Well I awoke this morning to grey drizzle. I know we need the rain and I am really happy about that, but I just couldn’t help but feel a little ‘blue’ SO, I am going to revisit a recipe from a Christmas feature from 2019 and make these highly addictive biscotti with salted chocolate to cheer myself up.
I hope you all have a go and enjoy them as much as me.
Almond and salted chocolate biscotti
Makes: about 50
150g blanched almonds, toasted
250g plain flour
200g soft brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
60g chilled unsalted butter
3 eggs
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
Egg wash
1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp milk
Icing
200g dark chocolate
Sea salt
Preheat the oven to 180c/fan-forced 160c. Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper. Place the toasted almonds in a food processor and blend until coarsely chopped.
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Gradually work in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the chopped almonds.
Whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla essence together and stir into the crumbed flour mixture. Gently mix together with a large wooden spoon until the dough just comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly until the dough is soft and slightly sticky, about 8-10 times. Divide the dough in half and with lightly floured hands shape each one into a 20cm log. Transfer the logs to one of the prepared baking sheets flattening them slightly into a brick shape about 3 cm wide. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top and sides of each slab with egg wash.
Bake the slabs for 25 minutes or until the top and sides are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes.
Using a serrated knife slice the dough into 1cm thick slices. Set the slices about 1 cm apart on the 2 trays (in batches). Return to the oven and cook for 10 minutes, turn the biscotti over and bake the other side for 8-10 more minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking trays, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the icing. Melt the chocolate in a medium bowl in the microwave (or use a double boiler) stirring until melted and smooth. Dip one end of each biscotti into the melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle one side with a little sea salt. Transfer to the wire rack and leave until the chocolate is set.
Just when I thought the cooler days were behind me, I awake to rain and chill, so lunch today is going to be a soup to warm those cockles – in this case my tummy. This recipe from my Delicious UK January 2020 winter menu goes one step further in yumminess with a side order of gooey cheese melts.
Red Onion Soup with Cheesy Sourdough Melts
Serves: 6
The addition of the gooey cheese melts gives this classic French onion soup a lovely modern twist. You can use sliced sourdough bread, ciabatta or French stock for the melts.
75 ml olive oil
1.25 kg red onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
150 ml red wine
1.5 Litres good quality beef stock
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
50 g butter, softened
6 large sourdough bread or ciabatta slices
100 g Camembert, thinly sliced
75 g Gruyere, grated
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and gently fry the onions, garlic, thyme, and a little salt and pepper over a low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the onions are well caramelized.
Add the wine and reduce by half, then stir in the stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until rich and flavourful. Add the parsley and adjust seasonings to taste.
Butter one side of the sourdough or ciabatta slices. Layer the Camembert and grated Gruyere over the non buttered side of 3 slices. Top butter-side up with the remaining slices. Press firmly but gently together.
Place a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the sandwiches and top with a piece of foil. Weigh the slices down with a second pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes each side until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese melted.
Spoon the soup into bowls. Cut each sourdough slice in half and serve alongside the soup.
Tip: you can make the soup a day ahead and keep in the fridge, giving it even more flavour.
So excited to be able offer residential workshops as well as my private day courses. These 3 day/4 night courses are co-hosted with local venues in the region and in 2019 we hosted our first one at the truly stunning Creative Workshop and Accommodation venue Les Soeurs Anglaises in La Dordogne, SW France. Next year we will be running 3 workshops together, throughout the year.
Dates at Les Soeurs Anglaises in 2020
Spring workshop 23rd – 27th April 2020 6 places availableBOOK NOW
Summer workshop June 18th – 22nd 2020 FULL
Autumn workshop 17th – 21st September 2020 BOOK NOW
Details
● Four nights accommodation and continental breakfast
● Welcome mezze dinner with wine.
● Three fun, informative, half-day cooking sessions with after-class tasting meals
● An excursion to a local farmer’s market and/or visit to an artisan food maker (vinegar, cheese, nut oils, mushrooms, and/or a vineyard)
● Recipes and a Come Cook In France folder
● 3 light meals (prepared by your host) including all beverages (wine, waters, etc.)
● Local transport from and to Angouleme train station and Bergerac airport
● *Air and train fares to and from collection points in France are not included.
Prices
A: Single occupancy of Superior double bedroom with en suite: 1350€ per person.
B: Shared occupancy of Superior double bedroom with en suite: 1150€ per person.
