Spinach Balls

Ingredients
1 Small Onion (finely chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
1 Large Green Chilli (de seeded and finely chopped)
350g Spinach (chopped)
250g Cottage Cheese
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon Parmesan
60g Sunflower Seeds
100g Bread Crumbs
Salt and Pepper
A Splash of Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Frying Pan
1 Mixing Bowl
Cocktail Sticks
1 Baking Tray (lined with grease proof paper)
1 Plate

The Good Bit

1. Start by frying the onion, garlic and chilli of in the oil for about 5 minutes until it's soft then add the spinach and cook for another 5 minutes. then remove from the heat and leave to cool.
2. Pre heat your oven too 220c 425f gas 7. Mix together the egg, cottage cheese, parmesan and spinach, season and stir in the sunflower seeds.
3. Tip the breadcrumbs onto the plate, with a tablespoon, take a scoop of your mixture then roll it on the breadcrumbs until it's well coated then stick with a cocktail stick and stand on the baking tray, repeat until you are out of mixture, bake for 20 minutes of until the balls look golden.
   

Makes 20ish

Potato Salad

Ingredients
500g New Potatoes
150g Green Beans
8 Spring Onions (sliced into inch long chunks)
200g Pitted Black Olives (optional)
100g Salami (cut into thin slices, don't use if you are going for the vegetarian version)
6 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint (chopped)
1 Tablespoons Whole Grain Mustard
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Serving Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Start by cooking the potatoes for 15 minutes, then drop in the beans and cook for another 3 minutes, drain the water and rinse under cold water then drain again and leave to cool some more.
2. Now chop the potatoes into chunks and toss into the serving bowl along with the olives, onions and salami, in the mixing bowl you want to mix together the remaining ingredients and then season with salt and pepper, pour over the potato mixture and serve.
   

Serves 4

Smoked Salmon Bagels

Ingredients
4 Eggs
4 Slices Smoked Salmon
4 Tablespoons Crème Fraiche
2 Bagels (halved)
1 Tablespoon Chopped Chives (to garnish)
Butter
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Small Pan (1/2 filled with water)

The Good Bit

1. Start by boiling your eggs in the pan, (soft boiled is what you are going for, different pans, stoves and eggs make it hard for me to give you an exact method here, i usually have my eggs at room temperature, place them in the pan then bring the water to the boil rapidly, then i time the eggs for 3 1/2 minutes) While you are waiting for the eggs, toast you bagels under the grill then butter.
2. You can miss this stage out if you like but it adds another flavour to the dish. In a frying pan with a splash of HOT oil, rapidly fry the salmon on one side for 30 seconds, then remove.
3. Place a slice of bagel in the middle of a plate, stack a slice of salmon on top, then a spoonful of crème fraiche, top with the egg (minus the shell obviously) and sprinkle over the chives and finally season with salt and pepper.
   

Serves 4

Chicken Wings

Ingredients
8 Chicken Wings (with the tips removed)
1 Small Onion (chopped as fine as you can)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
2 Tablespoons Honey (clear)
4 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
4 Tablespoons Tomato Ketchup
2 Teaspoons English Mustard
2 Teaspoons Tabasco Sauce
2 Tablespoons Flour (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan
1 Baking Tray (covered with grease proof paper)
1 Garlic Press
Napkins

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven to 200c 400f gas mark 6. Start by frying the onion and garlic until soft in a splash of oil, then add in the sauces, honey and mustard and simmer for about 2 minutes.
2. Next you want to dust the chicken wings in the seasoned flour then brush with the sauce and place on the baking tray. cook for 30 minutes until they are well browned (even a little burned isn't bad, adds to the flavour) Serve, with napkins!!
   

Serves 4

Easy Pizza

Ingredients
4 Bake Your Own Baguettes
1 Tube Tomato Purée
125g Grated Cheddar Cheese
1 Red Pepper
1 Small Onion
1x120g Can Sweetcorn

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Baking Tray

The Good Bit

1. Pre Heat your oven to 220c 425f gas 7. Cut the baguettes in half lengthways then in half down the middle so you end up with 4 slice (2 tops, 2 bottoms) from each baguette and then spread tomato purée over the freshly cut surface (use it as though it were butter)
2. Sprinkle the cheese over the top (use more if you want). The choice now really is yours, i like to add strips of pepper, a few strips of onion and a sprinkle of sweetcorn, you can use whatever toppings you like, or just leave as cheese and tomato, just be aware that some things may not cook as quick as the bread so will still be raw when the pizza is served (you may need to pre cook some things, generally hard vegetables take longer to cook, unless you are using pre cooked meat, i'd leave that off, you can get away with little chunks of bacon)
3. Cook For 8-10 until the cheese has melted and the vegetables look as though they are starting to burn. Serve immediately.
   

Serves 4

Christmas Cake

Ingredients
125g Self Raising Flour
200g Plain Flour
250g Butter
250g Brown Sugar
250g Currants
250g Raisins
250g Sultanas
75g Mixed Peel (chopped)
75g Glace Cherries
50g Ground Almonds
5 Eggs
1 Tablespoon Treacle
1 Teaspoon Mixed Spice
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
50ml Sherry
1 Lemon (zested)
4 Tablespoons Brandy

Equipment
1 Large Mixing Bowl
2 Wooden Spoons
1 9inch Round Baking Tin (or 8inch square tin) (greased)
Greaseproof Paper
1 Sieve
2 Mixing Bowl
1 Airtight Tin

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven too 140c 275f gas 1. Line the baking tin with a double thickness of grease proof paper and leave a good 5 cm sticking out above the rim of the tin.
2. Start by sieving the flours into the large mixing bowl, add the salt and spices and give a little stir, in an other bowl cream the butter and sugar together until you have a light mixture then add the treacle and mix well, in the other mixing bowl, drop in the eggs, vanilla and sherry and beat gently together.
3. Now what you need to do is, beat half the egg mixture into the creamed mixture then fold in 1/3rd of the flour, then add 1/2 the egg mixture again and fold, then add 1/2 the remaining flour and fold, finally add the last bit of egg, fold, and then the flour and fold again.
4. Now add in all the other ingredients (except the brandy) and fold in well then pour the mixture into your cake tin and flatten out the top. Now chuck this in the oven for 4-4 1/2 hours)
5. If the cake begins to brown too much you can cover it with a double layer of greaseproof paper, check to see if it is done by sticking it in the centre with a skewer, if the skewer comes out clean it's done, if it comes out sticky then leave it in. Turn the cake out on to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely then finally prick the top all over and drizzle over 4 tablespoons of brandy, leave it to mature for 3 months in an airtight tin (adding brand 1-2 tablespoons every couple of weeks)
   

Yule Log

Ingredients
3 Eggs
75g Caster Sugar
75g Plain Flour
1 Tablespoon Hot Water
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Icing Sugar
175g Sugar
125ml Water
6 Egg Yolks
375g Unsalted Butter (softened)
250g Plain Dark Chocolate (melted and cooled)

Equipment
2 Large Bowls
1 Whisk
1 Spatula
1 13x9inch Swiss Roll Tin (greased)
Grease Proof Paper
1 Sauce Pan
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Balloon Whisk

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven too 220c 425f gas 7. Place the 3 eggs in the mixing bowl and drop in the caster sugar, whisk together until it is thick and fluffy, now with a spatula or fork fold in the flour, vanilla and hot water, be gentle but mix it well, then pour the mixture into the Swiss roll tin and bake for 10 minutes until it is golden.
2. Tip the cake out onto some sugared grease proof paper, trim off any burnt and crispy edges then wrap in the paper and leave to cool.
3. In the sauce pan heat up the sugar and water until all the sugar has dissolved, bring it to the boil and heat up until it reaches 110c without stirring.
4. With the balloon whisk, whisk the egg yolks and then slowly pour on the sugar solution, whisking all the time, keep whisking until the mixture is thick and cool, then whisk in the butter and finally FOLD in the chocolate with a fork or spatula.
5. Unwrap your cake and cover with half the chocolate sauce mix, then place on whatever you are serving the cake on, cut off 1 end at a diagonal and then attach that piece back onto the top of the log to make it look like a branch (the topping will help it stick) cover with the rest of the chocolate sauce, then with a fork scrape lines along it to make it look real then chill until firm (a good couple of hours or over night, which is why I'm doing the recipe today on Christmas eve, so you can do this and mince pies!!)
6. When you are ready to serve, dust with icing sugar and enjoy. MERRY CHRISTMAS...

