Crepes vrs Pancakes? What's the difference?

By looking at these photos there does not seem to any difference in these two products.  One simply seems to be pancake all rolled up.  If this is what you are thinking you are not entirely wrong.

A crepe is simply a thinner version of a pancake.  However it is how this thinness is achieved that is important.  A quick look at the difference between recipes soon shows how this difference is achieved.

A crepe recipe is identical to a pancake recipe in all but one regard.  Crepe recipes have higher ratio of liquid to flour then the standard pancake recipe will do.  So why is this?

There is actually a very rational reason for this minor difference. Crepe batter needs to have a high liquid content so that it spreads in an even thin layer over the cooking surface so that the resulting product is thin enough to be easily rolled.  Where as Pancakes are know for being thick and fluffy - this can be achieved with a thinner batter, but it easier to work with a thicker batter for nice pancakes.

Disgustingly simply reasoning, huh?  The good news is that if you find a pancake recipe you want to try as a crepe its simple to alter it too make crepes.

Sweet meat treat - Bacon dipped in chocolate

Bacon dipped in dark chocolate

Okay, I know this one seems the slightest be peculiar.  However these treats do actually taste really good and are ideal as an alternative dessert or unique party snack.  If you choose your chocolate and bacon wisely it is even allergen free.  It is also a really simple to make - the most complex part is trying not to burn the chocolate while melting it as it goes very bitter.  You also only need to two ingredients Chocolate of your choice and bacon.

My one suggestion would be to choose a sweeter chocolate for this recipe as bitter chocolate overrides the bacon flavor.

Directions

Crisp up small pieces if bacon in a frying pan.  Boil water in a saucepan.  After the water has boiled take it off the heat and place to a side.  While the water is still hot break chocolate into small chunks and place in a small bowl or mug.  Sit the utensil containing the chocolate in the water, being careful not get the water in the chocolate in the process.  Stir the chocolate as it melts.  When melted simply dip the bacon pieces in the chocolate and put aside to cool.

This treat is enjoyable when hot or cold.

Knives: Tips for Knife safety and Knife care.

Knife Care is fairly simple, obvious process, however I am constantly shocked by how carelessly I've seen people handle or leave their knives.  Often, habitual behaviours are quite potentially dangerous; for example, placing knives in a full wash up sink with the rest of the washing - I've cut myself at work on many occasions because a colleague has helpfully dropped a knife is a full sink.  As a result I decided to compile a list of tips I learnt while on my Hospitality course.

Knife care.

Always keep knives clean and dry.  When storing knives it is best to keep them in a storage block or on a magnetic wall holder.  If one does not have either then these then the best option is either to roll the blades up in a tea-towel or place them spaced apart in a draw so that the blades are not in contact.  This is for two reasons.  Firstly, contact with other metal, Glass or ceramic surfaces will only dull or knick your blade. Secondly, spacing them apart of rolling into a tea-towel means you can pick one knife out without brushing against the blade of another accidentally.

Knife safety.

Always leave knives in fashion which the blade is clearly visible.
Never leave knives near the edge of benches or in positions where the blade can be knocked off.
When washing up place the knives by the sink until the moment you clean them.  Don't leave them in the bottom of the sink, where they can be hidden by other items or suds.
Only leave knives on the drainage board if they are on a flat surface and are uncovered.  Don't leave them inverted in cutlery holders - this is bad for the blade and extremely dangerous.  I have seen knives left in this fashion fall out and cause gashes.
When walking around with knives always hold the knife so that the blade tip is pointing towards the floor and, and this is so obvious it's silly, don't wave it around; even as a joke.

If this list prevents so much as one accident that would have resulted from carelessness, then I have succeeded.