Everyday Simple Cooking

Vanilla Ice Cream (for your dog)

2009-08-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
300ml Milk (I use low fat here)
4 Eggs (separated)
Vanilla Extract

Equipment
1 Pan
1 Glass Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Ice Cream Maker (optional but extremely highly recommended)
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Freezer Container

The Good Bit

Heat your milk in a pan over a gentle heat and stir in the egg yolks, your mixture should be pale yellow and fairly runny, do not boil the milk then allow to cool for 5 minutes
Whilst you are waiting for the milk, whisk up the egg whites in a glass bowl using a balloon whisk until it forms stiff peaks.
Gradually fold the egg white into the milk (a dessert spoonful at a time) and add a splash of vanilla extract, when mixed chill in the fridge before putting in your ice cream maker or chill in the fridge before you place in the freezer, checking it every so often and giving it a good whisk to stop ice crystals forming (only the best for my dog!! you can leave the whisking out though if you don't think your dog will mind little crystals of water in it's ice cream!!!)

Makes 1 very spoiled dog!

Kiwi Fruit Sorbet

2009-07-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
6 Kiwi Fruit
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Water
2 Eggs (whites only)

Equipment
1 Large Pan
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Blender
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Airtight Container

The Good Bit

Peel your kiwis then drop in the pan with the water and sugar and stir over a low heat without boiling until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil and gently simmer for 10 minutes until the fruit is soft.
Allow the mixture to cool a little then pour into the blender and give it a good zap until you have a smooth mixture, Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks then fold into the kiwi mixture with a metal spoon, pour into your airtight container and freeze for 3 1/2 hours.
Remove from the the freezer and give a good beating with the balloon whisk (or electric whisk for better results) then return to the freezer overnight.

Strawberry Cheescake Ice Cream

2009-07-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 Cups Double Cream
1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
125g Cream Cheese
3 Eggs (yolks only)
2/3 Cup Sugar
25g Frozen Strawberries

Equipment
1 Sauce Pan
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Large Pan (1/2 filled with simmering water)
1 Sieve
1 Airtight Container

The Good Bit

Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium high heat just to the point where it begins to foam up then remove from heat, meanwhile, in your mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy (about two minutes)
Slowly pour the heated cream into the mixture, be sure to continue whisking constantly so that the eggs do not curdle, strain out any lumps before the next step. Place the bowl over your pan of simmering water and stir constantly, cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon
Remove from the heat and stir to cool so it does not overcook, add in the vanilla extract and strawberries then cover and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate several hours before freezing.
Check every so often and scrape ice from the sides of your freezer container, keep giving the mixture a good whip to help stop ice crystals forming in your ice cream

Tba

2009-07-11T14:00:00.001-07:00

Tba

Lemon Ice Cream

2009-07-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
6 Eggs (yolks only)
4 Eggs (whites only)
1 Cup Caster Sugar
1 Lemon (juiced and zested)
1/2 Cup Double Cream

Equipment
2 Mixing Bowls
1 Large Pan (1/2 full with gently simmering water)
2 Balloon Whisks
1 Metal Spoon
1 Lemon Juicer/Zester
1 Airtight Container

The Good Bit

Whisk together the egg yolks then stand your bowl in the pan of simmering water and keep whisking until your mixture increases in volume and then add the juice, zest and 2/3rds of the caster sugar and keep whisking until you have a pale mixture then remove from the heat.
In the other bowl whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then add in the remaining sugar gradually, and beat until the whites look shiny. Now using your metal spoon fold the egg whites and cream into the lemon mixture then pour into your container and freeze.
From experience it is best to check every hour or so and give a good beating with a fork, making sure to scrape any ice from around the sides of the container, this should insure you get a fairly smooth and crystal less ice cream.

Cheats Tropical Ice Cream

2009-07-09T12:23:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
1l of Vanilla Ice Cream
1/3 Cup Fresh (or canned) Passion Fruit (blended)
1/3 Cup Fresh Orange Juice
2/3 Cup Mango (chopped into small chunks)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Fork
1 Blender

The Good Bit

Let the ice cream defrost a little so that it is soft enough to stir, blend your passion fruit into a pulp then mix it into the ice cream with the orange juice.
Finally fold in the chunks of mango with the fork then refreeze your ice cream, you have to be fairly quick doing this as you don't want to defrost the ice cream so much that it forms ice crystals when it re freezes.

Orange Gelato

2009-07-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1 1/4 Cups Icing Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Fresh Orange Juice
2 Cups Water
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Cointreau/Grand Mariner
2 Eggs (whites only)
1/4 Cup Icing Sugar

Equipment
1 Large Pan
1 Airtight Container
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk

The Good Bit

Place the largest amount of icing sugar in the pan along with the water, orange juice and lemon, Stir over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved then bring to a rapid boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool before you pour it into your container, now's the time to add the booze, then place in the freezer and check from time to time. When it begins to form ice around the edges, whip your egg whites until they form soft peaks, stir in the remaining sugar then fold your eggs into the orange slush and freeze again.

Blackberry and Raspberry Sorbet

2009-07-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
6 Cups Blackberries (or blackcurrants, fresh or frozen)
2 Cups Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
2 Cups Water
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
2 Eggs (whites only)
Lime Rind for Serving

Equipment
1 Large Pan
1 Airtight Container
1 Fork
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Sieve
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Metal Spoon

The Good Bit

Place your fruit and 1 cup of water in your pan, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes, then strain the mixture through your sieve, put the liquid back in the pan with the other cup of water and add the sugar and lemon juice. Now stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Once cool, pour into your container and freeze, check every 30 minutes or so until you have a mushy consistency, scrape any ice from the side and stir until you have a smooth mixture, then keep freezing.
once you have what looks like sorbet, beat your egg whites until they hold stiff peaks then fold into your sorbet with the metal spoon, re freeze and stir occasionally to make sure the egg white is evenly distributed.
Serve, garnished with lime zest.

Rum and Raisin Ice Cream

2009-07-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

3/4 Cup of Raisins

1/4 Cup Dark Rum

2 Cups Cream

2 Cups Milk

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence

Equipment

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Fork

1 Airtight Freezer Container

The Good Bit

Start by soaking your raisins in the rum overnight. The following day, place all the rest of the ingredients in your bowl with the raisins and rum and mix well, pour into your container and freeze.
Check back every 30 minutes or so, when your ice cream starts to freeze, give it a good stir with the fork, keep doing this until you have a firm mixture, then freeze overnight, serve and enjoy.

Chocolate Sorbet

2009-07-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
150g Dark Chocolate
115g Plain Chocolate
225g Caster Sugar
475ml Water

Equipment
1 Blender
1 Large Pan
1 Airtight Freezer Container
1 Metal Fork
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

Start by heating the water and sugar up in the pan and leaving to simmer for 2 minutes over a medium heat, whilst that is doing, put the chocolate in your blender fitted with a metal blade, whisk until it is well finely chopped.
Now pour your sugar solution over the top whilst keeping the blender going (with the whisk attachment on this time) Keep this up for 1 minute then scrape down the sides of the bowl with the spatula and repeat for another minute until you have a smooth paste.
Pour into your freezer container and chill before you freeze, once you have a slushy consistency, whisk/beat with the fork until you have a smooth consistency and then freeze again, do this once more before you have a solid consistency.
You'll need to bring this out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before you want to serve it (or as i do, i put it in the fridge just as i'm starting to serve dinner.

