Chocolate Soufflés with White Chocolate Squares

Chocolate Soufflés with White Chocolate Squares

Indulge in rich, chocolate soufflés with a touch of espresso and a surprise of white chocolate squares inside. Perfectly fluffy and decadent!
Couverts6
Preparation 15 minutes
Preparation time:20 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 medium eggs separated
  • 2 tsp plain flour
  • 4 tbsp strong black coffee e.g., espresso
  • 100 g caster sugar
  • 150 g plain chocolate
  • 1 tbsp ground almonds
  • 12 squares white chocolate

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas mark 5).
  • Grease 6 small mugs or ramekins and dust them with ground almonds.
  • Melt the chocolate with the coffee in a bowl over simmering water.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Stir in the flour, egg yolks, and half the sugar, then set aside.
  • Whisk the egg whites to soft peaks, then gradually add the remaining sugar while whisking until firm but not stiff.
  • Using a metal spoon, gradually fold in the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg whites.
  • Fill the mugs to about 1.
  • 5 cm (½ inch) from the top.
  • Press 2 squares of white chocolate into the center of each soufflé mixture.
  • Place the mugs into a baking dish and half-fill the dish with boiling water.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, until the soufflés are risen and set.
  • Serve immediately, still in the mugs, straight from the oven.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve the soufflés warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a dessert wine such as a rich, sweet Port or a glass of sparkling dessert wine like Moscato.

Nutrition values

Calories: 230 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 12 g | Sugar: 22 g
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Aubergine Moussaka with Parmesan Topping

Aubergine Moussaka with Parmesan Topping

This hearty and flavorful aubergine moussaka is layered with rich tomato passata, anchovies, and topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal.
Couverts6
Preparation 15 minutes
Preparation time:1 hour 15 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 aubergines
  • Salt
  • 1 yellow pepper sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 liter homemade tomato passata
  • 1 tin anchovies
  • For the Topping:
  • 75 g unsalted butter
  • 75 g flour
  • 600 ml warm milk
  • 4 eggs
  • Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas mark 6).
  • Slice the aubergines lengthways, sprinkle with salt, and place them on a baking tray for 20 minutes.
  • Wipe away the excess salt with kitchen paper and pat the aubergines dry.
  • Return the aubergines to the baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 25 minutes until soft.
  • Meanwhile, slice the yellow pepper and sauté until soft.
  • Place the aubergine slices in a baking dish, layering them with the tomato passata, yellow peppers, and anchovy slices along with their oil.
  • Finish with a final layer of aubergine.
  • In a pan, melt the butter and add the flour.
  • Cook for a few minutes, then gradually add the warm milk and bring to the boil.
  • Whisk the eggs and gradually add them to the white sauce, stirring continuously.
  • Pour the white sauce over the aubergine layers and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
  • Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
  • Allow to stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve with a fresh side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Nutrition values

Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 22 g | Sugar: 10 g
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Cuisine; Greece
Diets; Vegetarian

Tomato Fish Chowder with Coriander

Tomato Fish Chowder with Coriander

A comforting and hearty tomato-based chowder filled with tender white fish, onions, and a touch of coriander. Perfect for a cozy meal on any day.
Couverts4
Preparation 15 minutes
Preparation time:30 minutes
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Equipment

  • pan
  • Soup dish

Ingredients

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 500 g onions chopped
  • 1 head of garlic chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 head of celery sliced
  • 1 kg fresh ripe tomatoes on the vine
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

For the Soup:

  • Approximately 500 ml 1 pint fish or chicken stock
  • 700 g white fish fillets
  • 2 onions finely sliced
  • Coriander chopped, for garnish

Instructions

For the tomato sauce:

  • Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the chopped onions, garlic, and celery.
  • Cook until soft.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook until softened, then dilute with stock to your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

For the soup:

  • Finely slice the remaining onions and fry in a little olive oil until soft.
  • Add the fish fillets and fry for a few minutes on each side.
  • Carefully cut the cooked fish into large chunks.
  • Add the fish and onions to the warmed tomato soup.
  • Serve in a dish, sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper and chopped coriander.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve the chowder with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors of the chowder.

