Cast Iron Roast Lamb

A perfect dish for Easter, this Cast Iron Roast Lamb recipe is a crowd pleaser and perfect for sharing. Tender, juicy, and full of flavour, this roasted lamb is cooked to perfection in our Cast Iron Range.

Ingredients 

  1. 2kg baby potatoes, sliced in half
  2. 1 large red onion, sliced 
  3. 2kg lamb shoulder
  4. Marinade- 5 tablespoon mixed herbs, 2 tablespoon garlic granules, 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning mixed with some water to form a paste
  5. Salt and pepper to season
  6. Handful of sage and rosemary 
  7. 100g honey added at the end 

Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees fan assisted
  2. In your cooks professional cast iron pot, add the baby potatoes, onion and lamb
  3. Season the lamb with salt and pepper before pouring over the marinade and brushing over
  4. Add the herbs to the side of the pot, cover and cook for 4 hours and 10 minutes
  5. Remove from the oven, remove the lid and pour honey over the lamb
  6. Increase temperature to 170 and cook for a further 35-45 minutes until cooked to your preference 

Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Fluffy, spiced and full of spring energy – this is the kind of bake that looks impressive but comes together with ease (especially with a little help from your Cooks Professional stand mixer).

Fancy a slice?  Here’s how to make it – soft sponge, orange zest and all.

You’ll need: 

For the cake mix –

230ml vegetable oil

100g light brown sugar

3 large eggs

200g self-raising flour

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

300g grated carrot

Zest of 1 orange

50g chopped walnuts (optional)

For the frosting – 

100g cream cheese

50g unsalted butter

150g icing sugar

Orange zest + walnuts to decorate


Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line two 20cm round cake tins with baking paper.

2. In your Cooks Professional Stand Mixer, whisk together the oil, sugar and eggs for a minute or two until the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy.

3. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold gently until just combined – don’t overmix.

4. Stir in the grated carrot, orange zest and chopped walnuts, then divide the mixture evenly between the two tins.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. To make the frosting, beat the butter and icing sugar together until smooth, then mix in the cream cheese and orange zest until light and creamy.

7. Once the cakes are completely cool, sandwich them with half the frosting, then spread the rest on top. Finish with a scatter of chopped walnuts and a little extra zest.

Vegan Thai Red Curry with Pumpkin!🍛

January is for… homemade, one-pot meals! This delicious Vegan Red Thai Curry with Pumpkin recipe that we made recently in one of our cast-iron pots was packed full of flavour, warmth and absolutely delicious! Thank you, Bill’s Kitchen, for the recipe 🍠🥥

For the red curry paste:

  • 4cm fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2 sticks lemongrass (chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 red peppers (chopped)
  • 30g corriander (chopped)
  • 30g Basil (chopped)

For the curry:

  • 1 medium butternut squash or pumpkin (peeled & diced)
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 medium red onion (diced)
  • 600g carrots
  • 400g coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp pal sugar
  • 200g sugar snap peas
  • 1 lime
  • 1 small red onion (to garnish)
  • 30g coriander (chopped)
  • 50g roasted peanuts

Instructions:

  1. Place the ginger, lemongrass, garlic, chilli flakes and salt in a pan with the sunflower oil. Cook on a low heat for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the peppers and continue to cook for a further 10 minutes on a low heat.
  3. Remove from heat and add coriander and basil and blend into a puree, then set to once side.
  4. Put the Pumpkin/squash in a tray to roast for 30-35 minutes with sunflower oil and salt at 180°
  5. While the pumpkin/squash is roasting, place the red onion, carrots and sunflower oil into a cast iron and cook on a low heat until tender, then add coconut milk, sugar, roasted pumpkin, raw sugarsnap peas and lime juice.
  6. Stir gently so the Pumpkin stays in one piece, then turn up the heat to a near boil.
  7. Stir in the curry paste that was made at the beginning and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes on low heat. and add salt and lime juice.
  8. For the garnish, mix the uncooked onion, coriander, and roasted peanuts together, and garnish each serving.

Enjoy!

Bill’s Cookbook

Chocolate Pancakes for Pancake Day!

Chocolate pancakes? Yes please! Using our Crepe and Pancake Maker, we served up this delicious chocolate pancake with yoghurt and strawberries in a matter of minutes! 🍫🍓

Ingredients:

  • ⚖️ 225g Self-Raising Flour
  • 🥄 1tsp Baking Powder
  • 🍫 50g Cocoa Powder
  • 🥄 1tbsp Caster Sugar
  • 🥚 2 Eggs
  • 🧈 50g Butter
  • 🥛 400ml Milk (We used Oat Milk)
  • 🫗 Oil/Butter for Cooking

Easy Breakfast Smoothie with Nutri-Blend Smoothie Maker!

Blend your way to a healthier 2025 with this easy smoothie recipe🥤

You’ll need:

🥣 60g Oats
🥜 1tbsp Peanut Butter
🥛 150ml Oat Milk
🍌 1 Banana

Simply add all your ingredients to your Cooks Professional Nutri-blend Smoothie Maker, and blend until smooth and creamy, pour into your favourite glass and enjoy!

Air Fryer Mini Pizza Muffins!

Need some snack inspiration for the kids this half-term? These mini pizza muffins are perfectly sized and super easy to make, sure to keep the little ones happy.

You’ll need: 🍕 Breakfast Muffins 🍕 Tomato Puree 🍕 Cheese 🍕 Any Toppings

Simply halve the muffins, spread the tomato puree on the surface of the muffin, and sprinkle with the cheese and your favourite toppings. Pop them in the Air Fryer at 200° for 4 minutes and you’re ready to enjoy!

Air Fryer Lava Cakes for Valentine’s Day!❤️

Let your heart melt as these Air Fryer Chocolate Cakes melt in your mouth this Valentine’s Day! Rich, gooey and perfect for sharing with that someone special 🍫❤️

You will need:

  • 🧈 100g Butter
  • 🍫 100g Chocolate (we used dark chocolate)
  • 🥚 2 Eggs
  • 🥄 50g Sugar
  • 🍯 1tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 🥣20g Self Raising Flour

Melt the chocolate and butter first before adding in 2 whisked eggs, sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in the self-raising flour. Pour your mixture into Air Fryer safe cases before cooking for 8 minutes at 180°!

Enjoy!

Air Fryer Egg Bites 🍳

Introducing Air Fryer Egg Bites – your new go to breakfast or mid morning snack! Light, fluffy and packed with protein, all ready in under 5 minutes! Ideal for those hectic mornings or even just a quick energy booster.

🥚 3 Large Eggs
🥓 65g Chorizo
🧀 60g Mozzarella
🧅 2 Spring Onions
✨ Sprinkle of Chives and Parmigiano Reggiano

(Recipe makes 6 Egg Bites)

Air Fryer Cheesy Chorizo Brussels Sprouts 🧀

Brussels sprouts aren’t JUST for Christmas! They are in season until March, so make the most of them being around with this delicious cheesy chorizo Air Fryer Recipe! 😋

All you need is:

  • 500g Brussel Sprouts
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Chilli Flakes
  • 65g Chorizo
  • 50g Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions:

Halve all your Brussel Sprouts and parboil for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer the boiled sprouts into the Air Fryer, seasoning with a pinch of salt and your preferred amount of chilli flakes. Add the chorizo and cook at 200° for 8 minutes. Then, sprinkle with cheese and cook for a further 5 minutes until melted and golden brown.

Chicken, Bacon and Leek Pie

New product alert! 🥧

Get creative with our Cooks Professional Pie Maker! Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, the endless possibilities allow you to experiment and make the most delicious homemade pies.

For this Chicken, Leek and Bacon Pie Recipe You’ll Need:

  • 1x Just Roll Puff Pastry Rolled Sheet (for the top of the pie)
  • 1x Just Roll Shortcrust Pastry Rolled Sheer (for the base)

For The Filling:

  • Chicken Breast
  • Bacon Lardons
  • Chopped Leek
  • Chicken Stock
  • Double Cream 
  • Plain Flour
  • Salt and Pepper/ Seasoning of your choice

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts & Chestnuts

Thinking about Christmas cooking? 🍴🎅 Make things easier for yourself with one of our Air Fryers, perfect for making the most delicious of dishes to compliment your favourite Christmas meals, just like this Chesnut, Bacon and Sprout Recipe, which is super simple to make and will certainly impress your guests over the festive season!

All you need is:

  • 200g brussel sprouts
  • 400g chesnuts
  • 200g smoked bacon lardons
  • 1 tbsp creme fraiche or double cream

Par boil your brussel sprouts for approximately 8 minutes. While they are boiling, score your chesnuts with a cross and add a pinch of salt before adding them to your Air Fryer. Cooks for 15 minutes at 180 degrees. When cooked, mix together with a dollop of creme fraiche or cream and season to taste – and enjoy!

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts & Chestnuts

Want to see more Air Fryer recipes? Take a look at our Recipe Page.

Air Fryer Blitzen Biscoff Biscuits

Kick off the Christmas celebrations off the right way with this quick, easy and child friendly activity to enjoy during the Christmas break!🦌

Ingredients:

  • 115g Butter
  • 60g Biscoff spread
  • 70g Brown Sugar
  • 80g Caster Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 180g Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

Toppings:

  • Biscoff Spread
  • Pretzels
  • Red M&Ms
  • Edible Eyes

Preheat your Air Fryer to 170°C. Beat together butter and biscoff spread in a mixing bowl, add brown sugar and caster sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Crack 1 large egg and combine with mixture. Sift in flour and baking powder before folding together until combined into a dough. Roll into 10 equally sized balls and place into the air fryer for 15 mins or until golden brown. Now it’s time to get creative! Start by coating the cookie with a layer of biscoff spread and place some pretzels near the top for Blitzen’s antlers. Use red M&Ms or Smarties for his nose to light up the way this Christmas and finish with edible eyes. Finally take a bite and enjoy your festive treat! 🍪

Want to see more Air Fryer recipes? Take a look at our Recipe Page.

Slow Cooker Chuck Steak Recipe

It’s Slow Cooker Season!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Neil Powell to make a hearty, warming, melt-in-the-mouth Chuck Steak & Ale Slow Cooker Meal, perfect for delicious easy weekday cooking!

Serve with your favourite veg and mash for the ultimate winter warming dish.

All you need is:

  • 450g lean beef or chuck steak, diced
  • 1 packet of Schwartz beef and ale slow cooker seasoning
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 175g chantenay carrots
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 250ml brown ale, we used Newcastle Brown Ale
  • 50ml water

Recipe (makes 4 servings):

Place the diced onion, carrots and meat into your slow cooker before mixing in the seasoning, water, brown ale and tomato puree. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. When cooked, season to taste and enjoy! 😋

Air Fryer Smore’s

Air Fryer Smore’s 🤤 We just couldnt resist trying out the viral Air Fryer smore’s recipe and it didn’t disappoint! They are quick, easy and a little bit naughty – certainly set to make the perfect weekend or movie night treat! We used our favourite biscoff biscuits for an extra tasty addition 🍫🍡

You’ll Need:

  • Marshmallows
  • Chocolate
  • Biscuits
Air Fryer Smore’s

Pumpkin Waffles

Using our Stand Mixer and Waffle Maker Machine, we whipped up these tasty waffles with a pumpkin twist and it’s safe to say they were a hit with the team! Top with cream and cinnamon for the ultimate autumnal sweet treat 😋

Recipe and Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1tsp baking powder
  • 1stp vanilla extract
  • 1tsp cinnamon
  • 120g pumpkin puree
  • 120g plain flour
  • 190ml milk
  1. Start by turning on your waffle maker to heat up – the light on the machine will turn green when it has reached optimal temperature
  2. Mix all of your wet ingredients together, including the pumpkin puree, before adding your dry ingredients. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth in consistency – you don’t want any lumps!
  3. Fill one side of your waffle machine with the waffle mixture then close, ensuring that the handle is locked in place. Rotate the waffle machine to ensure that your mixture has been distributed evenly and cook for approximately 3 minutes before rotating back to check your waffle, which should be ready to serve! Cook for longer if desired.
  4. Remove your cooked waffle with a spatula and top with your favourite toppings!
  5. Repeat until you have used all of the mixture. This recipe will make 2-3 waffles.

