Jandra Learns to Cook - With Your Help: September 2011

How it Works!

Ok so we all know I'm a terrible cook. The worst! And maybe part of my problem is a lack of interest. So this is a little project I've thought up to get pumped and excited about cooking.
Have you ever seen those old cook books!? Maybe one of your parents or grandparents has or had one. They're the cook books that are full of hand written recipe from loved ones with personal messages from the writer with special tips or reminders. Many of the entries are stained, faded or falling out because of wear and tear but it doesn't matter because each one holds a special place in your heart.
....I want one of those....
So I got thinking. I have one recipe that my old flatmate Helene gave to me. Her beautiful handwriting on her personalized nature themed notepad paper has so much character and brings up so many fond memories of her. I would love to create a book filled by people I love, and one that has so much diverse creativity and beauty!
So I've decided to ask all my friends and family members to Hand Write a recipe that has significant meaning for them, and then snail mail them to me. With them I plan on putting together the most wonderful cooking scrapbook!
That's not all though. I want the people who have shared their love of food and cooking to get something back too! So I thought it would be fitting to document my first attempt at each recipe via this blog where I could post photos, videos and/or any personal insights into my experience so you can all have a good laugh at my expense! :P

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Recipe #5 - Stuffed Capsicum

This was a really fun one for me to do. I was up at my cottage for the day and decided to take some time to cook a good meal for myself and my brothers. There were definitely a lot of slip ups but it all worked out really well in the end. I borrowed my friends tripod and I really like this angle as opposed to when I'm at home. You can see more of what I'm doing. Anyways... I had to leave before my Bro's got home but the heated them and RAVED about them for days after. They seem to think I can cook now. Great right!? Only now I have a reputation to uphold, :S Enough blabber! Here it is!!!!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Recipe #4 - Biscake

This one was one hell of a ride for sure. The recipe seemed pretty straight forward but I managed to botch it up way more than even I thought I could. My friend Nat suggested I include the recipes in the blog so you can better understand how I mess it up so here is Anna's recipe...

Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti
PreHeat: 350° F

Ingredients:
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 4 oz coarsely chopped, semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet at 350°F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Reduce temperature to 300°F.
Put Chocolate and brown sugar in food processor until finely cut.
Whisk together dry ingredients
Whisk eggs and vanilla, add cocoa mixture and the flower mixture. Mix until dough forms.
Add hazelnuts at end.
Divide dough in half and roll into two 10" X 2" logs.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until firm.
Remove and let cool for 10 minutes
Cut into 3/4" slices diagonally.
*Missed this step* Bake on slices sides for 15 min. Flip and back for 15 min again.

Hope that helps! Also I'm loving all the suggestions I'm getting from everyone! Please keep them coming, as well as recipes!!!! :D Enjoy

I will tell you that my Mom, who doesn't like biscotti would not stop RAVEING abut this stuff, she said something along the lines of, "You should always make that mistake!" I don't know if that was just Mom doing her Mom duties and looking on the bright side or if she was for real, but it disappeared pretty quick either way.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Recipe #3 - Warm Swiss Almond Spread

Aunt Heather sent me this really great recipe. Hit a road bump or two but won in the end! Hope you like this addition of Jandra's Cooking Scrapbook!!! :D

Next one should be up soon too!