When a recipe in this book calls for coconut milk, it refers to the full-fat canned variety, which is thick and creamy, not to be confused with the blended coconut milks which you’ll find chilled in cartons.
I make no apologies for using shop-bought pastry; it’s quick, fuss-free, and even top-name chefs like the convenience of a pre-made pastry sheet. I tend to keep a supply of shortcrust, puff, and filo, ready for a speedy supper or dessert. Store in the freezer or refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before using for best results. Many brands are accidentally vegan, using vegetable fats instead of butter – simply check in the ingredients list before you buy.
Wine and beer can be added to a dish to give a hearty, warming flavour or enjoyed alongside your meal, although some varieties contain eggs, gelatine, and isinglass, which is derived from the swim bladders of fish. Check with your supplier or do some research on one of the many great online resources. Do bear in mind that brands change their ingredients from time to time, so be sure to check before re-purchasing.
A few good-quality knives will make chopping much quicker. For home cooking, I’d recommend a small, medium, large, and a bread knife. Look for knives that are weighty yet ergonomic and buy the best you can afford – they will last you a lifetime if you look after them well. Alongside knives, a non-slip chopping board makes preparing ingredients hassle-free. Wooden boards offer protection for your knife blades, as they absorb the impact of the knife better than plastic or glass boards.
When cooking in 15 minutes, opt for pans that are silver or black inside as they heat up quickly. Often, casserole dishes have a white lining internally; these are best kept for slow-cooking. Woks are also great at fast cooking due to their concave shape.
A high-powered blender is a great investment piece and can be used to whip up the creamiest sauce, smoothest pesto, and even make ice cream! Blenders with a power of over 1000W have the best capabilities and versatility.
Measuring spoons give accurate amounts of tablespoons and teaspoons, which are more precise than the measures from the cutlery in your drawer. Food processors slice, chop, and shred vegetables, mix ingredients and can even knead dough. They differ from blenders as the interchangeable blades work better with drier ingredients, allowing you full control of how you want an ingredient prepared.
A garlic press is a cheap, easy-to-find gadget that saves lots of time in the kitchen. Simply place the clove into the device and squeeze the handle to crush the garlic. The skin will come away smoothly.