Cooking with Paula McIntyre

RecipePineapple semifreddo with candied white chocolate and coconut crumb Pineapple semifreddo 2 egg yolks 100g castor sugar 150ml pineapple juice Zest and juice 1 lime 25g cornflour 200g pineapple flesh, blended 350ml double creamPlace the egg yolks, sugar, pineapple juice, lime juice and zest and cornflour in a saucepan and whisk until smooth. Place over heat and whisk constantly until thick . Spoon immediately into a bowl and add the pineapple puree. Allow to cool. Whip the cream and fold into the mixture. Brush a one pound loaf tin with oil and line with cling film. Spoon the mixture in, cover and freeze.Toasted coconut and burnt white chocolate crumb 100g white chocolate, chopped 35g desiccated coconut Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set the oven to 140oc Spread the chocolate over the tray and cook for 10 minutes. Sprinkle over the coconut and cook for another 5 minutes. Cool then chop the mixture. Remove semifreddo from the tin 20 minutes before you serve. Slice and roll in the crumb. Serve with more sliced pineapple if you wish.

Recipe4 x 200g pork shoulder chops 200ml dry cider 500ml water 15g seasalt 30g brown sugar 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 clove garlic, smashed 2 sprigs fresh rosemary Place the cider, water, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, garlic and rosemary in a pan and simmer until sugar and salt have dissolved. Cool completely. Place the chops in a container and cover with the brine. Cover and chill overnight. Remove from brine and pat dry on kitchen paper.1 tablespoon oil 150ml dry cider 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honeyBoil the cider, Worcestershire, vinegar and honey until reduced by half. Rub the oil on the chops and place on barbecue or hot pan. Cook for 2 minutes each side then lower the heat and brush with the glaze for another 3 minutes each side or until cooked through. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.Grilled apple and walnut salad 2 red eating apples Oil for brushing 75g walnuts toasted in a pan for a minute and coarsely chopped 2 red onions 1 little gem lettuce 200ml sour cream 100ml olive oil or good local rapeseed oil 2 tablespoons of chopped lovage or a mixture of chopped parsley and celery leaves Salt and pepper to taste Quarter and core the apples and brush with oil. Cook on the barbecue or grill pan to scorch and soften. Peel the onions, ensuring root intact and then cut in half through the root and into 3 wedges from each half. Brush with oil and cook on the barbecue until scorched and softened. Season with salt and pepper. Chop the apples and onions in half and toss in the walnuts. Whisk the sour cream and oil together and add the lovage or parsley mix. Season to taste and mix into the apple mixture. Separate the gem into leaves and arrange on a plate with the salt in the middle of them. Slice the pork and arrange around.

Tonnato 125g tinned or jarred tuna, drained weight 1 garlic clove, peeled Juice of half a lemon 1 egg yolk 1 small handful parsley leaves 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 150ml good quality local rapeseed oil or olive oil Salt and pepper, to season Put all the ingredients, except the oil and seasoning, into a food processor or a bowl suitable for an immersion blender, and pulse until smooth. While pulsing, add the oil, bit by bit, then blend until smooth. The consistency should be loose, but not runny – somewhere between single and double cream. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt and pepper, as needed.Grilled asparagus 12 spears asparagus Oil for brushing and drizzling Seasalt Shaved parmesan Fresh oregano or basil leaves Peel the bottom of the asparagus with a vegetable peeler and break off the rough part at the end. Bring a pan of boiling water to the boil and add the asparagus. Cook for a minute and drain well. Brush with oil, season with seasalt and cook on a hot grill pan or barbecue for a minute each side to mark.Spoon the tonnato, shave over some parmesan, add a few oregano or basil leaves and drizzle over a little more olive oil. Serve the asparagus on the side.

Crème Caramel with orange, date and sherryCrème Caramel 500ml whole milk 225g castor sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 4 eggs + 1 yolk Take 4 x approximately 200ml ramekins or 4 metal pudding bowls and place on a folded towel or blue cloth in a roasting tin. Set the oven to 130oc. Heat 100g of the sugar in a pan and cook until a golden amber colour. Divide among the bottom of the ramekins and allow to set. Place the milk and vanilla in a pan and bring to a simmer. Whisk the eggs and yolk with remaining sugar and pour over the hot milk. Whisk then pass through a sieve into a jug. Pour into the ramekins. Pour boiling water half way up the outside of the ramekins in the pan and cook for about 45 minutes or until wobbly but set. Cool in the tray and then chill in the fridge. Orange,date and sherry salad 2 large oranges 75g chopped dates 50g dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 50ml Pedro Ximenez sherry Peel the oranges with a serrated knife, including the pith. Segment the oranges by going in between the membranes and removing the segments. Squeeze the remaining juice into a pan and add the dates, vanilla, sugar and sherry. Bring to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Cool and mix in the orange segments. Place the bottom of each ramekin into a pan of boiling water, run a sharp knife around the edges and turn the pudding, sugar side up onto plates. Arrange the orange salad around the plate and serve.

4 x 175g fillets hake, scaled and pinboned 200ml water 15g seasalt 2 tablespoons oil 25g butter Place the water and salt in a pan and bring to a simmer until salt has dissolved. Cool completely then submerge the hake in the brine and leave for an hour. Remove and pat dry on kitchen paper. Heat the oil in a large non stick frying pan ( or line a frying pan with parchment paper to ensure no sticking). Add the oil and heat until hot. Add the hake, skin side down and press into the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until skin is golden. Add the butter and cook for a minute then flip over a cook through on the other side for a couple of minutes. Allow to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.Cucumber and dill veloute ½ cucumber 1 shallot, finely chopped 15g butter 150ml dry white wine or dry cider 200ml chicken stock 75ml double cream 2 tablespoons chopped dill Salt to taste If you have a small melon baller, make about 20 balls out of the cucumber. If not, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then in half again. Scoop out the seeds and cut the cucumber into 1cm dice. Cook the shallot in the butter over low heat until soft – about 5 minutes. Crank up the heat and add the wine. Boil until reduced by half. Add the stock and boil to reduce by half again. Add the cucumber and cream and boil to spoon coating consistency. Check seasoning and add the dill. Dulse pickled shallots 2 shallots, peeled and sliced as thinly as you can 50ml cider vinegar 50ml water 2 teaspoons castor sugar 1 tablespoon dulse Bring the cider, water, sugar and dulse to boil until sugar has dissolved. Check seasoning and add the shallots. After an hour remove the dulse and shred finely. Add back to the shallots. When ready to use, drain off. Serve the hake with the sauce around and some pickled shallots on top with a few sprigs dill.

