Main course

Recipe of the Week: Spiced Cottage Pie

Spiced Cottage Pie

A delicious twist on the ubiquitous cottage pie. This fabulous recipe is cheap to make and perfect to freeze.

 

Spiced Cottage Pie

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Print

Calories 737 per portion
Fat 25g (10.8g sat) per portion
Suitable for freezing

Ingredients

  • Sunflower oil 1 tbsp
  • Minced beef 500g (1lb 2oz)
  • Onion 1, peeled and chopped
  • Medium hot curry powder 2 tbsp
  • Carrot 150g (5oz), diced
  • Red lentils 150g (5oz)
  • Beef stock 600ml (1 pint)
  • Tomato purée 1 tbsp
  • Sultanas 50g (2oz)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Potatoes 680g (1½lb), peeled and cut into chunks
  • Butter 50g (2oz) Milk 4 tbsp
  • Ground turmeric ¼ tsp
  • Cooked frozen peas to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and fry the mince and onion, stirring and breaking up the mince, for about 5 minutes until it is evenly browned.
  2. Stir in the curry powder and carrot, cook 1 minute and then mix in the lentils. Pour in the stock, tomato purée, sultanas and seasoning and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils are soft.
  3. Meanwhile, put the potatoes into a saucepan with just enough lightly salted water to cover them. Cover with the lid and bring the water to the boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pan with half the butter and the milk and turmeric and season with salt and pepper. Mash well, adding the milk as needed to make a soft spoonable mash.
  5. Preheat the grill to hot. Spoon the mince mixture into an ovenproof dish, cover with the potato and fork the mash into an even layer. Dot the remaining butter over the top and grill for 5–10 minutes until browned. Serve with peas, if you like.

Cook’s tip
Leftover lentils can be used to make a delicious, filling soup. Cook 110g (4oz) lentils with 1 chopped potato, carrot, onion and parsnip (or any other leftover veg you fancy) and 900ml (1½ pints) stock very gently for 1 hour. Purée with a stick blender before you serve.

 


Fantastic Food For Less cookbook

 

This recipe comes from Fantastic Food for Less.

The clever recipes in this cookbook show you how to cook fantastic food using good quality, affordable ingredients with minimum waste.

Order your copy of Fantastic Food for Less.

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#recipeoftheweek
#cottagepie
#tripletested

Recipe of the Week: Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus Risotto

Full-flavoured, deliciously sweet and tender, British asparagus is regularly described as the ‘best in the world’.

Serves 4
Time 40 mins
Calories 518 per portion
Fat 20g of which 11.9g is saturated
Suitable for vegetarians

Butter 25g (1oz)
Shallots 4, peeled and finely chopped
Garlic 1 clove, peeled and crushed
Risotto rice 300g (11oz)
White wine 150ml (¼ pint)
Hot vegetable stock 900ml (1½ pints)
Small asparagus spears 125g pack, trimmed
Frozen peas 110g (4oz)
Chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tbsp
Stilton cheese 150g (5oz), cubed

1 Melt butter in a sauté pan and fry shallots and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in rice and fry for a further minute. Pour in wine and simmer to evaporate off.

2 Gradually stir in hot stock, cooking for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender, and all stock has been absorbed.

3 About 5 minutes towards end of cooking time, add asparagus and peas.

4 Before serving, stir in parsley and half cheese, then season to taste. Spoon into bowls, scatter over remaining cheese and serve immediately.

Dairy Diary recipe.

Top 3 Easter Recipes of all Time

Woohoo it’s the lovely long Easter weekend coming up

Now is the perfect time to gather together, have a giggle and, of course, eat something rather delicious.

In preparation, I have been looking back through our diaries and cookbooks to find the three best Easter recipes. And here they are.

Enjoy everyone and happy Easter!