Nutrition values

Calories: 300 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 10 g | Sugar: 9 g
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Mushroom Puffs with Creamy Garlic Filling

Mushroom Puffs with Creamy Garlic Filling

Delicious flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy garlic and mushroom mixture, topped with fresh parsley for a savory, satisfying treat.
Couverts4
Preparation 10 minutes
Preparation time:20 minutes
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Equipment

  • baking tray
  • Frying pan
  • oven

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry
  • 30 g butter
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme chopped
  • 200 g chestnut mushrooms roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2-3 tbsp double cream
  • Handful parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to Gas 6 (200°C / 180°C fan).
  • Cut the puff pastry sheet into 8 slices.
  • Place them on a baking tray and bake as directed until golden brown and well risen.
  • Meanwhile, heat the butter in a frying pan.
  • Add the shallot and thyme, then fry over gentle heat until soft.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add the chopped garlic and cook for a few more minutes.
  • Stir in the double cream and simmer until the mixture thickens.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Split the baked pastry in half horizontally.
  • Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the bottom half of each puff, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and top with the pastry lid.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve as a light appetizer or a delicious snack with a side of salad.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light sparkling wine to complement the creamy mushroom filling.

Nutrition values

Calories: 250 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 17 g | Sugar: 3 g
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Sticky Pork Sausages with Marmalade Glaze

Sticky Pork Sausages with Marmalade Glaze

A quick and easy dish of succulent pork sausages glazed with a sweet marmalade sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Couverts4
Preparation 5 minutes
Preparation time:30 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 good quality pork sausages
  • 3 tbsp marmalade

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas mark 6).
  • Place the sausages in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Spoon the marmalade over the sausages, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sausages are browned and sticky.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes in small mugs for a cozy meal.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve these sticky sausages with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a refreshing cider to complement the savory and sweet flavors.

Nutrition values

Calories: 320 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 22 g | Sugar: 15 g
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Course; Main Course / Pork
Cuisine; England

Coffee Cake with Espresso Buttercream and Walnut Decoration

Coffee Cake with Espresso Buttercream and Walnut Decoration

This Coffee Cake, complemented by rich espresso buttercream and topped with crunchy walnut decorations, makes for a perfect indulgence. A coffee lover’s dream, this moist cake is ideal for a relaxing afternoon tea or special occasion.
Couverts8
Preparation 25 minutes
Preparation time:30 minutes
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Equipment

  • Cake tins (8-inch round)
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • spatula
  • Baking parchment
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake:

  • 200 g self-raising flour
  • 200 g unsalted butter softened
  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

For the Espresso Buttercream:

  • 250 g unsalted butter softened
  • 350 g icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp espresso coffee cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Walnut Decoration:

  • 50 g walnut halves roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two 8-inch round cake tins with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and the dissolved coffee.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients.
  • Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared tins and smooth the tops.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the espresso buttercream, whisk together the softened butter and icing sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add the cooled espresso and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
  • Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of espresso buttercream between the two cake layers.
  • Cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream and decorate with chopped walnut halves on top.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors of the cake and buttercream.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a rich dessert wine such as a Tawny Port or a smooth coffee-infused liqueur like Kahlúa to complement the coffee and walnut flavors.

Nutrition values

Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g | Sugar: 32 g
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Cuisine; England
Diets; Vegetarian

Venison Steaks with Sloe Berry and Port Sauce

Venison Steaks with Sloe Berry and Port Sauce

Tender venison steaks paired with a rich and tangy sloe berry and port sauce create a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for an autumn feast or a special occasion, this dish brings elegance to your dinner table.
Couverts4
Preparation 15 minutes
Preparation time:15 minutes
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Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • chopping board,
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 4 venison steaks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 150 ml port
  • 100 g sloe berries fresh or frozen
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Season the venison steaks with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the venison steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if preferred.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
  • In the same pan, add the chopped shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the port, sloe berries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar to the pan.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
  • Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the venison steaks with the sloe berry and port sauce spooned over the top.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to complete the dish.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a robust red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich Merlot to complement the earthy venison and the depth of the port sauce.

