Domestic dilemmas

Don’t be daunted by that diva demeanour – Friday’s very own chef Silvena Rowe is happy to answer all your kitchen queries

Q I have some friends coming over for a movie night. I don’t want to make popcorn. Instead I’d like to put together a good-looking platter that is tasty and simple. Help! A I would recommend a nice charcuterie board with great cold meats, such as roast turkey and beef, lovely chunky chutneys, a selection of cheese, some grapes and some berries.

Chocolate-dipped strawberries will definitely impress them too.

If you prefer, then get some amazing steak and prepare it with crispy salad and home-made fries – that’s always a favourite!

Q Baking cakes has always been a disaster for me. My cakes either rise well but crack on the top or are too hard and dense, almost like rocks.

I use all-purpose flour without adding baking powder and hot water, if the recipes ask for it. Where am I going wrong?

A Baking is a little harder than other cooking because it requires a good, exact, tested recipe. This is one reason why some cake recipes,

I believe baking is like science, as measurements and temperatures need to be exact for good result

after they have been tested and approved by the family, become firm favourites and are then passed down through the generations.

So first of all, try a recipe from an author with a good reputation. Then make sure that you follow the recipe exactly. Normally I believe cooking is all about imagination, but it isn’t the same with baking.

Baking is like science, as measurements and temperatures need to be exact for the result to be as desired.

My recipe for gluten-free orange and almond cake is a nice one to get started.

It’s easy, delicious and will give your confidence a much-required boost before you go on to harder bakes. You can find the recipe on www.fridaymagazine.ae – just look up my name in the video section.

Q Have you got any tips to make bread last longer?

A A bread bin is best. But if you want to store bread for a long time, then you can freeze it.

I have found that bread remains soft if left in its own plastic bag. All you have to do is ensure that the bag is sealed well.

Do you have a question for Silvena? Email her at Friday@gulfnews.com. Please write ‘Domestic Diva’ in the subject line of your email.