Welcome to In the Pantry, a NEW segment featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team and even some of our readers. A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we love them, how to use them and where they can be bought.
Do you have a favourite pantry product you want to share with the DC community? Email us at: info@decisivecravings.com.au for your chance to be featured in the next In the Pantry or simply leave a comment below and we’ll get in touch.
JC x
AMELIA’S PICKS
1. What is the product?
Chimbote Dulce de Leche
Why do you love it?
You’ve probably noticed caramel is having a moment. Salted caramel, in particular, has been everywhere – injected in doughnuts, poured into milkshakes and folded into ice cream. Even Cadbury has had a crack, releasing a Dairy Milk block filled with salted caramel. Dulce de Leche is the mild and milky cousin which literately translates to milk or milky candy. Traditionally associated with Spain and South America, Chimbote’s version is made in France and simply contains milk, sugar, skim milk powder and vanilla. It’s rich, luxurious and gooey.
What have you made with it?
Dulce de Leche is great swirled through brownie batter, as a filling for cakes or alfajores – South America’s iconic caramel and coconut sandwich biscuits; dolloped on ice cream, or, if you are feeling particularly decadent, spread on toast or crumpets.
Where can you buy it?
Gourmet food shops and delis, including Casa Iberica in Johnston St, Fitzroy.
How much does it cost?
About $9 for a 250g jar.
2. What is the product?
Mackays Lemon Curd
Why do you love it?
Taste and easy to find. I find a lot of lemon curds and butters very eggy. Mackays is definitely at the top of the sugary scale but it gets my vote for the fact you can buy it at a major supermarket and at Leo’s.
What have you made with it?
I love using lemon curd as a filling for a Robert Carrier-inspired layered sponge cake. I make two sponge cakes, split them in half to make four and then layer sponge, softly whipped cream and lemon curd. You can either leave the cake naked or cover the sides in whipped cream and crushed praline.
Where can you buy it?
Gourmet food shops and delis, including Leo’s Supermarket in Kew and Eggs Plus at the Prahran Market.
How much does it cost?
$5 to $7 for a 340g jar.
3. ALISIA’S PICK
What is the product?
Pariya Rose Petals (edible)
Why do you love it?
They’re so stunningly pretty and they make everything they’re paired with look pretty too!
What have you made with it?
I use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, donuts and a variety of other cakes. They also work perfectly in confectionery such as nougat, lollipops and icy poles. I add them to fruit or vegetable salads and garnish summery cocktails and mocktails.
Where can you buy it?
Specialist supermarkets and online at www.pariya.com/order.
How much does it cost?
$14 for 25g.
Notes:
You can buy whole rose buds as well. Pariya’s other products are also great – wild figs, persian fairy floss in a range of flavours, dried wild fruits and berries including wild figs, sour cherries, barberries.
4. JEN’S PICK
What is the product?
Loving Earth Chocolate Buckini’s
Why do you love it?
This chocolatey activated buckwheat is incredibly addictive, I sometimes snack on handfuls at a time. This particular flavour is a belnd of raw cacaco, coconut, goji beries and a whole host of superfoods.
What have you made with it?
I add it to my Bircher Muesli, smoothies, desserts and as mentioned earlier I literally eat it on its own by the handful!
Where can you buy it?
Online at the Loving Earth site or at various stockists.
How much does it cost?
$16.90 for 500g (via Loving Earth site).
5 & 6. READER’S PICK – CHARLEE, SYDNEY
What is the product?
Higher Living Tea, specifically ‘Cinnamon’ and ‘Cocoa and Chilli’. Simply add boiling water.
Why do you love it?
It is delicious and healthy – organic and caffeine free. This is a great alternative to cordial (my beverage of choice), allowing me to cut back on sugar. I’ve also found the Cocoa and Chilli is a great hot chocolate replacement excluding dairy.
Note: Both flavours include licorice and fennel, which I typically detest – and I can’t smell or taste them here. I also can’t handle chilli – and I’m more than fine with this!
What have you made with it?
It’s great for any occasion at any time! Normally I drink it on its own, in the evening before bed. Also perfect to offer guests with cookies and cake.
Where can you buy it?
Major supermarkets and online.
How much does it cost?
$15.38 per 100G – which is AUD 4 per pack of 15 bags. This is a UK-owned brand and packs are GBP 2.20 online.
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Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #1
Review: Melbourne’s Best Hot Chocolate