Chocolate buttermilk slab cake 275g castor sugar 125g chopped dark chocolate 90g butter 175ml water 225g plain flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda 100ml buttermilk 2 eggsSet the oven to 170c. Line a brownie tin with parchment paper. Place the sugar, chocolate, butter and water in a saucepan and cook gently until the chocolate and butter have melted. Cool Whisk in the buttermilk and eggs. Sift the flour and baking soda together and fold into the mixture. Spoon into the cake tin and bake for 45 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool and remove from tin.Raspberry ripple cream 100g frozen raspberries 50g castor sugar 500ml double cream 1 tablespoon icing sugar Cook the raspberries and castor sugar for 5 minutes then press through a sieve. Cool. Whip the cream and sweeten with the sugar. Fold the raspberry puree through the cream. To assemble 125g fresh raspberries Dehydrated raspberries ( optional) Fresh mint or angelica Cut the cake in half and spread two thirds of the cream on top. Place other chocolate half on top. Pipe the remaining cream on top and add raspberries. Scatter over the dehydrated raspberries, add a few leaves of mint or angelica and serve.

400g haloumi, cut into 12 slices ½ small onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Zest and juice 1 lemon 1 teaspoon fresh oregano or ¼ teaspoon dried 25ml olive oil Blend the onion,garlic, paprika, lemon, oregano and oil to a smooth paste. Rub all over the haloumi and marinate in the fridge for a few hours, 8 slices sourdough bread Soft butter to spread 75g finely grated hard cheese like parmesan or vintage gouda Butter the bread on both sides. Arrange the haloumi over 4 slices and scatter over half the hard cheese. Place the other slice on top. Place in a grill pan or large frying pan and sprinkle some of the hard cheese on top. Cook for a couple of minutes then flip and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Cook until golden and crisp on both sides. Tzatziki 400g thick Greek style yoghurt 1 cucumber Zest of 1 lemon Juice of half the lemon 1 clove garlic, grated finely 25ml olive oil 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill Salt and pepper to tasteCut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Chop the cucumber into 1cm pieces and mix in with the remaining ingredients.

4 pork chops about 150g each 2 eggs 100g plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper 100g panko breadcrumbs (crispy Japanese crumbs available in most supermarkets) or regular breadcrumbs 50g finely grated parmesan oil for fryingSet the oven to low heat – about 80°c. Beat the eggs in a dish. Place the seasoned flour in another and mix the crumbs and parmesan in another. Place a chop on a sheet of parchment, top with another sheet and beat with a rolling pin to flatten into escalopes. Dip the escalopes in the flour, then the egg and then cover with the crumbs. Heat a thumb nail depth of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Place a wire rack on a roasting tray. Add the escalopes one or two at a time into the oil – don't over crowd and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden and crisp. Place on rack and in oven while you cook the rest.Apple and celery salad 4 stalks of celery from inside 1 Granny Smith apple 150ml sour cream 100ml olive oil or good local rapeseed oil 2 tablespoons chopped lovage or parsley Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon white balsamic or cider vinegar 2 little gem lettuces, leaves separated washed and patted dry on kitchen paperSlice the apple thinly until you get to the core then slice another side until the core is exposed. Cut the slices into thin matchsticks. Arrange the leaves around a bowl. Slice the celery thinly on the bias and mix in with the apple. Whisk the sourcream, oil, vinegar and lovage together and season to taste. Toss in the celery and apple and spoon over the leaves. Serve with the schnitzel.

Meringues 3 egg whites 175g castor sugar 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon cornflour Set the oven to 120oc and line a baking tray with parchment paper.Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl to stiff peaks. Slowly add the sugar, whisking all the time. Whisk in the vinegar and cornflour. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe circles onto the tray and then pipe up on each to make a nest. Bake for about an hour or until set. Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool in the oven. Crushed berry and coconut cream 100g frozen mixed berries 35g castor sugar 200ml double cream 25g desiccated coconut toasted in a dry pan until goldenSprinkle the sugar over the berries and leave until defrosted. Crush with a fork. Whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold in the berries and all but a teaspoon of the coconut. Lime Curd Zest and juice of 3 limes 3 egg yolks 100g castor sugar 25g cornflour mixed with 35ml water 75g butter, cut into dice Place the lime zest and juice in a pan and bring to the boil. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and cornflour mixture then add to the lime mixture. Whisk until smooth and thick – be careful the eggs don't curdle. Remove from heat and add the butter a little at a time whisking until melted between each increment. Cover with cling, cool and chill/ To assemble – Remaining teaspoon of coconut Zest of 1 lime Spoon the crushed berry cream into the meringues and pipe some of the lime curd around ( the rest will keep in a clean jar in the fridge for a couple of weeks) Sprinkle over the coconut and lime zest.

150g chopped dark chocolate 300ml double cream 25g soft brown sugar 4 egg yolks 2 tablespoons plain flour 25ml whiskey or rum ( optional)Butter 4 ramekins and set oven to 200°c. Place chocolate, cream and sugar in a pan and heat gently, stirring until the chocolate melts. Whisk the yolks with the flour and rum in a bowl until smooth. Mix in the chocolate mixture well and pour into ramekins. Place in a roasting dish and pour bowling water half way up the ramekins. Bake until just set – about 25 minutes.Roasted cherries 200g cherries, stoned 25g soft brown sugar 15g butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon brandy or cherry liqueurHeat the butter and sugar in a pan until butter has melted. Add the cherries and vanilla and cook for 5 minutes. Flame with the brandy. Spoon onto the puddings, dust with icing sugar and serve.

Pot roast bacon 1 kg bacon loin joint 2 onions, roughly chopped 1 bay leaf Few sprigs thyme Place the bacon in pot that fits in the oven and add the onions, bay, thyme and cover with water. Add a lid and cook at 180°c for about an hour and half. Remove bacon and allow to rest. When ready to serve – place in a pan fat side down and cook until golden. Slice and serve with the accompaniments. Grilled cabbage and scallions 1 sweetheart cabbage 10 scallions Oil for cooking Salt for seasoningCut the cabbage in half through the root and cut each half into 3 wedges through the root. Brush with oil, season with salt and cook on a hot grill pan for about 3 minutes each side and on its side until soft. Remove. Brush the scallions with oil and cook on the pan until wilted on both sides. Season with salt.Proper parsley sauce 500ml of stock from cooking the bacon including the onions ( discard bay and thyme) 25g butter 15g plain flour Handful curly parsley roughly chopped – don't be shy with the handful! 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 50ml creamMelt the butter in a pan and mix in the flour. Add the stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the parsley, mustard and cream. Check seasoning and then blend to a smooth sauce. Potatoes 1.5kg local potatoes scrubbed 25g butter Place the potatoes in a pan of cold water and season with salt. Cook gently until just done. Drain well toss in the butter and serve.

