Strawberry granita - Cool, refreshing, low-calorie flavour explosion! - fresh strawberries, unwaxed lemon, Vanilla pod, xylitol, Slice the vanilla pod lengthways with a sharp knife. Rinse the lemon and remove the peel in strips. Squeeze the juice into a small saucepan.; Add 200ml of water to the pan, along with the xylitol, vanilla pod and [...]
Pear and blackberry crumble - A lighter version of a classic pud with a lovely crumbly topping - 1kg ripe but firm green William pears, 300g blackberries, 1 lemon, 75g butter, 75g wholemeal flour, 75g rolled oats, 2 tablespoons agave nectar, 1 tablespoon demerara sugar, 50g shelled pistachios, PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 200˚C/180˚C FAN/GAS 6; Peel [...]
Italian apple torte - A moist apple cake for a special tea or as a dessert - Gala apples, eggs, butter, lemon, demerara sugar, plain flour, baking powder, Greek-style yogurt, PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 180˚C/160˚C FAN/GAS 4; Leave the butter to soften at room temperature.; Lightly grease a 20cm round, loose bottomed cake tin. Line the [...]
Almonds in dark chocolate - Quick and easy after-dinner treats - blanched almonds, best quality dark chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa, PRE-HEAT THE OVEN TO 150˚C/130˚C FAN/GAS 2.; Place the almonds on a baking tray and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes. Check regularly to prevent the almonds burning and becoming bitter.; COVER Cover [...]
Croccante - Moreish, crunchy bites of chopped hazelnut - toasted hazelnuts, shelled weight, caster sugar, Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set aside. A mixer or a mezzaluna are best for the job.; Put 3 tablespoons of water into a large shallow saucepan, add the sugar and place over a very low heat. Stir continuously until [...]
Oranges in brandy - Steep for a month for a delicious winter indulgence - Oranges (preferably organic), sugar, cinnamon sticks, brandy, Sterilise two 500ml screw top jars by washing them thoroughly and then placing them, and their lids, on a baking tray in a heated oven at 140˚C (120˚C fan/Gas 1) for 15-20 minutes.; THE [...]
Mince pies - Heavenly morsels of light pastry and aromatic mincemeat - orange, unsalted butter, A little milk for glazing, highest quality mincemeat, plain flour, Sea salt, Icing sugar, Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl. Dice the butter and, using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs . Chill [...]
Pear and yogurt torte - Light, fruity sponge - the perfect teatime treat - pears, butter, eggs, full fat plain yogurt, plain flour, sugar, baking powder, icing sugar (optional), Sea salt, Leave the butter to soften at room temperature.; PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 200˚C/180˚C FAN/GAS 6; Butter a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin and cover with baking [...]
Amaretto semifreddo - Simple, stylish make-ahead dessert - best quality dark chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa solids, full fat milk, double cream, eggs, amaretti biscuits, cornflour, cocoa powder to decorate, Chocolate shavings to decorate, Put the amaretti biscuits into a food bag, crush with a rolling pin and set aside. Roughly chop the dark chocolate.; Separate [...]
Carpaccio of oranges with orange brandy - A lighter pudding option after a rich meal - 6 oranges, preferably unwaxed, A handful of pistachios, 6 tablespoons orange brandy, Rinse the oranges and peel them, making sure you remove every trace of pith.; Cut some of the peel into very thin shreds.; Slice the oranges very [...]