C: Single occupancy of Twin bedroom shared bathroom 1100€ per person
D: Shared Twin bedroom / shared bathroom: 950€ per person
Minimum 8 participants (max 12 residents)
A non-refundable deposit of 300€ is required for confirmation of booking
Itinerary
DAY 1 Travel day, you will be sent information regarding transportation to Les Soeurs Anglaises (pick-ups are generally late afternoon) from Angouleme train station and Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC). Welcome, meet and greet dinner at the house.
DAY 2 Morning at the local marché. After a light market lunch, there will be an cookery class in L’Espace kitchen where the evening meal will be discussed and prepared.
DAY 3 We will meet in L’Espace kitchen where we will prepare a three course lunch to enjoy al fresco (weather permitting). The afternoon and evening will be free time for you to relax and enjoy the accommodation. A light evening meal will be provided.
DAY 4 You will have another chance to relax and have spare time to yourselves. There will be a light lunch provided. The afternoon session will be preparing and cooking the four course evening meal, again to be enjoyed together al fresco (weather permitting).
DAY 5 Brunch followed by departures before lunch.
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary and is subject to modest modifications, depending on available fresh produce, new opportunities, and the wishes of the workshop leader
opportunities, and the wishes of the workshop leader
Toutvent Manoir
I am also delighted to be co-hosting with Toutvent Manoir. Re-opened in spring 2019, Toutvent is a beautifully restored 18th century French property situated in the Charente on the border of the Dordogne. Located 5-minutes drive from Aubeterre- sur-Dronne, listed in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages in France) the Manor house sits in an enviable hill-top position with stunning views over the Dordogne valley.
● Four nights accommodation and continental breakfast
● Welcome mezze dinner with wine.
● Three fun, informative, half-day cooking sessions with after-class tasting meals
● An excursion to a local farmer’s market and/or visit to an artisan food maker (vinegar, cheese, nut oils, mushrooms, and/or a vineyard)
● Recipes and a Come Cook In France folder.
● 3 light meals (prepared by your host) including all beverages (wine, waters, etc.)
● Local transport from and to Angouleme train station and Bergerac airport
● *Air and train fares to and from collection points in France are not included.
Prices
A: Single occupancy of Superior double bedroom with en suite: 1350€ per person.
B: Shared occupancy of Superior double bedroom with en suite: 1150€ per person.
C: Single occupancy of Twin bedroom shared bathroom 1100€ per person
D: Shared Twin bedroom / shared bathroom: 950€ per person
Minimum 8 participants (max 10 residents)
A non-refundable deposit of 300€ is required for confirmation of booking
Itinerary
DAY 1 Travel day, you will be sent information regarding transportation to Toutvent Manoir(pick-ups are generally late afternoon) from Angouleme train station and Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC). Welcome, meet and greet dinner at the house.
DAY 2 Morning at the local marché. After a light market lunch, there will be an cookery class in Toutvent kitchen where the evening meal will be discussed and prepared.
DAY 3 We will meet in Toutvent kitchen where we will prepare a three course lunch to enjoy al fresco (weather permitting). The afternoon and evening will be free time for you to relax and enjoy the accommodation. A light evening meal will be provided.
DAY 4 You will have another chance to relax and have spare time to yourselves. There will be a light lunch provided. The afternoon session will be preparing and cooking the four course evening meal, again to be enjoyed together al fresco (weather permitting).
DAY 5 Brunch followed by departures before lunch.
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary and is subject to modest modifications, depending on available fresh produce, new opportunities, and the wishes of the workshop leader
After the terrific success of this year’s workshop in June Come Cook In France and Les Soeurs Anglaises are really excited to announce a further three cookery workshop dates next year in April, June (already fully booked) and September.
Our first will take place in APRIL as spring heralds in some fabulous new year’s produce, including asparagus, spring lamb and the first local strawberries.
Then, as summer makes way for autumn we again celebrate the season’s best produce including mushrooms, pumpkins and figs for our final course of 2002 in SEPTEMBER.
Autumn workshop 17th – 21st September 2020 BOOK NOW
Details
● Four nights accommodation and continental breakfast
● Welcome mezze dinner with wine.
● Three fun, informative, half-day cooking sessions with after-class tasting meals
● An excursion to a local farmer’s market and/or visit to an artisan food maker (vinegar, cheese, nut oils, mushrooms, and/or a vineyard)
● Recipes and a Come Cook In France folder
● 3 light meals including all beverages (wine, waters, etc.)