200g medium egg noodles 4 scallions finely chopped 1 tablespoon finely chopped kimchi 2 eggs whisked with a fork 1 teaspoon sesame oil 25ml soy sauce Oil for cooking Cook the noodles according to the pack and drain well. Toss in the sesame and cut them up roughly with knife and allow to cool. Mix in the eggs, scallions, kimchi and soy very well. Take a small pan or one big one and cover the bottom with oil and when hot add a handful of the mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes on high heat and flip over. Add a little more oil and cook for another 2 minutes or until crisp on both sides. Repeat with rest and keep warm in a low oven.Hot and sour peanuts 200g peanuts 1 tablespoon gochujang 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 clove garlic finely grated 1 tablespoon sumac 1 tablespoon castor sugar 50ml rice wine vinegar Whisk all the ingredients apart from the peanuts. Heat a pan and add the nuts. Toss around for a minute and add the mixture. Cook to coat for a minute. Allow to cool and chop coarsely. To assemble 2 scallions, finely chopped 2 tablespoons crispy onions, chopped 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds Sprigs coriander 2 tablespoons mayonnaise mixed with 1 teaspoon gochujangPlace pancake on a plate. Mix half the peanuts with scallions and onions. Sprinkle on top of the pancake and then sprinkle over sesame and coriander. Serve with mayo.

200g plain flour 100g cold butter 35g icing sugar 1 egg Rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and mix well. Make a well in the centre and add the Mix to a dough Wrap in cling and chill for 20 minutes.Apple and blueberry filling 3 medium cooking apples 3 red eating apples 250g frozen blueberries 25g butter 75g castor sugar Pinch allspice ½ teaspoon cinnamon Peel, core and chop the apples into 2cm pieces. Heat the butter and sugar in a skillet or pan that can go into the oven. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes to soften. Add the blueberries and spices. Cool.1 egg yolkRoll out the pastry to in a circle to fit over the apple mixture. Place on top and tuck in. Trim the edges. Roll the trim and cut into leaf shapes. Brush the top with egg yolk then add the leaves. Brush with egg yolk. Bake in a 180oc oven for about 30 minutes or until golden, crisp and bubbling. Custard 2 egg yolks 25g castor sugar 1 tablespoon cornflour 100ml whole milk 200ml whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste Place the milk and cream in a pan and scald. Whisk the yolks, sugar and cornflour together. Pour over the hot milk mixture and whisk. Pour back into the pan with the vanilla and whisk constantly until thick. Serve immediately with the skillet apple and blueberry pie.

150g wholemeal flour 100g plain flour Pinch salt 50ml vegetable oil 150ml waterMix the flours, salt and oil in a bowl and add a little water a time to combine to a soft dough. Knead and then place in a bowl for 20 minutes to rest. 200g potatoes, peeled and diced 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger 1 teaspoon finely chopped chilli 1 teaspoon garam masala ½ teaspoon chilli powder 25g butter 1 tablespoon chopped coriander Boil the potatoes until soft and drain well. Mash them. Fry the onion, ginger and chilli in the butter until golden. Mix into the potatoes with the chilli powder and coriander and cool. Divide dough into 6 Roll into an 8cm circle. Place a sixth of the potato mixture in the middle and fold over and seal with a little water round the edges. Form into a ball and roll out to a 15 cm circle Rub a hot pan with a little butter and cook the paratha on one side for about 2 minutes. Brush the top with a little butter and flip and cook for 2 minutes on the other sideCoriander chutney Handful fresh coriander 2 teaspoons lime pickle, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped Juice ½ lime 50ml oil Salt to taste Blend together and check seasoning.

Gingerbread 75g butter + extra for buttering 100g dark muscovado sugar 100g golden syrup 35g crystallized ginger roughly chopped 50ml whole milk 1 egg 2 teaspoons ground ginger 150g self raising flour Icing sugar to dustLightly butter a cake tin and dust with flour, shaking off the excess. Set oven to 180°c. Place butter, sugar and syrup in a pan and gently cook until the sugar has dissolved. Cool for 5 minutes. Blend the egg, crystallized ginger and milk together. Whisk into the butter mixture and then mix in the flour and ground ginger to a smooth batter. Pour into the tin and bake for about 40 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn onto a plate and dust with icing sugar.Candied Tangerines 4 tangerines 50g castor sugar Pinch cinnamonPeel the tangerines and slice in half. Heat the sugar in a large hot pan and cook until caramelized. Add 50ml of hot water and cook to thick syrup. Add the cinnamon and then the tangerines cut side down. Cook until candied and allow to sit in the pan to cool. You should end up with a caramelized sauce.Date molasses yoghurt 250ml Greek style yoghurt 1 tablespoon date molasses 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix the vanilla into the yoghurt and then swirl in the date molasses. Slice the cake, add some of the candied tangerines and cooking juices and serve with the yoghurt.

200g fine noodles 25g grated root ginger 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 scallions finely chopped 1 aubergine cut into 2cm dice 100g of either cooked bacon or ham chopped 1 tablespoon tomato puree 1 teaspoon gochujang or chilli paste 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 100ml oyster sauce Oil for cooking Cook the noodles as per pack instructions, drain and toss in the sesame oil. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok and when smoking add the aubergines, cook until golden and set aside. Wipe out the wok and add another tablespoon of oil. Add the onions, garlic and ginger and cook until golden. Add the bacon and cook for a minute. Add the chill paste and tomato puree and cook for a minute stirring around. Add the oyster sauce and return the bacon and aubergines to the wok with the noodles. Stir well to combine. Spoon into bowls and top with the sesame seeds and scallions.

