Showing posts with label Rye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rye. Show all posts

Friday, 28 June 2024

A Celebration of Breads from Around the World

Bread, in its myriad forms, is a staple food that transcends cultures and borders. It is a testament to human ingenuity and the diversity of culinary traditions. 

From the crusty baguettes of France to the soft naan of India, each type of bread tells a story of its origin and the people who bake it. 

Let's embark on a global journey to celebrate the different styles of bread that have delighted palates for centuries.

Baguette (France)

The quintessential French baguette is renowned for its long, slender shape and crispy crust. Made from simple ingredients – flour, water, yeast, and salt – the magic of the baguette lies in its baking process. The dough is allowed to ferment slowly, developing a complex flavour. Baguettes are often enjoyed fresh with a slather of butter or as the foundation of a classic jambon-beurre sandwich. In France, the importance of the baguette is such that it has been recognised as a cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Sourdough (United States/Various)

Sourdough bread has experienced a renaissance in recent years, particularly in the United States. This ancient bread, characterised by its tangy flavour and chewy texture, is made using a natural starter of wild yeast and lactobacilli. The long fermentation process not only enhances its flavour but also makes it easier to digest. San Francisco is famous for its distinctively tangy sourdough, thanks to the unique wild yeasts present in the area.

Ciabatta (Italy)

Ciabatta, meaning “slipper” in Italian, is a rustic, airy bread with a crisp crust and a light, porous crumb. Created in the 1980s in response to the popularity of French baguettes, ciabatta quickly became a staple in Italian bakeries. It is made with a high hydration dough, which gives it a unique texture. Ciabatta is perfect for sandwiches, particularly when used in panini, where its robust structure holds up well to grilling.

Naan (India)

Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, which gives it a characteristic char and smoky flavour. This Indian bread is typically made with white flour, yoghurt, and yeast, which contribute to its softness and slight tang. Naan is a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from rich curries to grilled meats. Garlic naan, topped with butter and minced garlic, is a popular variation that adds an extra layer of flavour.

Rye Bread (Germany/Scandinavia)

Rye bread, with its dense texture and hearty flavour, is a staple in many Northern and Eastern European countries. German pumpernickel, made from coarsely ground rye and molasses, is dark, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients. In Scandinavia, rye bread is often lighter and more sour, as seen in the popular Danish rugbrød. Rye bread pairs beautifully with smoked fish, cheese, and pickled vegetables, making it a key component of traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).

Pita (Middle East)

Pita bread, also known as Arabic bread, is a soft, round flatbread with a pocket that forms during baking. This pocket makes pita ideal for stuffing with a variety of fillings, from falafel and hummus to shawarma. Pita can also be cut into wedges and toasted to serve as a crunchy accompaniment to dips. Its versatility and ease of preparation have made pita a beloved bread across the Middle East and beyond.

Soda Bread (Ireland)

Irish soda bread is a simple, hearty loaf made without yeast. Instead, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is used as a leavening agent, reacting with the acidity of buttermilk to create a light, tender crumb. Traditionally, soda bread is baked with wholemeal flour, giving it a nutty flavour and dense texture. It is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, slathered with butter and honey, or alongside a comforting bowl of soup.

Tortilla (Mexico)

The tortilla is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, with a history dating back thousands of years. Traditional corn tortillas are made from masa harina (corn flour) and water, pressed thin and cooked on a hot griddle. Flour tortillas, made with wheat flour, are softer and more pliable. Both types of tortillas are incredibly versatile, used in dishes such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The humble tortilla's ability to complement a wide range of flavours and textures is a testament to its enduring popularity.

Challah (Jewish)

Challah is a beautifully braided bread traditionally eaten on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays. Made with eggs, water, flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, challah has a rich, slightly sweet flavour and a soft, airy crumb. The braided shape symbolises unity and continuity, and the glossy, golden crust is achieved by brushing the dough with egg wash before baking. Challah is delicious on its own, with a spread of butter or jam, or used in French toast.

Focaccia (Italy)

Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked bread similar in style and texture to pizza dough. It is characterised by its airy crumb and crisp, olive oil-infused crust. Focaccia is often topped with a variety of ingredients, such as rosemary, sea salt, olives, or tomatoes, making it a versatile accompaniment to meals or a satisfying snack on its own. The simplicity of its ingredients allows the flavours to shine, celebrating the essence of Italian baking.

Conclusion

The world of bread is as diverse as it is delicious, with each type reflecting the cultural and historical context of its origin. From the robust flavours of rye bread to the delicate texture of naan, bread connects us to our heritage and to each other.

Celebrating these different styles not only enriches our culinary experiences but also fosters a greater appreciation for the shared human endeavour of baking. So, whether you are enjoying a slice of warm challah or a piece of crusty baguette, take a moment to savour the rich history and tradition that each bite represents.

Saturday, 22 July 2023

Kyrö Dairy Cream. It's a simple thing, really. Cream and rye

Kyrö Dairy Cream is simply cream combined skilfully with rye.

Kyrö Dairy Cream is special cream liqueur from Finland with a clever touch of 100% rye malt whisky. 

