Strawberry Cheescake Ice Cream

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

1. 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)
2. 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
3. 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.
   
4. 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
   

Lemon Ice Cream

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

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
3. 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.

Rum and Raisin Ice Cream

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

1. 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.
2. 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.

Coffee Granita

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

1. 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.
2. Strain your mixture through your fine sieve or muslin into the airtight container, cool and the place in the freezer.
3. 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

Pina Colada Ice Cream

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

1. Start by blending your pineapple until you have a smooth paste, then add all the other ingredients except for the cream.
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. 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.
   

Bacon And Pea Carbonara

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Finally, stir in the parmesan and season, drain the pasta and toss into the sauce, add your sage and parsley and serve.

Serves 4

Italian Vanilla Ice Cream

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

1. 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.
2. Reduce the heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, now stir in the sugar and allow to cool.
3. 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.

Cheats Tiramisu

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

1. 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
   
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Chill for at least an hour the just before serving, sprinkle with cocoa powder.

Serves 4

Saffron Bows

Ingredients
300g Pasta Bows
150ml Double Cream
25g Butter
75g Parmesan (grated)
1/2 Teaspoon Saffron Threads
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 Large Pan (2/3rds full with boiling salted water)
1 Sauce Pan

The Good Bit

1. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions (usually around 10 minutes), in the meantime, heat the butter in the saucepan, add the cream and saffron and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Drain your pasta and serve, season your sauce, stir well and pour over the pasta, now sprinkle over a little parmesan.

Serves 4

Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients
175g Smokey Bacon (rinded and cut into strips)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
300g Spaghetti
4 Tablespoons Double Cream
3 Egg Yolks
75g Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

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

The Good Bit

1. Fry your bacon in a splash of olive oil for 2-3 minutes then add the garlic and fry for a further minute.
2. In the meantime cook your pasta according to packet instructions (10 minutes usually, you want it just cooked, not over done so it is sloppy and breaks easily)
3. Beat the egg yolk and cream together well and pour over the bacon, keep stirring otherwise you'll get an omlette! Drain your pasta and add the sauce and parmesan, stir well season and serve.

Serves 4

Marzipan Tarts with Mango Cream

Ingredients
1x250g Pack Puffy Pastry
150g Marzipan (rolled out to 4 equal 6mm thick slices)
2 Fresh Mangos
Lemon Curd
150ml Double Cream (whipped into soft peaks)

Equipment
1 Electric Whisk
1 Rolling Pin (unless you bought ready rolled puff pastry)
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Baking Tray

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven to 220c 450f gas 7. On a lightly floured surface roll out your pastry into an 11inch square then cut this into 4 equal sized squares, then transfer to your baking tray, now cut your marzipan to make 8 triangles. Place 2 triangles into the centre of each of your pastry squares slightly overlapping.
2. Slice your mangos down each side of the central stone then peel, now cut lengthways around the mango and push down on each end so that it fans out. Place 1 mango fan flat side down on to the middle of each pastry square then drizzle over 1 tablespoon of lemon curd over each.
3. Bake in your oven for 12-15 minutes until the pastry has risen and is golden. In the meantime, remove any remaining flesh from around the mango stones and stir into the whipped cream. Serve warm with a dollop of cream!!
   

Serves 4

Victoria Sponge Cake

Ingredients
125g Self Raising Flour (sifted)
125g Caster Sugar
125 Butter
2 Eggs
1 Tablespoon Water
150ml Double Cream (whisked lightly)
Jam (flavour of your choice but you cant beat strawberry)
Caster Sugar

Equipment
2x7 Inch Sandwich Tins (lined with parchment paper and greased with butter)
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Sieve
Parchment Paper
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Tablespoon
1 Wire Rack

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven to 180c 350f gas 4. Start by mixing together the sugar and butter until well and truly mixed (it should be light and fluffy) now add in an egg and beat, then add in the second egg and 1 tablespoon of flour and beat some more, fold in the rest of the flour and then add the tablespoon of water.
2. Divide the mixture between your 2 tins and bake for 20 minutes, they should be golden and a little springy to the touch when done, tip them out onto a wire rack and allow to cool. Spread jam on one side then top with cream, place the second cake on top of this then sprinkle with a little caster sugar and enjoy in the afternoon with a cup of tea!!
   

