eG Foodblog: Jackal - Xmas week

[herbacidal]

yes, thanks very much.

[torakris]

Jackal10,

Don't know to follow this one but here goes anyway

http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=34074

[Pan]

Also, did you leave it to rise overnight? or was it a shorter time?

This dough moves very slowly, being so rich, so I proved it overnight, until it triples. Its important to let the first dough fully develop, The second has proved all day, and I guess I will retard it overnight.

What do "prove" and "retard" mean in regard to dough?

Terrific blog, wonderful pictures!

Edited December 27, 2003 by Pan (log)

[jackal10]

Prove means ferment. Strictly it is the second fermentation shaped into the final loaves, the first is called bulk fermentation.

Retard means cooling the dough to slow down the fermentation. Besides making timing easier, it also allows a fuller flavour to develop, and the cold dough is easier to handle.

[ronnie_suburban]

Also, did you leave it to rise overnight? or was it a shorter time?

This dough moves very slowly, being so rich, so I proved it overnight, until it triples. Its important to let the first dough fully develop, The second has proved all day, and I guess I will retard it overnight.

What do "prove" and "retard" mean in regard to dough?

Terrific blog, wonderful pictures!

Correct me if I'm wrong but proofing is essentially rising the dough (often after the loaf to be baked has already been formed) and retarding is a way to slow that rising process (often using mild refrigeration) to improve the flavor and the chew of the finished product.

=R=

ETA...Whoops, crossed posts. I was almost right

Edited December 27, 2003 by ronnie_suburban (log)

[Pan]

I think the decoration should be multi-coloured hundreds and thousands, but she points out that they bleed colour into the cream.

What are hundreds and thousands, Jackal? Some type of sprinkles, I figure?

[Pan]

Well, I finally finished reading the blog. That was fantastic!

I notice that you share my appreciation for panforte. I spent a good part of 2 summers in Siena and loved it.

One question about British holidays: I had understood that Michaelmas was a holiday - apparently not a bank holiday, but are there operative traditions surrounding it? You can tell why I'd be interested.

[Mottmott]

I've just read your wonderful account of a marathon pornographic Holiday feast. Amazing. It will become the model to which I shall aspire next year. (And it is a most welcome antidote to this year's lugubrious holiday visiting ailing friends. ) I feel more cheerful, now.

[colestove]

Thank you for sharing your holiday experiences. People like you open windows to the world and make eGullet the great joy it has been for me. Thank you again for allowing me to peek into a great experience.

colestove

[jackal10]

Pan:

Hundreds and Thousands are multi-coloured sugar sprinkles. They were originally sugar coated seeds, I believe.

Michaelmas is October time, and is not a Bank holiday as such. Goose is traditional, but only for food historians.

The Autumn university term is still called "Michaelmas term"

[Mabelline]

I've got another question, Jackal10. You spoke of Guest Nights. I am totally ignorant of these and this:

"The rule for Guest Nights is that you can take anyone except your current or another Fellow's partner."

What's the purpose of a Guest Night? Is it to allow someone who normally would not be able to see the college a chance to mingle? What manner of meal is prepared? And you mentioned you no longer had to pay; for those who do, what's the cost? I see a blog with pictures of one of those.

Personal aside, I've not forgot your trees. By the way, I guess I couldn't leave well enough alone--I am sitting up with 23 degrees, and about 14" of snow outside. Which wouldn't be bad, except it is accompanied by 25-40 mph winds,turning it into blizzard visibility. The vehicles are ordered off the interstate and the Dept. of Public Safety is escorting all to Lincoln Center in town, where the Red Cross is set up to bed them down for the night. Hush my mouth next time!

[jackal10]

Guest nights are semi-formal college feasts, where Fellows are encouraged to bring guests, who might inspire or amuse, or be good to know. Its a sort of gentle social networking. I guess its about contacts and influence.

I don't know what the price is, since I've never had to pay. I guess it depends on how you calculate it and assign the overheads, since the College has to run the kitchens, the wine cellar and employ the staff anyway. I guess it would be the price of a good meal - say around $50/head.

[Mabelline]

Thanks!

[Pan]

Thanks for your responses and for this great blog, Jackal.

[Shiewie]

Been offline most of Christmas week and just managed to read your blog. Thank you for the excellent blog and absolutely stunning pictures!

[ronnie_suburban]

Is it over already?

Again, thanks Jack for a most memorable, informative and entertaining blog.

It has been an absolute pleasure.

=R=

[Squeat Mungry]

I, too, wish to thank you again, Jack, and especially for the picture of the holiday crackers. I think I understand what they are, now.

Best wishes for the coming year,

Squeat

[curlywurlyfi]

Jackal, that blog is amazing. Your pheasants are stunning! and the panettone, my god, a labour of love. you are almost (almost) converting me to Aga cooking... Happy 2004.

Fi