Gratin of Sole with Broccoli

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Gratin of Sole with Broccoli

 

A tasty way of serving fish that is quick to prepare and just right for a summer supper. A thick fillet of sole is grilled/broiled smothered in tiny broccoli florets and a cheesy sauce until the sauce is bubbling and golden.

 

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Gratin of Sole with Broccoli
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 35 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 170g (6 oz) broccoli florets (a medium head of broccoli)
  • 40g (1½ oz) butter (3 tbsp, or ³⁄₈ stick)
  • 40g (1½ oz) flour (⅓ cup)
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) milk (1¼ cups)
  • 115g (4 oz) cheese, grated (1 cup)
  • 4 large sole fillets (each weighing about 170g (6 oz)
  • salt and freshly milled black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • butter for greasing
  • 28g (1 oz) Parmesan, grated (¼ cup)
  • cayenne pepper

  • Serving suggestion
  • Baby new potatoes

  • You will also need a vegetable steamer and a large baking tray/sheet.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the grill/broiler to high.

  4. Cut the broccoli into florets, trimming and discarding the stems. Then separate the florets into 1cm (½ inch) chunks. Steam for about 2 minutes, until just tender. Remove the steamer from the pan and set to one side.

  5. Now melt the butter in a small pan add the flour.. Stir until smooth. Let this cook gently over a low heat for 1–2 minutes, until it starts to bubble.

  6. Meanwhile, heat the milk in the microwave for 1 minute, which will then make it easier to blend into the roux. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until there is a smooth sauce. Return to the heat, bring the sauce to the boil, and then stir over a gentle heat until it thickens.

  7. Remove from the heat and vigorously stir in the cheese until it has melted and blended into the sauce. (Just use the heat of the sauce to melt the cheese. Don’t put the pan over heat on the stove as this will make the cheese go oily.) Set to one side.

  8. Next season the fish and then sprinkle over the lemon juice.

  9. Grease the baking tray and place under the grill/broiler for 1 minute to heat up.

  10. Lay the fish on the hot tray in a single layer. They will sizzle as they touch the hot baking tray/sheet.

  11. With the grill/broiler rack 7.5cm (3 inches) from the heat, cook the fish for just 3 minutes and then remove.

  12. Meanwhile, carefully spoon the broccoli into the cheese sauce to evenly distribute the florets. Spoon over the fish and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan.

  13. Put the fish back under the grill/broiler and cook for a further 4 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and beginning to turn golden.

  14. Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper over each piece of fish and serve immediately.

Updated July 18, 2019

Coated Chicken with Peppers

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Coated Chicken with Peppers

 

A chicken dish that can be barbecued or popped under the grill/broiler for just 10 minutes.

Chicken fillets are coated with oregano, garlic and sundried tomato in olive oil that makes it super tasty. Just serve with a green salad and crusty rolls.

 

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Coated Chicken with Peppers
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the chicken and peppers
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, skinned
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 55g (2 oz) sundried tomato paste (¼ cup)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chopped oregano leaves
  • salt and freshly milled black pepper
  • 2 Romano peppers/long red or shepherd peppers

  • For the salad dressing
  • 115g (4 oz) Mary Berry’s Special Mustard Dressing/Walden Farms Honey Dijon Dressing or one similar (⅓ cup)
  • 1½ tsp runny/liquid honey
  • 1 small orange, juice only

  • To serve
  • A green salad and crusty rolls


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the barbecue or grill/broiler.

  4. Slice each chicken fillet in half to make 2 thinner fillets.

  5. Now stir together the garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, oregano, and seasoning and spread over both sides of the chicken.

  6. Halve the peppers lengthways, deseed and then cut into thin strips.

  7. Whisk together the dressing with the honey and orange juice, and stir through the salad.

  8. Barbecue or grill/broil the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.

  9. After the first 5 minutes of cooking the chicken, add the pepper strips to the barbecue or grill/broiler and cook for about 5 minutes, turning them a couple of times. They should be just soft but not blackened.

  10. Divide the peppers amongst 4 plates, top each with 2 pieces of chicken and serve with the salad and crusty rolls on the side.