Enjoy! 🧇

Air Fryer Pumpkin Pizzas

🎃🍕 Keep the kids happy this Halloween with our simple yet tasty, pumpkin-shaped pizzas. The best bit? They only take 5 minutes to cook in the Air Fryer! We used Pizza Express ready-made pizza dough for ease and a tomato pizza sauce, topped with mozzarella and pancetta peices.

You’ll Need:

  • Ready-made pizza dough
  • Tomato base sauce
  • Mozzarella
  • Pancetta peices

Making tasty treats in the Air Fryer has never been easier with Cooks Professional.

Air Fryer Blackberry Crumble

What better time to celebrate blackberry season and this delicious fruit than now with our delightfully tasty Air Fryer Blackberry Crumble recipe 💜

Our fool proof and family friendly crumble recipe has been designed for you to wow your friends and family, the best bit – enjoy in as little as 15 minutes!

We made this dessert using Carrs Premium Flour for an extra delicious, crumbly topping.

Recipe and Ingredients:

  • 1 handful of blackberries per dish
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water

For the topping:

  • 55g sugar
  • 55g cold butter
  • 90g plain flour
  • Pinch of salt

Place a handful of blackberries into each ramekin. Add 1 tbsp water (1tbsp per ramekin) and 1 tbsp sugar and mix well. For the crumble, mix the butter, flour and sugar with your hands to create a crumble, as well as a pinch of salt. Distribute evenly on top of the blackberry mixture. Place in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 180 degrees. Serve with ice cream or cream for an even more delicious treat!

Enjoy!

Air Fryer Blackberry Crumble

Want to see more Air Fryer recipes? Take a look at our Recipe Page.

Air Fryer Baked Peaches with Crème Fraiche and Mint

At Cooks Professional, we’re always keen to try new and exciting recipes in the kitchen! Baked Peaches make a really delicious (and not too naughty!) sweet treat which only takes 10 minutes in the Air Fryer.

You only need 3 ingredients:

  • Peaches (halved and de stoned)
  • Mint Leaves
  • Crème Fraiche

Halve your peaches and remove the stone. Place your peach halves in the Air Fryer and sprinkle some brown sugar and cinnamon on your peaches (as little or as much as you’d like). Cook in your Air Fryer for 10 minutes at 180°. Once cooked, serve with a dollop of crème fresh and mint – these flavours really compliment each other and we can promise you that they taste better than they look!

Making tasty treats in the Air Fryer has never been easier with Cooks Professional.

Air Fryer Baked Peaches

Rainbow Juice with a Ginger Kick

If you have been thinking of ways to get more goodness into your diet, our delicious Rainbow Juice with a Ginger Kick is set to do exactly that! Made using our Slow Masticating Juicer for optimal efficiency and ease, it’s simple, quick and most of all delicious!

Our Slow Masticating Juicer has been designed to easily extract juicer from all of your favourite fruits and vegetables, making sure that you benefit from all the nutrients.

To make this delicious juice, you will need:

  • 3 carrots
  • 3 celery sticks
  • 1 pomegranate
  • 1 inch of ginger
  • 1 apple
  • 2-3 oranges

Chop/peel all of your ingredients and feed through the juicer. Serve over ice for an ice cold delicious and refreshing juice!

Rainbow Juice with a Ginger Kick

Mozzarella and Basil Pizza – Stone Baked

Love Pizza? We’ve got you covered with our range of Authentic Stone Baked Pizza Ovens that are set to give you the most delicious, crispy crust every single time! Cook your favourite style pizza in as little as 4 minutes.

We decided to make a Mozzarella and Basil pizza using:

Roll out your pizza dough and build your pizza to preference before using one of our Authentic Stone Baked Pizza Ovens to cook your pizza to perfection! Our Authentic Stone Baked Pizza Ovens really are a real hit with the family, ensuring that hungry tummies are filled quickly and can be used all year round.

Mozzarella and Basil Pizza

Non-Alcoholic Pink Grapefruit Gin & Tonic

At Cooks Professional, we enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and today, we decided to make this delicious Non-Alcoholic Pink Grapefruit Gin & Tonic, made using ice from one of our our Ice Maker Machines. To make this, we used:

It’s refreshing, bitter and best enjoyed ice cold!

Mini Air Fryer Scones

If you love trying out recipes in your Air Fryer, our Mini Air Fryer Scones Recipe really is one to try! Depending on the size of your cutter, this recipe will make 8 large scones or 14 mini scones. Delicious topped with your favourite cream or jam, we used a delicious Homemade Rhubarb Jam that was absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 225g Self Raising Flour
  • 50g Caster Sugar
  • 1tsp Baking Powder
  • 50g Unsalted Butter
  • 120ml Milk

Recipe:

  1. Add your sugar, flour and baking powder into a bowl
  2. Mix in the butter, using your hands, creating a crumb like consistency
  3. Make a well in the mixture before pouring in the milk
  4. Mix in the milk and create a dough using your hands
  5. Roll out the dough to approximately 2cm in depth and use a cutter to create your scones
  6. Tip: Brush with milk before cooking for a golden finish and use grease proof baking trays.
  7. Place your scones in the Air Fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes at 180 degrees.
  8. Once cooked, allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving with your favourite cream and jam. Enjoy!

Homemade Rhubarb Jam

It’s rhubarb season, so what better time to whip up some delicious homemade jam? We used one of our versatile Cast Iron pans to bring our homemade rhubarb jam recipe to life.

To make 2 large jars, you’ll need:

  • 400g Rhubarb
  • 400g Jam Sugar
  • 1 Lemon

Recipe:

Chop your rhubarb into 2-3 cm pieces before placing in a pan. Stir in the sugar and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Bring to a medium heat while stirring and cook for 20-25 minutes – reaching a temperature of 105 degrees celsius.

Remove your pan from the heat and leave your jam to cool before placing it in steralised jars! It really is as simple as that!

Berry Breakfast Smoothie Recipe

Our Berry Breakfast Smoothie Recipe is perfect for those who need breakfast on the go! We made this recipe using our powerful NutriBlend Smoothie Maker making this an ideal recipe for hassle free smoothie making when you are short on time in the morning! Here is our favourite very berry recipe for you to try in the comfort of your own home:

To make our Berry Breakfast Smoothie, you will need:

  • Ice
  • 1-2 handfuls of fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 30-40g porridge oats
  • 1 spoonful of greek yoghurt
  • 1 scoop of protein powder (optional)
  • Coconut water – as much or as little as you want depending on your desired thickness! We love Vita Coco!

Blend everything together and you’re good to go!

Pizza Pastry Swirl Recipe

Get the kids involved in cooking with our delicious Pizza Pastry Swirl Recipe. They’re quick to make and taste delicious! All you need is:

  • 1 roll of puff pastry
  • Passata
  • Cheese of your choice – we used mozzarella!
  • Your favourite pizza toppings
  • 1 egg for egg-washing your pastry

Cook for 15 minutes at 170 degrees, ensuring that the pastry is cooked and the cheese is melted! Enjoy.

Air Fryer Scotch Egg Recipe

Air Fryer Scotch Eggs? Yes Please! Here’s how it’s done.

You will need (makes 4):

  • 5 eggs (4 for cooking, 1 for egg wash)
  • Flour
  • Breadcrumbs
  • 6 Sausages
  1. Cook 4 of your eggs for 7 minutes at 180 degrees in the air fryer. Once cooked, place your eggs in ice water to cool them down
  2. Remove the skin from your sausages and mix the sausage meat in a bowl. Make 4 burger-size patties out of the sausage meat
  3. Remove the egg shell carefully from your egg before using your sausage meat to wrap each egg
  4. Crack and beat 1 egg to create an egg wash
  5. Lightly coat each ball in flour, then egg wash before rolling in breadcrumbs.
  6. Once coated, place in your air fryer and cook for 12 minutes at 200 degrees – delicious!

Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chocolate Bunny Brownies

What’s an Easter celebration without bunnies and chocolate? We used our Air Fryer to make the most delicious gluten-free mini egg brownies which are rich in flavour.

You will need:

100g dark chocolate
40g butter
175g brown caster sugar
2 eggs
30g cocoa powder
60g gluten-free self-raising flour
Kit Kat Bunnies

  1. Melt your dark chocolate before mixing with the butter. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mix your sugar and eggs before adding your cooled chocolate and butter mix.
  3. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder before adding crushed mini eggs
  4. Separate your mixture evenly into silicone cupcake cases – this recipe should make approximately 8-10 brownies
  5. Cook for 20 minutes at 160 degrees. Once cooked, place a chocolate bunny in each brownie for an extra chocolate delight!

Air Fryer Easter: Mini Egg & Creme Egg Cookies

Easter chocolate leftover? Try our Mini Egg & Creme Egg Cookies, cooked in our Dual Glass Drawer Air Fryer! These cookies take a few minutes to prepare, and only 12 minutes to cook, making them a quick and easy recipe for all to enjoy.

All you’ll need:

  • 115g butter
  • 160g brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 315g plain flour
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate soda
  • 75g mini eggs, crushed
  • 75g creme eggs, chopped
  • 100g white chocolate chips

Tropical Breakfast Smoothie

Brighten up your week with our Tropical Breakfast Smoothie, made with our easy-to-use NutriBlend Smoothie Maker.

What you’ll need:
Frozen tropical fruit (we used a mix of mango, papaya and pineapple)
40g oats
2 teaspoons of ground almond
1 tablespoon yoghurt
75-100ml

Method
Blitz together all of the above in your blender. You can use more/less milk depending on how thick you’d like your smoothie.

If you try this recipe, let us know what you think in the comments.

Winter Casserole Recipe

Make a delicious beef casserole with us, using our graduated red cast iron casserole pot.

We used a Schwartz Beef Casserole mix, which made cooking this delicious recipe super quick and simple.

All you need is:
1 x Beef Casserole Mix by Schwartz
2 x Peeled and Chopped Carrots
1 x White Onion Chopped
450g Lean Beef (Diced)
400ml Cold Water
2 Tbsp Oil

♨️ Preheat your oven to 180°C
♨️ Heat the oil before adding the beef, carrots and onion. Cook your ingredients for around 5 minutes until the beef has browned.
♨️ Mix the casserole seasoning with the cold water
♨️ Add the seasoning and water mix to your casserole and give it a good stir before placing the lid on
♨️ Transfer your cast iron pot to the oven and cook for 2 hrs at 180°C making sure to stir every now and again while it cooks. We served ours with mashed potatoes which was absolutely delicious!

Vegan Sweet Potato and Spicy Coconut Slow Cooker Recipe

Our Favourite Vegan Sweet Potato and Spicy Coconut Slow Cooker Recipe is packed full of flavour and spice to keep you warm on a winter’s day.

You will need:
1 Onion
1 Red Pepper
500g Sweet Potato
1 Tsp Chopped Ginger
1 Tbsp Harissa Paste
1 Can of Chickpeas
1 Can of Coconut Milk
1 Stock Cube
1 Handful of Spinach
Coriander to top

Chop your ingredients before adding to your slow cooker (apart from the spinach), we recommend keeping your sweet potato chunks 2-3cm in size. Cook on high for 3 hours, adding the spinach 15 minutes before cooking has finished.

Serve with a pinch of coriander – it’s as simple as that! Enjoy!

Superfood Green Smoothie

We’re kicking off January with a nutritious Superfood Green Smoothie whipped up in our Nutri Blend Smoothie Maker.

