Q&A with Glenys Woollard - Food

I UNDERSTAND THAT TURMERIC HAS HEALTH-GIVING PROPERTIES, SO HOW DO I USE IT?

Also known as Indian saffron, turmeric is related to ginger. You sometimes find fresh rhizomes in Asian stores, but the dried and ground version is more common. Ground turmeric should be stored airtight and away from light, and is best used within six months of purchase. It's an important component of curry powder as well as being used in pickles, and can be sprinkled on scrambled eggs, salads and soups, or added to stir-fries and sauces.

HOW DO I MAKE CRISPBREADS FROM BREAD DOUGH?

Prepare the dough (plain, wholemeal or rye) as usual, allowing it to rise just once. Turn on to a floured board and divide into several pieces, using a rolling pin to roll out each piece as thinly as possible. Press in a topping of poppy seeds, sesame seeds or rock salt if you like, then prick with a fork and mark into shapes. Arrange on an oven tray/trays lined with baking paper, then bake at 200C for about 10 minutes.

If you have a food question email Glenys at glenyswoollard@clear.net.nz