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Just a good old stew!

Just a good old stew!

image of a bowl of stew with dumplings, ham, chicken and vegetables, you can find this recipe at cookery school gourmandises academie, Cambridge

Ingredients:

Cavolo nero Kale (can be replaced by cabbage)

One carrot

One celery stick

A tin of cannellini beans

Two chicken legs

A bit of left over ham hock

A bay leaf 

Half a tsp of turmeric

Salt and pepper to season

Method:

Stew is easy right, the hardest bit is chopping the veggies. After that, everything goes in the pot. I had two pieces of chicken legs in my freezer, and a bit of cooked smoked ham hock too. So I started by cooking those from frozen, I popped the legs and ham hock in a big pot and covered with water, nothing else at that stage. I let it boil for 30 minutes, and got rid of the white foam on top. I then added my chopped veggies, in this one I used one carrot, one celery stick and a bag of Cavolo nero kale, salt and pepper, a bay leaf, a tin of cannellini beans (drained) and my secret ingredient half a tsp of turmeric. That’s it! Let it stew on a low heat for a good two hours, the meat will fall off the bone by that point. 30 minutes before serving I added some dumplings, but you could also add old bits of bread too. The beauty of a stew is that there is no rule, whatever is in your fridge or freezer works! 

Bon appétit!

Corinne

What can I add to a stew?

The beauty of a stew is you can add whatever you want. It can be made with just veg, you can add meat of course. But the one thing people don’t often think of is spices, yes you can spice it up, I like to add a bit of turmeric to mine, sometimes I also add a bit of ginger. It’s really up to you.

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Maroccan preserved lemons

Maroccan preserved lemons

image of a jar filled with lemons, bay leaves and black peppercorns, you can find the recipe at cooking school gourmandises academie, Cambridge

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 unwaxed lemons (or as many as fit snugly in your jar)

  • 1/2 cup coarse sea salt preferably, but table salt is fine too

  • A few extra lemons for juicing (if needed)

  • Bay leaves and whole black peppercorns, you don’t have to add them but they do add a depth of flavour to the cured lemons.

  • You will also need a glass jar with a tight lid, I went for a Kilner type jar. You will need to sterilize it.

 

 

Method:

    • Wash the lemons.

    • Trim a thin slice off both ends of each lemon to create a flat surface.

    • Stand each lemon upright. Cut a deep cross into each one from the top, going about 3/4 of the way down towards the base, so the four quarters remain attached at the bottom.

  • Salt the lemons:

    • Open up each lemon gently along the cuts.

    • Generously stuff the inside of each lemon with coarse salt. Don’t be shy – this is key to the preservation process. You’ll likely use about 1 tablespoon of salt per lemon.

  • Pack the jar:

    • Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of salt at the bottom of your sterilized jar.

    • Begin packing the salted lemons tightly into the jar. Press them down firmly with a spoon. This is crucial for releasing their juices and ensuring they are submerged. The tighter you pack them, the more juice will be released.

    • If you’re using bay leaves and peppercorns, add them in layers as you pack the lemons.

  • Add lemon juice (if needed): As you pack, the lemons will release their own juice. The goal is for the lemons to be completely submerged in liquid. If, after packing all the lemons tightly, they are not fully covered, squeeze the juice from an additional 1-2 fresh lemons and add it to the jar until the lemons are totally submerged.

  • Seal and cure:

    • Seal the jar tightly with the lid.

    • Store the jar in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cabinet) at room temperature for a good two days, then refrigerate.

  • Patience is key: The lemons need to cure for at least 3-4 weeks, but ideally 1 month or longer. The longer they cure, the more mellow and complex their flavour will become, and the rinds will soften to a jelly-like texture.

  • Storage:  They will keep for at least 6 months, and often up to a year or more, as long as they remain submerged in their brine.

What can preserved lemons be used for?

Preserved lemons are a key element of any tagine, especially lamb. But, they can also be used in stews, salads, dressings, and even with roasted chicken or fish. They are just a beautiful ingredient to add to your pantry. 

