Article Type: Recipe

Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?

Did you know Pancake Day is also referred to as Shrove Tuesday? It’s a traditional Christian festival that is celebrated all around the world! Every year, Shrove Tuesday falls on a Tuesday before the beginning of Lent (on Ash Wednesday). Across the UK, Ireland, Australia and Canada, many people will say ‘Pancake Day’ as traditionally during Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasting foods that included: butter, eggs, sugar and fat. As a result, Shrove Tuesday was an opportunity for families to use up all of these delicacies before their Lenten fast…and pancakes are the perfect way to use up all of these ingredients in one!

What is a pancake?

A traditional English pancake is a thin, flat cake made up of batter and fried in a frying pan. The simple batter mixture contains the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, milk, egg and sugar. In contrast, North American pancakes contain a raising agent, typically baking powder or whipped egg white. This creates their pancakes to be very thick and fluffy in texture.

Many people top their pancakes with lemon juice and sugar for a burst of citrus and sweetness. However, over the years people have got creative with their toppings, from a generous spread of Nutella, fruit or ice cream, to savoury picks of bacon, cheese and even poached eggs! Try our delicious blueberry pancakes recipe, where we add juicy blueberries to the pancake mixture for a pop of sweetness.

What’s the difference between a pancake and a crepe?

Crepes are also thin pancakes which have become a breakfast staple, tracing back to 13th-century France! The main difference between a pancake and a crepe is that a pancake tends to be smaller and slightly thicker in texture, whereas a crepe is much wider and ultra thin. It’s much thinner than a pancake due to having a higher volume of milk or water to it’s batter mix.

How to make American style pancakes

1. Start by mixing the batter for the pancakes.
2. In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder and caster sugar and give it a whisk so it is well incorporated.
3. In a jug mix together the eggs, whole milk and vanilla extract. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and then slowly pour in the milk mixture whisk as you go, until you have a smooth batter.
4. Heat a knob of butter in a non-stick frying pan and then when foaming, begin to ladle in your pancake batter to the size you want. Allow them to cook for a couple of minutes, until you see small holes and bubbles appear in the batter, then flip them and cook on the other side until golden and cooked through. You will need to do this in batches, but you can keep the cooked ones on a tray in a low oven to stay warm.
5. While you are making the pancakes, get a second pan on a low heat and add another knob of butter. Allow this to melt and then add the apple slices. Cook them on each side for roughly 4 minutes until they are caramelized and softened. Keep turning them in the pan until they have cooked through, are starting to collapse but still holding their shape. Then remove them from the pan and set aside while you make salted caramel sauce.

How to make salted caramel sauce

1. In a saucepan add the 100g butter, soft brown sugar, and double cream.
2. Turn the heat on low and allow the mixture to slowly melt, using a wooden spoon to gently encourage it.
3. Once all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth, take off the heat and stir through a generous pinch of Maldon sea salt.
4. Set aside to cool slightly.

How to serve your pancakes:

1. When all your pancakes are ready, take the cooked apple slices and stir them through the salted caramel sauce.
2. Serve a stack of the pancakes with a generous spoonful of the apples and salted caramel sauce.
3. Eat immediately.

How to flip a pancake:

Although the pancake has been around for over 5,000 years, people still find it hard to flip them without making a mess and leaving splatters!

Here is how to flip a pancake perfectly:

1. Wait until the edges of the pancake will begin to brown and the top begins to bubble.
2. Carefully lift the edge of the pancake to see if the underside is turning golden brown.
3. Once golden brown underneath, slide the spatula under the pancake until it is in the centre.
4. Flick 180 degrees to one side so that the pancake flips over.

Can you cook pancakes in an air fryer?

You can absolutely make pancakes in an air fryer! We recommend using American-style pancakes as you need to make sure sure your pancake mix is relatively thick to avoid sticking or tearing from the baking paper.

1. All you need to do it pull out your air fryer’s draw and line up with baking paper.
2. After that, carefully add a dollop of your pancake mixture on top, and then place another piece of baking paper on top, repeating the process until you have a nice stack of pancakes!
3. Turn on your air fryer to 165 degrees for roughly 7-8 minutes.
4. Take out once golden and crispy round the edges.