This smoothie is packed full of goodness, making it a great way to nourish your body!

You will need:
1 Banana
1 Avocado
Handful of Spinach
250ml Coconut Water
Splash of oat milk
A squeeze of honey

Blitz all ingredients in your blender before pouring over some ice, it really is that simple!\

Air Fryer Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

A great recipe for all the family to enjoy making together. These cream cheese and mozzarella pastries are packed full of flavour and they only take 15 minutes to cook in an Air Fryer.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets of pre-rolled puff pastry
  • Cream cheese
  • 150g of cheddar cheese
  • Cranberry sauce for dipping

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Pigs in Blankets with a Cranberry Twist

We couldn’t resist giving this recipe a go in our Dual Glass Drawer Air Fryer

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 3- minutes
  • Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

  • 200g Smoked Streaky Bacon
  • 8 Chipolata Sausages
  • Cranberry Sauce

Method

STEP 1
Make a small cut in your sausages

STEP 2
Spoon a teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each sausage. Then roll in streaky bacon.

STEP 3

Cook in your Air Fryer for 20 minutes at 180 degrees

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Bacon Brussel Sprouts

Fed up with plain-boiled brussels? Look no further. Why not try our tasty Air Fryer Brussel Sprout recipe? Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with tangy garlic and salty bacon thrown in, this recipe is set to add some serious flavour to your festive feast this Christmas!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

  • 400g Sprouts
  • 200g bacon lardons
  • A teaspoon of Lazy Garlic
  • Salt & Pepper

Method

STEP 1
Chop your sprouts in half and remove the outer leaves before parboiling for 8 minutes.

STEP 2
Drain before mixing in your bacon lardons and lazy garlic

STEP 3

Place in your air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 200 degrees – give them a toss halfway through

STEP 4

Once cooked, season to your liking and enjoy.

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Blackberry & Lemon Gin Fizz Recipe

This blackberry and lemon gin fizz cocktail is the perfect refreshing drink, effortlessly made using our ice maker machine. Our ice maker machine is a great appliance for those who love entertaining at home, ensuring that you never run out of ice.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 10 minutes
  • Serves: 1 person

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 3 blackberries
  • Spring of mint
  • 50ml Hill Billy Lemon Gin
  • Fever-Tree Damson & Sloe Tonic Water

Method

STEP 1
Place some ice into a glass and add 50ml of hillbilly lemon gin.

STEP 2
Top with Fever-Tree Damson & Sloe Tonic Water to where you would like.

STEP 3

Add a sprig of mint and some blackberries. Stir and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer Recipe

Love rotisserie chicken? Here’s how you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home with our Digital Air Fryer Oven.

  • Skill: Medium
  • Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Serves: 4 – 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (up to 1.3kg)
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Method

STEP 1
Prepare your chicken by coating it in butter, salt and pepper.

STEP 2
Insert the air fryer kebab skewers through the middle of the chicken until the skewer is out of the other side. Make sure the chicken is in the middle of the skewer and then attach the attachable prongs.

STEP 3

Place the chicken in the air fryer for 55 minutes at 180 degrees, we also recommend that you check the cooking guidelines on the packaging. Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked before serving. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Blackberry & White Chocolate Cookies Recipe

This tasty Blackberry & White Chocolate Cookie Recipe is perfect for those craving a delicious sweet treat. The tart flavour from the blackberries and sweet white chocolate is the perfect combination!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Makes: 5-7 cookies

Ingredients

  • 125g salted butter
  • 100g light brown sugar
  • 75g golden caster sugar
  • 1 medium egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 300g plain flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 100g chocolate chips
  • Large handful of chopped blackberries (approx 100g)

Method

STEP 1
Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl until it forms into a dough.

STEP 2
Roll the dough into small balls, we recommend making around 5-7 dough balls.

STEP 3

Place the dough balls in air fryer compartments on parchment paper at 160 degrees for 10 minutes. Enjoy warm or cold!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Wrap Pizzas Recipe

Want a quick recipe that you and all the family can enjoy and whip up in a matter of minutes? Give our Air Fryer Wrap Pizzas a go.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 10 minutes
  • Serves: 1 person

Ingredients

  • 2 wraps
  • Pizza sauce or passata
  • Handful of cheddar cheese
  • Dash of oregano

Method

STEP 1
To start, place one wrap on the surface and top it with cheese. Then place the other wrap on top so the cheese is in the middle of the two wraps.

STEP 2
Spread your passata or pizza sauce evenly on the top wrap. Sprinkle with more cheese and a dash of oregano.

STEP 3

Place in the air fryer at 200 degrees for 5 minutes. We used our Cooks Professional Digital Air Fryer with its round basket.

STEP 4

Slice and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Recipe

Want crispy and delicious roasted potatoes? We made these parmesan-topped chilli oil-infused roast potatoes in under 30 minutes in our Cook’s Professional Air Fryer.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 3 – 4 people

Ingredients

  • 3 potatoes
  • 1 tbsp chilli-infused olive oil
  • Handful of grated parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of salt

Method

STEP 1
Peel and thinly slice your potatoes, and place them into a bowl.

STEP 2
Add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp of chilli-infused olive oil to the potato slices. Make sure the potatoes are well coated by mixing them with your hands or a spoon.

STEP 3
Place in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 190 degrees.

STEP 4

After 15 minutes, open the air fryer and top the potatoes with a handful of grated parmesan cheese. Place into the air fryer for 5 minutes at 190 degrees. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Double Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Want a sweet treat that is quick and easy to make and one you can get the kids involved in? This Double Chocolate Muffin recipe takes just 15 minutes in an Air Fryer.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 30 minutes
  • Makes: 8 muffins

Ingredients

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 75g caster sugar
  • 100g self-raising flour
  • 30g cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 100g dark chocolate chips (keep some leftover)
  • 1 egg
  • 75g Greek natural yoghurt
  • 50ml milk
  • 75ml vegetable oil

Method

STEP 1
Preheat the air fryer to 160 degrees. Add all of the wet ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined. Add the caster sugar and continue to mix.

STEP 2
Add the flour and cocoa powder through a sieve, then add the salt and the majority of chocolate chips. Mix until combined.

STEP 3
Spoon the batter into the muffin cases evenly, then add the reserved chocolate chips on top.

STEP 4

Place the filled cases into the air fryer basket. Make sure the cases are close together.

STEP 5

Bake the muffins for 12-15 mins. They should be well-risen and slightly golden. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Crispy Chicken Wings Air Fryer Recipe

These delicious Crispy Chicken Wings made in an Air Fryer are perfect alongside a salad. Incredibly easy and quick to make!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 35mins
  • Serves: 3 – 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. chicken wings
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Hot sauce
  • Melted butter
  • Herefordshire or Worcestershire Sauce
  • Garlic

Method

STEP 1
Spray two of your air fryer baskets with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper and split them into the two baskets of the air fryer. Cook for 15 minutes at 200 degrees.

STEP 2
After 15 minutes turn the chicken wings over using tongs. Cook for another 12 minutes at 200 degrees.

STEP 3
For the sauce, add the melted butter, garlic, Herefordshire/Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to a ramekin and mix until combined.

STEP 4

Once the chicken wings are finished cooking, place them onto a plate or bowl and pour the sauce onto them. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Pumpkin, Roasted Potato Garlic Mash Recipe

Pimp up your mash with our delicious pumpkin, potato and roasted garlic mash. Our useful and easy to use handheld electric potato masher makes mashing potatoes super quick and simple!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 1 hour
  • Serves: 4-5 people

Ingredients

  • 1 garlic bulb
  • Oil
  • 400g potatoes
  • 500g pumpkin
  • 40g butter
  • Dash of milk
  • Handful of pumpkin seeds

Method

STEP 1
Start by putting a whole garlic bulb in the air fryer for 30 minutes at 180 degrees. We added a drizzle of oil and wrapped it in foil.

STEP 2
Peel and chop 400g potatoes and 500g pumpkins then cook in a pan of boiling water for 15 minutes until tender.

STEP 3

Once cooked, drain before mixing in 40g butter, a dash of milk and the roasted garlic. Mash with ease using our handheld electric masher.

STEP 4

Top with air-fried pumpkin seeds and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Granola Toppings Recipe

Today we’re using our Food Dehydrator to get ahead and make a batch of dried fruit to use as a deliciously sweet topping on Granola.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 6 – 12 hours
  • Serves: 1 – 2 people

Ingredients

  • 1 large banana

Method

STEP 1
Peel your banana and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 2
Place the pieces into the food dehydrator at 57 degrees for 6 to 12 hours, depending on how crunchy you like your toppings!

STEP 3

Place on top of your granola and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Breakfast Oat Muffins Recipe

Breakfast on the go? We’ve got you covered with this delicious cocoa, banana & oat breakfast muffin recipe that only takes 15 minutes in the air fryer!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Makes: 6-8 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of oats
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup of milk of your choice (we used oat milk!)

Method

STEP 1
Blend all of the ingredients together. We used our Cooks Professional Multi Functional Stand Mixer to make sure everything was well combined.

STEP 2
Spoon the mixture into silicone muffin moulds.

STEP 3

Cook at 175 degrees for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Recipe

Here’s a delicious creamy chicken and chorizo pasta dish that we made using our 3.5L slow cooker. This recipe makes 4-5 servings, making it a great option for families.

  • Skill: Medium
  • Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Serves: 4-5 people

Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts chopped
  • 100g chorizo
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp red pesto
  • 1 tbsp basil (dried or fresh)
  • 650ml chicken stock
  • 350g pasta
  • 250ml double cream
  • Spinach

Method

STEP 1
Place all ingredients into your slow cooker apart from the cream and spinach. Tip: If you prefer your pasta al dente, we recommend adding the pasta and 500ml of the stock to the slow cooker when there are only 45 minutes of cooking left.

STEP 2
Cook for 2.5 hours. Once cooked, stir in the cream and the spinach.

STEP 3

Makes 4-5 servings. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Crepes Recipe

Enjoy making delicious crepes every time with our Cooks Professional Crepe Maker Machine! It’s really simple to use, super easy to clean and comes with all the tools you need to get you started.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Makes: 12 crepes

Ingredients

  • 100g plain flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 300ml milk of your choice
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Your preferred toppings

Method

STEP 1
Crack the two eggs into a bowl and whisk. Then add the plain flour, oil and milk. Whisk until it becomes a smooth batter.

STEP 2
Pour your mixture onto the nonstick hotplate and spread evenly with our handy batter spreader.

STEP 3

Cook for 1-2 minutes before flipping with a wooden spatula. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes once flipped.

STEP 4

Add your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Banana Bites Recipe

These Banana Bites are the perfect sweet treat. Easy to make, with limited ingredients!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 17 minutes
  • Makes: 8-10 banana bites

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • Ready-rolled puff pastry
  • 1 egg

Method

STEP 1
Roll out your ready-rolled puff pastry on your countertop landscape. Place the banana upwards on the left-hand side of your pastry and roll the pastry around the banana. Cut the pastry where the banana is fully covered.

STEP 2
Move the leftover pastry to the side. Get your banana-filled pastry and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 3

Egg wash the banana bites and cook for 10 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Butternut Squash and Parmesan Bites Recipe

Make air fryer butternut squash & parmesan cheese bites with us. Bursting with flavour and unbelievably easy to make!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Serves: 2-3 people

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Parmesan cheese

Method

STEP 1
Peel, deseed and chop your butternut squash into 2cm chunks. Add a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper and mix. 

STEP 2
Coat in 50g of parmesan cheese and cook in your air fryer for 12 minutes at 200 degrees, tossing halfway through.

STEP 3

When cooked, sprinkle some more parmesan on and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Halloumi Fries Recipe

Halloumi Fries are always a crowd pleaser in our opinion, here’s how we make ours… air fryer style! We also used our handy food slicer to slice our halloumi, ensuring the perfect size fries.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Serves: 2-3 people

Ingredients

  • Cypriot halloumi cheese
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp chilli flakes

Method

STEP 1
Cut the halloumi cheese into slices. We used our food slicer to slice our halloumi, resulting in the perfect size!

