One-Dish Beef Casserole

March 9, 2020 by Angie In Beef, Dinners Tagged potatoes, carrots, onions, beef, tomato, steak Leave a comment

One-dish Beef Casserole

This easy beef casserole is made from chunks of steak, braised slowly with carrots, onions and potatoes in a tomato-based beef stock. Once prepared and in the oven there is nothing more to do!

One-Dish Beef Casserole

4 servings

Preparation time: about 35 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
700 g (1½ lb) stewing steak
28 g (1 oz) flour (3 tbsp)
2 tbsp oil
2 medium onions, sliced
450 g (1 lb) carrots, sliced (6 medium)
700 g (1½ lb) potatoes, peeled and sliced (4½ medium)
ground nutmeg
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 x 400g tin whole tomatoes (½ x 28 fl oz can)
good beef stock
225 g (8 oz) peas (optional) (1½ cups)

Equipment

You will also need a lidded casserole dish and a frying pan/skillet for this recipe.

Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) (gas 3)
Place the flour in a medium-sized plastic food storage bag and add salt and pepper. Shake the bag to mix. Cut the steak into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes and add to the bag. Shake again so the flour coats the steak. Remove the steak from the bag but reserve any remaining flour.
Heat the oil in the pan/skillet over a medium heat and, when just beginning to smoke, add the steak. Toss the steak so it will sear on all sides. This will need to be done in a few batches as you don’t want to overcrowd the pan or the cubes of steak will steam rather than sear. Put to one side.
Now reduce the heat in the pan/skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. When it is hot add the onions and carrots and gently cook for 5 minutes.
Now layer steak, onions, carrots, and potatoes in the casserole dish, sprinkling each layer with a pinch of nutmeg and some seasoning as you go.
Sprinkle the remaining flour from the bag over the meat and vegetables and then add the tomatoes.
Finally pour over enough hotstock to come just over halfway up the ingredients.
Cover and cook for 2½ hours.
Peas can be added 15 minutes before the end of cooking.

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Updated: March 9, 2020

Cheat’s Crêpes Suzette

March 9, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged cointreau, grand marnier, crepes, suzette, orange, flambe Leave a comment

Cheat's Crêpes Suzette

I call these Cheat’s Crêpes Suzette because they aren’t flambéed just before serving. The crêpes with orange segments in orange sauce flavoured with Cointreau still make them sublime. (To flambé them, just follow the last steps of the method.)

Cheat's Crêpes Suzette

4 –6 servings

Preparation time: About 30 minutes
Standing time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: About 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the crêpes
115 g (4 oz) plain/all-purpose flour (1 cup less 1½ tbsp)
pinch salt
2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.)
240 ml (8 fl oz) semi-skimmed/partly skimmed milk (1 cup) mixed with 60ml (2 fl oz) water (¼ cup)
55 g (2 oz) butter (¼ cup, or ½ stick)
For the orange sauce
55 g (2 oz) icing/powdered sugar (½ cup)
3 small oranges
85 g (3 oz) butter (3 tbsp, or ³⁄₈ stick)
1 tbsp Grand Marnier or Cointreau

Equipment

You will also need a 25cm (10 inch) heavy gauge aluminium frying pan/skillet.

Method
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Make a well in the centre of the flour and break in the eggs. Using an electric whisk or a balloon whisk, whisk the eggs into the flour, gradually adding the milk and incorporating the flour from around the edge of the bowl. Scrape any remaining flour down from the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and whisk again until all the mixture is smooth. It should be the consistency of thin cream. Set aside for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile prepare the sauce. Squeeze the juice from one orange into a small pan and add the icing/powdered sugar. Stir to dissolve and then add the butter. Gently heat to melt the butter and then simmer for 2 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly. Set the pan to one side.
Zest the two remaining oranges and put the zest to one side.
Now remove all the pith from the 2 oranges, separate into their segments and remove any pips. Cut each segment into three.
Preheat oven to 130°C (250°F) (gas ½) and place five plates in the oven to warm.
Meanwhile melt the butter. Spoon 2 tablespoons into the batter and whisk it in. The remainder will be used to smear the pan (skillet) between cooking each pancake using a wodge of kitchen paper.
To prepare for cooking the crêpes:
Get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to a medium setting.
Use about 2 tablespoons of batter for each crêpe. It is easier to measure this into a ladle or measuring cup first and use this to tip the batter into the pan/skillet in one go. Using the ladle or cup, hold it so that the base is very close to the bottom of the pan/skillet in the centre and then pour it in. As soon as the batter hits the hot pan/skillet, lift the pan/skillet and tip it round from side to side to get the base evenly coated with the batter. If there are any holes, just fill them in with extra batter using a teaspoon. It will take less than a minute to cook. Lift the edge with a palette knife to check the underside is golden.
Now flip the crêpe over. The other side will need less time to cook. Then slide it out of the pan onto a warmed plate.
Continue until there are 12 crêpes. Overlap them on the warmed plate as you go, keeping them warm in the oven, covered loosely with foil.
Pour the sauce into the pan/skillet and warm through. Add the zest and 1 tablespoon of the liqueur.
Then fold the crêpes into quarters, placing a few orange segments in each one. Add the crêpes to the pan along with any remaining orange segments.
Cook for 2 minutes to heat the crêpes through.

