Article Type: Recipe

This recipe was created by Caitlin Carrick-Varty (@cake.onmyface), who is an artist, baker and storyteller. She wrote a blog, Cake On My face, of baking recipes in letters to her brother from 2018-2024. Now, she is writing about what she is baking in her kitchen on her substack.

We’ve teamed up with Caitlin to make a delicious salted date cake, paired with a delicious ginger toffee sauce.

This cake is a meeting of salted caramel, sticky toffee pudding, and the fluffy, damp kind of ginger cake from English lineage. There is nothing – actually nothing – more joyful than toffee sauce and warm, dark cake. Sea salt is key in this, amongst all that sweetness, and helps the small amount of cardamom sing through. Caitlin adds ginger too, for a little heat under the salted and caramelised sauce – she’s got a tub of the stuff in her fridge and knowing that, makes her feel slightly more prepared for life!

Here is how to make her salted date cake with ginger toffee sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 180 / 160 fan.
2. Add the dates, water, and bicarb to a bowl and stir once or twice, cover with a plate and set aside.
3. Grease and line, with baking paper, a 9-inch square baking tin. You can use a slightly different size tin, just keep an eye on the baking time.
4. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until the mix is lighter and fluffed up around the sides of the bowl. A wooden spoon will work, electric beaters will be quicker. Beat in one egg until fully combined, then the other.
5. Take the bowl of dates and use a fork to mash them up a bit in the water. Pour the whole lot into the butter mixer, along with the flour, baking powder, Maldon salt, and cardamom. Mix until a liquid batter forms.
6. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 30 mins, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
7. When the cake is out of the oven you can whip up the sauce, it’s quick-quick. Melt all the sauce ingredients, except the cream and ground ginger, in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a spatula to help it on its way. Allow to simmer for 2 mins, this is to cook the ginger and get a darker colour to the sauce. Take the pan off the heat, stir in the cream and ground ginger, and put back on the heat to bubble for a further minute or so.
8. Prick the cake all over with a toothpick or skewer, and pour over about a third of the hot sauce. If you can wait, allow the cake to sit like this, in the tin, for 15 mins.
9. Slice into big wedges and serve with double cream if you want, whipped or poured straight out the tub, and some of the extra sauce for good measure.  

Notes – You can make the sauce in advance and heat up as and when you need it (what a sentence). Cool completely at room temp before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Indulge in the irresistible allure of homemade tomato and pesto focaccia, a bread that not only delights the senses but also brings people together. This recipe elevates the classic focaccia with the exquisite touch of Kalahari Desert Salt, Selected by Maldon, known for its pure, delicate flavour. Ideal for tearing and sharing, this focaccia will make any gathering memorable, as its perfectly balanced taste and delightful texture invite guests to savour every bite.

The magic of this focaccia lies in the Kalahari Desert Salt, which is carefully integrated into the dough mixture. This exceptional salt enhances the natural flavours of the ingredients, creating a robust and well-rounded taste profile. The fresh pesto, made from vibrant basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, finely grated parmesan cheese, high-quality olive oil, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic cloves, is further enriched by a pinch of Kalahari Desert Salt. This combination ensures that every piece of focaccia is bursting with flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

How to a tomato and pesto focaccia

1. In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, olive oil, honey, and yeast. Whisk these together until well blended.
2. Add the bread flour and mix using a large spoon until the mixture is thoroughly combined and hydrated. Then, incorporate the ground Kalahari Desert Salt, Selected by Maldon. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes – 1 hr until doubled in size.
3. Perform stretch and fold technique with wet hands every 30 minutes, repeating this process three times.
4. After the final fold, leave the dough to proof for 1 hour at room temperature, or in the fridge overnight.
5. Transfer the dough to an oiled baking tray, give it a final fold and allow it to proof for an additional 1 – 2 hours until doubled in size. If you proved it in the fridge overnight this may take an extra hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 220°C (390°F).
7. Using oiled fingers, create dimples in the dough, press in the cherry tomato halves, and drizzle the entire surface with olive oil. Sprinkle with the Kalahari Desert Salt, Selected by Maldon.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is beautifully golden brown.
9. While the bread bakes, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, blend together fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic cloves, and a pinch of Kalahari Desert Salt until smooth and well combined.
10. Drizzle the freshly baked bread with the fragrant homemade pesto.