Mince Pies

Ingredients
250g Plain Flour
75g Butter (chilled and cut into cubes)
50g Ground Almonds
25g Caster Sugar
1 Egg (beaten)
1 Egg White
1 Orange (zested and juiced)
250g Mincemeat
Icing Sugar

Equipment
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 Small Mixing Bowl
1 Fork (to beat the egg)
1 Sieve
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Rolling Pin
1 3 inch Pastry Cutter
1 Bun Tray
1 Pastry Brush
1 Wire Rack

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven too 200c 400f gas 6. Sieve the flour into the bowl then drop in the butter, rub together with your finger tips until you get bread crumbs then stir in the ground almonds, sugar and orange zest. Now mix in the beaten egg and 2-3 tablespoons of the orange juice until you have a nice firm dough.
2. Flour your work surface lightly and need the gently for 20 seconds, now roll out your dough and with a pastry cutter you should be able to cut out 12 rounds., grease your bun tray with a little butter, then fill each one with a pastry round and and add 1 teaspoon of mincemeat to each.
3. Gather up the remaining dough and roll out again until you can cut 12x5cm rounds, no dampen the edges of the pies and then press a lid on gently, brush the top of the pies with the egg white then sprinkle some icing sugar over them.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden then remove from the oven and leave to cool until you can hold them then allow to cool further on a wire rack
   

Makes 12

Roast Goose

Ingredients
5Kg Goose (oven ready with giblets)
300ml Water
500g Canned Chestnut Purée (unsweetened)
350g Potatoes (boiled and mashed)
8 Rashers Bacon (with rind taken off and chopped)
1 Tablespoon Lemon Thyme (chopped)
1 Tablespoon Sage (chopped)
1 Lemon (zested)
1 Large Onion (finely chopped)
25g Butter
250g Cooking Apples (cored, peeled and chopped)
4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/2 Teaspoon Cardamom (powder)
Salt and pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Carving Fork
String
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Roasting Tin with a rack
Tin Foil
1 Zester
1 Sauce Pan
1 Blender

The Good Bit

1. Prepare the goose by removing the giblets and setting aside, remove and fat you can in the cavity and chop the liver, then prick the Goose by the lower breast and it's legs.
2. Mix the chestnut purée, mash, bacon, lemon thyme, sage, lemon rind and chopped liver together and season with pepper, now stuff the cavity of the goose with this mixture.
3. Pre heat your oven too 190c 375f or gas 5 whilst you do the next bit. Tie the birds legs together firmly.Put the remaining giblets in the roasting tin and top up with the water, then stand the rack over it and place the goose on the rack, cover the goose loosely with tin foil.
4. Cook for 30 minutes then lower the temperature to 180c 350f and gas 4 and cook for a further 3:1/2 hours to 3:3/4 hours (check as you would with a chicken to make sure it's juices run clear) You will need to occasionally baste the goose using the liquid from the tray below, top that up with water if needed. When it's cooked allow 3 hours to cool and for the skin to go crisp.
5. To make the sauce heat the butter in the sauce pan and add the apple, honey, onion and lemon juice, cover and cook for 15 minutes until the onion is soft then add the cardamom and season with salt and pepper, blend this mixture until you have a smooth paste then pass through a sieve.
6. Serve the carved goose with the sauce served separately, you can also make a nice gravy from the juices in the roasting tin by stirring in a tablespoon of flour then adding in 300ml of vegetable stock (or use the juices from your vegetables if you are having any with goose, pea, carrot, cabbage and sprout water will make a very tasty gravy)
   

Serves 6-8

Christmas Turkey

Ingredients
3-4Kg Turkey (oven ready with giblets)
4 Shallots
4 Cloves
25g Butter (diced)
40ml Water
80ml White Wine
1 Bay Leaf
Salt and Pepper
Herb Sprigs
15g Cranberries
15g Chopped Walnuts
1 Orange (juiced and zested)
1 lemon (juiced and zested)
1 Egg Yolk

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Zester
1 Large Roasting Dish
1 Sauce Pan
Tin Foil
1 Skewer
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven to 190c 375f gas 5. Start by removing the giblets from the turkey, then spike each of the shallots with a clove, now season the cavity of your bird with salt and pepper, then drop in the spiked shallots and half of the butter cubes, rub the rest of the butter over the skin of the bird.
2. Now chop the giblets into small chunks and place in the roasting tin along with the water, white wine and the bay leaf, cover with tin foil and cook for 15 minutes per every 1/2Kg then remove the tin foil and cook for a further 30 minutes. Prick deeply with a skewer to make sure the juices are clear (not pink with blood) Set aside and keep warm reserving the juice.
3. In your sauce pan drop in the berries, walnuts, orange and lemon juice and zest and enough of the reserved turkey juices to make up to 150ml and simmer gently. Whisk the egg yolk and mix with 1 tablespoon of your cranberry sauce, then remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the egg mixture.
4. Garnish the turkey with sprigs, serve a shallot to each person and hand out the sauce separately.
   

Serves 4

Duck with Orange and Cranberries

Ingredients
4 Barbary Duck Breasts (with skin on)
2 Oranges peeled, pith and core remove, segmented)
125g Cranberries
50g Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Honey
Salt and pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Griddle Pan
1 Small Pan

The Good Bit

1. Score the duck breast on the skin skin side with a sharp knife (just through the skin to release the fat) Now cook in a hot griddle pan, skin side for 6-10 minutes then the other side for 4-6 minutes
2. Place the cranberries, oranges, and sugar in a pan and heat until the berries soften, then season, then add the honey.
3. Remove the duck from the griddle and slice then serve with the orange and cranberry sauce.
   

Serves 4

Pheasant with Cabbage and Mustard Sauce

Ingredients
5 Tablespoons Butter (if you can get hold of clarified use that)
4 Pheasant Breasts (boneless and skinless)
425g Savoy Cabbage (shredded)
300ml Game Stock (if you can buy this or use chicken stock)
300ml Red Wine
300ml Single Cream
2 Tablespoons of Port (for that Christmas feel, or you can leave this out)
3 Tablespoons Wholegrain Mustard
50g Butter
Salt and Pepper
4 Sprigs of Any Herb to garnish

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan
2 Large Pans

The Good Bit

1. THIS STAGE SHOULD BE DONE 3-4 MINUTES MAXIMUM BEFORE YOU ARE ABOUT TO SERVE UP, YOU MAY WANT TO PREPARE THE CABBAGE AND SAUCE IN ADVANCE. Start by melting the 5 tablespoons of butter in your frying pan, then fry the breasts over a gentle heat for 4 minutes, remove, season and set aside, the flesh should feel firm but springy to the touch and the meat should look just cooked when cut.
   
2. The sauce is easy, combine the chicken (or game if you can get it) stock with the red wine, heat in a pan and reduce by half, stir in the mustard and cream and reduce until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of your spoon when you hold it up, if it runs off cook a little longer, finally season it with salt and pepper.
3. The cabbage should be cooked and drained then toss in the 50g of butter and swill around to give a good even coating, now pile in the centre of each plate , carve the pheasant into 3-4 slices then position nicely on top, spoon over a little of the sauce, decorate with your sprig and serve
   

Serves 4

Timbals of Salmon

Ingredients
350g Smoked Salmon (sliced thinly)
4 Ripe Tomatoes (peeled and de seeded and chopped thinly)
100ml Crème Fraiche
2 Tablespoons Cod/Salmon Roe (canned is fine, if you can get hold of red caviar use that instead)
Cayenne Pepper (or Tabasco sauce)
Handful Fresh Chives
Salt and Pepper to Season

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
4 Soufflé Dishes (lined with clingfilm)
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Fork
1 Sieve

The Good Bit

1. Layer about 75g of salmon slices into each dish allowing the slices to overlap the sides (the overlap will be the lid) Chop the remaining salmon up finely. Now beat your crème fraiche in the mixing bowl until you get soft peaks then fold in the salmon, cod/salmon roe, and a pinch of cayenne or dash of tabasco with a fork.
2. Fill each of the salmon moulds with the mixture then fold over the salmon to give a lid, now cover and chill over night. To skin the tomatoes cut a little x lightly in the top, then dunk in boiling water for about 1 minute, you should see the skin begin to peel, remove and peel the rest off, if it is still hard dunk for another 10 seconds.
3. Rub the chopped tomato through the sieve and collect the sauce and season, chill this too.
4. To serve Remove the salmon from their moulds and place in the centre of each plate, drizzle a circle around each one with the tomato sauce then place a couple of lengths of chopped dill on top of each timbal
   

Serves 4

Oysters in a Cream Sauce

Ingredients
12 Oysters (opened, rinsed, liquor strained and reserved)
White Wine
2 Tablespoons Butter (unsalted if possible)
2 Spring Onions (chopped)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1 Tablespoon Flour
1 Egg (yolk only)
50ml Double Cream
25g Button Mushrooms (finely chopped)
75g Prawns (peeled and cooked, finely chopped)
15g Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tablespoons Fine Fresh Breadcrumbs
Tabasco Sauce
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Oven Proof Dish
Tin Foil
Blender
1 Pot Washing Brush
1 Saucepan
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Small Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Start by topping up the reserved liquor with white wine, make up 250ml and set aside, then with the brush scrub the inside of the deeper shells and then place an oyster in each. Now arrange the shells on crumpled tin foil in the oven proof dish, Pre heat your oven to 200c 400f gas mark 6.
   
2. OK now melt the butter in the saucepan and cook the onion and garlic until soft but not coloured then stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute stirring all the time, now pour in the liquor, keep stirring whilst doing this and bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, keep stirring, season and add Tabasco if wanted.
3. In the small mixing bowl, mix the cream with the egg yolk and add 2 tablespoons of the hot sauce then pour this back into the hot sauce and continue to stir until you have a thick sauce, now remove from the heat and add the mushrooms and prawns then spoon over the oysters.
4. Finally mix the breadcrumbs (these should be done in the blender to make them really fine) with the parmesan, sprinkle over the oysters and then whack the dish in the oven, cook for 15-20 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and the edges of the oysters begin to curl.
   

