Handy hints - feel free to reply with your own hints

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

I’m trying to get a feed set up to post handy hints on. The wonderful Neighbourly team as flat out at the moment and suggested I post here.

So here’s a couple.

Baking powder mix:
2 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp cornflour
4 tbsp cream of tartar

It’s better (and cheaper) than the bought stuff. Use it the same as commercial baking powder.

Ciabatta
500g plain flour (about 3 1/2 Cups)
1/2 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp dry yeast (check the back of your fridge for a forgotten jar. It lasts forever there)
1 1/2 tsp salt
450 ml warm water (tap is fine)
Olive oil

Mix your dry ingredients together (preferably in a bowl)

Mix in the water (don’t worry about being gentle)
Rub oil all over, around and under the dough with your hands (think wet play dough)

Cover the bowl with glad wrap or a tea towel and leave to double in size (takes about as long as a movie, so go watch one)

Preheat the oven to 200C

Pour the sticky mess into an oiled and floured tray (a big one), or into an oiled and floured loaf tin (or whatever oven proof dish you like.

Just remember, the wiser it is, the flatter it will be, the less time it will take to cook.

Cook for 30-40 minutes. If you want a softer crust, put a dish of warm water in the oven to steam the dough. I like it crusty.

To check if it’s ready, lift if out of the dish (don’t use your hands, unless they’re made of asbestos), knock on the bottom, and listen for a “hello possums!” (or a hollow sound).

Enjoy. It will go a little dry if kept out, but it toasts like crumpets. Yum yum.