Lauraine Jacobs
Star Anise Beef and Noodle Salad
Cheaper cuts of meat are always suitable for marinating and long, slow cooking. Ask your butcher for a thin flank steak, a tasty, circular piece of meat that is tender when cooked in marinating juices for this recipe. There are several stages to it, but none of them is time consuming, and the flavours that hint at northern Asian cooking are evident in the vegetables, flat noodles and delicious star anise aromas of the beef.
Summer Berry Tart
Berries have a very short season so I like to make the most of them. Top this tart with a variety of available berries for a superb effect. The tart shell is filled with delicious sweet custard that is quite runny, so bake the crust ahead, prepare the custard and keep it chilled. Assemble the tart at the last moment, pile on the fruit and enjoy this taste of summer. It will be eaten in an instant.
Summer Saffron Vegetable Casserole with Rouille
Another dish that satisfies my infrequent desire for meat-free meals. This casserole uses lovely fresh summer vegetables and is rather like a bouillabaisse without fish. It is given an extra dollop of flavour by the rouille.
Sweet and Savoury Honeyed Pears
This is another recipe for poached pears. My friend and guide on a trip to Santorini, Rosie Barron, shared the idea of combining savoury and sweet flavours to complement pears, and was the inspiration for this dish. The perfect way to end a meal, it should be served with thick Greek yoghurt, drizzled with extra honey.
Tarragon and Lemon Poussins in Paper with Beetroot and Avocado
When you’re looking for something that’s simple and really delicious to impress, these tender, sweet and tasty baby chickens will make a super dinner-party dish. The poussins are wrapped in baking-paper parcels and the aroma that rises when your guests open the parcels themselves will be terrific. (Do point out that it is baking paper, not edible paper).
Crisp greens, avocado and roasted beetroot make a colourful, fresh and very interesting salad to accompany...