Introducing a delightful homemade butternut squash ravioli recipe that marries the sweet, nutty flavours of butternut squash with the rich, flaky goodness of Maldon Sea Salt flakes. This exquisite dish is elevated by a luscious brown butter sage sauce that compliments the creamy filling perfectly. The butternut squash filling, seasoned with salt and pepper, creates a smooth and and flavourful centre for the ravioli. We used a potato masher to puree the ingredients, but you can also use a food processor for a faster result!

Here are a few points that you need to remember when making a homemade butternut squash ravioli…

• When roasting your squash, make sure to drizzle generously with olive oil and cook until beautifully tender. You then blend with a selection of creamy cheeses, a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt, pepper and a generous helping of nutmeg.

• When rolling out the pasta dough using a machine, always start at the widest setting and gradually making it thinner. Lay the dough on a flat surface, placing spoonful’s of the delicious filling evenly apart, and cover with another sheet of dough. Use a ravioli cutter to assemble the ravioli, ensuring each piece is well-sealed to prevent leakage during cooking. If you don’t have a ravioli cutter, you can use a glass instead to cut out equal-sized circles. Take your filling and place into the centre of each cut-out circle, making sure there is space around the edge to close the ravioli by crimping. To save time, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance, storing them in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

• Cooking the ravioli is a breeze and takes around 3-4 minutes in boiling water, or until they float to the top. The addition of a brown butter sage sauce elevates the pasta dish further! Made up of melted butter and fresh sage leaves, cook until the butter turns a golden brown colour, emitting a nutty aroma. Transfer the ravioli tot he brown butter sauce, soaking up the rich flavours.
• This homemade butternut squash ravioli recipe, infused with the distinctive taste of Maldon Sea Salt, is sure to impress with its balance of textures and flavours, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or a cosy night in.

How to make butternut squash?

1. Begin by roasting the butternut squash.
2. Preheat the oven to 180c then place the peeled and roughly chopped butternut squash onto a roasting tray or baking sheets.
3. Drizzle with a little oil, cover with tin foil and then roast for 30 minutes until soft and tender, and a knife can be inserted easily. Set aside to cool.
4. Once the butternut squash is cooled, place it into a bowl and use a potato masher or ricer to puree it.
5. Then to the pureed squash add the ricotta, parmesan, a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt, cracked black pepper and a grating of nutmeg. Set aside.

How to make ravioli pasta?

1. While the butternut squash is roasting, make your pasta. Tip the OO pasta flour onto a clean work surface and form a circle with it.
2. Then in the middle make a clear well so you are left with a ring of flour. Crack the 3 eggs into the middle. Then use a fork to break the yolks and gently whisk the eggs together so they are beaten.
3. Once beaten, use the fork to slowly flick in little bits of flour onto the eggs, and continue to whisk them in. Keep doing this while it thickens, and when it becomes too thick discard the fork and use your hands to knead the flour and eggs. Continue to knead for 5 minutes until you have a smooth dough.
4. Wrap it in clingfilm and then rest it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. Once the dough has rested it is time to roll and shape the ravioli. Start with a smaller piece of pasta dough and flatten it out, then roll it through the widest setting of the pasta machine. Go through the widest setting again, and then continue to go down the settings until you have the thinnest pasta sheets – you should be able to see your hand through it when held to the light! Dust a tray with a little semolina and lay your pasta sheets on here to stop then sticking, whilst you continue with the rest.
6. When you have all your pasta sheets ready, you can shape the ravioli. Place one sheet of pasta on the work surface and use a teaspoon amount of the butternut squash filling to dot along the sheet, keeping a 3cm gap between each. Wet your finger in a small bowl of water and run this around the edge of the filling, then place a second sheet of pasta over the top and gently seal the two together – making sure there aren’t any large air pockets. Then use a cutter to stamp each ravioli out and set aside on a semolina lined tray while you do the remaining.

How to make pasta without a machine?

If you don’t have a pasta maker or machine, you can you use a rolling pin and a chef’s knife!

1. Lightly dust your surface with flour.
2. Once your dough has been in the fridge for 30 minutes, cut the dough in half.
3. Roll out one half the dough with a rolling pin into a rectangle around 16 inches and 8 inches wide. Make sure to continue to roll and stretch gently with your hands until the dough is as thin as you can make it.
4. Repeat the process for the second half of the dough.
5. Choose one sheet from the two, and begin spooning the butternut squash filling onto the pasta sheet, leaving around 1 inch between each ball of filling.
6. With a brush, gently brush water between the balls of fillings and around the outside of the sheet so that the other sheet of pasta will stick to it.
7. Lay the second sheet of pasta on top, pressing down gently between the filling mounds to seal the sheets together and remove any air pockets.
8. Cut the ravioli into rectangles using a ravioli cutter or sharp knife. Make sure to press any edges down again to ensure they’re sealed.

