Green Tomato Chutney

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

1. 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.
2. 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

Courgette and Tomato Bake

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

1. 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)
2. 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

Yellow Pepper Salad

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

1. 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.
   
2. Serve

Serves 4

Tomato and Coriander Salad

Ingredients
1 Kg Mixed Tomatoes (get some yellow and cherry too if you can)
2 Teaspoons Lime Zest
1/2 Small Red Onion (thinly diced)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Coriander (roughly torn)
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
1/2 Tablespoon Clear Honey
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
Salt and Pepper
1 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds (toasted) (optional)

Equipment
1 Balloon Whisk
1 Garlic Press
1 Sharp Knife
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Serving Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Whisk together the coriander, garlic, lime juice, honey, cayenne and the salt and pepper, then whisk in the oil and set aside.
2. Now quarter all your tomatoes and place in a serving bowl, sprinkle over the lime zest, onion and if you are using the toasted sesame seeds. Now whisk the dressing ingredients again and drizzle over the salad, cover the salad and set aside for 30 minutes (i like to put it in the fridge as a cold salad is awesome on a hot day)

Serves 4

Lahore Lamb

Ingredients
450g Cubed Lamb
4 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 Cloves
1 Bay Leaf
4 Black Pepper Corns
1 Onions (thinly sliced)
1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric
1 1/2 Teaspoons Chilli powder
1 Teaspoon Coriander Seeds (crushed)
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Glove Garlic (crushed)
1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt
1 1/2 Liters Water
50g Split Peas (yellow ones are best)
2 tomatoes (quartered)
2 Green Chillies (finely sliced)
Fresh Coriander to Garnish (chopped)

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

The Good Bit

1. Heat the oil in your wok first until it smokes then lower the heat and drop in the onion, bay leave, cloves and pepper corns, fry for about 5 minutes until the onion is golden brown, then add the lamb, turmeric, chilli powder, coriander seeds, cinnamon, garlic and salt and stir fry for 5 minutes over a medium heat.
2. Pour in 900ml of water, cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, in the mean time, put the split peas in to your other pan with the remaining water and simmer for 15 minutes until all the water is gone, if the peas are not soft enough to be mashed add a little more water.
3. Take the lid off the lamb and stir fry for a few minutes until il start to show at the side of your pan then add the split peas, tomatoes, sliced green chillies and the fresh coriander and serve.

Serves 4

Cauliflower Cheese and Tomato

Ingredients
1 Medium Sized Cauliflower
30g Butter
30g Plain Flour
285ml Milk
115g Grated Red Leicester (or similar cheese, cheddar is fine)
175g Tomatoes (skinned, seeded and diced)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Large Pan (1/2 filled with boiling salted water)
1 Sauce Pan

The Good Bit

1. Trim the stems from the cauliflower and place the stalks and floret in the boiling water for about 15 minutes, in the meantime melt your butter in the sauce pan and add the flour, keep stirring and cook for 1 minute.
2. Keep stirring whilst you gradually add the milk, gently bringing it to the boil, cook for 2-3 minutes then add 3/4 of the cheese and season. Drop in all but 1 tablespoon of the diced tomatoes and keep stirring until the cheese melts. Remove the pan from the heat and keep warm.
3. When the cauliflower is done, drain it and then place in your serving dish, pour over the cheese sauce and the sprinkle over the remaining tomatoes and cheese, serve immediately, of grill to brown off the top, it's up to you.

serves 2

Tomato Salsa

Ingredients
6 Tomatoes (skinned, seeded and diced)
1 Handful Fresh Basil (shredded finely, no stalks)
25g Black Olives (thinly sliced)
3 Shallots (thinly sliced)
2 Cloves Garlic (very finely sliced)
3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Mixing Bowl

The Good Bit

1. Mix together all your ingredients and serve immediately.

Mexican Salsa

Ingredients
6 Tomatoes (skinned seeded and diced)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
1 Red Onion (finely sliced)
4 Tablespoons Fresh Coriander (roughly chopped)
1 Lime (juiced)
2 Green Chillies (seeded and finely sliced)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
1 Juicer

The Good Bit

1. Mix all your ingredients together in your bowl and chill in the fridge for an hour or so before use. Excellent with nachos or served at a BBQ
   

Salami Tower!!