Serves 4

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Ingredients
1 Cucumber (chopped into slices, reserve 8 thin slices)
2 Shallots (chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
250g Cooked Peeled Prawns (reserve 8 for garnishing)
300ml Single Cream
300ml Milk
25g Butter
1 Bay Leaf
Fresh Mint (reserve 4 sprigs to garnish and use 1 tablespoon of chopped)
1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Chives
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan
1 Blender
1 Large Serving Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Start by melting the butter in the pan then cooking the shallots and cucumber for 5 minutes over a low heat until it begins to soften (use a lid on the pan to help with this) do not colour! Next add in the milk and bay then season to taste and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Take out the bay leaf on pour the soup into the blender, blend well for a few seconds. Now pour into the serving bowl and stir in the herbs, prawns and cream and chill for 2 hours.
   
3. Serve garnished with a sprig of mint and the reserved prawns and cucumber slices.
   

Serves 4

Figs with Ham

Ingredients
4 Figs
1 Lemon (juiced)
Handful Fresh Basil (roughly chopped)
12 Slices Parma Ham (treat yourself to the freshly cut ham from the charcuterie/delicatessen counter rather than the pre packed stuff, it'll taste so much better)
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Season

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

1. Start by removing the stems from the figs then cutting them into quarters, drop them in the bowl along with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and 4 tablespoons of the oil and the basil, then season with salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Arrange 3 Slices of ham on each plate then spoon the fig mixture over and enjoy.
   

Serves 4

Melon with Mulled Wine

Ingredients
1/2 Honeydew Melon (de seeded and sliced into 4 long strips)
1 Glass Mulled Wine (still warm)
Handful of Red Berries (such as the Christmas favourite cranberry)
4 Fresh Mint Sprigs to Garnish

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board

The Good Bit

1. This is so simple but so tasty, star your Christmas dinner off with this and you'll be onto a winner straight away!! With your knife carefully and with 1 cut about 4-5mm away from the skin remove the melon flesh.
2. With the flesh that is remaining cutting from 1 end and leaving about 1cm at the other end uncut, make 4-5 cuts, now you should be able to fan out the melon onto your serving plate.
3. If the mulled wine is not already warm, warm it a little then pour directly onto the the melon, sprinkle with a few cranberries and serve garnished with a sprig of mint.
   

Serves 4

Goan Fish Casserole

Ingredients
450g Monkfish Fillets (unskinned and cut into 8 pieces, any fish will do but monkfish will hold its shape)
16 Large Prawns (raw and peeled)
2 Onions (halved then sliced)
1 Clove Garlic (pressed)
1x400g Can Coconut Milk
150ml Fish/Vegetable Stock
1 Teaspoon Turmeric
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 Teaspoon Coriander Seeds
1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns
1 Teaspoon Ginger
1/2 Lemon (juiced)
4 Green Chillies (de seeded and cut into thin strips)
Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Oven Proof Dish
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Pestle and Mortar (or a rolling pin and plastic bag)
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Spatula
1 Garlic Press

The Good Bit

1. Start by placing the fish in the oven proof dish, drizzle with the lemon juice, then in a small bowl mix the turmeric and salt together then rub this into the fish, cover and set aside in a fridge whilst you prepare the rest.
2. Pre heat your oven to 200c 400f gas6, now using the pestle and mortar, grind up the coriander, cumin and peppercorns, now add the garlic and ginger and mix it well together then set aside.
3. Fry the onion in a little oil in your pan for about 6 minutes until it begins to colour, set the onion aside for a minute, turn up the heat on the frying pan and fry the fish rapidly just to seal the outside, turning only once. Put the onions into the oven proof dish (rinse it first) then place the fish on top.
4. Fry the spicy paste for a couple of minutes over a medium heat whilst you add in the coconut milk, chilli strips and stock, bring it the boil then pour over the fish and cover. This goes in the oven then for 10 minutes.
5. Finally drop the prawns in making sure the liquid covers them, re-cover and cook for a further5 minutes (or until the prawns are pink). Season and serve (you could garnish with fresh parsley or coriander)
   

Serves 4

Fish Fillets with Chilli Sauce

Ingredients
4 Portion Sized Fish Fillets (plaice is great for this)
1 Lemon (juiced)
1/2 Handful Fresh Coriander (chopped)
2 Limes (cut into 8 wedges)
Rice to Serve (check out the tips on my homepage to make perfect rice)
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Chilli Sauce
1 Tablespoon Vinegar (white wine will do but ordinary table vinegar is best)
2 Tablespoons Tomato Purée
300ml Water
Olive Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
Kitchen Paper
2 Medium Bowls
1 Small Pan

The Good Bit

1. Rinse and dry the fish on the kitchen paper and place in one of the bowls, pour over the lemon juice, 1/2 of the coriander and a splash of oil, rub into the fish to make sure it is all coated, leave to marinade for 1 hour.
2. In the other bowl mix the tomato purée, ginger, sugar, salt, chilli sauce,vinegar and water, heat in the small pan for 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally.
3. Now pre heat your grill to a medium and grill the fish for about 6-7 minutes each side, until it will flake easily with a fork. Serve at the side of your plate with rice on the other side separated by a channel of chilli sauce, decorate with lime wedges and a sprinkle of the left over coriander
   

Serves 4

Cod with Spicy Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients
4 Cod Fillets (de skinned)
1 Lemon (juiced)
1 Onion (thinly chopped)
1 Bay Leaf
4 Black Peppercorns
175ml Natural Yoghurt
125g Button Mushrooms
1 /2 Teaspoon Ginger
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala
1/2 Teaspoon Chilli Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Fresh Coriander
Oil
Haricots Verts (to serve)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your grill to medium. Place the fish on a plate and drizzle over the lemon juice and then par cook the fish under the grill for 5 minutes each side.
2. Splash some oil in the frying pan then add the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns, cook for 3 minutes then lower the heat and add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
3. In the mixing bowl, mix together the yoghurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, chilli and salt then pour this spice mix over the onions and continue to fry for 3 minutes.
4. Finally add the cod and cook for another 2 minutes serve garnished with coriander leaves (I suggest haricot verts to go with this)
   

Serves 4

Monkfish with Vegetables

Ingredients
175g Monkfish (cut into cubes)
2 Medium Onions (thinly sliced)
2 Tomatoes (de seeded and sliced)
1 Courgette (sliced)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
1 Teaspoon Chilli Powder
2 Tablespoons Fresh Fenugreek Leaves
1 Lime (juiced)
A Splash of Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Small mixing Bowl
1 Wok
1 Spoon
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Heat the oil in your wok and then drop in the onion and cook gently until it softens. In the mixing bowl, mix together the garlic, cumin, coriander and chilli powder, then when the onions are soft drop this mixture in and cook for 1 minute.
2. Now add in the fish and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the fish is cooked through then add the fenugreek, tomatoes and courgette season to taste before pouring in the lime juice, stir well and serve.
   

Serves 4

Spiced Scallops

Ingredients
12 Large Scallops (with coral attached) or 350g Scallops (without coral) (coral is the orange bit)
5 Spring Onions (chopped into inch long chunks)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1inch Fresh Ginger (grated)
250g Mangetout (topped and tailed)
125g Button Mushrooms (quartered)
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Sherry
1 Tablespoon Honey (clear stuff not set honey)
1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds (dry fry in a frying pan for 1 minute before use)
1/4 Teaspoon All Spice (or Chinese 5 spice powder)
A Good Splash of Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Prepare the scallops first (remove any black/grey bits and discard, then remove the coral and finally slice the white meat into 3-4 pieces)
2. Now fry off the spring onions in a splash of oil in a very hot wok, add the garlic and ginger and stir fry for 1 minute before adding the mangetout, cook for a further 2 minutes, now pour this mixture into the bowl.
3. In another good splash of oil add the scallops and corals and stir fry for 2 minutes before adding the mushrooms and cooking for another minute, then add the sherry, soy sauce honey and spice mixture and mix well before adding the vegetable mixture back into the pan.
4. Season with salt and pepper, make sure the dish is pipping hot throughout then serve and sprinkle over some of the toasted sesame seeds.
   

Serves 4

Stir Fried Prawns

Ingredients
170g Raw Prawns (peeled)
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Egg White
1 Teaspoon Cornflour (mixed with ! 1/2 Teaspoon water)
300ml Vegetable Oil
1 Spring Onion (cut into inch long strips)
1inch Fresh Ginger (thinly Sliced)
1 Green Pepper (cored, de seeded and chopped)
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Sherry
Sesame Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Slotted Spoon
Kitchen Paper

The Good Bit

1. Mix the prawns with a pinch of salt, egg white and cornflour paste then stir fry in a hot wok with all the oil for 40 seconds only then remove and place on a paper towel.
2. Drain off most of the oil, leaving just a splash then add the spring onion and ginger for a few seconds then add the pepper and fry for 1 minute, next add the remaining salt, the sugar and the prawns and cook for a further minute before finally adding the soy sauce and sherry and a sprinkle of sesame oil then serving.
   