It is carefully crafted using only local milk and cream and a splash of Kyrö Malt rye whisky, which doesn't contain lactose, gluten, or any artificial colours or flavours. It tastes of liquorice, chocolate, toffee, fresh dairy cream and with a hint of salt. ​

You can purchase it in Waitrose: https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/kyro-dairy-cream-liqueur/655969-791145-791146 or direct from the Kyrö Distillery website: https://www.kyrodistillery.co.uk/products/kyro-dairy-cream#

The ABV is 16%, and a 500ml. has a RRP of £19.95 .

Here's a bit of background reading about the Kyrö Distillery​:

The Kyrö Distillery Company is a Finnish all-rye distillery founded in 2014. The all-rye distillery operates from Isokyrö, a quiet, fairly small town in Finland. The distillery brings rural, natural sensibilities to its wholesome blend of ingredients.​

Kyrö hasn't rested on its laurels. It has won a multitude of awards since 2014, including international Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) where Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky recently won ‘Gold Outstanding’, scoring an impressive 98/100 points. Kyrö Gin and Kyrö Pink Gin have both recently won ‘Gold’ in the World Gin Awards, along with Great Taste stars.

Monday, 19 December 2011

Perfect Partners Wine Tasting At The Ambrette Restaurant At Rye 7-Course Tasting Menu With Matched Wines For £49.99

The Ambrette Restaurant at Rye is to hosting special wine tasting in conjunction with the Cranbrook-based wine and cheese merchants, Perfect Partners on Sunday 8th January.


Chef patron Dev Biswal will be serving a 7-course tasting menu with matched wines chosen by Perfect Partners co-owner David Clarke at £49.99.


Since its opening on 1st December, Biswal has witnessed his Rye-based clientele are ordering wines from the more expensive end of his wine list, than is the case at his original award-winning restaurant in Margate.


"Many of our customers here in Rye bottles of fine wines at around the £40 mark," said Dev. "At Margate they sit the shelves for a few months and I end up drinking them myself."


Having realised the preponderance of wine connoisseurs in the Rye area, Biswal approached David Clarke to help him create a special tasting menu to showcase the fine Indian dining and Perfect Partners' wines.


"The quality of most wines worldwide has improved hugely, but they still demand rigorous selection - some of the traditional wine regions disappoint, but the new areas astound at great value," said Richard Clarke, co owner of Perfect Partners, adding, "Our philosophy is to find quality wines, irrespective of label or country, that represent good examples of their grape variety and provenance at a fair price."

Set on Rye's High Street, the Georgian frontage of the White Vine House belies its medieval heritage. Beneath the dining room lies a C13th cellar, complete with stone spiral staircase. Refurbished in 2005, the once grand home is now one of the country's premier bed and breakfast venues, having secured a 5 star AA rating.


The Ambrette (formerly the Indian Princess) in Margate has received wide national press recognition for Biswal's unique style, that eschews what he calls a "fast food mentality" offered by many high street curry houses stuck in a "1940's time bubble." There are no poppadums, curries or Chicken Tikka Masala on Biswal's menus.

The Georgian Room seats 26, the Elizabethan Room 16, the and the Club Room 14 and the outside terrace a further 20 diners.

FACTFILE:

Dev Biswal grew up in Calcutta. He trained at the Dubai Sheraton, before moving to London, aged 26 in 2003 for spells at Mangoes and Eriki. He became a partner in The Indian Princess in Margate in December 2006, becoming patron and rebranding it as The Ambrette in 2010

The White Vine House accommodates 14 guests in 5 double rooms (one 4-poster), and a family room (sleeping four). Room rates from £130 to £180 a night including breakfast.

The original building was destroyed during one of the many French raids on the town during the 100 Years War. The Elizabethan Dining Room named for its exquisite and unique French oak panelling, which probably cost more than the original building, with each panel individually formed to fit the timber frame. The room is "signed" with a carpenter's mark visible just above the fireplace

Perfect Partners

Richard Clarke, studied Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge University, but was enticed into the food and wine trade with Jacksons of Piccadilly in 1972 as buyer of French cheeses, then wines, because of his speak rudimentary French gained from having spent a month working on a farm in Normandy. At Jacksons, Clarke was mentored by their wine consultant Harry Waugh, one of the first Masters of Wine and director of Chateau Latour, one of the great wines of Bordeaux.

In 1975 he moved to a small shipper/wine merchant who supplied the Hilton Hotels, The Ritz and Cunard Group owners of the QE2. The company was amalgamated in 1979 with a specialist in the duty free market supplying alrlines and ships. For the next 10 years Clarke advised Cunard, P&O, Sealink, British Caledonian Airways and many other airlines

In 1988, Richard and his wife Rosemary I bought Perfect Partners, Cheese & Wine Merchants of Cranbrook. Richard Clarke has witnessed a total revolution in the UK wine market. In the 1970s the only serious wines that were generally available here were French and German. Italian restaurants mainly offered a very basic range of indifferent wines. Spain, apart from Rioja and Sherry, provided bulk wines with little character.

Perfect Partners, Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF T: 01580 712633