Today’s English-Development Blog (EDB) explains one kitchen tip that is useful to know. I’ve picked it up, tried it out on several occasions, and perfected the process which makes it a winning formula to help out in producing culinary delights.
Here is the tidbit of information:
Soft and crispy 'chips' (UK) – you heard right! Everyone likes 'french fries' (USA).
The first known mention of chips comes from Charles Dickens, in his “A Tale of Two Cities” in 1859 (“Husky chips of potatoes, fried with some reluctant drops of oil”).
In the USA, french fries were created in the winter, and that the dish was discovered by American soldiers in Belgium during World War I. Since the dominant language of southern Belgium is French, they dubbed the tasty potatoes french fries.
Chips are usually cooked in oil which packs on the calories. Looking for healthier methods to prepare chips means avoiding cooking in pure oil. However, even if deep fried chips are chosen, incorrect temperatures can leave chips hard inside. They can break up, so the tip I’m going to share will keep them soft and intact.
Try soaking the cut chips in water and a few spoons of vinegar for around 20 to 30 minutes. Then add salt and turn on the stove and bring to the boil for 15 minutes before removing and using kitchen towel to dry them.
Transfer the chips to a saucepan with boiling hot oil to cook (they will cook quicker), or 25 minutes in an air fryer. They can also be done in the oven until crispy brown.
Try it and you won’t be sorry!
Written by Carl Boniface
Vocabulary builder:
Tip (n) = 1. the pointed or rounded end or extremity of something slender or tapering. 2. A tip (gratuity) can be money given to a waiter or someone who deserves it. 3. A tip of advice (as in the above written article).
Tidbit (n) = a small bit of tasty food, or a small and particularly interesting item of gossip or information.
Dub (v) = regular verb to give an unofficial name or nickname to (someone or something).
Answers for last Friday’s ‘Living in São Paulo’ blog:
Miserable – gloomy
Climate – weather
Opposite – contrary
High-status – prestigious
Comments