Today's feast update

[bunnyjadwiga]

So, as of last night, the Bizcochos have claimed TWO different hand mixers. But boy, are they good. Sarah helped me do the last 2 batches of 3, so they are done.

Juergen helped me with the coriander comfits. I think my candy thermometer is out of calibration, as when it read 228 I put the syrup on the comfits, but it definitely wasn't hot enough; we got damp sticky comfits that didn't dry. So, since I couldn't stand the thought of wasting them, I tried the other period method. I took a stainless steel frying pan, heated it up on medium-low flame, and pour the comfits in there. Then I rolled them around for a while. Slowly they dried out, so I started adding sugar. My hands aren't tough enough to stand hot sugar, so I switched to our massive silicone spatula to stir them. I did have to turn the heat up a bit, but the sugar melted and re-hardened on the coriander. A couple more coats got better coverage, but not complete coverage, and then I chickened out and stopped, lest I lose the coverage I'd gotten. But... I DID IT! I did the coating-in-the-pan trick! Yay me!

The orange peels and lemon peels are peeled (revelation: a good sharp veggie peeler DOES do a good job on citrus; obviously the one I used before wasn't configured right; 2nd revelation: I NEED a NEW paring knife; the house is full of knives but no non-serrated paring knives that work worth a damn to be found) and soaking in water; they've already had one change. This is a speed round; they should soak for 10 days but I hope if I change the water several times a day it will make up for shorting on the time.

Comments

[halimadances.livejournal.com]

I use the heated dry skillet method as well. I use a bamboo spatula to roll them around and break them up. You can sucessfully add many layers that way, just make sure they are good and dry before you add the next layer. I remember you complimenting my comfits at Holiday Faire in Stierbach, and thought I would share the love LOL! Good luck with your feast...you'll rock it.

[danabren.livejournal.com]

Totally OT - please send me an email?

[montuos]

...I NEED a NEW paring knife; the house is full of knives but no non-serrated paring knives that work worth a damn to be found...

Don't you have a knife sharpener?