● Local transport from and to Angouleme train station and Bergerac airport
● *Air and train fares to and from collection points in France are not included.
Prices
A: Single occupancy of Superior double bedroom with en suite: 1350€ per person.
B: Shared occupancy of Superior double bedroom with en suite: 1150€ per person.
C: Single occupancy of Twin bedroom shared bathroom 1100€ per person
D: Shared Twin bedroom / shared bathroom: 950€ per person
Minimum 8 participants (max 12 residents)
A non-refundable deposit of 300€ is required for confirmation of booking
Itinerary
DAY 1 Travel day, you will be sent information regarding transportation to Les Soeurs Anglaises (pick-ups are generally late afternoon) from Angouleme train station and Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC). Welcome, meet and greet dinner at the house.
DAY 2 Morning at the local marché. After a light market lunch, there will be an cookery class in L’Espace kitchen where the evening meal will be discussed and prepared.
DAY 3 We will meet in L’Espace kitchen where we will prepare a three course lunch to enjoy al fresco (weather permitting). The afternoon and evening will be free time for you to relax and enjoy the accommodation. A light evening meal will be provided.
DAY 4 You will have another chance to relax and have spare time to yourselves. There will be a light lunch provided. The afternoon session will be preparing and cooking the four course evening meal, again to be enjoyed together al fresco (weather permitting).
DAY 5 Brunch followed by departures before lunch.
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary and is subject to modest modifications, depending on available fresh produce, new opportunities, and the wishes of the workshop leader.
It’s not just teddy bears that love eating outside, we all do. It is about fresh air, the smells, the sounds, the sights of the countryside that make us feel better, make us want to head for the hills (or back garden).
For me it also brings back childhood memories of harvesting, hay bales and after school picnics with mum and dad in the fields (funny how your memory tricks you into believing that every summer was hot and sunny…….. I suspect the truth is that many such afternoons were out on hold until the rain cleared!
It doesn’t matter if you only have access to a small piece of outside space, you can pretty much picnic anywhere, it is literally just about being outside where food seems to taste that much better. So if you get the chance, cook some of these great picnic dishes, pack up a few baskets or boxes and head out and make hay whilst the sun shines.
Marinated goat cheese with garden vegetables
Perfect for an alfresco summer spread, this marinated goat’s cheese goes well with lots of crusty bread and young veggies and crisp salad leaves. You need to make these up to 3-4 days ahead to allow the time for the flavours to penetrate the cheese. Keep in a cool dark place.
Serves: 6-8
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
400 ml extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, halved
2 small red chillies, bruised
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, bruised
2 bay leaves, bruised
400 g fresh goat cheese (without rind; fridge cold)
selection of fresh summer vegetables, lettuce and bread rolls, to serve
Put the fennel and coriander seeds in a heavy-based pan, then heat gently until fragrant and beginning to pop. Add the oil, garlic, chillies, rosemary and bay, then warm gently to infuse. Leave to cool. Remove the garlic and rosemary.
Use your hands to roll the cheese into 18 small balls and put in the jar or container. Pour the oil over the top and store in a cool place (see headnote). Serve the goat’s cheese balls with summer veg/salads and bread, all drizzled with a little of the infused oil.
Tear and share feta and herb bread
A gorgeous cheesy bread, flecked with feta and fresh herbs, is something great to share with friends for an alfresco feast in the garden. It goes really well with the goat’s cheese balls too.
Serves: 6
500g unbleached white bread flour
7 g sachet fast-acting dried yeast
2 tsp sea salt, plus extra for top
1 tsp sugar
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
large handful fresh parlsey, chopped
handful fresh chives, chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
Put the flour in a large mixing bowl and stir in the dried yeast, salt and sugar. Make a well in the middle and gradually work in 3 tbsp of the oil and enough of the warm water to form a soft dough. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise in a draught-free place for an hour or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, mix the feta, parmesan and herbs in a bowl with the rest of the oil, then cover and chill.
Gently knead the dough once or twice (this is called knocking back) and roll out on a lightly floured surface to make a 25cm x 35cm rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese and herb mixture.