Note

If you want to flambé the crêpes just follow the steps below.

To flambé the crêpes

This is done just before serving the crêpes. First mix together 3 tablespoons of Grand Marnier and 3 tablespoons of brandy. Then pour them into the pan and set the sauce alight. This has to be done very quickly or the alcohol will evaporate and won’t light. Carefully swirl the pan around so that the sauce flames evenly. Serve when the flames have extinguished. Be very careful when doing this.

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Updated: March 9, 2020

Swiss Trifle

March 9, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged frozen raspberries, jam roll Leave a comment

Swiss Trifle

This Swiss Trifle is a lovely light dessert for winter using frozen raspberries. Slices of jam-filled Swiss roll, laced with sherry and covered with raspberries, are topped with a creamy custard and whipped cream, then sprinkled with roasted almonds.

Swiss Trifle

8 servings

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Standing time: 10 minutes
Refrigeration time: at least 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
200 g (7 oz) jam-filled Swiss roll/jelly roll
3 tbsp sherry
340 g (12 oz) frozen raspberries (1½ cups)
2 tbsp raspberry jam
1 tsp vanilla extract
240 ml (8 fl oz) whole milk (1 cup)
600 ml (20 fl oz) double cream/whipping or heavy cream (2½ cups)
3 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), yolks only
85 g (3 oz) caster sugar/superfine sugar (⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp)
1 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
4 tbsp icing sugar/powdered sugar, sifted
15 g (½ oz) flaked/sliced almonds (1½ tbsp)

Equipment

You will also need a 2 litre (3½ pint) flat-bottomed glass serving dish (8 cup capacity)

Method
Cut the Swiss roll into 2cm (¾ inch) slices and arrange in the base and slightly up the sides of the glass dish. Drizzle over the sherry.
Put the raspberries and jam in a small pan over a moderate-low heat for 2–3 minutes until the fruit is beginning to soften and the mixture is saucy. Leave for about 5 minutes to cool a little. Then pour the raspberry mixture in an even layer over the sponge.
To make the custard. Pour the milk and 240ml (8 fl oz) (1 cup) of the cream into a small pan. Stir in the vanilla extract and heat until bubbling round the edges. Then remove from the heat and leave for 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, caster/superfine sugar and cornflour/cornstarch until smooth. Then gradually whisk in the hot milk and cream.
Return the custard to the pan, bring to the boil, and then simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard has thickened. Leave to cool for about 10 minutes.
Pour the custard in an even layer over the raspberries, then chill for 20 minutes, until the custard is just beginning to set.
Pour the remaining cream and sifted icing/confectioners’ sugar into a large bowl and lightly whip until it holds soft peaks. Spoon the cream over the custard. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
To toast the almonds. Heat a wide bottomed pan. When it is hot, turn the heat down to low and toss in the almonds. Keep moving them around until they just start to turn golden and begin to smell. Watch them all the time as they can burn very quickly. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
Just before serving the trifle sprinkle the flaked/sliced almonds over the top.

Note

If you want to make less than 8 servings just use individual glass dishes. Alter the quantity of the ingredients accordingly but follow the same method. When cutting the Swiss roll make the slices as thin as possible. You may not need all the Swiss roll to line the individual glass dishes.

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Updated March 9, 2020

Lemon Meringue Pie

February 20, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged lemon, meringue, pastry, shortcrust Leave a comment

Lemon Meringue Pie

This lemon meringue pie is a true family favourite and was one of the first pies I ever baked. The filling is very easy to make from scratch. It gives a mixture that is both creamy and full of zingy lemon flavour to complement the sweetness of the meringue on top.