Serves 4

Chilli Prawns

Ingredients
625g Tiger Prawns
5 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
5 Tablespoons Sherry
5 Tablespoons Water
3 Red Chillies (de seeded and thinly chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
1 Inch Fresh Ginger (grated)
90g Cashew Nuts
2 Teaspoons Cornflour
A Handful of Spring Onions (thinly chopped)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Slotted Spoon

The Good Bit

1. Mix the soy, sherry, water, chillies, garlic and ginger together in the mixing bowl and then drop in the prawns, spring onion and nuts, stir well then cover and leave for a good 2 hours.
2. Using the slotted spoon, remove the prawns, nuts and onion from the sauce and cook rapidly in your wok with a little oil, cook for 2 minutes. Mix the little bit of cornflour with the sauce and stir it into the wok for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens.
3. Serve with rice
   

Serves 4

Prawn Stir Fry with Lemon Grass

Ingredients
1/2 Cucumber (cut into thin strips)
2 Teaspoons Cornflour
2 tablespoons Water
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce (dark)
1/2 Teaspoon Fish Sauce
6 Spring Onions (halved lengthways and cut into 5cm chunks)
1 Stalk Lemon Grass (sliced thinly)
1 Clove Garlic (chopped)
1 Red Chilli (thinly chopped)
125g Oyster Mushrooms (any will do but oyster give a good look and texture)
1inch Fresh Ginger (grated)
350g Frozen Prawns (defrosted)
2 Tablespoons Sherry

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Small Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Mix the cornflour, water, soy and fish sauce until you have a nice paste then set aside., meanwhile with a splash of oil in your wok, add in the spring onion, cucumber, lemon grass, chilli, mushroom and ginger and fry for 2 minutes.
2. Then add in the prawns and stir fry until the prawns are warmed through (1-2 minutes) now pour in the sauce mixture along with the sherry and cook until you have a thick sauce, serve immediately with rice.
   

Serves 4

Smoked Haddock and Leek Pie

Ingredients
500g Smoked Haddock Fillet (unskinned)
300ml Milk
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Leeks (sliced)
2 Teaspoons Mustard
1 Cup Mascarpone
3 Eggs (hard boiled and quartered)
1 Large Potato
75g Cheddar Cheese (grated)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Cheese Grater
1 Pan
1 Large Pan
1 Ovenproof Dish

The Good Bit

1. Preheat your oven too 200c 400f gas 6. Place the fish in the heatproof dish, in the small pan, heat the bring the milk to boiling the pour over the fish and set aside for 5 minutes.
   
2. In the large pan heat the butter until it melts then add the leeks and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften, now add the flour and keep stirring for a minute, now strain the milk from the fish into this pan and stir well, when you have a thick sauce add in the mustard and mascarpone, mix well then season with salt and pepper.
3. Now break off into chunks the fish and add the quartered eggs to this dish (the ovenproof one) pour in the leeks and sauce and give everything a gentle stir, at this point grate your potato and mix it with the grated cheese, season this with a little salt and plenty of pepper and then spread evenly over the top of the fish.
4. Bake for 30 minutes (until the top is golden) serve immediately.
   

Serves 4

Mackerel with Tomato and Olives

Ingredients
4x375g Mackerel Fillets
3 Anchovy Fillets
250g Chopped Peeled Plum Tomatoes
24 Pitted Black Olives (halved)
150ml Fish Stock
2 Tablespoons Flour
A Good Splash of Oil
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
A Handful Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Large Frying Pan

The Good Bit

1. Lightly flour the mackerel on both sides then set aside whilst you heat your oil in the pan, add in the garlic and anchovies and cook until it is a light brown colour, then add the fish and cook for a few minutes, turning just once.
2. Next and the tomatoes and olives and a little stock, cook for 30 minutes adding more stock from time to time, test that the fish is cooked by trying to flake it with a fork, your sauce should also be quite thick now too, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over the parsley just before you are about to serve up (you don't want the parsley to loose it's striking green colour)
3. Serve the fish with the sauce poured over the top with some nice freshly baked bread.
   

Serves 4

Salmon Kedgeree

Ingredients
500g Cooked Salmon (boned, skinned and flaked)
175g Long Grain Rice (cooked)
1 Onion (finely chopped)
3 Hard Boiled Eggs (roughly chopped)
A Handful Fresh Parsley (roughly torn)
150ml Single Cream
50g Butter
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Chives (to garnish)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Oven Proof Dish
Tin Foil
1 Frying Pan
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Pre-heat your oven too 180c 350f gas 4, Drop half the butter in the frying pan and cook the onion until it goes soft, next add in the rice and season, then add in the salmon, egg, parsley and cream and fold in gently with the spatula to avoid breaking the salmon up too much.
2. Now transfer this mixture to your dish and with the remaining butter grease a sheet of tin foil and use this to cover the dish, place in the oven for 15 minutes then serve sprinkled with chopped chives.
   

Serves 4

Salmon Steaks with Teriyaki Sauce

Ingredients
4x175 Salmon Steaks
4 Small Gem Lettuces (quartered lengthways)
1 Tablespoon Sunflower Oil
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
6 Tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce (bought or make your own by heating together 3 Tablespoons Rice Wine (Saki), 3Tablespoons Soy Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Sugar)
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar (white wine will do)
2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
2 Tablespoons Clear Honey

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Pan
1 Griddle Pan

The Good Bit

1. Start by heating together all the ingredients for the sauce in your pan (everything but the salmon and lettuce) bring to a rapid simmer and leave for 10 minutes then remove from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
2. Using the griddle pan with no oil, cook the salmon steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side moving as little as possible so you get the lovely charring effect, whilst you are waiting for the fish to do, arrange the lettuce on your plates, then serve a steak on top and finally drizzle over a little of the sauce.
   

Serves 4

Chinese Prawns and Asparagus

Ingredients
500g Cooked Prawns (frozen will do)
175g Asparagus (cut into inch long lengths)
4 Spring Onions (cut into inch long lengths)
4 Tablespoons Sherry
1 Inch Fresh Ginger (grated)
1 Teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
2 Cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
A Splash of Oil
Salt

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Pan (2/3rds full with boiling salted water)
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Drop the asparagus in the boiling water for 2 minutes then remove with a slotted spoon. Whilst that is doing, mix the soy sauce, sherry and prawns together, set aside for 15 minutes.
2. In the wok add a good splash of oil, tip in the garlic, ginger and half of your spring onions, stir fry over a high heat for 1 minute, now add in the prawns along with the sauce and the asparagus and continue to stir for 2 minutes.
3. Serve with the remaining spring onions sprinkled over the top.
   

Serves 4

Spicy Onion Relish with Tuna Steak

Ingredients
4x 175g Tuna Steaks
1 Tablespoon Ground Coriander
2 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
2 Tablespoons Grated Fresh Ginger
1kg Onions (sliced)
4 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
100ml Fish Stock (vegetable will do)
Chilli Powder
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan (with lid/or use a plate another pan)
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Garlic Press

The Good Bit

1. Sprinkle some chilli powder over the tuna steaks (only a little) set aside for an hour whilst you get on with the rest of the cooking.
   
2. Heat the cumin, coriander, ginger and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a dry frying pan for 30 seconds over a low heat before adding a good splash of oil (4-5 tablespoons worth) and cooking for another 30 seconds.
3. Now add the onion and garlic, cover and cook for about 45 minutes until the onion is very soft, next add the stock to the pan and then gently place the fish on top of the onions, bring this to the boil and simmer for for about 15 minutes (check that the fish is done by trying to flake it with a fork, if the fish breaks easily it is done, if not cook a little longer)
4. Serve the fish onto warmed plates, and turn up the heat on the sauce, reduce until you hardly have any liquid left then serve a dollop of the spiced onion with your fish, enjoy.
   

Serves 4

Sauted Scallops and Mangetout

Ingredients
16 Prepared Scallops (with coral, the orange bit)
6 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
12 Spring Onions (thinly sliced, diagonally)
2inch Piece Fresh Ginger (thinly chopped)
350g Mangetout (topped and tailed)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
4 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Caster Sugar
Pepper
Spring Onion to Garnish

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Cereal Bowl (for the corals)

The Good Bit

1. To prepare the scallops, with the flat of the scallop in your hand and the rounded shell pointing upwards, insert a strong knife between the shells and twist, remove the flat greyish fringe, leaving the white flesh and orange coral, then remove the black digestive cord from the side of the flesh. Now detach the white flesh and cut away the coral and reserve.
   
2. In your wok heat 4 tablespoons of oil and add the spring onion and ginger and stir fry for for a few seconds, then drop in the mangetout and garlic and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, then remove this from the pan and set aside.
3. Pour the rest of the oil in the wok along with the sesame oil and drop in the scallops, stir fry for 3 minutes before adding the mangetout mixture, corals, soy sauce and sugar, turn the heat up to high now and give this mixture a blast for 2 minutes stirring well to makes sure all the ingredients are combined and piping hot. Season with pepper only and serve with a sprinkling of spring onion over the top.
   

