Mary Berry names one ingredient that makes Yorkshire puddings 'taller and tastier'
Yorkshire pudding fans, rejoice! The queen of baking Mary Berry has let slip the ultimate tip for achieving that perfect balance of crispy and fluffy in your homemade Yorkshires: just pop an extra egg into your batter.
In her 'Family Sunday Lunches' cookbook, Mary reveals how she's tweaked her recipe over time, saying: "My recipe has changed over the years - flours have become more refined and I find I get the best rise adding more eggs and omitting a little milk."
It's all about the eggs – they're the secret agents that trap air and steam, giving your puddings that majestic rise. As reported by the Express, not only does this additional egg give your puds a height boost, but it also infuses them with a richer taste and a more golden hue.
So, if you're after Yorkshire puddings that'll make your Sunday roast proud, look no further. In other related news, find out Marry Berry's 'unusual' ingredient for her chilli con carne recipe.
Ready to whip up the perfect Yorkshire puddings? Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients
100g of plain flour
Three large eggs
225ml of semi-skimmed milk
125ml of sunflower oil
1/4 tsp of salt
Kitchen equipment required
12-hole muffin or cupcake tray
Electric hand-held mixer (optional)
And here's how to do it
Crank your oven up to 220C (Fan 200C or Gas 7). Then, sift the flour and salt into a bowl, then form a well in the middle.
Crack the eggs into the well, add a splash of milk, and start whisking, gradually incorporating the rest of the milk until you've got a smooth batter that pops with bubbles on top. For the best results, give it a whirl with an electric hand mixer, and you're all set for pudding perfection.
Once your batter is prepped, pour it into a jug. If you fancy getting ahead of the game, you can whip up the Yorkshire pudding mix a couple of hours in advance and stash it in the fridge until you're ready to get cooking.
Next, drizzle a tablespoon of oil into each compartment of a 12-hole tray, then whack it in the oven for about five minutes until the oil is sizzling hot.
When the timer dings, carefully extract the tray from the oven (mind those fingers!) and evenly distribute the batter among the holes. Pop the tray back in the oven and let it do its thing for 20 to 25 minutes. Resist the urge to peek – opening the oven door could cause your Yorkshires to flop.
Once your golden beauties have puffed up nicely, whip them out of the oven and serve straight away.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Lavender 'blooms and looks amazing' when fed one homemade fertiliser
Lavender is a staple in British gardens - the hardy perennial herb is loved for its delicate purple blooms and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies Lavender remains a firm favourite among gardeners, not only for its stunning appearance and delightful scent but also for its simplicity of cultivation, provided it receives proper nourishment. The ideal time to plant lavender is April or May, when frost poses minimal threat to the roots, allowing the plant sufficient opportunity to establish itself before the summer arrives. Stephanie LeBlanc, a gardening specialist and founder of Celebrated Herb, revealed that while growing lavender is simple, the secret to maintaining them "healthy, blooming and looking amazing all year round" depends on the "right fertiliser". The expert shared the best type of fertiliser to use, and it's an easy-to-make homemade mix. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in their garden bins, as you could face punishment. Stephanie explained the benefits of a homemade fertiliser: "Organic fertilisers, such as composted manure, worm castings, and bone meal, are excellent choices because they provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients and improve soil structure. "These organic materials can be added to the soil or used as a top dressing to provide a slow release of nutrients to the plant's root zone.", reports the Express. Nevertheless, you don't need to splash out on fertiliser for your lavender plants. This herb can flourish using kitchen waste, offering an economical feeding alternative. Stephanie recommended: "Lavender plants do not require a lot of nutrients, you can still use some kitchen scraps to provide them with additional nourishment." Should you wish to give your lavender an extra lift, use preserved vegetable waste such as carrot tops or lettuce leaves to create your own homemade compost. The expert observed that gardeners can "simply layer the scraps with dry leaves and grass clippings in a compost bin and wait for it to decompose into rich compost." Furthermore, banana peels are frequently a garden's hidden treasure, particularly beneficial for lavender and countless other plants owing to their elevated potassium levels, a vital nutrient for flowering specimens. All you need to do is chop up the banana skins and nestle them around the base of your lavender plants; it's a clever method to guarantee they thrive with energy. Searching for the ideal DIY fertiliser to boost your lavender? Well, Stephanie has devised a "simple recipe" for a homemade mixture that pledges, not only to stimulate flower production, but also to improve soil health, addressing the frequently overlooked problem of inadequate soil quality and drainage that hinders lavender development. The gardening expert Stephaine commented: "This fertiliser provides magnesium and sulphur from the Epsom salt, alkalises the soil with baking soda, and supplies additional nutrients with the fish emulsion." Here's everything you need: One gallon of water One tablespoon of Epsom salt One tablespoon of baking soda One tablespoon of fish emulsion Method: Simply mix together the ingredients in a bucket or watering can, ensuring they blend into a consistent solution Apply it to the base of the lavender, avoiding the plant's foliage, followed by normal watering. Gardeners are advised not to overfeed lavender, but a single nourishment at the start of its growth can spark blossoms. Stephanie added: "It's important to note that lavender plants do not require heavy fertilisation, so use this homemade fertiliser sparingly, once every few months. Over-fertilising can actually harm plants."