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Two vibrant sides for your roast lamb

Two vibrant sides for your roast lamb

picture of bowl filled with some kind of hummus, the recipe can be found on the blog of cookery school gourmandises academie, Cambridge
image of a salad bowl containing broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes, you can learn how to make it at cooking school Gourmandises Academie, Camridge

Ingredients:

For the Smoky Aubergine with Lime & Chickpeas:

One aubergine

One tin of chick peas drained and rinsed

Two cloves of garlic crushed 

Juice and zest of one lime

One TSP of smoked paprika

For the Bright Cauliflower & Broccoli Salad with Cannellini Beans:

One broccoli and one cauliflower cut into florets

Six cherry tomatoes halved

One tin of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Olive oil

The juice and zest of one lime

Method:

Wrap the aubergine in tin foil and place in a 200°c oven until soft. Once cooked, peel off the skin.

In a food processor, add the chick peas, aubergine, garlic, lime juice and two table spoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to season. Mix to a paste, garnish with the paprika and an extra table spoon of olive oil. Serve as a dip with your lamb.

Blanch the cauliflower and broccoli in hot boiling water for 2 minutes and drain.

In a bowl, add the cannellini beans, hot cauliflower and broccoli, and the tomatoes, salt and pepper to season, the lime juice and olive oil and mix. It’s important to do this when your vegetables are still hot, so they can soak up all the juices. Serve hot or cold with your roast lamb.

Bon appétit!

Corinne

What else goes well with lamb?

Lamb is a rich meat so you need something to contrast and balance the flavours. Mint sauce of course is excellent, but anything zesty also works well. If you’re serving green beans for example, add a table spoon of lemon juice. When roasting your lamb, think about adding some preserved lemons especially for a leg of lamb.

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Asian inspired chargrilled baby gems

Asian inspired chargrilled baby gems

image of a plate filled with avocado, chargrilled lettuce and panfried fillet of fish

Ingredients:

One baby gem per person 

One spring onion

Grated ginger (the size of a tea spoon)

One tsp of soy sauce

One tsp of sweet chilli sauce

Zest and juice of one lime

You will need a griddle pan for this recipe

Method:

Prepare the Asian sauce. In a bowl, mix the soy, chilli sauce, lime and ginger. Add the chopped spring onion and mix. Set aside.

Put your griddle pan on a high heat. Halve or quarter the baby gems, brush both sides with olive oil, and grill until slightly charred and tender.

Once your baby gems are tender, drizzle them with the Asian sauce and serve with avocado and pan fried sea bass.

And that is it! As simple and as delicious as that!

Bon appétit!

Corinne

Tip: the dressing can also be used on any salad.

What vegetable can you char?

Any vegetable works, at this time of year I also chargrill leeks, it intensifies their flavour and sweetness. 

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Christmas cooking recipe

Raspberry, choc mousse and ginger nut verrine

Raspberry, choc mousse and ginger nut verrine

Picture of a trifle with a chocolate mousse and fresh raspberries on top, you can find the recipe on the blog of cookery school Gourmandises Academie, Cambridge

Ingredients:

  • 250 g of fresh raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons of icing sugar
  • 20 g of dark chocolate
  • 100 ml of double cream
  • 6 ginger nut biscuits
  • This quantity will make roughly two to three verrines
  • You will need cocktail glasses or wine glasses work too

Method:

In a bowl crush six raspberries. Place six ginger nut biscuits in a freezer bag and bash them to a crumble with a rolling pin. Add two tablespoons of that crumble to the raspberry mix. Melt your chocolate in the microwave or over a bain marie. Add the icing sugar to the double cream and mix, then fold in the melted chocolate and whisk to a soft mousse consistency. Time to assemble your verrines. Start by adding two tablespoons of ginger nut crumble to the bottom of your glasses, then add your raspberry mix, and then the mousse. Decorate with fresh raspberries. 

Bon appétit!

Corinne

Check out my other recipes here 

Can you make a savoury verrine?

