Chocolate muffins Recipe
Ingredients Ingredients 125g plain flour 25g cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 1 large egg
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Ingredients Ingredients 125g plain flour 25g cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 1 large egg
Ingredients Ingredients 1 litre vegetable oil, for deep-frying flaked almonds or finely chopped pistachios, to
For the chicken, pour the buttermilk into a wide, shallow dish. Season with pepper and a small pinch of salt. Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper, then put them in the dish and turn them over in the buttermilk to coat well. Leave in the fridge for 1 hr. Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick frying pan. Tip in the panko breadcrumbs and flour, and toast in the dry pan for 2-3 mins until they turn pale brown, stirring regularly so they don’t burn. Tip the crumb mix into a bowl, season with pepper and set aside to cool. To make the curry sauce, heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Tip in the onion, garlic and ginger, and fry for 6-8 mins until the onion is tender and starting to brown. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, chilli powder and tomato purée, and fry for 1 min, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the stock and 250ml/9fl oz water. Add the carrot, soy sauce and honey, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 20 mins, uncovered, until the carrots are tender. Mix the cornflour with 2 tsp cold water, stir into the sauce and simmer for 1 min. Remove from the heat. Whizz the mixture to a smooth purée in a food processor. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, set over a large bowl, pressing it through well with the back of a wooden spoon so enough of the purée goes through to help thicken. Season with a small pinch of salt and set aside. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled. Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Line a baking tray with foil and sit a wire rack (preferably non-stick) on top. Tip the crumb mix onto a large plate, then lift the chicken breasts from the buttermilk (leaving the marinade clinging to it) and roll each one in the crumbs, coating evenly. Heat 1½ tsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add 2 chicken breasts and fry for 1½ mins (without moving them), over a medium-high heat – adjusting the heat if necessary, so that they don’t burn. Turn the chicken over, add another ¾ tsp of oil to cover the base of the pan, and fry for 1 min more. Using a fish slice, transfer the chicken to the wire rack, then wipe any crumbs from the pan and repeat with the rest of the oil and chicken. Bake the chicken in the oven (on the wire rack) for 15 mins until cooked and crisp. Warm the sauce through briefly, remove the chicken from the rack and slice each one into 5 pieces. Serve with the sauce, sticky rice and mixed leaves.
Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the duck legs and brown on all sides for about 10 mins. Remove to a plate and set aside. Add the onions to the pan and cook for 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further 1 min, then stir in the cinnamon and flour and cook for a further min. Return the duck to the pan, add the wine, tomatoes, stock, herbs, sugar and seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook for 2 hrs, stirring every now and then. Carefully lift the duck legs out of the sauce and place on a plate – they will be very tender so try not to lose any of the meat. Pull off and discard the fat, then shred the meat with 2 forks and discard the bones. Add the meat back to the sauce with the milk and simmer, uncovered, for a further 10-15 mins while you cook the pasta. Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and add the pasta to the ragu. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and cook for 1 min more, adding a splash of cooking liquid if it looks dry. Serve with grated Parmesan, if you like.
Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish. Brown the chicken thighs in batches until golden, then transfer to a plate. Add the onions to the dish and cook for 5 mins until soft, then add the chorizo and cook for 2 mins more until the orangey oils are released into the pan. Stir in the flour for 1 min, then add the Sherry and bubble for 2 mins until most has evaporated. Return the chicken to the pan, add the stock, cover with a lid and simmer for 40 mins or until tender. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the chicken pieces out of the pan and transfer to a plate. Use 2 forks to shred the meat into chunky bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, add the cream to the pan, increase the heat and bubble for 10-15 mins until the liquid has reduced to a white sauce consistency. Add seasoning (remembering that the chorizo can be quite salty) and return the chicken to the pan along with the parsley. Transfer to a pie dish (ours was 20cm x 25cm) and place a pie funnel or piping nozzle in the centre. Set aside to cool a little while you prepare the pastry. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin. Brush a little beaten egg around the rim of the pie dish then, using your rolling pin to help, lift the pastry over the dish. Trim away any excess pastry, then pinch the edges with your forefingers and thumb to crimp. Brush with a thin layer of beaten egg. If you like, you can use your pastry offcuts to decorate the pie, then brush with beaten egg. Bake for 45 mins or until golden brown and the filling is piping hot. Serve with your favourite veg.