Serves 6

Coffee Granita

2009-07-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
50g Fresh Coffee Beans or Ground Coffee
100g Sugar
600ml Water
150ml Double Cream
1 Teaspoon Drinking Chocolate Powder
Coffee Beans for Decoration

Equipment
1 Large Pan
1 Large Airtight Container
1 Fork
1 Coffee Grinder (if using beans)
1 Fine Sieve or Muslin

The Good Bit

Put the sugar and water in a pan and heat gently until the solution is clear and all the sugar has dissolved. If you are using beans, now's the time to grind them to a fine powder, then add to the sugar solution and leave for 5 minutes.
Strain your mixture through your fine sieve or muslin into the airtight container, cool and the place in the freezer.
Every 30 minutes of so you need to check, and break up any ice crystals with your fork, making sure to scrape around the sides, eventually you'll get a grainy ice mixture. To serve, divide into 4 glasses, whip up your cream until it is firm, then add a dollop to the top, sprinkle over some drinking chocolate powder, decorate with a coffee bean or 2 and enjoy.

Makes 4

Stracciatella

2009-07-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Tba

Melon Sorbet

2009-07-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1kg Melon Flesh

50g Caster Sugar
1 Lemon or 1 Lime (juice only)
1 Egg (white only)

Equipment

1 Blender

1 Airtight Container

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Balloon Whisk

1 Metal Fork

The Good Bit

Pour the lime or lemon juice into a blender and then add the caster sugar and the melon flesh, blend for a few minutes until you have a smooth paste and then pour the mixture into the airtight container.
Freeze for about 2 hours checking every 30 minutes or so and stirring/scraping any ice that forms. when you have something that resembles a sorbet, to help keep it that way whip the egg white in the mixing bowl with the balloon whisk and fold it into the sorbet then return it to the freezer.

Strawberry Sorbet

2009-07-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

2 Cups Water
2 Cups Sugar
2 1/2Kg Strawberries (hulled)
4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
4 Tablespoons Grand Mariner (optional)

Equipment

1 Blender
1 Large Pan
1 Airtight Container
1 Metal Fork
1 Tablespoon

The Good Bit

Start by bring your sugar and water to the boil, you want to get to the point where the syrup is clear, then simmer for 5 minutes, then allow to cool (i usually hold my pan in a bowl of cold water at this point to speed things up, then i place it in the fridge)
Whilst you are waiting for your syrup to cool, pass your strawberries through the blender until you have a smooth paste, then add them to the syrup along with the lemon juice and grand mariner (if using) and give a good stir the pour in your container and place in the freezer.
You may have to check every 30 minutes or so to make sure ice is forming, when it does begin, scrape/stir the sorbet so that it doesn't just form one big block of ice. enjoy out in the sun!!! (why not try 1 scoop of 3 different sorbets!!)

Pina Colada Ice Cream

2009-06-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
200ml Double Cream (whipped)
200ml Cream Of Coconut
4 Tablespoons Caster Sugar
1 Tablespoon Coconut Liqueur
1x400g Can Pineapple or Same Weight Fresh (drained and chopped)

Equipment
1 Large Bowl
1 Blender
1 Balloon Whisk
2 Large Bowls
1 Airtigt Freezer Container

The Good Bit

Start by blending your pineapple until you have a smooth paste, then add all the other ingredients except for the cream.
You want to whip the cream up in your other bowl until it holds stiff peaks, then gradually add your pineapple mixture in a folding motion (you want to do your best not to destroy the texture of the cream too much) once all the mixture is folded in, transfer to your freezer container and freeze.
From experience making ice creams, you want to check every 30 minutes or so and whip up with a fork when ice starts to form until it is no longer possible to do so (you break up ice crystals doing this and therefore get a smoother ice cream)
Remove from the fridge well before you need to serve (it'll be a lot harder than shop bought ice cream) or freeze in the door as it is not quite as cold there. The liqueur should help this be a fairly soft ice cream though.

Cherry Sorbet

2009-06-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
907g Cherries (de stoned and stemmed)
1 cup Water
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
1/8 Teaspoon Kirsch

Equipment
1 Large Pan
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Blender
1 Airtight Freezer Container
1 Fork

The Good Bit

Place the cherries in a non-reactive saucepan with water, sugar and lemon juice over medium heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cherries are softened. Remove from heat and allow to come to room temperature then add the kirsch (resist the temptation to add more than the 1/8 teaspoon, you will stop ice from forming).
Place mixture in a blender and blend until smooth then pour into your freezer container allow to cool in refrigerator then move into the freezer, check every 30 minutes, and whip up with the fork when ice starts to form. After a few hours you'll have your sorbet.

Makes about 1 Litre

Green Tomato Chutney

2009-06-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2.25kg Tomatoes (green are best and you need to cut them into 8 wedges)
600ml Malt Vinegar
5 Large Onions (finely chopped)
225g Raisins
450g Sultanas
350g Demerara Sugar
25g Salt
4 Teaspoons Mixed Spice
4 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan
Sterile Jars

The Good Bit

put your tomatoes and vinegar in the pan and simmer over a low heat for 30 minutes, then add the onions, raisins and sultanas and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
Now add the sugar, salt and spices and keep on a low simmer for a further 1 1/2 hours until you have a nice thick chutney. Leave to cool slightly before putting in sterile jars

Makes 1.5 kg

Lime Sorbet

2009-06-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Water
1 Cup Lime Juice (freshly squeezed 7-9 limes)
1 Tablespoon Of Lime Zest

Equipment
1 Zester
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Juicer
1 Large Pan
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Airtight Container
1 Metal fork
1 Sieve

The Good Bit

Start by adding your sugar and water to the pan, also add in half the zest, now gently heat the water and stir with the wooden spoon until your mixture becomes clear. Meanwhile juice the limes and strain to remove any pulp and pips.
Cool your syrup and then add the lime juice, give it a good stir and put it in your freezer for about an hour.
Bring the sorbet out of the freezer and stir quickly with the fok, you may have to scrape chunks of ice, now you'll have to repeat this every half hour until you get a your sorbet, you can serve it like this, or is i like to do, whip up an egg white and fold it into the mixture then stick it back into the freezer.

Prawn Cocktail

2009-06-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 Egg Yolks
1 Teaspoon English Mustard
1 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
250ml Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons Tomato Sauce
A Splash of Tabasco Sauce
50g Ready to Eat Prawns
1 Few Lettuce Leaves
2 Avocados

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Metal Spoon

The Good Bit

Drop your egg yolks, mustard and mustard powder into your bowl and begin to whisk, slowly drizzle the oil in and whisk at the same time, you should get to a consistency similar to that of shop bought mayo then add in the tomato and tabasco sauce. (do not add all the oil in one go, it will spoil the mayonnaise)
Line 4 glasses with your lettuce leaves, then drop in the avocado, add on top a dollop of your seafood sauce and then arrange a few prawns on top and serve.

