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Run out of butter or eggs? Here’s the science behind substitute ingredients

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paulomi-polly-burey-404695">Paulomi (Polly) Burey</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> It’s an all too common situation – you’re busy cooking or baking to a recipe when you open the cupboard and suddenly realise you are missing an ingredient. Unless you can immediately run to the shops, this can leave you scrambling for a substitute that can perform a similar function. Thankfully, such substitutes can be more successful than you’d expect. There are a few reasons why certain ingredient substitutions work so well. This is usually to do with the chemistry and the physical features having enough similarity to the original ingredient to still do the job appropriately. Let’s delve into some common ingredient substitutions and why they work – or need to be tweaked. <iframe id="IitfH" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IitfH/1/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <h2>Oils versus butter</h2> Both butter and oils belong to a chemical class called <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Map%3A_Fundamentals_of_General_Organic_and_Biological_Chemistry_(McMurry_et_al.)/23%3A_Lipids/23.01%3A_Structure_and_Classification_of_Lipids">lipids</a>. It encompasses solid, semi-solid and liquid fats. In a baked product the “job” of these ingredients is to provide flavour and influence the structure and texture of the finished item. In cake batters, lipids contribute to creating an emulsion structure – this means combining two liquids that wouldn’t usually mix. In the baking process, this helps to create a light, fluffy crumb. One of the primary differences between butter and oil is that butter is only about 80% lipid (the rest being water), while <a href="https://www.nutritionadvance.com/types-of-cooking-fats-and-oils/">oil is almost 100% lipid</a>. Oil creates a softer crumb but is still a great fat to bake with. You can use a wide range of oils from different sources, such as olive oil, rice bran, avocado, peanut, coconut, macadamia and many more. Each of these may impart different flavours. Other “butters”, such as peanut and cashew butter, aren’t strictly butters but pastes. They impart different characteristics and can’t easily replace dairy butter, unless you also add extra oil. <h2>Aquafaba or flaxseed versus eggs</h2> Aquafaba is the liquid you drain from a can of legumes – such as chickpeas or lentils. It contains proteins, kind of how egg white also contains proteins. The proteins in egg white include albumins, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5912395/">aquafaba also contains albumins</a>. This is why it is possible to make meringue from egg whites, or from aquafaba if you’re after a vegan version. The proteins act as a foam stabiliser – they hold the light, airy texture in the product. The concentration of protein in egg white is a bit higher, so it doesn’t take long to create a stable foam. Aquafaba requires more whipping to create a meringue-like foam, but it will bake in a similar way. Another albumin-containing alternative for eggs is <a href="https://foodstruct.com/compare/seeds-flaxseed-vs-egg">flaxseed</a>. These seeds form a thick gel texture when mixed with a little water. The texture is similar to raw egg and can provide structure and emulsification in baked recipes that call for a small amount of egg white. <h2>Lemon plus dairy versus buttermilk</h2> Buttermilk is the liquid left over after churning butter – it can be made from sweet cream, cultured/sour cream or whey-based cream. Buttermilk mostly <a href="https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(06)72115-4/fulltext">contains proteins and fats</a>. Cultured buttermilk has a somewhat tangy flavour. Slightly soured milk can be a good substitute as it contains similar components and isn’t too different from “real” buttermilk, chemically speaking. One way to achieve slightly soured milk is by adding some lemon juice or cream of tartar to milk. Buttermilk is used in pancakes and baked goods to give extra height or volume. This is because the acidic (sour) components of buttermilk interact with baking soda, producing a light and airy texture. Buttermilk can also influence flavour, imparting a slightly tangy taste to pancakes and baked goods. It can also be used in sauces and dressings if you’re looking for a lightly acidic touch. <h2>Honey versus sugar</h2> Honey is a <a href="https://resources.perkinelmer.com/lab-solutions/resources/docs/APP_Analysis-of-Sugars-in-Honey-012101_01.pdf">complex sugar-based syrup</a> that includes floral or botanical flavours and aromas. Honey can be used in cooking and baking, adding both flavour and texture (viscosity, softness) to a wide range of products. If you add honey instead of regular sugar in baked goods, keep in mind that honey imparts a softer, moister texture. This is because it contains more moisture and is a humectant (that is, it likes to hold on to water). It is also less crystalline than sugar, unless you leave it to crystallise. The intensity of sweetness can also be different – some people find honey is sweeter than its granular counterpart, so you will want to adjust your recipes accordingly. <h2>Gluten-free versus regular flour</h2> Sometimes you need to make substitutions to avoid allergens, such as gluten – the protein found in cereal grains such as wheat, rye, barley and others. Unfortunately, gluten is also the component that gives a nice, stretchy, squishy quality to bread. To build this characteristic in a gluten-free product, it’s necessary to have a mixture of ingredients that work together to mimic this texture. Common ingredients used are corn or rice flour, xanthan gum, which acts as a binder and moisture holder, and tapioca starch, which is a good water absorbent and can aid with binding the dough. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/202036/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paulomi-polly-burey-404695">Paulomi (Polly) Burey</a>, Associate Professor (Food Science), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/run-out-of-butter-or-eggs-heres-the-science-behind-substitute-ingredients-202036">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

