All the new recipes I've been trying have meant my kitchen appliances and utensils have almost all been pressed into use recently. There is however one that's seriously under utilised: the bread maker.
The gift of a some Cashel Blue Cheese in June meant I had to use my imagination and somewhere in the depths of my memory I could remember Caramelized onions and Blue Cheese on Pizza. I think this was originally a Darina Allen recipe but I have seen it since in Clodagh McKenna's Irish Farmers Market Cookbook. The sweet onions and the salty Blue Cheese combine beautifully in a melted soft pizza topping.
We were off to the beach and I didn't want to spend time proving yeast bread dough so out came the bread maker (I had robbed the plug off it for another appliance in an emergency so that had to be replaced first!) I set up the bread machine with the ingredients, carmelised the finely sliced onions in a pan and crumbled the Blue Cheese. We arrived back from the beach and the dough was ready to be rolled out, topping added and into the oven, enough time to make a salad and tea was ready. That was about a month ago and the last time we had a sunny afternoon on the beach :-(
I have borrowed a bread maker book from my Mum and I am promising myself to use it every week for a month. Do you have a neglected gadget? Are you going to consign it to a charity shop (create space and it won't make you feel guilty anymore) or resolve to use it? Would love to hear what your neglected gadget is.
PS. Making yeast dough without the aid of bread maker is incredibly earthy and even sensual Gracie's Bakes describes it beautifully:
Step by Step to crispy white rolls. (warning: this will make you hungry)
Thanks for the mention for GraciesBakes! I have been lusting after a breadmaker having stayed with Mr.C's sister and waking up to the aroma of warm fresh bread... mmmm
Posted by: Orla Kerbey | 08/12/2009 at 11:48 AM