Serves 4

Thai Crab Curry

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste
6 Tablespoons Coconut Milk
12 Crab Claws
2 Tablespoons Sugar
65g Canned Bamboo Shoots (drained)
150ml Thai Fish Stock (vegetable or chicken will do just as well)
1 Lime Leaf (if you can get hold of one)
1 Teaspoon Salt
A Splash of Oil
1/2 a Red Chilli (de seeded and finely sliced) and Coriander Leaves (roughly chopped) to garnish

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Frying Pan

The Good Bit

1. Heat the oil in your frying pan then add the paste (unless your jar/packet of paste says that no oil is required) then melt the paste for 30 seconds, next add the rest of the ingredients, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes, if the curry becomes to thick just add more stock)
2. Pour out into a serving bowl and garnish with coriander leaves and slices of chilli
   

Serves 4

Prawn Curry

Ingredients
1 Onion (sliced)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
500g Frozen Prawns
2 Teaspoons Ground Coriander
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1 Teaspoon Turmeric
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Chilli Powder
2 Tablespoons Vinegar
200ml Water
250g Rice
A Good Splash of Oil
Fresh Coriander to Garnish

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan (2/3rds full with boiling salted water)
1 Frying Pan
1 Spatula
1 Garlic Press
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Spoon

The Good Bit

1. Get the rice on first, cook as described on the home page (10-15 minutes in boiling salted water) whilst that is cooking, heat the oil in the frying pan and cook the onion and garlic until just beginning to colour
2. In the mixing bowl, mix the spices together and add the vinegar until you have a smooth paste, then tip that into the onion and garlic and stir for 3 minutes, tip in the prawns and stir well so they are evenly coated.
3. Finally pour in the water and bring to the boil, simmer gently for 4-5 minutes (check the prawns are heated through, then serve with the rice.

Serves 4

Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter

Ingredients
4x175g Salmon Steaks
125g Butter
50g Butter (melted)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Mixed Herbs (like parsley, dill, chervil, fennel, chives, chopped)
1 Lemon
Salt and Pepper
Potatoes and Vegetables or Salad to Serve

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Lemon Juicer
1 Mixing Bowl
Greaseproof Paper
1 Grill Pan
1 Pastry Brush

The Good Bit

1. Mix the herbs and lemon juice in the mixing bowl along with the butter (not the melted butter) then lay on your greaseproof paper and roll into a log shape, wrap it then place in the fridge
2. place the salmon on your grill pan and brush 1 side with the melted butter, season and cook for 4-5 minutes under a pre heated medium grill, turn the salmon over and repeat the brushing and seasoning, cook for another 4-5 minutes.
3. Place a salmon fillet on each serving plate then divide the chilled butter between all four, serve with vegetables and potatoes or a salad.
   

Serves 4

Tuna with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients
4x175g Tuna Steak (skinned)
1 Red Onion (finely chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (Crushed)
1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary
1x125g Jar Sun-dried Tomatoes in Oil
75ml Red Wine
1 Tablespoon Capers
75g Olives (black preferably)
Handful of Fresh Parsley (chopped)
75g Flour
1 Lemon (cut into wedges to garnish)
Salt and Pepper
Olive Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Sauce Pan

The Good Bit

1. Heat a splash of oil in the sauce pan and cook the onion, garlic and rosemary over a low heat for about 5 minutes, Whilst that is cooking put your flour in the mixing bowl and season well, drop your tuna steaks into the flour and coat evenly all over.
2. Next fry the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side ensuring it is nice golden colour all over then remove from the pan and keep warm in an oven (only has to be a low heat we don't want to cook the fish any more)
3. Now add the tomatoes to the onion pan, turn up the heat to high and add the wine, capers, parsley and olives, season to taste and them simmer for 2 minutes, serve the tuna with the sauce poured over and decorated with a lemon wedge.
   

Serves 4

Haddock With Soured Cream and Mushrooms

Ingredients
600g Haddock Fillets
60g Butter
8 Tablespoons Water
100g Button Mushrooms (sliced)
300ml Soured Cream
1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
Handful Fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Ovenproof Dish
Tin Foil
1 Medium Sauce Pan

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven too 160c 325f gas 3. place the haddock in the ovenproof dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper and taking half of the bitter, dot it over the fish, cover with tin foil and place in the oven for 20 minutes.
2. In the sauce pan, melt the remaining butter and then add the mushrooms and fry for about 1 minute, add in the sour cream and paprika, heat through and season to taste.
3. drain the fish, place on a serving plate and pour over the sauce, garnish with the parsley.
   

Serves 4

Tuna Salad

Ingredients
1x400g Can Tuna (drained)
1x400g Can Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed, mixed beans will do)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1 Large Tomato (chopped)
1 Tablespoon Fresh lemon Juice
3 Tablespoons Capers
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
1 Lettuce (little gem variety)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Masher
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

1. In the bowl, mash half the beans with the garlic, now stir in the tomato, capers, parsley and lemon juice with the wooden spoon. Gently crumble the tuna over the top of this mixture with a fork then stir in again, season with salt and pepper.
2. Serve a good scoop in a lettuce leaf
   

Serves 4

Thai Red Curry and Prawn Pasta

Ingredients
500g Frozen Prawns
1 Teaspoon Thai Red Curry Paste
4 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
2 Large Tomatoes (skinned and de seeded)
180ml White Wine
1 Lime (juiced and zested)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Coriander (roughly chopped)
180g Pasta (whatever takes your fancy, shells/bows, spaghetti
Salt and Pepper to Serve
Lime Wedges to Serve
A Splash of Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan (2/3rds full with boiling salted water)
1 Bowl
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Zester
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

1. Cover the prawns in the curry paste and leave to marinate over night in a bowl.
2. Heat the oil in the frying pan and cook the garlic until it just begins to colour, then add the tomatoes, wine zest and juice of the lime, bring this to the boil and then reduce until you have a gentle simmer, allow to simmer for about 8 minutes, then add the prawns.
   
3. Start Your pasta and cook according to packet instructions (depending on type of pasta, 8-15 minutes), when this is ready (the pasta should break easily when pushed against the side of a pan with a wooden spoon) drain the pan then tip the pasta into the frying pan and mix well, drop in the coriander, season and serve (i avoid spaghetti as it is not as easy to get out of the pan as shells/bows and twists are)
   

Serves 4

Cod and Prawn Coconut Curry

Ingredients
675g Cod Fillets (skinned)
6 Tablespoons Masala Curry Paste (green if you can find it)
200ml Coconut Milk
175g Frozen Prawns
250g Rice (cooked to serve)
Handful Fresh Coriander (roughly chopped to garnish)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Frying Pan

The Good Bit

1. Heat the curry paste and coconut milk in the frying pan, leaving it to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, in the mean time cut your cod into 4 cm chunks.
2. Put all the fish in the pan and and cook gently for 5 minutes, until the fish is tender and the prawns are warm throughout, serve with the rice and garnish with the coriander. Follow my guide on the front page for perfect rice every time, you should start your rice just before you warm up the coconut milk, that way it should be ready about the same time.
   

Serves 4

Seafood Chowder

Ingredients
1 Onion (finely chopped)
1 Clove Garlic (finely chopped)
2 Sticks Celery (sliced)
1 Large Carrot (diced)
40g Flour (preferably Wholemeal)
750ml Fish or Chicken Stock
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
Handful Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
2 Tablespoons Parmesan (grated)
1x120g Can Sweetcorn (drained)
250ml Milk
250g Prawns (shelled)
250g White Fish such as Haddock (chopped into bite size chunks)
250g Baby New Potatoes (or large potatoes cut to bite size chunks)
4 Bay Leaves
A Good Splash of Oil
Salt and Pepper to Season
Crème Fraiche (optional)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan

The Good Bit

1. Heat the oil in the pan and cook the onion and garlic together until soft (3 minutes) add in the celery and carrot and cook for a further 2 minutes, then whilst stirring, drop in the flour for another minute, finally add in the stock, potatoes, oregano and bay leaves, bring to the boil and cover, lower the heat so you have a slow simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Once the 15 minutes is up add in the fish and cook until it goes opaque (3 minutes or so) stir in the milk and sweetcorn and bring back to the boil before adding the parmesan and parsley (at this stage you can add 5 Tablespoons of Crème Fraiche to make a really creamy chowder)
   

Serves 6-8

Lemon Sole with Garlic Butter and Citrus Mash

Ingredients
4x120g Lemon Sole Fillets (unskinned on 1 side)
900g Potatoes (cubed)
a Good Knob or 2 of Butter
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
A Handful Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
300ml Double Cream
2 Lemons (juiced and zested)
Salt and Pepper
Vegetables to Serve

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Large Pan Salted Boiling Water (for the potatoes)
1 Grill Pan
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Small Pan
1 Potato masher

The Good Bit

1. Cook the potatoes for 12 minutes until they are soft and tender then set aside. Get your grill up to a nice high heat, whilst that is warming mix together the butter, garlic parsley a pinch of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
2. Grill the sole for 2 minutes with the skin side facing up then turn it over, dab on a little of the herb butter and place back under the grill for another 2-3 minutes, until it is nice and golden.
3. Now heat up the cream in the small pan along with the lemon rind, drain your potatoes and give them a good mash, then beat in the zesty cream until your mash is smooth and fluffy, season and then place a good portion in the centre of each plate, place on top one of your fillets then drizzle over a little of the remaining lemon juice. Serve the vegetables to the side.
   

Serves 4

Simply Scottish Salmon

Ingredients
1/2Kg Scottish Salmon Fillet (skin on is best)
60ml Scotch Whisky
60ml Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (for best results, or carton)
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Grill Pan
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Garlic press
1 Baking Tin (large enough to hold the salmon)

The Good Bit

1. Whisk together the whisky, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, pepper and olive oil. Place the salmon in it's container then drizzle over the marinade, cover with cling film and set aside for whilst you're out at work or over night (6-8 hours ideally)
2. Pre heat your grill to high, place the salmon skin side down on the grill pan and cook without turning over for 10-12 minutes (until the salmon flakes easily with a fork)
3. Serve with a salad (and don't go drinking the marinade!!)
   