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Season the chicken thighs well and then dust all over with the flour. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a paella pan or large, deep frying pan. Fry the thighs until golden brown all over, then transfer to a shallow roasting tin and finish in the oven for 30-40 mins. Add the remaining oil, onions and garlic, and fry very gently until soft, about 10-15 mins. Stir in the rice, paprika, saffron and lemon zest, then add the stock and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 mins on a medium heat until the rice is nearly cooked. Add the peas, broad beans and juice of 1 lemon until the rice is just cooked through, along with the veg. Stir through the herbs and as much of the remaining lemon juice as it needs, along with some seasoning. Tuck the chicken thighs back in and cover for 5 mins to let everything settle before serving.
Toss the rabbit joints (or diced meat) with half the flour and some seasoning. Heat half the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and brown the meat on all sides. Lift out the meat, add the remaining oil, the leek and fennel seeds, and fry gently until softened. Stir in the remaining flour until it has disappeared. Add the cider and scrape up any stuck bits on the dish as it comes to the boil, then add the stock, return the meat to the dish, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40-45 mins until the rabbit is really tender and falling from the bone. Lift out the meat and, while you’re shredding it from the bones in big chunks (if you’ve used joints), boil down the cooking liquid to about a third. Stir the cream and mustard into the liquid, taste for seasoning, then stir the rabbit back in. Spoon into a small pie dish or baking dish. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Stick a thin strip of pastry around the edge of the dish. Slice the remaining pastry into 2.5cm-wide strips with a floured knife, then weave into a tight lattice. Lift up carefully, using a rolling pin to help you, then stick on with a little beaten egg. Trim the edges to finish. Brush the top with more egg and bake for 25 mins until golden. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the carrots for 2 mins, then the radishes for 2 mins, followed by the peas for 1 min. Drain. When the pie is done, melt the butter in a small frying pan. Add the drained veg with the sugar, turn up the heat and fry to caramelise a little. Serve immediately alongside the pie.
If you have time, soak the chicken in the buttermilk (not regular milk) overnight. To make the cornbread, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Grease 6 holes of a muffin tin, or a special cornbread tin if you have one. Tip the dry ingredients into a bowl and separately beat the eggs with the buttermilk or yogurt. Pour over the dry ingredients and beat together to make a batter. Divide the batter between the holes and bake for 20 mins until puffed up. Remove the tin from the oven and leave to cool. Put a rack in a roasting tin in the oven. Tip the polenta, flour and spices into a food bag with a generous pinch of salt and some pepper. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk, add a few pieces to the bag and shake to coat in the flour mixture, then place on a plate. Heat a decent puddle of oil in a large frying pan or wok and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. When all the chicken has been fried, place it on the rack and bake for 30 mins until completely cooked through. Serve with the cornbread and some coleslaw.
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Put the chicken in a large roasting tin, then put a few onion slices, garlic cloves, a small piece of the ginger and 1 star anise inside the chicken. Brush chicken all over with the sesame oil. Pour over the stock, then scatter all of the remaining veg into the tin. Grate the rest of the ginger and garlic over the chicken and veg, and add the remaining star anise to the stock. Cover the chicken with foil and roast for 1 hr. Remove the foil twice to baste the chicken with the liquid. Mix the soy and sugar together. Remove the foil and pour over the soy mixture, then return to the oven for 15-20 mins. Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for 10 mins. Set aside and keep warm. When the chicken is cooked through – the juices should run clear when a sharp knife is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh – remove from the tin and rest on a plate covered with foil. Pour a ladleful of the juices from the tin into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Mix the cornflour with 2 tbsp cold water and add to the pan. Heat, stirring continuously, until thickened. Strain the gravy into a jug. Stir and press the onions to squeeze out any extra juices. Drain the potatoes and mash with the olive oil. Serve half the chicken with the veg and half the gravy. Save the rest for Chicken, vegetable & noodle soup (see ‘goes well right’, right)
Heat the oil in a wok or large saucepan. Add the onion and stir-fry for 5 mins until turning golden. Add the garlic, ginger, chicken, pak choi and sesame seeds, and stir-fry for 5 mins or until the chicken is cooked. Mix the cornflour with the soy sauce, chilli sauce and lemon juice. Add to the pan and stir-fry for 1 min. Serve straight away with extra soy sauce and egg noodles or rice, if you like.