How to cook ravioli?

1. Place a large pan of salted water on to boil.
2. Place the ravioli in to boil, they should only take a couple of minutes. You know they are ready when they float to the surface.

How to serve butternut squash ravioli?

1. In a large sauté pan, add the butter and allow it to melt, when foaming add the sage leaves and let them bubble in the butter. Then add the hazelnuts and swirl them in.
2. As soon as your ravioli are cooked, lift them from the pan with a slotted spoon or spider and place them directly into the butter pan.
3. Toss them through the butter and serve immediately, with a good grating of parmesan cheese.

What goes well with butternut squash ravioli?

Butternut squash ravioli pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments that compliment it’s sweet and savoury flavours.

Salad

A fresh, crispy salad can balance the richness of the ravioli. Consider a delicious radicchio salad with shaved parmesan and toasted pine nuts. The peppery radicchio and the acidity of the dressing provides a delicious contrast to the sweet squash filling.

Bread

A warm, crust bread can be perfect for sopping up any leftover brown butter sage sauce. garlic bread or focaccia with rosemary and sea salt can also be a flavourful addition.

Vegetables

Roasted or sauteed vegetables make a great side dish. Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans with a touch of olive oil and Maldon Sea Salt can add a delightful crunch and vibrancy to your meal.

These pairings can enhance the flavours of your butternut squash ravioli, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Can you freeze fresh pasta?

Yes, you can freeze fresh pasta, and it’s a great way to preserve it for later use! Here’s a detailed guide on how to freeze freshly cooked pasta effectively.

1. Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when reheated. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely.
2. Toss the cooled pasta with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Divide the pasta into portions and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date and freeze up to 2 months.
5. Reheat the pasta by dropping the frozen pasta directly into boiling water for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing fresh pasta is an excellent way to save time and reduce waste, ensuring you always have a quick and delicious meal option on hand!

Transform your next meal with a delectable Potato Gratin recipe that promises creamy, flavourful potatoes in every bite. Infused with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt flakes, this dish takes the classic comfort food to new heights! Perfect as a side dish, these au gratin potatoes are made with King Edwards or Maris Pipers for the ideal balance of fluffiness and flavour. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this gratin dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

What is potato gratin?

Potatoes au Gratin, also known as Dauphinoise Potatoes, is a classic French dish. It was first served during a state dinner held by Charles-Henri in France 1788 and his companions. Consisting of potatoes, thinly sliced but thicker than a penny, it’s then cooked in a cream sauce in a shallow baking dish with butter and garlic.

In contrast, Scalloped Potatoes are made with roux consisting of flour, butter and milk, whereas Potatoes au Gratin are made with cream and butter and sometimes cheese. However, purists would argue that a gratin doesn’t have to include cheese. This is because the French word for ‘gratin’ translates to ‘crust’. This delicious crust can be achieved not only from cheese, but with breadcrumbs, egg or butter.

How to make potato gratin?

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 160Fan °C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.
2. Take a large shallow cast iron dish, gratin dish or baking tray and rub it all over with some butter. Then prepare the potatoes by thinly slicing them, or using a mandolin. We have kept the skins on in this recipe, but you can peel the potatoes if you like.
3. Once you have thinly sliced potatoes, carefully lay them in a spiral shape in the pan or dish so they fan out in circles.
4. In a saucepan add the double cream, crushed garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves, Maldon Garlic Sea Salt and cracked black pepper. Place this on a gently heat and then bring up to scalding point. Take off the heat and then carefully pour all over the potatoes. This will create a irresistibly creamy texture.
5. Finely grate a little parmesan over the top and cover with foil. Place into the preheated oven to bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for additional 10 to 15 minutes to achieves a golden, bubbly top.
6. Serve immediately. This simple yet elegant dish dish pairs beautifully with any main course, offering a rich and comforting additional to your dinner party.

How to cook potato gratin in the air fryer?

If you’re looking for a quicker way to cook your potato gratin, then try cooking it in an air fryer! Usually in the oven it takes over an hour, but using a standard air fryer can take half the time!