Roll the dough up from one long side to make a log shape. Cut into 7 thick slices, each around 5cm wide. Arrange 6 slices, cut-side up, in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, roughly 3cm apart, then put the last one in the middle and cover loosely with cling film. Leave to rise (prove), loosely covered with cling film, for 30-40 minutes.
Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/ gas 4. Brush the top with the beaten egg. Bake for 40-50 minutes until risen, golden and cooked through. Cover the top with foil if it starts to brown too quickly. When ready, transfer the tin to a wire rack for 5 minutes to cool. Remove the loaf from the tin and wrap the bread in a clean tea towel as it cools.
Persian chicken with spiced yogurt
Chicken marinated in cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cumin, honey and lemon, before roasting, is a gorgeous summery recipe that’s a doddle to make.
Serves: 6
6 chicken legs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
6 cardamom pods, seeds removed and ground
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp clear honey
grated zest and juice 1 lemon
150ml Greek yogurt
a handful fresh picked parsley leaves
Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Line a large roasting tin with non-stick baking paper. Divide the chicken legs into drumsticks and thighs by cutting through the joint with a sharp knife. Put in a large mixing bowl.
In a small mixing bowl, mix the spices with the olive oil, honey, lemon zest and juice and some salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken and toss well to coat all over.Put the chicken in the prepared roasting tin and roast for 45 minutes until golden and tender, turning Put the chicken in the prepared roasting tin and roast for 45 minutes until golden and tender, turning
Put the chicken in the prepared roasting tin and roast for 45 minutes until golden and tender, turning over halfway through and basting the chicken with pan juices.
Put the chicken on a board (or platter if serving straightaway) to cool. Put 2 tablespoons of the pan juices in a bowl with the yogurt, then mix well and season to taste. To serve, drizzle the yogurt over the chicken and scatter with parsley.
Pearl barley and aubergine salad with pomegranates
A make-ahead salad recipe, with pearl barley and aubergine, that’s great for a packed lunch or picnic on a summery day.
200 g pearl barley
2-3 tbs olive oil
1-2 aubergines (about 500g) thickly sliced
250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
80 g pomegranate seeds
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp pomegranate molasses
2 tbsp each fresh mint, parsley and coriander, roughly chopped
handful of rocket leaves
Cook the pearl barley according to the packet instructions (about 40 minutes). Drain, refresh under cold water to cool and drain well. Put in a mixing bowl.
Heat a griddle or frying pan over a high heat. Put the olive oil in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper, then brush all over the aubergine slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until charred and tender. Set aside until cool, then roughly chop. Add to the pearl barley with the tomatoes, red onion and half the pomegranate seeds.
Put the remaining pomegranate seeds in a small sieve. Using a wooden spoon, press out all the juice from the seeds into a small bowl. Discard the seeds in the sieve, then whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses and a little salt and pepper to taste.
Just before serving, stir in the herbs and dressing, then serve scattered with the rocket leaves.
Roasted peppers with basil
A simple vegetarian starter recipe; red peppers are slow-cooked – with tomatoes, thyme and capers – until soft and sweet then served with fresh basil. One for the glorious summer months.
Serves: 6
3 large red peppers
2 garlic cloves, crushed
6 large cherry tomatoes, halved
3 thyme sprigs, leaves only
2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch basil leaves
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
handful fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper
Heat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C fan/ gas 7 and line a roasting tin with non-stick baking paper. Cut each pepper in half lengthways through the stalk, then scoop out and discard the seeds and membrane. Put the peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking tray and divide the garlic, tomatoes, thyme leaves and capers between them. Drizzle with oil, then season with salt and pepper and roast for 30 minutes.
Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to each pepper and roast for a further 10-15 minutes until caramelised and tender. Cool and serve at room temperature, scattered with fresh basil.
Chocolate swirl meringues, berries and white chocolate sauce
Try these decadent chocolate meringues for your summer picnic; they are easy to make ahead and assemble when you’re ready for them.
Serves: 4
40 g dark chocolate, chopped
4 medium free-range egg whites
225g caster sugar
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
300 g mixed summer berries
For the sauce
250 ml single cream
2 medium free-range egg yolks
2 tsp cornflour
75 g white chocolate, chopped
Heat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Set aside.
Put the egg whites in a large, clean mixing bowl and, using an electric hand-held mixer, whisk to stiff peaks. Gradually whisk in the sugar a tablespoon at a time until the mixture is thick and glossy. Beat in the vinegar and vanilla extract.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the egg mixture and carefully stir once to swirl the chocolate through without combining it completely. Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking trays to make 12 meringue mounds.