Mix together the shredded chicken, soured cream, yogurt or mayonnaise with the pesto. Season. Lay a slice of cheese on each wrap, then divide the chicken mixture between them. Sprinkle with red pepper or sweetcorn, then top with the lettuce leaves. Be careful not to overfill or it will be tricky to contain all the filling. Wrap and roll each one, then pack in a lunchbox or tightly wrap in foil.
Melt the butter in a wide frying pan and add the shallots, herbs and some seasoning. Cook gently for 10 mins until very soft. Spoon the shallots into a food processor and discard the herbs; pour the butter into a jug, leaving 1 tbsp in the pan. Turn up the heat in the pan and add the livers. Season and fry for 30 secs on each side or until just browned all over. They will still be very raw inside. Take out of the pan and put in the processor. Splash the Sauternes into the hot pan and reduce by half, scraping up any tasty bits as it bubbles. Tip onto the liver and shallots. Process the livers until totally smooth. With the motor running, slowly pour in the cream and add the eggs, one by one, then the warm butter. Season with 2 tsp sea salt and some pepper, but don’t taste the mixture as it’s still raw. Pass through a sieve, using a spatula to help. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and boil a full kettle. Put 6 heatproof glass tumblers, small Kilner jars or large ramekins into a roasting tin. Pour the parfait into each one. Pour hot water around the parfaits, letting it come as far up the sides as is safe for you to carry. Bake for 45 mins until the parfaits have set without a wobble and risen a little in the middle. Cool at room temperature (I make this more speedy by filling the pan with cold water and letting the whole thing stand on a wire rack), then chill. To make the jelly, soak the gelatine in cold water until it is totally floppy. Heat the wine and sugar until it dissolves, then remove from the heat. Squeeze out as much water from the gelatine as possible, then stir into the wine until totally dissolved. Set aside. When cooled but still liquid, pour this over the top of the parfaits, adding a few thyme leaves here and there. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 30 mins. Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Serve with toast and cornichons.
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onion, garlic, carrot, spices and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook for 10-15 mins on a low heat until softened. If the onion starts to brown, add a splash of water. Meanwhile, cook the mince in a large frying pan until brown and starting to caramelise. Stir the beef in with the onion, add the tomato purée and stock, and simmer for 30 mins until most of the stock has been absorbed. While the beef is cooking, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Tip into a saucepan and cover with cold salted water. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 20 mins. Drain the potatoes and mash together with the chickpeas, butter, milk and za’atar. Stir the peas into the mince and simmer for 2 more mins, then take off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Divide between 4 small freezer-proof pie dishes. Top each with mashed potato and rough up the top with a fork. If serving straight away, put the pies on a baking tray and cook in the oven for 30 mins. To freeze, leave the pies to cool completely, then wrap well in cling film and foil. To cook from frozen, put the pies on a baking tray in a cold oven, turn to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and cook for 1 hr-1 hr 20 mins until piping hot.
For the coleslaw, get your child to mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Season a little and set aside. Place a layer of cling film on your work surface and pop the chicken fillets on top. Cover with another piece of cling film and, using a rolling pin, ask your child to bash the chicken until it is 2-3mm thick. Put the flour on a plate and season, then put the egg on another plate. Get your child to dip the chicken in the flour to coat, then into the egg. Mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a shallow bowl, then ask your child to toss the chicken in the mixture to completely coat in the crumbs. Put the chicken on a plate and chill in the fridge until ready to eat if you’re not cooking them straight away. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a fairly high heat and cook the chicken schnitzels two at a time. Sizzle them for 2-3 mins each side until completely golden, then lift out onto kitchen paper to drain. You can keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the rest. Serve with the coleslaw.
