Cooking with Paula McIntyre

Buttermilk breadrolls 450g bread flour 7g dried yeast 190ml buttermilk 60ml local rapeseed oil 1 heaped tablespoon castor sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder Egg yolk for brushing Stir yeast and 35ml of lukewarm water in a large bowl and leave for 10 minutes. Warm the buttermilk to blood temperature gently and add to the yeast mixture with the oil and sugar. Mix in the flour and baking powder to a soft dough and transfer to a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes and place in a clean bowl rubbed with oil. Cover with cling or a damp tea towel and leave at room temperature for an hour. Knock back and divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place on baking trays lined with baking paper - don’t have them too close together as they’ll rise. Leave for 30 minutes. Set oven to 200°c. Brush rolls with egg yolk and then bake for about 20 minutes or until the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Cook on a wire rack. 500g rump steak 1 tablespoon oil for rubbing Seasalt Freshly ground black pepper 150g mayonnaise 2 teaspoons wholegrain mustard 1 tablespoon finely chopped gherkin 200g raclette slices or thin slices of cheddarRub the oil all over the rump and season with salt. Heat a pan until smoking and seal on both sides for two minutes. Lower the heat and cook to desired temperature. Season with pepper and rest for 5 minutes and slice thinly. Mix the mayonnaise with the mustard and gherkins Split the rolls and spread the mayo on to the surface.Arrange the beef over the top and then cheese. Bake in a 180oc oven until cheese has melted – about 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Caramel pecan pancakes3 large eggs1 dessertspoon golden syrup200ml buttermilk300g plain flour1 teaspoon baking soda50ml bannoffee toffee75g chopped pecansOil for cookingWhisk the eggs, syrup and buttermilk in a bowl.Sift in the flour and baking soda. Whisk to a thick batter.Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Wipe a medium hot pan with oil and add a tablespoon of batter – don’t over crowd the pan. Drizzle some of the bannoffee toffee and add a sprinkle of pecan nuts on the surface. Spread over some more pancake batter to enclose the nuts and sauce. When bubbles appear, flip over and cook on the other side for a couple of minutes to cook through. Repeat with the remaining batter.Rum candied bananas50g butter50g soft brown sugar50ml rumPinch cinnamon4 bananas, peeled and choppedHeat the butter and sugar in a large pan and spread to fill the surface. Add the rum and toss for a minute. Flame carefully with the rum, add the cinnamon and serve with the pancakes.

Rhubarb compote 100g castor sugar 250g rhubarb, chopped into 1cm pieces Zest and juice of 1 orange Splash of gin ( optional)Cook the sugar and orange zest and juice until the sugar has dissolved over medium heat. Add the rhubarb, cover with parchment and simmer gently until just cooked – really only a couple of minutes.Turn off and cool.Pastry 225g plain flour 100g butter 60g icing sugar 1 egg 1 egg yolkRub the flour, butter and sugar together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs ( do this in a food processor if you wish). Mix the egg and the yolk and add to make a dough. Wrap in cling and chill for an hour.Strawberry jam Lightly butter 2 tartlet tins and set oven to 180oc. Roll the pastry out until thin and cut out rounds to fit in the hole. Chop half the rhubarb and mix with an equal amount of jam. Spoon into the pastry and bake for 15 minutes. Cool and remove from tins. Serve with a dollop of the cream. Coconut custard cream 225 ml milk 2 egg yolks 75 g caster sugar 10 g plain flour, sieved 10g cornflour Simmer the milk. Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour and flour and then pour over milk. Whisk well and return to pan over low heat. Stir constantly until custard is thick. Pour into a bowl and cover surface with cling, cool and chill. 25g desiccated coconut 250ml double cream Spread the coconut onto a baking tray lined with parchment and cook in a 180oc oven for about 5 minutes or until golden. Cool. Whip the cream, fold in the cold custard and coconut.

Recipe Pickled mustard seeds 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds 2 tablespoons cider vinegar Place the seeds in a small bowl and cover with vinegar. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for 2 days before using4 x 175g boneless shoulder chops 1 tablespoon oil ½ teaspoon smoked seasalt ( or regular seasalt) 2 teaspoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 15g butter 1 shallot, finely chopped 200ml chicken stock 2 teaspoons pickled mustard seeds 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon chopped chivesMix the oil with the salt, maple syrup and vinegar and rub all over the chops. Cover and chill overnight. Heat a large pan until smoking hot and add the chops. Cook for 2 minutes each side then lower the heat and cook through gently. Remove from pan and set aside, covered in foil. Add the butter and shallots to the pan and cook until golden. Add the stock and reduce by half. Whisk in the mustard and then add the pickled mustard seeds. Add resting juices from pork and the chives and warm through. Check the seasoning. Slice the pork and spoon over the sauce. Cider Cabbage 1 sweetheart cabbage 1 tablespoon oil Salt and pepper 20g butter 150ml dry local cider Cut the cabbage in quarters through the root. Heat the oil in a large pan until smoking hot. Add the cabbage wedges. Cook until golden brown on both sides and add the butter. Turn to coat in the butter. Season with salt and pepper and add the cider. Cover with a lid, lower the heat slightly and cook for about 8 minutes or until cooked through. Boil to reduce any excess liquid. Serve with the pork and some mash.