URGENT RECALL: Popular almond milk brand linked to severe illness

A popular brand of almond milk is being urgently recalled from stores around New South Wales after the product was linked to a case of botulism. Inside Out almond milk, which is stocked at Woolworths, is being removed from the shelves over fears that bottles may contain botulinum, a neurotoxin that can cause disease. NSW Health has confirmed one case of botulism, a rare but fatal illness caused by toxins attacking the body’s nerves, has been linked to the product. The person suffered “severe symptoms” and was admitted to the hospital. The director of NSW Health’s One Health branch said the illness can be fatal. "Early symptoms of foodborne botulism include weakness, fatigue and vertigo," Glasgow said. "While these symptoms occur commonly due to a number of health conditions, with botulism it is usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Nausea and vomiting may also occur." "These symptoms can progress to paralysis of the arm muscles and continue down the body to the trunk and legs, and paralysis of breathing muscles can be fatal." She added. "We are urging anyone who has consumed this product and experiences these serious symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.” Glasgow warned that “most cases” can recover if treated early. "In foodborne botulism, symptoms may begin from a few hours to several days after consuming the contaminated product," she said. Any affected products have a used-by-date of March 1, 2023. The warning comes just a day after a basketball ring set that was sold at leading sports stores across Australia for over two years was also recalled. In late January, Hyundai had to recall thousands of cars to fix a software glitch interfering with the “fail-safe” driving mode, a fault capable of causing a crash. Image credit: Getty

News

Popular IKEA cake recalled for unusual reason

A popular cake sold at IKEA stores is being recalled across the country over fears the variety could contain metal. The NSW Food Authority has issued a notice advising people they should not eat the “Almondy Almond Cake with Daim” with a best before date of November 18, 2023. The cake is sold in a 400g package and may contain metal, which could cause illness or injury if consumed. The cake has been sold at IKEA stores in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. "Consumers should not eat this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund," the NSW Food Authority said. Australia is not the only country impacted, with both the UK and Scotland announcing recalls for the same variety over metal concerns. "Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice." Image: Ikea

Food & Wine

Why you should grate your butter

Making your own food can take quite a bit of time, so a time-saving trick is always welcome. Dealing with cold, hard butter out of the refrigerator can be a hassle – it is not easily spreadable, and often needs to be brought to room temperature for most recipes. You can’t exactly leave it out for too long, either – food authorities such as the <a href="http://foodsafety.asn.au/butter/">Food Safety Information Council</a> generally recommend storing butter in the fridge to prevent it from becoming rancid. Luckily, there’s a trick to make your butter soft in little to no time. And it only requires a grater. Meghan Moravcik Walbert from <a href="https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/03/grate-your-butter-to-soften-it-quickly/">Lifehacker</a> said grating your butter is an easy way to transform it from brick-hard to soft, fluffy and ready for use. Once grated, the softened butter can be spread over toast, mixed up with dry ingredients in baking or utilised in any way your recipe requires. “I peel the wrapper back as I work to keep my hands clean,” wrote Walbert. “It takes less than 30 seconds to grate around 100g.” Don’t have a grater? You can try other tricks to soften butter, such as cutting them up into small chunks or setting it over a warm water bath. Would you try this trick? Let us know in the comments. Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Absolutely ir-Reese's-istable: Krispy Kreme & Reese's team up

Calling all peanut butter fans! There are so many Reese-on’s why you’ll want to visit a Krispy Kreme store this month. Krispy Kreme Australia has partnered with American confectionery giant Reese’s to launch three new limited-edition doughnuts that are here to answer your wildest peanut butter-filled dreams. Two of the dough-licious doughnuts; Reese’s Peanut Butter & Choc and Peanut Butter Cheesecake made with Reese’s will be available to purchase from today at select Krispy Kreme stores across the country. From Tuesday 4 October, Aussies can get their hands on an additional limited-edition doughnut, Peanut Butter Choc Brownie made with Reese’s, available exclusively at 7-Eleven stores. Olivia Sutherland, Marketing Director at Krispy Kreme Australia said: “We know our fans will go absolutely nuts over this collaboration - it’s the perfect combination of Reese’s Creamy Peanut Butter and Krispy Kreme’s light and fluffy doughnuts.” Joeven Perez, Associate Marketing Manager of Reese’s Australia explained: “This collaboration is all about merging two iconic brands into some seriously delicious offerings that we know Australians are going to love. The doughnuts are here for a limited-time only so we encourage you to try it whilst you can - your tastebuds will thank us for this peanut buttery goodness!” Krispy Kreme’s limited-edition Reese’s doughnuts will retail at $3.90 AUD each, or $29.90 AUD for a dozen and will be available from Tuesday 20 September for a limited-time only.* Krispy Kreme REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER & CHOC Doughnut: Krispy Kreme's signature shell is filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Sauce, dipped in a smooth chocolate ganache, then finished with Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips & a sprinkling of Peanuts. Krispy Kreme PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE MADE WITH REESE’S Doughnut the iconic Original Glazed doughnut is dipped in creamy white truffle, finished with a smattering of peanuts & a Reese’s Peanut Butter cream cheese frosting swirl. Krispy Kreme PEANUT BUTTER CHOC BROWNIE MADE WITH REESE’S Doughnut, featuring the signature shell filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter & choc brownie batter filling, dipped in milk choc ganache and finished with Reese’s Peanut Butter drizzle, choc crumb and a hand sprinkle of Peanuts. To find your nearest Krispy Kreme location, or to order online, visit <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com.au/">www.krispykreme.com.au</a>. Or visit one of the 710 7-Eleven stores nationally, to find your nearest location or order online visit www.7eleven.com.au.

