These are things I've worked out so far in my early weeks of owning this fabulous gadget. In my 'everyday' blog, I've said that I'd like to bring my recipe blog back to life, but to date, I've stuck pretty much to the cookbooks so I don't think I've got much to offer that isn't already freely available to Thermomix users.
To recap, if you've missed my post on my latest gadget, the Thermomix is an amazing kitchen appliance which can do so many things. It can chop, grate, grind, mix, emulsify, blend, puree, juice, cook, weigh, steam, and I'm sure there are some verbs I've omitted. If you're interested in this appliance, this page, has a great summary.
Even though I've not got anything to offer the Thermomix Community insofar as recipes go, to date I've got a few things which I've learned which a newbie Thermomix owner may appreciate.
* To make buttermilk, you add vinegar to fresh milk. Buttermilk in scones, pikelets and cakes, makes the most amazing and fluffy ones ever.
* Strawberry jam needs Jamsetta, even though it has lemons added to it. In the EDC (Everyday Cookbook) the recipe quantity would suggest a third of a sachet of Jamsetta, but I'd recommend a full packet. The citrus marmalade recipe would only require a half a packet, there's more pectin in lemons and limes than there is in strawberries.
* a silicone spatula works much more easily and efficiently than the supplied scraper.
* rice tastes divine cooked in the TMX and needs no salt in the water.
* be careful adding extra salt if you're adding your own stock which you've made in the TMX. I've found I use much less salt and add no extra.
* If the speed button won't move even though you heard the 'beep' when you tightened the lid, just push the lid a little further and then the speed button will move.
* Using both the '-' and '+' button on the timer clears the previous entry.
* If you've accidentally made butter whilst whipping cream, remove the butterfly and add some ice cubes. Blend and the butter will revert to cream.
* Turn the measuring cup upside down if you don't want food going up into it, or you need a firmer seal.
* As you cook recipes from the EDC, add your own notes. Use it as an ongoing workbook and it will become even more invaluable to you.
On another day I will summarize where I find good information on cooking with the Thermomix.