Updated: July 16, 2019

Strawberry Tart

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Strawberry Tart

 

This strawberry tart recipe makes a super delicious summer tart. The sweet pastry is filled with a creamy crème pâtissière and decorated with small, whole strawberries which are then glazed. Just slice and enjoy.

 

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Strawberry Tart
Prepares: 10 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 1 hour
  • Chilling time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 28 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the pastry
  • 170g (6 oz) plain flour/cake and pastry flour (1⅓ cups)
  • 115g (4 oz) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (½ cup, or 1 stick)
  • 40g (1½ oz) caster/superfine sugar (3 tbsp)
  • 1 egg, medium (U.K.)/large (N.A.)

  • For the crème pâtissière
  • 70g (2½ oz) caster/superfine sugar (5 tbsp)
  • 2 eggs, medium (U.K.)/large (N.A.), yolks only
  • 28g (1 oz) cornflour/cornstarch (¼ cup)
  • 240ml (8 fl oz) semi-skimmed/2% partly skimmed milk (1 cup)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 180ml (6 fl oz) double cream/whipping cream or heavy cream (¾ cup)

  • For the topping
  • 450g (16 oz) strawberries (ideally the same size) (about 3 cups)
  • 85g (3 oz) strawberry jam, sieved (¼ cup)

  • You will also need a 23cm (9 inch) round springform tin/pan.


  2. Method
  3. Whiz flour and butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, or rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips.

  4. Add the sugar and stir to combine.

  5. Now separate the egg and reserve the white for later.

  6. Add the yolk and 1 tablespoon of very cold water to the crumb mixture and either pulse or stir with a palette knife to bring the pastry together. Shape into a disc, wrap in clingfilm/plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

  7. Now make the crème pâtissière.

  8. Mix the sugar, yolks and cornflour/cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth.

  9. Heat the milk and vanilla extract until just boiling. Then gradually whisk the milk into the egg mixture. Return this to the pan and, whisking continuously, let it gently bubble until the mixture has thickened.

    Now spoon into a large bowl, cover, and leave to cool and chill.

  10. Once the pastry has rested, roll out on a lightly floured surface.

  11. Line the tin/pan, allowing the pastry to come about 3cm (1¼ inches) up the sides. Trim to neaten. Prick the base all over with the tines of a fork then chill for 15 minutes.

  12. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) (gas 5).

  13. Line the pastry and fill with baking beans. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and return to the oven for 5 minutes.

  14. Remove from the oven and brush the inside of the pastry with the reserved egg white. Return to the oven for 3 more minutes.

  15. Leave to cool in the tin/pan and then remove and transfer to a serving plate.

  16. No more than 2 hours before serving, whip the cream until stiff.

  17. Next whip the crème pâtissière to loosen it a little and then fold in the whipped cream.

  18. Spoon into the pastry case. Level the surface and chill for 30 minutes until set.

  19. Meanwhile, wash, pat dry, and hull the strawberries. Arrange on top of the crème pâtissière. (If not serving straight away, chill until needed.)

  20. Just before serving, brush the strawberries with the jam to glaze.

 

Potato Moussaka

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Potato Moussaka

 

This tasty moussaka has layers of a tomato meat sauce and sliced potatoes which are topped with a cheese sauce and then sprinkled with extra cheese.

 

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Potato Moussaka
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 50 minutes
  • Cooking time: 50 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 900g (2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks (6 medium)

  • For the meat sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 450g (l lb) minced/ground lamb
  • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes (½ x 796 ml can diced tomatoes)
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée/paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
  • salt and freshly milled black pepper


  • For the cheese sauce
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp, or ¼ stick)
  • 28g (1 oz) flour (¼ cup)
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) milk (1¼ cups)
  • 85g (3 oz) Cheddar cheese, grated (¾ cup)
  • 1 eggs, medium (U.K.)/large (N.A.)


  • Serving suggestion
  • Serve with seasonal vegetables or a salad.

  • You will also need a 1.5 litre (2½ pint) (6 cup) oven proof dish


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) (gas 5)

  4. Simmer the potatoes in a pan of boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain and leave on one side to cool a little.

  5. For the meat sauce
  6. Heat the oil in a deep sided frying pan/skillet and add the onions. Gently cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.

  7. Now add the lamb and brown the meat over a medium heat, about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps as it cooks.

