Corn Cheese Chilli Toastie

Cheesy post today.

Lots of cheese talks, chats and pics :)

Specialty cheese brand, Castello, has a new addition to the range...Tickler Mature! Tickler Extra Mature Cheddar has many loyal fans with its distinctive, tangy taste but this new Mature variant offers a smooth and creamy alternative for those looking for something slightly milder.

Tickler Mature is perfect for any occasion, either on the cheeseboard or to help add some depth and zing to your everyday meals.  To celebrate the launch they wanted me to create my very own perfect Ticklertastic Toastie. To do so, I was sent complete toastie kit- an argos make toaster, waitrose gift card, two cheese samples, sourdough crisp bread, cranberry jelly.

First cheese that I tried was Aged Havarti. Castello Aged Havarti is based on the authentic Danish recipe for Havarti dating back to 1952. Made from traditional cheese methods with the addition of a special culture, the Castello Aged Havarti is then matured for 12 months. During the long maturation the crumbly but creamy texture and a rich, buttery taste with tangy notes is created. As it ripens the cheese also starts to develop small crystals for a richer taste experience.

What makes great cheese even better? Yes Pairing or Smorging. Smorging means relaxed way of eating. It means you don’t need to save your favourite cheeses for a special occasion or a traditional cheeseboard. Dive into your fridge and store cupboards to pull together a creatively crafted smørgåsbord using whatever you have to hand to compliment your favourite cheeses; salamis and hams, a jar of roast red peppers, boiled eggs, olives, leftover slices of meat – whatever takes your fancy!  Here is what I did:

• Ritz crackers with red chilli pesto
• Sourdough bread with dried fig
• Sourdough bread with grated carrots and black pepper
• On Olive croutons

(Read more about smorging ideas and tips HERE)

The cheese that I had to use to make toastie was Tickler Mature Cheddar which is Mature Devonshire cheddar perfectly balanced with a smooth and creamy texture, a hint of sweetness and a lively finish.  The perfect accompaniment on a sharing board! Castello Tickler Mature Cheddar is available exclusively at Waitrose at £4.00.

I decided to make Corn Chilli Toatsie. Imagine dollops of cheese, hot green chilies and crunchy corn bits spread between bread slices –oh yes insanely delicious. Finally, grilled on a pan till crisp and golden on outside and oozing melting cheese from inside –perfect. This is a kind of toastie that is good for anytime as a snack or a complete meal.

Ingredients:

(Makes 2 toasties)

4 slices bread

1 cup sweet corn

1/4 cup grated cheese

1 green chilli chopped

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon

2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

Method:

I used frozen corn so I just microwave it in water for 2 minutes. If using fresh, boil before use.

Heat oil in a pan and boiled corn. Also mix in cheese, chilli, salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Mix till cheese melts.

Add in coriander leaves and let mixture cool down a bit.

Take bread and apply butter on 2 bread slice. On the other two non-butter slice apply the 2 to 3 tablespoons corn mixture. Put the buttered slice on it and toast in the sandwich maker till golden brown.

Serve immediately.

Notes:

You can add boiled mashed potatoes also in stuffing.

Perfect as anytime snack, perfect for kids parties.

Disclaimer: I was not paid or told to write positive review. The post is based on my experience and is unbiased. Thanking Havas PR UK and Castello for sending cheese and toastie kit.

Baked Potato Wedges: Two Kinds: Red Chilli and Coriander Powder and Salted

Honestly no meal is complete without side. Can you imagine your pasta dishes without bread on side? Or Indian rice and curry with no side dish? Or burger without fries? No right? That’s why a side is always needed to add on that extra ‘yum effect’ on your plates. A good side is complete when you pair it up with zingy, spicy or sweet chutney, sauce or pickle. Being a foodie I love pairing up my dishes with sauces-. Spread it, pour it, mix it, dip it or pair it up-you always need good sauces in your kitchen. That’s why when I was approached to review and pair Encona Sauces I said yes in one go.

Encona has a range of over 20 delicious sauces and marinades to enjoy. Encona is not a new name or brand for me, I already love its mango chutney and it is always available in my kitchen pantry (no matter what). With Encona you can choose heat at levels, from mild to extra hot, there’s something for everyone! All the sauces are wonderfully versatile. Great as a dipping sauce, a marinade, a cooking ingredient or as a delicious, everyday table sauce for all your favourite foods!  Why not try drizzled into stir-fries, rice dishes, dips and salad dressings. Also great if brushed onto food during grilling or barbecuing, and stirred into soups and stews.

I was sent two new flavours. Encona Peruvian Amarillo Sauce which is a blend of authentic Peruvian Amarillo chillies, roasted onion, spices and herbs creating a sweet, subtle chilli flavour with a hint of garlic – the perfect way for eager taste explorers to get their taste buds tingling without the cost of a plane ticket. I love this with anything and everything- no seriously this one is sooooo amazing that you can use it up in sandwiches, wraps, as salad dressing and what not.

Launching alongside their Peruvian sauce, they have created a Mexican Smokey Jalapeno-A delicious blend of chillies and spices gives the rich sauce a subtle smokey flavour and a warm and fruity taste to compliment your Mexican meals. I paired it up with potato wedges. Not fried but Baked Potato Wedges. Two types. One, plain simple butter and salt roasted and other exotic one roasted with coriander and red chilli powder. Sometimes simplest things are the best- Just potatoes, light spices and a nice dipping sauce.

Butter and Salted potato wedges are crisp on the outside and bit tender on the inside. - A simple & straight forward recipe for a healthier, yet equally satisfying & addictive way to enjoy potatoes. Coriander and red chilli powder wedges is one step above, it is aromatic, richly spiced and flavoursome. No matter which one you choose, you ought to ask for more and more.

Ingredients:

5-7 medium size potatoes

1 tablespoon butter melted

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon coriander powder

Red chilli powder to taste

Method:

Line a baking tray with baking paper or aluminium foil.

Preheat the oven at 180C.

Cut potatoes into wedges. Keep them medium thick.

Take a bowl and put chopped potatoes in it. Add in salt and melted butter.

Mix and make sure every wedge is coated with salt and butter.

Line potato wedges on the sheet keeping some space in between each one.

Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Keep shaking and turning the tray after every 10 minutes.

Enjoy the salted one.

For coriander and red chilli roasted one, heat oil in pan or wok. When oil gets hot add baked potato wedges, red chilli powder, coriander powder and mix. Serve hot.

Disclaimer: I was not paid or told to write positive review. The post is based on my experience and is unbiased. Thanking Encona and SatellitePR for sending sauces for review.