Serves 4

Haddock Fishcakes

2009-06-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
300g Smoked Haddock (or tinned tuna/salmon)
Milk
450g Potatoes
100g Watercress
200ml Creme Fraiche
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon Horseradish Sauce
80g Breadcrumbs
Oil (for frying)

Equipment
2 Large Pans
1 Potato Masher
2 Bowls (one with beaten egg in, the other with your breadcrumbs in)

The Good Bit

Place the fish in your pan and cover with milk, brink to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes (the fish should flake easily with the back of a fork) In the other pan cook your potatoes in boiling salted water for 10-15 minutes until they are soft and tender. (drain them then mash them)
Chop your cress, saving 2 tablespoons for later, add the rest to the mash, season then stir in the fish, now you want to make about 8-12 little patties, use your hands for this then chill for 30 minutes.
Now dip your patties in the egg first then into the bread crumbs, get a nice even coating all round, and fry until golden. Mix the horseradish with the creme fraiche and the reserved cress, then serve with the fish cakes (go on, have chips too! or how about a salad, euw!!!)

Serves 4

Prawn Cocktail (my fave version)

2009-06-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 Egg Yolks
1 Teaspoon English Mustard
1 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
250ml Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons Tomato Sauce
A Splash of Tabasco Sauce
50g Ready to Eat Prawns (chopped to same size as peas/sweetcorn just reserve a few whole for decoration)
1-2 Tablespoons Sweetcorn
1-2 Tablespoons Peas
1-2 Tablespoons Carrots (chopped to same size as peas/sweetcorn)
1-2 Tablespoons Red Pepper (chopped to same size as peas/sweetcorn)

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Metal Spoon

The Good Bit

Drop your egg yolks, mustard and mustard powder into your bowl and begin to whisk, slowly drizzle the oil in and whisk at the same time, you should get to a consistency similar to that of shop bought mayo then add in the tomato and tabasco sauce. (do not add all the oil in one go, it will spoil the mayonnaise)
Now stir in the prawns, peas, sweetcorn, carrot and pepper then spoon into glasses and decorate with the reserved whole prawns and serve (or have as a side in a salad)

Serves 4

Chick Peas with Dill

2009-06-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2x400g Cans Chick Peas (or 200g dried chick peas soaked over night)
2 Onions (thinly chopped)
1 Handful of Dill (chopped)
1 Lemon (juice only)

Equipment
1 Colander
1 Large Frying Pan
1 Spatula
1 Mixing Bowl+1 Large Pan (for soaking if you use dried peas)

The Good Bit

If you are using tinned peas, drain them and rinse them, if using dried peas, soak them over night, then bring to the boil, skim off anu scum and gently simmer for 1 hour, then drain.
Fry the onion in a little oil for 5 minutes until soft then add the chick peas and cook fof another 5 minutes, add the lemon juice and dill then serve.

Serves 4

Baked Gnocchi with Mushroom and Spinach

2009-06-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
300g Mushrooms (sliced)
1 Onion (finely chopped)
1 Clove Garlic (thinly chopped)
200g Spinach
2 Tablespoons Creme Fraiche
75g Cheddar Cheese (grated)
A Splash of Oil
1 Portion of Gnocchi (check the 20th June this year for how to make and only use 3/4's of the amounts used)

Equipment
1 Large Pan Boiling Salted Water
1 Frying Pan
1 Spatula
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Ovenproof Dish

The Good Bit

Preheat your oven too 180c 350f gas 4, Fry Your onion and garlic together in your frying pan in a splash of oil for about 5 minutes then add in the mushrooms and fry for another 2minutes, next toss in the gnocchi, spinach, creme fraiche and half of the grated cheese and stir well.
Pour this into your ovenproof dish and top with the remaining cheese, then place in the oven for about 17 minutes, remove and serve.

Serves 4

Potato Pie

2009-06-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
375g Shortcrust Pastry
500g Potatoes (sliced)
1 Onion (sliced)
100g Gruyere Cheese (grated)
1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Thyme
1 Egg (beaten)
Salt and Pepper
Flour (just for rolling your pastry on)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1x23cm Pie Tin (lined with baking parchment/paper)
1 Rolling Pin
1 Pastry Brush

The Good Bit

Split the pastry in half and roll 1 half out so it is large enough to fit in the pie tin, brush water around the top adges. Now layer the potato cheese and thyme into your pie then roll out the other half of pastry as the lid.
Lay this lid on top and press down firmly around the edges, then cut away any bits that are hanging over the side. Press your thumb around the edges to create a pattern (and also help seal the lid)
Score the lid with a fork then brush it with the egg, finally pierce a couple of holes in the top of the pie, and stick it in your oven for an hour-1 1/4 hours (it should be golden when it comes out and soft when skewered) Serve hot or cold with a salad.

Serves 4

Potato and Parsley Gnocchi

2009-06-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1 Kg Potatoes (scrubbed)
1 Egg (beaten)
4 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
300g Plain Flour
Butter (for frying, optional)
Salt and Pepper
Parsley+Parmesan to serve

Equipment
1 Large Pan (1/2 filled with boiling salted water)
1 Potato Peeler
1 Potato Masher
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Slotted Spoon

The Good Bit

Cook Your potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are soft, drain, rinse under cold water, peel and then mash them in another bowl
Stir in the egg, parsley and a good bit of seasoning, then add the flour, a tablespoon or so at a time (you may not need all that much flour, it depends on the variety of potato) until you have a dough that is not sticky.
Divide your dough into 4 equal balls then roll them into sausages about 2-3cm thick, you now want to cut the rolls into 2cm long chunks, then drop them into boiling water until they float.
(you have the option at this stage to fry the gnocchi in a little butter to give a realy golden look but it's not necessary) Serve with black pepper, parmesan shavings and chopped parsley

Serves 4

Steak with Beetroot and Mustard Dressing

2009-06-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
300g Beetroots
1 Tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Caster Sugar
1 Teaspoon English Mustard
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil=Extra for Drizzling
2 Tablespoons Water
2x150g Steaks
125g Salad Leaves

Equipment
1 Ovenproof Tray
1 Jam Jar
1 Grill Pan
1 Balloon Whisk
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board

The Good Bit

Start by preheating your oven too 180c 350f gas 4, top and tail the beetroot, then cut into wedges, place them in the ovenproof tray and drizzle over a little oil, make sure the beets are well coated then bake them for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile mix the vinegar, sugar and mustard together in the jam jar until smooth, then add the oil and water, screw on the top and shake well. Next cook your steaks under a high grill, 2 minutes each side for rare, 3-4 minutes per side for medium and 5 minutes for well done, let them rest for 2 minutes then slice (rare looks great with this dish and tastes awesome)
Add salad leaves to each plate then divide up the beetroot between the plates, top with the slices of steak and drizzle over your well shaken sauce.

