Friday, April 8, 2011

Buttermilk

Ever buy buttermilk for a recipe and then wonder how you're going to use up the rest of the carton before it spoils? One evening this week I got a call from our beloved next door neighbour, in exactly this pickle. Sure, I said, I'll take the rest off your hands. And the challenge was on. So what do you do with a whole litre of buttermilk? I'm happy to report that the yummy possibilities are virtually endless.

First, I thought about the chicken I had thawing in the fridge. I immediately set it to marinate in some buttermilk, garlic and black pepper. Grilled the next day, it was moist and delicious. Of course, buttermilk is a core ingredient in great Southern fried chicken but let's be honest, if ever there was a food best saved for restaurants to prepare...

Next on the list were some delightful Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins. Easy, quick, and super tasty, these were a hit with everyone around here. My only adaptation to this recipe might be a pinch more salt. The orange zest brightens up the berry taste and the buttermilk gives great texture and flavour. Crispy on top and perfectly moist inside, these were terrific.

Finally, I was torn between a refreshing Chilled Beet & Buttermilk Soup with fresh dill and the obvious crowd pleaser: Buttermilk Pancakes. The soup still has my mouth watering but with rain the the forecast, and the whole family hunkered down for a quiet weekend at home, I figured the flapjacks would hit the spot. No mistake there. My 4 year old just exclaimed "mummy, you make the best pancakes and the best bacon!" as I was putting the empty buttermilk carton in the recycling box. Mission deliciously accomplished!