121 Jasper Street Box 459

Maple Creek, SK S0N 1N0

(306) 662-3190

toll free 1(877)643-0285

sales@countrylanekitchens.com

www.countrylanekitchens.net

DID YOU KNOW?

News and views

Not many products share such a rich history as chocolate. More than 2000 years ago the Mayan Indians of Mexico/Central

America created a beverage with ground cacao beans. The beans were also used as a form of money. Spanish explorers introduced it to

England in the 1500’s and it was a secret kept by the nobility. As Spanish and other Europeans traded and intermarried the secret of the

chocolate drink became widespread and is still a favourite today.

www.countrylanekitchens.net

Winter

2014-15

NEWSLETTER

All About Chocolate

Chocolate can be in the form of cocoa powder, solid chocolate, shaped chocolate such as chocolate chips and the hundreds of

forms of processed confectionary products on the market, but it all starts with the cacao bean.

The terms cacao and cocoa are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. FDA regulations use the term cacao to refer

to the actual bean or pod. From these cacao pods, you get chocolate liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Chocolate liquor is made by

grinding the nibs or centre of the bean to a smooth liquid state. It is used to make unsweetened, bitter, or baking chocolate. Cocoa butter

is the naturally occurring fat and makes up about 50 - 60% of the cacao bean. Non-fat solids make up the rest.

Cocoa powder is made by removing some of the fat from the cacao bean, and then grinding the rest to a powder. It can be

purchased both as light and dark cocoa powder. The dark cocoa powder is higher in fat content but richer in flavour. The cocoa powder you

buy in the store may be called just that, or it may be labelled Dutch Processed Cocoa. Dutch cocoa powder is treated to neutralize acidity,

and while both it and the regular cocoa are bitter, Dutch cocoa is more mellow tasting. Unless a recipe specifies Dutch chocolate, it is best

to use the natural cocoa as the two cocoas react differently with baking soda and baking powder. When using regular or natural cocoa

powder in baking, the recipe will likely have some baking soda in it as the alkaline in the soda helps neutralize the acidity.

Solid or baking chocolate comes in unsweetened, bittersweet and semi-sweet. Bittersweet chocolate is only slightly less sweet

than the semi-sweet and can be used if you find your recipe is too sweet for your liking. Cocoa powder and butter can also be used as a

substitute for unsweetened chocolate in a ratio of 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to 1 tablespoon of butter/margarine. White chocolate

does not contain cocoa solids, only cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar and flavouring. Chocolate chips contain a lot less cocoa butter to

prevent them from melting when used in baked goods, so it is best not to substitute them for baking chocolate.

Melting Chocolate - The most important thing when melting chocolate on its own, is to make sure no moisture (water) gets into it. Ensure

that all utensils are completely dry; even a few drops of water can turn your chocolate into a lumpy mess. It is also very important not to

use too high a heat. Chop chocolate before melting to speed up the process. If using a double boiler, keep the water below the boiling

point. Be especially careful with white and milk chocolate as they scorch easily. Chocolate can also be melted in the microwave at 50%

power. Stir frequently, adding a few seconds at a time as the chocolate gets close to being melted.

Storing Chocolate - Store chocolate in a few layers of plastic wrap in an airtight container - it can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to a

year. The white film you sometimes see on chocolate occurs when it has been stored at too warm a temperature or when condensation

has affected it. You can still use it in baking.

Decorating With Chocolate - Chocolate shavings and curls are easy to make. Start with a block of the chocolate of your choice

(bittersweet, semi- sweet, white, etc.) and use a sharp vegetable peeler across the side of the chocolate. You may want to warm the

chocolate up a bit by holding it in your hand briefly. Let the shavings fall onto a piece of wax or parchment paper. Curls are made the same

way, only the chocolate needs to be warmer. You can do this by placing in the microwave for 3 - 5 seconds at a time on high, but be very

careful – you only want it slightly warm. Use a little more pressure on your peeler to get a full curl.

Fudgey Chocolate Sauce recipe for the Bellini Kitchen Master Place chopping blade in the Bellini bowl and add: ½ cup milk or light cream >Heat until steaming on speed 2< >temp. 90°C<

Add the following: 1 - 6oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ cup corn syrup ½ cup sugar dash of salt >Blend on speed 7 for 1 minute<

This is our favourite hot fudge sauce. Store extra in refrigerator - soften by warming on medium heat in the microwave before serving. Make it your own by adding flavourings such as mint or hazelnut.

Check Out Our Breville Appliances!