Yes you can. They are very popular as a starter in France especially during the festive season. Layers of cheesy biscuits with a salmon mousse topped with lime zest is a really tasty savoury version for example.

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Green tomato galette with green tapenade and goat cheese

Green tomato galette with green tapenade and goat cheese

image of a tart with sliced green tomatoes and goat cheese on top, you can find the recipe on the blog of Gourmandises Academie, Cambridge

Ingredients:

One to two tomatoes sliced 

I make my own shortcrust but one roll of shop bought shortcrust pastry is fine too.

One jar of green olives 

3 cloves of garlic

Olive oil

Plenty of fresh thyme

Goat cheese (if you don’t like goat cheese, you can replace with camembert or cheddar)

Pre-heat your oven at 180º C

Method:

Start by making the tapenade. In a food processor, blend the olives, garlic and thyme to a coarse paste. 

Roll out your pastry and prick the bottom with a fork. Spread two to three TBSP of tapenade on the base, don’t cover all of the pastry, leave a 2 cm gap for a border. Then, place the tomatoes on top and then the goat cheese, as much cheese as you like.  Then fold the 2 cm gap of pastry that you left to form a border (as per picture above). Pop in the oven for a good 30 minutes until the pastry is golden on top. Serve hot or cold with a salad. 

Bon appétit!

Corinne

What can I do with a lot of green tomatoes?

Apart from the obvious pickle and chutney, did you know that you can get them to ripe? Pop them in a draw with a few tomatoes that are already red and a banana or two. And they will ripe eventually, just be patient. Trust me it works. You just have to remember to change the bananas.

If not, you can also use them in a curry like you would with a ripe tomato or a even in a chilli. I also make a delicious tomato salsa with them. So don’t panic if you have green tomatoes!

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Stuffed cabbage rolls in a rich vermouth and tomato sauce

Image with a pan filled with cabbage rolls in a tomato sauce, the recipe can be found at cookery school Gourmandises Academie

Stuffed cabbage rolls in a rich vermouth and tomato sauce

Image with a pan filled with cabbage rolls in a tomato sauce, the recipe can be found at cookery school Gourmandises Academie

Ingredients:

8 large cabbage leaves 

500 g of mince beef

200 g of plain sausage meat 

80 ml of vermouth

One tin of chopped tomatoes

A bit of cheddar

One onion chopped

4 cloves of garlic

 

Method:

  1. Prepare the cabbage:  I removed 8 large leaves out of the green cabbage I grew in my garden. Because they’re organically grown they were huge, so I could halve them, but you might need a bit more depending on how big your cabbage is. Place the leaves in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for a few minutes until the leaves are tender enough to roll. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the mince beef and sausage meat. Season with salt and pepper, I also added some fresh thyme and oregano from the garden.
  3. Assemble the rolls: Place a spoonful or two of the filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll up tightly.
  4. Make the sauce: In a large saucepan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened. Pour in the vermouth and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced. Add the tin of chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer for a good 20 minutes.
  5. Cook the rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in the sauce, cover, and bake in an 180º C oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Top with grated cheddar cheese and serve.

Bon Appétit!

Corinne

You can check out my other recipes here 

Picture of a lady holding a huge cabbage

Why is my stuffed cabbage tough?

It is really important to pre-cook your cabbage leaves before filling them. This process will soften the leaves and make them easier to roll. It also allows you to halve the cooking time.

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Easy, cherry, almond cake

image of a slice of loaf cake with cherries inside, presented on a wooden board, recipe available on the blog of cookery school, Gourmandises Academie, Cambridge

Easy, cherry, almond cake

image of a slice of loaf cake with cherries inside, presented on a wooden board, recipe available on the blog of cookery school, Gourmandises Academie, Cambridge

Ingredients:

3 eggs 

175 g unsalted butter (soft)

175 g of sugar (granulated or caster) 

200 g of self raising flour

50 g of ground almonds

150 g of  fresh pitted cherries (can use frozen)

Three TBSP of cherry rum or kirsch

A loaf tin, buttered and lined with parchment paper

Pre-heat your oven at 180º C

 

Method:

This has to be the easiest recipe ever as everything goes in one bowl. I use my kitchen aid with the whisk for this, you can use an electric whisk too, or do it by hand. Basically, mix all the ingredients together (except the cherries) until it’s nice and fluffy, then gently fold in the cherries. Pour the cake batter into the loaf and bake for 1¼ hours.  