STEP 2
Put the halloumi cheese into a bowl and coat with oil, paprika and chilli flakes. Then mix well.

STEP 3

Place into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 180 degrees, turning halfway.

STEP 4

Enjoy! Delicious with sweet chilli sauce.

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Waffles Recipe

Waffles for breakfast? Yes please! Here’s how to use our waffle maker to produce fluffy, delicious waffles every time! It’s simple to use and fun for all the family.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Makes: 4 waffles

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 225g flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 250ml milk
  • 50g melted butter
  • Your preferred toppings

Method

STEP 1
Mix your egg, flour, vanilla extract and sugar together before slowly adding the milk and butter.

STEP 2
Oil your waffle maker once it has heated up.

STEP 3

Ladle your batter into the waffle maker evenly and cook for 3-5 minutes, rotating to cook evenly.

STEP 4

Add your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Chicken Nuggets in 15 minutes. A simple recipe, especially for when you’ve got little ones to feed.

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Serves: 2 people

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • Oil
  • Lazy garlic
  • Half a cup of flour
  • Paprika
  • Pinch of salt & pepper
  • Sweet chilli dip

Method

STEP 1
Dice the chicken and place it into a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients into the bowl (apart from the sweet chilli dip). Coat your chicken with the mix.

STEP 2
Cook for 15 minutes at 200 degrees in the air fryer, turning halfway through.

STEP 3

Enjoy with a sweet chilli sauce dip.

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Family Friendly Fajitas Recipe

Looking for family friendly air fryer recipes? We’ve got you covered! This quick and simple fajita recipe using our Dual Air Fryer is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 3-4 people

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken breast
  • 2 peppers
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped small
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Method

STEP 1
Dice the chicken breast, and slice the peppers and onions into strips. Place them all into one air fryer basket.

STEP 2
Add the 2 chopped cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp paprika and 1 tbsp cumin to the air fryer basket. Then season with salt and pepper. Combine all of these ingredients well with a spoon or spatula.

STEP 3

Cook at 200 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

STEP 4

When ready, spoon into wraps and enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Air Fryer Apple Crumble Recipe

What better way to celebrate the harvest season than with a delicious, hearty apple crumble, air fried to perfection! This recipe is so quick and simple, and it tastes as good as it looks too …

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 30mins
  • Serves: 2 people

Ingredients

  • 2 small apples
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the crumble topping:

  • 55g brown sugar
  • 55g cold butter
  • 90g plain flour
  • Pinch of salt

Method

STEP 1
Dice your apples into 1cm cubes and add the water, sugar and cinnamon, then mix well. Split your mixture evenly into two ramekins. 

STEP 2
For the crumble, mix the cold butter, flour and sugar with your hands to create a crumble. Distribute evenly on top of the apple mixture.

STEP 3
Place in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 180 degrees. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Summertime Spritz Recipe

Summertime calls for one thing… Aperol Spritz. Here’s our super easy Rose Aperol if you want to mix it up a little!

  • Skill: Easy
  • Total time: 10 minutes
  • Serves: 1 person

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • Rose prosecco
  • Aperol
  • Soda water
  • Orange slices

Method

STEP 1
Add some ice to a glass. Pour 2 parts rose prosecco and 1 part aperol to the glass.

STEP 2
Top up with soda water, and garnish with some orange slices. Enjoy!

Take a look at more tasty recipes here!

Lemon Curd

Ingredients
Makes about 1⅓ cups
½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
½ cup sugar
3 large eggs
¾ stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into bits

Step 1 – Whisk together juice, zest, sugar, and eggs in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in butter and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until curd is thick enough to hold marks of whisk and first bubble appears on surface, about 6 minutes.
Step 2 – Transfer lemon curd to a bowl and chill, its surface covered with plastic wrap, until cold, at least 1 hour.
Note*Curd can be chilled up to 1 week.

Grilled Zucchini and Bulgur Salad With Feta and Preserved-Lemon Dressing

Ingredients
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup coarse-grind bulgur
¼ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
2 lb. zucchini and/or yellow summer squash
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 Tbsp. preserved lemon paste (such as NY Shuk)
2 tsp. honey
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Freshly ground black pepper
7 oz. Greek feta, crumbled
½ cup coarsely chopped parsley
½ cup torn mint leaves
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step 1 – Toast walnuts in a dry Cooks Professional skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool. Coarsely chop.

Step 2 – Wipe out skillet and toast bulgur, stirring often, until a shade darker and starting to smell like popcorn, about 3 minutes. Add ¼ tsp. salt and 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until liquid is almost completely evaporated, 8–10 minutes. Cover skillet and remove from heat. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 3 – Prepare a grill for high heat. (Or, heat a grill pan over high.) Trim ends of zucchini; slice lengthwise into long ¼”-thick planks. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and arrange zucchini in a single layer on rack (you can also do this in a large bowl if you don’t have a wire rack). Drizzle with oil and season with salt. Toss zucchini, rubbing with your hands, to coat completely with oil.

Step 4 – Grill zucchini, undisturbed, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes. Turnover and grill on other side until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes. Return to wire rack (or a colander set in a bowl) to drain; let cool slightly, Transfer to a cutting board and slice on a diagonal into 1″ pieces.

Step 5 – Whisk preserved lemon paste, honey, garlic, and remaining ¼ cup oil in a large bowl to combine; season with pepper (lemon paste and feta should make it salty enough). Add bulgur and feta and toss to combine. Set some of zucchini, parsley, and mint aside for serving, then add remaining zucchini and herbs to salad; toss gently to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6 – Transfer salad to a platter. Top with reserved zucchini and herbs. Scatter walnuts over. Serve salad with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Leg of Lamb

Ingredients

1 shank-end, half-bone-in leg of lamb, 4 or 5 pounds

6 large garlic cloves

1½ teaspoons dried lavender flowers

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1½ tablespoons finely ground sea salt

2 tablespoons mixed peppercorns

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon herbes de Provence

Method

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 450°F. If the butcher has not already removed the fell (parchmentlike membrane) from the lamb leg, trim it away along with all excess fat. Using the tip of a sharp knife, make 15 or so small incisions in the leg, spacing them evenly.

Step 2 – Place the garlic, lavender, and thyme in a Cooks Professional food processor and pulse until you have a thick paste. Poke a bit of the paste into each of the incisions in the lamb. Place the salt, peppercorns, dried rosemary, and herbes de Provence in a spice grinder and pulse until you have a coarse mix. Rub the mix all over the lamb, covering it evenly. Place the lamb on a rack in a Cooks Professional roasting pan.

Step 3 – Roast the lamb for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350°F and continue to roast for about 1 hour, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part away from the bone registers 130°F for rare, 140° to 145°F for medium-rare, or 160°F for well-done. Cooking times will vary depending on the shape of the lamb and the consistent heat of your oven. Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Step 4 – Carve the lamb parallel to the bone in long, thin slices and arrange the slices on a platter. Transfer the warm sauce to a sauceboat and serve immediately.

Vegan birthday cake

Plant-based diet recipes - BBC Good Food
  • Prep:1 hr
  • Cook:30 mins
  • plus cooling and 1½ -2½ hrs chilling
  • More effort
  • Serves 16-20

Bake a plant-based version of a chocolate fudge cake for a birthday party. Everyone can enjoy it, including guests who have a dairy intolerance or egg allergies

Ingredients

  • 320ml sunflower oil , plus extra for the tins
  • 450ml soy , almond or coconut milk (the pouring variety, not a can)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 500g light muscovado sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 260g plain soy or coconut yogurt
  • 450g self-raising flour
  • 160g cocoa powder
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the vegan buttercream

  • 200g dairy-free dark chocolate
  • 400g vegan spread , at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 800g icing sugar , sifted
  • colourful sprinkles (make sure they are suitable for vegans)

Method

  • STEP 1– Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil three 20cm round cake tins and line the bases and sides with baking parchment (if you don’t have three tins, cook the batter in batches). Whisk the milk and vinegar together in a jug – the milk should curdle slightly. Set aside.
  • STEP 2– Whisk the sugar, oil and vanilla extract together in a bowl, then whisk in the yogurt, making sure to break down any sugar lumps. Pour in the soured milk and mix well.
  • STEP 3– Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and ½ tsp salt into a separate bowl and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until you have a smooth batter, but be careful not to over-mix.
  • STEP 4– Divide the batter evenly between the tins and bake for 25-30 mins, until well risen and springy, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out almost clean. A few sticky crumbs are fine, but the mixture should not be wet.
  • STEP 5– Leave the cakes to cool in their tins for 20 mins, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack  to cool completely. They will be delicate so be gentle (a cake lifter is helpful). The sponges will keep, covered, at room temperature for up to two days.
  • STEP 6– For the vegan buttercream, melt the chocolate in the microwave a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Leave to cool. Beat the spread and vanilla on high speed in a Cooks Professional Stand Mixer or a few minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the icing sugar gradually, beating on slow to start with, then turning up the speed to max until the mixture is light and creamy. Pour in the cooled chocolate and combine thoroughly. Chill the buttercream for at least 30 mins before using.
  • STEP 7– To assemble the cake, first use a sharp knife to trim the tops off the sponges to make them level. Put one of the sponges on a serving plate, cake stand or 20cm round cake drum (using a cake drum makes it easier to ice the cake neatly and to move it onto a stand or plate later). Spread over a layer of the buttercream, using a palette knife to get an even, neat finish. Top with the second sponge and spread over another layer of buttercream.
  • STEP 8– Top with the last sponge upside-down, so the bottom of the cake becomes the top (this will help to keep the icing neat and relatively crumb-free). Spread the sides of the cake with buttercream. Hold the top sponge steady with a palm if you need to stabilise the cake. Once you have the sides covered as neatly as you can, cover the top with a thin layer of buttercream. Use your palette knife to neaten the top and sides. If you have a side scraper, use it to sweep around the sides and top to sharpen the coating. (This is a crumb coat, trapping any crumbs to give you a neat, firm base.) Put the cake in the fridge to firm up and chill for 1-2 hrs.
  • STEP 9– To finish, cover the sides and top of the cake in the same manner, using most of the remaining buttercream. Press the sprinkles up against the bottom of the cake, about a quarter to a third of the way up. You can dress the top of the cake with a circle of sprinkles, or for a fancier finish, pipe little swirls around the top edge of the cake using any remaining buttercream scraped into a piping bag fitted with a large open star nozzle, then finish with more sprinkles.
  • STEP 10– Keep the cake in the fridge to stay firm, then remove 1 hr before serving. Will keep, covered, in the fridge, for up to three days.

Giant pan cookie

Ingredients

  • 175g unsalted butter, softened
  • 200g light brown soft sugar
  • 1 large free-range egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 250g plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp fine salt
  • 200g chocolate chips
  • Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. In a Cooks Professional 1000W stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then beat until well combined.
  2. Sift over the flour, baking powder and salt, then beat again briefly to combine. Stir in the chocolate chips using a wooden spoon or spatula, then spoon the dough into a Cooks Professional Cast iron pan and press down gently to flatten and spread evenly to the edges. Bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and golden. Top with scoops of ice cream, then dig straight in with your spoons!

