Recipe

6 chicken thighs, skin and bone removed 1 tablespoon oil 175g chopped leeks 2 carrots, peeled and finely sliced 1 onion finely chopped 25g butter 2 tablespoons oil 100ml white wine or dry cider 350ml chicken stock 75ml double cream 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 stalks soup celery shredded Handful chopped parsley

Heat the oil in a large frying pan until smoking hot. Season the chicken with salt and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside. Add the butter to the pan and then add the leeks, carrots, soup celery and onions. Cook for a minute then add the wine. Cook for 2 minutes and add the stock. Return chicken to pan, place a lid on top and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cream and mustard and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the parsley and check seasoning.

Recipe

1 onion, finely chopped 1 stick celery, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 50g butter 1 medium potato, peeled and diced 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock 1 head broccoli

Heat the butter in a saucepan and add the onion, celery and garlic. Add a lid and cook on gentle heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the stock and potato and simmer until the potato is soft. Separate the florets from the broccoli and finely shred. Finely dice the stalks as finely as to you can and add to the pan while the potato is cooking. Add the shredded florets and cook for 2 minutes. Blend to a smooth puree and check seasoning. ½ soda farl, cut into 1cm dice 2 tablespoons oil 15g butter

Heat the oil in a pan and add the diced farl. Cook until golden then add the butter and continue to cook until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives 2 tablespoons sour cream Spoon the soup into bowls, drizzle over some sour cream, scatter over the croutons and chives.

Recipe

Apple sponge puddings with clotted cream

125g soft butter + extra for greasing 50g castor sugar 1 large egg 125g self raising flour 100ml apple juice 2 red eating apples 2 dessertspoons Demerara sugar

Butter 4 individual pudding moulds or ramekins and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper and set oven to 190oc. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy – will take about 5 minutes at full speed with an electric mixer. Fold in the egg then the flour and juice. Peel, core and dice the apples and toss in the Demerara sugar. Butter a piece of foil on the unshiney side and place loosely on top of the puddings. Place in a baking dish and fill the dish half way up with boiling water. Place in oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Turn out onto a dish apple side up. Serve warm with a teaspoon of clotted cream for each pudding.

Recipe

Chocolate cracknell 150g golden syrup 75g butter chopped 30g cocoa powder 100g chopped dark chocolate 150g cornflakes

Line a cake tin with parchment paper. Place the syrup, butter and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the chocolate and turn off the heat. Stir until the chocolate is melted and mix in the cornflakes until completely coated. Press into the cake tin and level off the top. Cool and then chill to set. Remove from tin and cut into pieces.

Whiskey custard cream 300ml whole milk 50ml whiskey 3 egg yolks 100g castor sugar 10g plain flour 15g cornflour

Place the milk and whiskey in a saucepan and heat until simmering. Whisk the yolks with the sugar, flour and cornflour until well combined. Pour half the milk mixture onto the yolk mixture and whisk well. Pour back into the remaining milk and stir gently over low heat, constantly until the mixture thickens. Pour into a clean bowl and cover the surface with cling or parchment paper. Cool and then chill.

250ml double cream

Whisk the cream to stiff peaks and fold into the chilled custard. Spoon or pipe onto the cracknel.

Damson Cheesecake Cream

Damson Puree

500g damsons 200g granulated sugar

Place the damsons and sugar in a pan and allow to gently simmer until the fruit is pulpy and any fruit removed from the stone. Scoop out the stones with a peascoop or a slotted spoon.Blend the pulp and then pass through a sieve. Store in sterilized jam jars.

250g mascarpone 150ml double cream 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 2 tablespoons icing sugar 150ml natural thick yoghurt 200g damson puree

Whisk the mascarpone and cream until thick. Fold in the vanilla, icing sugar and yoghurt. Ripple the damson puree through the cream. Spoon into 4 bowls and drizzle more damson puree on top.

Blackberry thumbprint biscuits

Blackberry jam

750g blackberries 350g granulated sugar

If you don’t have a temperature probe place a saucer in the freezer. Place blackberries in a heavy based saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the sugar and bring the mixture to the boil then turn heat down to a simmer. Cook until the mixture reaches 105oF on a probe or add a little to the chilled saucer and it should set straight away. Should take about 10 minutes of simmering to get to this stage. Spoon into sterilized jam jars and seal.