Paula's "Burns Night" SupperHaggis stuffed chicken thighs 6 chicken thighs, skin on, bone removed 75g crumbled haggis 75g sausage meat 25g breadcrumbs 1 onion, finely chopped Mix the haggis, sausage, crumbs and onion well. Place chicken on a board, skin side down and divide the stuffing among the thighs. Roll up the thighs to enclose the stuffing. Take a square of foil, place chicken on top, wrap up into a parcel and twist the ends. Repeat with remaining chicken and place in a roasting tray. Add 100ml of water and bake for 30 minutes at 180oc or until an internal temperature of 75oc is reached. Allow to rest for 10 minutes in the foil. Whiskey sauce 2 shallots, finely chopped 35g butter 50ml Scotch 200ml chicken stockCook the shallots in 15g of the butter until soft and golden. Add the stock and boil to reduce by half. Remove chicken from foil and strain any juices into the pan. Boil until sauce is spoon coating consistency. Lower heat and whisk in remaining butter, check seasoning.Brown butter mashed turnip1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into 1cm dice 50g butter Salt and pepper to taste Boil the turnip in salted water until soft. Drain well, return to pan and dry out before mashing. Heat the butter in a separate pan and cook until foaming and then nutty. Add to the turnips and mix well. Check seasoning for salt and add lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Flaky pastry225g plain flour 150g butter Pinch salt Cold water to bind Wrap the butter cling and place in freezer for 45 minutes. Mix the salt and flour together and then grate the butter from frozen into the bowl. Mix together then rub to breadcrumb consistency. Add cold water to bind, mix to a smooth dough, roll into a sausage shape and chill for an hour. Roll into a rectangle about 50cm x 30cm on a floured surface. Take a third of the pastry and fold into the middle and fold over the top third. Turn by 180 degrees and roll into the same size rectangle and fold in the same way. Divide the pastry roughly in half but with one side a bit bigger than the other. Roll out the smaller side into a 30cm round and place on a parchment lined baking tray. Use a knife to cut round a plate and use the trimmings for the top. Roll the other piece into a 40 cm round. Place on parchment paper and chill until ready to assemble.Mushroom Duxelle 350g mushrooms, sliced 1 tablespoon oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 25g butter 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Heat the oil in a large pan until smoking hot. Add the mushrooms and cook for a minute. Dot the butter around and add the shallots. Cook until mushrooms and shallots are golden. Add the balsamic and season with salt and pepper and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Blend to a smooth puree. Cool2 large potatoesPeel the potatoes, cut into 1cm slices and cook gently in water until just cooked. Drain and pat dry on kitchen paper.250g greens – (I used cavalo nero but spinach, chard etc would be great) 2 onions, finely sliced 25g butter ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 200ml double cream Salt and pepper If using cavalo nero, remove the stalk in the middle and coarsely chop the leaves. If using chard, remove the stalks, chop them finely and coarsely shred the leaves. Spinach is ok as it is Heat the butter in a pan and cook the onions until golden and soft. Add the greens and cook to wilt down for a couple of minutes – season well with salt and pepper. Add the nutmeg and cream and cook until the cream coats the greens and isn't watery. Allow to cool1 egg yolk 50g grated To assemble – Arrange the potatoes on the pastry in the baking tray leaving a 2cm gap around the edges. Sprinkle over half the parmesan. Arrange the greens on top with the remaining parmesan and finally the mushroom duxelle. Brush the edges with egg yolk and place the other piece of pastry on top, pressing down. Crimp the edges and place a wee hole in the top with a skewer. Brush with the remaining egg yolk and make lines from the top to the edges with a cocktail stick. Set oven to 190oc and bake the pie for about 30 minutes or until crisp and golden.Pickled walnut ketchup2 onions, peeled and finely chopped 2 tablespoons oil 1 clove garlic 4 pickled walnuts chopped 100ml red wine vinegar 75g dark muscovado sugar 50g stoned dates, finely chopped 1 teaspoon smoked seasalt 250ml water Cook the onions in the oil until soft and golden. Add the pickled walnuts, garlic, vinegar, sugar, dates, salt and water and simmer for half an hour. Blend to a smooth puree. Cool and serve with the pie.

Mulled fruit 250g frozen mixed berries 100g castor sugar 200ml water 2 cloves 1 cinnamon stick, split in half 150ml red wine 4 large pears 4 plumsPlace the berries, sugar, cloves, wine, cinnamon stick and water in a pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the cloves and cinnamon and blend to a smooth sauce and pass through a sieve into another pan. Peel the pears and cut in half through the root. Remove core with a melon baller or teaspoon and place in the berry liquor. Cover with a sheet of parchment and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Cut the plums in half, remove the stone and add to the pan. Simmer until pears and plums are just done. Remove pears and plums and boil the liquor to reduce by half. Return the pears and plums to the pan and allow to cool. Chop into 1cm pieces. You'll have a bit more fruit than you need but it will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge.Jelly 200ml of cooking liquor 2 leaves gelatine Soak the gelatine in cold water for 10 minutes. Heat the liquor and add the gelatine leaves. Pour into a dish, cool and chill until set. Coconut sponge 225g soft butter 225g castor sugar 4 eggs 200g self raising flour 20g cornflour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 50g desiccated coconut soaked for 10 minutes in 150ml boiling water Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Sift the flour, cornflour and baking powder together and fold into the mixture. Add the coconut and vanilla. Pour into a prepared cake tin and bake at 180°c for about 40 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Cool Will make a bit more than you need but will keep for a week or freeze the excess. Alternatively use a Madeira sponge. Vanilla custard 3 egg yolks 50g sugar 15g cornflour 250ml whole milk 100ml cream 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extractWhisk the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour.Scald the milk, cream and vanilla and then pour over the egg mixture. Whisk and return to pan. Stir until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Pour into a bowl and cover the surface with cling. Cool and then chill. Alternatively buy ready made custard. Orange and cinnamon cream 500ml double cream Zest and juice 1 orange 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon icing sugar Boil the orange juice, zest and cinnamon together until only a tablespoon of liquid remains. Cool. Whisk the cream and fold in the sugar and orange mixture. To Assemble – Fruit liqueur Edible gold glitter Cut the sponge into 1cm dice and place in the bottom of 6 individual trifle bowls or one big one. Drizzle over some fruit liqueur. Spoon over some of the fruit. Cut the jelly into cubes and spoon over the fruit. Top with custard. Pipe the cream over the top and spray with edible gold glitter.

