Baked Alaska

A home baked plain sponge or a shop bought Madeira cake
ice cream a 500g tub would be adequate
3 medium egg whites
125g caster sugar
FOR THE CUSTARD
3 egg yolks
1 fresh vanilla pod
225ml milk
80g caster sugar

slice the sponge and arrange it onto an ovenproof dish. Put the ice cream on top of the sponge or form into a mound over the sponge, carefully place this into a freezer until required. Whisk the egg whites until they are stiff and gradually add the sugar until the whites are smooth and stiffly peaking. Get the prepared base from the freezer and spread the meringue over the ice cream with a palette knife making sure that the ice cream is sealed inside. You can cook it straight away or place the whole thing back into the freezer until it is needed. cook in a pre heated oven 220c gas mark 7 for 3 -4 minutes until the meringue starts to turn golden.

For the custard
Pour the milk into a pan, split the vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds, add both the seeds and pod to the pan and bring just to the boil. remove from heat until required. Put the egg yolks into a large bowl with the caster sugar and whisk until thick and pale.
Pour the vanilla infused milk through a sieve onto the whisked egg, stirring well. Remove the vanilla pod (you can wipe it off and pop into a pot of caster sugar to make vanilla sugar). Wash out the pan and place the egg mix back into it. Put it back on a low heat and cook slowly, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it has thickened. You can test to see if it is ready by running a finger through it on the back of a wooden spoon, if it leaves a clear straight line it’s ready..

Chicken Meat Balls

Pack chicken Breast
Smokey bacon or Lardons
1 large Onion
1 large Carrot
2 cloves garlic
Fresh or dried Herbs of your choice
Breadcrumbs (fresh or frozen)
1 Egg

Put the onion and carrot in a food processor (if you have 1) or finely dice them both, add the garlic and the chicken and whizz until smooth, add the herbs, bacon and a handful of bread crumbs and whizz again finally add the egg and whizz until all is combined. If you do not have a food processor you may be able to get your butcher to mince the chicken for you or you can also use minced turkey. Take a good dessert spoonful of the mix and roll them in your hands. Fry in a little oil until cooked all the way through and serve with a tomato sauce and pasta. Enjoy !