250g plain flour 150g butter, diced 75g castor sugar 2 egg yolks Blackberry jam ( or jam of your choice)

Rub the flour and butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the sugar and then add the egg yolks. Bring together. Line 2 trays with parchment paper and set oven to 180oc. Make small balls of the mixture ( around 25g each) and place on trays. Press your thumb into the middle of each biscuit and add some jam. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Roast Apricots 8 apricots 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Cut the apricots in half and place cut side up in a baking dish. Mix the honey with the sugar and drizzle over the top of the fruit. Place in a 180oc oven for 15 minutes.

Coffee Cream 50ml espresso 275ml double cream 75g chopped white chocolate 250g mascarpone 2 tablespoons icing sugar

Warm 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.

Nut Crunchies 380g mixed nuts ( I used almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios) 165g castor sugar Set the oven to 180oc and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scatter over the nuts and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Bash the nuts and sugar together in plastic bag to coarse crumbs.

75g egg white 85g sugar Whisk the egg whites to soft peaks and add the sugar in a steady flow. Fold in the nut mixture. Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Take a tablespoon of the mixture, roll with wet hands and place on the trays. Bake in a 180oc preheated oven for 30 minutes or until crisp. Allow to cool. Will keep in an airtight container for a couple of weeks.

Spoon the apricots into 4 glasses, top with the coffee cream and serve the crunchies on the side.

Flatbread dough 200g plain flour 200g spelt flour or medium wholemeal 7g instant dried yeast ½ teaspoon salt 25ml good local rapeseed oil or olive oil 75ml buttermilk 150ml lukewarm water

Mix the flours with the yeast and the salt and make a well in the middle. Add the oil, buttermilk and water and mix to a dough – add a little more water if necessary. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover for an hour.

Chorizo and onion topping with scarmorza cheese 100g sliced chorizo 1 tablespoon oil + more for cooking the flatbreads 4 onions, finely sliced 125g coarsely grated scarmorza cheese or substitute cheddar

Heat the oil in a pan and add the chorizo. Cook for a minute then add the onions. Cook gently until golden and soft. Divide the dough into 4 and roll each piece into a thin circle. Add a tablespoon of oil to a large frying pan and when hot add the flatbread. When bubbles appear flip over, lower the heat and spoon over a quarter of the chorizo mix and scatter over a quarter of the cheese. Place a pan on top and cook for about 4 minutes or until cheese has melted and bottom is cooked.

Smoked paprika dressing 150ml sour cream 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste Whisk together and drizzle over the hot flatbreads.

Oat shells

75g rolled oats 50g plain flour 75g soft brown sugar 50g cold butter diced 1 teaspoon honey 1 egg yolk

Rub the oats, flour and butter together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add the sugar, honey and egg yolk and mix to a dough. Lightly butter a 12 hole tartlet tray and set oven to 180oc. Divide the mixture into 12 pieces – you can eyeball this or weigh the mixture and divide by twelve. Take pieces of the dough and roll into a ball with wet hands then flatten to fit into the hole. Repeat with all the mix and then bake for 12 minutes. Allow to cool in the tray for 10 minutes then remove.

4 red eating apples 1 dessertspoon honey 25g castor sugar Juice half a lemon

Place the lemon juice in a bowl. Cut the apples in quarters, peel and remove the core and then cut into small dice. Toss in the lemon juice. Place the honey, sugar and apples in a pan and cook until apples have softened but still intact. Drain the apples and place in a bowl. Boil the liquor to a thick syrup and add to the apples. Cool.

250ml double cream 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar 1 dessertspoon whiskey – optional

Whip the cream and fold in the sugar and whiskey. Spoon the apple mixture into the oat shells. Pipe or dollop the cream on top.

275g coarsely grated courgette 1 onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg 75g plain flour 75g chickpea flour 1 teaspoon chipotle chilli paste ½ teaspoon seasalt Oil for cooking

Mix the courgette, onion and garlic with salt. Add the egg, flours and chilli and mix to a batter. Cover the bottom of a frying pan with oil and when medium hot add tablespoons of the batter. Cook for about 2 minutes each side or until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and serve.

You can cook them in batches and keep warm in the oven until all are cooked.

Tomato Salad 350g local tomatoes, halved or larger ones quartered 1 small red onion or 2 shallots finely sliced 150g olives ( I used tinned anchovy stuffed green olives) cut in half 1 teaspoon capers finely chopped 1 tablespoon good balsamic vinegar 50ml good olive oil Handful basil leaves Salt and pepper to taste

Place the tomatoes in a bowl and mix in the onion, olives and capers well.Season with salt and pepper. Mix the balsamic with the oil and toss into the mixture with the basil. Leave for 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe

Homemade mayonnaise 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon white wine or cider vinegar 200ml light vegetable oil or good local rapeseed oil Juice of 1 lemon ( keep the zest for the crab) Salt to taste

Blend the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar together for a minute then slowly trickle in the oil,blending as you do. When fully incorporated add the lemon juice and check seasoning. This is more than you need for the crab but store in the fridge for up to a week.