  8. Next add the tomatoes, tomato purée/paste, and oregano and stir. Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Season.

  9. For the cheese sauce
  10. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan. Tilt the pan so the butter runs to one edge and tip the flour onto the butter. Mix to form a paste and then cook over a low heat for 1 minute.

  11. While the roux is cooking, warm the milk in a microwave (this will make it quick and easy to blend into the roux).

  12. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in the milk until smooth. Return to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Reduce the heat and stir until the sauce thickens.

  13. Remove from the heat and add 55g (2 oz) (½ cup) of the cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce. (The cheese is added off the heat so it won’t turn the sauce oily.) Leave to cool slightly, about 2 minutes, and then vigorously beat in the egg.

  14. To assemble
  15. Slice the potatoes thinly.

  16. Now to layer the moussaka. Spoon half the meat sauce into the ovenproof dish and spread the mixture out evenly, then layer half the potato slices over the meat sauce.

  17. Next, spoon the remaining meat sauce over these potatoes, then layer the rest of the potatoes over the meat sauce, if possible overlapping them slightly.

  18. Finally pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and level.

  19. Sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese.

  20. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for a further 20 minutes, or until the top is golden in colour and the potatoes are tender.

  21. Serve with seasonable vegetables or a salad.

Updated: July 15, 2019

Haddock with a Parsley-Cheese Sauce

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Haddock with Parsley and Cheese Sauce

 

Another quick dish for summer. Haddock is poached with lemon and parsley, then covered in a parsley-cheese sauce and garnished with chopped egg.

 

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Haddock with a Parsley-Cheese Sauce
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Standing time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 5–10 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 750g (1 lb 10 oz) haddock, divided into four portions
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) milk (1¼ cups)
  • 1 lemon
  • 4 sprigs parsley
  • 6 peppercorns
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp)
  • 28g (1 oz) flour (¼ cup)
  • 5 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 55g (2 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated (shredded) (½ cup)
  • 2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), hard-boiled

  • Serving suggestion
  • French fries and peas

  • You will also need a large lidded frying pan/skillet and a shallow flameproof dish large enough to take the haddock portions in a single layer.


  2. Method
  3. Cut the lemon in half and then slice one half and juice the other.

  4. Lay the haddock portions in a single layer in the lidded pan.

  5. Add milk, lemon slices and juice, parsley sprigs, and peppercorns. Bring to the boil, then turn off the heat, cover the pan/skillet and leave for 15 minutes, until the haddock can be flaked. Lift the haddock using a fish slice and transfer to the flameproof dish. Then flake the fish.

  6. Strain and reserve the milk.

  7. Preheat the grill/broiler to high.

  8. Next, melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour. Cook over a low heat for 1 minute.

  9. Then gradually stir in the reserved milk until there is a smooth sauce and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat, season, and stir in the chopped parsley.

  10. Now pour the sauce over the fish and sprinkle with the cheese.

  11. Place under the grill/broiler and cook for about 5 minutes until bubbling, and the cheese has melted and is turning golden brown.

  12. While the fish is under the grill/broiler shell the eggs and chop.

  13. Once the fish is cooked, garnish with the chopped egg and serve.

Updated: July 15, 2019

Poached Salmon with a Herb Sauce

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Poached Salmon with a Herb Sauce

 

For that added special touch, this lovely creamy herb sauce of parsley, chives and tarragon covers these simply cooked poached salmon fillets.

 

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Poached Salmon with a Herb Sauce
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • a few peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp tarragon vinegar
  • 3 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), yolks only
  • 170g (6 oz) butter, cut into small cubes (¾ cup, or ½ stick)
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • salt and freshly milled black pepper


  • To serve
  • baby potatoes and green beans

  • You will also need a large shallow frying pan/skillet with lid


  2. Method
  3. This is one dish where everything needs to be prepared before starting to cook.

  4. Cut four slices from the lemon and then juice the remainder.

  5. Lay the salmon fillets side by side in the shallow pan/skillet.

  6. Add the lemon slices, bay leaf, and peppercorns.

  7. Cover the salmon with cold water and add the lid.

  8. Now bring the water to a boil and then remove the pan/skillet from the heat and leave for 5 minutes to finish cooking the salmon.