Baked Apples

Ingredients:
4 apples
25g butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
50g fresh breadcrumbs
40g mixed seeds
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice

Method
1.Core the apples and score the skin around the circumference with a sharp
knife to stop them from splitting.
2.Combine all the remaining ingredients and carefully stuff the apple cores,
scattering any remaining mix over the apples. Place them in the base of the
air fryer.
3.Select the bake function (180°C – 15 minutes), cook for the duration of the
program or they are slightly collapsed

Bean chilli

Ingredients
Spray oil
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, finely diced
1 pepper, deseeded and diced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon chilli powder
¼ −½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 x 400g can mixed beans (in water), drained and rinsed
1 x 198g can sweetcorn (salt-free), drained, or 160g frozen sweetcorn
1 x 400g can chopped tomato

Method
1.Coat a large, Sautee pan with spray oil and place over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and stir for 3 minutes.
2.Add the pepper, cumin, chilli powder and smoked paprika, and stir for another 2−3 minutes, until the peppers start to soften.
3.Add the beans, sweetcorn and chopped tomatoes, and mix thoroughly. Allow to simmer for about 15−20 minutes, reducing the heat if needed.
4.Serve immediately, with wholegrain rice or a baked sweet potato.

Asian prawn noodle salad

Ingredients
teaspoon vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
350g raw king prawns
300g bean sprouts
300g ready-cooked rice noodles
2 carrots, peeled and chopped into matchsticks
1 red pepper, finely sliced
200g sugar snap peas, sliced
Large handful fresh mint, finely chopped
2 limes, juice and zest
1 tablespoon reduced-salt soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
½–1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
Small piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated
25g unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)

Method
1.Heat the oil in a Cooks Professional copper wok over a medium heat and cook the garlic for 1 minute. Add the prawns and cook for 3 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through. Add the bean sprouts and cook for a further 1 minute then remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
2.Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to packet instructions, drain and leave to cool.
3.Add the carrots, pepper, sugar snap peas and mint to the noodles along with the prawn mixture.
4.In a small bowl, stir together the lime juice and zest, soy sauce, fish sauce, chilli and ginger. Toss through the salad and garnish with peanuts. Serve immediately or chill until ready to eat.

White Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries

Makes 10-12 slices
Crust:
1/3 cup butter (about 3 oz)
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup muscovado sugar

Filling
1 lb yogurt cheese (please see note)
1 lb mascarpone cheese
2 tbsp honey
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 lb good quality white chocolate
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

To serve:
1 ½ lbs fresh strawberries
2-3 tbsp granulated sugar/natural cane sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit (180 Celsius).

To prepare the pan, wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with aluminum foil, shiny side out. Coat the inside with vegetable oil spray. For ease of serving, invert the bottom of the pan, so the lip around the edge faces downward, and lock in place. Select a roasting pan large enough to accommodate the pan and place a paper towel in it. Bring a kettle of water to boil. Set aside.

To prepare the crust, cut the butter into smaller pieces and melt over low heat. Let it cool slightly. In a medium bowl, combine the oats and the sugar. Add the cooled melted butter and mix to combine. Transfer the mixture onto the prepared pan and with your hands spread the mixture to cover the base and sides of the pan. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until light golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 Fahrenheit (150 Celsius).

To melt the white chocolate, bring a pot of water, about 1/3 high, to a boil and lower the heat. Chop or shave the white chocolate and transfer to a bowl. Place the bowl over the bain marie and allow the white chocolate to melt, stirring once. When melted, remove from the heat and stir with a rubber spatula. Set aside.

To prepare the filling, make sure the cheeses are at room temperature. Beat together the yogurt and mascarpone cheese and honey on low speed until just until incorporated and smooth in your Cooks Professonal 1200W Stabnd Mixer. Scrape the bowl down to ensure everything is combined. On low speed, beat in eggs and egg yolk one at a time. Don’t over mix. Add the melted white chocolate and vanilla and mix on low speed until combined. Pour into the baked crust and place in a prepared pan.

To bake the cheesecake, pour the hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the spring form pan. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the cheesecake is golden brown on top but still loose in the center. Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Then, carefully transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack and remove the foil. Then run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan. Let stand for 30 minutes. Refrigerate the cheesecake on the rack until the center is very cold, at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.
To prepare the strawberries, wash and dry the strawberries, then core and cut them into quarters. Place half of the strawberries in a blender with half of the sugar and lemon juice and blend until smooth. Add more sugar if necessary. Strain the coulis through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Use the back of a small ladle to push the coulis through. Discard the seeds. Transfer to a bowl.

To serve the cheesecake, remove the side of the spring form pan. To cut the cake, dip a sharp knife into a glass of hot water. Shake off the water, away from the cake, and slice. Wipe the blade clean on a paper towel. Dip the knife again into the hot water and make the second cut. Continue the process as you make each cut. Serve the cheesecake with the fresh strawberries and the coulis.


Notes:
To make the yogurt cheese: Line a strainer over a bowl with cheesecloth and add the yogurt. Allow the whey to drain for about 7-8 hours. Make sure that the yogurt cheese is not too dry.

Running the knife around the edge after baking will prevent the cheesecake from cracking at the top.

While using the mixer makes your life easier, you can beat the filing by hand.

Try not to overbeat or over mix the filling most especially after adding the eggs. It will cause the cake to rise and fall, which can cause the top of the cake to crack. The less volume you produce, the less the cake will rise.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 red bell pepper, roasted over the flames/oven
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¼ cup walnuts
  • 1 slice firm bread, torn into pieces
  • 2 – 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tbsp balasmic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt, as per taste
  • ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Roast the pepper either over the flames or in the oven.
  2. Cut roasted pepper into large pieces. In a small skillet toast cumin over low heat, stirring constantly until very fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. In a Cooks Professional 1000W food processor with knife blade attached, process walnuts until ground.
  4. Add rest of the ingredients including pepper and puree until smooth.
  5. Transfer to a bowl and serve with toasted pita bread wedges or lavash.

Cod Baked with Tomatoes and Feta

Makes 4 servings 

Total Time under 1 hour 

Ingredients 

1 lb (500 g) cod fillets 

3 tbsp (approx 45 mL) all-purpose flour 

2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil 

1 cup (250 mL) crumbled feta cheese (about ¼ lb/125 g) 

1 onion, chopped 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 sweet green pepper, chopped 

1 can (19 oz/540 mL) tomatoes 

½ cup (125 mL) pitted black olives 

½ tsp (2 mL) dried oregano 

Pinch hot pepper flakes 

Pinch granulated sugar 

2 tbsp (25 mL) minced fresh parsley 

Salt and pepper 

Instructions 

1.Cut cod into serving-size portions; pat dry. Dredge lightly in flour. 

2.In large skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; brown cod lightly on both sides. Arrange in 8-inch (2 L) square baking dish; sprinkle with feta. Set aside. 

3.Pour remaining oil into skillet; cook onion, garlic and green pepper, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, crushing with fork; stir in olives, oregano, hot pepper flakes and sugar. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 10 minutes. 

4.Add parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over fish. (Dish can be prepared to this point, cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Add 5 minutes to baking time.) Bake, uncovered, in 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until bubbly. 

Fettuccine with Butter and Cheese

Makes 4 to 8 servings 

Total Time under 15 minutes 

Ingredients 

1½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature for at least 30 minutes 

1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving (optional) 

1 pound fresh fettuccine 

Salt 

Instructions 

1.In a large bowl with an Cooks Professional Stand Mixer, beat the butter with the cheese until it forms a smooth cream, about 2 minutes. 

2.Bring at least 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the pasta and salt to taste. Stir well. Cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente, tender yet still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with the butter and cheese and a few tablespoons of the cooking water. 

3.Serve immediately with additional cheese, if desired. 

Healthy slow cooker chicken

Healthy slow cooker chicken

Serves 4 

Total time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients 

  • parsnip, peeled and cut into 1.5cm/5/8in pieces 
  • celery sticks, roughly chopped 
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1.5cm/5/8in pieces 
  • leek, thickly sliced 
  • 400g/14oz potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5cm/5/8in pieces 
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon, plus extra to garnish 
  • 1 tbsp finely grated zest from an unwaxed lemon 
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Instructions 

1.Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Season the chicken and fry for 6–8 minutes until browned all over. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a Cooks Professional 6.5L Slow Cooker. 

2.Roughly mash half of the beans with a potato masher, add to the chicken and stir well. 

3.Add the onion, parsnip, celery, carrots, leek and potatoes to the frying pan and stir-fry over a high heat for 6–8 minutes, until lightly coloured all over. Add the ginger, mustard and garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute more, then spoon the vegetable mixture, with the remaining beans, over the chicken in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. 

4.Whisk the tomato purée into the stock and pour into the slow cooker with the tarragon and lemon zest, cover with the lid and cook on high for 3–3½ hours until the chicken is tender. To serve, garnish with chopped tarragon. 

Maple, Mustard, & Orange Chicken

Who can say no to scrumptious sticky chicken smothered in a tasty marinade? Our maple, mustard, and orange chicken is a fantastic midweek meal, or even perfect for a weekend barbecue.

Ingredients

  • 1kg chicken drumsticks

For the marinade

  • 1 large orange, zest only
  • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp salt

Method

  1. In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients, and use a balloon whisk to mix them all together. In a separate shallow bowl or roasting dish, arrange the chicken drumsticks. Pour over the marinade and allow to marinate overnight in the fridge, or for at least an hour if you didn’t want to prepare the day before.
  2. Preheat your oven to 220℃/200℃ fan/gas mark 7. Place the drumsticks on a wire rack placed over a roasting dish, keeping any excess marinade to one side. Roast the chicken drumsticks for roughly 30 minutes or until cooked through, making sure to turn and baste them with the remaining marinade halfway through cooking.
  3. Serve immediately with a light summer salad, or your favourite side dish of choice.

Lead image: manyakotic via Getty Images.

Dark Chocolate & Ginger Muffins

Dark chocolate and sumptuous ginger combine to create the perfect tea time treat.

Ingredients

  • 225g plain flour
  • 220ml milk
  • 115g dark brown sugar
  • 85g butter, melted and cooled, plus extra for greasing
  • 55g cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 pieces stem ginger in syrup, finely chopped, play 2 tbsp syrup from the jar
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200℃/180℃ fan/gas mark 6. Grease a 12 hole muffin tray with the extra butter. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the finely chopped stem ginger and the sugar.
  2. Beat together the eggs in a large jug, then beat in the milk, ginger syrup, and melted butter. Make a well in the centre of your dry ingredients, and pour in the liquid ingredients; mix gently together until combined, but be careful not to overmix.
  3. Spoon the muffin mixture into the prepared muffin tin and cook for 20 minutes of until the muffins are well risen and firm to the touch. Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with your favourite hot drink for a scrumptious afternoon treat!

Lead image: Ridofranz via Getty Images.

Stir-Fried Eggs with Mushrooms and Zucchini

Serves

Total Time under 1 hour 

Ingredients 

6 large eggs 

2 tsp soy sauce 10 mL 

1 tsp Asian sesame oil 5 mL 

½ tsp salt or to taste 2 mL 

½ tsp freshly ground pepper 2 mL 

2 tbsp vegetable oil 25 mL 

2 tbsp chopped onion 25 mL 

2 tsp chopped garlic 10 mL 

8 oz sliced mushrooms (1 cup/250 mL) 250 g 

2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 3 cups) 2 

½ cup red bell pepper strips 125 mL 

3 tbsp chopped green onions 45 mL 

2 tbsp chopped fresh dill 25 mL 

Instructions 

1.In a bowl, whisk together eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper. Set aside. 

 2.Heat a Cooks Professional Copper Wok over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat pan. Add onion and garlic and toss well, until fragrant, about 15 seconds. 

 3.Add mushrooms and toss well. Spread into a single layer and cook, undisturbed, for 30 seconds. Toss well. Cook, undisturbed, until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. 

 4.Add zucchini and red pepper and toss well. Cook, tossing often, until mushrooms are tender and zucchini and pepper are tender-crisp, 1 to 2 minutes more. 

 5.Push vegetables aside. Stir in egg mixture and swirl gently to spread around pan. Cook, undisturbed, for 30 seconds. Gently but quickly stir and scoop to scramble eggs until almost done, about 1 minute. Mix vegetables into eggs as you scramble them, tossing more quickly when they are almost done. When eggs are just cooked, but not dry, remove from heat. Add green onions and dill and toss well. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot or warm. 