Transfer the trays to the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 140°C/ 120°C fan/gas 1. Bake for 1 hour or until the meringues are set and pull away easily from the paper. Cool on a wire cooling rack.
Meanwhile make the sauce: heat the cream in a small pan until steaming (don’t boil). In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks, cornflour and sugar until smooth, then stir in the hot milk. Return to the pan and stir gently over a low heat until the mixture comes to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, then remove from the heat. Stir in the white chocolate until melted, then pour into a bowl, cover the surface with cling film and leave to cool completely. Once cool, keep in the fridge. Decant into an airtight container to pack.
Serve the meringues with the berries and a drizzle of the white chocolate sauce.
Warm honey roasted carrots and toasted quinoa salad
Not to be overlooked for some of the more trendy vegetables of the moment, carrots are an age old but nevertheless delightful and versatile root vegetable. Here they are paired with red and white quinoa that is first roasted before being cooked, adding an extra nutty flavour to the dish.
This dish makes a great lunch on it’s own or as an accompanying vegetable to both meat and fish dishes.
Serves: 4-6
200g red and white quinoa
12 carrots
2 teaspoon honey
grated zest and juice 1 orange
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
50 g pistachio nuts, toasted and roughly chopped
75 g dried pitted dates, sliced
2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
2 tablespoons mint
1 tablespoon dukkhah*
salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 200c/180c fan-forced. Place the quinoa in a sieve and wash under cold running water, stirring the grains for about 1 minute. Shake as dry as possible. Heat a frying pan until hot, add the wet quinoa and stir over a high heat, firstly until dry and then continue for a further 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and starting to crackle.
Place the toasted quinoa in a saucepan and add 250 ml cold water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer over a very low heat for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat but leave undisturbed for a further 10 minutes. If there is any liquid remaining drain through a sieve and leave to cool. Pat dry.
Meanwhile, trim the carrots and place in a large roasting tin. Combine half the orange juice, the orange zest, 2 tablespoons of the oil, the honey and salt and pepper. Drizzle over the carrots and toss well. Roast for 30 minutes or until tender.
Mix the remaining oil and the remaining orange juice with the vinegar and season to taste.
Place the quinoa in a large bowl and stir in the spring onions, pistachio nuts, dates and herbs. Stir through the roasted carrots and any pan juices and serve scattered with the dukkhah.
Dukkhah is an Egyptian nut and spice mix commonly served along side flat breads with olive oil, to serve as a dip. It adds great texture to dishes as well as a lovely hint of Middle Eastern spices. It is available online, from deli and specialist food stores and some larger supermarkets online or
Eggs have a very special place in French gastronomy as both a staple food and as a much loved cooking ingredient. Perhaps one of the most underrated egg dishes is ouefs en cocotte, which translates literally as egg casserole! although I always call it simply ‘baked eggs with …..’ and this one happens to be with mushrooms and sage butter in cream and Parmesan.
According to Elizabeth David this traditional dish is a cross between oeufs sur la plat, where an egg is cooked in a covered enamel or earthenware dish with a little butter, and a poached egg where the eggs are cooked in a ceramic cocotte or ramekin dish. Both can be cooked on top of the stove or in an oven. Originally I imagine this would depend on whether you had an oven as many people would have cooked over an open fire or taken their dishes to be cooked in a communal oven.
In their simplest form, the eggs are carefully broken into a small dish with a little butter, salt and pepper. These are then cooked in a water bath (where the dishes are half submerged in boiling water, so they do not cook too quickly) until the white is set and the yolk cooked but still soft.
When cream is added it becomes oeufs en cocotte a la crème and can be enhanced with a range of flavourings from just a simple herb, to spinach lightly sautéed in butter, smoked salmon or shredded ham or to my favourite of wild mushrooms and truffles or even foie gras. Some people like to add a topping of grated cheese whilst others prefer none. Allow the seasons to determine just what to add, like the mushrooms in this version.
Baked eggs with mushrooms and sage
Photograph by Ian Wallace
Serves: 4
50g butter, plus extra for greasing
small bunch fresh sage
250g mushrooms, wiped clean
250ml double cream
4 free range eggs
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 180c/160c fan-forced and lightly butter 4 x 300ml capacity ramekin dishes. Boil the kettle and get a roasting tin ready that will hold the ramekins.