2 pears, cored and chopped finely 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped 2 small onions, peeled and finely chopped 25g butter 500g sausage meat 35g chopped chestnut 75g breadcrumbs Handful chopped parsleyCook the onions gently in the butter until soft and golden and add the rosemary, cook for a minute and then cool. Mix into the sausage meat with the breadcrumbs, pears, chestnuts and parsley. Press into a buttered baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes at 180oc. Sweet and smoky cranberry sauce 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon oil 1 dessertspoon tomato puree 350g frozen or fresh cranberries 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Dash Worcestershire sauce 75g soft brown sugar 25ml cider vinegar Cook the onion in the oil until soft then add the tomato puree and cook for a minute. Add the cranberries, paprika, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and vinegar and cook gently for about 20 minutes. Check seasoning. Can be pureed with a blender or left as is.

Braised carrots with leeks and sprouts 500g carrots, peeled and sliced thinly 2 onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, ground 25g butter 500ml vegetable stock 375g leeks, split, washed and chopped 500g sprouts, trimmed and cut in half through the rootHeat the butter in a large casserole pan and the onions and garlic. Cook until soft and add the carrots. Cook with a lid on over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. Add the fennel seeds and cook for a minute. Pour over the stock, add the lid and leave for about 15 minutes. Add the leeks and return the lid. After 5 minutes add the sprouts and place lid on again. Cook for about 8 minutes or until sprouts are cooked through. At this stage the liquid should have been absorbed but if not crank up the heat for a couple of minutes. Crispy parsnips with parma ham 4 medium parsnips, scrubbed, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise 50g plain flour ½ teaspoon salt Few grinds black pepper ¼ teaspoon mustard powder 2 teaspoons onion granules 2 eggs 25ml milk 100g panko breadcrumbs 6 slices parma ham, shredded Oil for cooking Steam or boil the parsnips until just done. Pat dry on kitchen paper and cool. Mix the flour with the salt, pepper, mustard and onion granules. Whisk the egg and milk in a separate bowl. Dip the parsnips into the flour and coat. Shake off the excess and dip in the egg then roll in the crumbs. You could do this stage the day before. Heat a thumb nail depth of oil in a pan over medium high heat. When you add a crumb and it sizzles add the parsnips – don't over crowd the pan do it in batches and keep warm in the oven. Cook until golden and crisp all over. Add the ham to the pan and cook until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. Place the parsnips on a platter and scatter over the parma ham and serve.

Mince Pies with Streusel Topping and Orange Cream Homemade Mincemeat 100g ice cold butter, coarsely grated 200g dark brown sugar 2 Armagh Bramley apples, peeled, cored and coarsely grated zest and juice 1 lemon zest and juice 1 orange 50ml rum or orange liqueur 150ml Port 100ml Brandy 600g dried mixed fruit – I like a mixture of dried cranberries, cherries,figs, sultanas, pear and raisins 2 teaspoons mixed spice 1 round preserved ginger, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground clovesPlace everything in a bowl and mix well with your hands to incorporate all the ingredients. Place in sterilized jam jars, seal with a lid and leave for at least 3 days before using.Pastry 225g plain flour 110g cold butter 35g icing sugar 1 egg Rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and mix well. Make a well in the centre and add the egg. Mix to a dough.Wrap in cling and chill for 20 minutes.Butter 2 x 12 hole pie tins. Roll out the pastry and cut into rounds and press into the tins. Streusel Topping 125g plain flour 110g butter 50g chopped nuts 50g Demerara sugarRub together until the mixture resembles crumbs. Spoon mincemeat into the bottom of the pie cases and then top with some of the streusel. (You'll have more mincemeat than you need for this recipe but it keep in the fridge for a couple of months) Heat oven to 180°c. Place pies in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden on top. Cool for a few minutes before removing from tins.Orange cream 250ml double cream Zest 1 orange 1 tablespoon icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla paste Whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold in the orange zest, sugar and vanilla. Serve with the warm mince pies.

Crostini with triple crème cheese, roasted grapes and walnut 1 ciabatta loaf 200g red seedless grapes, removed from stem 1 tablespoon oil 1 teaspoon seasalt 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary 2 rounds triple crème cheese 4 walnut halves Slice the bread as thinly as you can with a serrated knife and place on a couple of baking trays. Bake in a 180°c oven until crisp and golden – about 10 minutes. Cool. Place the grapes into a baking dish and drizzle over the oil. Scatter over the salt and rosemary and place in a 180°c oven for about 25 minutes or until the grapes are blistered. Cool. To serve – slice the cheese thinly and place on a crostini, top with a few grapes and then finely grape walnut on top. Crostini can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. The grapes can be stored in the fridge for up to a fortnight.Crostini with local prawns, roast tomato, chilli and horseradish1 ciabatta loaf 1 x 350g pack frozen local prawns, defrosted Juice and zest 1 lemon 1 teaspoon salt 250g cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tablespoon oil ( I used a basil rapeseed oil) 1 teaspoon finely chopped red chilli or chilli paste 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce 75g mayonnaise 75g sour cream Salt and pepper to taste Citrus balsamic pearls and dill fronds to garnish Prepare the crostini as above. Fill a pan with half a thumb depth of water and season with half a teaspoon of the salt. Add the lemon juice and zest and bring to a simmer. Add the prawns, cook for a minute then turn off the heat. Leave for 2 minutes then drain and cool. Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and drizzle over the oil and remaining salt. Cook in a 180°c oven for about 20 minutes. Cool. Mix the prawns with the cherry tomatoes (strain off the juice), chilli, horseradish, mayo and sour cream. Mix well and check seasoning. Spoon onto the crostini and garnish with the dill and balsamic pearls.

Chicken and leek minestrone soup with walnut and parsley pesto toasts Chicken and leek minestrone soup 1 small chicken, about 1kg 2 onions, peeled and quartered 1 stick celery, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1 bay leaf 1 large leek, split, washed and chopped 25g butter 75g macaroni pasta 1 tin borlotti beans Large handful parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Place the chicken in a pot and add the onions, celery, garlic and bay. Season with salt and pepper and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer, place a lid on and cook until fork tender on the stove – about an hour and a quarter. Alternatively place in a casserole and cook in a 180oc oven for a couple of hours. Remove chicken and set aside. Remove bay leaf and blend the liquor. Cook the leeks in a pot with the butter, season to taste and cook until soft – about 5 minutes. Add the blended cooking liquor, bring to a simmer and add the pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Meanwhile rip the chicken from the carcass. Add the shredded meat to the pot with the beans and parsley. Check seasoning. Walnut and parsley pesto40g parsley coarsely chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 35g walnut halves 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar 50ml olive oil or good local rapeseed oil Salt and pepper to taste Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a minute and coarsely chop. Blend with the remaining ingredients to a thick paste and check seasoning.1 ciabatta loaf 35g parmesan Slice the bread and cook on a hot grill pan until toasted on both sides. Spread over the pesto and top with finely grated parmesan. Serve with the soup.

