Pot Stickers | Book of Elsa

This recipe takes time, effort and dedication: I won't apologise for it! Whenever I make these pots stickers it is because I WANT to spend time in the kitchen losing myself and relaxing; also these make for a fantastic group exercise. 

Ingredients for the dough: 

300g Plain Flour

200ml hot water

pinch of salt

Method for the dough:

I use a stand alone mixer but a bowl and wooden spoon works well too. 

Put the flour and hot water in a mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the salt and knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and bouncy. Cover with cling and rest for 20 minutes. 

If your using a bowl and wooden spoon: bring the flour, salt and hot water together until it almost gathers into a clump then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 10 minutes. Don't be tempted to add more flour. The dough will come good I promise.  

Aubergine Dip | Book of Elsa

This recipe came my way in the middle of the night courtesy of Nigella Lawson, Feast (2004) I've fiddled with it a little. By which I mean, taken out stuff I didn't like or have in the cupboards at the time of cooking. 

The dip itself is fantastic with bread, carrot sticks and any other crudités you might like. I don't judge. Enjoy 

xo

Gabriellas' Pavlova Book of Elsa

I've had a love affair with pavlova on/off for the last 10 years. Adjusting recipes in order to achieve crispy sides and bottom with marshmallowy insides has not been easy. My first attempt can only be described as a crispy egg white and sugar biscuit with over whipped cream and limp defrosted berries. 

Now please don't let the description above stop you from trying this. I mention it only so that YOU dear reader know that if for whatever reason the following recipe doesn't work the first time. PLEASE try again. 

The recipe below comes from How To Eat by Nigella Lawson (1998) p. 373 

Some words of wisdom before we begin:

1. Do wipe your mixing bowl and whisk with a segmented lemon or lime before you begin. The eggs just won't grow in volume if there's any grease.
2.  Any fruit/berries on top will do. I'm using strawberries here as they are my sister Gabriella favourite. Indeed this is her favourite dessert. But please no frozen defrosted ones. You'll just end up disappointed. Take it from me: it's not worth it.

Sunday Funday - Book of Elsa

Sunday Funday 

Weekends were made for this...
xxo