Recipe Flapjacks 175g golden syrup 135g butter 175g porridge oats Line an 8inch square tin with parchment paper and set oven to 180oc. Melt the syrup and butter in a pan and then mix in the oats. Press into the tin and bake for 25 minutes. Cool for a couple of minutes and cut into squares. Cool in the tin and then remove. Honeycomb 150g castor sugar 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon liquid glucose 2 teaspoons baking soda Place the sugar, water, honey and glucose in a pan and cook to an amber liquid. Avoid stirring too much as it can cause the mixture to crystallise. Add the baking soda and mix briefly. It will foam up so be careful. Pour onto a sheet of parchment paper. Allow to cool. Whiskey and honeycomb cream 250ml double cream 50ml whiskey 4 tablespoons honeycomb crumbledWhip the cream to stiff peaks and fold in the whiskey and honeycomb.250g raspberries Top the flapjacks with the honeycomb cream and dot over 2 or 3 raspberries. Top with more crumbled honeycomb.

Recipe 500g shin of beef, bone in 1 tablespoon oil 35g root ginger sliced finely 2 onions, peeled and chopped roughly 3 cloves garlic, peeled 500ml beef stock – you can buy ready made stock or use 2 cubes 2 tablespoons soy sauce 4 scallions 1 red chilli 2 tablespoons crispy onions ( available in supermarkets and delis) 100g basmati rice Heat the oil in a pan or casserole until smoking hot and add the shin. Cook on both sides for a couple of minutes then add the ginger, garlic and onions. Transfer to a saucepan and cover with the stock and soy. Add some more water if necessary. Either gently simmer on the stove with a lid on or place in a 170oc oven in a casserole for about 2 hours or until fork tender. Either way check there’s enough liquid to cover the meat throughout. Boil the rice until cooked, drain and cool under cold water. Cut the scallions into 3 slices then cut them into thin strips. Split the chilli and cut into thin strips. Place in iced water. Remove shin and blend the remaining liquid to a smooth soup. Add water to spoon coating consistency. Shred the meat from the shin and add to the soup. Check the seasoning. Spoon the rice into 4 bowls and top with the hot soup. Garnish with the scallion and chilli strips and crispy onion.

Grilled bacon chop on toast with fermented red cabbage, beetroot and apple, mustard and dill, gherkin sourcreamFermented red cabbage with beetroot and apple 500g red cabbage, roots removed and finely shredded 1 large beetroot, peeled and coarsely grated 2 eating apples, coarsely grated 1 red onion, finely sliced 10g seasalt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon chilli paste ( chipotle works well here) 1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds Place the red cabbage, beetroot, apples and onions in a bowl and mix in the seasalt. Mix together for 5 minutes, rubbing in the salt – use gloves! Cover with a teatowel and leave for a few hours, mixing occasionally. Mix in the chilli, pepper and coriander and press into a sterilized jar or jars and press down to ensure the mixture is covered with liquid. If not make up a brine of 10g salt to 100ml of water, simmer until salt has dissolved and pour onto the vegetables. Press down and place a lid on top but don’t tighten it. Keep at room temperature for a week, pressing down frequently. Place lid on after a week and store in the fridge. 2 bacon chops 4 slices sourdough bread 200ml sour cream 1 tablespoon finely chopped gherkin or cornichon 2 tablespoons dill, chopped 2 teaspoons wholegrain mustard Place the chops fat side down on a pan over medium heat and cook until the fat is golden. Cook on both sides for about 3 minutes each side or until cooked through and rest for 5 minutes. Mix the sourcream with the gherkins, dill and mustard. Toast the bread. Spread some of the sourcream on to the toast, top with sliced bacon and then some of the fermented cabbage. Garnish with dill and serve.