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Cut the lamb into chunky 5-6cm pieces. Tip the flour onto a large plate, season with pepper and a little salt, and toss the lamb in the flour to coat evenly and completely. Set aside. Heat 2 tsp of the oil in a large, deep frying or sauté pan. Put the onions, carrots, swede, thyme sprigs and bay leaves in the pan and season with pepper. Cook on a medium-high heat for 6-8 mins, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick, until the vegetables start to go brown around the edges – the bottom of the pan should be slightly brown and caramelised too. Pour in the stock; it should sizzle then bubble in the pan. Immediately remove the pan from the heat so the stock does not reduce in volume. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Overlap a single layer of the potato slices in the bottom of a 2-litre casserole dish (about 20cm diameter x 10cm deep). Lay half the lamb over the potatoes, then spoon half the vegetable mix over the meat. Season with pepper. Sit the rest of the lamb on top, then tip the rest of the vegetables, herbs and all the liquid over the lamb. Press down with the back of a spoon, if necessary, to make room for the remaining potatoes. Start to layer up the potato slices in 3 tightly overlapping layers, seasoning each layer with pepper and brushing with oil as you go – save a bit of oil for the top layer. Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid and bake for 10 mins. Reduce the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Cook for a further 2 hrs until the lamb is really tender and the potatoes are cooked. Take the lid off and pop under the grill for 8-10 mins until the potatoes are golden and crisp around the edges. Remove and let the hotpot settle for 5-10 mins, then serve scattered with thyme leaves.
Put the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan with the onion, bay leaves and wine. Pour over just enough water to cover, around 200ml. Put a lid on top and bring to a gentle simmer. Poach gently for 15 mins or until the chicken is just cooked. Transfer the chicken to a board and strain the liquid into a jug. Melt the butter in a large non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook for about a minute. Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure the sauce stays smooth. Once all the milk has been added, stir in the reserved cooking liquid and continue cooking for a further 2-3 mins. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut the chicken into small chunks and stir into the saucepan. Add the ham and spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted. Spoon a third of the chicken mixture into the base of a 3-litre lasagne dish (about 26 x 18cm). Top with a third of the lasagne sheets. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with lasagne. Scatter the mozzarella and Parmesan on top and season with black pepper. Can be frozen at this stage (see below). Bake for about 25 mins or until the lasagne is tender, the topping is well browned and the filling hot.
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large, wide pan or flameproof casserole dish with a lid. Season the rabbit and toss in the flour. Add to the hot oil and brown on all sides – you may have to do this in batches. When it is a deep golden brown all over, transfer to a plate. Add the remaining oil and the lardons to the pan and cook for 10 mins until crisp and golden. Add the onion, carrot and celery, and stir for 10 mins, scraping up any crispy bits from the bottom, until the veg has softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min more. Next, stir in the cinnamon, juniper, bay leaves and rosemary. After 1 min, pour in the wine and crumble in the stock cube. Simmer for 5 mins, then add the tomatoes and return the rabbit to the pan. Nestle the rabbit into the sauce, cover with a lid and simmer gently for 2 hrs, stirring once or twice. Remove the rabbit, give the sauce a good stir, then cover again. Continue simmering the sauce while you shred the meat from the bones using 2 forks. Discard the bones and add the meat back to the pan, along with half the chestnuts. Cook, uncovered, for another 30 mins until reduced to a thick, rich sauce. Add the remaining chestnuts. Can now be cooled and chilled overnight, or frozen for up to 2 months. Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Stir the milk, orange zest and parsley into the sauce and reheat, if chilled. When the pasta is cooked, add it to the sauce and cook together for 1 min more. Serve with Parmesan, if you like.