Chicken with leeks and mustard 8 boneless chicken thighs, skin on 1 tablespoon oil 15g butter 2 shallots, chopped 1 medium leek, split, washed and chopped 100ml dry white wine or dry cider 250ml chicken stock 2 tablespoons double cream 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Heat the oil in a large frying pan until hot and add the chicken skin side down. Cook for about 5 minutes or until skin is golden and crisp. Flip over and cook for 5 minutes on the other side or until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan. Add butter and shallots to pan and cook until shallots are golden. Add the wine and cook for a minute, then add the stock and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. Add the leeks and cook for 5 minutes. Add the cream and mustard and cook for a minute.Return the chicken to pan with resting juices and check seasoning. Serve with the buttered Queens.Buttered Queens 12 medium Queens potatoes, scrubbed Handful parsley, chopped 50g butter Place the potatoes in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook gently until done – should take at least half and hour. Drain well and peel the potatoes. Return to the pan and add the butter and parsley. Add a lid and cook gently for a couple of minutes. Toss around to coat the spuds and serve with the chicken.

Beef sausage stroganoff with parsnip mash 500g beef sausages 1 tablespoon oil 2 onions, finely sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 25g butter 250g sliced mushrooms 1 tablespoon tomato puree 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 150ml beef stock 75ml double cream 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Heat the oil in a large pan and add the sausages. Cook to seal on both sides and then add the onions and garlic. Cook until golden. Add the mushrooms and dot the butter around the pan. Cook until the mushrooms are golden and mix in the tomato puree. Add the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and stock and cook until the stock has reduced by half. Add the cream and mustard and cook to spoon coating consistency. Check seasoning. Parsnip mash 1kg peeled potatoes 200g parsnips, peeled and chopped 200ml whole milk Salt to taste 25g butter Boil the potatoes. Place the parsnips in a pan and cover with the milk. Season with salt and place parchment on top. Cook gently until parsnips are soft. Blend to a smooth puree. Drain the potatoes well and mash with the butter. Mix in the parsnip puree and check seasoning.

6 red eating apples 80g blackcurrant jam 100g self-raising flour 50g butter, coarsely chopped 175g caster sugar 250 ml dry apple ciderPreheat oven to 200C. Butter a baking dish or skillet. Peel, quarter and core the apples. Slice each quarter in half. Spread the jam over the base of the baking dish. Place the apples on top. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine crumbs. Add the sugar and mix well. Whisk in the cider to a smooth batter and pour over the top of the apples. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and firm on top.Apple cream 1 large bramley apple, peeled, cored and chopped 50g castor sugar 250ml double creamCook the apple and sugar until soft. Blend to a smooth puree and cool. Whip the cream and fold in the apple. Serve with the hot pudding.

Coffee Cake 250g soft butter 125g castor sugar 125g soft brown sugar 3 eggs 50g chopped walnuts 225g self raising flour 50g chopped dates 1 vanilla extract Set oven to 180°c and line a loaf tin or baking tin with parchment paper. Beat the butter and sugars together until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then fold in flour, walnuts, dates and vanilla extract. Spoon into the tin and bake for about 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.Coffee and white chocolate cream 35ml espresso 275ml double cream 75g chopped white chocolate 250g mascarpone 2 tablespoons icing sugarWarm 75ml of the cream with the espresso and add the white chocolate. Stir over a low heat until chocolate is melted. Whisk the remaining cream with the mascarpone and icing sugar and mix in the chocolate mixture. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe over cool cake.

250ml double cream 50g soft brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg 100g dark chocolate chopped Simmer the cream, sugar and vanilla until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the dark chocolate and stir until melted. Cool for 5 minutes and whisk in the egg. Pour into 4 ramekins or glasses and chill until set – about 6 hours.Poached plums 4 plums, halved and stoned 50g castor sugar 100ml water Pinch cinnamon 25ml rum – optional Place the sugar and water in a pan and cook until sugar has dissolved. Add the cinnamon and rum and place the plums in. Cover with parchment and cook gently for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool in the liquid. Peel the plums and cut each half in half. Muscovado cream 200ml double cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 25g dark muscovado sugar Whip the cream and fold in the sugar and vanilla. Candied hazelnuts 50g skinned hazelnuts 75g castor sugar 50ml water Place the sugar and water in a pan and cook until the mixture is thick and syrupy but not starting to go brown. Add the hazelnuts and stir. A sugar coating will form on the nuts. Place on a sheet of parchment paper to cool. To assemble – Place a spoonful of the cream on top of the chocolate pot and arrange the plums around. Scatter over some hazelnuts and serve.

75g n'djua 300g cooked baby potatoes, sliced 200g runner beans 2 shallots, finely chopped 100g crumbled feta Slice the runner beans into 3cm pieces and cook in boiling salted water for 3 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Heat the n'duja in a large pan and stir well to break it up. When it starts to melt add the potatoes and cook for minute. Add the shallots and cook for a couple of minutes then add the beans to coat. Spoon onto a platter and crumble the feta on top. Sprinkle over the pumpkin seed picada and serve. Pumpkin seed picada 50g pumpkin seeds 25g breadcrumbs 1 clove garlic minced 25ml olive oil Handful chopped parsley 1 tablespoon sherry vinegarHeat the oil in a frying pan and add the seeds and crumbs. Cook for a minute then add the garlic. Cook until golden and add the parsley and vinegar. Cool and then chop coarsely. Check seasoning.

Brown sugar toasted fruit loaf4 thick slices fruit loaf or barmbrack 75g soft butter 50g soft brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon mixed spiceSet oven to 180°c and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Mix the butter, sugar, vanilla and spice to a smooth paste. Spread over both sides of the loaf and place in oven for 20 minutes, turning over half way.Blackberry cream150g blackberries 75g castor sugar 200g mascarpone 250ml double cream Cook the blackberries with the sugar for 5 minutes then blend to a smooth puree and pass through a sieve to remove seeds. Cool.Whisk into the mascarpone and cream until thick. Poached apples 2 red eating apples 35g castor sugar 100ml water Juice 1 lemonPlace the sugar, water and lemon in a small pan and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Quarter, peel and core apples. Slice thinly and place in hot liquid. Cook for 5 minutes then cool.Spoon some of the blackberry cream onto hot toast and add some poached apples and a few blackberries to garnish.