 


Lamb Apricot Stuffing

Roast Lamb with Apricots

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Calories 499 per portion
Fat 24g (11.3g sat) per portion

Ingredients

  • Leg of lamb 1.8kg (4lb), or shoulder, boned out
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Spinach leaves 110g (4oz)
  • Ready-to-eat dried apricots 175g (6oz), chopped
  • Onion 1, peeled and finely chopped
  • Breadcrumbs 75g (3oz)
  • Chopped mint 2 tbsp fresh or 1–2 tsp dried
  • Egg 1, beaten
  • Olive oil
  • Lamb or vegetable stock 300ml (1⁄2 pint)
  • Port 150ml (1⁄4 pint)
  • Cornflour or gravy granules
  • Mint sprigs to garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Flatten the lamb as best you can, check for tough tendons or bones and remove them. Season well. Wash the spinach leaves and then put them in a large pan over a fairly high heat and let them wilt down for a minute. Cut out thick stalks. Arrange half the leaves to cover the inside of the lamb.
  2. To make the stuffing, in a bowl mix the chopped apricots, onion, breadcrumbs, mint and just enough egg to make a light stuffing. Spread the mixture over the spinach layer on the lamb then cover with the rest of the spinach leaves. Roll it up, securing with string.
  3. Put the stuffed lamb in a roasting tin, sprinkle with a little oil and seasoning. Cover with foil and cook for 90 minutes. Remove the foil and cook another 15 minutes to brown the meat. Leave to stand, wrapped in the foil, for 10 minutes before carving.
  4. Bring the lamb stock and port to the boil in a saucepan and reduce it by a third. Add any meat juices from the roasting tin without adding too much fat. Thicken with cornflour or gravy granules. Serve with roast potatoes and parsnips together with some green vegetables and mint sprigs to garnish.


Hot Cross Bun & Butter Pudding

Hot Cross Bun & Butter Pudding

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Print

Calories 615 per portion
Fat 42g (23.5g sat) per portion
Suitable for vegetarians
Suitable for freezing

Ingredients

  • Hot cross buns 6 large, each sliced into 3 horizontally
  • Butter 50g (2oz), softened
  • Apricot jam 175g (6oz)
  • Double cream 300ml (½ pint)
  • Milk 300ml (½ pint)
  • Golden caster sugar 2-3 tbsp
  • Eggs 4, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Spread each slice of bun with butter and jam. Sandwich buns together and cut in half along the diagonal.
  2. Butter a 1.7 litre (3 pint) ovenproof dish. Arrange bun triangles neatly in the dish.
  3. Pour cream, milk and sugar (if buns are very sweet, use 2 tbsp) into a large saucepan and bring slowly to scalding point, stirring often; do not allow to boil.
  4. Pour hot cream onto eggs in a slow and steady stream, whisking constantly. Strain and pour over buns. Leave to soak for an hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 190°C(170°fan)/375°F/Gas 5. Place pudding into a larger ovenproof dish containing enough water to come halfway up sides of dish and bake for
    35-40 minutes or until just set and golden. Serve warm.


 

Mocha Easter Cake

Mocha Easter Cake

  • Servings: 10 slices
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Print

Calories 657 per portion
Fat 39g (23g sat) per portion
Suitable for vegetarians
Suitable for freezing

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter 250g (9oz), cut into small pieces and softened
  • Caster sugar 250g (9oz)
  • Eggs 4 large, beaten
  • Self-raising flour 250g (9oz)
  • Baking powder ½ tsp
  • Coffee essence 2 tbsp
  • Dark chocolate 350g (12oz), broken into small pieces
  • Soured cream 284ml tub
  • Mini Easter eggs to decorate

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5. Grease and lightly flour a 20cm (8in) round cake tin. Line base with non-stick baking paper.
  2. Put butter, caster sugar and eggs into a large mixing bowl. Sift in self-raising flour and baking powder, then beat well, until smooth. Spoon half the mixture into another bowl and add coffee essence. Stir well.
  3. Fill cake tin with alternate spoonfuls of both cake mixtures, then swirl a skewer through mixture to create a marbled effect.
  4. Bake for 50 minutes–1 hour, or until well risen and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
  5. Put chocolate into a bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water and stir until melted.
  6. Add soured cream and stir it in with a wire whisk. Using a palette knife, quickly spread and swirl warm icing over cake. Leave to set at room temperature and decorate with mini Easter eggs.


 

AND as a special Easter treat we have a very lovely competition for you.

Win a Crock-Pot

Here’s your chance to win a fantastic Crock-Pot Thyme Slow Cooker as used (and loved) by our very own managing editor.