Serves 4

Chilli Cod and Couscous

Ingredients
4 Cod Fillets (a portion each)
1 Lemon
2 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
1 Red Pepper (de seeded and finely diced)
175g Couscous
300ml Vegetable Stock
2 Tomatoes (finely Diced)
4 Spring/Salad Onions (chopped)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
1/4 Teaspoon Chilli Powder
Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Small Bowl
1 Pastry Brush
1 Grill Pan
1 Frying Pan

The Good Bit

1. Start by getting your grill heated to a high temperature. Next cut 4 individual5mm thick slices from the lemon, then squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon into the small bowl, now lay the fillets on the grill pan skin side up and lay a slice of lemon on each, brush with a little oil and season with salt and pepper then grill for 6-8 minutes without turning.
2. Heat a splash of oil in your frying pan and cook the and pepper for 4-5 minutes until the pepper is soft, stir in the couscous and then add the hot vegetable stock, drop in the tomatoes, onion and parsley, then bring to a simmer and remove from the heat, cover and set aside.
3. Mix 2 tablespoons of oil in with the lemon juice and add the chilli powder, stir well. finally, fork up the couscous to break it up then serve onto plates topped with your fish and then drizzle over the lemon chilli sauce.
   

Serves 4

Poached Haddock

Ingredients
1 Small Onion (finely chopped)
1 Clove Garlic (finely chopped)
4x125g haddock Fillets
4 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice
4 Tablespoons White Wine
1 Lemon Juice (zested and juiced)
4 Tablespoons of Stock (either fish, vegetable or chicken)
Handful Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan (with lid, I use a wok for the lid)
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Fish Slice

The Good Bit

1. In your frying pan bring to the boil the onion, garlic, orange juice, wine, lemon juice and zest and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about half, then add in the stock and bring back to the boil.
2. Slowly and carefully place in the fillets then reduce the heat until you have a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes until the fish is done (to check this, you should be able to flake the fish away easily with a fork)
3. Remove the haddock when it is done and set aside, then bring up the heat again on the frying pan and reduce the stock by about a third, then stir in the parsley and season to taste. Serve the fish and pour over the sauce.
   

Serves 4

Beef Stew With a Healthy Twist

Ingredients
500g Beef (cut into chunks)
750ml Chicken Stock
120ml White Wine
1 Carrot (halved lengthways then sliced)
1 Clove Garlic (finely chopped)
1 Stick Celery (finely sliced)
300g Baby Onions (peeled, if using shallots 1/4 them)
180g Button Mushrooms (quartered)
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 Bay Leaf
1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Cornflour
125g Natural Yoghurt
Knob of Butter
Splash of Oil
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan
2 Small Frying Pans
1 Large Bowl
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. In the pan, heat a little oil then cook the meat until it is evenly browned on all sides, add 500ml of stock, the wine, carrot, celery, thyme, garlic and bay leaf, bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. In the frying pan, pour in the rest of the stock and drop in the onions, cooking until all the stock has gone, then remove from the heat and set aside.
3. In the other frying pan, heat another splash of oil and drop in the knob of butter, went it is bubbling add in the mushrooms and cook until they are soft then stir in the lemon juice and remove from the heat then set that aside too.
4. With the slotted spoon, remove the meat and vegetables from the broth and place in the large bowl, remove the bay leaf and throw away, blend a the cornflour in a cup with a little of the broth then tip it back into the pan, simmer away until the broth has thickened, reduce the heat again now and stir in the yoghurt, finally add all the other ingredients and the teaspoon of parsley, heat through then serve.
   

Serves 4

Marinated Summer Steak

Ingredients
4 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
4 Tablespoons Orange Juice (freshly squeezed or from a carton)
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
3 Tablespoons Wine Vinegar (rice or white)
2 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
1in Fresh Ginger (grated)
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
500g Steak (one piece or cubes it doesn't matter)
Salad to Serve

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Frying Pan/Griddle Pan

The Good Bit

1. Mix all the ingredients together in the mixing bowl then drop in the meat and stir well to coat, leave to marinate for at least 4 hours (if you can do this in the morning before you go to work it's great) stir occasionally.
   
2. When you are ready to cook, dry fry (no oil) just the meat in the frying pan if you are using chunks or on a griddle if you have steaks (gives it that little extra charred flavour done this way) over a high heat, just seal the meat so it browns on the outside, remove from the heat and let it rest. (cook for longer if you don't want the meat pink)
   
3. Serve on a bed of lettuce, if you have used steaks, cut them with the grain into 1cm wide slices.
   

Serves 4

Beef and Pasta Bows

Ingredients
300g Pasta Bows
350g Minced Beef
1 Onion (finely chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
1 Courgette (chopped into chunks)
1 Carrot (diced)
1 Red Pepper (cored de seeded and chopped into chunks)
125g Button Mushrooms (quartered)
250ml Red Wine
1x400g Can Chopped Tomatoes
3 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil (roughly chopped)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan (2/3 rds full with boiling salted water)
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Spatula
1 Colander

The Good Bit

1. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions (usually about 10 minutes) when the pasta is just beginning to go soft, drain the in the colander and set aside.
2. In the frying pan stir fry the beef and onion until the meat is browned (about 8 minutes) then add in the rest of the vegetables and cook until they are soft and tender (about 6 minutes) then add in the red wine and cook until all the liquid has gone.
3. Add in the tomatoes (and a few chopped ones to if you want to fill the meal out a little) and simmer for 5 minutes, adjust the seasoning then add in the herbs and pasta, reheat quickly and serve.
   

Serves 4

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients
500g Steak (cut into strips)
1 Tablespoon Margarine
3 Shallots (chopped)
250g Mushrooms (sliced)
250ml Beef Stock
1 Tablespoon Tomato Purée
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
150g Low Fat Natural Yoghurt
A Splash of Oil
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 Fork

The Good Bit

1. Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan and cook the strips of steak until they are evenly browned all over, remove and set aside. Now melt the butter in the frying pan and add the shallots and cook until they start to soften (2 minutes or so) then add the mushrooms and cook until all the juice from the mushrooms has gone (a good 8 minutes)
2. In the mixing bowl, mix together what's left apart from the yoghurt, pour into the frying pan and add in the steak strips, bring to a simmer and leave for 12 minutes, turn down the heat to a very low setting then add in the yoghurt, stirring all the time (you may want to leave this step for a couple of minutes until the pan is cooler so you don't risk curdling the yoghurt) once the meal is warm throughout season and serve.
   

Serves 4

My Wife's Vegetable Soup

Ingredients
2 Large Carrots (chopped into chunks)
1 Large Onion (thinly chopped)
1/4 Cabbage (any cabbage will do but spring cabbage is best)
4 Sticks Celery (chopped into chunks)
1 Pepper (de seeded and chopped into chunks)
1x130g Can Sweet Corn (drained and washed)
1 Handful Frozen Peas
1x400g Chopped tomatoes
1 Beef Stock Cube
2 vegetable Stock Cubes
1 Chicken Stock Cube
3/4 of a Pint of Water
Salt and pepper to Season

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan

The Good Bit

1. Add all the vegetables to the pan, pour in the water, then add the canned and frozen produce, finally stir in all the stock cubes.
2. Bring to the boil slowly, cover and cook for 15 minutes, you can cook for longer if your vegetables are very chunky as they need to be soft and tender. Season with salt and pepper then serve with a freshly baked baguette.

Serves 4

Spicey Peppered Steak

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon Peppercorns (freshly crushed)
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
500g Steak (cut into thin strips)
1 Red Pepper (cored, de seeded and cut into thin strips)
2 Red chillies (de seeded and finely chopped, leave seeded for extra heat)
1in Ginger (cut into matchstick size strips)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
2 Tablespoons Cornflour
4 Tablespoons Water
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Teaspoons Dark Soft Brown Sugar

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Wok
1 Garlic Press
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Spatula
1 Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Mix the cornflour and water into a smooth paste then add the soy sauce and sugar and set aside. With the oil in the wok add the beef and crushed peppercorns and stir fry rapidly for 4 minutes a until the meat is evenly browned.
2. Tip the meat along with its juices into the spare bowl, then turn down the heat and stir fry the rest of the ingredients together taking care not to brown them, just get them soft (use a low heat if you are not comfortable doing this without browning the vegetables)
3. Add the beef and its juices back to the wok and mix well then give the sauce a final stir before adding that into the pan, turn the heat back up and cook until the beef is hot and the meal is warm all the way through, serve immediately.
   

Serves 4

Ginger Beef with Peppers

Ingredients
500g Steak (thinly sliced)
2 Teaspoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
1in Fresh Ginger (finely sliced)
2 Teaspoons Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cornflour
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1 Red Pepper (cored, de seeded and chopped into bite size chunks)
1 Green Pepper (cored, de seeded and chopped into bite size chunks)
1 Tablespoon Water
A Pinch of Chinese 5 Spice Powder
Thin Slices of Red Chilli (de seeded) to decorate.