Waffles with hot chocolate sauce, fried bananas and ice cream

Waffles with hot chocolate sauce, fried bananas and ice cream

Serves 4 

Total Time 10 to 30 minutes

Ingredients 

For the waffles 

  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar 
  • 3 free-range eggs, lightly beaten 
  • 425ml/15fl oz full-fat milk 
  • 110g/4oz unsalted butter, melted 

For the chocolate sauce 

For the fried bananas 

Instructions 

1.For the waffles, preheat a Cooks Professional Luxury Rotary Waffle Maker to a medium setting and preheat the oven to 140C/275F/Gas 1. Place a large wire rack onto a baking tray and keep it warm. 

2.Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the eggs, milk and butter until well combined. 

3.Ladle some of the batter into each well of the waffle maker, close the lid and cook for five minutes, or until golden-brown and crisp. Repeat the process until the batter is used up. Keep the waffles warm on the baking tray in the oven. 

4.For the hot chocolate sauce, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). 

5.In another pan, heat the sugar and 100ml/3½oz water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil. 

6.Stir the sugar syrup into the chocolate until smooth and shiny. 

7.For the fried bananas, heat a frying pan until hot, then melt together the butter and sugar. 

8.Add the bananas and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown all over. 

9.Place the waffles on a plate and top with chocolate sauce and serve the bananas and ice cream on the side. 

Pumpkin Risotto

A punchy dish packed full of flavours, our pumpkin risotto is the perfect midweek meal if you want something delicious in a hurry. Serve with extra sprinklings of parmesan for a hearty meal to fill you and the family up!

Ingredients

  • 300g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
  • 300g arborio risotto rice
  • 1.5 litres vegetable stock
  • 60ml white wine
  • 40g unsalted butter
  • 60g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ celery stalk
  • 1 spring rosemary
  • 1 small onion, diced

Method

  1. Put the vegetable stock in your Cooks Professional saucepan and simmer over a low heat.
  2. In a clean Cooks Professional saucepan, heat the olive oil. Fry the diced onion, rosemary, and celery until the vegetables soften. Add the rice to the saucepan, making sure to stir it well so that the rice is coated in oil. Add the wine and continue stirring until it evaporates.
  3. Add the prepared pumpkin to the rice and vegetable mixture with a ladle full of stock and cook over a medium heat, stirring continuously until the stock has been absorbed. Add another ladle of stock and repeat for the next 20 minutes or so, until the rice is cooked.
  4. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the parmesan and butter. Divide the risotto equally between your Cooks Professional bowls and serve with another sprinkling of parmesan. Serve immediately.

Lead image: Mariha-kitchen via Getty Images.

Quick sausage casserole with Savoy cabbage pesto

Serves 4 

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients 

For the sausage casserole 

For the pesto  

Instrustions  

  1. For the sausage casserole, heat the vegetable oil in a wide, shallow ovenproof pan (or flameproof casserole) over a medium heat. Add the bacon and fry until crisp and golden-brown, then remove from the pan and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.  
  1. Add the sausages to the pan and fry until browned all over, then remove from the pan and set aside to drain with the bacon.  
  1. Add the onion, garlic, carrot and celery to the pan and fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.  
  1. Add the beans, vinegar and sugar and increase the heat to high. Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the volume of liquid has reduced by half.  
  1. Pour in the wine and the stock and add the bay leaves. Return the bacon and sausages to the casserole. Slice the inner Savoy cabbage leaves (from the pesto ingredients) and stir them into the stew. Stir well and bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the volume of liquid has reduced by about half, and the casserole has thickened.  
  1. For the pesto, finely chop the remaining Savoy cabbage leaves and put a small handful in a Cooks Professional 1000W Food Processor. Add the parsley, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic and half of the olive oil and blend to a rough paste. Add more oil as necessary to loosen the mixture, pulsing the pesto as you add the oil.  
  1. Transfer the pesto to a jug and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.  
  1. Blend the bread, lemon zest and the remaining chopped cabbage leaves in the food processor.  
  1. Preheat the grill to a medium setting. When the casserole has cooked, drizzle the pesto all over the surface, then sprinkle over the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle the breadcrumb mixture with a little olive oil. Transfer the casserole to the grill and grill until the crust is toasted and golden-brown. Serve immediately. 

Creamy Pancetta & Mushroom Pasta

Filled with rich aromas to get your mouth watering, our creamy pancetta and mushroom pasta will become a firm favourite weeknight meal. Perfect if you’re short on time midweek and still after a tasty meal!

Ingredients

  • 130g pancetta
  • 400g chestnut mushrooms, chopped
  • 350g tagliatelle pasta
  • 300ml double cream
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 50g parmesan, grated, plus extra to garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. Heat the olive oil over a medium heat in your Cooks Professional frying pan. Fry the mushrooms for several minutes until golden and crispy. Add the garlic and shallot and cook for a further minute. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add the double cream and thyme sprigs, then lower the heat. Add the pancetta and cook until the cream thickens slightly.
  3. While the sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta. Fill your Cooks Professional saucepan with boiling water and a dash of salt, then add the tagliatelle and allow to boil for several minutes until the pasta is cooked. Once cooked, drain the water and add the pasta to the sauce, stirring to make sure it’s well covered in sauce.
  4. Add the parmesan and stir to mix well, then remove from the heat and plate up. Add an extra sprinkling of parmesan to garnish if desired, then serve immediately.

Lead image: Vitaliy Krivchikov via Getty Images.

Raspberry Sorbet

Our simple raspberry sorbet is the perfect sweet treat for those blistering summer days. Treat yourself and your family to this delicious cold dessert when you need to cool down most!

Ingredients

  • 500g raspberries
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 270ml water
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Method

  1. In your Cooks Professional saucepan, combine the water and the sugar. Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved, then raise the heat so that the mixture simmers for roughly 5 minutes, or until it has combined into a syrup. Put to one side to cool.
  2. While you’re waiting for the syrup to cool, prepare the raspberries. Add the raspberries and the lemon juice to your Cooks Professional food processor or blender, then blitz until smooth. Strain the raspberry mixture into a bowl, taking care to remove the seeds ready to discard them. Combine the raspberries with the syrup mixture, stirring until well mixed, then pour into a suitable container for freezing.
  3. Freeze the sorbet for roughly an hour and a half, then scrape back into your food processor to mix again to break up any ice crystals. Pour back into the container and freeze again.
  4. Repeat the last step for four hours, freezing the sorbet for an hour before removing it from the freezer to mix again, or until the sorbet is firm but scoopable.

Lead image: Guy45 via Getty Images.

Mango Sorbet

Our refreshing mango sorbet is just the thing you need to cool down on a hot summer’s day. Packed full of fruity flavour, this delicious sorbet is the perfect afternoon treat.

Ingredients

  • 3 large, ripe mangoes
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 200ml water
  • Juice of 1 lime

Method

  1. Prepare the mangoes. Use your vegetable peeler to peel the mangoes, then use your Cooks Professional knife to remove as much of the mango flesh as possible from the stone. Add the mango flesh to your Cooks Professional food processor or blender to make the sorbet.
  2. Add the lime juice, sugar, and water to your Cooks Professional appliance and blend for a few minutes until smooth, and the sugar has dissolved. You can check if the mixture is ready by rubbing a little bit of it between your fingers – if it’s still gritty to the touch, blend for a few more minutes until smooth. Pour the prepared sorbet into a suitable container, then freeze for at least 2-3 hours.
  3. Remove the sorbet from the freezer, then scrape it back into your Cooks Professional food processor or blender. If the mixture is quite solid, leave at room temperature for 10 minutes or until softened. Blitz the sorbet mixture again until slushy, then pour back into your container to freeze for a further hour or more.
  4. Repeat the last step again. This time, freeze the sorbet until solid – this should take between 1-2 hours. Serve and enjoy!

Lead image: topotishka via Getty Images.

Mango & Passionfruit Meringue Roulade

A truly decadent dessert, this fruity mango and passionfruit meringue roulade will wow your family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 175g caster sugar
  • 600ml double cream
  • 400g passionfruit curd
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 level tsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp malt vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large mango, peeled, stoned, and diced, or 425g tinned mango, diced
  • 2 passion fruits
  • Icing sugar, to dust

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 150℃/130℃ fan/gas mark 2. Line a 33 x 23cm swiss roll tin with greaseproof paper. In your Cooks Professional stand mixer, whisk the egg whites until frothy and they’ve doubled in bulk. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, a spoonful at a time, until the mixture is thick and shiny. In a bowl, combine the cornflour, vanilla extract, and vinegar, then whisk into the egg whites.
  2. Once the meringue mixture is ready, carefully spoon it into the prepared tin. Take care when levelling the surface, and try to keep as much of the air whisked into the eggs as possible. Bake meringue in the oven for 30 minutes until the surface is just about firm to the touch.
  3. While the meringue is cooking, prepare the whipped cream. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Set to one side.
  4. Remove the meringue from the oven and cover with more greaseproof paper for about 10 minutes. Dust a third sheet of greaseproof paper with icing sugar. Discard the one used to cover the warm meringue, and turn the meringue out onto the sugarcoated paper. Remove the paper lining the bottom – now top – of the meringue, and discard the now used paper.
  5. Spread the whipped cream over the meringue, and then the passionfruit curd. Scatter the diced mango and passionfruit over the top. Use the greaseproof paper to roll up the roulade from one short end, keeping the join underneath. Sift some icing sugar over the top for decoration, and serve with more double cream if desired.

Lead image: Lesyy via Getty Images.

Chicken Enchiladas

Bring a little Tex-Mex to the family table with these scrumptious chicken enchiladas! 

Ingredients

  • 600g chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • 435g can refried beans
  • 700ml passata
  • 200g sweetcorn
  • 200g cheddar cheese
  • 300ml sour cream
  • 10 tortillas
  • 2 red chillies, deseeded and diced
  • 2 red peppers
  • 2 red onions
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • Small bunch of coriander; stalks finely chopped, leaves roughly chopped, plus extra to serve

Method

  1. In your largest Cooks Professional frying pan, heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil. Fry the diced onions, peppers, coriander stalks, chillies, and half of the garlic for around 10 minutes or until all the ingredients are soft. Add 2 tsp of the ground coriander, and 2 tsp of the cumin seeds, frying for another minute. In a separate frying pan, fry the chicken in the remaining olive oil in batches until browned. Once all the chicken is cooked, add it to the frying pan full of vegetables.
  2. Add the 150ml of the passata, sweetcorn, coriander leaves, and refried beans to the frying pan, stirring until well mixed with the chicken and other veg. Mix the rest of the passata, remaining garlic, sugar, and remaining spices in a bowl, then set to one side. Preheat your oven to 200℃/180℃ fan/gas mark 6.
  3. Assemble to enchiladas. Lay the tortillas on your Cooks Professional chopping boards, then divide the chicken mixture between them, folding the ends over and rolling them up to seal them. Place them in your Cooks Professional roasting dish – you may need to use more than one dish – then divide the passata mixture evenly between them to top the enchiladas. Blob the soured cream over the enchiladas, and cover well with the grated cheese.
  4. Cook your enchiladas in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven once cooked, then serve with a scattering of more coriander leaves.

Lead image: NoirChocolate via Getty Images.