Food & Wine

Queen Elizabeth II in mourning

Queen Elizabeth II is in mourning after her life-long friend passed away. Lady Myra Butter, a descendent of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia and poet, novelist and playwright, Alexander Pushkin, died “peacefully” at the age of 97 in London. "Lady Butter was a daughter of Sir Harold and Lady Zia Wernher, and a granddaughter of Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia and Countess de Torby,” managing editor of Majesty Magazine Joe Little wrote. "Myra was a close friend of the Queen and Prince Philip since childhood and from time to time appeared in royal documentaries." Lady Butter created the Pushkin award, which helped celebrate literary work in honour of her ancestor. She was married to Sir David Butter to who she had five kids with - and the Queen was the godmother of their eldest child, Sandra Elizabeth Zia. Lady Butter grew up with the Queen and her sister Princess Margaret, and spent their holidays together. She was also a guest at the Queen’s wedding to Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947. “The war had been so grey that the royal wedding seemed to signify the world coming to life again,” Lady Butter previously told The Daily Mail. "Everyone was determined to have a new dress for the day and I wore a blue ribbed silk dress by Dior. It was one of the first three-quarter length dresses, and I wore it with a feathered hat. I had new shoes and a bag, too – any excuse. "All the people from the Commonwealth made the ceremony very colourful and the choir superb. "The Princess looked truly glittering. Her dress was beautiful and she was obviously in love. Philip looked very dashing in his naval uniform – and it really did seem like a fairy tale wedding." Images: Getty/ITV

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Urgent butter recall amid contamination fears

An urgent recall <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/butter-product-recalls-devondale-butter-varieties-recalled-over-bacterial-fears/e6f53bb8-475c-4a05-8da9-08a0d98da7c5" target="_blank">has been issued</a> for a range of Devondale butter varieties sold at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Costco due to fears of bacterial contamination. Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd, which operates Devondale and cheese brands Cracker Barrel and Mersey Valley in Australia, issued the recall on Thursday via Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846937/butter2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2be7f9a6b24c4f37afe87f165caac873" /> FSANZ has advised that these specific products carrying these best before dates are being recalled due to contamination concerns. Image: FSANZ Specific batches of unsalted and salted Devondale, as well as Woolworths brand unsalted and salted butter, have been recalled due to a “potential microbial contamination”. FSANZ advises that consuming the products could cause illness. The full list of products includes: <ul> <li> Devondale Spreadable Dairy Soft Original 500g - Best Before: 06 Jan 22, 06 Apr 22, 11 May 22, 12 May 22, 26 May 22 </li> <li> Devondale Spreadable Dairy Soft Salt Reduced 500g - Best Before: 10 May 22 </li> <li> Devondale Unsalted Butter 500g - Best Before: 30 Apr 22 </li> <li> Devondale Salted Butter 250g - Best Before: 18 May 22, 04 Jun 22 </li> <li> Devondale Salted Butter 500g - Best Before: 30 Apr 22, 01 May 22, 24 Jun 22 </li> <li> Devondale Salted Butter 3x500g - Best Before: 01 May 22 </li> <li> Woolworths Australian Butter Salted 250g - Best Before: 16 Oct 21, 21 Apr 22, 12 May 22, 13 May 22 </li> <li> Woolworths Australian Butter Unsalted 250g - Best Before: 16 Oct 21, 11 May 22, 12 May 22 </li> </ul> The products were available for sale across Australia at outlets including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Costco and independent supermarkets. Customers who have purchased the affected products are urged not to consume them and should return them for a full refund instead. “Consumers should not eat these products. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” the recall reads. “Consumers should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.” Customers seeking further information can contact the customer service team at Saputo Dairy Australia on 1800 032 479. Image: Saputo Dairy Australia Pty Ltd