Pork belly salad with radishes, hot and sour plum sauce 750g pork belly slices 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons cider vinegar Mix the honey, soy and vinegar together and add the pork. Mix well and marinate for a few hours in the fridge. Set oven to 200oc and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the belly on top and cook for about half an hour, turning once. 12 radishes, halved Heat a pan and add the pork to crisp the fat. Add the radishes and juices from pork. Cook until golden. Add a couple of tablespoons of the plum sauce on top of the pork Hot and sour plum sauce250g plums, halved, stoned and chopped 1 tablespoon oil 1 red onion, chopped 100ml cider vinegar 2 star anise 2 cloves garlic, chopped 25g ginger root, chopped 1 red chilli chopped 25ml soy sauce 35g dark brown sugarCook the onion, ginger, chilli and garlic gently in the oil and then add the plums, vinegar, star anise, soy and sugar. Simmer until the plums are soft. Remove anise and blend to a smooth puree. Pass through a fine sieve2 little gem, separated into leaves 4 chopped scallions 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds Toast the seeds and coconut in a dry pan until the coconut is golden. Place the lettuce on a platter or plates. Add the pork, radishes, scallions and sprinkle the seed mixture onto the pork. Drizzle over a little more sauce and serve.

250g bite size pasta like macaroni, orzo 1 ham hock or 250g ham trimmings ( ask your butcher) 2 onions, coarsely chopped 1 stick celery, chopped 2 tablespoons oil 1 medium, leek, split washed and chopped 1 large courgette Bunch basil Bunch parsley 50g finely grated parmesanPour boiling water over the ham hock or ham trimmings and place in a pot. Add the onion and celery and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 2 hours for the hock ( less for the trimmings) or until fork tender. Remove ham from liquor and allow to rest for 10 minutes then shred the meat. Blend the cooking liquor. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the leeks and courgettes for 5 minutes. Add half the stock ( freeze the rest) and bring to a simmer. Cook the pasta, drain and add to the pan with the herbs and ham meat. Check seasoning. Remove the stalks from the basil and set aside. Chop the basil leaves and parsley and add to pan with half the parmesan and mix well. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle over the remaining parmesan.Tomato toasts 8 slices sourdough 8 medium local tomatoes Basil stalks from above 2 tablespoons olive oil or good local rapeseed oilCut the tomatoes in quarters and place in a baking dish. Finely chop the basil and sprinkle over with the oil and season with salt. Bake in a 180oc oven for 15 minutes. Grill the bread and spread the tomato on top. Serve with the pasta.

Chilled rice pudding with whiskey peach compote 200g pudding rice 400ml double cream 100ml whole milk 150ml Greek style yoghurt 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 100g castor sugar Place the rice, 300ml of the milk and sugar in a pan and cook, stirring frequently until rice is soft – about 25 minutes. Turn into a bowl and cover the surface with cling to prevent a skin forming. Cool and then chill. Whip the remaining cream and fold into the chilled rice with the yoghurt.Whiskey peach compote 4 ripe peaches 50g butter 50g soft brown sugar 75ml whiskey Bring a pan of water to the boil and have a bowl of iced water on the side. Score the top of the peaches and place in boiling water for 10 seconds and then transfer to the iced water. Peel the peaches, cut in half, remove stone and cut into 1cm dice. Cook the butter and sugar in a frying pan until the sugar starts to melt. Add the whiskey and peaches and cook until caramelized and coated with the sauce. Spoon the rice pudding into bowls and top with the peaches.

Harissa 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 shallots, chopped 1 tablespoon cooking oil Zest and juice 1 orange 50ml sherry vinegar Pinch cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 50ml good olive oil or good local rapeseed oilCook the chillis, garlic and shallot in the cooking oil until soft and golden. Add the spices and cook for 30 seconds. Add the orange juice and zest and sherry vinegar and cook until it the liquid has evaporated. Blend with the olive oil to a smooth puree. Check seasoning. Carrot Quinoa 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon oil 200g quinoa, rinsed in cold water 600ml vegetable stock 175g coarsely grated carrotCook the onion in the oil until soft and then add the stock. Bring to the boil and add the quinoa. Place a lid on top and gently simmer for about 20 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Add the carrot and replace lid. Leave for a further 10 minutes. Mix up with a fork and add a couple of teaspoons of the harissa and any resting juices from the chicken.Grilled chicken 8 boneless chicken thighs, skin on Oil for brushing Salt for seasoning Heat a grill pan or barbecue until hot and brush the chicken with oil and season with salt. Place skin side on the grill and cook until golden and crispy. Flip over and cook on the other side until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a tray to rest for 10 minutes and brush the top with some harissa. Serve the chicken on the quinoa with more harissa on the side.

Caramelized cherries 250g cherries, stoned and halved 75g castor sugar 125ml boiling water 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract Cook the sugar in a non stick pan until it forms an amber liquid. Carefully add the water as it will spit and cook until thick and syrupy. Add the cherries and vanilla and toss for a couple of minutes to glaze.Chocolate granita 450ml water 2 teaspoons glucose 75g castor sugar 25g cocoa powder 75g chopped dark chocolate Place the water, glucose and sugar in a pan and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate and cocoa powder until chocolate has melted. Cool and pour into a plastic tub. Place in freezer for a couple of hours then fork up the mixture to form crystals. Repeat a couple of times until frozen. 200g crème fraiche Spoon the cherries into bowls and top with granita and a dollop of crème fraiche.

Brined pork chops 4 x 200g pork chops 500ml water 20g seasalt 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 25g light brown sugar Few sprigs thyme or rosemary 1 clove garlic, smashed Place water, salt , mustard seeds, sugar, rosemary and garlic in a pan and simmer until sugar and salt have dissolved. Cool completely. Place pork chops in a container and cover with brine. Leave for 24 hours then pat dry and brush with a little oil. Grill the chops for about 5 minutes each side and half way through the cooking brush with the barbecue sauce to glaze. Give a final brush of the sauce to finish and rest. Any remaining sauce can be placed in a jar and will keep in the fridge for a month.Barbecue Sauce2 tablespoons oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 stick celery, finely chopped 2 shallots finely chopped 2 tablespoons tomato puree 200ml tomato ketchup 200ml water 100ml white malt vinegar 2 tablespoons treacle 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauceFry the garlic, celery and shallot gently in the oil until golden and add the tomato puree. Cook for 30 seconds then add the remaining ingredients. Bring to the boil then simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes. Blend to a smooth sauce then pass through a fine sieve. Corn and potato salad 1kg new potatoes, scrubbed cut to roughly the same size 2 ears corn in their husk if possible 125ml sour cream 100ml buttermilk 75g mayonnaise 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon gochujang or any chill paste 4 scallions chopped 1 tablespoon chopped chives Place the potatoes in a pan of cold water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place the corn directly on grill and cook until black on outside all over. Remove husk and cut the niblets from the corn and place in a bowl. Drain when just done and cut into bite sized pieces and mix into the corn with the remaining ingredients. Toss well and check seasoning.