ENTER

 

#win

#competition

#tripletested

#easterrecipe

#delicious

Just For One Or Two cookbook back in stock plus a special Valentine’s Day menu

Hot off the press!
Our sell-out cookbook is now back in stock!

Just For One Or Two cookbookJust for One or Two is one of the fastest selling cookbooks we have ever published. Selling out well before Christmas, it proved to be a real favourite with our customers.

After many requests we have reprinted, and it’s now back in stock and available to order online here <link> or by calling 01425 463390.

Not only is it perfect for single and couples,
it’s also a great ‘date night’ cookbook for families
who have young children and find it difficult to
escape for a meal out.

So why not make every day delicious with Just for One or Two?

READ MORE

 

A very special (but super-easy) Valentine’s Day menu.

For romantics out there here’s a gorgeous menu of recipes from the book to cook for (or with) your other half on Valentine’s Day.

Mushrooms with Goat’s Cheese

Beef Steak with Peppercorn Sauce & Potato Wedges

Crêpes with Brandy Marmalade Sauce

Have fun!

And don’t forget to look out for our competition to win a fabulous Breville Crêpe Maker. Coming very soon.


 

Mushrooms with Goat's Cheese

Mushrooms with Goat’s Cheese

  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Calories 185 per portion
Fat 12g (7g sat) per portion
Suitable for vegetarians

Ingredients

  • Large flat mushroom 2, wiped
  • Shallot 2, peeled and finely chopped
  • Fresh white breadcrumbs 30g (½oz)
  • Butter 30g (½oz), melted
  • Chopped thyme 2 tsp, plus leaves to garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Goat’s cheese 50g round slice
  • Salad leaves to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms. Chop the stalks finely and then mix with the shallots, breadcrumbs, melted butter, thyme and seasoning.
  2. Pack the mixture into the mushrooms. Place on a baking sheet and cook in the centre of the oven for 15 minutes.
  3. Place the cheese on the mushrooms and sprinkle with a few extra thyme leaves. Return to the oven for a further 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt and turn golden. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with black pepper and serve immediately with a few salad leaves if liked.

Cook’s tips

Mushrooms don’t need peeling; just wipe with a clean, damp cloth or small mushroom brush to remove any dirt.

This recipe is ideal fo using up any leftover cheese; instead of goat’s cheese use any sliced soft cheese or grated hard cheese of your choice.

You could use a pinch of dried thyme instead of fresh.

You could also add a little lemon zest to the stuffing mixture if you like.

 


 

Beef Steak with Peppercorn Sauce & Potato Wedges

Beef Steak with Peppercorn Sauce & Potato Wedges

  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Calories 747 per portion
Fat 62g (30g sat) per portion

Ingredients

  • Olive oil 2 tbsp plus 3 tsp
  • Potatoes 2, peeled and cut into wedges
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Onion 1 small, peeled and finely chopped
  • Garlic 1 clove, peeled and finely chopped
  • Whole black peppercorns 2 tsp, lightly crushed
  • Beef stock 150ml (¼ pint)
  • Double cream 150ml pot
  • Beef rump steaks 2
  • Mixed salad 50g packet, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Pour 2 tablespoons oil into a roasting tin and place in the oven to heat up.
  2. Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a pan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain well and rough up the edges by shaking in the pan.
  3. Remove the roasting tin from the oven and carefully add the wedges. Season with salt and pepper. Using a long handled spoon, coat the potato wedges in the oil and spread out in the tin.
  4. Return the tin to the oven and cook for 45–50 minutes until crisp, turning after 20 minutes.
  5. To make the sauce, heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring frequently.
  6. Add the peppercorns and 4 tablespoons of the beef stock. Simmer until almost all the liquid has evaporated, then add the leftover stock with the cream and bring to the boil. Simmer until reduced and thickened, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.
  7. For the steaks, preheat a griddle until hot. Brush 1 teaspoon oil onto both sides of the steaks, then cook according to taste. Usually, for rare cook for 2 minutes on each side, for medium cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, and for well done cook for 4–6 minutes on each side. Leave to rest for a few minutes.
  8. Serve the steaks with the potato wedges, salad and the peppercorn sauce.

