Cravings of a Lunatic mentioned an article by Dorie Greenspan in the comments for my Chocolate Cranberry Cookies about heating your oven and it could explain some of my baking problems. Apparently, you have to wait for some time after the oven has reached the desired temperature because it is not in fact at the desired temperature. Just to be sure, the oven goes way beyond it and then settles back for a snooze while it cools to below the desired temperature and then kicks into action again. Its aim is to average out at what we have told it to do but with as little effort as possible. Not helpful, I say. And that’s why recipes always have cooking time ranges – because every oven is different. So we can get men to the moon (I know that’s a cliché) but we can’t create a reliable oven that sits at a particular temperature long enough to cook ten-minute cookies. Well, I’d say that’s not good enough.
Anyway, enough ranting. I had a lucky night tonight because we had that rare occurrence in our household – leftovers. That meant no cooking. But that would also mean no photographs and I couldn’t handle the withdrawal symptoms so I rearranged the crepes and re-photographed them. I did think yesterday’s recipe looked a little suspect so I needed to have a second try anyway. Usually there is no chance to re-photograph because there is not a crumb of food left so I took advantage and clicked away. It was such a pleasure to have the time to play about since the food wasn’t getting cold – it was already cold. I heated it afterwards while I watched a bit of The Middle. Such luxury.
Oh, and I added some of the tomato sauce that Adriano made for our Sunday pizzas. It went really well with the crepes and added a bit of needed acidity.
If you want the recipe and can’t be bothered going to yesterday’s post, here it is: Chicken & Broccoli Cheese Crepes.
Mean ‘leftovers’ – love the plating 🙂 !
Thanks, Eha. It was a relaxing evening.
Suzanne
We’ve had convection ovens in the past, and one of their major advantages is you get a more even oven heat (because of the fan). I always assume my oven’s settings are off (because they are!) so I always use a thermometer in the oven, and go by what that says. But having the heat cycle on and off like that is a pain. Anyway, I often photograph leftovers – with some dishes (not all) cold food photographs better. More often I’ll prepare something, and then keep the food warm while I do my photography. NIce picture – the tomato sauce adds a great spot of color.
Okay, convection oven it is, in the next house. A thermometer is a great idea. It is always a struggle of needs between keeping the food warm and getting great photos. Sometimes, I stop clicking too early just so we can eat and then I hate all the photos but the food is gone.
Suzanne
You are so sweet to mention me mentioning what Dorie mentioned her oven guy mentioned. *sorry, I am way overtired today*
I actually have a convection oven but I always forget it’s a convection oven and never actually use the convection feature. I also have a meat probe. It’s still in the packaging 5 years later. My convection did something weird once and it freaked me out so I’m terrified to use it. I opened the door of the oven and flames shot up. Like at my eyes. I jumped back but needless to say it scared the heck out of me. The only thing we can think is the liquid splashed out of the pot as I opened the door. So I’m tentative to use it now. Yet I’m not afraid of my BBQ. But to it’s credit it’s never tried to kill me like my stove.
Okay so your leftovers look amazing and I want to come for dinner. But after the rambling here you may never read my blog again let alone invite me for leftovers.
You’re welcome for leftovers – we’re in New Zealand, by the way, but don’t let that stop you.
I think your survival instincts in not using your convection oven are well honed and laudable. If something tried to kill me, I would eliminate it from my life without compunction.
Suzanne
PS. Ramble all you like – I will be visiting your blog again.
I am in love with New Zealand. It’s on my bucket list.
I do love it when people let me ramble and don’t think I’m nuts.