Learning To Cook With Tipsy ~ Technique of the Week ~ Macerating

March 22, 2018thetipsyhousewife

Recently I toured the new factory opening of the Home Meal Delivery Service, Home Chef in Bedford Park, Illinois. As part of the tour I was given a week of meals to try at home. We absolutely loved the the meals and what I loved most of all was being inspired to try some cooking techniques that I rarely think of to use to create new dishes. We all get stuck in a culinary rut and even the simplest of food preparation can escape us when we are just trying to get a meal on the table after a long day of work or life.

I’ve been motivated to introduce some different techniques to my readers, and myself, to help put the spark back in Meal planning and prep.

This past week I was commissioned to create some new Spring recipes for my long time favorite family owned company, Chateau Foods Inc. and I can’t think of a better combination than a long time favorite product paired with a new cooking technique.

Let me introduce you to “Macerating”! The technique of maceration is used to soften fruits or vegetable using a liquid or their own natural juices. This adds a new and unexpected layer of flavor to your fruits and veggies and can spice up your appetizer and dessert repertoire.

Thinking on my partnership with Chateau Foods Inc. I wanted to do something new using their classic bread dumplings for an appetizer or snack. I also happened to have a bunch of grape tomatoes on hand. I decided to create a tomato infused olive oil that would be a perfect dipping oil for Chateau Foods Inc Dumplings. The dumplings are perfect for this type of dish because their consistency allows for you to taste the dip without getting soggy like your traditional bread would. The flavor of the dumplings is also mild and delicious and can be enhanced by simply toasting the rounds in a skillet. I also like the fact that I can keep these dumplings in my freezer and use them as needed because I throw out way too much bread after it states. These bread dumplings have saved me countless times in a pinch when I have unexpected company and need to throw together an appetizer.

Let me walk you through the Macerating process. You will need:

One pint of grape tomatoes, halve the tomatoes
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 C Olive Oil
Fresh Herbs of your choice (optional)
Glass bowl with a cover or plastic wrap.

The process is simple, combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and cover tightly and let sit in counter overnight.

You will find a beautiful flavor infused olive oil in the morning. I simply strained the tomatoes from the oil and added some capers and a few sliced tomatoes to the oil, a sprinkle of herbs and black pepper, toasted my dumplings in my skillet using some olive oil and voila!

A delightful spring like, fresh appetizer ! I made a gorgeous food board using a small plate of the oil and some cave aged cheeses and of course my toasted Chateau Dumplings .

You can reserve the tomatoes from the dish to use on top of chicken , on a sandwich or even toss with with pasta!

The infused olive oil will really wow your guests and the dumplings will be a delicious texture your guests won’t expect.

Mr. Tipsy and I could not stop eating this snack. It will also make a great recipe for your Easter brunch.

You can macerate many other fruits and veggies so have fun exploring. For other Macerating ideas Click Here

Pro tip, these dumplings also make a great French toast, and some macerated strawberries on top would be a great treat. You only need to sprinkle some sugar on some sliced strawberries and let sit for a couple hours.

You can find my Dumpling French Toast Recipe Here this also makes a great brunch recipe !

You can find Chateau Foods Inc products in the frozen food section of your local grocery store. They are a local Chicago Family Owned company started by immigrants and I am honored to be a part of their food family!

Happy Cooking!

For more Tipsy & Chateau Foods Recipes For Easter or Any Day, click the links below !

Beef & Potato Dumpling Stew