 


 

Crêpes with Brandy Marmalade Sauce

Crêpes with Brandy Marmalade Sauce

  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Calories 514 per portion
Fat 20g (3g sat) per portion
Suitable for vegetarians

Ingredients

  • Plain flour 50g (2oz)
  • Caster sugar 25g (1oz)
  • Egg 1
  • Semi-skimmed milk 60ml (2fl oz)
  • Sunflower oil 3–4 tbsp
  • Marmalade 3 tbsp
  • Brandy 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Put the flour, sugar and egg into a bowl and mix. Then mix the milk with 60ml (2fl oz) of water in a jug and gradually whisk it into the sweetened flour and egg, together with 2 tablespoons oil, to make a smooth batter.
  2. Put the marmalade in a small saucepan with the brandy. Bring to the boil, stirring, until the marmalade melts, then boil for a few minutes to make a syrup. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to stand.
  3. Pour a little oil into the base of a small non-stick frying pan. When hot, pour away the excess oil. Add 2 tablespoons of the crêpe mixture to the pan and tilt the pan until the base is covered. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the base is lightly browned.
  4. Turn the crêpe over with a knife and cook the other side. Slide it from the pan and keep warm. Repeat until all the batter has been used.
  5. Arrange the crêpes on warmed plates and spoon the marmalade sauce over them. Serve immediately.

Cook’s tips
If you don’t have brandy, simply add 2 tbsp water instead.
You could serve the crêpes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like.


 

#justforoneortwo

#recipesfortwo

#tripletested

#valentinesday

Five Fantastic Festive Recipes

Five Festive Dairy Diary Recipes

Five Fantastic Festive Recipes

including a Must-Have White Chocolate Cheesecake

From a cosy Christmas lunch for two to a punch to please a crowd, I’ve chosen five fabulous recipes to make Christmas really special.

You MUST try the cheesecake –
I don’t usually even like cheesecake
but loved this one.

All these gorgeous recipes come from the 2016 Dairy Diary, which is still available for delivery before Christmas!

 


 

Caramelised Pear & Stilton Salad

Caramelised Pear & Stilton Salad


Garlic Roast Poussin

Garlic Roast Poussin


 

Driver's Fruity Puch

Drivers’ Fruity Punch


 

Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas Cupcakes


 

White Chocolate Cheesecake

White Chocolate Cheesecake


 

Dairy Diary 2016

Dairy Diary 2016Britain’s favourite home diary is packed with essential information plus inspirational weekly recipes and fascinating features.

The diary is clearly laid out with lots of writing space plus a sheet of memorable dates stickers for appointments and occasions.

Notable features of the 2016 Dairy Diary include:

Clear A5, week-to-view diary
Easy-to-follow weekly recipes
Reminder stickers
Handy pocket for notes and cards
Essential kitchen and home information
Budgeting, conversions, addresses, etc.
The first edition of the Dairy Diary was produced in 1982 and since then more than 30 million copies have been sold, making it Britain’s best-selling home diary.

Order online or call 08450 948 128 (lines open 9am-8pm, Mon-Fri).

 

To read the recipes click on the images above or visit http://www.dairydiary.co.uk/blog/five-fantastic-festive-recipes.html

 

#christmas #menu #recipes

Recipe of the Week: Gingered Beef Casserole

The perfect comfort food. Let this casserole warm up your November weekend.

Gingered Beef Casserole

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Calories 416 per portion
Fat 21g (4g sat) per portion
Suitable for freezing

Ingredients

  • Sunflower oil 1 tbsp
  • Diced stewing beef 500g (1lb 2oz)
  • Onion 1, peeled and chopped
  • Plain flour 1 tbsp
  • Ginger beer 500ml (18fl oz)
  • Beef stock 300ml (½ pint)
  • Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp
  • English mustard 1 tsp
  • Carrots 350g (12oz), peeled, halved lengthways, thickly sliced
  • Pearl barley 110g (4oz)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C(160°fan)/350°F/Gas 4. Heat oil in a large frying pan, add beef and fry, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add onion and fry, stirring, until meat is browned and onion has softened.
  2. Stir in flour then gradually mix in ginger beer and stock. Add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, carrots and barley, then season. Bring up to boil, stirring.
  3. Transfer to an ovenproof casserole dish, cover and bake for 2 hours until meat is tender.

Read Gingered Beef Casserole recipe on the Dairy Diary website

#recipeoftheweek #tripletested #beef #casserole

 

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