Food & Wine

"Butter chicken man" given free butter chicken for a year after $1652 fine

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Construction worker Noel Atkinson drove 32 kilometres in search of butter chicken and defied stay-at-home orders in his hunt for food. He was pulled over by police just metres from his ideal restaurant, he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/mad-mad-world/melbourne-man-half-indian-drives-30km-for-butter-chicken-fined-rs-86k-for-lockdown-violation/articleshow/77081044.cms?fbclid=IwAR1BcIacC4Wi-7OglljjaA1evo8edsC0bg0gvYoO-uNa2ZAlXoxCZpCD5x0" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">Times of India</a>. "Since it was after 11pm, all restaurants in my area were closed and I wanted to have butter chicken. I finally found one restaurant that was open, but there was no home delivery to my place due to the distance. So I decided to go there." Atkinson was issued with an infringement notice for breaching the stay-at-home orders issued in Melbourne. "I told the police I was out to buy food but was ordered to go home. Cops followed me for some time to make sure I was headed home," he explained. He made headlines around the world as "Butter Chicken Man", as many could relate to his quest for food. Atkinson plans on contesting the fine in court. "I don't think the rules are clear on how far a person is allowed to travel for food or takeaway. I will ask police to waive off the fine or approach the local court." <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0Al6FBfkJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0Al6FBfkJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/melbourne-man-cops-covid-fine-for-driving-from-werribee-to-cbd-for-butter-chicken-c-1175594 We 𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒶 get it... The lengths one can go to get that #Perfect👌 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧... especially during the lockdown #Werribee you don't need to risk a fine for a delightful 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 Just give our @desidhaba.tarneit outlet a call on (𝟎𝟑) 𝟖𝟕𝟓𝟒 𝟖𝟕𝟏𝟏 - And We'll deliver in a jiffy 🛵💨 . . . . . #MelbourneLockdown #melbournelockdown2 #melbourneLockdown2020 #ClientTestimonial #melbournelockdownagain #melbournelockdownroundtwo #smallbusinesssupport #melbournecbd #melbournecity #melbournelife #melbournefood #melbourneiloveyou #melbourneeats #cityofmelbourne #melbournesights #melbournetodo #ilovemelbourne #bhfyp #williamslanding #laverton #melbournewest #melbournian #tarneit #truganina #pointcook #wyndhamvale #hopperscrossing #localbusiness</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/desidhaba_melbourne/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Desi Dhaba</a> (@desidhaba_melbourne) on Jul 18, 2020 at 10:53pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Amit Tetja, owner of Desi Dhaba, which was the restaurant Atkinson was driving to, said he was surprised someone got fined for driving to his restaurant. "I will be providing him free butter chicken for a year once he is able to visit us post lockdown." In an Instagram post, they wrote: “We kinda get it … the lengths one can go to get that perfect butter chicken, especially during lockdown. “Werribee you don’t need to risk a fine for a delightful Sunday night dinner.” The restaurant said it was not supporting or promoting that people should step out in these times and break rules. “We are only being compassionate for Noel and his love for our food as these are hard times for all and our empathy is towards all,” the eatery said. </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

RECALL ALERT: Peanut Butter brand recalled nationwide

IGA is urging shoppers to return a type of peanut butter after it was recalled over fears it may just trigger an allergic reaction to those with a nut allergy. Pana Organic is recalling its 200g Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread over a previously undeclared allergen. Consumers who have purchased the product for themselves from IGA are being encouraged to return it in exchange for a refund. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836679/iga-peanut-butter-recall-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/54af5b58dc91479384512a6370bd0918" /> For more information, please contact Pana Organic on 1300 717 488. The plant-based and gluten free spread contains tree nuts - cashews and pistachios. Anyone with an allergy or intolerance to either nut may have a reaction if the spread is consumed. The affected batch has a best before date of 05/02/2021. The spread is sold at IGA, independent and specialty food stores across the country.

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Butter chicken and sweet potato

Looking for something wholesome and fulfilling for dinner? Try out this comforting butter chicken and sweet potato dish as a winter’s warmer. Serves 4 Prep time: 15 mins + 1-hour marinating (optional) Cooking time: 40 mins Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 tbs tandoori curry paste</li> <li>¼ cup Greek yoghurt</li> <li>700g small chicken thigh fillets, trimmed </li> <li>1 tbs ghee or vegetable oil</li> <li>1 brown onion, finely chopped</li> <li>1 long green chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped</li> <li>800g sweet potato, peeled, halved lengthways, cut into 3cm pieces</li> <li>420g jar butter chicken sauce</li> <li>400g can finely chopped tomatoes </li> <li>150ml thickened cream</li> <li>Warm naan, to serve</li> <li>cucumber raita & coriander sprigs (optional), to serve</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Combine curry paste and yoghurt in a bowl. Cut chicken in half crossways (if chicken is large cut into thirds). Stir into tandoori mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour only if you have time.</li> <li>Preheat oven 230°C fan forced. Remove chicken from marinade. Place on a greased tray. Roast 10 minutes in hot oven.</li> <li>Meanwhile, heat ghee or oil in a deep-frying pan or wok. Add onion and chilli. Cook stirring 4 minutes until soft. Add sweet potato, cook 5 minutes. Add butter chicken sauce and tomatoes. Bring to the boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until sweet potato just tender. Stir in cream. Add the chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes until chicken cooked through.</li> <li>Serve with warm naan, raita and coriander.</li> </ol> Tip: Ghee is clarified butter, its available in the Indian section of the supermarket. Once opened, store in the fridge. It’s great for cooking curries, pancakes, pikelets and cooking over high heat as it won’t burn like regular butter.

