Hi All,

I use Procook Kives, and have this 9 piece set here:-

http://www.procook.co.uk/shop/Knives/Knife-Sets/ProCook-Elite-Steel-Knife-Set-%26-Block/d35/sd264?code=S219

Its the 2nd set ive had from them, the first being the rubber coated handle ones I had for 2 years, but the handles gave up(dishwasher use)so wrote a stinky letter and sent them back, to recieve a larger brand new set of elite knives for free, so was quite happy with that.

I have also had many sharpeners, and diamond fischer steels ect, but have now got one piece of equipment I urge you all to get!!!

Its the only sharpener I know of that is recommended by Global, and it makes the knife as sharp as a razor in seconds.Heres the link:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plus-3-Black-Red-Sharpener/dp/B0015S0VN2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I realise its quite pricey, but its cheaper than ruining a decent set of knifes everytime.

On that subject, one day I will get a really good chefs knife(Note to wife for xmas!!) and am locking at a Henckel or equivalent.Am tempted by Global, but personally dont like to follow the crowd, and feel they are very commercial, and chefs dont seem to recommend them(unless they are being paid by them!!!)

I have an Xmas Jamie Oliver DVD, and he recommends Henckel, Sabatier and one other(cant think of the name)

Definately give the sharpener a try though-I dont normally leave reviews on websites, but you can see on amazon, I did for this(a long time ago!!)

Matt

Matt

By the way, does this mint sauce really freeze well? Has anyone tried it?
They say double cream freezes, I can say with confidence-It doesn't at all!!

Look forward to replies!!

Matt

I realise this has had no replies for ages, but its worthy of a bump.Anyone cooking bhajis, or a hot curry should have this riata to hand.
I have used it for some time now, and it makes the shop bought stuff laughable.It really is identicle to the sauce you get in BIRs here.

A great find.

Will be posting my onion bhaji recipe soon, along with a fantastic xmas snack that any curry lover cannot be without when hosting parties. Madmatts Curry Puffs-been in my family for literally decades, and never fails to impress- always the first to go finger food!!!

Matt

Hi Guys,

Just thought i'd propose a pilau group test, as , above all, this is one dish 95% of people will have with a curry, so its highly important to get right, like roast spuds with a sunday roast!

Its relativley easy, cheap, and not too time consuming, and any newbie would appreciate the results IMO.

I would be happy to participate if its agreed.

Matt

Great find, and is worthy of a bump!!

Anyone care to have a go at each ingredient stage??

Also, has anyone actually tried one of thier curries?
Webcam in the kitchen-great idea, proves cleanliness and you can see your own curry being made.Lets hope it starts a trend(Then we can sus out any secrets!!)

Matt

There is one in Albufiera, Portugal that is superb. All Indian staff, and the King Prawn Madras is fantastic.

Matt

I was just wondering, is there a 'standard' brand chilli powder that everyone uses here, as its one of those ingredients that can be totally different, brand to brand?

Whenever I buy it, I spend ages pondering which one, and which heat strength to go for.

Regards

Matt

CT, thanks for the info. Will have a look for mr naga next time I'm in the Asian store(not seen it in tesco's)

CH,
I shouldn't panic about the rice, the brand you use is still widely available.

Has a group test been done on pilau? If not, let's get one organised!

Matt

I look forward to your '5 base'  test mate, and your opinion on my korma, and my base(And my rice lol)
The korma does not need to be mild, as always you can pep it up a bit and it is really good(Im a vindaloo man normally, so like it spicy)

Funnily enough am mate and I had a take away on friday, and we had a vindaloo, and a new one to me called a 'Naga Chicken'
I know naga's are supposed to be the hottest of hot, but the result was the vindaloo IMO was slightly hotter, but the flavour of the Naga dish was fantastic.

I've not seen any recipes for this, but am determined to find it.The taste of the chillies was intense, but the heat not overpowing.A real winner.(from a new TA also-in a village near me called 'Deadmans Cross')

Good luck with the tests mate, and I look forward to the results,

Matt

I agree,

I remember seeing this on the menu with banana in, and also with pinapple.(This was in the good old days when BIR's sold Jalebi and gulab jamen for dessert!!

Ahh, Jalebi, Hmmmmmmmmmm

Matt

Was never brave enough to give it a go.