Neven’s no-bake hazelnut chocolate tart with citrus caramel from Neven’s Christmas, RTE One #Limerick

RTE logo

Neven Maguire

By Neven Maguire

Celebrity Chef

Watch Neven’s Christmas in Limerick on Thursday, 4 December on RTÉ One at 8pm.

Ingredients

In the first of this two-part special, Neven’s Christmas in Limerick, Neven Maguire prepares Smoked Salmon Galettes, Glazed Rack of Pork with Creamy Roast Potatoes, and No-Bake Chocolate Tart.

Serves 8-10

For The Tart

  • 300g Shortbread biscuits
  • 150g Butter
  • 1 Jar White Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
  • 200g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
  • 100g Milk Chocolate (38% cocoa solids)
  • 250ml Irish Jersey Cream

For The Citrus Caramel

  • 225g caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp glucose (liquid or powdered)
  • 300ml orange juice
  • 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped out
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 clementine

For Decorating

  • Amaretti Biscuits, to serve
  • Crème Fraiche, to serve
  • Sea Salt, to serve
  • Citrus Caramel, to serve

Method

For The Citrus Caramel

  1. Place the sugar, glucose and 250ml of water into a heavy-based, high-sided pot.
  2. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until you have achieved a golden caramel colour. The sugar syrup should be a thick honey consistency, but not too runny.
  3. Add the orange juice slowly, it will boil up vigorously, so take care at this point, whisk until the sugar has dissolved and you are left with a smooth syrup. Whisk in the vanilla seeds, lime juice and clementine juice.
  4. Set aside and allow to cool and use as required.

For The Tart

  1. Blitz the shortbread to a fine crumb (in a food processor or with a rolling pin and zip lock bag) and tip into a large bowl. Melt 100g of the butter in a small pan or in the microwave, then stir into the shortbread crumbs and mix until evenly combined. Press into the base and sides of a 10″ loose base tart tin.
  2. Open the jar of white chocolate hazelnut spread into the microwave for 10-20 seconds (or you can use a pan) to loosen it up, then give it a good stir until smooth. Pour about half of the jar on to the shortbread base and use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. Place in the fridge to chill down.
  3. To make the chocolate ganache, put the rest of the white chocolate hazelnut spread into a heatproof bowl along with the dark chocolate, milk chocolate and the remaining 50g of butter. Set over a pan of simmering water and allow the chocolate to melt.
  4. In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream. Once the chocolate has melted completely add the warmed cream. Using a stick hand blender gently blend until combined and silky smooth. Pour into the prepared tart tin, place in the fridge for 2 hours until the ganache is set firm or overnight.
  5. Remove the tart from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. To serve, carefully unmould the tart and put on a plate or cake stand, decorate with the Amaretti biscuits (if desired) cut into slices and serve with a quenelle of crème fraiche and sprinkle of sea salt.

Neven’s cinnamon and mincemeat swirls from Neven’s Christmas in Limerick on RTÉ One #BordBia 🎅😍🇮🇪

Neven Maguire

By Neven Maguire

Celebrity Chef

Neven’s Christmas in Limerick airs on Thursday, 11 December, on RTÉ One at 8pm.

Ingredients

Makes 12

· 320g Ready Rolled Puff pastry

· 220g Mincemeat

· 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon

· 1 Egg Yolk mixed with 1 tbsp Milk

· 25g Butter


For The Vanilla Frost Dip

· 100g Cream Cheese

· 75g Icing Sugar

· 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

· 1 tbsp Cream

· Good Pinch Sea salt

Method

  1. Preheat to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4).
  2. Unroll the puff pastry on a clean work surface, with the long edge on the top and bottom. Carefully spread the mincemeat all over the surface, leaving a 1cm edge all round. Dust over the ground cinnamon.
  3. Carefully begin to roll the pastry to create a long log. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12, roughly 3cm thick each.
  4. Melt the butter in a small pan or in the microwave and use to brush the holes of the muffin tin generously. Place the cut pastry swirls into each of the muffin holes, then brush with the beaten egg mixture.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Gently remove from the tin immediately to a cooling rack, and allow to cool.