Food & Wine

Shoppers respond in outrage after Woolworths drops Australian product from shelves

Woolworths has copped a heap of criticism after pulling an Australian product from its shelves. Upset shoppers took to social media to make evident their anger over the store's choice to cut ties with Farmers Co Peanut Butter The spread which is described “as Aussie as you can get” on the supermarket’s website – is made with local peanuts and promises to keep “jobs and profits in Australia”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836351/peanuts-woolworths.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3ca6b57967b24c32aaf56722362b87a6" /> Farmers Co Australian Peanuts "Smooth Ozenuts" peanut butter is being pulled from shelves. Woolworths has fiercely defended the “difficult decision” to remove Farmers Co peanut butter, telling <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/" target="_blank">7NEWS.com.au</a> that a “sustained period” of slow sales had pushed the move. The supermarket went on to say they would continue to sell Bega’s Simply Nuts, which is also made with 100 per cent Australian grown peanuts. The decision however to drop Farmers Co peanut butter has not gone over smoothly with customers. One shopper wrote: “I was upset to hear that Woolworths will no longer be stocking this brand as the sales volume is less than other brands. “I, like many Australians, am keen to purchase Australian made products, now more than ever as more and more Australian made companies disappear. “I realise profits form an important part of all commercial businesses. “But shouldn’t it be weighed up against supporting Australian businesses and our embattled Aussie farmers as much as we can.” Another went on to say: “Woolworths, could you please keep this great tasting Aussie made/owned peanut butter from Farmers Co on your shelves as I believe it is getting the chop.” “Our current circumstances would have an increased interest by us Australians for a home grown product over other similar stocked items from China and Argentina.” Woolworths spokesperson responded to the backlash, telling <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/" target="_blank">7NEWS.com.au</a> it had been a tough decision. “We made the difficult decision to remove Farmers Co peanut butter from our stores in our most recent range review process after a sustained period of underperforming sales,” the spokesperson said. “While we have supported Farmers Co over the last 18 months, it’s unfortunately not resonating with enough customers to continue stocking it. “As an alternative, we continue to stock Bega’s Simply Nuts - which is made using 100 per cent Australian grown peanuts - in the majority of our stores.”

Food & Wine

Chocolate pancakes with caramel and peanut butter sauce

These delicious pancakes come packed with flavours and no dairy – perfect for the whole family! Serves 2 Ingredients: Pancake <ul> <li>1 cup wholemeal spelt flour</li> <li>1 cup unsweetened almond milk</li> <li>3 medjool dates, pitted</li> <li>3 tbsp raw cacao powder</li> <li>1 very ripe banana</li> </ul> Sauce <ul> <li>1/3 cup coconut milk</li> <li>2 tbsp <a href="https://mayvers.com.au/product/mayvers-smooth-peanut-butter/">Mayver’s Peanut Butter</a> </li> <li>3 medjool dates</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Blend the dates and the almond milk until they are well combined and there are no chunks.</li> <li>In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with the cacao powder, date/almond milk from the blender and the banana. Mash the banana through the mixture with a fork.</li> <li>In a non-stick frypan over medium heat, cook the pancakes for approximately 2 minutes either side. </li> <li>Blend the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour over pancakes when they’re ready.</li> <li>Enjoy! </li> </ol> Recipe by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/young_rebecca/">Rebecca Young</a>.

Food & Wine

World’s first butter bar opens in the US

Butter is a staple of many kitchens and dining tables around the world – but it is mostly seen as a complementary item rather than the main highlight. Bella La Crema is looking to change that view. Located in the Colorado town of Lyons, it is the world’s first butter bar with a menu full of homemade churned-dairy delights. Diners can enjoy savoury options such as the herbs de Provence-infused French Countryside as well as sweet concoctions like the chocolate, coffee and cinnamon-laden Mayan Chocolate Muse. The flights of flavoured butters – which are served with warm baguettes – are made with grass-fed, organic and non-homogenised cream with in-house culturing and churning. The bar also marks each new season or holiday by launching a new butter. Owner and operator Shauna Lee Strecker said she wanted to “make butter beautiful again”. She told <a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/butter-bar-bella-la-crema-colorado">Food&Wine</a>, “Butter had been ruined, in my opinion … People were just using it as a throw-aside condiment, much like ketchup or mustard. Most of the store-bought butter is ridiculous – it’s crap. That’s why I decided to make butter beautiful again.” Looking to eat something heavier? The bistro-bar also offers an assortment of dishes, from salads to burgers and bisques.

International Travel

Does almond milk deserve to be called “milk”?