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Wok
1 Spatula
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Slotted Spoon

The Good Bit

1. Put the steak in the mixing bowl along with the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of the oil, the ginger, vinegar, water, salt and cornflour, mix well and leave to stand in a fridge for 20 minutes.
2. With the rest of the oil in the wok, heat the garlic and 5 spice for 30 seconds then add the marinated steak, stir fry over a high heat to colour the the meat evenly on all sides but still leave the middle a little pink, remove the meat and set aside.
3. Now stir fry the peppers for 3 minutes then add the meat back in for a quick 1 minute blast along with any remaining marinade, serve and garnish with thin slivers of red chilli
   

Serves 4

Steak Wrap

Ingredients
4 Fillet Steaks
8 Slices Parma Ham
125g Mozzarella (sliced into 4)
Handful of Fresh Marjoram (chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Mix the marjoram and garlic then season with salt and pepper, coat the steaks with this mixture then wrap with the parma ham making sure to cover all the steak.
2. Grill the steaks under a high a grill as you can for 3 minutes both sides for rare, 5-6 medium and 8 minutes for well done.
3. When the meat is done to how you like, top each wrap with with a slice of mozzarella then put back under a cooler grill until the cheese begins to melt and brown.
4. Remove from the grill and set aside for 5 minutes to let the meat rest then serve.
   

Serves 4

Pot Roast Beef

Ingredients
1.25kg Beef (topside or silverside)
2 Large Onions (quartered)
2 Carrots (cut into 1cm long chunks)
1 Bouquet Garni (or 2 Sprigs each Thyme, parsley and Marjoram)
4 Black Pepper Corns
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
150ml Red Wine
450ml Water
2 Teaspoons Cornflour
4 Tablespoons Oil
25g Butter

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Casserole Dish With Lid
Silver Foil
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Cup

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat the oven to 150c 300f gas 2. Heat the oil and butter in the frying pan and cook the beef until browned evenly all over. remove and place in the casserole dish, surround with the vegetables, add the herbs, salt and peppercorns and top up with the wine and water.
2. Cover with foil then the lid and place in the oven for 3 hours.
3. Pull the beef out when done and leave to rest on a serving plate, surround it with the vegetables, discard the bouquet garni (or sprigs) and transfer the juices to the frying pan and bring to the boil.
4. In the cup add the cornflour and approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of water, mix until you have a smooth paste then add a little of the gravy, stir well then pour this mixture into the frying pan too stirring continuously, if the sauce is too thick just add a little water. pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and serve
   

Serves 4

Beef Pepperpot

Ingredients
750g Beef (cubed)
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 Teaspoon Paprika
12 Shallots
125g Button Mushrooms
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
200g Can Chopped Tomatoes
450ml Beef Stock
1 Red Pepper (de seeded and chopped into 1 cm strips)
1 Green Pepper (de seeded and chopped into 1 cm strips)
Salt and Pepper
Rice to serve (cooked according to instructions)
Splash of Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Casserole Dish
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Garlic Press
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven to 160c 325f or gas 3. Mix together the flour, paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper, drop in the beef and make sure it is well coated.
2. Fry the shallots, garlic and mushrooms in a little oil in the frying pan until the onions just begin to colour, remove and set aside. Quickly fry off the meat until it has browned on all sides, then add back in the shallots, garlic and mushrooms.
3. Any seasoned flour that you have left, chuck that in to, stirring well for 1 minute before adding in the tomatoes and stock, bring to the boil and transfer to your casserole dish.
4. Cook in the oven for 1 1/2 hours then add in the peppers and cook for a further 30 minutes, serve with the rice.
   

Serves 4-6

Beef Rolls

Ingredients
4 Sirloin Steaks
2 Tablespoons English Mustard
4 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
Handful Fresh Basil (roughly chopped)
1 Tablespoon Cracked Black Pepper
50g Butter (left at room temperature)
1 Large Onion (finely chopped)
4 Tablespoons Brandy
300ml Double Cream
2 Pinches Caster Sugar
A Splash of Oil
Vegetables to Serve (potatoes, cabbage, what ever you like)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Rolling Pin (or something heavy)
1 Plastic Bag
cocktail sticks (or string)
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Frying Pan

The Good Bit

1. Place each of the steaks into the bag, one at a time and squash until the steak is about 6mm thick. Mix the mustard, garlic, half the basil, pepper and butter together then spread onto each of the steaks, roll the steaks up and secure with either the cocktail sticks or string.
2. With a little oil in the frying pan cook the steaks until well browned all over, 6-8 minutes should do it. Remove and set aside (covered if you can) drop the onion into the pan and cook until soft then add in the brandy and bring to the boil, then stir in the cream, season with salt and pepper and add the caster sugar to taste then finally stir in the rest of the basil.
3. Serve the rolled up steak (minus string or sticks) with the vegetables of your choice and drizzle over the sauce.
   

Serves 4

Oyster Sauce Beef

Ingredients
300g Beef (cut into strips)
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Sherry
1 Teaspoon Cornflour (mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons cold water)
1 Carrot
60g Mangetout
60g Bamboo Shoots (canned will do fine)
60g Straw Mushrooms (any mushroom will do)
1 Spring Onion (cut into bite size strips)
2 Small Slices Root Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Oyster Sauce
3 Tablespoons Chinese Stock (or water)
60ml Vegetable Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wok
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. place the meat in the mixing bowl along with the sugar, soy sauce, sherry and cornflour (and water) mixture, set aside and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in the wok and add the beef slices for about 1 minute, remove and keep warm.
3. Pour off the oil leaving about 1 tablespoon in the wok, add all the vegetables and the ginger and stir fry for about 2 minutes, then add the salt, beef, oyster sauce and stock (or water) mix really well and serve when piping hot through out.
   

Serves 4

Beef and Noodles

Ingredients
500g Beef (cut into thin strips)
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoon Sherry
2 Tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
4 Tablespoons Cornflour
4 Tablespoons Oil
50g Rice Noodles (the thin white ones)
200g Broccoli Florets
2 Red Peppers (de seeded and sliced)
Handful Basil (torn)
250g Rice (cooked as described in the tips column)
for the sauce
8 Tablespoons Sherry
4 Tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
2 Teaspoons Sesame Oil
2 Tablespoons Clear Honey
2 Teaspoons Sweet Chilli Sauce

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 Small Mixing Bowl
1 Wok
1 Slotted Spoon
Kitchen Paper

The Good Bit

1. Mix the beef with the soy sauce, hoisin, sherry and cornflour, mix well and set aside. Deep fry the noodles in hot oil for about 30 seconds, remove with the slotted spoon and set aside on kitchen paper
2. Mix all the sauce ingredients together in the small bowl, In the wok add a little oil and drop in the beef and what ever marinade you have left, cook for about 1 minute then add the broccoli and pepper and cook for a further 2 minutes, then add the sauce and cook for 2 minutes more.
3. When the meat is tender, drop in the basil, check the seasoning then serve on a bed of rice topped off with the crispy noodles.
   

Serves 4

Beef and Guinness Stew

Ingredients
1kg Beef (cubed)
1 Large Onion (roughly chopped)
1 Carrot (roughly sliced)
1/2 Pint Guinness
750ml Water
50g Flour
1 Bay Leaf
125g Prunes (pitted and soaked)
Handful Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
A Good |Splash of Oil
Baked Potatoes to Serve

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Spatula
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

1. Season the salt flour with salt and pepper in the mixing bowl, chuck in the beef and mix until it is well coated, transfer to the frying pan and fry in the oil until the beef is coloured all over then add the onions and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Tip in the rest of the flour and stir well, then drop in the carrot Guinness and water, mixing really well, bring to the boil then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 1 3/4hrs, 30 minutes before the end add the prunes and stir in.
3. Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust the seasoning if required. Serve with baked potatoes and then sprinkle with the parsley.
   

Serves 4

Pork and Spinach

Ingredients
675g Pork (cubed)
400g Fresh Spinach
2 Onions (thinly sliced)
1 Pepper (de seeded and chopped)
3 Green Chillies (thinly chopped, take out the seeds if you want this cooler)
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Ginger
1 Clove Garlic (crushed or thinly chopped)
1 1/2 Teaspoons Dried Chilli powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Garam Masala
750ml Water
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
3 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Coriander
6 Tablespoons of Oil (don't use your best olive here)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
2 Large Pans
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Mix the ginger, garlic, salt, chilli powder and garam masala in the bowl and set to one side, then fry the onion off in the large pan in a little oil until it turns golden brown.
2. Add the pork to the onions and stir fry until the colour has changed evenly all over the pork then tip in the spice mix and stir well making sure to coat all the meat.
3. Pour in the water and bring rapidly to a boil, then lower the heat and cover, simmer for 30 minutes, after the 30 minutes, check the meat, if it is tender great, if not cook a little longer, if the pan is really liquid, take the lid off and boil the excess liquid off rapidly
4. Whilst this is doing, half fill the other pan with water and bring it the boil, drop in the spinach and boil for about a minute, tip out the boiling water and pour cold water over it to keep it from cooking, drain well.
5. When there is little water left in your pork pan, drop in the spinach, stir and cook for 7-10 minutes, keep stirring whilst you do this.
6. Finally, drop in the pepper, green chillies and the coriander and heat for 2 minutes, then stir in the lemon juice and serve.
   