Currys released a fantastic tutorial on how to air fry your pancakes on TikTok, you can watch the viral video here!

Can you freeze pancake batter?

You can freeze raw pancake batter. This is because eggs are whisked and mixed into the batter, making it safe to freeze. Once stored in the freezer, it can last up to 3 months!

How to freeze pancake batter:

1. Once the pancake batter is mixed, pour carefully into freeze-safe zip bags.
2. Lay a baking sheet inside the freezer draw and place the zip bag containing the mixture on it.
3. Freeze.

How to defrost pancake batter using water:

1. Fill up the sink with cold water and place the zip-bag of frozen pancake batter into the water.
2. Wait 30 minutes until the mixture has become liquefied in the bag.

How to defrost pancake batter using the fridge:

1. Remove the zip-bag of frozen pancake better from your freezer.
2. Lay a tea towel on one of the shelves of your fridge.
3. Place the zip-bag containing the batter on top of the towel.
4. Wait overnight until the mixture has completely thawed.

What is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in Chinese culture. It marks the first day of the year in the Lunar Calendar, where celebrations generally run for 15 days. With each day comes a special meaning and traditions to honour, but this can vary between regions and cultures.

It’s important to note that the date of the Lunar New Year changes every year. For 2024, this will occur from 10th February until the 15th Day.

On the first day, many families will visit other family members, starting with the most senior members first. Firecrackers, dragon and lion dances occur to chase away the evil monsters, named Nian.

The remaining days are filled to the brim with festivities; families will visit relatives, friends and temples, whilst eating certain types of dishes in the hopes of a prosperous and hopeful new year. On the final fifteenth day, we end with the Lantern Festival, where people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a night time parade , marking the first full moon after the Lunar New Year, completing the celebrations.

The Chinese Zodiac Calendar

For many cultures, each year is associated with an animal from the Chinese Zodiac calendar. There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac calendar, which are the following:

• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Hare
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Sheep
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

Here is the below list for the animals associated with the upcoming years:

• 10th February, 2024 – Year of the Dragon
• 29th January, 2025 – Year of the Snake
• 17th February, 2026 – Year of the Horse

The Year of the Dragon is associated with bravery, strength and luck. As a result, this Lunar New Year will be a time to celebrate Chinese traditions, eating rich cuisine and making wishes for a joyous new year.

Lunar New Year and Dumplings

Dumplings symbolise longevity and wealthy. This is because dumplings look like money pouches, which represent fortune and prosperity for the coming year. More so, dumplings are a great way to spend time with your family, as they are mixed by hand for a certain amount of time to ensure the meat is succulent and juicy. As a result, you can enjoy getting creative in the kitchen with relatives, sharing your appreciation for delectable foods and festivities to come.

In this recipe, we take on the classic Chinese dumplings with a ‘fiery‘ twist to represent the Year of the Dragon. We do this by using Maldon Chilli Sea Salt flakes, which provide a deliciously spicy, aromatic taste that works perfect with the pork meat.

If you like the ‘spicy‘ things in life, we recommend cooking up a few Chicken momos, paired with a beautiful tomato chilli chutney. However, if you are not too keen on the heat, why not whip up our pulled pork bao buns – they buns are so soft and fluffy.

If you are a vegetarian, you can swap out the pulled pork for sticky miso roasted aubergine that mimics the taste and texture of meat.

