Pancake Tuesday!

Every year I always look forward to making pancakes at home with my mother; it's a tradition we kept up in our house and when I was young I would eat them until I felt sick! I loved Nutella on them but sometimes my mother would make savoury pancakes filled with rashers and they were always a treat! Below are some recipes from our very own chef Simon, with something for everyone-whether you are a coeliac, a vegan or simply not confident in the kitchen.

Fool Proof Pancakes-approx. 12 pancakes

• 110g/40z plain flour sifted
• Pinch of Salt 
• 2 eggs (free range if possible)
• 200ml milk mixed with 75ml water
• 50g butter
• 1 medium orange zest
• 1 tbsp caster sugar

Step by Step Guide to the Perfect Flipping Pancakes

Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl with a sieve held high above the bowl so the flour gets an airing. Now make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Then begin whisking the eggs - incorporating any bits of flour from around the edge of the bowl as you do.

Next gradually add small quantities of the milk and water mixture, still whisking (don't worry about any lumps as they will eventually disappear as you whisk). When all the liquid has been added, scrape any stray bits of flour from around the edge into the centre, and then whisk once more until the batter is smooth, similar to the consistency of pouring cream.

Now melt the 50g/2oz of butter in a pan, cool slightly, spoon 2 tbsp of it into the batter and whisk it in, then pour the rest into a jug and set it aside for cooking. Stir the orange zest and caster sugar into the batter, strain the batter into a clean bowl, cover it and set aside the mix for at least 30 minutes.

Next get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to medium and now dip some kitchen paper in the remaining melted butter and wipe it across your pan.

To start with, do a test pancake to see if you're using the correct amount of bater, which should be approximately 2tbsp of  batter. It's helpful if you spoon the batter into a ladle so it can be poured into the pan in one go.

As soon as the batter hits the hot pan, tip it around from side to side to get the base evenly coated with batter. It should only take about half a minute or so to cook; you can lift he edge with a palette knife to see if it's taken on a nice golden colour. Flip the pancake over with your palette knife - the other side will only need a few seconds - then simply slide it out of the pan onto a plate.

Stack the pancakes as you make them between sheets of greaseproof paper on a plate resting over a pot of simmering water, to keep them warm while you make the rest.

Chocolate/Chilli Fondue

Ingredients
150ml double cream
225g, 70% dark chocolate
1 diced chilli, seeds removed
2tbsp dark rum
Your favourite fruits-strawberries, bananas, pineapple, you could also try almonds, marshmallows, all cut into bite-sized chunks
Cocktail sticks

Method
-Simmer your cream in a pot over a low heat
-Add your dark chocolate, chilli, rum
-To serve, transfer to a nice serving bowl, or if you like you can serve in the pot

Tip-if you transfer to a serving bowl, it will cool quicker and set, so keep a pot of simmering water on the stove. When it does start to set, simply place the bowl over the simmering water for a minute or so until it melts.

Valentine's Mains

Chicken, Vegetable and Chorizo Casserole
Ingredients (makes 2 portions)
2 large sliced red onions
125g diced chorizo
2 sliced red peppers
2 sliced yellow peppers
2 tomatoes, quartered
1 can chopped tomatoes
2 chicken stock cubes
1/2 red chilli, sliced
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 can red kidney beans
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Fresh coriander, chopped
2 avocados, diced

Method
-Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius
-In your casserole dish, sweat off your onions in a bit of oil, 2/3 minutes
-Add your chorizo, continue cooking for a further 2/3 minutes
-Now, add your peppers and cook until nicely coloured
-Next, add your tinned tomatoes, followed by a tin of water
-Add the fresh tomatoes, stock cubes, oregano and red chilli
-Now, season your chicken thighs and place into your casserole dish
-Top with the kidney beans, gently bring to the boil, put the lid on and place in your pre-heated oven when ready.

Cooking time is approx 40/50 minutes. To serve, remove lid, sprinkle the chopped coriander and diced avocado on top.
Place the dish in the center of the table with two warmed plates, optional extras such as mash or salad

Valentine's Starters

Tapas/Antipasto Style Starter
suggested options
-Your favourite pate/toast
-Selection of cold meats, prosciutto, Parma ham (even your ordinary sandwich ham!)
-Olives/nuts/sundried tomatoes
-Grilled ciabatta, plain or with goat's cheese/garlic/tapenade/brie etc
-Your favourite smoked fish e.g. salmon, mackerel, trout etc
-Even some homemade potato wedges with a sweet chilli dipping sauce
(2 rooster potatoes, cut into 1/8, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, olive oil, roast in hot oven)


To Serve
Arrange and serve on a wooden chopping board, drizzle with a touch of olive oil.

This starter can be tailored to suit the needs of whoever you're cooking for; it's no fuss , straightforward and looks impressive.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Cocktails

So, the Day of Love is upon us (as is Ferris Wheel Appreciation Day). If you don't fancy heading out to packed restaurants, why not try your hand at impressing your loved one?
I have spilt our Valentine's blog into four posts-cocktails, starters, mains and desserts. Try your hand at these and help set the mood!

Valentines Cocktails
Martini
3 dashes orange juice
50ml vodka
20ml dry vermouth
2tsp grenadine
twist lemon
Ice to taste

Method: Combine all together, shake well, serve in chilled glasses

Vodka/Cranberry Twist
200ml vodka
200ml cointreau
600ml cranberry juice
400ml orange juice
zest 2 limes
crushed ice

Method: Combine all together, shake well, serve in chilled glasses

Strawberry Twist
100g strawberries hulled/halved
50g caster sugar
bottle chilled champagne

Method: Blitz the strawberries/sugar, add a drop of water if needed,place in chilled glasses, add bubbly