Mix together the mirin, garlic, soy and ginger to make a marinade. Mix 1 tbsp of this into the mayonnaise, then cover and chill. Put the chicken in a large bowl, pour over the remaining marinade and leave at room temperature for 10 mins, or longer in the fridge if you have time. Spread the cornflour over a plate and roll the chicken pieces in it until coated. Heat 2cm oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Carefully add one-third of the chicken and fry for about 8 mins, turning occasionally, until crisp and cooked through. Lift from the oil, set aside on kitchen paper, then repeat with the rest of the chicken. Serve in the rolls with the mayonnaise and lettuce.
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large frying pan, chop the remaining butter into small chunks and put in the fridge. Add the leeks, carrots, parsnips and celeriac to the pan with a splash of water, season, cover with a lid and cook for 10-15 mins, stirring now and then, until the veg is beginning to soften. Stir in 2 tbsp plain flour, then add the stock bit by bit, stirring as you go, until all incorporated and smooth. Cover with a lid and simmer for 20 mins until the vegetables are tender. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 6. Add the ham, all but 2 tbsp of the crème fraîche, and the mustard, season with plenty of black pepper and transfer to an ovenproof baking dish. Put the remaining butter and flour in a bowl and season. Rub together with your fingers to a fine crumbly texture. Add the remaining crème fraîche and mix with a cutlery knife until the crumble clumps together in places. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the filling, then bake for 35-40 mins until crispy and golden on top.
For the gravy, toss the chicken wings in 1 tbsp of the flour, then heat the oil and butter in a large pan. Fry the chicken wings until well browned on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 8-10 mins until soft and turning brown at the edges. When the onions are cooked, add the remaining flour and stir well. Put the chicken wings back in the pan, then add the carrot, bay leaf, stocks and garlic. Bring to the boil and cook for 15 mins. Strain the mixture through a sieve into another pan and simmer for another 10 mins or until thick, seasoning to taste. For the chips, scrub the potatoes but leave the skins on. Chop into chunky chips and put them in a bowl filled with cold water. Pour sunflower oil into a large pan until it is just less than half full, then heat until it reaches 125C. Drain the chips from the water and pat dry with a clean tea towel. When the oil is ready, carefully lower 1/4 of the chips into the pan. Fry for 12 mins, then remove with the slotted spoon and lay on a wire rack covered with kitchen paper. Repeat the process with the remaining chips. When they have all had their first fry, increase the temperature to 190C and fry the chips in small batches again, this time for 5 mins or until golden brown. Sprinkle the chips with salt once done, keeping them warm on a wire rack or grill tray in a low oven while you fry the rest. To finish the dish, pile the chips into deep bowls, warm the gravy and pour it over the chips. Top with pieces of cheese and serve immediately.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the garlic, coriander stalks and lime zest, then fry for 2 mins until fragrant. Stir in the cumin and chilli flakes, fry for 1 min more, then tip in the tomatoes, beans and stock. Bring to the boil, then crush the beans against the bottom of the pan a few times using a potato masher. This will thicken the soup a little. Stir the kale into the soup, simmer for 5 mins or until tender, then tear in the chicken and let it heat through. Season to taste with salt, pepper and juice from half the lime, then serve in shallow bowls, scattered with the feta and a few coriander leaves. Serve the remaining lime in wedges for the table, with the toasted tortillas on the side. The longer you leave the chicken in the pan, the thicker the soup will become, so add a splash more stock if you can’t serve the soup straight away.
Heat the oil in a large pan, add the lardons and onion, and fry for 5 mins until the bacon is starting to crisp and the onion is soft. Add the peppers, chicken and flour, and fry for a further 5 mins or until the chicken is golden brown and the flour is starting to take on a a biscuty colour. Stir in the Cajun spice mix and garlic, then slowly add the chicken stock, stirring all the time. Add the okra, passata and some seasoning and simmer for 20 mins, uncovered, over a medium heat. Stir frequently during cooking to loosen the flour from the base of the pan. Sprinkle over the spring onions and serve with rice and black beans.