Serves 4

Crispy Potato Skins

2009-06-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
4 Large Baking Potatoes
Olive Oil
100ml Creme Fraiche
1 Tablespoon Horseradish Sauce
2 Smoked and Peppered Mackerel Fillets
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 Oven Tray
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
2 Metal Spoons
1 Pastry Brush

The Good Bit

Preheat your oven too 200c 400f gas 6, scrub your potatoes and prick them, cook in the oven for 1 1/2 hours or until tender then remove and cut each into 6 to 8 wedges.
In the meantime mix together the creme fraiche and horseradish and season with salt and pepper. Scoop out the centres of the wedges leaving about 1cm of potato before you hit skin, brush them with oil and stick back in your oven for 25 minutes until golden.
Whilst you are waiting for that to do, break your fish into strips, dollop sauce into each of the potato skins and top with little bits of fish.

Serves 4

Rosti and Bacon

2009-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
500g Potatoes (leave the skins on but wash well)
6 Rashers Bacon (chopped)
45g Butter
Salt and Pepper
A Splash of Oil

Equipment
1 Large Pan (1/2 filled with boiling salted water)
1 Frying Pan
1 Chopping Board
1 SHARP Knife
1 Cheese Grater
1 Firm Spatula

The Good Bit

Cook your potatoes for 10 minutes then allow to cool, peel them and then grate them.
Now fry your bacon off in a splash of oil for 3-4 minutes then add 1/3 rd of the butter until it begins to bubble then add your potato. Season the mixture well and stir for 3 minutes, then press it down firmly with your spatula and cook for 9 minutes without stirring.
Next you want to place a plate over your frying pan allowing you to flip the rosti on to it, once on the plate, add the last knob of butter to the frying pan, bring to a bubble then slide your rosti back into the frying pan. Press down firmly again and cook for another 6 minutes. Serve (if you skewer your rosti, it should feel tender when cooked)

Serves 4

Courgette and Tomato Bake

2009-06-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
4 Courgettes (sliced but not peeled)
4 Large Tomatoes (sliced)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
110g Mozzarella (sliced)
4 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan
Small Bunch Fresh Basil (roughly torn)
A Splash of Oil
Salt and Pepper

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

The Good Bit

Start by frying the crushed garlic in a little oil then add your courgette in 1 single layer in the frying pan (you may have to do a few batches here, get them golden on each side)
Pre heat your oven too 190c 375f gas 5. When that is done, lay them in alternating layers in your ovenproof dish with the tomato and mozzarella, so you get something that looks like the slates on your roof. Then sprinkle over some salt and pepper, basil and the parmesan and bake for 30 minutes

Serves 4 as a starter 2 as a main

Bacon And Pea Carbonara

2009-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

400g Pasta Bows

150g Lardons (or 8 rashesr of bacon roughly chopped)

1 Clove Garlic (thinly chopped)

150g Peas (defrosted)

300ml Double Ceam

60g Parmesan (grated)

A Splash of Oil

Small Handful Fesh Sage and Parsley (roughly torn)

Salt and Pepper

Equipment

1 Large Pan (1/2 filled with boiling salted water)

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Frying Pan

1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

OK start by cooking your pasta to packet instructions (8-10 minutes usually) whilst that is cooking fry the bacon/lardons in a little oil until cooked then add the garlic and cook for a further 1 minute.
Now you want to add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, before adding the peas and cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
Finally, stir in the parmesan and season, drain the pasta and toss into the sauce, add your sage and parsley and serve.

Serves 4

Potato Tikka Soup

2009-06-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 Onion

3 Tablespoons Tikka Curry Paste

750g Potatoes (cubed)

600ml Milk

1 Vegetable Stock Cube

A Splash of Oil

Coriander and Mango Chutney to Serve

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Large Pan

1 Blender

The Good Bit

Cook your onion in a splash of oil for 3-4 minutes until softened, add in the tikka paste and cook for a further 2 minutes, now add in the potatoes and stir well coating them all over.
Add in your milk and stock cube, bring to the boil and cover, simmer for 25 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool then pass through a blender, reheat when you are ready to serve and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped coriander and a dollop of mango chutney.

Serves 4

Omlette in Tomato Sauce

2009-06-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 Onion (finely chopped)

2 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)

4 Eggs (beaten with a pinch of salt added)

150ml Milk

1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary (chopped)

150ml Vegetable Stock

1x400g Can Chopped Tomatoes

75g Gruyere (diced)

Grated Parmesan to Serve

Crusty Bread to Serve

A Knob of Butter

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Frying Pan

1 Plate

The Good Bit

Fry your onion and garlic in the butter for 4-5 minutes until soft and beginning to colour then add your eggs, gruyere and milk and make an omlette (leave it to cook until it is almost firm all over the top surface) lift out and roll up on your plate and cut into inch wide strips.
Add the tomatoes, stock and rosemary to the frying pan and bring to the boil, allow to simmer for 10 minutes then add the omlette slices, warm through for 3-4 minutes then serve with a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top and crausty bread.

Serves 4

Italian Omlette

2009-06-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

900g Potatoes (cut into thinish slices)

1 Tablespoon Oil

1 Onion (sliced)

2 Cloves Garlic (chopped)

6 Sundried Tomatoes (cut into slices)

1x400g Can Artichoke Hearts (drained and halved)

250g Ricotta Cheese

4 Eggs (beaten)

2 Tablespoon Milk

50g Parmesan Cheese

3 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme (chopped)

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 Choppig Board

1 Pan (half full with boiling salted water)

1 Frying Pan

1 Spatula

1 Ovenproof Dish

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Fork

The Good Bit

Pre heat your oven too 190c 375f gas 5, now cook your potatoes in the boiling water for 5-6 minutes until just tender, at the same time fry off your onion and garlic in the frying pan with a splash of oil until they just turn soft 3-4 minutes.
Add the tomatoes to the onion and fry for a further 2 minutes whilst you start to place a layer of the potato slices in the bottom of your ovenproof dish, then add a layer of the onion mixture followed by a layer of artichokes and ricotta.
Repeat this layering until you have run out of ingredients, finish with a layer of potato on top, beat togeter the egg, milk, half the parmesan, thyme and season with salt and pepper, pour this mixture over your potatoes and then sprinkle on the remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve.

Serves 4

Chilli Polenta Chips

2009-06-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

350g Instant Polenta

2 Teaspoons Chilli Powder

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

150ml Sour Cream

1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped or use chives, i love chives in sour cream)

1 1/2 Litres of Boiling Water

Salt and Pepper

Equipment

1x2 Inch deep Baking Tray

1 Large Pan

1 Wooden Spoon

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Metal Spoon

Paper Towel/Kitchen Paper

The Good Bit

Bring your water to the boil then add in 2 teaspoons of salt, pour in your polenta in a steady stream stiring all the time, reduce the heat and keep stirring, after 5 minutes or so you should be able to stand your spoon in the mixture.
Once at this point, remove from the heat, stir in your chilli and a good seasoning of salt and pepper and then pour into your baking tray until you have a thickness of about 4 cm, now you want to allow this to cool.
Whilst you are waiting mix together your sour cream and parsely and place in the fridge, Now you want to cut your polenta into chip size pieces and fry them in a little oil on each side until crispy and golden (3-4 Minutes), then drain on kitchen paper and serve.