Nutrition values

Calories: 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 12 g | Sugar: 13 g
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Cuisine; England
Diets; Gluten-Free

Wilted Swiss Chard with Chilli, Garlic, and Pine Nuts

Wilted Swiss Chard with Chilli, Garlic, and Pine Nuts

Couverts4
Preparation 10 minutes
Preparation time:10 minutes
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Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Serving dish

Ingredients

  • 300 g Swiss chard
  • ½ chilli
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 25 g toasted pine nuts
  • Mint leaves chopped
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  • Chop the garlic and chilli.
  • Remove the stalks from the Swiss chard if thick and cut the leaves into 10 cm pieces.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed frying pan with a little olive oil.
  • Add the stalks, garlic, and chilli, and fry over low to medium heat for about 3 minutes until the stalks soften.
  • Add the Swiss chard leaves (torn in half if large) and cook for a further 3 minutes until the leaves have wilted down.
  • Toss in the toasted pine nuts and chopped mint.
  • Serve warm.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors of the dish.

Nutrition values

Calories: 150 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Sugar: 2 g
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Shortbread Blackcurrant Tartlets

Shortbread Blackcurrant Tartlets

These delightful Shortbread Blackcurrant Tartlets combine a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a tangy blackcurrant filling, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a delicious dessert treat.
Couverts8
Preparation 20 minutes
Preparation time:25 minutes
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Equipment

  • Tartlet tins
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric whisk or hand whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry cutter or knife
  • spatula
  • Baking parchment

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 150 g plain flour
  • 100 g unsalted butter cold and diced
  • 50 g icing sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Blackcurrant Filling:

  • 200 g blackcurrants fresh or frozen
  • 100 g caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease the tartlet tins.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and icing sugar.
  • Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix to form a dough.
  • Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 3mm thick.
  • Cut out circles to fit your tartlet tins and press the dough into the tins.
  • Prick the base of each tart with a fork and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  • While the crusts are cooling, prepare the blackcurrant filling.
  • Place the blackcurrants, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with water to make a slurry.
  • Once the blackcurrants are soft and have released their juice, stir in the cornflour mixture.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon the blackcurrant filling into each tartlet shell.
  • Chill the tartlets in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a sweet dessert wine such as Moscato d’Asti or a light sparkling rosé to complement the tartness of the blackcurrants.

Nutrition values

Calories: 210 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 10 g | Sugar: 14 g
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Cuisine; England
Diets; Vegetarian

Walnut and Cheese Scones

Walnut and Cheese Scones

These savory Walnut and Cheese Scones are the perfect treat for afternoon tea or a snack. With the rich flavors of cheese and the crunch of walnuts, they are wonderfully moist and easy to make.
Couverts8
Preparation 15 minutes
Preparation time:20 minutes
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Equipment

  • baking tray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or knife
  • grater
  • spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 225 g self-raising flour
  • 100 g mature cheddar cheese grated
  • 50 g walnuts chopped
  • 75 g cold unsalted butter diced
  • 1 tsp mustard powder optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 150 ml milk
  • 1 egg beaten (for glazing)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour, mustard powder, and salt together.
  • Add the cold diced butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  • Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped walnuts.
  • Gradually add the milk, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
  • Roll out the dough to about 2cm thickness and cut into rounds using a cookie cutter or a glass.
  • Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
  • Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serving Tip:
Serve warm with butter or enjoy on their own for a savory treat.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry sparkling wine to balance the richness of the cheese.

Nutrition values

Calories: 250 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 17 g | Sugar: 1 g
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Cuisine; England
Diets; Vegetarian