Special Breville Feature The Breville Assist Plug™: Even though we know better, we all, at some time or another, pull on the

cord to unplug an appliance. Breville has designed the Assist Plug™ with a large finger pull as part

of the plug before it attaches to the cord. Easily hook your finger into it and pull out even the

tightest fitting plug. This feature is available on a large selection of their appliances.

The Products innovative and functional

one of the most extensive lines of small

appliances for the home cook

The Company founded in Australia in 1932

passionate about quality and design

THE HEMISPHERE™ CONTROL

BLENDER

This powerful 5 speed blender with

48 oz. (1.4 lt.) bowl has an LCD timer,

illuminated buttons and an

extremely efficient mixing action.

There are also smoothie, ice-crush,

and pulse, pre-programmed buttons.

The design of the extremely sharp

surgical quality blades simultaneously

pulls contents down in the center, while

sweeping them up from the bottom, this

eliminates the problem of food getting

jammed and ensures even blending.

#BBL605XL-BE $269.99

THE “A-BIT-MORE™” TOASTER

Firstly, it does what any toaster should do (but that most don’t!) and that is,

makes evenly toasted bread. Special features include a “lift and look” function that

allows you to check the progress of your toast without interrupting the cycle, and

the “a-bit-more” option that lets you add 30 – 45 seconds to the cycle if your

toast is not quite done. A bagel cycle toasts the inside of the bagel/English Muffin

without making the outside hard. Follow the cycle progress on the LCD indicator.

2 slice model #BTA720XL-BE $119.99

4 slice model #BTA730XL-BE $139.99

THE HANDY MIX DIGITAL™

HAND MIXER

This heavy-duty 16 speed hand mixer has

flat beaters, dough hooks and a wire whisk.

It has an extra long cord and non-tip heel rest.

You will love the backlit count-up timer that

eliminates guess work and provides precise

timing. This is an appliance that you’ll be

reaching for again and again.

#BHM500XL-BE $99.99

CONTROL GRIP™

IMMERSION

BLENDER

A special feature of the

design results in reduced

suction, which is a problem

with many immersion

blenders. With a 3 cup

(750 ml) chopping bowl, a

42 oz. (1.2 lt.) jug, whisk

attachment, 15 speeds,

and a 8”(20cm) tall

immersion wand, this

powerful blender will handle

any task you throw its way.

#BSB510XL-BE $99.99

THE SOFT TOP™ KETTLE

Want water boiled in less than a minute?

Here’s your answer. This kettle boasts a 1500

watt concealed element that can boil 2 cups

of water in less than a minute. This durable

brushed stainless-steel kettle has a large 7

cup (1/7 lt.) capacity and an illuminated water

level indicator for left or right handed viewing.

An automatic shut off

and boil-dry protection

makes this very safe to

use. With one-touch but-

ton to open the lid, a

soft-grip handle and a

360° swivel cordless

base, it is a joy to use.

#SK500XL/A-BE $99.99

THERMAL PRO™ ELECTRIC FRY PAN

With 15 heat settings and an extra large 15” x 12” (38cm x 30cm) cooking

area, the Breville banquet skillet gives plenty of room to prepare healthy

family meals: breakfast of bacon and eggs, a simmering pot roast with

savoury vegetables, crispy crumb-coated fish fillets, juicy hamburgers, or

succulent chicken and dumplings, to name a few. To make things even easier,

the skillet boasts a tilt feature and pour spout to collect liquids and grease

either for basting or draining. The vented glass lid lets you check progress

without lifting it. Non-slip feet add to the stability and the non-stick surface

makes clean up easy. A rack is also included for steaming or roasting.

What more could you ask for?

#BEF450XL $159.99

Here are a few of our Breville favorites and why we chose them.

Turkey Dinner

Entertaining with Style

Little Gift Ideas

Ice Balls Fanciful floaters!

Fill these oversized ice balls

with water, fruit juice, wine,

pieces of fruit, mint leaves, party

favours, or whatever your

imagination tells you.

#00171-SW $17.49/set of 4

Davy Crack’it

Squirrel Nutcracker Davy helps you crack your

favorite nuts. Lift Davy’s tail,

place a nut in his paws and

press down on his tail to crack.

Made of heavy, die-cast aluminum.

#6529-N $31.99

Silicone Microwave Omelet Maker A quick, healthy way to make breakfast in the morning

or something different for the lunch room. Cook a

generous sized 2-egg omelet in minutes.

Add your choice of fresh veggies, cheese, mushrooms,

ham etc. Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe,

it is easy to use and to clean.

