Tempura Cauliflower

1 small cauliflower, cut into medium-size florets

100g plain flour

2 eggs, separated

2 tbsp vegetable oil

vegetable oil for deep frying

Method

1. Cook the cauliflower in boiling water for 2 mins. Tip into a colander, rinse under the cold tap, drain well and set aside.
2. Put the flour in a large bowl with a pinch of salt. Whisk the egg yolks and 175ml iced water together, then whisk into the flour with the oil to make a smooth batter. In a separate, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the batter.
3. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large wok to 190C. Coat some of the cauliflower in the batter then use a slotted spoon to carefully lift into the hot oil. Deep-fry the cauliflower for 2-3 mins until golden and puffy. Drain on kitchen towel and continue with the rest in batches. Sprinkle the cauliflower with salt and serve with a bowl of aïoli or mayonnaise.

Custard

I used half skimmed and half full fat milk

Banana loaf

Used plain flour and had with custard instead of iced.

Crispy chicken wings - in the oven!

10 full wings, cut into winglets and drumlets
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
hot sauce
sour cream

Pre heat oven to 120 degrees.

Pay down chicken & pop into a bag with the baking powder and salt and shake to coat.  Place wings skin side up on a wire rack over a baking tray covered in foil.

Cook for 30 minutes on low heat to render down the fat.

Turn oven upto 210 degrees and cook for a further 40 minutes, rotating the tray half way through but not turning over the wings.  They should be a golden brown colour when cooked & ready to toss in hot sauce & serve with sour cream.

Creamed spinach

Serves 2

12g butter

1/2 small onion

1 garlic clove

1 tbsp plain flour

100ml whole milk

200g bag spinach

50ml single cream

40g cheddar

Salt and pepper

Finely chop onion and garlic and soften in butter over a low heat. Add flour and then add milk gradually until you have a roux. Allow to.thicken. Meanwhile, boil the kettle and poor over the spinach to wilt. Stir into roux mix along with cream. Poor into oven proof dish and top with cheese.  At this point you can refrigerate until ready to cook. When ready, heat in oven at 180 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. 

American style chocolate chip cookies

Preheat oven to 180 degrees c (fan)

Mix the followong using a food mixer.

3/4 cup caster or granulated sugar
3/4 cup soft brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg
1 tbsp baking powder

When all mixed together. Add 2 1/4 cup plain flour and hen finally 200g chopped chocolate. (I used half dark.and half milk).

You should have a thick dough that can be formed into 1" diameter balls. Place them on a baking tray and push down gently to flatten. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Good butter icing

150g unsalted butter, soft 340g icing sugar, sifted 3-4 tbsp whole milk/milk infusion/juice/other liquid

Whip butter for at least 5 minutes and then add sugar in parts.

Double quantities to ice and cover a normal size sponge.