Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Homemade Zeppoles Zeppole, a delightful Italian treat, are deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. So, let's roll up our sleeves and embark on a zeppole-making adventure! Creating the dough Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of flour 1 tablespoon of yeast 1 1/2 cups of water Canola oil for the skillet Instructions: In a bowl, add 2 1/2 cups of flour and 1 tablespoon of yeast. Stir. Then add 1 1/2 cups of water and mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and allow it to rest for two hours. After patiently waiting for the dough to rise, it's time to see if it's ready for some frying action. Take a peek at your dough; it should have doubled in size and should be puffy. Add enough canola oil to a large, deep skillet. Allow the oil to get hot and bubbling. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Let them fry for a few minutes on e

Homemade Divinity This delightful confection is truly divine, and crafting it has become one of my cherished holiday traditions. In my recipe, I opt for granulated Splenda and sugar-free pancake syrup, although you may choose to use granulated sugar and corn syrup if you so desire. Ingredients: 3 cups of granulated Splenda, or sugar 2/3 cups of water 1/2 cup of sugar-free pancake syrup, or maple syrup, honey, or corn syrup 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract 1 cup of chopped nuts; you can use pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, or shaved almonds. (Optional) About a 1/2 cup of whole pieces of pecans for embellishing the divinity (optional) Instructions: First, lay a large piece of wax paper on your countertop or table.   Now, start by adding 3 cups of granulated Splenda, or sugar, inside a heavy-bottom saucepan. Then add 2/3 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar-free pancake syrup, or corn syrup. Transfer the pan to a burner, bringing the mixture to the hard ball stage (255

Crusty Sesame Seed Buns Crusty sesame seed buns are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a delectable combination of softness and crunch. Adorned with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds, these buns possess an irresistible nutty flavor that elevates their taste to unparalleled heights. Whether savored individually or utilized as the base for gourmet sandwiches, they are the ideal companions for gourmet burgers, succulent pulled pork, or even a simple tuna salad sandwich. Ingredients : 3 cups of self-rising flour 1 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast 1 1/2 cups of very warm water 2 to 3 tablespoons of melted butter to brush over the top of your buns and to grease the pan 2 to 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds to be sprinkled on top of the buns Instructions: In a bowl, add 3 cups of self-rising flour and 1 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast. Stir well. Then add 1 1/2 cups of very warm water and mix until combined.   Cover your dough with a tea towel and set the dough aside for 4 hours, allow

"Why I Don't Preheat My Oven Before Cooking" In this article, I aim to shed light on my unconventional approach to cooking by explaining the reasons behind why I choose not to preheat my oven. While this may seem like a peculiar practice to some, I assure you that there are valid reasons behind it that I will explore in the following sections. Safety Considerations: Addressing concerns about food safety and doneness Ensuring proper internal temperature: Using a food thermometer One of the common concerns when it comes to skipping preheating is whether the food will cook evenly and reach a safe internal temperature. However, I have found that using a food thermometer effectively eliminates this concern. By inserting a thermometer in the thickest part of the dish, I can ensure that it reaches the recommended temperature for doneness. This method not only guarantees food safety but also prevents overcooking. Adhering to recommended cooking times for specific foods Another mi