For The Vanilla Frost Dip

  1. Place the cream cheese in a bowl and whisk using a handheld blender for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Sift in the icing sugar followed by the vanilla extract, cream and salt. Whisk again for another few minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Serve the mincemeat swirls warm or at room temperature with the vanilla frost dip in small bowls alongside.

More stories on

Neven’s no-bake hazelnut chocolate tart with citrus caramel from Neven’s Christmas, RTE One #Limerick

RTE logo

Neven Maguire

By Neven Maguire

Celebrity Chef

Watch Neven’s Christmas in Limerick on Thursday, 4 December on RTÉ One at 8pm.

Ingredients

In the first of this two-part special, Neven’s Christmas in Limerick, Neven Maguire prepares Smoked Salmon Galettes, Glazed Rack of Pork with Creamy Roast Potatoes, and No-Bake Chocolate Tart.

Serves 8-10

For The Tart

  • 300g Shortbread biscuits
  • 150g Butter
  • 1 Jar White Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
  • 200g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
  • 100g Milk Chocolate (38% cocoa solids)
  • 250ml Irish Jersey Cream

For The Citrus Caramel

  • 225g caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp glucose (liquid or powdered)
  • 300ml orange juice
  • 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped out
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 clementine

For Decorating

  • Amaretti Biscuits, to serve
  • Crème Fraiche, to serve
  • Sea Salt, to serve
  • Citrus Caramel, to serve

Method

For The Citrus Caramel

  1. Place the sugar, glucose and 250ml of water into a heavy-based, high-sided pot.
  2. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until you have achieved a golden caramel colour. The sugar syrup should be a thick honey consistency, but not too runny.
  3. Add the orange juice slowly, it will boil up vigorously, so take care at this point, whisk until the sugar has dissolved and you are left with a smooth syrup. Whisk in the vanilla seeds, lime juice and clementine juice.
  4. Set aside and allow to cool and use as required.

For The Tart

  1. Blitz the shortbread to a fine crumb (in a food processor or with a rolling pin and zip lock bag) and tip into a large bowl. Melt 100g of the butter in a small pan or in the microwave, then stir into the shortbread crumbs and mix until evenly combined. Press into the base and sides of a 10″ loose base tart tin.
  2. Open the jar of white chocolate hazelnut spread into the microwave for 10-20 seconds (or you can use a pan) to loosen it up, then give it a good stir until smooth. Pour about half of the jar on to the shortbread base and use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. Place in the fridge to chill down.
  3. To make the chocolate ganache, put the rest of the white chocolate hazelnut spread into a heatproof bowl along with the dark chocolate, milk chocolate and the remaining 50g of butter. Set over a pan of simmering water and allow the chocolate to melt.
  4. In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream. Once the chocolate has melted completely add the warmed cream. Using a stick hand blender gently blend until combined and silky smooth. Pour into the prepared tart tin, place in the fridge for 2 hours until the ganache is set firm or overnight.
  5. Remove the tart from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. To serve, carefully unmould the tart and put on a plate or cake stand, decorate with the Amaretti biscuits (if desired) cut into slices and serve with a quenelle of crème fraiche and sprinkle of sea salt.

Neven’s no-bake hazelnut chocolate tart with citrus caramel from Neven’s Christmas in #Limerick

RTE logo

Neven Maguire

By Neven Maguire

Celebrity Chef

Watch Neven’s Christmas in Limerick on Thursday, 4 December on RTÉ One at 8pm.

Ingredients

In the first of this two-part special, Neven’s Christmas in Limerick, Neven Maguire prepares Smoked Salmon Galettes, Glazed Rack of Pork with Creamy Roast Potatoes, and No-Bake Chocolate Tart.

