Time is running out if you still have not decided what to cook for the festive celebrations! I was surprised how many recipes this year are based on ready prepared food; - you can start with ready made soup, pate or a salmon dish, then follow it up with a stuffed breast of turkey and frozen vegetables and finish with a ready made pudding. After all this you might like a home cooked meal for a change! The following recipe might appeal to you.
Heat the butter gently and fry the garlic and walnuts for two minutes. Drain on kitchen paper. Make the dressing by combining the oil, mustard, juices, port and seasoning. Arrange the lettuce on four small plates. Sprinkle them with the crumbled stilton, fried walnuts then the port dressing and serve.
Brown the beef on all sides in a flameproof casserole dish. Remove from the dish, then fry the bacon until crisp. Remove that and then gently fry the onions and garlic until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually stir in the wine and stock and bring to the boil. Return the beef and bacon to the pan, add the bouquet garni and seasoning if necessary. Cover the dish and put in the oven at 180ºC/350ºF for about an hour. Add the tomatoes and then continue cooking for a half to one hour, or until the beef is tender. Slice and serve with vegetables of your choice.
Grease and line a 20cm(8ins) loose bottomed tin. Mix together the butter and the biscuit crumbs, spoon into the prepared tin and press flat with the back of a spoon. Chill.
Sprinkle the gelatine in a bowl with 150mls water. Set over a pan of simmering water and stir until dissolved, then leave to cool. Now melt the white chocolate in a bowl over the pan of simmering water, then leave to cool slightly. Beat the cheese, sugar and egg yolks together. Beat the melted chocolate into this mixture then, pouring in a thin stream, beat in the gelatine. Whisk the cream until just holding its shape, then fold into the mixture. Finally, whisk the egg whites until peaking, then fold in. Spoon the mixture over the base. Chill until set. Remove the cheesecake from the tin before serving and decorate with chocolate curls.
Happy Eating and a Prosperous New Year!