Mayonnaise in 10 seconds flat

When I saw Matt Preston do this on Masterchef I did not believe it actually worked, in fact I made the mayo an hour earlier than I needed to because I did not believe it.   But it does!  It's the same basic mayonnaise recipie I have tried to make lots of time, but using a different method. Believe me I have tried dribbling in the oil, I have tried using the blender - but mayonnaise has never worked for me at home.

Well, here is the link online: http://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/masterchef/recipes/slow-roasted-lamb-with-flatbread-and-mayo.  I have just put the method into this recipie, as it seems to make more sense that way.  To make it you need a stick blender and its cup.  
A couple of things to remember:

• be gentle with the ingredients
• the yolk needs to be whole
• put the basket of the stick blender over the yolk, so that the blades immediately blend the yolk
• then gently bring it up the blender cup to make the mayonnaise.

Fragarant orange semolina cake

Thanks to the wonderful Neil Perry for this cake!  I make it in a loaf tin, which makes 10 large slices, but you can double the ingrediants easily and make it in a 20x30cm tin. The cake does not rise a lot, being a semolina cake it is quite dense.

Its easy, and quick to make, but be sure to not over mix the batter, and do not overcook the cake. 
I think you could spice the cake up with a little cinnamon and nutmeg if you like. 

 

Pangritata

Pangritata means 'poor mans parmesan' and is used to top off a dish that needs some freshness and zest.  Cook it with variations that suit the main dish.  This recipie came from Australian masterchef and was used to top off a apricot chicken, hence the use of the orange.

Variations to the recipie include the following ingredients (but you can vary it according to what you like):
garlic
lemon instead of orange
herbs, rosemary or thyme are usual.
pine nuts or walnuts
chili
anchovies
parsley
butter

Ingredients

2 slices bread, cut into 1 cm cubes - use sourdough if you have any
4 slices prosciutto - cut into small pieces
¼ cup capers
zest of ½ orange
salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil

Method

Add olive oil, bread and prosciutto to the frypan and cook until crisp.
Add capers and orange zest and season.
Remove from heat

Choc Meringues (like the Burough Markets)

I first saw meringues like these at the Borough Markets, decadent and huge, with chocolate in the cracks, and 2 pounds 50 each!

This is a great way to use up left over egg whites if you have made a spaghetti carbonara.  Just put the egg whites in a glass and cover them with cling film pressed down to make sure there is no air on the egg whites.  You can also use egg whites that are available now in most supermarkets.  Remember the ratio of 1gram egg white to 2 gram caster sugar, and adjust the cornflour and cocoa powder accordingly (its not critical!). 

What is important in this recipie is to follow the whipping and sugar instructions.  If you don't have a microwave, you can heat the sugar in the oven.  Don't hurry these steps!  Oh, and don't forget to turn the oven down.

The meringues don't have to be chocolate, you could use berries.  Serve them with whipped cream and whatever fruit or sauce takes your fancy.  Raspberry Coulis would be nice, but my husband loves fresh passionfruit.

Margaret's Jam Drops.

Originally from a book by Maureen Kinch - 4 Ingredients, this is a recipie my friend Margaret swears by. 

Keep in mind flour quality and freshness can vary, make sure you keep your flour in an airtight container. I had a disaster recently with stale flour and scones so flat you could use them as hockey pucks! Both SR & plain flour works, it get's down to your personal preference.  

You can use stevia instead of sugar (experiment to find YOUR best version).  Ensure the sugar is dissolved in the butter in a very white mixture before you add the flour.
 
I prefer raspberry jam, but these are lovely with any kind of jam.  Of course don't use Nutella or Chocolate if taking to school or if a member of your family has allergies.  You can also break up any left over chocolate ( I know right? What do you mean left over chocolate?) and use the chocolate in the centre instead of Jam. You can use maltesers, jaffas, freckles, chopped up mars bars and milky ways. You are only limited by your imagination.
 

Jamie's Pizza

Jamie Oliver, from the Naked Chef book I have had for years.  This makes 2 large pizzas, put whatever topping you enjoy on the top.  I use store bought pizza tomatoe sauce, grated mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, oregano, onion chopped finely, olives and mushrooms.  Pepperoni for the boys!

It's important to have the oven as hot as possible.  Frankly, this is a fail safe recipie, I don't have any other tips.

Easy Crockpot Lasagna

This Lasagne is a lighter version than the traditional with Bechamel  Sauce, but  that is why my family liked it.  Next time I make it I am going to add a layer of Bechamel sauce as I like it a lot!

Note: it is important not to overcook this lasagne.  I use Auto on my cooker and it took about 4 hours.  If you have a cooker with a low setting, use that.  Do not use high as this will overcook the cheese and make it stringy.  If you are short of time use the oven!

You do not have to use the same meat sauce I have included, just use your usual bolognese sauce, but do not cook it right to the end.  I just simmer it for about 10 minutes to take any rawness out.  I often make a double bolognese sauce and freeze half, thaw it out and make this dish.

Break up the lasagna sheets to cover a layer at a time.   I use packet mozzarella cheese, and you can do the same with the parmesan, but fresh parmesan is better.   There is no substitute for fresh basil - grown your own each summer (all you need is a bit of sun) and freeze it in ice cube trays for winter.  There are two ways to finish the dish, depending up what you prefer - see the recipie.