1. Slice the potatoes into thin, 1/8 rounds using a sharp knife of mandolin.
2. Combine the cream, milk, garlic, thyme and pepper in a heat-proof mug. Microwave for 2 – 3 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend together.
3. Grease your baking dish with butter to avoid the creamy potatoes from sticking to the base.
4. Arrange the potatoes slices into the dish, creating layers.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuing they are evenly coated.
6. Transfer the baking dish into the air fryer basket, covering with foil. Air Fryer at 200C for 25-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You should be able to pass through the potatoes to the bottom when using a knife.
7. Add a sprinkling of parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on top and cook for additional 4 to 5 minutes. This will create a beautiful, crunchy crust.
8. Once golden and bubbling at the top, remove the dish from the air fryer basket, cooling for at least 10 minutes before serving.

What to serve with potato gratin?

Now that you’ve made the deliciously creamy au gratin potatoes, you’re probably wondering what you can serve with them?

Steak

Meat and potatoes is a classic pairing. This is because the textures and flavours compliment each other so well. The fluffy texture of the potatoes combines beautifully with the meat’s chewy consistency. Potatoes also have a mildness to them which pairs well with the sweeter, bolder flavours of steak and it’s juices.

Baked Salmon

Grilled salmon is beautifully tender, complimenting the crispy exterior of gratin potatoes. We pair our salmon with fried greens and asparagus greens for a fresh, crips bite which harmonizes the creaminess of the potatoes.

Lamb Shoulder

This is one of our favourite flavour combinations. The lamb roast has a rich, deep aroma that pairs perfectly with creamy potatoes. Because lamb also holds a gamey flavour, it brings out the natural earthiness of the potatoes, making it an indulgent feast.

Can you freeze potato gratin?

We wouldn’t recommend freezing gratin au potatoes, as it’s extremely rich in diary. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, will separate during the freezing and thawing process, leaving you with a stodgy, very wet gratin.

However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if kept in an airtight container. The oils from the cream and butter may separate once reheated but the taste will still be delicious.

Indulge in the perfect summer dessert with this exquisite Summer Berries Custard Tart, a delightful combination of creamy vanilla custard and a vibrant array of fresh berries. This tart, featuring the renowned Maldon Sea Salt flakes, elevates a classic favourite into a gourmet experience. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or a sophisticated garden party, this berry custard tart promises to be the star of your summer celebrations.

Creating this delicious dessert starts with a buttery tart shell made from all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and a hint of Maldon Sea Salt flakes. The dough comes together effortlessly in a food processor or blender, with cold water ensuring the perfect consistency. Once baked to golden perfection, the shell is filled with a smooth and rich pastry cream, crafted from egg yolks, milk, sugar, and vanilla bean paste or extract. The crowning glory is an assortment of fresh summer berries, which not only add a burst of colour but also balance the sweetness of the custard with their natural tartness. A light dusting of icing sugar completes this show-stopping fruit tart, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to make pastry for tarts

1. Start by making the pastry. Place the all-purpose flour and Maldon Sea Salt flakes into the food processor, and then add the cold cubed butter.
2. Pulse the food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then add the caster sugar and give it one more pulse to incorporate. Then add the egg yolk and pulse again until it starts to come together and form a dough – if it looks a little dry and chalky, simply add a teaspoon of cold water and pulse again.
3. Once the dough is formed, remove from the food processor, and bring together with your hands so it is cohesive and smooth.
4. Flatten into a disc shape and wrap in cling film, then place into the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 180c.

How to make custard filling for tarts

1. While the pastry is chilling, start making the custard. Place the milk and vanilla bean paste into a large saucepan and place onto a gentle heat. Put the egg yolks, caster sugar and cornflour into a mixing bowl and use some electric beaters to whisk until pale and fluffy.

2. Heat the milk until scalding point but not boiling, then remove from
   the heat and gradually pour it into the egg and sugar mixture very slowly,
   whisking all the time. Once all the milk is added, pour this mixture back into
   the pan and heat very gently, constantly stirring and moving it with a rubber
   spatula. The custard will thicken, you want to take this to quite a thick
   custard stage so it supports the fruit in the tart. Once thickened, remove from the heat and place into a clean bowl, and close cover with some clingfilm on the surface to stop it for getting a skin.

3. Set aside in the fridge to cool.

How to cook a custard tart?