Lemon Meringue Pie

4 –6 servings

Preparation time: About 45 minutes
Standing time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: About 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the shortcrust pastry
170 g (6 oz) plain flour/cake and pastry flour (1⅓ cups)
pinch of salt
40 g (1½ oz) butter, cut into cubes (3 tbsp, or ⅜ stick)
40 g (1½ oz) lard, cut into cubes (3 tbsp)
about 2 tbsp cold water
For the filling
3 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
150 ml (5 fl oz) water (⅔ cup)
2 lemons, zest and juice
115 g (4 oz) granulated sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp)
2 egg yolks, reserve the whites for the meringue
For the meringue
2 egg whites
115 g (4 oz) caster sugar/superfine sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp)

Equipment

You will also need an 18 cm (7 inch) round deep pie plate with rim and a baking tray/sheet.

Method
For the pastry
Sift the flour and salt into a bowl.
Rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles fresh breadcrumbs. This can be done by hand or in a food processor.
Sprinkle the water evenly over the surface (if it is not sprinkled evenly it can cause blistering when the pastry is cooked). Start bringing the dough together using a pallet knife until it starts clumping. Then knead the dough until it is smooth. Pop in a plastic food bag and refrigerate to rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) (gas 5).
Roll out the pastry onto a floured surface to a thickness of 6mm (¼ inch) and 5cm (2 inches) larger than the pie plate.
Now cut a 1.25cm (½ inch) strip from around the edge of the pastry. Dampen the rim of the pie plate with water and then use the strip to cover the rim, pressing it down.
Next dampen the strip of pastry. Then line the pie plate with the remaining pastry, gently pressing it down into the pie plate and around the rim to make sure no air is trapped but being careful not to stretch the pastry.
Remove any excess pastry from around the edge of the rim and prick the base of the pastry with a fork.
Bake blind for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the paper and baking beans, and return the pastry to the oven for a further 5–10 minutes until it is cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F) (gas 2) and place a baking tray/sheet in the oven.
For the filling
While the pastry is cooking, the filling can be prepared. Mix the cornflour with the water in a saucepan. Then stir in the zest and juice of the lemons. Bring slowly to the boil, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
Now reduce the temperature to medium and add the sugar, stirring until it has dissolved. Remove from the heat, cool the mixture for a couple of minutes.
Beat in the egg yolks. Set aside.
For the meringue
Whisk the egg whites until stiff.
Then gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, whisking well between each addition, until the mixture is stiff and glossy.
To finish
The pastry case can either be left in the pie plate or carefully removed. Place the pie plate or the pastry case only on the warmed baking tray/sheet.
Now pour the lemon filling into the pastry case and level the surface.
Pile the meringue on top, making sure it completely covers the filling. Finally pull the meringue up into peaks using the tip of a knife.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. The meringue will be crisp and lightly browned on the outside but still soft on the inside.
It can be served warm or cold. If it is to be served warm, let it rest for 20 minutes after taking it out of the oven before slicing into portions.

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Updated: February 20, 2020

Traditional English Pancakes

February 18, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged lemon, pancakes, sugar, crepes Leave a comment

Traditional English Pancakes

These traditional English pancakes are served with lemon and sugar – easy to prepare and easy to eat!

Traditional English Pancakes

6 –8 large pancakes

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Standing time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: About 20 minutes
Ingredients
115 g (4 oz) plain flour/all-purpose flour (1 cup less 1½ tbsp)
pinch salt
2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.)
300 ml (10 fl oz) semi-skimmed/partly skimmed milk (1¼ cups)
28 g (1 oz) butter, melted (2 tbsp)
28 g (1 oz) butter for greasing (2 tbsp)
To serve
granulated sugar
1 lemon halved
You will also need a 25.5cm

Equipment

You will also need a 25.5 cm (10 inch) heavy gauge aluminium frying pan/skillet.