How to make Chinese dumplings

1. Mix all sauce ingredients (except oil) in a bowl. Heat neutral oil to its smoking point – watch closely, it smokes quickly! – then drizzle sizzling oil over the sauce for a fiery kick.
2. For the dumpling filling, place the pork, egg, chicken stock, cornflour, Maldon Chilli Sea Salt, sesame oil, shiitake mushrooms, birds-eye chilli and Chinese garlic chives in a large bowl. Mix vigorously for 2-3 minutes.
3. Place a small teaspoon of filling into the centre of a dumpling wrapper, dab the edges with water and fold the wrapper over the filling. Pinch in the sides and squeeze to create pleats for a classic dumpling look.
4. Then it’s up to you if you’d like to steam some or pan fry some but we’re doing both!
5. Place your dumplings in a steamer. On high heat, add 2 cups of boiling water to a wok. Place your dumplings in the steamer, ensure they’re not overcrowded and steam for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat until they look glossy and cooked through.
6. For that irresistible crispy bottom, heat a teaspoon of neutral oil in a non-stick pan, place your dumplings in the sizzling oil. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan. Once the bottoms are browned (takes 3-4 minutes), add the cornstarch slurry, cover with a lid (10-15 minutes) and cook until they’re cooked through.
7. Once done, serve up your gorgeous spicy dumplings. Add a final pinch of Maldon Chilli Sea Salt and pair them with your spicy sizzling dumpling sauce!
8. Happy Lunar New Year! 

Recipe created by: https://www.instagram.com/ugcwithnav/

What to serve with Chinese dumplings

A great dish to serve with Chinese dumplings is a hearty chicken noodle soup. The soup is full of a rich, flavourful both and soft noodles that compliments the succulent dumplings perfectly. It’s the perfect way to turn your dumplings from an appetizer to a full meal!

Pairing your dumplings with a refreshing cucumber salad is a match made in heaven! The crispness from the cucumbers provides a wonderful contrast to the soft, warm dumplings.

Why not try using a delicious Chinese Curry sauce to drizzle on top of your dumplings. This sauce is very rich with a bundle of aromatic spices which offer a warm, slightly spicy flavour. You can find most pre-mixed brands in the best retailers, including Goldfish Chinese Curry Sauce.

Can I cook dumplings in an air fryer?

You can air-fry frozen dumplings very easily. Make sure to add an oil spray on top of the frozen dumplings so that they cook crispy and not come out dry. You want to make sure the outside stays nice and golden and cooked perfectly on the inside.

All air fryers cook differently, but we recommend a base time of 6-8 minutes on 380°F/193°C. Flip the dumplings over and continue to cook for another 2-6 minutes until crispy.

If you are wanting to cook Chinese dumplings in the air fryer from scratch, you will need to make sure that the dumpling’s filling is cooked first, especially if you are using meats like pork, chicken or beef. After you have cooked the filling, you can then proceed to making the dumplings following the above recipe, but instead of frying them, pop them in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, turning them over and cooking for an additional 2-6 minutes until nice and golden.

Can you freeze Chinese dumplings?

According to Expondo, you can freeze dumplings depending on how you prepared them.

Raw dumplings can be stored in the freeze for up to 3 months, whereas cooked dumplings can only be stored in the freeze for 4 weeks. It’s important to note that the dumplings, raw or cooked, should not be touching each other. If they are touching, the dumplings will stick together into a large clump, and once thawed, will rip the dough – ruining the perfect parcel you have created.

Elevate your mornings with a slice of homemade breakfast loaf!

This high-fibre breakfast loaf is loaded with succulent figs, sweet dates and a hint of black tea to give a delicious malty flavour. We sprinkle in a few warming spices and a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt flakes to complete the symphony of flavours and textures before baking it in the oven.

Pair the loaf with a good dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and a few crisp apple slices – because breakfast should be a celebration of delicious nourishment!

This recipe was created by Isobel Keane. Enjoy!

Here is how to make a breakfast loaf:

1. Preheat the oven to 170c
2. Soak figs, dates and sultanas with tea
3. Mix together flour, oats, baking powder, nuts and seeds. Add soaked fruit and tea
4. Bake in the oven for an hour 20 minutes. At 30 minutes, cover with baking parchment or tin foil so it doesn’t brown too quickly.
5. Leave to cool for a couple of hours (or overnight).
6. Slice and serve with Greek yoghurt, apple and cinnamon. Sprinkle with Maldon Sea Salt.