  9. Meanwhile, add the lemon juice to a small pan along with the vinegar.

  10. Bring to a boil and then let it bubble rapidly over a medium heat until it has reduced by half. It will reduce very quickly so you need to watch it. Pour into a small bowl and leave to cool a little. (Remove it from the pan so the heat from the pan won’t reduce the mixture further.)

  11. Next bring a little water to a gentle simmer in another pan.

  12. Whisk together the egg yolks in a bowl that will fit over the pan of simmering water and add the cooled vinegar and lemon juice.

  13. Place the bowl over the pan and add the butter, one cube at a time, whisking until it has melted. Continue whisking until all the butter has been added and the sauce has thickened.

  14. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the bowl immediately from the heat and stir in the herbs. Season.

  15. Using a fish slice, drain the salmon fillets and lay them on four serving plates.

  16. Pour the sauce over each fillet and serve.

Updated: July 10, 2019

One-Dish Lamb Pasta

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One-Dish Lamb Pasta

 

Simple to prepare, this tasty pasta dish gets cooked in one pan in just under 30 minutes. Lamb is cooked in a red wine, tomato and thyme sauce with farfalle (bow-tie pasta). Great served with a leafy salad, and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

 

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One-Dish Lamb Pasta
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 27 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and sliced
  • 450g (1 lb) lamb mince/ground lamb
  • 400g can (½ x 28 fl oz can) chopped/diced tomatoes
  • 150ml (5 fl oz) red wine (⅔ cup)
  • 1 heaped tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée/paste
  • salt and freshly milled black pepper
  • 600ml (20 fl oz) vegetable or chicken stock (2½ cups)
  • 170g (6 oz) farfalle pasta(3 cups)
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • fresh Parmesan to garnish

  • To serve
  • A leafy salad and crusty bread

  • You will also need a large sauté pan with lid and four pasta dishes.


  2. Method
  3. Heat the oil and add the onion and lamb to the pan. Brown the meat over a medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking up any clumps of lamb.

  4. Now add the tomatoes, red wine, thyme, tomato purée/paste, seasoning, and stock. Stir everything together then bring the sauce to the boil. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

  5. Next stir in the pasta and continue to simmer, uncovered, for a further 12 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender. Stir occasionally.

  6. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

  7. Spoon into the four dishes and top with a little grated Parmesan.

  8. Serve with a leafy salad and crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.

Updated: July 10, 2019

Classic Blackberry and Apple Crumble

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Classic Blackberry and Apple Crumble

 

The best time to think of cooking blackberry and apple crumble is in late summer when wild blackberries are ripe and free for the picking. They have a much fuller flavour than cultivated ones and the best cooking apples are also just coming into season.

However, rather than not enjoying this true classic dish if you can’t gather wild blackberries, it is still delicious made with cultivated ones which are in season now.

The classic crumble topping is made mixing flour, sugar and butter together and then spooning over the blackberries and apples. Just pop in the oven to bake. Oh so good.

 

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Classic Blackberry and Apple Crumble
Prepares: 4 good portions
 
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 45 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 170g (6 oz) flour (1 cup + 3 tbsp)
  • 170g (6 oz) caster/white sugar (¾ cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 115g (4 oz) chilled butter, diced (½ cup, or 1 stick)
  • 450g (1 lb) Bramley apples/cooking apples (2 large or 3 medium)
  • 340g (12 oz) blackberries (2½ cups)

  • To serve
  • Serve with custard, cream, vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

  • You will also need a deep ovenproof dish.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) (gas 4).

  4. Sift the flour into a bowl and add the cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

  5. Now mix in half the sugar and put to one side.

  6. Peel, core and slice the apples. Put into a large bowl and add the remaining sugar. Toss to coat the apples.

  7. Next gently mix in the blackberries.

  8. Tip into the ovenproof dish and lightly smooth the surface.

  9. Spoon the crumble mixture evenly over the top but do not press down.

  10. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the top is beginning to brown and the juices are bubbling up around the edges.

Updated: July 10, 2019

Chicken Goujons with a Mustard Sauce

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Chicken Goujons with a Mustard Sauce

 

Chicken goujons are a great hit with young family members, with or without the mustard sauce. (They can always leave the creamy mustard sauce for the grown-ups!)

