Thread: Cooking with a blowtorch

On Dec 17, 11:33*am, zxcvbob <zxcv...@charter.net> wrote:
> Steve B wrote:
> > I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> > marshmallow toppings, and other things. *I have seen them used to make foods
> > more appealing during photography sessions. * I have one of these, and I
> > have propane and MAPP gases. *Does using these small torches impart any
> > taste to the foods? *Would you use propane or MAPP?
>
> > Steve
>
> Use propane. *MAPP is more expensive and might have a taste. *(I use
> an electric heat gun in the kitchen sometimes to brown things. *Have
> used a propane torch before to roast peppers)
>
> Bob

Just watch for exhaust gas buildup in the house. Carbon Monoxide and
all its friends.

On Dec 17, 9:33*am, zxcvbob <zxcv...@charter.net> wrote:
> Steve B wrote:
> > I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> > marshmallow toppings, and other things. *I have seen them used to make foods
> > more appealing during photography sessions. * I have one of these, and I
> > have propane and MAPP gases. *Does using these small torches impart any
> > taste to the foods? *Would you use propane or MAPP?
>
> > Steve
>
> Use propane. *MAPP is more expensive and might have a taste. *(I use
> an electric heat gun in the kitchen sometimes to brown things. *Have
> used a propane torch before to roast peppers)
>

I use propane torch too, the biggest one that Home Depot sells. Great
for imparting "grilled"/"seared"outside texture/flavour to fish,
meat, desserts, etc.

I got it after I saw Heston Blumenthal swear by it in "Kitchen
Chemistry" as a finishing searing touch to his low temperature, ultra–
slow cooking.

I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make foods
more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
taste to the foods? Would you use propane or MAPP?

Steve

zxcvbob wrote:
>
> Steve B wrote:
> > I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> > marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make foods
> > more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
> > have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
> > taste to the foods? Would you use propane or MAPP?
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
>
> Use propane. MAPP is more expensive and might have a taste. (I use
> an electric heat gun in the kitchen sometimes to brown things. Have
> used a propane torch before to roast peppers)
>
> Bob

MAPP is more expensive, however it is also hotter. It has no taste. I
use MAPP with my Bernz-o-Matic TS4000 for bruleeing my creme brulees and
many other kitchen tasks.

Steve B wrote:
>
> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make foods
> more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
> have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
> taste to the foods?

When doing caramelization the flame definitely alters the flavor of the
sugar. Try comparing powdered sugar to caramel candy side by side to
get a closer experience of the effect.

> Would you use propane or MAPP?

I would use the type of gas the torch was made for because these are
explosive gases and it's dangerous to use them incorrectly. You wrote
that you have a "propane" torch. The terminology is specific and
important and not to be taken as a generic meaning. Use propane for a
propane torch, MAPP gas for a MAPP torch.

Having used both types, the MAPP torches burn hotter. The higher heat
will caramelize the sugar on top of cream brulee' very fast so I think
MAPP torches are better for cream brulee'. Don't be surprized if you
burn one while learning the pace but from there on you'll be making your
cream brulee' with a perfectly browned crispy shell.

Because marshmallows are lighter the less intense flame of a propane
torch might work better. The right tool for the job.

Doug wrote on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:45:47 +0000 (UTC):

> Steve B wrote:
>>
>> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant
>> cooking to toast marshmallow toppings, and other things. I
>> have seen them used to make foods more appealing during
>> photography sessions. I have one of these, and I have
>> propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches
>> impart any taste to the foods?

> When doing caramelization the flame definitely alters the
> flavor of the sugar. Try comparing powdered sugar to caramel
> candy side by side to get a closer experience of the effect.

>> Would you use propane or MAPP?

> I would use the type of gas the torch was made for because
> these are explosive gases and it's dangerous to use them
> incorrectly. You wrote that you have a "propane" torch. The
> terminology is specific and important and not to be taken as a
> generic meaning. Use propane for a propane torch, MAPP gas
> for a MAPP torch.

> Having used both types, the MAPP torches burn hotter. The
> higher heat will caramelize the sugar on top of cream brulee'
> very fast so I think MAPP torches are better for cream
> brulee'. Don't be surprized if you burn one while learning
> the pace but from there on you'll be making your cream brulee'
> with a perfectly browned crispy shell.

I use my workshop blowtorch to char the skins of peppers and eggplants
and achieve a smoky flavor after cooking under the broiler. I do the
charring outdoors, usually on the front doorstep, it only takes a few
seconds :-)

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

"Steve B" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make
> foods more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these,
> and I have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart
> any taste to the foods? Would you use propane or MAPP?
>
> Steve
I picked up a small version that resembles one of those long BBQ lighters,
except that the flame is a pretty strong jet. I've only used it to sear fish
and crisp stuff when I was in too much of a hurry to wait for the broiler to
do it. It's one of those 'fun' kitchen tools.

Jon

James Silverton wrote:
> Doug wrote:
>
>> Having used both types, the MAPP torches burn hotter ...
>
> I use my workshop blowtorch to char the skins of peppers

For peppers burning hotter and faster isn't a good idea. A propane
torch would work better on them.

> and eggplants

I haven't flamed eggplants before. Thanx for the suggestion.

Steve B wrote:
> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make foods
> more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
> have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
> taste to the foods? Would you use propane or MAPP?

I just use a regular propane torch. I did a quick web search and the
cheapest kitchen torch was $20. Some are a lot more. You can get a basic
propane torch for less and it you is in the work shop too. Propane
cylinders are cheap and easy to find.

Doug wrote on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:08:42 +0000 (UTC):

> James Silverton wrote:
>> Doug wrote:
>>
>>> Having used both types, the MAPP torches burn hotter ...
>>
>> I use my workshop blowtorch to char the skins of peppers

> For peppers burning hotter and faster isn't a good idea. A
> propane torch would work better on them.