The only get ahead gravy recipe you’ll need this Christmas! Prep this the day before using chicken wings and then there is no faffing with gravy making on the big day. Fennel and sherry add delicious sweetness and Unami. Make double if you have a big group! You can also freeze this in advance if you want to be really well prepped.

1. Preheat the oven to 200c.
2. Place some oil in a large roasting tray and add the 3 shallots, garlic bulb, fennel, and celery. Next add the chicken wings, bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Roast in the oven for 1 hour until everything is caramelized and golden and the vegetables are tender.
3. In a dry frying pan, brown the flour until it is lightly brown and smelling toasty.
4. When the chicken wings and vegetables are cooked, transfer the roasting tray from the oven onto the hob. Press and squeeze the chicken wings so all the juices come out, then add the browned flour and place on a low heat. Whisk in the flour to the pan juices and allow it to bubble and thicken. Then add the sherry and allow this to bubble and thicken. Then slowly add the hot chicken stock, again allowing it to bubble and thicken between each addition. Finally add some Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of apple jelly and some Maldon Salt and cracked black pepper.
5. Strain the gravy and then check the seasoning. Reheat when required and serve alongside your Christmas dinner and rosemary roast potatoes.

Looking for something to cook this Christmas that doesn’t involve a turkey? We’ve made a delicious slow cooked beef brisket, paired with pomegranates to add delicious sweetness to the dish.

This flavour pairing of pomegranates with meat is very common in Persian cuisine, and has been for thousands of years, where the Persian culture tends to use pomegranates for both sauces and marinades for different meats. The tartness of the pomegranate fruit and molasses gives a delightful brightness to the rich brisket, adding depth as your take your first bite.

Pomegranate molasses can be hard to find at your local grocery, however Odysea has a beautifully sweet & tart Pomegranate Molasses, made from 100% concentrated pomegranate juice.

Why this recipe is perfect for Christmas

Our slow cooked pomegranate beef brisket is perfect for the festive season. This time of the year calls for rich, hearty dishes which is everything that the beef brisket holds. The juices of pomegranate molasses seeps throughout the dish, given a delightful, festive feel. Not only this, the slow cooking of the meat produces rich and beautifully tender results, making your guests want to go in for seconds.

Most importantly, this recipe is simple and effective for Christmas. Once you have you list, prepped and assembled everything into the casserole dish/pot, you simple let it cook away for 5 hours while you go about your business. This makes it IDEAL for such a busy time of the year. Once the time is done, you are greeted with a dish that delivers both in complex flavour, achieved with simplicity.

Here is how to make festive slow cooked pomegranate brisket

1. Take the meat out the fridge 30 mins before cooking.
2. Preheat the oven to 120C.
3. Place a large heavy bottomed casserole pan on the hob and add the olive oil. When it has heated up, add the brisket, and sear it on all sides for approximately 10 minutes – you want the meat well browned as this adds lots of flavour.
4. Once the meat is nicely browned, remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. Add the onions into the pan with all the meat juices, and fry them until they are soft and starting to caramelize. Then add the garlic cloves, Maldon sea salt flakes and the spices and fry for another few minutes until smelling fragrant.
5. Next add the apple cider vinegar and allow it to bubble and cook off before adding the soft brown sugar and the stock. Bring the liquid up to a simmer and then add the brisket back to the pot. Place a lid on the casserole and put it into the oven for 5 hours.
6. Check how tender the meat is by pricking with a fork, it should pull apart and shred very easily. If it doesn’t, then return it to the oven for another 30 minutes. Baste the meat in the juices, and if it’s looking a little dry the splash in some water.
7. After the meat has cooked, remove from the oven, and rest it under some foil for 10 minutes.
8. Then shred the meat with two forks and mix into all the juices and sauce. Drizzle in the pomegranate molasses and toss through to make it sticky and unctuous. Transfer to a large platter and scatter with the pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves.
9. Serve this with some sides, we chose fluffy wild rice, seasonal greens, and warm flatbreads.

What sides go well with beef brisket?