The lemon and thyme marinade makes the chicken really juicy and tender before it is covered in breadcrumbs and sautéed. Served with a creamy sauce which has a blend of mustards and a little horseradish for an extra kick.

 

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Chicken Goujons with a Mustard Sauce
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Marinading time: at least 2 hours
  • Refrigeration time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the goujons
  • 3 large chicken breasts cut into strips, about 400g (14 oz)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tbsp flour, seasoned
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ cups fresh, fine white breadcrumbs (3 slices bread)
  • oil for frying (not olive oil)


  • For the sauce
  • 140ml (5 fl oz) crème fraîche (⅔ cup)
  • 1½ tsp Dijon or English mustard
  • 1½ tsp whole-grain mustard
  • ½ tsp horseradish sauce

  • To serve
  • Can be served with sautéd potatoes (see recipe below) and fine green beans


  2. Method
  3. For the goujons
  4. Place the chicken strips in a shallow dish. Sprinkle over the thyme and lemon juice and then add 4 teaspoons of the olive oil. Cover, refrigerate, and leave to marinade for at least 2 hours.

  5. Now spread the seasoned flour on a plate or put in a plastic storage bag.

  6. Lightly beat the egg in a shallow bowl and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

  7. Spread the breadcrumbs over a second plate.

  8. Now drain the chicken and pat dry.

  9. Next toss the chicken strips in the seasoned flour, then dip them into the egg and finally roll in the breadcrumbs until well coated.

  10. Place on a plate and chill for 15 minutes.

  11. Heat a little oil in a large frying pan/skillet. You want just enough to prevent the chicken from sticking. Add the chicken and fry over a medium–low heat for 10 minutes, turning frequently, until crisp and golden all over.

  12. Roll them on kitchen paper to absorb any oil before serving.

  13. For the sauce
  14. Just stir all the ingredients together until combined and serve separately for dipping.

Updated: July 10, 2019

 

 

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Sautéed Potatoes
 
  • Ingredients
  • 675g (1lb 8 oz) (about 4–5 medium) potatoes, cut into even-sized pieces
  • salt and freshly milled black pepper
  • 2½ tbs olive oil


  2. Method
  3. Place potatoes in a pan with cold, salted water to cover. Bring to the boil and simmer for 7 minutes. Now drain and leave for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle. Dice into 1 inch chunks.

  4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan/skillet over a medium heat. Season potatoes and add to pan. Cook, turning frequently, until browned, crisp and cooked through, about 10–15 minutes.

Updated: July 10, 2019

Pork Escalopes in a Herb and Mustard Sauce

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I have had this recipe for quite a while and have used Greek yogurt to make the sauce. However, cooking with Greek yogurt can be tricky because it will curdle if it gets too hot, so you do have to be careful. 
 

Pork Escalopes in a Herb and Mustard Sauce

 

Pork escalopes are sautéed for just 6 minutes and then covered with a creamy oregano and whole grain mustard sauce. Another dish that is super quick and delicious for summer.

 

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Pork Escalopes in a Herb and Mustard Sauce
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 675g (1 lb 8 oz) baby potatoes, scrubbed (about 12)
  • 340g (12 oz) fresh runner beans/flat beans, thinly sliced diagonally OR
  • whole french beans/fine green beans
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 450g (1 lb) pork tenderloin
  • 120ml (4 fl oz) each of chicken stock and cider (½ cup) OR
  • 240ml (8 fl oz) chicken stock (1 cup)
  • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • 150g (5 oz) crème frâiche (¾ cup)
  • 4 fresh oregano stems
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • You will also need a large sauté pan.


  2. Method
  3. Cut the pork into four pieces. One at a time, place a piece between cling film/plastic wrap and flatten it by carefully bashing with a rolling pin.

  4. Remove the leaves from the stems of oregano and chop.

  5. Now put the potatoes in a pan of boiling, salted water and simmer for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain.

  6. Put the beans in another pan of boiling, salted water, or use a steamer, and cook until tender.

  7. Meanwhile, heat the oil in the sauté pan and add the pork. Over a medium heat, cook for 3 minutes until beginning to brown then turn and repeat on the other side. Remove from the pan, cover, and keep warm.

