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Monday, 28 August 2017

Dark and Stormy - Adults only ice lollies!

Dark and Stormy - Adults only ice lollies!

  • 50ml sugar syrup (this appears to be readily available in most supermarkets)
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Zest of half a lime
  • Slice the remaining half of the lime into very thin slices
  • 50ml dark rum
  • 200ml Pepsi Ginger or ginger beer


Method:
Keeping the lime slices to one side, mix together all the ingredients and pour into your lolly mould, add a lime slice to each mould and pop into the freezer.  These are best left overnight, however they are still somewhat soft, I assume this is due to the alcohol, so make sure you have a handy piece of kitchen towel to hand!

Following the success of my gin & tonic ice lollies I thought I would give another of my favourite alcoholic tipples a go, rum! In the previous recipe I made sugar syrup by heating sugar in water until it dissolved, this time I tried ready made sugar syrup that I stumbled upon in the supermarket, this way saves a bit of time as you don't have to wait for the sugar water to cool down.  



Well, what can I say, another success, so glad the weather has picked up again as these went down a treat today, Mmm, now what to try next, any suggestions?

Sunday, 20 August 2017

Flash Stuffed Chicken Pockets with Red Pesto and Ricotta

Flash Stuffed Chicken Pockets with Red Pesto and Ricotta
  • 2 skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tbsp ricotta cheese
  • 6 basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp red pesto
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 slices of prosciutto, pancetta or streaky bacon
  • 2 sprigs or rosemary or thyme
  • Olive oil
For the dressing
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar

Method:
Preheat the oven to 180° C  (fan 160°C)/350°F gas mark 4.
Place the chicken breasts on a chopping board. Place your non-cutting hand flt over the breast and using a small sharp knife, cut a small pocket in the side of each breast for your stuffing, taking care not to cut right through.
To make stuffing, mix the ricotta, basil, and 1 tablespoon of the pesto together, adding a good grinding of black pepper.
Carefully stuff each breast with a spoonful of the stuffing. Season the chicken breast with a little salt and pepper, and wrap it in a slice of prosciutto, pancetta or bacon to seal the pocket. If you have them, tuck the rosemary or thyme under the wrapping, then tuck the ends underneath the breast and place on a baking tray.
Glaze each breast with the remaining pesto mixed with a little oil to dilute it to brushing consistency and bake in the oven for 20 – 30 minutes, until each chicken breast is cooked right through.
Make the dressing by whisking the oil and vinegar together with some seasoning to taste. Drizzle this over the chicken to serve. Credit to Laura Santtini

If you are stuck for recipe ideas with chicken then look no further. This flash stuffed chicken with red pesto and ricotta will tickle your taste buds. This dish is perfect with a variety of accompaniments but for tonight we are going with crushed new baby potatoes, green beans, tender stem broccoli and asparagus tips, drizzled with a mix of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Sunday, 13 August 2017

Prawn, mango, avocado salad with an orange and coriander dressing


Prawn, mango, avocado salad with an orange and coriander dressing

  • Pack of cooked king prawns
  • 1 mango, peeled and sliced
  • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
  • Bag of watercress
  • Juice of half an orange
  • 8 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Large handful of chopped coriander 
  • Cayenne pepper

Method:
Mix together the orange juice, olive oil, coriander and salt and pepper (to taste).  The mix should emulsify and thicken when you combine it, you will know when you see it.

Plate up with the a large handful of watercress on each plate and top with the prawns (having rinsed them first), avocado and mango then drizzle over the dressing and sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top to give it that little kick.

Seriously, this recipe is so quick and easy to make its unreal but it has such a great taste you would think it takes longer to get something that good!  Great for this time of year sitting out with a cold one, what more could you want?