Serves 8-10

For The Tart

  • 300g Shortbread biscuits
  • 150g Butter
  • 1 Jar White Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
  • 200g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
  • 100g Milk Chocolate (38% cocoa solids)
  • 250ml Irish Jersey Cream

For The Citrus Caramel

  • 225g caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp glucose (liquid or powdered)
  • 300ml orange juice
  • 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped out
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 clementine

For Decorating

  • Amaretti Biscuits, to serve
  • Crème Fraiche, to serve
  • Sea Salt, to serve
  • Citrus Caramel, to serve

Method

For The Citrus Caramel

  1. Place the sugar, glucose and 250ml of water into a heavy-based, high-sided pot.
  2. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until you have achieved a golden caramel colour. The sugar syrup should be a thick honey consistency, but not too runny.
  3. Add the orange juice slowly, it will boil up vigorously, so take care at this point, whisk until the sugar has dissolved and you are left with a smooth syrup. Whisk in the vanilla seeds, lime juice and clementine juice.
  4. Set aside and allow to cool and use as required.

For The Tart

  1. Blitz the shortbread to a fine crumb (in a food processor or with a rolling pin and zip lock bag) and tip into a large bowl. Melt 100g of the butter in a small pan or in the microwave, then stir into the shortbread crumbs and mix until evenly combined. Press into the base and sides of a 10″ loose base tart tin.
  2. Open the jar of white chocolate hazelnut spread into the microwave for 10-20 seconds (or you can use a pan) to loosen it up, then give it a good stir until smooth. Pour about half of the jar on to the shortbread base and use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. Place in the fridge to chill down.
  3. To make the chocolate ganache, put the rest of the white chocolate hazelnut spread into a heatproof bowl along with the dark chocolate, milk chocolate and the remaining 50g of butter. Set over a pan of simmering water and allow the chocolate to melt.
  4. In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream. Once the chocolate has melted completely add the warmed cream. Using a stick hand blender gently blend until combined and silky smooth. Pour into the prepared tart tin, place in the fridge for 2 hours until the ganache is set firm or overnight.
  5. Remove the tart from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. To serve, carefully unmould the tart and put on a plate or cake stand, decorate with the Amaretti biscuits (if desired) cut into slices and serve with a quenelle of crème fraiche and sprinkle of sea salt.

Neven Maguire in #Limerick 🤶🧑‍🎄 on RTÉ One tonight at 8pm @bordbia

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  • This or That: Christmas Edition with Neven Maguire!🎄

    We’re getting into the festive spirit with a little Christmas fun – Neven style!
    Let us know – are you team Traditional Turkey or Slow-Roast Ham? Brussels sprouts or carrots and parsnips? Let the festive debates begin! 👇✨

    Make your mark this Christmas by always looking out for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when choosing your festive food favourites.

    And don’t forget – tune into Neven’s Christmas in Limerick on RTÉ One tonight at 8pm for Part 1! Proudly sponsored by Bord Bia 💚

    #BordBia #ThisorThat #ChristmasCooking #FestiveFood #nevenschristmasspecial5h

Neven’s Recipe’s – Chicken satay with pickled cucumber salad – Marty in the Morning @rte lyric fm

My brother, Kenneth, loves Asian food and he is in no doubt that he is far better than me at cooking it! I don’t disagree. He is proud of this chicken satay dish and often makes it for the family. This dipping sauce also works well with pork, prawns, beef strips or turkey. And remember, kids just love anything on sticks!

SERVES 4

  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp clear honey
  • 2 tsp medium curry powder
  • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into long strips

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD:

  • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

  • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 x 160ml (5½fl oz) tin of coconut milk (Thai Gold, if possible)
  • ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make the dipping sauce, place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light brown sugar and lime juice. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2 Soak 8 x 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a griddle pan until it’s smoking hot or light a barbecue.

3 Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for 2 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers and arrange on the barbecue. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until completely tender and cooked through. If using a griddle pan, reduce the heat to medium as soon as you’ve put the skewers on.

