I love getting parcels.

My order from Modernist Pantry turned up today, it only took five working days via standard US mail, not bad at all.

Now all I have to do is come up with some cool stuff to do with it. My first thoughts are use Wylie Dufresne's shrimp noodle making method and create an Asian inspired stir-fry noodle dish. The method is demonstrated here(links to iTunes). The method is pretty simple blend some shrimp, salt and 1% by weight of Activa RM, extrude in to 55°C water until set, then heat to desired cooking temperature (here for the source, bottom of the post).

I've also got myself a copy (it's a free pdf) of Texture – A hydrocolloid recipe collection and it has some pretty cool stuff to do, such as making a sheet of vinaigrette and using it as a wrapper. Pretty exciting stuff, but I must try to refrain myself from making crazy stuff for the sake of it.

All in all, it's lining up to be a good weekend, last night I finally replaced my stick blender for an insanely cheap price, thanks Briscoes. Tomorrow I'm of to Masterton for the Wairarapa market and chef demo, and on the way home I'm picking up a cool retro Kenwood (70s is retro right?) A901 Mixer.

Modernist Pantry

I found out about Modernist Pantry via the latest Cooking Issues radio episode, they had arranged a promo for a free sample of Activa RM (meat glue) for the listeners of the radio show, and that was all it took for me to open up my web browser. However, I had little hope that they would ship internationally, but they do. Oh dear, I had suddenly turned in to a kid in a candy store!

I managed to restrain myself and only place an order for a few items (however if the shipping is swift, I might go a little crazy, sorry in advance to my credit card). On order I have some Agar (gelling), Calcium Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Alginate, Xanthan Gum (reverse spherification), and Activa RM. The shipping is very reasonable at $14 (US), and the prices aren't too bad either, I have seen these products available in New Zealand but are usually overpriced.

The offer is good for the rest of the week, but you'll have to listen to the show yourself for the promo code.

Hydrocolloid - part 2

Well finally got my sample of N-Zorbit M, so will be fun experimenting with it. (original post here)

Dinner last night was a tasty falling apart belly of pork very simply prepared.

Seasoned and browned the belly on the stove, then set aside while some onions softened in the same pan (dutch oven), added in a couple spoons of fennel seed and sauteed a little longer to release the aroma.

Finally placed the pork back in the pot, with about a cup of cider. Put the lid on and in to an oven at 140°C for a few hours.

I was left with pork wonderfully soft and falling apart, and a ready made cider-onion gravy.