Jan 06 2008
Sparkle and Spice
A flat-warming party with a delightful theme, and an opportunity to try out two further recipes:
- Marshmallow Crispy Squares
- Party Popcorn
- Wok oil (ish)
The crispy squares were a cinch to make; we couldn’t get mini-marshmallows but found that full sized ones worked equally well. The advice regarding using vinyl gloves to push the mix into the tin was greatly received (not least of all because we had some of said gloves) as this is one sticky mixture. We didn’t have time to order edible disco glitter online, and being the 3rd of January, our local cake decorating shop wasn’t open. So our sparkle came from a jar of , and, whilst rather more Clyde built than Nigella’s efforts, fitted the bill perfectly.
The party popcorn was also a big hit. In essence you cook your popcorn as normal but in some tasty oil* and the, once popped, shake it in a paper bag with a spicy melted butter mix. We wondered at the actual need for the paper bag, but decided that a less substantial bag might stick to itself and prevent the spice mix from being distributed through the popcorn. As it was we could have done with a warm paper bag (or something!) as lumps of the buttery sugary spice solidified rapidly on the paper, which was a shame. However, whilst on first munch the popcorn was a bit too subtle, my hand kept going back to it…ultimately, this one was a hit with me! We made half quantities, for the party we were going to, and I’m sure it wasn’t finished. I can’t imagine the scale of party Nigella herself is catering for!
*Whilst I didn’t go so far as to make actual Wok Oil for this recipe, infusing garlic and ginger in a sesame and vegetable oil mix for 48 hours, I prepped the oil before I went to work. I threw some veggie oil and a bit of sesame oil into a jug, crushed in a clove of garlic and grated in some fresh ginger. It won’t have been as powwy as it ought to have been but I’m sure it will have made a difference, contributed to the general ’savoury’ flavour. Once I’ve bought some nice bottles I’ll make up all three of the infused oils properly.
I love your writing style! It’s a tricky thing, to write about food. I think you’ve done smashingly. And that pizza margherita or whatever it is at the top is making me salivate. Well done, you!