4 Meanwhile, to prepare the pickled cucumber salad, place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until both have dissolved. Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine, and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. 5 To serve, arrange 2 chicken satay skewers on each warmed plate. Divide the dipping sauce among individual bowls and place to the side of the skewers. Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid, to serve.

Butter Chicken

Swap your usual takeaway curry for this homemade chicken makhana, which combines marinated chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. This is an authentic Indian curry with its origins in Delhi, where it was first made to use up pieces of leftover tandoori chicken.

Serves 4–6

  • 500g skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • juice and finely grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp mild curry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 red chilli, seeded
  • 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 20g fresh coriander
  • 400ml passata (Italian sieved tomatoes)
  • 120ml cream
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a bowl and stir in half the lemon juice with a good pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the curry seasoning, the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix to combine, then season generously with pepper. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days in the fridge.

Heat the rest of the oil and a knob of the butter in a wok or skillet over a high heat, and quickly sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, transferring with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl as you go. Add the onions to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to caramelise.

Tip in the garlic, chilli and ginger, then add another knob of the butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Chop the stalks from the coriander and add them to the pan with the rest of the curry seasoning and another knob of the butter. Toast for a few minutes until very fragrant. Pour the passata into the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the cream and the rest of the lemon juice.

Transfer to a blender and blend until you have a very smooth sauce. Return to the pan and add the chicken with any juices and reheat gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Season to taste, then fold in the lemon rind with the rest of the butter and the coriander leaves, reserving a few sprigs to garnish. Transfer to bowls and garnish with the coriander sprigs.

SERVE WITH … This mild and creamy curry is sure to please all tastes. Make some Homemade Flatbreads, perhaps brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling with black onion seeds. A bowl of Pilau Rice completes the meal, alongside some spiced mango chutney, mint raita and lime pickle.

MacNean Organic Oats with Irish Mist and Honey @nevenmaguire

 
 


By Neven Maguire

Celebrity Chef

Porridge is one of our most popular breakfasts in the restaurant, and this recipe goes down a treat. On cold winter mornings, it gets you off to a good start and takes no more than 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 100 g (4oz) porridge oats (organic if possible)
  • 300 ml (1/2 pint) whole-fat milk (plus extra if necessary)
  • 4 dsp clear honey
  • 4 dsp irish mist
  • 150 ml (1/4 pint) cream (optional)

Method

  • Simmer the porridge oats and milk together in a saucepan for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened, stirring all the time. It is important that the porridge has a nice soft dropping consistency so add a little more milk if you think that it needs it.
  • To serve, spoon the porridge into warmed bowls. Drizzle each one with some honey and Irish mist and finally, serve with cream if you wish.

Bangers and Cheesy Mash with Caramelised Red Onion Gravy @dunnesstores @nevenmaguire

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxIuNvMpecv/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

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  • This recipe for Bangers & Cheesy Mash from our Simply Better brand ambassador @nevenmaguire is the perfect comfort food. Find the full recipe below:

    Bangers & Cheesy Mash with Caramelised Red Onion Gravy
    Ingredients (Serves 4)
    2 Packs Simply Better Irish Pork Spring Onion & Black Pepper Sausages
    2 Tubs Simply Better Irish Made Beef Gravy
    3 Tbsp. Simply Better Handmade Caramelised Red Onion Relish
    1 Tbsp. Simply Better Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 Tbsp. Simply Better Italian Balsamic Vinegar
    Steamed Greens, to serve
    Cheesy Mash
    100g Simply Better West Cork Co-Op Extra Mature Drinagh Cheddar, grated
    750g Rooster Potatoes, cut into chunks
    75g Butter
    Method
    1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6). Place the sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, drizzle with the olive oil and cook in the oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure they are golden brown on all sides.
    2. To make the mash, put the potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Cover and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until tender. Drain the potatoes and return to the pot over a low heat for 1-2 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. Remove the pot from the heat, then mash with a potato masher or pass through a potato ricer until smooth. Beat in the cheese and butter and season to taste.
    3. To make the gravy, heat the gravy in a saucepan over a medium heat, whisk in the caramelised red onion relish and balsamic vinegar and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
    4. To serve, place a large spoonful of mash in the centre of a plate or serving bowl. Top with 3 of the roasted sausages and pour over the onion gravy. Serve with some of the steamed greens.