Lemon Meringue Pie

This classic dessert is the perfect combination of tart lemon and sweet meringue, culminating in a sweet treat that will have you reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

For the pastry

  • 175g plain flour
  • 100g cold butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp icing sugar

For the filling

  • 100g caster sugar
  • 125ml lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice 1 small orange
  • 85g butter, cubed
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 level tbsp cornflour

For the meringue

  • 200g caster sugar
  • 4 egg whites at room temperature
  • 2 level tsp cornflour

Method

  1. Make the pastry. Mix the plain flour, cold butter, icing sugar, egg yolk and 1 tbsp cold water in your Cooks Professional food processor. Pulse until the mix starts to bind, but be careful not to overwork it. Lightly flour your kitchen surface, then tip the pastry mixture out. Gather it together until smooth, then roll out and line a loose-bottom fluted flan tin. Trim and neaten the edges, pressing the pastry into the flutes. Don’t worry if it cracks; push it back together. Prick the base with a fork, line with foil – the shiny side down – and chill for between half an hour to an hour, or overnight.
  2. Heat your oven to 200℃/180℃ fan/gas mark 6. Blind bake your pastry; fill the pastry case with baking beans or rice to weigh it down, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-8 minutes until the pastry is pale golden and cooked. Remove the pastry from the oven and set to one side. Lower the oven heat to 180℃/160℃ fan/gas mark 4.
  3. While the pastry is baking, prepare the filling. In your Cooks Professional saucepan mix the cornflour, caster sugar, and lemon zest. Strain the lemon juice, and add to the saucepan gradually. In a jug, combine the orange juice with up to 200ml and strain into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened and smooth, making sure to stir constantly.
  4. When the mixture starts to bubble, remove from the heat and add in the smaller amount of butter, beating until it has melted. In a bowl, beat the whole egg and 3 egg yolks together – save the whites for the meringue – and stir into the pan, returning it to medium heat. Continue to stir vigorously for several minutes until the mixture thickens, and plops from the spoon. It will bubble, but won’t curdle. Remove from the heat and set to one side.
  5. Make the meringue. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then add half of the sugar a spoonful at a time. Make sure to whisk between each addition, being careful not to overbeat the mixture. Whisk in the cornflour, and then add the remaining sugar a spoonful at a time until smooth and thick.
  6. Reheat the lemon filling quickly, then pour it into the prepared pastry case. Spoon the meringue around the edges of the filling, then spread it so that it touches the pastry. This will help to anchor the meringue and prevent it from sliding. Avoid adding the meringue straight to the middle of the mixture, otherwise it may sink. Once you’ve added meringue to the edges, then you can pile the rest of it in the centre – make sure to spread it so that it touches the surface of the hot filling, then give it a swirl.
  7. Return the now complete pie to the oven for between 18-20 minutes until the meringue topping is crisp and slightly coloured. Remove from the oven, and allow the pie to sit in the tin for half an hour. Remove it from the tin and leave to rest for at least another half hour to an hour before slicing. 

Lead image: AnaMOMarques via Getty Images.

Tomato Bruschetta

This tasty tomato bruschetta makes for a wonderful starter dish; perfect for summer parties with family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 8 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves crushed garlic
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 60-80ml olive oil
  • 30ml balsamic vinegar
  • 1 crusty baguette

Method

  1. Mix the diced tomatoes, diced onions, crushed garlic, and chopped basil in a large bowl, being careful not to break up the tomatoes. Once mixed, add the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix again. Cover and put in the fridge to chill for an hour at least, allowing the flavours to marinate together.
  2. Slice the baguette diagonally into roughly 12 thick slices. Lightly toast the slices until they’re lightly browned on each side. Remove the tomato mixture from the fridge once ready, and evenly divide it between the 12 toasted slices. Serve immediately. If you wish to serve the mixture at room temperature, remove from the fridge half an hour before serving.

Lead image: Anna_Shepulova via Getty Images.

Peach Cobbler

Our peach cobbler is a tasty, no-fuss dessert that will hit the spot just right. Serve with lashings of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 2 tins peaches
  • 120g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 150g plain flour
  • 150g butter, cubed, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 small egg
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180℃/160℃ fan/gas mark 4. Grease your Cooks Professional cast iron roasting dish with butter, then lay the drained peaches along the base. Sprinkle roughly 2 tbsp of the caster sugar and ground ginger over the peaches, then set the dish to one side.
  2. In your Cooks Professional stand mixer combine the flour, remaining caster sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined, then add the cubed butter. Continue mixing until it resembles breadcrumbs, then add the egg. Finish mixing until the ingredients come together to form a thick dough.
  3. Spoon the dough mixture in dollops over the prepared peaches. Make sure to create a good covering, but leave some gaps for the dough to spread into. Sprinkle a little bit of caster sugar over the top, then bake in the oven for roughly 40 minutes, or until golden.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes, then serve with lashings of vanilla ice cream.

Lead image: Sarsmis via Getty Images.

Ratatouille

Traditionally a French peasant dish, ratatouille is the perfect summer evening meal. Impress your family and friends with the depth of flavour to this hearty feast!

Ingredients

For the sauce

  • 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Seasoning, to taste

For the ratatouille

  • 3 aubergines
  • 2 large courgettes
  • 2 salad tomatoes
  • 2 small onions
  • 2 thyme sprigs
  • Pinch dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoning, to taste

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 180℃/160℃ fan/gas mark 4.
  2. First, make the tomato sauce. In your Cooks Professional cast iron casserole dish, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and crushed garlic, and add the tinned tomatoes and diced bell pepper. Fry for roughly 5 minutes before adding the balsamic vinegar, sugar, thyme, and oregano. Stir well to combine, and cook for a further 15 minutes, remembering to stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Use your Cooks Professional ladle to transfer the tomato sauce to your Cooks Professional food processor. Keep the cast iron casserole dish to one side. Blitz until the tomato sauce is creamy, but still a bit chunky. Add a bit of boiling water if necessary to keep the consistency right.
  4. Next, prepare the veg for the ratatouille. Slice the courgettes, aubergines, onions, and tomatoes into even, thin slices.
  5. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of your Cooks Professional cast iron casserole dish. On top of the sauce, arrange the slices of vegetables. Alternate between the courgette, aubergine, onion, and tomato until the whole pan is covered. Season with salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of dried oregano and the thyme sprigs. Drizzle a little olive oil over the ratatouille before placing it in the pre-heated oven for cooking.
  6. Cook for 30 minutes; check after 20 minutes to see if the vegetables are tender, and the sauce is gently bubbling around the sides. Once cooked, remove the casserole dish from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve with a side of crusty bread, or serve as a side dish alongside our cajun chicken burgers.

Lead image: zefirchik06 via Getty Images.

Welsh Cakes

A classic in Wales, these Welsh cakes will be the perfect addition to your cuppa. Traditionally cooked on a griddle, you can make these Welsh cakes just as easily using your Cooks Professional cast iron frying pan.

Ingredients

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 100g butter
  • 50g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 50g sultanas or currants
  • 1 egg, beaten with 3 tbsp milk
  • Pinch salt

Method

  1. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to combine the flour and salt, then rub in the butter. Add the sugar and currants or sultanas and mix well. Add the egg mixture and continue beating together until you have a stiff dough.
  2. Lightly flour a work surface, then roll out the Welsh cake dough until roughly 5mm thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the Welsh cakes ready for cooking. Continue until all the dough is used, and are ready to be cooked.
  3. In your Cooks Professional cast iron frying pan, heat a little butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the frying pan is well greased, the Welsh cakes are ready to cook. Cook the cakes for roughly 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown.
  4. Sprinkle caster sugar over the cooked Welsh cakes and serve immediately with your favourite beverage.

Lead image: eag1e via Getty Images.

Vegan Parsnip Gnocchi

Forget what you think you know about the humble parsnip, and take it to the next level with this vegan gnocchi recipe.

Ingredients

  • 400g parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 600g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 60ml olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 100g strong ’00’ flour
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Small handful of thyme leaves
  • 30g walnuts, toasted and chopped

Method

  1. Begin by heating your oven to 220°C / 200°C Fan / Gas Mark 7. Take a roasting tin and toss the parsnips and potatoes together in 2 tbsp of olive oil along with the unpeeled garlic cloves. Roast for around 40 minutes until the veg is soft, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  2. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins, then tip everything into a food processor along with the nutmeg, flour and nutritional yeast. Pulse until combined and holding together like a dough.
  3. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Tip the dough out onto a floured surface and cut into four equal sized chunks, then roll each into a sausage shape about 35cm long and 2.5cm wide.
  4. Using the back of a table knife, cut each sausage into small pieces of gnocchi, around 2cm long. Cook in the salted water in batches for 1 minute, or until they bob to the surface. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
  5. Now, take a frying pan and heat the remaining oil. Add half of the gnocchi and fry until golden on each side (usually around 3-4 minutes), then transfer to a tray. Cook the remaining gnocchi in the same way.
  6. Return all gnocchi to the frying pan to warm through, then divide into bowls. Grind over some fresh black pepper the scatter over the thyme leaves and toasted walnuts. Top with a little drizzle of olive oil.

Lead image: AnjelaGr via Getty images.

Courgette & Lemon Cake

Our courgette and lemon cake is a delicious lighter alternative to heavier chocolate cakes. Packed full of flavour, it will soon become your favourite teatime treat. 

Ingredients

  • 300g grated courgette
  • 250g soft unsalted butter
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 200g cream cheese
  • 100g plain flour
  • 100g self-raising flour
  • 85g icing sugar
  • 3 lemons
  • 3 eggs
  • 4 tbsp lemon curd
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180℃/160℃ fan/gas mark 4. Grease and line 2 round sandwich tins with butter and greaseproof paper, then set to one side. Zest two of the lemons to use in the cake, and save the third lemon’s zest for the icing. Juice the lemons, then put the juice in your Cooks Professional bowl before setting to one side.
  2. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to combine 200g of the soft butter, caster sugar, courgettes, eggs, the zest of two lemons, and vanilla extract. Mix together until a creamy batter forms. Gradually stir in the mixed flours, baking powder, 1 tbsp of the lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt.
  3. Divide the batter between the prepared tins, then bake for roughly 25 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. Once cooked, removed from the oven and allow to cool in the tins for roughly 15 minutes, before turning out onto a cooling rack.
  4. While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp lemon juice with 25g icing sugar, then set to one side.
  5. Use a cocktail stick to prick the prepared sponges once they’ve been turned out onto the cooling rack, then spoon over the prepared drizzle and allow the cakes to cool completely.
  6. Make the icing. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to mix the remaining icing sugar, butter, cream cheese, and the remaining lemon juice, as well as the remaining zest you set to one side earlier. Combine until you’ve got a creamy frosting.
  7. Place one cake on a plate, and use half the frosting to cover it. Spread over the lemon curd, and then place the second cake on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top of your cake, then serve immediately.

Lead image: Manyakotic via Getty Images.

Sweetcorn & Smoked Haddock Chowder

Chowder is the perfect thing to warm you up on a cool evening. Packed full of sweetcorn and fresh fish, this chowder will soon become your go-to comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 350g potato, roughly chopped into cubes
  • 300g smoked haddock fillets
  • 140g sweetcorn
  • 500ml semi-skimmed milk
  • 2 rashers of bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Knob of butter
  • Parsely, chopped, to serve

Method

  1. Your a large Cooks Professional saucepan, heat the knob of butter until it’s melted. Add the chopped bacon to the bacon and fry until it starts to brown. Add the diced onion and cook until just softened. Pour the milk into the pan, and stir in the potatoes. Allow the chowder to come to the boil, and simmer for roughly 5 minutes.
  2. Add the haddock to the pan, and cook gently for a further 10 minutes. Break the fish into chunks using your wooden spoon, and stir in the sweetcorn. Cook for another few minutes until the fish is thoroughly cooked. Remove from the heat and scatter the chopped parsley over the chowder. Dish up into your Cooks Professional bowls and serve with crusty bread.

Lead image: Fudio via Getty Images.

Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake

Tempt your taste buds with this fruity cheesecake, packed full of succulent blueberries to really give you that sweet kick.