Method
First, melt 28g (1 oz) (2 tbsp) of butter and set aside to cool.
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre.
Beat the eggs in a bowl, then add the milk and cooled, melted butter. Gradually pour the mixture into the well of the flour while whisking with an electric whisk or a balloon whisk, incorporating the flour from around the edge of the bowl. Scrape any remaining flour down from around the sides of the bowl using a silicon spatula and whisk again until all the mixture is smooth. Let stand for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile preheat oven to 110°C/225°F/gas ¼, and place five plates in the oven to warm.
Melt the remaining butter and pour into a small bowl.
Get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to a medium setting.
Smear the pan, using kitchen paper, with a little melted butter to keep it lightly greased. (The pan should be lightly coated, not running with butter.) Repeat before cooking each pancake.
Use about 3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake. (It is easier to measure this into a ladle or cup first to give a guide for the amount for each pancake.) Quickly tip the batter from the ladle or cup into the centre of the pan and, at the same time, tip the pan from side to side to get the base evenly coated. Cook the pancake for about 1 minute until the surface dries and the underside is golden.
Flip the pancake over with a palette knife. Again, cook until the underside is golden which will need less time. Then slide out of the pan onto a warmed plate.
Continue until the batter is finished. Overlap the pancakes on the warmed plate as you go. Keep them warm in the oven, covered loosely with foil.
To serve, squeeze lemon juice over each pancake and generously sprinkle with sugar. It can then can be rolled up.

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Updated: February 18, 2020

Sweet Mustard Pork

February 17, 2020 by Angie In Dinners, Pork Tagged potatoes, carrots, peas, pork, maple syrup, tenderloin, mustard Leave a comment

Sweet Mustard Pork

Succulent pork tenderloin marinaded in a sweet mustard sauce and then roasted.

Sweet Mustard Pork

4 servings

Preparation time: about 30 minutes
Marinading time: at least 30 minutes, overnight if possible
Cooking time: 10 minutes hob; 35 minutes oven
Ingredients
450 g (1 lb) pork fillet/tenderloin
4 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp wholegrain mustard
4 garlic cloves, crushed
salt and freshly milled black pepper
Vegetables to serve
roasted diced potatoes and carrots
peas

Equipment

You will also need 2 small roasting pans.

Method
For the marinaded pork
Mix together the maple syrup, mustard, garlic, oil, and seasoning. Then pour into a shallow dish.
Now add the pork and turn to coat in the marinade.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at at least 30 minutes; overnight if possible.
For the mustard pork
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) (gas 5).
Remove the pork from the fridge and leave to come up to room temperature.
Meanwhile prepare the vegetables. Parboil a few potatoes and carrots for 7 minutes. Drain and leave for a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Then chop into small chunks and put in a bowl. Toss with a glug of olive oil.
The vegetables and pork are roasted at the same time. So tip the vegetables into a small roasting pan along with the olive oil and roast for about 35 minutes until they start to brown and crisp.
Transfer the pork to the second pan and pour over the marinade. Cover with foil and roast in the oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue roasting for a further 10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the juices run clear when tested with a skewer.
Slice the pork and pour over the sticky pan juices. Serve with the roasted vegetables and accompany with peas.

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Updated: February 17, 2020

Oranges in Cointreau

February 11, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged oranges, cream, cointreau Leave a comment

Oranges in Cointreau

I always think oranges are at their best during the winter months and this simple recipe of sliced oranges laced with Cointreau and topped with a dollop of cream makes it just that little bit special.

Oranges in Cointreau

4 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Refrigeration time: At least 6 hours or overnight
Ingredients
4 juicy oranges
3 tbsp Cointreau
170 ml (6 fl oz) double cream/whipping or heavy cream (¾ cup)
1 tsp icing/powdered sugar, sifted

Method
Grate zest from 1 orange and set aside.
Cut off the top and bottom from the oranges. Remove all the peel and white pith.
Now cut the flesh into thin rounds, reserving any juice.
Either put the oranges in one large glass serving bowl or divide amongst four individual ones and then pour over the reserved juice.
Add 2 tbsp of the Cointreau evenly over the oranges.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Whip the cream until it is just thick. Then whip in the remaining Cointreau, three-quarters of the orange zest and the icing/powdered sugar.
For those oranges in individual bowls, swirl a dollop of cream on the top. For the oranges in the larger bowl serve the cream as an aside.
Scatter the remaining orange zest over the cream.

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Updated: February 11, 2020

Simply Apple Pie

February 8, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged apple, pastry, pie Leave a comment

Simply Apple Pie

An apple pie that is delicious, especially when the apples just come into season. The pie filling literally just contains apples and a little sugar so the full flavour of the apples come through. It has a sweet pastry lid that when cooked is buttery and crumbly. For a mouthwatering finish serve with cream or ice cream.