1. After 30 minutes, remove the pastry from the fridge and on a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a circle which is a bit larger than the 23cm tart tin (you need the pastry to come up the sides and overhang slightly).
2. Lift it and drape into the tart tin, using your finger to lightly press it in up all the sides and corners.
3. Use some scrunched up baking paper in the middle and then fill with baking beans. Blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes to 15 minutes, then remove the paper and return for a further 5 until it is lightly golden and dry to the touch. Remove from the oven and use a whole beaten egg to lightly egg wash the pastry while it is still hot. This will help seal any cracks before adding the custard.
4. Set aside to cool slightly and then use a serrated knife to trim off the top edge neatly. Then set aside to cool fully.

How to decorate a custard tart?

1. Once both your pastry case and custard are cooled you are ready to assemble.
2. Spoon the custard into the pastry case and smooth over with a palate knife.
3. Assemble your summer fruits all over the top, and then dust with some icing sugar and a final pinch of Maldon Sea Salt.
4. Serve immediately.

Other tart decorations

If you don’t want to top your custard tart with a medley of summer berries, why not try add a drizzle of homemade lemon curd or jam instead? The sweet, silky sauce compliments the buttery pastry of the tart perfectly, giving you a sudden burst of sweetness as you take your first bite.

If it’s not the season for summer berries, try decorating with sliced apples, paired with a sprinkling of cinnamon. This flavour profile is both warming and comforting, perfect on a cosy autumnal day when you’re stuck indoors and wanting to bake something. The beautiful display of sliced apples against the creamy custard filming is also striking and a great crowd-pleaser!

What to serve with summer berries custard tart?

Now that you have a finished custard tart that’s ready to be enjoyed, let’s think of a few recipes you can serve along with this decadent dessert!

Our homemade blackcurrant ice cream is a match-made-in-heaven when paired with a custard tart. This is because the cold, soft texture of the ice cream compliments the buttery tart shell, creating a delicious symphony of textures as you take your first bite.

If you’re craving a summery tipple, we recommend whipping up a Fig Bellini. This cocktail is super quick and easy to make, infused with the flavours of sweet fig jam and a kick of zest through the use of lemon juice and prosecco, which matches the sweet burst of the summer berries on the custard tart.

Can you freeze custard tarts?

Because the custard tarts are made from eggs, cream and milk, it’s important to store any leftovers in the fridge for no longer than three days. The tarts are at their optimum taste and texture when served fresh the day of making it.

In terms of freezing your custard, you can freeze them up to 3 months if stored in an airtight container. However, please note that they may not hold their shape that well once thawed under room temperature. This is because of the moisture content in the creamy custard filling.

The talented Rukmini Iyer is a celebrated author and culinary innovator, known as the queen of fuss-free flavour. In her latest cookbook, ‘The Green Cookbook’, Iyer continues her mission to simplify delicious home-cooked meals. This vibrant collection features 75 brand-new recipes designed to help you get a delectable dinner on the table every day of the week with minimum hassle and maximum flavour. Whether you’re a ‘seasoned’ vegan, a dedicated vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, ‘The Green Cookbook’ offers a treasure trove of inspiration!

Here is how to make all-in-one orzo with baked feta, tomatoes and olives…

This is an update on one of Rukmini’s favourite Green Roasting Tin recipes, a really
simple dish of baked orzo with fresh cherry tomatoes. Here, she adds in a big
square of feta to bake on top of the pasta, along with olives for a briny hit
of flavour – all your food groups in one go. It’s perfect for a light dinner on
a summer evening.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/gas 6.
2. Put the orzo into a medium roasting tin, pour over the boiling stock and stir, then top with the tomatoes and olives.
3. Place the block of feta cheese in the middle of the dish, then drizzle over the olive oil, a scatter of fresh basil leaves (reserve some for later) and a good grind of freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to the oven to bake for 25 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the baked feta with a fish slice and give the orzo a good mix with a wooden spoon before serving, then replace the feta as pictured. Scatter over the reserved basil leaves and top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a scatter of chilli flakes. Once cooked, let the dish stand for a few minutes before serving hot.

Buy ‘The Green Cookbook’ Today!

Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for yourself or entertaining guests, her innovative and accessible recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. From 15-minutes pasta dishes that are perfect for those hectic weeknights to budget-friendly batch cooking that ensures you have a hearty meal ready to go, Iyer’s recipes are crafted with real-life demands in mind. Buy a copy from here and embrace the simplicity and joy of fuss-free cooking!

Make sure you have your Maldon Salt ready for these recipes! If you are running out, please feel free to browse on our Where to Buy Page to find your nearest store in which stocks our beloved Maldon Salt.

Lastly, we LOVE seeing your creations – please tag us on Instagram using the #maldonsalt so we can share your own take on Rukmini’s recipes!