  8. Next add the stock to the pan along with the cider, if using, and the mustard. Stir to combine and let it bubble for about 5 minutes to reduce a little.

  9. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the crème frâiche, oregano, and lemon juice. Return the pork to the pan, turn to coat with the sauce. Put the pan over a low heat for 2 minutes to warm everything through.

  10. Serve with the vegetables.

Updated: July 4, 2019

Posh Raspberry Mess

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Posh Raspberry Mess

 

This is a grown up version of the famous Eton Mess but with raspberries. Raspberries are drizzled with framboise, a raspberry liqueur, and then folded with crushed meringue shells into mounds of whipped cream.

 

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Posh Raspberry Mess
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time without making the meringues: 10 minutes
  • Preparation time including making the meringues: 18 minutes
  • Cooking time if making the meringues: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Standing time if making the meringues: 2 hours

  • Ingredients
  • 350ml (12 fl oz) double cream/heavy or whipping cream (1½ cups)
  • 4 meringue shells*
  • 450g (1 1b) raspberries, washed
  • 2 tbsp framboise/raspberry liqueur, optional

  • *This dish is a great way to use up any left-over meringue. However, if making the meringues especially for this dish, follow the recipe below and prepare these first.

  • For the meringue
  • 2 eggs, large (U.K.)/extra large (N.A.), whites only
  • 115g (4 oz) caster/superfine sugar (½ cup + 1 tbsp)

  • You will also need 4 glass dessert dishes or sundae glasses.


  2. Method
  3. For the meringue
  4. Preheat oven to cool, 140°C (275°F) (mark 1)

  5. Whisk the egg whites until they are stiff. Gradually whisk in the sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking well between each addition until stiff and glossy.

  6. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Dab a little meringue on each corner of the baking sheet first to keep the lining in place.

  7. Spoon 6 mounds of meringue onto the baking parchment. Bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until the meringues will lift from the paper easily. Turn off the oven but leave the meringues in the oven for a further 2 hours. This will allow the meringues to completely dry out.

  8. For the fool
  9. Pat dry the washed raspberries and put in a bowl, reserving 12 for later.. Drizzle over the framboise, if using, and set to one side.

  10. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks.

  11. Roughly crush 4 meringue shells and fold into the cream.

  12. Just using a few strokes, fold in the raspberries along with any juice.

  13. Divide between the glass dishes and top each one with three reserved raspberries.

  14. Note
  15. This summer dessert still tastes delicious without the framboise. It just misses that little bit extra. To make your own, see Drinks – Framboise Liqueur.

Updated: June 28, 2019

Easy Summer Trifle

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Easy Summer Trifle

 

A very refreshing summer trifle with fresh raspberries and strawberries, that is very quick and easy to prepare.

 

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Easy Summer Trifle
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Standing time: about 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 1 pkt. sponge fingers, lady fingers or trifle sponges
  • 4 tbsp raspberry conserve
  • 115g (4 oz) small strawberries (about ¾ cup)
  • 115g (4 oz) raspberries
  • 2 tbsp sherry
  • Bird’s custard
  • 120ml (4 fl oz) double cream/whipping or heavy cream (½ cup)

  • You will also need 4 glass dessert dishes.


  2. Method
  3. Break enough of the sponges into pieces to fit the base of each dish.

  4. Then spoon over 1 tablespoon of raspberry conserve in each dish, and level.

  5. Wash and pat dry the fruit. Hull the strawberries and cut in half. Reserving 4 raspberries and 8 half strawberries for decoration, equally divide the rest amongst the four dishes.

  6. Now sprinkle ½ tablespoon of sherry over the fruit in each dish and leave while preparing the custard so the sherry can be absorbed by the fruit and sponge.

  7. Make up 480ml (16 fl oz) (2 cups) of Bird’s custard, according to the directions on the packet. Pour into a small jug and cover the custard with clingfilm/plastic wrap to prevent it from forming a skin. Leave until just cold.

  8. Spoon the custard equally into the four dishes.

  9. Now whip the cream until soft peaks form and put a dollop on top of the custard.

  10. Decorate the cream in each dish with two strawberry halves and a raspberry.

  11. Serve.

Updated: June 28, 2019