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.
Potato and courgette purée (traditional & Thermomix)
Description
In our house, we love potatoes - especially mashed potatoes. And this version with courgettes has become a family classic.
It's a simple yet delicious combination that everyone loves. What's more, if you don't want anyone to notice the courgettes are there, just peel them - no one will notice!
A versatile accompaniment that goes just as well with an everyday family meal as it does with a fine piece of roast meat.
Ingredients
Instructions
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TRADITIONAL METHOD
Traditional preparation
1. Peel the potatoes and courgettes. Cook them together in water with the stock cube until tender.
2. Drain (reserving a little of the cooking water). Mash them with a potato masher or mixer.
3. Add the salt, pepper, lemon juice and crème fraîche. If the purée is too compact, loosen it with 2-3 spoonfuls of cooking juice.
4. Serve immediately.
Tip: if you peel the courgettes, you'll never guess they're hidden in the purée.
THERMOMIX® METHOD
Preparation with Thermomix
1. Add 500 g of water and the vegetable stock cube to the Thermomix bowl. Insert the cooking basket with the potatoes and place the Varoma with the courgettes on top. Cook for 25 min / Varoma / speed 1.
2. Remove the basket and Varoma, empty the bowl and reserve the cooking liquid.
3. Transfer the courgettes to the bowl and blend for 15 seconds on speed 5.
4. Insert the whisk. Add the cooked potatoes, lemon juice, crème fraîche, salt and pepper. Blend for 20-40 sec / speed 3 until the desired consistency is reached (add a little cooking liquid if necessary). Remove the whisk.
5. Serve immediately.