Serves 4

Portuguese Pork

Ingredients
900g Pork (cubed)
2 Large Onions (chopped thinly)
4 Fresh Red Chillies
4 Tablespoons Vindaloo Curry Paste (or milder curry paste if you don't want it to hot)
6 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds
6 Tablespoons Tomato Purée
1 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds (crushed)
1/2 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
1 1/2 Teaspoons sugar
Salt
250ml Water
A Splash of Oil
250g Rice

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mortar and Pestle
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Large Frying Pan
2 Large Pans (1 of which is 2/3rds full of salted boiling water for the rice)

The Good Bit

1. Fry the onion off in a little oil until it goes clear and soft, put this along with all the other ingredients except the water in your mixing bowl, mix very well and leave to marinate for 2 hours.
2. Once marinated pour the mixture either back into the large frying pan or just a large pan and add the water, bring to a low simmer and cook for another 2 hours, 20 minutes before the end cook your rice.
   

Serves 4

Stir Fried Pork With Vegetables

Ingredients
250g Pork Fillet (thinly sliced)
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Sherry
1 Teaspoon Cornflour (mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons cold water)
1 Carrot (cut into slices diagonally)
1 Green Pepper (de seeded and chopped into bite size chunks)
175g Mixed Salad Leaves (shredded)
1 Spring Onion (cut to the same size as everything else)
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Ginger
1 Teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Vegetable or Pork Stock (water will do)
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
2 Mixing Bowls
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Wok
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. In one of the mixing bowls mix together the pork strips, 1/2 of the sugar, 1/2 the soy sauce, the sherry, corn flour and water mixture, mix well and set aside in the fridge whilst you prepare the rest.
2. Get the oil warm in the wok then drop in the pork and stir fry over a high heat for a minute to seal in the flavours then remove with the slotted spoon. Chuck in the vegetables and ginger and stir fry for 2 minutes.
3. Add in the salt, the rest of the sugar and soy sauce along with the stock, bring to the boil, stirring well then serve.
   

Serves 4

Chinese Style Pork

Ingredients
250g Pork (leg/shoulder is good for this)
1 Small Red pepper (cored, seeded and chopped to bite size chunks)
1 Small Green Pepper (cored, seeded and chopped to bite size chunks)
125g Can Bamboo Shoots (drained and sliced if not already sliced in the can)
1 Spring Onion (chopped to bite size chunks again)
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Sweet Chilli Sauce
1 Teaspoon Sherry
A Good Splash of Oil (olive or vegetable)
Sesame Oil (optional)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan
1 Wok
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Drop the pork in the pan and cover with boiling water, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes. take off the heat and leave for 2 hours.
2. Take the pork from the water and if you have used a leg or shoulder, trim off any fat then cut into small thin strips, the same size as you have done the peppers
3. Heat a good splash of olive oil in the wok and stir fry the onion, peppers and bamboo for about 1 minute, then throw in the rest of the ingredients and mix well, frying for another minute.
4. Sprinkle with the sesame oil before serving.
   

Serves 4

Pork in Coconut Milk

Ingredients
750g Pork
2 Onions (quartered)
4 Red chillies
25g Mixed nuts
1 Teaspoon Thai Fish Sauce (or 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste)
250ml Water
200ml Coconut Milk
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1 Lemon (juiced)
A Splash of Oil
Fresh Coconut Slices to garnish
Fresh Coriander (chopped to garnish)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Zester
1 Blender/Food Processor
1 Frying Pan
1 Spatula
1 Ladle

The Good Bit

1. Put the onion, nuts, chillies, fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of water into the blender and blend until you have a paste, once this is scoop into the frying pan with a splash of oil and heat for 4 minutes over a low heat, then add the pork and cook until evenly coloured and coated with the paste.
2. Pour in the water and add a pinch of salt, cover and cook for for 30 minutes. At this stage add in 200ml (1/2 a 400ml can) of coconut milk, leave the lid off now and simmer for a further 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Finally drop in the sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, give it a good stir then ladle into bowls, to be fancy you can garnish with strips of fresh coconut, a sprinkle of chopped coriander leaves and for a touch of red, a couple of thin strips of red chilli,
   

Serves 4

Fried Rice With Pork

Ingredients
150g Pork Fillets (sliced into bite size pieces)
3 Tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
1 Onion (sliced)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
2 Eggs (beaten)
1 Tablespoon Tomato Purée
1 Tablespoon Sugar
750g Rice (cooked already maybe from the day before)
A Splash of Oil
1/4 Cucumber (Thinly sliced)
1 Lemon (cut into wedges)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Coriander (roughly chopped)
1 Red Chilli (de seeded and thinly chopped) OPTIONAL


Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Frying Pan/Wok
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. It is a good idea to have all your vegetables ready and everything at hand near the cooker for this recipe as you have to move fairly fast. Heat the oil in the frying pan and add the garlic, stir frying for 1 minute, add the pork and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and stir fry over a medium heat for about 5 minutes.
2. Drop the eggs in and really stir now (you don't want an omelette!!) for 2 minutes then add the tomato purée, sugar and the rest of the soy sauce along with the onion, keep stirring for 1 minute.
3. Now add the rice and cook for a further 5 minutes to insure all the rice is warmed through, stir very well, serve onto plates and top with the cucumber slices, chopped coriander and if you are using a chilli, sprinkle some of that on too!
   

Serves 4

Pork and Cider

Ingredients
2 Apples (cut into 8 wedges)
4 Pork Chops
2 Sprigs Fresh Sage
200ml Crème Fraiche
200ml Dry Cider
1 Tablespoon Redcurrant Jelly
A Splash of Oil
Vegetables (to serve, so your choice)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan
1 Plate (for the chops)
Tin Foil

The Good Bit

1. Heat the oil in the pan then toss in the apples, cook for 3-4 minutes each side until golden, take out and set aside. Next drop in the chops, season with salt and pepper, cooking until bottom is golden before turning to brown the other side.
2. Add in the sage and cider, bring to a low boil and simmer for 15 minutes. When the pork is cooked through, remove from the pan and cover with tin foil.
3. Stir in the redcurrant jelly until it is all dissolved then spoon in the crème fraiche and apples, heat through and season to taste.
4. Serve a pork chop per plate, if there are any juices remaining add them to the cider sauce, pour this and the apples over the chops and serve with vegetables.
   

Serves 4

Meatballs With Cheese

Ingredients
450g Minced Pork
8 Spring Onions Thinly chopped)
4 Cloves Garlic (thinly chopped)
2 Red Chillies (de seeded and thinly chopped)
300g Pasta
2 400g Cans Chopped Tomatoes
4 Tablespoons Parmesan (grated)
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
200ml Red Wine
2 Bay Leaves
A Splash of Oil
A Pinch of Sugar
Salt and Pepper to Season

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Large Pan
1 Large Pan (2/3rds full with boiling salted water)

The Good Bit

1. Mix the mince, onion, garlic, chilli, parmesan, thyme and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper together, then shape into 24 small balls. Heat the oil in the pan and place in the balls and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned evenly, then pop in the red wine for and boil hard for 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile cook your pasta to packet instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. When the red wine has had it's 2 minutes, reduce the heat and pour in the tomatoes along with the bay leaves, the sugar and some more salt and pepper, bring back to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Drain your pasta, then spoon in a little of the sauce from the other pan, swirl round well to coat the pasta then serve and top off with the meatballs and the rest of the sauce.
   

Serves 4

Pork and Apple

Ingredients
4 Pork Fillets (about 2cm thick)
1 1/2 Teaspoons Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
2 Apples ((cored and cut into 4 slices widthways)
1 Lemon (juiced and zested)
300g Cabbage (shredded)
1 Clove Garlic
150ml Vegetable Stock
200ml Crème Fraiche
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper for Seasoning

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
Plastic Food Bags
1 Frying Pan
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Warm your grill up to high, whilst you are waiting for that to warm up, place each of the fillets in the plastic bag and squash with your palm until they are about 6mm thick.
2. In the mixing bowl, mix together the pepper, paprika, lemon rind, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of oil, place the pork in your dish and drizzle over the sauce, turn and drizzle over a little more sauce, grill for 5 minutes, then turn, add in the apple slices and and drizzle over any remainder sauce and grill for a final 5 minutes.
3. In the frying pan heat a dash of oil and then throw in the cabbage and garlic, cover and cook for 5 minutes, then pour in the stock and creme fraiche, stir well bring to the boil and season.
4. Mount the cabbage onto your plate, top with the pork fillet then decorate with the apple.
   

Serves 4

Thai Pork and Lime

Ingredients
600g Pork (cut into strips)
4 Tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Pepper
20 Cloves Garlic (thinly chopped)
30 Small Green Chillies (chopped thinly, DE SEED IF YOU WANT THIS TO BE MILDER)
8 Tablespoons Lime Juice
8 Tablespoons Thai Fish Sauce
2 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
30g Fresh Mint Leaves (Finely chopped)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
2 Mixing Bowls
1 Wok
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Mix the pork, soy sauce and pepper in a bowl, then add the pork mixture and cook for about 7-8 minutes until the pork is well cooked.
2. Place the pork in the other mixing bowl now and stir in the rest of the ingredients, now this takes some mixing so mix well for a couple of minutes than either leave in the mixing bowl to serve or transfer to a serving dish and let people get there own.
   

Serves 4