Put the potato and parsnips in a very large pan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 mins or until the veg is tender. Meanwhile, cook the chipolatas in a large frying pan. When brown on all sides, transfer to a plate and add 25g butter to the pan. Add the apples and white part of the spring onions. Fry for 5-10 mins until softened and starting to caramelise. Add the kale to the boiling veg for the final few mins, before the potatoes and parsnips are completely soft. When the kale has wilted, drain the veg and leave to steam-dry in the colander. Heat the remaining butter in the same pan – don’t worry about washing it out. Add the green parts of the spring onions and sizzle for a few mins to soften. Add the flour and stock cube to the apples and spring onions, stir for 1-2 mins, then add 400ml water, mixing to a smooth gravy. Return the sausages to the pan and bubble in the gravy for a few mins until heated through. Meanwhile, add the veg to the buttery spring onions, along with the milk and plenty of seasoning, and mash until the potato and parsnips are smooth. Serve the colcannon with the chipolatas and the gravy spooned over the top.
Put the chicken in a bowl with the egg white, sesame oil, cornflour and 1 tsp salt, and mix well. Chill for 20 mins. If you are using oil for velveting the chicken, heat a wok until very hot and then add the oil. When it is very hot, remove the wok from the heat and immediately add the chicken, stirring vigorously to prevent it sticking. After about 2 mins, when the chicken turns white, quickly drain it and all of the oil into a stainless steel colander set over a bowl. Discard the oil. If you are using water instead of oil, do exactly the same but bring the water to the boil in a saucepan before adding the chicken. It will take about 4 mins for the chicken to turn white in the water. If you have used a wok, wipe it clean. Heat it until it is very hot, then add the 2 tsp of groundnut oil. Add the cashew nuts and stir-fry for 1 min. Add the rice wine or dry Sherry and soy sauce. Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 2 mins. Scatter over the spring onions and serve immediately.
Tip the flour into a large jug or bowl. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, whisking as you do. Pour in the milk and continue whisking until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Add the mustard, herbs and some seasoning, then cover and set aside for 2 hrs, or chill overnight. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Heat the oil in a large metal roasting tin or enamel baking dish, roughly 30 x 22cm, with high-ish sides. Wrap a rasher of bacon around each sausage and pop them in the dish with the onion wedges. Place on the middle shelf of the oven (make sure the top shelf is removed to allow space for the batter to rise later). Cook for 15-20 mins until the sausages and bacon are browning and sizzling. Meanwhile, make the gravy. Drizzle a little oil into a saucepan. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 15 mins. Stir every now and then until they are soft and caramelised. Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar, and cook for 5 mins more until sticky. The batter should be the consistency of double cream – if it has become a little thick, add a splash of cold water. Take the batter to the oven, open the door, carefully pull out the shelf and quickly pour the batter around the sausages. Close the oven and do not open it again for at least 25 mins. To finish the gravy, stir the flour into the onions to make a paste, cooking for 1-2 mins. Continue stirring while you splash in the wine, a little at a time, until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Increase the heat and bubble for a few mins until reduced by about half. Add the stock and some seasoning, and continue bubbling for 10 mins while the toad cooks. By now the toad should be puffed up and deep golden brown. If not, continue cooking – but don’t open the oven as it will sink. Serve scattered with the crisp herbs (if using), with the gravy, green veg, and mash, if you like.
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Place the chicken thigh fillets between 2 pieces of cling film and bash with a rolling pin to about 1cm thick. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs on 3 separate plates. Season the flour, then toss the chicken pieces in it to coat, followed by the egg and finishing with a coating of breadcrumbs. Put the breadcrumbed chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 10-12 mins. Meanwhile, in a small pan, melt the butter, then stir in the garlic and cook for 3-4 mins until it is softened. Turn down the heat, whisk in the crème fraîche and most of the parsley and season to taste. Serve the sauce in a small pot on the side, to dip into, sprinkle the remaining parsley over the sauce, and serve with salad leaves and skinny fries, if you like.