Crab salad 200g white crab meat 100ml of mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill – keep a few fronds for on top Zest of lemon from above Salt and pepper to taste

Pick through the crab in case there’s any rogue shells. Mix in the remaining ingredients and check seasoning.

Pickled radish 10 radishes, finely sliced 2 shallots, finely sliced 50ml cider or white wine vinegar 50ml water 2 teaspoons castor sugar ½ teaspoon salt

Place the vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a pan and cook until sugar has dissolved. Mix the radishes and shallots in a bowl and add the pickle liquor. Chill for a few hours, giving the odd stir. What you don’t use can be stored in the fridge in a clean jam jar.

Savoury French toast 1 brioche loaf cut into rectangles ( make breadcrumbs from trimmings) 2 eggs 100ml milk 50g butter

Whisk the eggs and milk together and season with salt and pepper. Dip the bread in ensuring its covered. Melt the butter in a pan ( you might want to do this in two batches and keep cooked warm in the oven). Fry the bread until golden all over.

Spoon the crab mixture on top and garnish with the pickled radish and shallots. Add a few sprigs of dill.

Recipe

Almond crumble 25g soft butter 30g plain flour 25g finely chopped almonds nuts 30g castor sugar

Rub the butter and flour together to coarse crumbs. Rub in the sugar and nuts.

Raspberry Clafouti 300g raspberries, tossed in 25g castor sugar and 3 tablespoons brandy or whiskey 30g melted butter plus more for greasing 2 tablespoons Demerara sugar 3 eggs 40g castor sugar 250ml whole milk 75g plain flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brush a baking dish with butter and scatter over the Demerara sugar. Set oven to 180oc. Whisk the eggs with the sugar until pale and creamy – will take about 8 minutes at full speed with an electric mixer. Sieve in sugar and add the milk. Whisk to a smooth batter and then whisk in the vanilla, flour and melted butter. Spoon the raspberries and any juices into the dish and pour the batter on top. Scatter over the crumble and bake for about 25 minutes. Serve straightaway from the oven.

White chocolate cream 250ml double cream 50g white chocolate finely grated Whisk the cream and fold in the chocolate.

Recipe

4 x 175g lamb leg steaks Oil for brushing Salt and freshly ground pepper

Brush the lamb leg steaks lightly with oil and season with salt. Place on hot barbecue and cook for a few minutes to your liking on each side. Remove from grill, season with pepper and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Barbecued broadbeans 1kg broadbeans in the pod

Place on a hot barbecue and cook for about 3 minutes each side or until slightly scorched. You could do this on a ridged grill pan. Allow to cool slightly and then pop out of shells.

Zhoug Handful coriander , chopped Handful parsley, chopped 75ml good local rapeseed oil or olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh chopped red chilli Pinch sugar Pinch ground cloves Crushed seeds from 6 cardamom pods ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 clove garlic Salt to taste

Blend to a smooth sauce and season to taste.

2 little gem lettuce, separated into leaves

Arrange the lettuce on a platter. Slice the lamb and arrange around the platter. Spoon over the zhoug. Would be lovely with some new season potatoes.

Recipe

2 duck breasts Salt to season 2 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar ¼ large watermelon 1 cucumber 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce Juice and zest 1 lime 2 tablespoons mint leaves 4 scallions, chopped Handful coriander 50ml light oil

Score the fat on the duck and season with salt. Place fat side down in a cold pan over low heat and gently cook until the duck fat is golden and crisp – will take about 15 minutes. Turn over and cook through. Rest the duck breast ( keep the fat for potatoes or roast vegetables). Peel the watermelon and cut into 2cm dice. Peel the cucumber and finely slice. Mix a tablespoon of the honey with the vinegar, lime juice, zest, sesame oil, oil and soy sauce. Brush the rested duck breast with the remaining hot and heat in a clean pan to caramelize. Slice thinly. Mix the cucumber, watermelon, mint and scallions and dressing with half the dressing. Spoon onto a platter and arrange the duck on top. Scatter over the sesame seeds and coriander.

Blackcurrant compote

350g blackcurrants, stems removed 100g castor sugar Simmer in a pan for 5 minutes then cool.