Simply Apple Pie

6 –8 servings

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Standing time: 50 minutes
Cooking time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the pastry
225 g (8 oz) self raising/self-rising flour (1¾ cups)
1 tbsp icing/powdered sugar
140 g (5 oz) cold butter, cut into cubes (⅔ cup, or 1 stick plus 2 tbsp)
1 egg yolk
pinch of salt
For the filling
1.35 kg (3 lb) Bramley apples/apples suitable for cooking
115 g (4 oz) caster/superfine sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp) plus extra for sprinkling
1 egg white, lightly whisked

Equipment

You will also need a 28 x 20 cm (11 x 8 inch) deep pie dish, sides and rim buttered. Also a pie raiser, buttered.

Method
For the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl and add the sugar.
Then rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Whisk the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water together in a small jug. Gradually pour onto the flour mixture while mixing in with a palette knife until it starts to form small clumps. You may need extra water.
Quickly knead by hand to bring the mixture together. Wrap in cling film/plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes. Roll it out fairly thinly. Upturn the dish onto the centre of the pastry and use it as a template to cut out the lid, adding an extra 2.5cm (1 inch) all the way round.
Then reroll the excess pastry and cut out a 5cm (2 inch) wide strip, enough to go round the rim of the dish. Apply this to the flat rim taking it down inside the dish. Press into place and make joins where necessary. Put the pie raiser in the middle of the dish.
For the filling, prepare the apples one at a time. Peel, cut into quarters and core. Cut each quarter into four and pile into the dish as you go, sprinkling some sugar between each layer. They should pile up high in the dish which will help to support the pastry lid.
Brush the pastry covered rim with cold water and then put on the lid. Crimp the lid and rim pressing together as you work your way round the rim.
Cut 4 slashes in the lid and return the pie to the fridge for another 30 minutes (can be left for up to 2 hours).
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C (375F) (gas 5).
Remove the pie from the fridge and brush the surface with the egg white, then sprinkle with sugar.
Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes until a pale golden colour.

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Updated: February 8, 2020

Raisin Bran Muffins

February 8, 2020 by Angie In Cakes Leave a comment

Raisin Bran Muffins

A classic raisin bran muffin that just crumbles with goodness. Delicious served warm with a knob of butter.

Raisin Bran Muffins

12 muffins

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 18 minutes
Ingredients
85 g (3 oz) bran (2 cups)
85 g (3 oz) plain flour/cake and pastry flour (⅓ cup)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
1 egg, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.)
115 g (4 oz) soft brown sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp)
55 ml (2 fl oz) flavourless oil (e.g. groundnut, peanut, not olive oil) (¼ cup)
225 ml (8 fl oz) buttermilk* (1 cup)
2 tbsp treacle/unsulphured molasses
85 g (3 oz) raisins (⅔ cup)

Note

*If you haven’t any buttermilk, stir 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into 225ml (8 fl oz) (1 cup) full fat/whole milk and leave for 15 minutes to thicken up.

Equipment

You will also need a 12-hole muffin tray lined with paper baking cups.

Method
Preheat the oven to 190° (375°F) (gas 5)
Mix together the bran, flour, soda, and baking powder in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, using a ballon whisk, mix the egg and sugar together.
Then stir in the oil, buttermilk, and treacle one at a time. The mixture needs to be thoroughly combined and stirring the ingredients in separately makes this quick. You do not want to over mix.
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Finally stir through the raisins until evenly distributed.
Now fill the paper baking cups using an ice cream scoop. Bake for 18 minutes until the tops feel firm to the touch. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool.
Delicious served warm, cut in half, with a knob of butter.

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Updated: February 8, 2020

Pork and Cheese Crumble

February 8, 2020 by Angie In Dinners, Pork Tagged pork, tomatoes, onions, cheese, tenderloin, breadcrumbs Leave a comment

Pork and Cheese Crumble

Tasty pork, baked on a bed of tomatoes and onions, and topped with a crispy, cheesy crumble. This is a quick dish to prepare. Just serve with seasonal vegetables.

Pork and Cheese Crumble

4 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Ingredients
4 pork chops OR
450 g (1 lb) pork fillet/tenderloin
2 tbsp butter
2 small onions, thinly sliced
2 x 400g tins or 1 x 28 fl oz can whole tomatoes
salt and freshly milled black pepper
1 tsp sugar
55 g (2 oz) cheese, grated (½ cup)
4 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs

Equipment

You will also need an ovenproof dish with lid.