Festive date and Irish coffee crispies 125g butter 100g soft brown sugar 225g finely chopped dates 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon mixed spice 100g puffed rice Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the butter and sugar in a large pan and cook until the butter has melted. Add the dates and cook until foamy and starting to caramelize. Mix in the puffed rice and spices and press into the baking tray.Chocolate coffee layer 225ml double cream 50ml whiskey 75ml espresso coffee 50g soft brown sugar 250g chopped dark chocolate Place the cream, whisky, coffee and sugar in a pan and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Add the chocolate and stir over low heat until melted. Pour over the crispy base and chill for half an hour.250ml double cream 50ml Irish cream liqueur Cocoa to dust Whip the cream and fold in the liqueur. Cut the crispies into small squares or rectangles and pipe on the cream. Dust with cocoa.

Sausage pancakes with cranberry sauce, chipotle cream and chestnut crumb Sausage Pancakes 150g plain flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 egg 175ml buttermilk ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 tablespoon oil plus more for cooking pancakes 4 finely chopped scallions 150g cooked sausage chopped Cook the shallots in the oil until golden and cool. Whisk the flour, baking soda and powder together. Make a well in the centre and add the egg. Whisk in the buttermilk then add the salt, shallot mixture, scallions and sausage. Heat a pan and wipe with oil. Add dessertspoons of the batter and cook until bubbles appear, flip and cook on other side. Chestnut crumb 25g butter 50g cooked chestnuts finely chopped 50g breadcrumbs 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Cranberry relish 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon oil 100ml Port 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2cm dice 250g cranberries 75g castor sugar Cook the onion in the oil until soft then add the Port, sugar, cranberries and apple. Cook for about 10 minutes or until cranberries are soft. Chipotle Cream 50g mayonnaise 150ml sourcream 1 teaspoon chipotle paste Salt and pepper to taste Whisk together. Spoon some relish onto a pancake, followed by some sourcream and sprinkle over the crumb.

Recipe Pastry:150g butter 225g plain flour Pinch salt Cold water to bind Wrap the butter in parchment and freeze for 45 minutes. Place the flour into a bowl and mix in the salt. Coarsely grate the butter into the flour then rub until the mixture is fine and sandy. Add cold water to bind to a dough, wrap in cling and chill. Roast Celeriac:1 medium celeriac, scrubbed under cold water 1 tablespoon oil Salt Few sprigs fresh thyme Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut the wiry bottom from the celeriac and slice into 4 rounds. Place on parchment, brush with oil, season with salt and add the thyme. Cover with foil and roast in a 180oc oven for about 45 minutes or until soft. Mushroom Duxelle:350g mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 25g butter 75ml Port or red wine 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to tasteHeat a large pan until smoking hot and add the oil ( or use 2 pans so as not to crowd the mushrooms) and mushrooms. Cook for a minute then dot around the butter and add the onion and garlic. Cook until onions are golden and add the balsamic and Port. Season and cook until all the liquid has evaporated. Blend to a smooth puree and cool. 8 stalks cavalo nero or outside leaves of savoy cabbageRemove the stalks and bring bring a big pan of salted water to the boil. Add the greens and cook for a minute. Cool under cold water and pat dry with kitchen paper.To assemble:1 egg yolk 100g crumbled feta 100g grated cheddar Roll the pastry out into a rectangle 40cm x 30cm Place half the greens into the middle, leaving a 4cm border around the edges. Trim the edges and roll out and cut out stars for the top. Add half the duxelle, top with the celeriac, add the feta, cheddar, more duxelle and top with the remaining greens. Brush the edges with egg yolk and fold the edges in and roll up. Place on a lightly oiled baking tray and set oven to 180oc. Brush the top with egg yolk, place on the stars and brush with more yolk. Bake for about 30 minutes and serve. Peppercorn Gravy1 shallot, finely chopped 25g butter 1 teaspoon brined green peppercorns, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 50ml whiskey or brandy 200ml vegetable stock ½ teaspoon marmite 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Cook the shallots in the butter until soft and golden. Add the peppercorns and cracked black pepper and the whiskey. Add the marmite, stock and balsamic and boil to a spoon coating sauce. Check seasoning.

RecipeBiscuit base 250g gingersnap biscuits, crushed 150g melted butter Grease an 8 inch cake tin. Mix the biscuits with the melted butter and press into the cake tin. Chill.Filling 250g mascarpone cheese 400g full fat cream cheese 75g icing sugar 250ml double cream 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 35g crystallized ginger, finely chopped Whisk the cheeses, sugar and cream until thick. Fold in the ginger and vanilla and spoon onto the biscuit base. Smooth off the top and chill.Pedro Ximenez Sherry candied pears 4 pears 100g castor sugar 75ml Pedro Ximenez sherry 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrypQuarter the pears, remove the core and cut each quarter in half. Heat a large frying pan and sprinkle the sugar over the top. Cook to an amber liquid then add 100ml of boiling water and the sherry. Boil to a thick syrup and add the pears. Cook until the pears are soft and glazed – about 5 minutes. Add the honey and cook for another minute. Cool. Spoon the pears onto the chilled cheesecake.