Serevs 4

Italian Potato Salad

2009-06-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

450g New Potatoes (or small potatoes)

4 Tablespoons Natural Yogurt

4 Tablespoons Mayonnaise

8 Sundried Tomatoes (thinly sliced)

2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Pan (1/2 full with boiling salted water)

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Metal Spoon

The Good Bit

Strat by cooking your potatoes for around 10 minutes until they are tender. Whilst they are cooking mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, tomato slices and the parsley.
Drain your potatoes once they are cooked and then allow to cool before trying to cut, cut into 2 inch chunks then toss them into your sauce mix and stir in well, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving.

Serves 4

Capri Salad

2009-06-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

2 Beef Tomatoes

125g Mozzarella Cheese

12 Black Olives (pitted and sliced)

8 Basil Leaves

1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Grill Pan

The Good Bit

start by cuting each tomato into 6 slices, then do the same as best you can with the mozzarella, now you want to start with a base of tomato, a slice of mozzarella and a few slices of olive and 1 basil leaf, repeat this layer twice and stack on top of each other, when you are done you should have 4 stacks, with 3 layers of tomato, cheese and olives to each stack (hiding the olives under the cheese on the top layer, you'll also have no basil for this layer).
Grill for 2-3 minutes until the cheese just begins to melt, drizzle over a drop of oil, and a drop of balsamic vinegar then season with salt and pepper and serve

Serves 4

Spinach Salad

2009-06-08T01:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

100g Spinach

75g Radicchio Leaves (salad leaves will do)

50g Mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)

50g Parma Ham (torn)

100g Cooked Chicken (torn)

1 Orange (all the juice and half the zest)

1 Tablespoon Natural Yoghurt

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Screwtop Jam Jar

1 Serving Bowl

The Good Bit

Start by chucking all your leaves into the serving bowl and mixing well, then add in the chicken, mushrooms and ham and mix again.
Now, in your jar place the oil, yogurt, orange juice and zest, screw the lid on and shake well, then season with salt and pepper.
Pour your dressing over the salad and mix well before serving.

Serves 4

Yellow Pepper Salad

2009-06-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
4 Rashers of Bacon/A Handful of Lardons (cooked and chopped into chunks)
2 Yellow peppers (de seeded and sliced)
8 Radishes (trimmed and cut into wedges)
1 Stick Celery (thinly chopped)
3 Plum Tomatoes (cut into wedges)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Thyme (1/3 tablespoon if using dried)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Serving Bowl

The Good Bit

Leaving the bacon to one side, place all your ingredients into your serving bowl and mix well, then season with salt and pepper before finally sprinkling on the bacon/lardons.
Serve

Serves 4

Honey and Pistachio Nests

2009-06-06T03:04:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

225g Pasta (spaghetti strands are best)

115g Butter

175g Pistachio Nuts (chopped)

115g Sugar

115g Honey (clear is best)

150ml Water

2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice

Greek Yoghurt to Serve

Equipment

1 Pan (with boiling slightly salted water in)

1 Pan

4 Ramekins

1 Baking Tray

The Good Bit

Start by cooking your pasta in the slightly salted water unti it is tender (follow packet instructions, but 8 minutes is usualy about right, try a piece to see!!) once cook, drain, toss in the butter and allow to cool a little.
Preheat your oven too 180c 350f gas 4. Now divide the pasta into 8 equal quantities, line the bottom of your 4 ramekins with a portion of pasta each, press it in well, top these 4 pots with half of the nuts, then push in the other 4 portions of pasta.
Bake these four pots on a baking tray in your oven for 45 minutes, in the meantime bring the sugar, water and honey to a boil in your other pan over a genbtle heat, turn the heat down a little and simmer for 10 minutes until all the sugar has dissolved, now add the lemon juice and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
Allow your nests to cool, then tip them onto your serving plate, drizzle over some of the honey syrup and sprinkle with the remaining nuts, top with a dollop of greek yogurt.

Serves 4

Lemon Mascarpone Cheese Cake

2009-06-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

50g Butter

150g Ginger Biscuits (crushed)

25g Stem Ginger

500g Mascarpone

2 Lemons (zested and juiced)

100g Caster Sugar

2 Eggs (separtated)

Fruit Coolis to Serve (cook 400g soft fruit (such as reasperries, strawberries, blackcurrants with 2 tablespoons of water for 5 minutes, cool and then press through a sieve, stir in 1 tablespoon of icing sugar (taste and add more if needed) et voila, fruit coolis!!

Equipment

2 Mixing Bowls

1 Balloon Whisk

2 Pans (if you are making the coolis)

1 Sieve (only if you are making the coolis)

1 Tablespoon

1 Wooden Spoon

1x10 Inch Cake Tin

Greaseproof Paper

The Good Bit

Start by pre heating your oven too 180c 350f gas 4, then line and grease your cake tin. Melt your butter in the panand then stir in the crushed biscuits, press this mixture into the bottom of your cake tin. (I put this in the fridge at this stage but it's not necessary)
In one of your mixing bowls beat the mascarpone, lemon zest, juice, sugar and egg yolk until you have a smooth mixture. Then in the other bowl whisk the egg whites until they are stiff.
Now fold in 1 tablespoon of your egg whites into the cheese mixture just to loosen it up then gently fold in the rest, poor this mixture onto your biscuit base and cook for 40 minutes.
Serve With a good helping of the coolis (or any topping you wish, cream, icecream it's up to you)

Serves 4

Tuscan Pudding

2009-06-04T01:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

75g Dried Mixed Fruit

250g Ricotta Cheese

3 Eggs (yolks only)

50g Caster Sugar

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder

2 Oranges (zest only)

Butter (for greasing only)

Creme Fraiche (optional, for serving)

Equipment

4 Ramekins (or pudding dishes, they make a nice shaped pudding)

1 Bowl (half filled with warm tap water)

1 Balloon Whisk

1 Large mixing Bowl

1 Sieve

1 Zester

The Good Bit

Preheat your oven 180c 350f gas 4, soak your dried fruit in the warm water for 10 minutes and grease your ramekins/pudding dishes with the butter.
Whisk your egg yolk, cinnamon, ricotta cheese and half your orange zest together, drain the fruit and stir this into the ricotta mixture, spoon into your ramekins/pudding dishes.
Bake for 15 minutes, the pudding should be firm but not golden (give them a little shake to test) Decorate with the remaining orange zest and serve. You can also serve chilled and a good dollop of creme fraiche goes really well this.

Serves 4

Rasberry Fusilli

2009-06-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
175g Fusilli (pasta shapes)
700g Raspberries
2 Tablespoons Caster Sugar
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
4 Tablespoons Flaked Almonds (toasted, buy like this or fry for a couple of minutes with no oil in pan)
3 Tablespoons Raspberry Liqueur

Equipment
1 Large Pan (boiling water with a pinch of salt in)
1 Medium Pan
1 Sieve

The Good Bit

Cook your pasta until it is just tender (usually 8-10 minutes, try a piece!) now drain the pasta and return it to the pan, whilst you are waiting for the pasta to ook, pree 225g of the raspberries through a sieve so you have a puree.
Put the puree in another pan and add the sugar, bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes, then add the lemon juice and set aside.
Add the remaining raspberries to the now drained pasta and mix gently (trying not to break the berries too much, transfer to a serving bowl, stir the liqueur in to your sauce and stir until you have a smooth sauce.
Pour the sauce over the pasta and raspberry mix, sprinkle over the toasted almonds and serve.