Chilled Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients
125g Dark Chocolate (plus extra for decoration)
125g Caster Sugar
4 Eggs (separated)
300ml Double Cream (plus extra for topping)
2 Strawberries (halved)

Equipment
1 Electric Whisk
1 Small Bowl (large enough to sit in a small pan of water without touching the bottom)
At Least 2 Large Mixing Bowls
1 Small Pan

The Good Bit

1. Start by half filling your pan with water, you then want to place the bowl inside it that will sit in the water and rest against the sides without touching the bottom (we don't want to burn the chocolate) under a low heat, simmer the water and add the chocolate to the bowl and melt slowly and carefully.
2. In 1 of your mixing bowl add the egg yolks and sugar and whisk with the electric whisk until it is light but firm, Remove the chocolate from the heat once it is well melted and allow to cool for about a minute before adding to the egg mixture, whisk this well too.
3. In another bowl, whisk the double cream until it is thick, then whisk this into the chocolate mixture. now finally in another bowl whisk the 4 egg whites until they hold firm peaks, gently fold 1 tablespoon of the egg white into your chocolate mixture then fold in half of the rest until it is well mixed in the lightly fold in the rest. Place into serving dishes and chill
   
4. To serve i whisked up a little more cream and spooned it on top, i then grated a little chocolate over the top of the cream then topped off with a strawberry half, but you can be inventive here and top how you like.
   

Serves 8

Beef Medallions in Peppercorn Sauce

Ingredients
4 Beef Rondels/Medallions
1 Packet Peppercorn Sauce Mix
3 Large Carrots (sliced or julienne if you are being fancy)
125g Haricot Verts
8 Medium Potatoes
Butter
Milk or Cream
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 Griddle Pan
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Sauce Pan
2 Large Pans (with salted water in)
1 Masher

The Good Bit

1. Get the carrots and haricots verts in the pan with the water and bring to the boil on a low simmer, leaving for 10 minutes, until they are soft. At the same time boil the potatoes up in the other pan, again for about 10 minutes (stick a fork in them to see if they are done, you want them to break easily so they may need a little longer, your carrots are ok just to sit in the warm water.
2. On your griddle, heat to a high heat and add no oil, you want to sear both sides of the steak for about 5 minutes, whilst that is on make the peppercorn sauce according to the packet instructions, that's just usually adding a quantity of milk and bringing to a simmer.
3. Drain then mash your potatoes, add a knob of butter and cream (if your using it) or milk, season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide your mash between four plates, sit your steak on top, and drizzle over the peppercorn sauce, drain your carrots and haricots vert and add a knob of butter, give the pan a good shake to cover all the contents in the butter then serve at the side.
   

Serves 4

Coddled Eggs

Ingredients
50g Smoked Salmon (cut into chunks)
4 Eggs
4 Tablespoons Double Cream
Butter
Salt and Pepper
Dill/Chives to Garnish

Equipment
4 Ramekins (greased with the butter)
1 Oven Proof Dish

The Good Bit

1. Pre heat your oven to 180c 350f gas 4. Divide the salmon equally between the ramekins, then break an egg into each dish on top of the salmon, season with salt and pepper then top with a spoonful of double cream.
2. Place the ramekins in your oven proof dish then top the dish up with just enough water to reach half way up the ramekins, cook for 10-15 minutes until they are set, garnish with either dill or chives and serve. (easy to make so you can spend some quality time with your loved one)
   

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

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

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

Cabbage Au Gratin

Ingredients
750g White Cabbage (shredded)
25g Butter
25g Plain Flour
1 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
300ml Milk
4 Tablespoons Double Cream
50g Cheddar Cheese (grated)
25g Fresh Breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper for Seasoning

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl (for the cheese and breadcrumbs)
2 Large Pans
1 Oven Proof Dish
1 Wooden Spoon

The Good Bit

1. In the large pan, 2/3rds fill with water add salt and bring to the boil, cook the cabbage in this for 5 minutes, drain and set aside.
   
2. In the other pan, melt the butter, stir in the flour and mustard powder for 2-3 minutes, (do not let this burn) Then gradually add the milk stirring al the time until it begins to boil and go thicker then mix in the cabbage and cream and season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour this mixture into your baking dish and top with a good mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese, cook for 30 minutes then serve straight away.
   

Serves 4

Warrens Chocolate Orange

Ingredients
2 Oranges
2 Pears (peeled, cored and halved)
2 Apples (peeled, cored and quartered)
1 Lemon (juiced)
50g Butter
4 Tablespoons Muscovado Sugar
75g Chocolate
4 Tablespoons Double/Whipping Cream

Equipment
1 Zester/Juicer
1 Chopping Board
1 SHARP Knife
1 Frying Pan
1 Glass Bowl
1 Large Pan
1 Spoon
1 Grater

The Good Bit

1. Remove the zest from one orange and keep to one side then grate 1 teaspoon of zest from the second, now remove the rest of the skin from both oranges and slice into thick chunks saving any juice.
   
2. Melt your butter in the frying pan and add the sugar until dissolved then add the zest from the first orange along with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, the apples pears and orange slices, cook for 5 minutes until soft.
3. Heat some water in the pan and put your glass bowl in it, break the chocolate into the glass bowl and melt (or you can do this without the water and pan using a microwave, trying 30seconds at a time) add in the grated orange rind and juice and the cream and stir well.
4. Serve the fruit between four bowls and drizzle over the chocolate.

Serves 4