Reserving a handful of small sage leaves, finely chop the rest. Melt the butter in a frying pan and as soon as it stops foaming add the whole sage leaves and fry over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are crisp. Do not allow the mixture to burn. Remove the leaves with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Return the frying pan to the heat. Fry the mushrooms, chopped sage and a little salt and pepper over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden. Divide the mushrooms between the prepared ramekin dishes and pour over the cream. Break an egg into each one and top with the grated Parmesan.
Place the ramekins in the roasting tin. Pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 10 minutes until the egg yolks are just set. Scatter over the crispy sage leaves and serve with some wholemeal bread.
Beef with salt roasted celeriac and walnut Gorgonzola pesto
Delicious combination of earthy flavours and textures in this quick and simple mid week supper – photo Ian Wallace
Serves: 6
1 large celeriac, trimmed (about 1kg)
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1kg piece beef filet
pesto
100g walnut pieces
1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley
2 tbs green olives
2 anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
55g gorgonzola cheese
2 cups Autumn salad leaves, such as radicchio, red oak leaf, red chicory
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 200c/180c fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Make the pesto. Place the walnuts, parsley, olives, anchovies and some pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth. Blend in the oil, half the balsamic vinegar and then stir in the gorgonzola. Season to taste and set aside.
Peel the celeriac and cut in half, then cut each half into 1 cm thick slices. Combine the oil and salt and rub all over the celeriac pieces. Arrange on the prepared tray and roast for 30 minutes until charred and softened.
Meanwhile, season the beef fillet. Heat an oven-proof frying pan over a high heat and when hot add the beef. Sear for 5 minutes until browned all over. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes.
Cut the beef into 6 thick steaks and arrange on a second baking tray. Spoon the pesto onto each steak and return to the oven for 5 minutes until the beef is cooked perfectly and the pesto golden.
Divide the celeriac between plates and top with the beef steaks. Spoon over any pan juices and serve with some mixed salad leaves.
So looking forward to a whole new year of exciting cooking classes at Come Cook In France. As well as some of my regular classes, this year I am adding some full day and residential courses, hosted by the wonderful Les Soeurs Anglaises in The Dordogne.
Dinner is served at Les Soeurs Anglaises after a wonderful day of cooking
The Cook Club courses are held in my kitchen at home and run from 9.30am to 2.30 pm. We cook up until about 1 pm when we sit down and enjoy the fruits of our morning’s labours. I run approximately 2 Cook Clubs per month.
The first course of the year is a fascinating look into some of my favourite Japanese dishes. I will be explaining some of the more unusual ingredients. I will demonstrate prepare and cook gyozas. Then together we will make Udon noodle soup with salmon and a tataki of beef.
This is always a hugely popular course and this year we will be stuffing lasagne sheets to make cannelloni, hand-cutting pappardelle and using a pasta machine to make different flavoured linguine. You can then make one of 3 different sauces to serve with your own home made pasta.
So many people seem a little fearful of cooking fish, yet are huge fans of eating it. This course is perfect as we look at some of our favourite whole fish and get to grips with scaling, filleting and cooking several completely different varieties.
This is one of my favourite courses as I like to take some of the classic French dishes such as duck confit or tart tatin and give them my own twist. So duck confit could be spiced with star anise and hoisin sauce before roasting, whilst fresh mango makes a quite delicious tart tatin, especially with home-made palm sugar ice cream.
As a huge fan of South East Asian cookery I love introducing people to the amazing flavours and unusual ingredients of this fascinating cuisine. We chop, slice, crush, pound and fry some of the most yummy dishes you can imagine.
The first day course of the year is such an exciting one. Hosted by Les Soeurs Anglaises we will have access to a pizza oven in order to cook up some truly awesome pizzas. After an introduction of how to get your pizza oven started up, we will make pizza dough, allowing time for it to rise. In the meantime we will crack on with all the yummy toppings, finishing the afternoon off our wood smoked pizzas, fresh from the oven.
I am super excited about my first residential cookery course at Les Soeurs Anglaises. After a meet and greet welcoming dinner we will spend 3 days preparing, cooking, eating, dining, relaxing and sharing foodie stories in the beautiful surroundings of our accommodation. Using locally produced and sourced ingredients we will cook French inspired dishes with a nod to modernity.
Please email me at louise@comecookinfrance.com or go to my contacts page for more details.