Ingredients
6 Slices Bread
50g Butter
50g Soft Cheese
4 Slices Salami
Lettuce (4-5 big leaves shredded)
Mayonnaise (I like the type with Dijon mustard mixed in)
1 Tomato (thinly sliced)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Table Knife

The Good Bit

1. Start by mixing together in the bowl the butter and soft cheese. Spread 1/4 of this mixture onto your first 2 slices of bread, Put 2 slices of salami on each, top these with half your lettuce and then add a dollop of mayonnaise to each.
2. Now spread another 1/4 of the butter/cheese mix onto 2 more slices of bread and place these on your sandwich spread side down, then spread another 1/4 of the butter cheese mix on top and top off both sandwiches with the other half of your lettuce and a few slices of tomato, season with salt and pepper.
3. Finally spread the remaining 1/4 of the butter/cheese mix on your last 2 slices of bread and place butter side down on top of your sandwich, slice in half and serve a proper mans sandwich!

Serves 2

Bertrands 'World Peace' Soup

Ingredients
A Good Knob of Butter
3-4 Carrots (sliced)
2-3 Sticks of Celery (sliced)
2 Onions (roughly chopped)
1 Chilli (de seeded and sliced)
3-4 Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
7 Tomatoes (quartered)
1x400g Can Chopped Plum Tomatoes
A Handful of Basil Leaves (torn)
2 Pints Vegetable Stock
300ml Single Cream

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

The Good Bit

1. Melt the butter in the pan and gently soften the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes before adding the carrots and celery, cook for another 5 minutes then add in the tomatoes (canned and chopped) along with the chilli and basil.
   
2. Cook this lot until the tomatoes are soft, then add 2 Pints of vegetable stock and transfer the mixture to a blender. blend until smooth then add in the cream, re heat and serve topped with sprigs of parsley and a nice warm baguette.
   

Serves 4

Lamb Balti withPeas and Potatoes

Ingredients
225g Lamb (boneless, cut into strips)
120ml Natural Yoghurt
1 Cinnamon Stick
2 Cardamom Pods
3 Peppercorns
1 Teaspoon Each Garlic (crushed), Ginger (grated), Chilli Powder, Garam Masala, Salt
2 Onions (sliced)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint (roughly chopped)
300ml Water
1 Large Potato (diced)
115g Frozen Peas
1 Tomato (peeled and de seeded, then diced)
Rice to Serve (optional, check the tips section on the home page)

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

The Good Bit

1. Mix the yoghurt, cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns, chilli powder, ginger, garlic, garam masala and salt together, add in half the mint stir well then drop in the lamb, stir well again making sure the lamb is well coated then set aside for 2 hours.
2. Heat a splash of oil in your wok then cook the onion slowly until it is soft and brown, then pour in the lamb mixture and cook for 3 minutes, add the water and bring to the boil and lower the temperature, simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile cook the potato, should only take about 10 minutes, you want it cooked but not ready to turn to mash. Add the peas to the wok, drain the potato and then add that too, stir gently to get a good mix then stir in the tomato and remaining mint.
4. Cook for 5 more minutes before serving, you may want rice with this, check my tips section on the home page on how to do perfect rice every time.
   

Serves 4

Spiced Lamb Skewers

Ingredients
450g Minced Lamb
1 Small Onion (finely chopped)
3 Tablespoons Fresh Mint (chopped)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano (chopped)
1/2 Teaspoon of Each Mixed Spice, Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin
450g New Potatoes
1/2 Small Cucumber
1 Tomato (de seeded and diced)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
4 Pitta Breads
150g Natural Yoghurt
Salt and Pepper
Cucumber Slices, Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Wedges to Serve

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Garlic Press
2 Mixing Bowls
8 or 12 Wooden Skewers (soaked for 20 minutes in water)
1 Pan (1/2 filled with boiling salted water)
1 Grater

The Good Bit

1. Mix the lamb, onion, oregano, parsley, mixed spice, cumin, coriander and 1 tablespoon of mint together, season with salt and pepper, divide the mixture into either 8 or 12 then squeeze around the skewers.
2. Cook the potatoes in the salted water for 10 minutes or until they are done (test with a fork) whilst they are doing, grill your kebabs for 8-10 minutes turning now and then to get a nice even colour all over.
3. In the other bowl grate your cucumber, then using your hands, squeeze out as much juice as you can, mix the yoghurt, tomato and another tablespoon of mint into that, add the garlic, stir well and season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain the potatoes when they are done and toss in the remaining mint, serve with the kebabs, pitta bread, a dollop of the yoghurt mixture and slices of cucumber and chopped tomatoes.
   

