THE MENUS IN MY PREMIUM AREA
If I were to host three dinner parties this autumn, these are the menus I’d choose…
Three opportunities to get together around a lovely table.
MENU No. 2 — A Thursday evening
What an idea! I’ve invited some friends round on Thursday evening for a proper dinner.
Crispy savoury puff pastry · Poultry with tarragon · Chocolate & orange
How about we finally took the time to entertain guests?
Pears, chanterelles & hazelnuts · Roast lamb · Autumn pavlova
MENU No. 15 — An evening with a difference
How about we do something a bit out of the ordinary tonight?
Autumn Cappuccino · Salmon in a golden coating · Chocolate & pear
For each menu: the recipes, the shopping list and my plan of action to organise everything in advance.
Your guests are seated.
You too.
Monster Cookies - approved by Mum (traditional method & Thermomix)
Description
These moist, richly flavoured biscuits are perfect for a snack for children... and adults who've never really grown up! With their oat flakes, grated courgettes (incognito!) and chocolatey touches, they offer a balance between indulgence and a little more fibre than traditional cookies. They freeze very well, so you can prepare the dough in advance and bake the biscuits when you need them.
Ingredients
Instructions
- TRADITIONAL METHOD
Preparation - Traditional method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.
3. Add the egg, peanut butter and vanilla and mix well.
4. Add the grated courgettes and chocolate chips and mix again.
5. Add the rolled oats, baking powder and flour and mix until smooth.
6. Shape the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the baking sheet (can be frozen at this stage).
7. Flatten the balls slightly with your fingers and top each cookie with 5 Smarties, pressing down gently.
8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the biscuits are lightly browned. For crispier cookies, cook slightly longer.
9. Leave to rest for 5 minutes on the hot plate before transferring to a wire rack.
THERMOMIX® METHOD
Preparation - Thermomix method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. Place the butter and sugar in the bowl and beat for 3 mins on speed 4 until the mixture is creamy.
3. Add the egg, peanut butter and vanilla, then mix for 1 minute on speed 4.
4. Add the grated courgettes and chocolate chips, then mix for 15 sec / reverse direction / speed 2.
5. Add the rolled oats, baking powder and flour, then mix for 10 sec / reverse direction / speed 3 to form a dough.
6. Form into tablespoon-sized balls, place on the baking tray and flatten slightly. Top each cookie with 5 Smarties.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned.
8. Leave to rest for 5 minutes on the hot baking tray, then transfer to a wire rack...