Herb rice salad 200g basmati rice, boiled for 10 minutes in salted water, drained and cooled 4 scallions, finely chopped Zest from 1 lime Chopped soft herbs like mint, coriander, parsley and chives 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 50ml olive oil or good local rapeseed oil Salt and pepper to tasteMix the scallions, lime zest, herbs, vinegar and oil into the rice. Check seasoning. 1kg frozen raw prawns or scampi, defrosted and patted dry on kitchen paper 2 tablespoons oil 1 bulb fennel 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped Juice of lime from above 50g butter Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok. Cut the fennel in half and remove the core, slice the fennel as thinly as you can and add to the pan. Cook for a minute then add the shallots, garlic and chilli and half the butter. Cook until golden then add the prawns. Cook for about 2 minutes, season with salt and add the juice of the lime. Dot the remaining butter around the pan and stir until melted. Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with the rice salad.

Garlic pork pintxos 8 wooden skewers 600g trimmed pork fillet cut into thin slices 2 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons oil Salt Mix the honey, vinegar, garlic and oil in a bowl. Mix the pork into the marinade and then thread onto the skewers. Place on a hot barbecue or grill pan and season with salt. Cook for about 2 minutes each side or until cooked through. Patatas Bravas Tomato sauce 2 shallots chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons oil 300g new season local tomatoes, halved ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon cumin seeds ¼ teaspoon good quality dried oregano 25ml sherry vinegar Cook the onions and garlic in the oil until golden. Add the tomatoes and spices and cook for 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook for 5 minutes. Season to taste then blend to a smooth sauce. It's more than you'll need for the recipe but will keep in the fridge for a week. 1kg new potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2cm dice 2 sprigs rosemary Oil for cooking Salt to season Place the potatoes in a pan of cold water and add the rosemary. Cook on a gentle simmer until just done – drain well and pat dry on kitchen paper. Cover the bottom of a large frying pan with oil and heating until hot. Add the potatoes and cook until golden and crisp. Add half the sauce and cook for a minute to coat.

Meringues 4 egg whites 225g castor sugar 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon cornflour Set oven to 120oc and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Whisk the eggs in a clean bowl to stiff peaks and fold the sugar in slowly, whisking all the time. Add the vinegar and cornflour and whisk for a minute. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe mounds onto the parchment. Take the back of a teaspoon and make a dent in the middle. Bake for about an hour or until set. Turn off the oven, open the door ajar and allow the meringues to cool. White chocolate cream 500ml double cream 175g white chocolate chopped Take 125ml of the cream and bring to a simmer. Add the white chocolate and stir until melted. Cool for 20 minutes. Whisk the rest of the cream and fold in the cold white chocolate mixture.Gooseberry compote 350g gooseberries, topped and tailed 75g sugar 2 tablespoons elderflower cordialPlace the gooseberries, sugar and cordial in a pan and cook gently until gooseberries are just cooked. Remove gooseberries and boil the remaining liquid to a thick syrup and add back to the gooseberries. Cool.Spoon some gooseberry compote into the dents in the meringue and then pipe or scoop some cream on top. Serve.

8 slices sourdough bread 2 medium courgettes, cut into ¼ cm slices 200g haloumi cheese, sliced 3 tablespoons oil ¼ teaspoon good quality dried oregano 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary ½ teaspoon seasalt Zest 1 lemon ( keep the rest for the dip) Handful of chopped parsley Mix the oil with the oregano, rosemary and lemon zest. Toss in the courgettes and haloumi to coat well. Place the courgettes on hot grill and season with salt. Cook until seared on both sides and slightly soft. Grill the haloumi until marked and add to the courgettes with any remaining marinade and the parsley. Grill the bread to toast on both sides. Cut the lemon in half and grill to scorch. Cannellini bean dip 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans drained 1 small onion finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon cooking oil 50ml good quality olive oil Lemon from above 50g grated parmesan + extra for garnish Salt and pepper to taste Cook the onion and garlic in the cooking oil until soft and golden. Mix in with the beans, olive oil, lemon juice and parmesan. Blend to a smooth puree – add a little water if necessary and season to taste. Spread over the toast and top with grilled courgettes, haloumi, some grated parmesan and a drizzle of oil.

Elderflower cordial 15 elderflower heads, washed 1 litre boiling water 450g castor sugar 1 lemon finely sliced 2 teaspoons citric acidPlace the sugar in a bowl and pour over the boiling water. Add the lemon and elderflower heads and stir well. Add the citric acid and cover for 24 hours. Strain through muslin and store in sterilized bottles.Strawberry and coconut crumble cake with lemon cream325g strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped 50g sugar 25g cornflour Place the chopped strawberries and sugar in a pan with 25ml of water. Simmer for 4 minutes. Mix about 2 tablespoons of cold water into the cornflour to make a paste. Mix into the strawberries and mix well. Set aside to cool.Line a cake tin with parchment paper and set oven to 180oc. Crumble topping 100g plain flour 60g butter at room temperature 30g castor sugar Rub the butter into the flour to coarse crumbs and mix in the sugar.225g plain flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder 50g desiccated coconut 200g castor sugar 75g melted butter 2 eggs 100ml whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix the flour, baking powder, coconut and sugar in a bowl and make a well in the centre. In a separate bowl whisk the butter, eggs, milk and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix to a smooth batter. Spoon half into the bottom of the cake tin and spread well. Cover with the cooled strawberries. Top with the remaining cake mix – don't worry too much about spreading it – dollop it over as much as you can. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top and place in oven. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden on top and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before cutting up.Lemon cream Zest and juice 1 lemon 50g castor sugar 250ml double cream Boil the lemon zest and juice with the sugar to a thick syrup and cool. Whip the cream and fold in the lemon mixture.