So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Entertaining On A Budget With Hot Pot Soup Base

By Georgia Diaz


A hot pot soup base is the new trendy way to entertain and with the uncomplicated preparation and little equipment needed, it is no wonder. The meal is prepared in one pot, making for very little cleaning up, and it is of course the ultimate in comfort food, perfect for a cosy winter evening with friends and family.

A hot pot is originally of Mongolian descent and later spread to China and the East. It refers to a variety of soups or stews that consist of a metal pot which is placed at the table with simmering stock in it. While the stock is simmering, various other ingredients are added to complete the stew or soup. The process adds a little theater to the meal and is enjoyed immensely by dinner guests.

The stock which is the base of this dish needs to be very flavorful and well executed for the end result to taste great. For those who are experts in the kitchen it is recommended to make a stock from scratch using bones, vegetables and spices. This is often a lengthy process and for those who find this a bit daunting, purchasing stock at the local supermarket is fine. The quality, as mentioned, is of utmost importance so be sure to buy a reputable brand.

Very often when entertaining, one faces the problem of entertaining for a wide audience with vast dietary requirements. There are a variety of pots on the market now that have two separate compartments, allowing two broths to be made simultaneously. This means that one half can be vegetarian, with a variety of vegetables being added to the finished broth, while the other can be meat or seafood based.

Many of the modern pots are compartmentalized and provide two or more separate compartments for cooking various broths simultaneously. This is perfect when entertaining as one batch can be made vegetarian, another incorporating meat and a third perhaps with seafood. This is an easy, hassle free solution and saves the cook from preparing an entirely separate meal for those guests.

This may sound like a daunting task at first but it really is quite simple. Although the process takes up a lot of time, the results are definitely worth the wait. The prepared stock can be reduced to the required consistency and a large batch can even be frozen to save time next time around. Fish, chicken or vegetable stock can be made in much a similar way but the cooking time required is between 20min to an hour.

Any ingredients can now be added to complete the dish and strengthen the flavors. Thinly sliced raw meat of seafood, vegetables sliced thinly and additional spices are common. Chilli flakes, garlic, ginger and soy sauce are common ingredients used to round off the finished product.

Hot pot soup base is easy to prepare and should be prepared from scratch for the maximum results. The flavor obtained from home making this is unsurpassed and the process is very simple and easy, although it can take a bit of time. Try making a base from scratch today.




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