Neven’s Recipe’s – Chicken satay with pickled cucumber salad – Marty in the Morning @rte lyric fm

My brother, Kenneth, loves Asian food and he is in no doubt that he is far better than me at cooking it! I don’t disagree. He is proud of this chicken satay dish and often makes it for the family. This dipping sauce also works well with pork, prawns, beef strips or turkey. And remember, kids just love anything on sticks!

SERVES 4

  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp clear honey
  • 2 tsp medium curry powder
  • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into long strips

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD:

  • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, deseeded and thinly sliced

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

  • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 x 160ml (5½fl oz) tin of coconut milk (Thai Gold, if possible)
  • ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make the dipping sauce, place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light brown sugar and lime juice. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2 Soak 8 x 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of cold water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat a griddle pan until it’s smoking hot or light a barbecue.

3 Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for 2 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers and arrange on the barbecue. Cook the chicken skewers over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until completely tender and cooked through. If using a griddle pan, reduce the heat to medium as soon as you’ve put the skewers on.

4 Meanwhile, to prepare the pickled cucumber salad, place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until both have dissolved. Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine, and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. 5 To serve, arrange 2 chicken satay skewers on each warmed plate. Divide the dipping sauce among individual bowls and place to the side of the skewers. Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid, to serve.

Butter Chicken

Swap your usual takeaway curry for this homemade chicken makhana, which combines marinated chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. This is an authentic Indian curry with its origins in Delhi, where it was first made to use up pieces of leftover tandoori chicken.

Serves 4–6

  • 500g skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • juice and finely grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp mild curry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 red chilli, seeded
  • 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 20g fresh coriander
  • 400ml passata (Italian sieved tomatoes)
  • 120ml cream
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Put in a bowl and stir in half the lemon juice with a good pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the curry seasoning, the yogurt and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix to combine, then season generously with pepper. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days in the fridge.

Heat the rest of the oil and a knob of the butter in a wok or skillet over a high heat, and quickly sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, transferring with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl as you go. Add the onions to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to caramelise.

Tip in the garlic, chilli and ginger, then add another knob of the butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Chop the stalks from the coriander and add them to the pan with the rest of the curry seasoning and another knob of the butter. Toast for a few minutes until very fragrant. Pour the passata into the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the cream and the rest of the lemon juice.

Transfer to a blender and blend until you have a very smooth sauce. Return to the pan and add the chicken with any juices and reheat gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Season to taste, then fold in the lemon rind with the rest of the butter and the coriander leaves, reserving a few sprigs to garnish. Transfer to bowls and garnish with the coriander sprigs.

SERVE WITH … This mild and creamy curry is sure to please all tastes. Make some Homemade Flatbreads, perhaps brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling with black onion seeds. A bowl of Pilau Rice completes the meal, alongside some spiced mango chutney, mint raita and lime pickle.

Neven’s recipes: Tiramisu and Pavlova Wreath with Exotic Fruit – Marty in the Morning @rte lyricfm 🤩😀

Tiramisu

The name of this simple dessert comes from the Italian tirami su, meaning ‘pick me up’ (or ‘cheer me up’). Tiramisu has been subjected to many variations over the years, but this is the original recipe and – in my opinion – the best! This is a dessert that actually benefits from being made ahead, allowing the lovely flavours to mingle. As a result, it is perfect for a large gathering.

Serves 8–10

  • 4 large eggs
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 250g mascarpone cheese 2
  • 50ml cream
  • 250ml freshly brewed strong espresso coffee (left to cool completely)
  • 150ml Tia Maria or Kahlúa liqueur
  • 40 sponge fingers
  • 50g bar plain chocolate
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder

Separate the eggs, putting the yolks in one bowl with 80g of the sugar, and the egg whites in another. Using an electric beater, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy, then mix in the mascarpone cheese until well combined. Whip the cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, then fold into the egg yolk and mascarpone mixture.