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners told to leave two fruits out on the lawn during August
The RSPB and other experts say gardeners should leave a variety of foods out for birds at different times of year as the fledglings grow and start finding food for themselves As August heralds the tail end of peak season for garden birds, species like sparrows, starlings, blackbirds and robins witness their fledglings take flight and start fending for themselves. Gardeners are encouraged to support these young birds through the summer by leaving out a couple of fruits on the lawn or bird tables. The RSPB advises that gardeners should offer a variety of foods suitable for different birds throughout the year, ranging from sunflower seeds and uncooked oats to suet and mealworms. Other gardening experts also stress the significance of feeding birds in the summer months. CJ Wildlife points out that birds require extra energy during this period to feed their offspring, debunking the old notion that birds only need feeding in winter or spring. In other related news, Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. The specialists have noted: "Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months. However, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors." They further explain the importance of summer feeding: "Feeding wild birds during the summer helps busy parents top up feeders and provide all the natural food their young need. Well-stocked bird feeders can be a lifeline for young birds as they learn how and where to find food locally." "Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods." For those looking to support our feathered friends without breaking the bank, two fruits - apples and pears - can be sliced up and left out on the lawn or a bird table or feeder, reports the Express. READ MORE: Banish rats 'far away' and for good with three garden plants they 'hate' The RSPB advises: "You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog, don't put out dried fruit - vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them." They add that "Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds." Birds have different feeding preferences - some favour ground feeding over visiting a bird table. The RSPB explains: "Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it's best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground." This is also true for sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which typically prefer ground feeding, although they usually consume seeds. However, when leaving food on the ground, ensure it's in an open location, away from hedges or potential hiding spots for cats. Birds won't feed where they feel threatened by predators like cats, or could be exposed to danger if forced to feed near cat hiding places. For those utilising a bird table, it's crucial to maintain cleanliness by washing it regularly with hot, soapy water, especially if it's flat. This advice comes as the RSPB has temporarily halted sales of flat, open bird tables while they explore the possibility that such feeders might be aiding in the transmission of diseases. The RSPB emphasised the significance of keeping bird feeders clean, stating: "Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly."
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Japanese Acers will turn bright red when watered with one thing in soil
Acer trees are a popular addition to many gardens, known for their distinctive shape and rich colours - but they need care and attention to keep them looking their best Japanese Acers - also known as Japanese Maples - are one of the most popular additions to any garden for their rich colours and distinctive shape. They surely add that missing splash of colour to any outdoor space. Yet like any living organism, they require proper care and maintenance to remain at their finest - and garden specialists suggest there are methods to ensure your Japanese Acer maintains its striking, bold colouration throughout the year. The most prevalent Japanese Acer shade is red; especially a deep crimson burgundy hue. However, if your Acer begins to deteriorate or perish, it may lose its characteristic colouring as it begins to fade. In other news, Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. According to UrbanGardensWeb, these Acers can encounter numerous issues, including aphid and other pest invasions, being burnt by excessive direct sunlight, or even overwatering which can result in waterlogged soil and suffocate the tree, reports the Express. Yet one method to maintain an Acer's health and preserve its red pigmentation is to consistently nourish it with 'good quality fertiliser'. The site states: "Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Mulch and apply fertiliser in spring to help the tree during its growth period. Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and adversely affect its course." Another element that can alter the shade of your Japanese Acer is where it's positioned, along with the amount of sunlight or shadow it receives, and during which part of the day. According to "A Japanese Maple may not be showing red coloor, even if it's known to be a red cultivar." "Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colours, or may even be more green than red." They added: "Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant." "Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours are early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you're looking for a certain colour. Red Dragon and Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars."