Our Hasselback potatoes are a match-made-in-heaven when paired with beef brisket. The deliciously crispy outer provides an irresistible crunch that compliments the tender meat perfectly. Additionally, the fluffy centres of the potato soak up the remaining juices on the plate, leaving no waste!

If you are wanting a green vegetable, try our roasted Brussels Sprouts, peppered with bacon for a deliciously smoky taste. The earthy and smoky tones of the vegetables balances out the gentle sweetness from the beef brisket that paired with pomegranate.

A twist on the classic cranberry sauce. Homemade cranberry sauce is so worth making, it’s unbelievably simple and tastes so much better than store bought. Orange and cranberry pair brilliantly, but the addition of Maldon Chilli Sea Salt adds a hum and warmth to the sauce which is unexpected. Add a splash of port because… well, Christmas!

1. Place the cranberries, orange zest and juice, caster sugar and cinnamon stick in a pan and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the cranberries have begun to break down and pop.
2. Add the port and Maldon Chilli Sea Salt and simmer for a further 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Check the seasoning and then allow to cool before serving with your Christmas meal or alongside pigs in blankets.

Homemade custard is a thing of beauty, you could eat this straight with a spoon. Christmas spices such as brandy, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon make this custard extra delicious and warming. A sprinkling of Maldon Sea Salt flakes in a sweet sauce always adds the perfect saltiness note. This would be great cold in a trifle, warmed on Christmas pudding or even with a mince pie.

1. Place the milk, cream, brandy, and spices into a saucepan and bring to a simmer (but do not boil), and gently simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Remove from the heat.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the egg yolks and caster sugar until pale. Then slowly pour in the warm infused milk, through a sieve and whisk constantly. When all the milk is added and you have a smooth liquid, pour this back into a clean pan along with the vanilla bean paste and a good pinch of Maldon Sea Salt flakes.
3. Gently heat again, stirring continuously until the custard has thickened (it should coat the back of a spoon).
4. Serve the custard on top of warm Christmas pudding or cold in a Christmas trifle.

Bread sauce is a favourite at Christmas, but this one takes it to a whole new level. Using rye sourdough adds a nuttiness and malted flavour, plus Maldon Garlic Sea Salt is a wonderful addition. Lots of fresh nutmeg and crispy sage leaves elevate it from a humble sauce to a spectacular side.

1. Place the onion halves, garlic cloves, star anise, peppercorn, cloves, and bay leaves in a pan and pour over the milk. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Then turn the heat off and allow the milk to infuse for 1 hour or longer.
2. After an hour strain the milk to discard the onion and flavourings and place it back into the pan. Add the breadcrumbs and then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Then add the butter and double cream, stirring through. Season with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt and cracked black pepper.
3. In a small pan heat some olive oil and then when hot, fry the sage leaves until crispy
4. .Remove from the pan and scatter over the top of the bread sauce along with some of the sage oil.

Lobster, prawns and crayfish are often considered delicacies for a special occasion, so this BBQ recipe with smoky siracha mayonnaise and herbed butter is perfect for a showstopping Christmas feast.

1. Begin by mixing together the herb butter for your seafood. In a small bowl mix together the softened butter with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt, cracked black pepper, the chopped parsley and coriander. Set aside.
2. The perfect way to cook your seafood is on a hot BBQ, however if you don’t have one then a griddle pan will work too. Make sure it has reached a medium to high temperate, and start by grilling your lobster halves. Cook flesh side down on the griddle until the meat has turned pink and has some lovely charring on it. The shells will turn orangey pink too, and this is when you know your lobster are cooked. Do the same with the king prawns and crayfish, although these will take less time to cook.
3. While your seafood is cooking, it is also nice to griddle some lemon to serve alongside. Simply add your lemon halves cut side down onto the grill and allow them to cook and char for 3 minutes.
4. Once your seafood is all cooked, pile onto a large serving platter and using a pastry brush, brush all across the flesh with your delicious herb butter – letting it melt in. Place your griddled lemon onto the serving platter too.
5. In a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise and siracha. Serve this alongside the platter of BBQ seafood and allow everyone to tuck in!