Steam or boil the potatoes for 20 mins or until tender. Cut the pressed tofu into 4 rectangles, then splice each rectangle in half, like cutting a deck of cards. Lay the slices on a plate and sprinkle over the soy sauce. Set aside for 5 mins. Meanwhile, make the salsa verde. Put the garlic, basil, capers, oil and sugar into a food processor with 3 tbsp lemon juice. Pulse until roughly chopped. Stir in the olives and season with pepper and a little salt. Put the flour on a plate and season with pepper. On another plate, mix the Parmesan and lemon zest into the breadcrumbs. Beat the egg, mustard and 2 tsp water in a wide bowl. Pat 1 slice of tofu in the flour, then dip into the egg and coat with the breadcrumbs. Set aside. Repeat process until all the tofu is coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the tofu gently until golden brown, about 5 mins each side. Slice into finger-width strips with a serrated knife, then mix together with the watercress and potatoes. Spoon over the salsa verde, drizzle over a little extra olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Place the chicken breasts between 2 pieces of baking parchment and lightly bash with a rolling pin to flatten. Dip each one in the flour to coat on both sides. Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan and fry the chicken for 2 mins each side until golden. Remove and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan and tip in the shallot and carrot. Cook for 5 mins or until soft. Add the chicken stock, citrus juice and zests, soy sauce and honey. Continue to bubble down for 10 mins until thickened. Return the chicken to the pan and turn down the heat. Simmer for 15-20 mins until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water. Season the chicken and serve with the sauce spooned over. Serve with greens and rice.
Heat the butter in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 8-10 mins until softened. Add the bacon and mushrooms, and cook until both are browned. Add the turkey mince, breaking up with a wooden spoon, and cook for another 5 mins until browned. Add the flour, stir for 1 min or so, then pour in the chicken stock and add the thyme. Mix well and cook over a medium heat for 1-2 mins until it boils and thickens slightly. Season to taste and set aside to cool for 10-15 mins. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Once cooled, divide the turkey mixture between 2 ramekins or mini pie dishes. Unroll the pastry and cut out 2 squares to sit on top. Press the edges down the side of the dishes and glaze with the egg yolk. Bake in the oven for 30 mins until golden and cooked through. Serve with wilted spring greens.
Put all the dry brine ingredients in a large dish. Add the chicken, toss to coat well, then cover and chill for 12-24 hrs. Put all the spiced flour ingredients in another dish or a large bowl, add a good grind of black pepper and combine well. Put the buttermilk and egg in another bowl and lightly whisk until well combined. Start to coat the chicken. Using one hand, dip the pieces in the buttermilk, making sure they are completely coated. Using your other hand, roll the chicken in the spiced flour until covered all over. Place the chicken on a wire rack with a baking tray underneath. Now you’re ready to start frying. Fill a deep cast-iron frying pan or heavy- based medium saucepan half full with oil and heat until the temperature reaches 170C on a cooking thermometer. Put a wire rack on a second tray, ready to drain the fried chicken. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Place 3-4 pieces of chicken into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 10-12 mins. Poke your thermometer into the meat next to the bone – it will be cooked when it reaches 73C. The oil temperature will drop when you add the chicken – adjust the heat to keep it steady at 140C during the cooking process. Once cooked, transfer to the clean wire rack and keep warm in the oven. Bring the oil back to 170C before cooking the next batch. Serve with your choice of sides.
Put the cucumber, carrot and vinegar in a small bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan, add the chicken and fry on a medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Pour the remaining oil into the pan and lower the heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 2 mins until softened but not coloured. Add the sugar, soy sauce and 150ml water, and bubble for 5 mins until saucy. Return the chicken to the pan and heat through. Warm the tortilla wraps following pack instructions. Top the tortillas with the lettuce, chicken, and pickled cucumber and carrot.
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the chicken in a shallow roasting tin, drizzle over the oil and season well. Roast for 25 mins. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Tip the cornflour into a bowl and whisk in the lemon zest and juice until any lumps disappear. Add the honey, soy and sesame seeds and mix again. Remove the chicken from the oven. Pour over the sauce, making sure every piece is well coated – it will still be very runny at this stage. Return to the oven for another 8-10 mins, spooning the sauce over the chicken every 2-3 mins as it thickens. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water and scrape any sticky bits from the bottom of the tin. Serve with noodles or rice, and veg, with the extra sauce poured over the top.
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