Serves 4

Lemon Chilli Sorbet

2009-06-01T23:52:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

100g Caster Sugar

4 Lemons (zested and juiced)

2 Red Chillies (de seeded and very thinly sliced)

600ml Water (cold)

3 Tablespoons Clear Honey

1 Egg (white Only)

6 Tablespoons Vodka (optional, but adds another dimention to the spicy hot/ice cold, bitter/sweet sensations)

Equipment

1 Frying Pan

1 SHARP Knife

1 Chopping Board

1 Slotted Spoon

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Balloon Whisk

1 Fork

1 Metal Spoon

Greaseproof Paper

1 Airtight Freezer Container

The Good Bit

Take 3/4 of your sugar and sprinkle in the frying pan, add the water and chillies, heat gently until the sugar has dissolved, stirring from time to time, now turn up the heat and bring to the boil rapidly for 5 minutes, remove the chillies with a slotted spoon and spread out on your greaseproof paper.
Add the rest of the sugar, lemon zest, honey and lemon juice to your sugar syrup, stir well until all the sugar has dissolved and then leave to cool. Pour into your freezer container and freeze for a good 3 or 4 hours until you have a good slush.
Break the slush up with a fork and beat until you have a nice smooth mixture, then whisk your egg white until it is stiff and holds little peaks, then carefully fold it into your mush, freeze until ready for use.
Serve in glasses, with a sprinkle of the sugard chillies on top and to be extra develish, a tablespoon of vodka in each glass.

Serves 6

Lemon Granita

2009-06-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

3 Lemons (zested)

200ml Lemon Juice (measure from your zested lemons)

100g Caster Sugar

500ml Water (cold)

Equipment

1 Large Pan

1 Wooden Spoon

1 Lemon Zester/Juicer

1 Airtight Freezer Container

The Good Bit

Place the lemon zest, juice and sugar in your pan and bring to a gentle boil, simmer for 5 miutes until you have a syrupy mixture then leave to cool.
Once cool stir in the water and pour into your airtight freezer container, freeze for 3-5 hours stirring occasionally)

Italian Vanilla Ice Cream

2009-05-31T00:19:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
600ml Double Cream
1 Vanilla Pod
1 Lemon (zested)
4 Eggs (beaten)
2 Egg Yolks
175g Caster Sugar

Equipment
1 Large Pan
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Airtight Container
1 Sieve
1 Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Lemon Zester

The Good Bit

Put the cream, eggs and yolks (beaten), lemon zest and vanilla pod in your pan and over a low heat bring almost to boiling point, stirring continuously.
Reduce the heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, now stir in the sugar and allow to cool.
Once cool strain into your airtight container, pick out the vanilla pod and split (run your knife from top to bottom cutting through the pod) scrape out the seeds and add to your ice cream mixture and stir in well. Freeze and enjoy.

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Pan (with gently simmering water in)

1 Metal Spoon

1 Balloon Whisk

The Good Bit

place the yolks in your bowl and whisk in the sugar (this mixture needs to double in volume)
Now place your bowl over the water and whisk in the liqueur until the mixture becomes warm (this can take upto 10 minutes)
Pour your mixture in wine glasses and serve with wedges of fruit and amaretti biscuits

Serves 4

Sweet Mascarpone Mousse

2009-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
450g Mascarpone Cheese
100g Caster Sugar
4 egg Yolks
400g Frozen Summer Fruits
Red Currants to Garnish
Amaretti Biscuits to Serve

Equipment
4 Cocktail glasses
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

Beat the mascarpone until it is smooth then stir in the egg and sugar, leave for an hour in the fridge.
Layer the mascarpone and fruit in your glasses finishing with a layer of mascarpone, top with a few red currants and serve.

Serves 4

Peaches in White Wine

2009-05-28T01:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

4 Peaches (stoned and cut into small wedges)

2 Tablespoons Icing Sugar (sifted)

1 Orange (cut the rind off leaving behind as much of the pith as you can, then juice)

200ml Sweet/Medium White Wine

Equipment

1 SHARP Knife

1 ChoppingBoard

1 Juicer

1 Small Bowl

1 Serving Bowl

1 Sieve

Kitchen Paper/Towel

The Good Bit

Place the peaches in your serving bowl and sprinkle over the icing sugar, then cut your peelings of orange skin into matchstick size pieces, place in your small bowl and cover with water.
Now pour the orange juice and wine over your peaches and chill in your fridge for one hour.
In the meantime, dry your orange match sticks on the kitchen paper, sprinkle over the peaches just before serving and enjoy. (Double cream goes very well this, and maybe a sprinkling of grated chocolate)

Serves 4

Cheats Tiramisu

2009-05-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
200g Dark Chocolate
260g Mascarpone
100ml Double Cream (whipped till it holds it's shape)
260ml Black Coffee (with 17g caster sugar stirred in then cooled)
4 Tablespoons Rum/Brandy
24 Sponge Fingers
Cocoa Powder (for sprinkling)

Equipment
3 Mixing Bowls
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Pan (with simmering water in)
4 Serving Plates

The Good Bit

Melt the chocolate in one of your mixing bowls over the pan with the simmering water in it then allow it to cool a little before stirring in the mascarpone and whipped cream
In the meantime, make your coffee, with the correct amount of sugar and rum or brandy, then you need to dip the sponge fingers in, one at a time, do it quickly so you don't make the fingers all soggy.
As you dip, lay out the sponge fingers on each of your 4 plates, 3 fingers next to each other pointing away from you, then spoon on some of the chocolate cream mixture, next add another layer of 3 fingers at 90 degrees to the first lot on top of the cream, now add another layer of chocolate cream and finally top with 3 more fingers pointing in the same direction as your first layer.
Chill for at least an hour the just before serving, sprinkle with cocoa powder.

Serves 4

Mushroom Salad

2009-05-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
150g White Button Mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
4 Tablespoons Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
5 Anchovy Fillets (drained and chopped)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Marjoram (chopped)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

Mix the oil and lemon juice in your bowl. Drop in the sliced mushrooms and mix well until the mushrooms are coated (they'll go brown if not coated well enough and that looks ugly)
Stir in the anchovies then season with pepper only and then add the marjoram, stir and leave for 5 minutes.
Season with salt and serve (if you season with salt to early it extracts the water from the mushrooms and turns them brown, which again is a look you don't really want)

Serves 4

Walnut, Celery, Chicory and Apple Salad (a new take on the classic waldorf salad)

2009-05-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 Heads of Chicory (cut off the bases)
4 Celery Stalks
2 Apples (cored and sliced)
1 Lemon (juiced)
Handful of Toasted Walnut Halves (chopped, you may have to toast these yourself, to do that just fry them in a pan without oil for a couple of minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until they start to colour)
3 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Natural Yogurt
1/2 Teaspoon Celery Salt
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
2 Mixing Bowls (medium size will do or 1 large and 1 small)
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, salt and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in your smaller bowl and season with salt and pepper and set aside, now scatter the chicory leaves over your 4 serving plates.
Chop the celery up along with its leaves and place in the larger bowl, throw in the apple slices, the remaining lemon juice and half of the chopped nuts, mix very well (you need to coat the apple in the lemon juice to stop it from turning brown)
Divide this mixture out on top of your leaves and sprinkle over the remaining nuts, serve the sauce at the side in a separate dipping bowl or drizzle over the top.