Serves 4

Aubergine Stacks

Ingredients
1 Aubergine (cut off 4x1 cm thick diagonal slices)
1 Tablespoon Plain Flour
1 Egg (beaten)
8 Tablespoons Breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic (thinly sliced)
2 Tomatoes (sliced)
1 Baguette (4x 1 inch thick slices, sliced diagonally)
100g Mozzarella (sliced into 4 slices)
Salt and Pepper
Salad Leaves (to serve)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Frying Pan
1 Grill Pan
1 Bowl (for the egg)
1 Large Bowl (for the breadcrumbs)

The Good Bit

1. Coat the aubergine with flour then dip it in the egg mixture, in the large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan and thyme then coat the eggy aubergine and set aside.
2. Fry the garlic in a good splash of oil (3-4 tablespoons worth) for 30 seconds to flavour then remove the garlic, fry the aubergine for 3-4 minutes then turn over and fry again for 3-4 minutes, then remove, now flash fry the tomatoes just so they get some colour from the pan.
3. Grill your bread on both sides until it's lightly browned, then drizzle over any pan juices and top each with a slice of mozzarella, cook until it just begins to melt. Serve topped with tomato and a slice of aubergine on top, with the salad at the side.
   

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

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

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

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

Summer Sundays Chicken

Ingredients
4 Chicken Breast
1 Lettuce (divided into leaves)
375g New Potatoes (cooked/from a can)
8 Tomatoes (skinned sliced, don't worry about skinning if you are not sure)
1 Onion (cut into wedges)
175g Asparagus (boiled in salted water until tender then refreshed under a cold tap)
A Handful Fresh Parsley (chopped)
175g Melted Butter (unsalted is best)
2 Eggs (split and keep just the yolks)
1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 Lemon (juiced)

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Blender (or mixing bowl and balloon whisk)
1 Griddle
1 Pan (2/3rds full with boiling salted water)

The Good Bit

1. A couple of things to do first, if the potatoes need cooking, get them on for about 10 minutes in the boiling slated water, check with a fork, when they are done there should be very little resistance to the fork going all the way through. Do the same with the asparagus, that only takes a couple of minutes though, set both aside and allow to cool, or for speed run under cold water.
2. Next griddle the onion wedges turning once so they char on two sides, set aside and griddle the chicken, that should take about 10 minutes on both sides.
3. Whilst the chicken is doing plate up, start with the lettuce leaves, then decorate with the tomato slices, new potatoes asparagus and onion wedges.
4. In the blender mix in the egg yolk, mustard and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice then pour in gradually the butter until you have a smooth sauce, this can be warmed up gently using a bain marie (pour the sauce into a bowl and stand in a saucepan of warm water.
5. Finally when the chicken is done, lay on top of the salad sprinkle over some of the chopped parsley and drizzle over the hollandaise sauce.
   

Serves 4

Thai Omelette

Ingredients
1 Onion (thinly chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (thinly chopped)
2 Tablespoons Chopped Green Beans
2 Tablespoons Chopped Asparagus
3 Baby Sweetcorn (thinly sliced)
1 Tomato (diced)
4 Shiitake Mushrooms (sliced)
1 1/2 Teaspoons Sugar
2 Teaspoons Soy Sauce
50ml Water
Pinch of Salt
Oil
3 Eggs (beaten)
Salt and Pepper

Equipment
1 SHARP Knife
1 Chopping Board
1 Medium Bowl
1 Frying Pan/Wok
1 Spatula

The Good Bit

1. Heat 3 Tablespoons of groundnut oil in the pan (olive will do) fry the onion and garlic for 30 seconds then add the rest of the vegetables, the soy sauce and the sugar and stir fry for another 4 minutes.
2. Take out of the pan and set aside, wipe the pan clean and add another dash of oil then pour in the egg and swirl it round to cover the bottom of the pan, with the spatula keep lifting the edges of the omelette to make sure it doesn't stick, when the omelette is almost firm drop the filling in the centre.
3. Fold the edges, top and bottom over the filling to create an oblong parcel then serve and carve into 4 slices. you can add a topping of fried basil leaves for extra flare, a couple of basil leaves in the pan once your done, take out when they are wilted (seconds)
   

Serves 4