Ingredients

  • Punnet blueberries
  • 300g digestive biscuits
  • 275g caster sugar
  • 140g butter, melted
  • 3 x 300g cream cheese
  • 200ml sour cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract 
  • 1 tsp cornflour

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200℃/180℃ fan/gas mark 6. Line an oven-prof baking dish with greaseproof paper. In your Cooks Professional food processor, blitz the digestive biscuits until they’re a fine crumb. Add the melted butter and continue to blitz together until fully combined. Pour the biscuit crumb into your prepared tin, and press down firmly with the back of a spoon until the base is covered. Bake for roughly 10 minutes, then set to one side to cool.
  2. In your Cooks Professional saucepan, add the blueberries and 25g of the sugar. In a jug, combine the cornflour with roughly 1 tbsp of cold water, then add this to the saucepan. Cook gently over a medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved. Briefly increase the heat for a minute or two, allowing the blueberry mixture to bubble, until it becomes thicker in consistency and looks saucier. Set to one side to cool.
  3. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remainder of the sugar, whisking again before adding the eggs, soured cream, flour, and vanilla extract, mixing together until well combined.
  4. Assemble the cheesecake. Pour roughly half the cheesecake mixture over the prepared biscuit base. Next, use a spoon to dot blobs of the blueberry sauce over the top, before covering with the remaining cheesecake mixture. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the the top of the cheesecake before drizzling the remaining blueberry sauce mixture over the top. Use the end of a spoon to ripple the blueberry sauce into the cheesecake.
  5. Place your cheesecake in the oven and bake for 10 minutes; lower the heat to 110℃/90℃ fan/gas mark 5 and bake for another 30 minutes. Turn off your oven, and leave the cheesecake in there for roughly a further hour, and another hour on top of that with the oven door slightly ajar. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool at room temperature until completely cool. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible. 

Lead image: AmalliaEka via Getty Images.

Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni

Our version of this vegetarian classic is packed full of flavour. Serve with a side of herby salad for a truly tempting weeknight dish.

Ingredients

For the tomato sauce

  • 4 x 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
  • 8 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 tbsp caster sugar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Small bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped

For the topping

  • 2 x 125g balls mozzarella
  • 2 x 250g tubs mascarpone
  • 85g grated parmesan
  • 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk

For the filling

  • 100g grated parmesan
  • 3 x 250g tubs ricotta
  • 400g dried cannelloni
  • 1kg spinach
  • Pinch grated nutmeg

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200℃/180℃ fan/gas mark 6. Make the tomato sauce; in your Cooks Professional frying pan, heat the olive oil and fry the crushed garlic for roughly 1 minute. Add the tinned tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and some seasoning, simmering for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture has thickened. Add the chopped basil and then divide the sauce between two or more ovenproof dishes.
  2. To make the topping, add the mascarpone and the milk together in a bowl and beat together until smooth. Season to taste and put to one side.
  3. In a large colander, wilt the spinach by pouring boiling water from the kettle over it. You may need to do this in several batches. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze out the excess water. Chop the spinach, and in a clean bowl mix it together with 100g of the parmesan and all of the ricotta. Season with pepper, salt, and the nutmeg.
  4. Next, fill the cannelloni tubes. Fill a piping bag or a plastic food bag, with the corner snipped off, with the spinach and ricotta filling, then squeeze the filling into the cannelloni tubes. Gently lay the tubes on top of the prepared tomato sauce, and spoon over the prepared mascarpone topping. Sprinkle over the 85g parmesan and the mozzarella.
  5. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the cannelloni is golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving with a herby salad.

Lead image: marcomayer via Getty Images.

Peach Crumble

 A twist on a classic. This fruity crumble will soon become the new family favourite!

Ingredients

  • 3 x 410g tinned peaches in juice
  • 140g plain flour
  • 25g cold butter, grated
  • 50g porridge oats
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Zest & juice 1 lemon

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 200℃/180℃ fan /gas mark 6. Drain the peaches, but reserve 4 tbsp of the juice from the tin. Place the peaches in your Cooks Professional roasting dish, scattering over the lemon zest, juice, and 1 tbsp honey, then use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix it all together.
  2. In a clean bowl, combine the grated butter, oats, flour, 1 tbsp honey, and the 4 tbsp of reserved peach juice. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together, then use your hands to rub it together until you have a rough crumbly mixture. Scatter the crumbly mixture over the peaches in your roasting dish.
  3. Cook for around 35 minutes or until the crumble is lovely and golden on top. Remove from the oven and set aside for a few minutes to cool, then serve with a generous dash of double cream.

Lead image: bhofack2 via Getty Images.

Turkey Banh Mi

This vibrant Vietnamese sandwich is the perfect hump-day lunch treat!

Ingredients

  • 2 small baguettes
  • 50g chicken liver pate
  • 1/4 cucumber, sliced thinly and diagonally
  • 140g turkey, shredded
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 red chilli, 1/2 chopped, 1/2 sliced
  • Small handful of parsley

For the slaw

  • 2 small carrots, grated
  • 75g red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp golden caster sugar

Method

  1. Begin with the slaw. Tip in the carrots and cabbage into a large bowl, then in a smaller bowl combine the ginger, rice, vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt. Pour this over the carrots and cabbage, and mix to coat. Set to one side for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Cut the baguettes open and spread the pate over the bottom half. Top with the pickled slaw, cucumber and turkey.
  3. Mix the mayonnaise with the chopped chilli, then dollop over the top. Scatter with parsley and sliced chilli, then clamp the two halves together and tuck in!

Lead image: AnastasiaNurullina via Getty images.

Baklava

This traditional Turkish dish is the perfect sweet treat for those of you who just can’t get enough of nuts. Packed with pistachios, walnuts, and pecans, layered between filo pastry and sweetened with honey syrup, this will fast become your favourite dessert.

Ingredients

  • 500g of filo pastry, or roughly two packs of ready-made filo pastry
  • 200g pistachios, plus extra finely ground pistachios for garnishing
  • 50g walnuts
  • 50g pecans
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 200g butter, with extra for greasing

For the syrup

  • 50g honey
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 2 tsp orange extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 200ml water

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 180℃/160℃ fan/gas mark 4. Grease a square cake tin, roughly 21cm x 21cm, with the extra butter. Use your Cooks Professional food processor to blitz 200g of the pistachios, and all of the walnuts and pecans, but be careful not to blitz them into a paste. Empty the nut mixture into a bowl,  then stir in the honey and a pinch of salt. Set to one side. You can also blitz more pistachios to use as a garnish once the baklava is cooked – set these to one side in a clean bowl.
  2. Melt the butter, either by heating on the hob in a Cooks Professional saucepan, or in the microwave. Cut the first pack of filo pastry in half so that it fits in the square tin. Place one sheet in the tin, then brush with the melted butter. Add another sheet on top of it, then brush this with butter again, and continue layering like this until the whole of the first pack of filo pastry is used up.
  3. Scatter the honey and nut mixture over the top layer of pastry until well covered, using the back of a spoon to press it down. Open the second pack of filo, again cutting it in half so that the layers will fit in the tray. Add a sheet of pastry and brush with the melted butter, then continue the layering process until the final pack of filo pastry has all been used. Once the last sheet has been placed onto the baklava, pour any remaining butter over the top to finish. Using a sharp Cooks Professional knife, cut deep lines into the pastry to create diamond or square shapes. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
  4. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 150℃/130℃ fan/gas mark 2 and cook for another 45 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. In a clean Cooks Professional saucepan combine the syrup ingredients, heating gently until the sugar has dissolved. Boil the mixture for between 8-10 minutes or until the syrup has reduced to the consistency of runny honey.
  5. Remove the baklava from the oven and pour the warm syrup over the top so that it runs down the lines you have cut. Allow to completely soak in, and leave the baklava to cool for roughly four hours. Top with the remaining pistachio garnish once cold and serve.

Lead image: LemonTreeKid via Getty Images.

Crispy Chilli Beef

Try your hand at this fakeaway alternative to your favourite Chinese dish. You won’t be disappointed with the depth of flavour!

Ingredients

  • 350g minute steak, cut into thin strips
  • 1 red chilli, de-seeded and thinly chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped into thin strips
  • Thumb size piece of ginger, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 4 spring onions, thinly sliced; separate the green and white parts
  • 3 tbsp cornflour
  • 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
  • 100ml vegetable oil
  • 4 tbsp white wine vinegar, or rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Cooked noodles, to serve

Method

  1. In a bowl, combine the cornflour and Chinese five-spice. Toss the steak strips in the spiced cornflour mixture until covered.
  2. In your Cooks Professional wok, heat the vegetable oil until hot. Carefully add the beef strips and fry until crispy and golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the oil and set to one side to drain on kitchen paper. Keep roughly 1 tbsp of the oil before discarding the rest of it.
  3. In the same frying pan with the remaining oil, fry the sliced pepper, half of the chilli, white parts of the spring onion, sliced ginger, and crushed garlic for roughly 3 minutes. Be careful not to let the ginger and garlic burn.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup with the water. Once combined, pour over the veg in the wok. Simmer for around 2 minutes before adding the beef back into the pan, coating well with the sauce.
  5. Remove the crispy beef from the heat. On a plate, arrange the cooked noodles, and spoon the crispy beef on top. Garnish with the remaining chilli and the green parts of the spring onions, and serve immediately.

Lead image: DronG via Getty Images.

Bailey’s Chocolate Trifle

Our Baileys chocolate trifle will be the ideal thing to satisfy your sweet cravings, and to impress your friends and family at the next gathering.

Ingredients

  • 100ml Baileys, plus 2 tbsps for soaking the brownies
  • 100g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 50g milk chocolate, chopped or shaved
  • 500ml ready-made vanilla custard
  • 400g chocolate brownies
  • 500ml double cream
  • 25g icing sugar

Method

  1. In your Cooks Professional saucepan, make the chocolate custard. Combine the read-made vanilla custard and the dark chocolate, and stir over a gentle heat until the chocolate has completely melted and incorporated with the custard. Remove from the heat and set to one side to cool, covering the surface with cling film to prevent the custard from forming a skin.
  2. In a trifle bowl, arrange the brownies and drizzle the 2 tbsps of Baileys over them. Once the custard has cooled, spoon this over the brownies base, then cover the trifle and chill.
  3. Use your Cooks Professional stand mixer to create the final layer of the trifle. Combine the double cream and the 100ml Baileys. Sift over the icing sugar, and use your stand mixer to whisk it all together until soft peaks form. Add the final cream layer to the trifle, and top with the shaved milk chocolate. Chill until ready to serve.

Lead image: Bhofack2 via Getty Images.

Sizzled Sea Bass & Tenderstem Broccoli

Tempt your taste buds with this aromatic sea bass dish, which will be sure to impress the family.

Ingredients

  • 2 Sea bass fillets, skin on and scaled
  • Large knob of ginger, peeled and shredded
  • 4 garlic cloves, diced
  • 3 red chillis, deseeded and thinly sliced
  • 100g spring onions, cut diagonally
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 200g tenderstem broccoli

Method

  1. Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper, then use your Cooks Professional knife to score the skin 3 times. Heat the olive oil in your Cooks Professional frying pan.
  2. Once the oil is hot, fry the fillets skin-side down for roughly 5 minutes or until the skin is crisp and golden. Turn over and cook for between 30 seconds to a minute, then remove from the heat.
  3. Meanwhile, boil the tenderstem broccoli as per the packet instructions in your Cooks Professional saucepan. Remove from the pan and set to one side once cooked. In the same pan that you used to fry the fish, fry the shredded ginger, chilli, and diced garlic for around 2 minutes or until golden.
  4. Remove the ginger, chilli, and garlic from the heat. Toss in the spring onions and mix well. Arrange the fish on a plate, spoon over the soy sauce, and top with the ginger, chilli, garlic and spring onion mixture. Serve alongside the tenderstem broccoli.

Lead image: _LeS_ via Getty Images.