clearly at the top of the bag (date, portion size, instructions, etc.)

Creating Convenience Foods: freezer labels | urbnspice.com

Creating Convenience Foods: freezer labels

3)      Turn a “cuff” down on the bag to ease food neatly into it, fill, and turn the cuff back up to seal. (see top photo)

4)      Keep in mind that a space allowance at the top of the bag is necessary to seal properly.

5)      When filling bags with soups or other liquid items, use a large glass measuring cup or similar vessel to hold the sealer bag while filling.  I usually double seal liquids.

6)      Do not overfill your bags – it makes it difficult to seal them.  My general rule of thumb is to fill the sealer bag only halfway for liquids.  For thicker foods, such as stews,  fill the vacuum sealer bag two thirds full.

7)      Flatten the food items in the bags (to even out the contents in the bag) before and after sealing (for example, chicken breasts in a single layer rather than all in a lump in the bottom of the bag; seasoned taco meat flattened after sealing to keep packets flat and fill the space for effectively.

Freezer Reserve: Soups, stews and broth | urbnspice.com

Freezer Reserve: Soups, stews and broth 

8)      Lay the sealed items flat on a cookie tray; then freeze them until firm.  Once they are frozen solid, store them upright like little soldiers, label side to front, ready for action!  (see photo)

9)      When sealing fruits such as apricots or plums, wash, dry and halve the fruit.  Place the bag on a flat surface (close to your sealer).  Place the fruit in a single layer in the vacuum sealer bag, seal, label and freeze. (see photo above).

10)   When sealing items such as soups, sauces, stews, stroganoffs or bourguignon, make sure the food is thoroughly chilled. I typically seal these dishes the next day to allow the flavours to marry.

11)   When freezing berries, wash and dry the berries, placing them on cookie trays (parchment lined).  Freeze the berries in a single layer; then seal them in desired portions (essentially, I.Q.F.).  Fill the bag halfway, flatten to fill the space, seal carefully, label and freeze.

12)   Store cheese in the refrigerator beautifully sealed.

13)   Try this: Place your favourite marinade in with a flank steak in a vacuum sealer bag, seal and freeze.  When ready to use, thaw the still sealed bag in the refrigerator overnight. The flank steak will be deliciously flavoured and ready for the grill.

14)   Cook more pasta or rice pilaf than you require and seal the rest in family portions.  When ready to use, a quick reheat in the microwave or a dip in boiling water, and voila – pasta or pilaf in a flash.

15)   Our family is quite fond of stir-fry dishes:  make an easy meal by slicing extra raw beef or chicken or pork thinly ahead of time, seal and freeze in family sized portions.  When ready to use, thaw in cold water for a few minutes while you are preparing the stir fry vegetables.   Stir-fry the sliced meat first, add vegetables and seasoning.  Enjoy a quick, healthy and delicious meal in minutes.

Freezer Reserve of prepared meat for stir-fry dishes | urbnspice.com

Freezer Reserve of prepared meat for stir-fry dishes

If the quality of frozen food and its storage is a concern, you will find that a food vacuum system is a “must-have” appliance.  It is a:

Money Saver – Life Saver – Food Saver

You may also like:

Favourite Kitchen Tools – My Immersion Blender

Immersion Blender - A favourite Kitchen Tool | urbnspice.com

Immersion Blender – A favourite Kitchen Tool

Favourite Kitchen Tools – The Simple Spatula

Favourite Kitchen Tools: the Simple Spatula | urbnspice.com

Favourite Kitchen Tools: the Simple Spatula Collection

Convection vs. Conventional Ovens – Making Sense of It All

Convection Oven Tips | urbnspice.com
Convection Oven Tips

You Might Also Enjoy:

Australian Meat Pies

Creating Convenience Foods

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my UrbnSpice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

  • The Simple Spatula
    __________

If you enjoyed this article about Money Saver – Life Saver – Food Saver, kindly leave me a comment.  I enjoy hearing from you.

You can find me on social media (see links below) 

Denise Pare-Watson - The Urb'n'Spice Chef | urbnspice.com

 

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urbnspice Chef

 

Follow me on Social Media

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2016-2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
License Type:Commercial
License Abstract:You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Favourite Kitchen Tools Series, Freezer Reserve Series, Urb'n'Spice Tips and Techniques Series Tagged With: Food Storage, FoodSaver, Freezer Food, Freezer Reserve, Tips and Techniques

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Meet Denise – The Urbnspice Chef

Welcome to Urbnspice - A Taste of Heart and Home. Inspiration in my kitchen is often a trip to the market or an experimental coincidence! Come and join me on this culinary journey where I share my passion for the creative, technical and teaching components of the profession and unravel culinary quandaries for you with fun and easy to follow user-friendly recipes, tips & techniques.
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