Serves 4

Cheats Chicken Tikka Kebabs

2009-05-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
500g Chicken Diced
150g Natural Yogurt
1 Red and 1 Green Pepper (de seeded and diced)
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Tikka Spice Mix
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Mint
1 Tablespoon Sunflower Oil
Naan Bread, Mango Chutney and Natural Yogurt to Serve

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Griddle Pan
Bamboo Skewers (soaked in water for at least 20 minutes before hand)

The Good Bit

Mix the yogurt with the tikka, mint, lemon juice and the oil now add the chicken, stir well, cover and leave for at least an hour in the fridge.
Thread the chicken chunks onto the skewers alternating with pepper, griddle for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
Serve with naan bread, mango chutney and extra yogurt.

Serves 4

Thai Steak Salad

2009-05-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
400g Rump Steak
1 Lime (juiced)
5 Tablespoons Sweet Chilli Sauce
1/2 Stalk Fresh Lemon Grass (finely chopped)
1/2 Iceberg Lettuce (shredded)
1 Large Carrot (grated)
150g Red Grapes (halved)
25g Roasted Peanuts (chopped/roughly crushed)
Oil

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Pastry Brush
1 Griddle Pan
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 Small Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

Brush your steak with oil then griddle on each side for 3 minutes until it is cooked until medium rare (or longer if you want it well done)
In the meantime, mix the lime juice, chilli sauce and lemon grass in your small bowl, tip half into a larger bowl, then toss in the lettuce, carrot and grapes into the larger bowl and mix well.
Serve your salad onto four plates, slice the steak and serve on top, sprinkle over the nuts and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top.

Serves 4

Lemon Pepper Tuna with Courgette Ribbons

2009-05-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
4 Courgettes (thinly sliced length ways)
1 Lemon (zested)
1 Red Chilli (de seeded and sliced)
1 Teaspoon Black peppercorns (crushed)
2x100g Tuna Steaks
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Griddle Pan
1 lemon Zester
1 Pastry Brush

The Good Bit

Toss the courgette in a little oil, season with salt and pepper and griddle for a couple of minutes. Mix the lemon zest with the chilli and pepper, brush the tuna with oil and press in the pepper mix, season with salt and salt and griddle for 2 minutes each side.
Finally cut the lemon into wedges and griddle along side your tuna. Serve the tuna on your bed of courgette ribbons with the lemon wedges on the side or on the top.

Serves 4

Cajun Pork with Pineapple Salsa

2009-05-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1x227g Can Pineapple Slices (drained)
1 Lime (juiced)
4x200g Pork Loin Steaks
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun Spice Mix
1/2 Red pepper (de seeded and diced)
2 Spring Onions (chopped)
1 Green Chilli (de seeded and sliced)
Sunflower Oil

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

The Good Bit

Dry the pineapple on kitchen towel and brush with sunflower oil, griddle for 2 minutes on each side and set aside.
Drizzle half the lime juice onto the pork and rub in the cajun spice mix, griddle on both sides for 7 minutes.
Chop the pineapple and place in a mixing bowl along with the pepper, onion, chilli and the rest of the lime juice. Serve the pork with a dollop of the salsa on top and with rice.

Serves 4

Potato Salad

2009-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
750g Potatoes
4 Spring Onions (finely chopped)
6 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Single Cream
1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives (chopped to garnish)
Salt and Pepper

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

The Good Bit

Cook the potatoes in their skins for about 15 minutes until they are tender, drain them, run them under cold water and leave to cool fully.
Slice your potatoes and then place them in a bowl with your spring onions, season and stir well. In your other bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the mustard and cream, spoon over the potatoes and then mix gently, finally sprinkle with the chives.

Serves 6

Hot Cross Bun Pudding

2009-04-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
4 Hot Cross Buns (cut horizontally twice to make three slices)
Low Fat Spread
1/2 Lemon (zested)
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
2 Eggs
450ml Milk
Demerara Sugar

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Oven Proof Dish (round, deep 1.2l/2 pint)
1 Medium Mixing Bowl
1 Fork

The Good Bit

Pre heat your oven too 180C 350F Gas 4. Keep the top slices of bun, spread the other slices with the low fat spread and then cut them in half and arrange the slices spread side up in your ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and cinnamon and finish with the four bun tops.
Beat the eggs with the milk using the fork and strain the mixture over the buns. Sprinkle some demerara sugar on top and cook for about 40 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden and the pudding is risen and set. Serve hot

Serves 4

Rabbit in Cider (rabbit is traditional at easter)

2009-04-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
900g Rabbit Joints (or 1 medium rabbit jointed)
25g Butter
2 Onions (chopped)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
225g Bacon (cut into chunks)
225g Mushrooms (sliced, you can grill them first for extra flavour but that is optional)
1 Tablespoon Plain Flour
275ml Cider (dry not sweet)
275ml Stock (vegetable or chicken)
1 Sprig Thyme
6 Juniper Berries (optional but add a nice tanginess)
A Splash of Oil
Salt and Pepper for Seasoning

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Large Casserole

The Good Bit

Start by heating the butter and oil in a flameproof casserole and frying the rabbit joints quickly to brown them all over. Now remove them to one side and fry the onions, garlic and bacon for about 10 minutes.
Next sprinkle in the flour, stir and cook for a minute before gradually stirring in the cider and the stock, at this stage add the rabbit joints, together with the thyme and crushed juniper berries and bring to simmering point.
Then add the sliced mushrooms and a seasoning of salt and freshly milled black pepper. Cover and simmer the rabbit very gently for about an hour, or until it's tender.

Serves 4

Easter Biscuits

2009-04-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
110g Caster Sugar (plus extra for dusting)
110g Butter
1 Egg (separated)
225g Plain Flour
A Good Pinch Mixed Spice
55g Currants
30g Candied Peel
3 Tablespoons Milk

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Metal Spoon
1 Sieve
Baking Parchment
1 Wire Rack

The Good Bit

Preheat your oven to 160c 325f gas 3 and grease the baking parchment then cream the butter and sugar in your mixing bowl until light and fluffy with the spoon and beat in the egg yolk
Sieve the flour and fold into the mixture together with the mixed spice, currants and candied peel then add just enough milk to make a stiff dough.Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut out the biscuits with a pastry cutter. Place them on the prepared baking parchment and bake for about 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and brush with the egg white, sprinkle with a little caster sugar and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until they are a pale golden brown. Remove from the tray and cool on a wire rack.