Recipe4 duck breasts, trimmed 350ml water 2 crushed juniper berries 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper corns 1 teaspoon mustard seeds Few sprigs thyme 10g seasalt 15g brown sugar 50g dried fruit – cranberry, cherry and golden raisin mix 1 finely chopped shallot 125ml dry cider 200ml chicken stock 15g butter Soak the fruit in the sherry overnight. Heat a saucepan and add the juniper, pepper and mustard seeds. When they start to pop add the water, thyme, salt and sugar. Simmer until sugar and salt have dissolved. Cool completely and submerge the duck breasts in it. Chill overnight then remove duck and pat dry with kitchen paper. Score the skin and place skin side down into a cool frying pan. Place on medium low heat and cook until the skin is rendered and crisp – will take about 12-15 minutes. Flip over and cook on other side for a few minutes or cook in a 190oc oven until desired temperature. Remove the fat from the pan but not juices if possible. Add the shallot to the pan and cook until golden. Add the fruit and cider and cook for a minute. Add the stock and boil until spoon coating consistency. Add any duck resting juices and the duck to warm through. Whisk in the butter and check seasoning.Hot red cabbage slaw 600g red cabbage, quartered , core removed and finely sliced 2 red onions, finely sliced 2 tablespoons fat from duck 100ml dry cider 35ml cider vinegar 1 tablespoon maple syrup Salt and pepper Heat the fat in a large frying pan and add the onions. Cook until soft then add the cabbage. Cook to wilt – about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cider, vinegar and maple syrup and cook until all the liquid has evaporated. Season to taste and serve with the duck.

Apple, Fig and Walnut Cake1 large Bramley apple, peeled, cored and chopped 100ml vegetable oil 1 teaspoon baking powder 100g chopped dried figs 150g soft brown sugar 2 eggs 75ml buttermilk 140g plain flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon mixed spice 30g wholemeal flour 75g chopped walnutsSet the oven to 180oc and butter a cake tin. Cook the apples with 25g of the sugar until soft then blend to a smooth puree. Cool. Whisk the apple puree with the vegetable oil, buttermilk and eggs. Mix the flours with the baking powder,spices, figs, sugar and walnuts. Add the wet ingredients and whisk to a smooth batter. Spoon into the tin and bake for about 40 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Drizzle for cake 60g icing sugar 1 dessertspoon maple syrup ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 dessertspoon waterMix together and drizzle over the cool cake. Or if you want to have the cake with blue cheese leave off the drizzle.

Recipe Parsnip Chowder 100g diced streaky bacon or pancetta 25g butter 1 stick celery diced 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 clove garlic minced 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour 750g parsnips, peeled and cut into 2cm dice 1 litre chicken stock 50ml double cream Handful chopped parsley Cook the bacon in a dry saucepan until crisp. Add the butter, celery, onions and garlic and cook gently with a lid for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add parsnips and cook to coat. Mix in the flour then add the stock. Bring to a simmer and stir well. Cook for about 20 minutes on a gently simmer or until the parsnips are cooked. Finish off with the cream and parsley. Check seasoning and serve with the griddle scones. Rosemary, cheese and onion griddle scones250g plain flour 1 teaspoon baking soda Good pinch salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon oil 75g grated sharp cheddar 225ml buttermilkCook the onions in the oil until soft and golden. Cool. Mix the flour, salt, baking soda, rosemary, cooked onions and cheddar in a bowl then mix in the buttermilk to make a stiff dough. Place on a floured surface and bring together gently then flatten to about 2cm thick. Cut out rounds and place on a medium hot griddle or heavy frying pan. Cook for about 3 minutes each side and turn on their sides to cook through.

Recipe 1kg mussels, scrubbed 250ml dry cider 100g pancetta or streaky bacon, chopped 1 tablespoon oil 25g butter 1 leek, split, washed and chopped 150g orzo 250ml chicken stock Handful chopped parsley Heat a large saucepan with a lid until smoking hot. Add half the cider and then the mussels. Place the lid on top and steamed for 2 minutes. Check and remove any that are open. Return lid and steam for another minute. Check and remove until all the mussels are open. Remove the meat from the mussels and set aside. Strain the mussel liquor and set aside. Heat the oil in a pan and add the pancetta. Cook until crispy then add the butter and leeks. Cook for a minute then add the mussel liquor, stock and orzo. Place a lid on top and cook for 12 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Add the mussels and parsley, heat for a minute then serve.

