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Preheat the oven 160C.
Peel the pears and slice them, add them to add with 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp lemon juice, mix and keep aside.
In another bowl add the blueberries, rest of the lemon juice and 2 tsp of caster sugar, mix and keep aside.
Rub the butter all over the tin, place the baking sheet into the bottom of the tin.
In a bowl add the butter, sugar and vanilla extract, cream them until smooth. Add eggs and whisk again until it creamy. Add ricotta and half teaspoon of Maldon Sea Salt and combine it well. Sieve flour, baking powder and fennel powder into the batter, mix it well with the hand blender.
Once the mixture come together, add the blueberries and mix it until the batter is all combined.
Pour the mixture into the tin, then layer the top of the batter with pears coated in turmeric into a round circle covering the batter. Sprinkle with demerara sugar, put in the oven and cook for 55minutes in the oven on 170C. Switch the oven and leave the cake to rest for 10 minutes in the oven. Remove after 10 minutes, sprinkle rest of the Maldon Sea Salt over the baked cake while it is still warm.
Enjoy with cream or on its own.

What is an old fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of simplicity and elegance in mixology. Traditionally served in a lowball or rocks glass, this whiskey cocktail is a staple in any bartender’s repertoire!

Classic Old Fashioned cocktail

The perfect Old Fashioned consists of stirring together two ounces of bourbon, whiskey or rye, a rich simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. A handful of ice cubes is added, before the drink is gently stirred to chill and dilute to perfections. The final touch is an orange twist, or orange peel, and a cocktail cherry (Maraschino cherries), which not only adds visual appeal, but also enhances the drink’s complex flavours, adding sweetness to the bitter cocktail.

The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in it’s versatility and balance. While rye whiskey is the traditional choice, bourbon is also popular choices for those who prefer a slightly sweeter profile. Modern variations may also use simple syrup or even maple syrup in place of the more traditional sugar cube, offering a different dimension of sweetness. Whether enjoyed a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap, the Old Fashioned remains a quintessential whiskey cocktail that has stood the test of time.

What is the origin of the Old Fashion?

According to Nio Cocktails, the Old Fashioned was first created in the 1800s in America. It was then known simply as the ‘Whiskey Cocktail’ which included a spirit, sugar, water and bitters. It was a standard, quick and easy cocktail to make which was enjoyed by many, and often enjoyed in the morning as a hangover cure!

However, Difford’s Guide proclaims that although the cocktail was popularised in America, the origins of a cocktail that comprise of a spirit, sweetener and bitters are English, followed by the creation of the first aromatic bitters by London apothecary, Richard Stoughton in 1690.

Why is it called an Old Fashioned?

By the 1870-1880s, bartenders began adding their on ‘twists’ to the Whiskey Cocktail, such as adding more sweeteners, garnishes and even changing the spirit from rye whiskey to bourbon. Customers began to rebel against the innovated cocktail, preferring the traditional version instead. As a result, customers would order the ‘old-fashioned whiskey cocktail’ at the bar. Eventually the name was shortened to the title we know today, ‘Old Fashioned’.

Here’s how to make and serve an old fashioned

Start by soaking the rosemary and cinnamon stick in some high proof spirit for a few minutes – this will be the flaming part of the cocktail.
Take a tumbler and add the sugar, bitters and Maldon Smoked Sea Salt, stirring together. Then fill the glass with ice and add the whiskey or bourbon and stir again. Add a splash of soda water if you like and a slice of orange.
Then take the soaked rosemary and cinnamon stick and carefully balance on the rim of the drink. Use a lighter or matches to ignite them – they should flame and smoke. The smell of the smoked rosemary and cinnamon add Christmassy notes to your cocktail.

How to spice up and old fashioned

Although adding an orange twist to your classic Old Fashioned adds sweetness, it’s pretty simple! We’ve shared some of our favourite ways to elevate your Old Fashioned, with new and exciting twists to try!

Brown Butter Old Fashioned

If you’ve never tried a brown-butter Old Fashioned, then you’re missing out!

