The question of amylase

A while ago, we discussed about the importance of bringing a crème patissiere to boil to inactivate the amylase enzyme. However, I wasn’t too convinced about that. I started to doubt about that after reading Di Carlo’s book, Tradizione in Evoluzione, where he suggests to do not bring a crème patissiere above the temperature of 85 ˚C, in order to avoid the unpleasant flavour of fried egg. My question is: is it possible that amylase can be already inhibited at 85 ˚C? Can we avoid boiling a crème patissiere?

Read More

The ultimate stew

For preparing a stew, it is often recommended to marinate the meat for a long while (e.g. 24h) in wine and herbs as onions, carrots, leek. This recommendation is usually found for all meat-based recipes requiring a long, slow cooking. Sometimes a white wine is recommended, others a red one. Often the addition of vinegar is required along with wine and herbs. Why? What is the difference between using a red or a white wine, if any?

Read More