Recipe6 chicken thighs, skin and bone removed 1 tablespoon oil 175g chopped leeks 2 carrots, peeled and finely sliced 1 onion finely chopped 25g butter 2 tablespoons oil 100ml white wine or dry cider 350ml chicken stock 75ml double cream 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 stalks soup celery shredded Handful chopped parsley Heat the oil in a large frying pan until smoking hot. Season the chicken with salt and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside. Add the butter to the pan and then add the leeks, carrots, soup celery and onions. Cook for a minute then add the wine. Cook for 2 minutes and add the stock. Return chicken to pan, place a lid on top and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cream and mustard and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the parsley and check seasoning.

Recipe1 onion, finely chopped 1 stick celery, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 50g butter 1 medium potato, peeled and diced 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock 1 head broccoliHeat the butter in a saucepan and add the onion, celery and garlic. Add a lid and cook on gentle heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the stock and potato and simmer until the potato is soft. Separate the florets from the broccoli and finely shred. Finely dice the stalks as finely as to you can and add to the pan while the potato is cooking. Add the shredded florets and cook for 2 minutes. Blend to a smooth puree and check seasoning. ½ soda farl, cut into 1cm dice 2 tablespoons oil 15g butter Heat the oil in a pan and add the diced farl. Cook until golden then add the butter and continue to cook until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives 2 tablespoons sour cream Spoon the soup into bowls, drizzle over some sour cream, scatter over the croutons and chives.

RecipeApple sponge puddings with clotted cream 125g soft butter + extra for greasing 50g castor sugar 1 large egg 125g self raising flour 100ml apple juice 2 red eating apples 2 dessertspoons Demerara sugar Butter 4 individual pudding moulds or ramekins and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper and set oven to 190oc. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy – will take about 5 minutes at full speed with an electric mixer. Fold in the egg then the flour and juice. Peel, core and dice the apples and toss in the Demerara sugar. Butter a piece of foil on the unshiney side and place loosely on top of the puddings. Place in a baking dish and fill the dish half way up with boiling water. Place in oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Turn out onto a dish apple side up. Serve warm with a teaspoon of clotted cream for each pudding.

RecipeChocolate cracknell 150g golden syrup 75g butter chopped 30g cocoa powder 100g chopped dark chocolate 150g cornflakes Line a cake tin with parchment paper. Place the syrup, butter and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the chocolate and turn off the heat. Stir until the chocolate is melted and mix in the cornflakes until completely coated. Press into the cake tin and level off the top. Cool and then chill to set. Remove from tin and cut into pieces.Whiskey custard cream 300ml whole milk 50ml whiskey 3 egg yolks 100g castor sugar 10g plain flour 15g cornflour Place the milk and whiskey in a saucepan and heat until simmering. Whisk the yolks with the sugar, flour and cornflour until well combined. Pour half the milk mixture onto the yolk mixture and whisk well. Pour back into the remaining milk and stir gently over low heat, constantly until the mixture thickens. Pour into a clean bowl and cover the surface with cling or parchment paper. Cool and then chill.250ml double cream Whisk the cream to stiff peaks and fold into the chilled custard. Spoon or pipe onto the cracknel.

Damson Cheesecake Cream Damson Puree 500g damsons 200g granulated sugar Place the damsons and sugar in a pan and allow to gently simmer until the fruit is pulpy and any fruit removed from the stone. Scoop out the stones with a peascoop or a slotted spoon.Blend the pulp and then pass through a sieve. Store in sterilized jam jars. 250g mascarpone 150ml double cream 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 2 tablespoons icing sugar 150ml natural thick yoghurt 200g damson puree Whisk the mascarpone and cream until thick. Fold in the vanilla, icing sugar and yoghurt. Ripple the damson puree through the cream. Spoon into 4 bowls and drizzle more damson puree on top.Blackberry thumbprint biscuits Blackberry jam 750g blackberries 350g granulated sugar If you don’t have a temperature probe place a saucer in the freezer. Place blackberries in a heavy based saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the sugar and bring the mixture to the boil then turn heat down to a simmer. Cook until the mixture reaches 105oF on a probe or add a little to the chilled saucer and it should set straight away. Should take about 10 minutes of simmering to get to this stage. Spoon into sterilized jam jars and seal. 250g plain flour 150g butter, diced 75g castor sugar 2 egg yolks Blackberry jam ( or jam of your choice) Rub the flour and butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the sugar and then add the egg yolks. Bring together. Line 2 trays with parchment paper and set oven to 180oc. Make small balls of the mixture ( around 25g each) and place on trays. Press your thumb into the middle of each biscuit and add some jam. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.