How to stop cherries from sinking in cake?

Before folding in the cherries into your cake batter, toss them into a bit of flour and then add them to your mix.

Bon appétit!

Corinne

Check out my other recipes here 

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Cherry and rum ice cream

image with a bowl of ice cream with cherries inside, the recipe can be found on the blog of Gourmandises Academie, Cottenham, UK

Cherry and rum ice cream

image with a bowl of ice cream with cherries inside, the recipe can be found on the blog of Gourmandises Academie, Cottenham, UK

Ingredients:

600 g of cherries, pitted (you can use frozen for this)

One tin of condensed milk (397 g tin)

600 ml of double cream

150 g of icing sugar 

Three TBSP of cherry rum (or kirsch)

 

Method:

If you are using fresh cherries like I did, you are gonna have to remove the stone first.  Once pitted, pass them through a food processor and give them a quick blast, you don’t want them puréed, just roughly crushed.  In a bowl, pour your cream, condensed milk, icing sugar and whisk to a thick consistency. Then fold in your cherries with three TBSP of rum. Pour everything into a Tupperware and freeze overnight. The ice cream comes out soft and creamy like an Italian gelato. Pure joy!

What is cherry rum?

Every country has their own way of fermenting fruits when they come in abundance. In Reunion Island, where I come from, Rum is often flavoured with the glut of the summer, such as pineapples, mango and litchis. I am in the UK, so I do  the same using the fruits we grow here. Cherries are perfect for this, when ripe, put them in a jar with a bit of sugar and cover them with dark rum. Let them infuse for a good six months and use it in cocktails or any of your bakes. That is cherry rum. 

Bon appétit!

Corinne

You can watch the step by step method of this recipe on YouTube

Check out my other recipes here 

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

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Giant coconut butter cookies recipe

Image of a selection of cookies dipped in dark chocolate, presented on a white tray with brown borders, you can learn how to make these cookies at cookery school Gourmandises Academie in Cambridge

GIANT COCONUT BUTTER COOKIES RECIPE

You can find out more about my cookery journey here 

Image of a selection of cookies dipped in dark chocolate, presented on a white tray with brown borders, you can learn how to make these cookies at cookery school Gourmandises Academie in Cambridge

Ingredients:

1 egg 

190 g unsalted butter (soft)

120 g of icing sugar 

220 g of plain flour

100 g of dark chocolate melted

40 g of desiccated coconut (keep 10 g for the dark chocolate dip at the  end)

Two baking trays with baking parchment

Pre-heat your oven at 180º C

Method:

Make sure your butter is soft before starting this recipe. If not, leave it outside the fridge for a couple of hours. You can  do this in the microwave but be really careful, pop your butter in a bowl and give 3 seconds in your microwave then check the consistency with a spoon, repeat until the butter is soft. 

In a bowl, add your butter and sugar first and mix, then add your flour, coconut and egg and mix again to a smooth consistency. 

Pop the mixture into a piping bag with a star shape nozzle. Don’t put the whole mixture in the bag though, as it will be difficult to pipe. Start with two table spoons at a time and pipe. 

Pop your tray in the oven, for a good 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Melt your dark chocolate in the microwave or over a bain-marie and add 10 g of coconut to it. Once your cookies are cold, dip them in the dark chocolate and let them set on a baking tray laid with baking parchment.

Can you use coconut butter instead of butter in cookies?

For baking, coconut butter can easily replace actual butter, and in this recipe it can work well, as it would add a stronger coconut flavour to the cookie. But, I would still use butter, so, in this recipe, maybe 50 g of coconut butter and 140 g of unsalted butter.

Bon appétit!

Corinne

You can watch the step by step method of this recipe on YouTube

Check out my other recipes here 

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