Makes about 20

Hot Cross Buns (this one is tricky)

2009-04-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
(For the Ferment Starter)
1 Egg (beaten)
215ml Water (warm)
15g Fresh Yeast
1 Teaspoon Sugar
55g Strong White Flour
(For the Dough)
450g Strong White Flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoon Ground Mixed Spice
85g Butter (cut into cubes, plus extra for greasing)
85g Sugar
1 Lemon (zest only)
170g Mixed Dried Fruit
(For the Topping)
2 Tablespoons Plain Flour
Vegetable Oil
1 Tablespoon Golden Syrup (gently heated for glazing)

Equipment
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Small Jug (for the starter)
1 Sieve
2 Large Mixing Bowls
1 Lemon Zester
1 Tea Towel
1 Baking Tray
1 Knife (doesn't have to be sharp)
1 Large Plastic Bag
1 Piping Bag
1 Wire Rack
1 Pastry Brush

The Good Bit

(For the ferment starter) mix the beaten egg with enough warm water to make up approximately 290ml/½ pint of liquid. Whisk in the yeast, sugar and flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined, then cover and set aside in a warm place for 30 minutes.
(For the dough) Sieve the flour, salt and ground mixed spice into a large mixing bowl, then rub in the butter using your fingertips. Make a well in the centre of the mixture, then add the sugar and lemon zest to the well and pour in the ferment starter.With your hands, gradually draw the flour at the edges of the bowl into the well in the centre, mixing well with the ferment starter, until the mixture comes together as a dough.
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead lightly until smooth and elastic.Carefully work the mixed dried fruit into the dough until well combined.
Grease a large, warm mixing bowl with butter. Shape the dough into a ball and place it into the prepared bowl, then cover with a clean tea towel and set aside in a warm place for one hour to rise. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knock back the dough. Shape it into a ball again and return it to the bowl, then cover again with the tea towel and set aside for a further 30 minutes to rise.
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly into a bun shape using the palms of your hands. Cover the buns again with the tea towel and set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Grease a baking tray with butter and transfer the buns to the tray. Cut a cross in each bun, almost cutting all the way through the dough, so that each bun is almost cut into quarters. Wrap the tray with the buns on it loosely in greaseproof paper, then place inside a large polythene bag. Tie the end of the bag tightly so that no air can get in and set aside in a warm place for a further 40 minutes to rise.
Preheat the oven to 240C/475F/Gas 8. Meanwhile, for the topping, mix the plain flour to a smooth paste with two tablespoons of cold water.
When the buns have risen, remove the polythene bag and the greaseproof paper. Spoon the flour mixture into a piping bag and pipe a cross over the cuts in each bun. Transfer the buns to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until risen and pale golden-brown. As soon as you remove the buns from the oven, brush them with the hot golden syrup, then set aside to cool on a wire rack.

Indulgent Easter Eggs (adults only)

2009-04-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
100g Dark Chocolate
175g Icing Sugar
175g Ground Almonds
1 Egg (lightly beaten)
175g Dark/Milk Chocolate
175g White Chocolate
Edible Gold or Silver Decorative Balls

Equipment
3 Mixing Bowls
3 Pans (1/2 full with simmering water to melt the chocolate in)
1 Serving Dish
1 Sheet Greaseproof Paper
Cling Film
A Fork

The Good Bit

Melt the 1oog dark chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water stirring occasionally. Stir in the sugar, ground almonds and egg white to make a paste, next take walnut-size pieces of the paste (keeping the rest wrapped in cling film as you work), and mould into egg shapes.
Melt the dark and white chocolates in separate bowls and leave to cool for 5 minutes. Put an egg shape into one of the bowls and use a fork to turn until coated. Carefully lift out the egg cradled in the fork (not on the prongs) and lay it on its side on the greaseproof paper. Coat half the eggs in white chocolate and half in dark.
Once all the eggs have been coated and then left to set, place them in a serving bowl and drizzle the rest of the melted chocolate over contrasting coloured eggs. Sprinkle with the decorative balls and then leave to set at room temperature. Serve and enjoy, just don't eat too many

Makes 25ish

Lenten Biscuits

2009-04-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
110g Butter
110g Caster Sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
1 Egg (separated)
225g Plain Flour
30g Chopped Mixed Peel
55g Currants
Milk

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Baking Tray (greased)
1 Rolling Pin
1 Pastry Cutter (5cm diameter)

The Good Bit

In your mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy then beat in the egg yolk with a fork then fold in the flour, currants and peel, mixing well.
Pour in a little milk at a time, mixing well until the mixture forms a fairly firm dough, next roll out the dough to about 3mm/1/8in thick and cut into 5cm/2in rounds then place the rounds on a greased baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 180C/350F/Gas 4.
After 10 minutes, remove the biscuits from the oven and brush each one quickly with egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes more to finish baking then take out and put the biscuits on a wire rack to cool.

Makes 24 biscuits

Simnel Cake

2009-04-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
175g Light Brown Sugar
175g Butter
175g Self Raising Flour
3 Eggs
25g Ground Almonds
2 Tablespoon Milk
100g Sultanas
100g Cherries (quartered, washed and dried)
100g Dried Apricots (chopped into small pieces)
100g Fresh Ginger (finely chopped)
1 Teaspoon Mixed Spice
2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
450g Golden Marzipan
3 Tablespoons Apricot Jam
1 Egg (beaten)

Equipment
Greaseproof Paper
1 Round Cake Tin 20cm
1 Wire Rack
1 Rolling Pin
1 SHARP Knife

The Good Bit

Preheat your oven to 160c 320f gas 3. Grease and line the base and sides of an 20cm/8in deep, round cake tin with baking parchment, measure all the cake ingredients into a large mixing bowl and beat well until thoroughly blended. Place half the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface.
Take one third of the marzipan and roll into a circle the same size as the cake tin, place the circle on top of the cake mixture. Spoon the remaining mixture on top of the marzipan and level the surface and cook for about one and three-quarter hours or until golden brown and firm in the middle. If toward the end of the cooking time the cake is getting too brown, loosely cover with a piece of foil. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before turning onto a cooling rack.
When the cake is cool. Brush the top with a little warmed apricot jam. Roll out half the remaining marzipan to the size of the cake and sit it on the top. Crimp the edges of the marzipan and make a lattice pattern in the centre of the marzipan using a sharp knife. Make 11 even sized balls from the remaining marzipan and arrange around the edge
Brush with beaten egg and glaze under a hot grill for about five minutes, turning the cake round so it browns evenly, so the marzipan is tinged brown all over.

Chocolate Rice Krispie Cakes

2009-04-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1 Block of Your Favorite Chocolate (only)
or
2 Mars Bars (only)
or
2 oz Butter
1 Tablespoon Golden Syrup
2 Teaspoons Cocoa Powder
Icing Sugar
And
Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes or Broken Shredded Wheat

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Pan (with enough water in to touch the bottom of your bowl when the water is simmering)
Paper Cake Cups

The Good Bit

OK we're doing 3 types here but they all work along the same principal. Melt your block of chocolate/2 mars bars/butter, golden syrup, cocoa powder in a bowl over the simmering water. If you are doing this the cocoa powder way, also add in enough icing sugar until you have a thick sauce.
Now add in the cereal of your choice, rice krispies, cornflakes or broken shredded wheat (this make excellent nests for easter treats) making sure to coat all the cereal, spoon out into your paper cake cups.
If you are going with easter treats, you may like to decorate them with a few mini eggs! chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before attempting to eat them, longer if you have the will power!