At a conference about <a href="https://proteintech.events/">disruptive innovations in food production</a> last week, dairy industry spokespeople criticised the “milk” labelling of non-dairy products such as almond or rice milks. <a href="https://www.fedfarm.org.nz/">Federated Farmers</a>, a rural advocacy group, prompted media headlines with a suggestion that we should call a beverage made from almonds <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018706641/should-vege-products-be-able-to-use-meat-and-dairy-terms">almond juice</a> because it is “definitely not a milk under the definition in the Oxford dictionary”. In a similar vein, the chief science officer for the dairy cooperative Fonterra, <a href="https://www.fonterra.com/nz/en/about/our-markets.html">the world’s largest dairy exporter</a>, said: These plant-based milks have a positioning that says they are milk and that they are plant-based. Unfortunately, from a content basis, they are providing inferior nutrition compared to what you find in dairy products. Their position is that labelling plant-based beverages as milk is misleading consumers into buying nutritionally inferior products. This position is gaining momentum around the world. The US Food and Drug Administration (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/home">FDA</a>) is <a href="https://www.vox.com/2018/8/31/17760738/almond-milk-dairy-soy-oat-labeling-fda">considering making “milk” a label exclusive to dairy products</a>. And the European Court of Justice has already upheld a law <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40274645">restricting the use of dairy terms on soy products</a> (even though almond milk is exempt). We disagree. Calling the product “almond milk” makes sense and doesn’t mislead anyone. Defining milk “An almond doesn’t lactate,” according to <a href="https://reason.com/2018/10/17/an-almond-doesnt-lactate/">FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb</a>, so almonds cannot be milked. But defining milk by its method of production won’t cut it. The US-based company Perfect Day, for example, makes <a href="https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/7/15/20694715/vegan-ice-cream-lab-grown-dairy-perfect-day">dairy products</a> without the involvement of any udders or even cows. They genetically modified a protein-creating microorganism to produce the same proteins found in cow’s milk: casein and whey. A more useful way to define something is to look at its intended function. Consider a mouse trap. A mouse trap is a thing that is designed to trap mice. These traps use various materials and trapping mechanisms, but these differences don’t matter. The function of all these traps is the same, so they are all “mouse traps”. Almond milk and other plant-based beverages function as milks. They go well with cereal, can be consumed by themselves, and provide nutrition. In fact, almond milk has been used widely as an animal milk substitute <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/nut-milks-are-milk-says-almost-every-culture-across-globe-180970008/">since the middle ages</a>. Plant-based milks do what animal milks do, with the advantage of being acceptable for people who cannot or do not want to consume animal milks. Just like different traps are “mouse traps” because they all have the function of trapping mice, different kinds of consumable liquid, from cows, goats, coconuts, soy or almonds are all “milks” because they all perform the functions we associate with milk. Milk and nutrition Animal <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/milk">milk is nutrient rich</a> and <a href="https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/is-plant-based-milk-healthy/">more nutrient rich than many plant-based milk</a>alternatives. But, basing the definition of “milk” on nutritional claims might not help the dairy lobby distinguish their products from plant-based alternatives. As soon as a nutrition threshold is set for milk, plant-based beverages could be fortified with additives until they became milks. Some <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325425.php">soy milks are already fortified</a> with calcium and nutrients to aid calcium absorption. Emulating the higher levels of protein and certain vitamins and minerals (but presumably not fat and sugars) might not be too challenging, especially given the impressive, ongoing advances in food technology. Given that almond milk performs all of the milk functions we expect, including having some nutritional value, it makes sense to call it “milk”. Misleading consumers Even if you don’t like functional definitions, consumers are not being misled by product names like “almond milk”. Consumers don’t think that peanut butter has dairy butter in it. They also don’t think that almond milk is cows’ milk with almond flavouring. The companies making almond milk should not want consumers to think their product has dairy in it. Many consumers of plant-based milks choose them because they want milk but not the <a href="https://nutrition.org/going-nuts-about-milk-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-plant-based-milk-alternatives/">dairy-related moral or dietary problems</a> that come with it. If many people believed that almond milks contained dairy, the companies would quickly change the name to almond juice. Consumers also aren’t misled by the lower nutritional value of plant-based milks (relative to animal-based milks). Only very health-conscious people buy animal milk for a specific nutrition profile. And, <a href="https://www.sph.umn.edu/news/reads-nutrition-facts-food-labels/">very health-conscious people read nutritional labels</a>, so they are not going to be misled by low-nutrition juices masquerading as milks. Being misled about a product can have harmful effects. Requiring cars to be sold with a recent warrant of fitness is important because it can prevent the expensive mistake of “buying a lemon”. Labelling poisons as such is even more important because poison-related consumer mistakes could be deadly. But we need to find a workable balance between adequately protecting consumers and not placing too many burdens on producers. Consumers realise that almonds don’t lactate, and that plant-based milks are designed to be functional alternatives to animal-based milks. So, the name “almond milk” doesn’t mislead anyone. Written by Dan Weijers and Nick Munn. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/almonds-dont-lactate-but-thats-no-reason-to-start-calling-almond-milk-juice-121306">The Conversation</a>.