Using spotlessly clean beaters, whisk the egg whites with 20g of sugar until soft peaks form, then fold this into the mascarpone cream. Spoon a third of this mixture into a suitable dish that is at least 2cm deep. Pour the coffee into a shallow dish and stir in the Tia Maria or Kahlúa. Dip in enough of the sponge fingers to make an even layer on top of the mascarpone mixture. Only dip the sponge fingers in as you go along, so they don’t soak for too long and become difficult to handle.

Cover the layer of soaked sponge fingers with another third of the mascarpone mixture, then grate most of the chocolate bar on top using the coarse side of a grater. Add another layer with the rest of the soaked sponge fingers, then spoon over the remaining mascarpone mixture and spread evenly with a back of a spoon. Cover with cling film and chill overnight to allow the flavours to develop and the dessert to settle. To serve, give the tiramisu a good dusting of cocoa powder, then grate over the rest of the chocolate. Place in the middle of the table so that everyone can help themselves.

SERVE AFTER … A go-to dessert if you like spoiling your guests after a long Italian-inspired meal. Tiramisu is ideal for the warmer months since it can be made well in advance and kept in the fridge until needed.

Pavlova Wreath with Exotic Fruit

Cakes are always the sweet option of choice for birthdays and anniversaries. However, I would like to introduce to you the Pavlova Wreath – it is very pretty and easy to make, and it delivers an incredible flavour. As always, feel free to use your own favourite combination of flavours to personalise it. Be sure to produce it with a flourish for that ‘ta-da’ moment!

Serves 10–12

  • For the meringue
  • 5 egg whites
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 50g icing sugar
  • 2 tsp cornflour
  • For the raspberry sauce
  • 200g raspberries
  • 2 tbsp icing sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp cornflour or arrowroot
  • For the crème Chantilly
  • 200ml cream (well chilled)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 40g icing sugar
  • To decorate
  • 200g raspberries
  • 400g tin lychees, well drained and cut in half
  • 2 passion fruit, halved and seeds scooped out

Preheat the oven to 140°C (275°F/Gas Mark 1). Put the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer.
Turn on to a medium speed and whisk until they begin to go frothy and hold their shape a little. Mix the caster and icing sugar together, then add about one third to the eggs in a steady stream, whisking all the time on medium to high. The mixture will now begin to thicken a little.

Make sure that all the sugar has dissolved before you add any more. Add the next third and repeat the process, whisking it all up well. Then add the final third of the sugar. Whisk on high now, since the egg mixture will be much more stable. Keep whisking until you reach the stiff-peak stage. Add the cornflour and fold in with a spoon. Draw a 25cm circle on a piece of parchment paper and use it to line a large baking sheet, then draw a 10cm circle in the middle. This is your stencil. Put dollops of the meringue mixture on to the wreath stencil, keeping it within the edges.

Bake for 55–60 minutes until the meringue has just a little colour. Remove it from the oven and leave to cool. Meanwhile, make the raspberry sauce. Blitz the raspberries in a food processor with the icing sugar and lime juice, then pass through a sieve into a small pan using a plastic spatula. Mix the cornflour or arrowroot with one tablespoon of water until smooth, then add this to the raspberries. Bring to the boil over medium to high heat, then simmer gently for a few minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Set aside to cool. For the crème Chantilly, whisk up the cream, vanilla and sugar in a bowl until it is just beginning to hold soft peaks. Cover with cling film and chill until needed. Carefully slide your Pavlova wreath on to a large, flat serving plate. Place dollops of the crème Chantilly around the top of the wreath, then drizzle over some of the raspberry sauce; the rest can be served in a jug at the table. Decorate the wreath with the raspberries, lychees and passion fruit pulp. Serve straight away.

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