Lemon sabayon cream 3 egg yolks 75g castor sugar 50ml Limoncelllo or zest and juice 1 lemon 250g mascarpone 100ml double cream

Place in a heat proof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and is pale. Remove from heat and continue to whisk for a couple of minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in the mascarpone until smooth then whisk in the cream for a couple of minutes – the mixture should be like thick custard. Spoon the blackcurrant into 4 bowls and top with the sabayon. Chill until ready to serve.

Lemon and pistachio crumble 50g plain flour 40g butter, at room temperature 50g castor sugar Zest 1 lemon 50g shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set oven to 180oc. Rub the flour and butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the pistachios and lemon zest well. Spread onto the baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes or until firm and golden. Cool on the tray then bash with a rolling pin to bread up into coarse pieces. Sprinkle some over the sabayon before serving. The rest can be kept in an airtight container for a couple of weeks – good with strawberries and cream too.

Fennel butter 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 200ml dry white wine 250g soft butter Large handful fennel herb chopped ( substitute any soft herb like basil, chives, parsley etc)

Cook the shallot and garlic in the oil until golden. Add the wine and reduce until none of the liquid remains. Blend with the butter and fennel to a smooth paste. Roll in cling in the shape of a sausage and chill. Can be divided up and frozen in batches.

350g fregola ( or substitute orzo pasta) 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for brushing 200g heritage tomatoes, cut into 2cm chunks 1 yellow courgette 1 green courgette 200ml vegetable stock 1tablespoon balsamic vinegar 75g grated parmesan 50g fennel butter ( or just use regular butter) Chopped parsley, lovage to finish

Slice the courgettes in half lengthwise then cut into ½ cm thick strips. Brush with oil and cook on a hot griddle pan to scorch for about 2 minutes each side – season with salt. Chop the courgettes into chunks. Cook the shallot and garlic in the oil until golden then add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 4 minutes. Add the courgettes and stock, place a lid on top and simmer for 5 minutes. Cook the fregola in boiling salted water for about 7 minutes. Add the balsamic and butter to the courgette mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Drain the fregola well and add to the mixture. Add half the parmesan and herbs and mix well. Spoon into bowls and top with the remaining parmesan.

Recipe

150ml double cream 150ml whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 3 leaves gelatine 125g castor sugar 350g Greek style yoghurt

Soak the gelatine in cold water for 10 minutes. Place the cream, milk, vanilla and sugar in a pan and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Squeeze the water from the gelatine and add to the mixture and remove from heat. Cool to room temperature and fold in the yoghurt. Pour into 4 glasses and set in the fridge for a few hours.

Strawberry Jelly

200g strawberries chopped 50g castor sugar 100ml cider 2 leaves gelatine

Soak the gelatine in cold water for 10 minutes. Place the strawberries,sugar and cider in a pan and simmer until the berries are soft. Blend to a smooth puree and add the gelatine leaves. Pass through a sieve. Brush a plastic container with oil and line with cling. Pour in the jelly mixture. Allow to set in the fridge for a few hours. Remove from container and cut into squares.

250g strawberries, hulled and halved 1 teaspoon castor sugar

Mix the strawberries and sugar well and leave for 10 minutes.

Recipe

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced in 4 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon English mustard powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon onion granules ¼ teaspoon salt Few grinds pepper Oil for brushing

Place the chicken in a bowl. Mix the smoked paprika, mustard, garlic, sugar, onion granules salt and pepper together. Take a teaspoon of the mixture out for the corn and mix the rest thoroughly in with the chicken. Allow to marinate for a few hours in the fridge. Thread onto skewers. Alternatively you can rub the whole thighs with the spice mixture.

Cider spritz 200ml dry cider 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Place in a pan and boil to reduce by half. Place in a spritz bottle if you have one.

Brush the kebabs with oil and grill for 3 minutes each side on high barbecue heat. Spritz or brush with the cider mixture as you grill and turn.

Grilled corn salad 2 corn on the cob Oil for brushing Salt Teaspoon spice rub 1 leek, split and washed 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Brush the corn with oil and season with salt. Grill until scorched all over. Remove niblets and season with the spice mix. Brush the leek with oil and grill on both sides for a couple of minutes each side. Season with salt and then chop and mix into the corn with the vinegar. Season to taste.

Chipotle Sour cream 200ml sour cream 1 teaspoon chipotle chilli paste Salt to taste

Whisk together and serve on the side.

Recipe

Pineapple 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 cream

Place 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.

Recipe

4 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 honey

Boil 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.