Food & Wine

Easy butter chicken with rice and naan

Craving a hearty meal for dinner but don’t know what to make? There’s nothing better than digging into a plate of butter chicken. The aromatic flavours and spices not only prove why this dish is a favourite, but it’s also simple to whip up. Serves 4 Prep 15 mins Cooking time 35 mins Ingredients <ul> <li>1⁄4 cup Greek yoghurt</li> <li>1⁄4 cup butter chicken paste or tandoori paste</li> <li>1 tsp ground cumin</li> <li>1⁄2 tsp ground ginger</li> <li>1kg chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut in half crossways</li> <li>1⁄4 cup Ghee or vegetable oil</li> <li>2 brown onions, peeled, halved, thinly sliced</li> <li>2 cups tomato passata sauce</li> <li>300ml thickened cream</li> <li>1 tsp white sugar</li> <li>Steamed rice, toasted naan bread, coriander to serve</li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Combine yoghurt, paste, cumin, and ginger in a large bowl. Add chicken, stir until well coated.</li> <li>Heat half the ghee/ oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until browned. Remove to a clean plate.</li> <li>Reduce heat to medium, add onions and remaining ghee / oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until onion is soft. Return chicken to pan with passata, cream and sugar. Bring to simmer. Simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes, or until sauce is thickens and chicken is cooked through.</li> <li>Serve butter chicken with rice, naan bread and coriander.</li> </ol> Tip: If you can’t find butter chicken paste you can use tandoori paste, it’s a little spicier. Tip: Ghee is clarified butter; you will find it in jars in the international section of the supermarket. Once opened store in the fridge. Use it in place of butter when working with filo pastry or cooking pancakes. Tip: Toast naan bread in a large dry frying pan over a medium-high heat or wrapped in foil in a hot oven. Recipe and image courtesy of <a href="https://www.australianonions.com.au/australian-onion-recipes/butter-chicken-with-rice-and-naan/#t5k5EYIe2pqhvj1R.97">Australian Onions</a>.

Food & Wine

This $3 butter has just been ranked one of the best in Australia

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> When it comes to food products, higher price does not always mean better quality. This wisdom proved true as experts ranked ALDI’s butter as one of the country’s tastiest. Consumer advocacy group <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/dairy/butter-and-cheese/buying-guides/butter">Choice Australia</a> has rated the supermarket’s Beautifully Butterfully Butter Unsalted in the top three of all butters, beating out popular brands such as Devondale, Pepe Saya, Coles and Woolworths. The ALDI butter, which also came first in the unsalted butter category, was praised by the group’s experts as having a “compact, silky texture”, “milky sweet” taste and “a clean finish”. At $1.12 per 100g – or $2.79 per 250g block – the ALDI butter was also among the most affordable products in the review. The butter received a blind taste test score of 90 per cent, losing out only to Lurpak Slightly Salted Butter with 95 per cent and Western Star Original Salted Butter with 92 per cent. An equal third place went to Lurpak Unsalted Butter, which also scored 90 per cent in the taste test. Pepe Saya was the most expensive brand in the review at $4 per 100g, but its Batch Churned Handcrafted Unsalted Butter only received a 67 per cent score. The three food experts evaluated 33 supermarket butters based on texture, presentation, flavour and aroma. The group also advised that making your own butter could be a cheaper option. The recipe involves mixing pure cream, salt and chilled water. “If you usually buy organic, cultured or other more premium varieties or brands, then you could save money by making your own – assuming you have the time and the necessary kitchen equipment,” it said on the website. “And if you buy cream when it's on special, your homemade butter may even cost less than supermarket brands.” </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

The new ingredient in peanut butter that could be deadly to your dogs

Peanut butter has been a long-time treat for dogs around the world, but a new ingredient located in some brands of peanut butter could put a stop to this. As dogs are clever and know that you’re trying to give them tablets, peanut butter is often used to disguise medication that they often need to take. The surge in popularity of high-protein, low-sugar “health” products has seen a rise in artificial ingredients being used. One ingredient is xylitol, which is a natural sweetener lower in calories than sugar. Sydney-based vet Bill Ilkin told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/new-peanut-butter-ingredient-prove-deadly-dogs-062247137.html">Yahoo News</a> that while this ingredient might be good for those watching their waistlines, it could prove fatal for your dogs. “Excessive amounts are deadly, but most people aren’t feeding their dogs excessive amounts of peanut butter,” Dr Ilkin said. “Some people will wrap the dogs pills in peanut butter but they normally use a small amount.” Dr Jade Norris, veterinarian at RSPCA NSW, has agreed. “Xylitol can kill dogs and therefore pet owners must ensure dogs do not have access to xylitol or xylitol-containing products,” Dr Norris said. “Xylitol is a sweetener found in some products such as some sugar-free chewing gum, lollies, baking goods, peanut butter, toothpaste and many other products.” What to do if your dog eats xylitol “If your pet dog has ingested xylitol or you just suspect they may have ingested xylitol take them to your veterinarian immediately as xylitol ingestion is a life-threatening emergency. Just a small amount of xylitol can kill a dog.” Dr Norris explained.