#930-N $19.99

Perfect Potato Feet Enjoy a perfectly cooked “baked” potato in

minutes from the microwave. Use the prongs to

make pokes in the potato. Stand the potato

upright on the feet and microwave. Times

vary on the microwave and size of the potato

(approx. 4 - 6 minutes for a large russet).

#167-N $1.99

Masterclass® Pudding Steamer Make your own traditional plum or carrot puddings

with the Masterclass® Pudding Steamer.

It has a generous 2.2lb (2 lt.) capacity, and a

professional quality non-stick coating over heavy-duty

carbon steel. Recipes for Christmas Pudding and

Steak & Kidney Suet Pudding are included.

#KC15930-PO $51.99

Pop Up Turkey Timer This reusable poultry timer lets you know when your

turkey, chicken or other poultry has reached a safe

temperature. Press his legs down, insert the

stainless steel post into the thickest part of the meat

and cook as directed. When the internal temp. reaches

160°, the legs will pop up and your turkey is ready to eat.

#1474-N $23.49

Silicone Roast Rack Elevate your roasts, chickens, fish and more

for faster, healthier cooking. Heat resistant

to 500°F (260°C) and won’t rust, warp, or

retain odors. Dishwasher safe and will not

scratch your pans. This rack fits a variety of

sizes of pans and can also be used as a trivet

to protect your table and countertops.

9” x 6” x 1” (23cm x 15cm x 2.5cm)

#299-N $25.99

Ice Tongs You will want a few sets of these

handy tongs around for when guests

arrive. 7” (18cm) long stainless steel

tongs with grabbing “teeth”. Not just

for your ice bucket, these tongs are

perfect for fruit, veggie, meat

or cheese platters.

#1144SS-D $3.59

Wine Chilling Decanter An elegant way to chill and

serve white or rose wines.

Drop ice into the self-contained ice

compartment to rapidly chill wine.

Also a stylish way to keep milk or

fruit juices cold at the table.

#60546-D $35.99

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer This all in one tool takes the frustration out of

preparing fresh avocado. Using the cutting tool,

cut the avocado in half and pull it apart.

With a twisting motion, use the pitter to

remove the seed. The slicer removes the fruit

from the skin in perfect, even slices.

#1258680-D $14.49

Festive Salsa

In a bowl combine: 1¾ cups pomegranate seeds (approx. 1 large) 1 medium size Golden Delicious apple, chopped into tiny pieces 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper, de-seeded 1 garlic clove, minced In another bowl combine together: 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 teaspoon oil 2 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil ¼ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon ginger Gently stir into pomegranate and apple mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours. Just before serving, gently stir in: ½ cup cubed avocado The unique blend of flavors make this perfect with tortilla chips, baguettes & more.

Refrigerate leftovers.

Prodyne Iced Dip Server Add ice to the clear acrylic base

and keep your dips & condiments

chilled for hours. The stainless

steel dip server has a convenient

lid for storage.

#17414-F $25.99

RECIPE .

RECIPE

Just the right amount of tangy sweetness.

Shop online - WWW.COUNTRYLANEKITCHENS.NET

Good comfort food.

Chicken Italio Pasta Bake (serves 4) In a skillet, stir and brown (about 4 minutes): 3/4 lb. chicken breasts, cut in small chunks

Microwave until tender crisp: 1 1/2 cup broccoli florets, cut very small

Add to chicken and simmer 3 - 4 minutes: 1 ½ cups pasta sauce 1 ½ cup canned diced tomatoes 1 small can tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Stir in: 2 tablespoon fat-free miracle whip 2 tablespoon light sour cream

Add: broccoli 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Spoon into a greased 2 litre baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 20 - 30 minutes. In a large pot of boiling water, cook enough spaghetti al dente, for 4 servings. Drain - toss with a little margarine and place on a serving platter - top with hot chicken mixture and sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese if desired.

Rada Carving Gift Set This essential 2 piece carving set

includes a carver/boner knife

and meat fork.

Aluminum handle - #S13

Dishwasher safe handle - #G213

$28.99

Chalkboard Mugs All you need is a piece of chalk to

write a message to that special

someone with their morning

coffee or cup of cocoa.

Dishwasher safe. Assorted colours.

#903163AS-D $24.99/4

Jalapeño Pepper Corer Remove the core and seeds from

Jalapeño peppers in 2 easy steps.

Use the serrated edge to cut the

top off and twist the pepper corer

down into pepper to remove core

and seeds all at once.

#121-N $11.75