>> and eggplants

>I haven't flamed eggplants before. Thanx for the suggestion.


Roasted Eggplant with Tomato and Onion

(Baingan Bhartha) is good.

There is also
Roasted Eggplant Salad with Capers and Onions

Italians call this caponata.:



Recipes or URLs can be provided on request.


--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

In article
<[email protected]>,
ostap bender <[email protected]> wrote:

> On Dec 17, 9:33*am, zxcvbob <zxcv...@charter.net> wrote:
> > Steve B wrote:
> > > I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> > > marshmallow toppings, and other things. *I have seen them used to make
> > > foods
> > > more appealing during photography sessions. * I have one of these, and I
> > > have propane and MAPP gases. *Does using these small torches impart any
> > > taste to the foods? *Would you use propane or MAPP?
> >
> > > Steve
> >
> > Use propane. *MAPP is more expensive and might have a taste. *(I use
> > an electric heat gun in the kitchen sometimes to brown things. *Have
> > used a propane torch before to roast peppers)
> >
>
> I use propane torch too, the biggest one that Home Depot sells. Great
> for imparting "grilled"/"seared"outside texture/flavour to fish,
> meat, desserts, etc.
>
> I got it after I saw Heston Blumenthal swear by it in "Kitchen
> Chemistry" as a finishing searing touch to his low temperature, ultra*
> slow cooking.

A dedicated kitchen torch is a good thing...
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>
[email protected]
Subscribe: [email protected]

On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:08:14 -0800, Steve B wrote:

> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make foods
> more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
> have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
> taste to the foods?

Not if you use food grain propane.

(Somebody had to do it).

-sw

SquawTX wrote:

>On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:08:14 -0800, Steve B wrote:
>
>> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
>> marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make foods
>> more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
>> have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
>> taste to the foods?
>
>Not if you use food grain propane.
>
>(Somebody had to do it).
>
And the dwarf has the noive to rant about my Crystal Palace...
guzzling that _grain_ propane again, eh.

In article <[email protected]>,
Sqwertz <[email protected]> wrote:

> On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:08:14 -0800, Steve B wrote:
>
> > I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> > marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make
> > foods
> > more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
> > have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
> > taste to the foods?
>
> Not if you use food grain propane.
>
> (Somebody had to do it).
>
> -sw

<schmack>!!!
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>
[email protected]
Subscribe: [email protected]

In article <[email protected]>,
brooklyn1 <[email protected]> wrote:

> SquawTX wrote:
>
> >On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:08:14 -0800, Steve B wrote:
> >
> >> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to toast
> >> marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them used to make
> >> foods
> >> more appealing during photography sessions. I have one of these, and I
> >> have propane and MAPP gases. Does using these small torches impart any
> >> taste to the foods?
> >
> >Not if you use food grain propane.
> >
> >(Somebody had to do it).
> >
> And the dwarf has the noive to rant about my Crystal Palace...
> guzzling that _grain_ propane again, eh.

That was a Thorsonism babe... Did you miss that rather long thread a
couple of years ago? ;-)
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>
[email protected]
Subscribe: [email protected]

On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:38:26 -0800 (PST) in rec.food.cooking, phaeton
<[email protected]> wrote,
>Just watch for exhaust gas buildup in the house. Carbon Monoxide and
>all its friends.

A propane torch burning with a blue flame is not producing carbon
monoxide. Its exhaust is no more dangerous than an indoor gas stove,
and a much smaller quantity of it.

Omelet wrote:

>> I use propane torch too, the biggest one that Home Depot sells. Great
>> for imparting "grilled"/"seared"outside texture/flavour to fish,
>> meat, desserts, etc.
>>
>> I got it after I saw Heston Blumenthal swear by it in "Kitchen
>> Chemistry" as a finishing searing touch to his low temperature, ultra*
>> slow cooking.
>
> A dedicated kitchen torch is a good thing...

Why does it have to be dedicated? I don't use one in the kitchen often
enough to justify getting a second one. It's not like you have to worry
about them getting dirty and contaminating the food. I have more room to
store one in my work shop than in the kitchen, and the odd time I need
it I can easily get it from the shop.

In article <4b2bac1f$0$13680$[email protected]> ,
Dave Smith <[email protected]> wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
>
> >> I use propane torch too, the biggest one that Home Depot sells. Great
> >> for imparting "grilled"/"seared"outside texture/flavour to fish,
> >> meat, desserts, etc.
> >>
> >> I got it after I saw Heston Blumenthal swear by it in "Kitchen
> >> Chemistry" as a finishing searing touch to his low temperature, ultra*
> >> slow cooking.
> >
> > A dedicated kitchen torch is a good thing...
>
> Why does it have to be dedicated? I don't use one in the kitchen often
> enough to justify getting a second one. It's not like you have to worry
> about them getting dirty and contaminating the food. I have more room to
> store one in my work shop than in the kitchen, and the odd time I need
> it I can easily get it from the shop.

To each their own. :-)
I also have a dedicated kitchen hacksaw for bones and stuff.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>
[email protected]
Subscribe: [email protected]

brooklyn1 wrote:

> SquawTX wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:08:14 -0800, Steve B wrote:
>>
>>> I have seen the small propane torches used in restaurant cooking to
>>> toast marshmallow toppings, and other things. I have seen them
>>> used to make foods more appealing during photography sessions. I
>>> have one of these, and I have propane and MAPP gases. Does using
>>> these small torches impart any taste to the foods?
>>
>> Not if you use food grain propane.
>>
>> (Somebody had to do it).
>>
> And the dwarf has the noive to rant about my Crystal Palace...
> guzzling that _grain_ propane again, eh.


<chuckle>


--
Best
Greg