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) (gas 4)
First, prepare the pork. Remove any bone and excess fat from chops. If using fillet/tenderloin, cut into four equal pieces and then flatten each piece a little by covering the pork with cling film (plastic wrap) and bashing it with a rolling pin.
Now melt the butter in a frying pan/skillet over a medium heat. Then add the pork, and sauté for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Meanwhile, spread the onions over the bottom of the ovenproof dish. Cover with the tomatoes, season, and sprinkle over the sugar.
Place the pork on top of the tomatoes.
Toss the breadcrumbs and cheese together, then sprinkle over the meat.
Cover and bake in the centre of the oven for 45 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue to bake for a further 15 minutes to brown the top.
Serve with seasonal vegetables.

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Updated: February 8, 2020

Pavlova

January 30, 2020 by Angie In Desserts Tagged meringue, sugar, pavlova, eggs Leave a comment

Pavlova

6 –8 servings

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus time to prepare the fruit
Cooking time: 1 hour
Standing time: 1 hour
Ingredients
3 egg whites
225 g (8 oz) caster/superfine sugar (1⅛ cups)
½ tsp cream of tartar
1½ tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
450 g 1 lb prepared fresh fruits
2–3 tbsp Cointreau with a winter pavlova
300 ml (10 fl oz) double cream/whipping or heavy cream (1¼ cups)

For a summer pavlova

Prepare strawberries, raspberries and other seasonal fruits of your choice.

For a winter pavlova

Melon, scooped out into balls, kiwi fruit, grapes and oranges.

Method
Preheat the oven to cool, 140°C (275°F) (gas 1).
Separate the eggs. In a clean, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until just stiff.
Gradually whisk in 170g (6 oz) of the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, whisking well between each addition until the meringue is stiff and shiny.
Whisk in the cream of tartar, vanilla essence, and cornflour.
Cut a sheet of baking parchment large enough to fit a large baking sheet. Draw a 24cm (9½ inch) oval onto the paper. Dab a little meringue in each corner of the baking sheet to secure the paper and stop it moving. Then place the paper on the baking sheet with the drawn oval side down.
Spread the meringue inside the marked oval shape. Bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour.
Turn off the heat and allow to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
Meanwhile prepare fruits. Cut larger fruits into slices or segments. Cut any orange segments free from their connecting tissue with a small, sharp knife. You want to end up with all the fruits being of a similar size. Place them in a bowl as you prepare them.
Sprinkle the fruit with the remaining sugar and, if making a winter pavlova, add the Cointreau. Allow to soak for 1 hour before serving.
Carefully peel the paper off the pavlova then place it on a flat serving dish.
Whip the cream until it will hold a soft peak and then spread over the meringue.
Carefully spoon the fruit on top.
Serve immediately.
More pavlovas
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like to try these other pavlovas:
Individual Banoffee Pavlovas
Strawberry Pavlova
Individual Chocolate and Raspberry Pavlova
Easter Lemon Pavlova

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Stuffed Sole

January 30, 2020 by Angie In Dinners, Fish Tagged lemon, parsley, sole, cream cheese Leave a comment

Stuffed Sole

Sole fillets are a delicate fish and here they are cooked with a cream cheese, parsley and lemon stuffing, which adds to the flavour of the fish without overpowering it. Cooks in just 20 minutes for a delicious meal.

Stuffed Sole

4 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes, oven
Ingredients
8 sole fillets, about 140g (5 oz each)
55 g (2 oz) cream cheese, softened (¼ cup)
½ cup fresh breadcrumbs, 1 slice bread with crusts
3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1½ lemons
freshly milled black pepper
paprika

Equipment

You will also need an ovenproof dish large enough to take 4 fillets in a single layer, lightly greased.

Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (gas 6)
Zest half a lemon and set aside.
Tip the breadcrumbs into a large frying pan/skillet and, over a medium heat, toast them until quite crispy, 2–3 minutes. Shake the pan often to turn the crumbs.
Now tip the breadcrumbs into a large bowl and add the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley, black pepper, and the juice of the whole lemon. Mix to combine.
Place four of the fillets in the ovenproof dish in a single layer. Spread the filling over the four fillets and then top with the four remaining fillets.
Squeeze the juice of the half lemon over the fish.Then sprinkle a little paprika and the lemon zest on top.
Bake, uncovered, in the oven for 20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with the remaining parsley.
Serve with asparagus when in season. It is delicious with this dish as it complements the delicacy of the sole. Serve with whole green beans at other times.

Note

This dish can also be microwaved, covered, on high for 8 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

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Updated January 30, 2020