Family & Pets

Surprising things you can do with peanut butter

It’s delicious on toast, in a banana smoothie, or baked into a choc chip biscuit, but did you know that peanut butter has many uses outside of the kitchen? You might be surprised to learn just how versatile this spread really is. 1. Feed the birds Grab a pinecone and rub spoonfuls of peanut butter all over it to make a simple bird feeder. Attach some string and hang it up in your garden where you want the birds to visit. 2. Remove gum from shoes Apply peanut butter to the area and leave it for a minute or two, then wipe off with a clean cloth. 3. Catch a mouse No, not all mice love cheese as much as you’ve been led to believe. In fact what they really love is peanut butter, and the good thing about it is that it makes them sit for a while to lick the trap. This gives your mousetrap plenty of time to catch the little critter, rather than grabbing the cheese and scooting off. 4. Fix scratched DVD’s If you have old films or music lying around on CD or DVD, they can often become scratched and unusable. You can use peanut butter to ‘fill in’ the gaps caused by the scratches! Simply wet the silver side of the disk and then dry it with a lint-free cloth. Then use your finger to apply a small amount of peanut butter all over the silver side of the disk. Rinse off with warm water, dry again, and you should be able to watch your old films or listen to your favourite tunes again. 5. Swallow a pill If the grandkids (or even some adults!) hate swallowing tablets, try this. Place the pill onto a tablespoon of peanut butter, and cover it completely so that it can’t be seen. Encourage the patient to swallow the peanut butter without chewing it, so that the pill goes down without being tasted. 6. Fix a squeaky door If you haven’t got any WD40 you can use a smear of peanut butter on the hinges of a squeaky door instead. 7. Remove a sticker Don’t you hate when you buy something and can’t peel the price sticker off? Just rub a little peanut butter into the area and the oils will help remove it when you rub it with a cloth. Have we missed anything? Do you use peanut butter anywhere else around the home? We would love to hear your tips in the comments.

Home & Garden

Broccoli salad with almonds and feta

On a recent trip to Wellington reader Pam Shackleton visited the Ti Kouka Cafe on Willis St for lunch. Shackleton was impressed by its crisp and zesty broccoli salad. "It's the best I have ever tasted." We contacted the cafe and it happily supplied the recipe. Serves: 6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 broccoli heads</li> <li>50ml olive oil</li> <li>1 teaspoon chilli flakes </li> <li>2 garlic cloves </li> <li>1 lemon, zested</li> <li>½ preserved lemon, thinly slice the skin only</li> <li>60g goat’s feta</li> <li>40g sliced almonds</li> </ul> Method: 1. Cut broccoli into desired size and blanch in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 30 seconds. Remove and cool. Heat pan to smoking point and add broccoli in one layer, sear for one minute or until slightly burnt looking. Allow to cool. 2. Combine the olive oil, chilli and garlic to create a dressing. In a large bowl top broccoli with dressing, feta, almonds, lemon zest and season. Serve at room temperature. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Food & Wine

Chocolate and peanut butter brownies

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a rich, salty-sweet delight you’ll love. Give these brownies a go for a delicious spin on the moist, chewy baked snack. Ingredients: <ul> <li>125g unsalted butter, diced</li> <li>120g dark chocolate, roughly chopped</li> <li>⅔ cup plain flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon baking powder</li> <li>¼ teaspoon salt</li> <li>¾ cup sugar</li> <li>3 large eggs</li> <li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li> <li>½ cup chocolate chips</li> </ul> Drizzle <ul> <li>35g unsalted butter, melted</li> <li>¼ cup icing sugar</li> <li>⅓ cup smooth peanut butter</li> <li>⅛ teaspoon salt</li> <li>½ teaspoon vanilla extract</li> </ul> Method: <ol start="1"> <li>Preheat your oven to 160˚C. Grease a 20cm square baking pan and line with baking paper.</li> <li>For the brownie batter, melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.</li> <li>Whisk the sugar into chocolate mixture, and then add eggs. Whisk together until smooth. Stir in the vanilla.</li> <li>Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and add to the chocolate. Stir everything until incorporated.</li> <li>For the drizzle, stir together the melted butter, icing sugar, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla until smooth.</li> <li>Pour the chocolate batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Spoon the drizzle over the tip and swirl it through using a butter knife.</li> <li>Bake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted is not wet when it comes out. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then cool to room temperature before cutting into squares.</li> </ol> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/gin-and-tonic-cupcakes/">Do gin and tonic cupcakes take your fancy?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/chocolate-tart/">How about a chocolate tart?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/strawberry-rhubarb-cobbler/">This strawberry and rhubarb cobbler hits the spot</a>

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Run out of butter or eggs? Here’s the science behind substitute ingredients

URGENT RECALL: Popular almond milk brand linked to severe illness