This recipe was shared by Liquor.com, where they highlight how the flavours of bourbon compliments the rich nuttiness of brown butter. Simply heat unsalted butter in a saucepan until it lightly browns and has a nutty aroma. Then, gently combine the browned butter with a bottle of bourbon. Pour the blend into a highball glass with ice, adding brown-sugar syrup and Angostura bitters before finishing with a maraschino cherry.

Honey Old Fashioned

If you have a sweet tooth, the The Glenlivet shared a delicious Honey Old Fashioned recipe. Rich, runny honey is incorporated with the bold flavours of the classic Old Fashioned mix, creating an smooth drink that’ll go down a treat with your guests.

Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

If are wanting something more ‘cosy’ in flavour, Liquor.com recommends the ever-so-popular pumpkin spice flavour with an Old Fashioned. You can achieve this by making a homemade syrup, adding pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Combine the pumpkin pie liquid mix with your bourbon and orange bitters and you will taste the delightful automanual flavours.

Old Fashioned vs. Manhattan

The Old Fashioned and The Manhattan are two of the most popular whiskey cocktails. Although the two cocktails have many similarities, the have different flavours.

What is a Manhattan?

This is a classic cocktail, comprising of whiskey (usually rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s served in a stemmed glass, and garnished with a cherry.

What is the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan?

The main difference between the Old Fashioned and Manhattan is the sweeteners used in each. The Old Fashioned traditionally uses sugar, either as a cube or in simple syrup form. In contrast, the Manhattan uses sweet vermouth, which is a type of fortified wine. The vermouth adds a earthier, spicier notes in comparison to the Old Fashioned, which is sweet yet bitter. As a result, many would say the flavour profile of the Manhattan is more in-depth and complex, whereas the Old Fashioned is more simple.

We’ve teamed up with Chef Romy Gill MBE to share some of our favourite recipes from her latest cookbook, Romy Gill’s India.

In this cookbook, Romy shares over 70 recipes which are inspired by her beloved family, with flavours that define her childhood. From iconic dishes like Butter Chicken, which is a staple in every Indian home, to the delicious simplicity of a Masala Omelette, Romy invites cooks to savour the authentic tastes of India without a fuss! The instructions for each dish are easy to follow along with readily available ingredients. Every dish is designed with the home cook in mind, ensuring that your journey into Indian cuisine is as delightful as it is delicious!

Today we’re sharing Romy’s delicious beetroot croquettes, also known as chaap!

How to make beetroot croquettes

These beetroot croquettes (or chaap), are succulent and flavourful. They have the perfect balance of colour, texture and taste. The distinctive earth flavour of the beetroot combines beautifully with the potato, carrots and spices. It can be enjoyed as an appetiser or as a side dish.

Place the potato in a saucepan (there is no need to peel it), cover with hot water and bring to a boil. Cook the potato until the flesh is soft, then remove from the heat and leave to cool.
When the potato is cool enough to handle, remove the skin. Grate (shred) the potato into a bowl. Grate the beetroot (wear rubber gloves to prevent staining your hands) into a separate bowl, then grate the carrots into a third bowl and set aside.
Place all the whole spices in a frying pan (skillet) over a low heat and toast them until they start to release their aromas. Remove from the heat and leave the spices to cool before grinding them to a powder with a pestle and mortar.
Heat the mustard oil in a pan over a medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peanuts and cook for1 minute. Add the ginger and chillies, cook for 1minute, then add the grated beetroot and carrot and mix. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, all the toasted spices and the Maldon Sea Salt, mix well, then cook for a further few minutes. Remove from the heat and leave the mixture to cool before rolling it into 10 equal-sized cylindrical shapes.
Whisk together the cornflour and plain flour with30 ml (1 Fl oz/2 tablespoons) water in a bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Heat the frying oil in a deep pan to 170°C/340°F. Drop in a tiny bit of batter; if it floats, the oil is hot enough. Dip one of the cylinders into the batter, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat it on all sides. Deep fry until golden and crispy. Repeat with all of the cylinders, then serve with your favourite chutney.

Where to buy Romy Gill’s India: Recipes from Home

You can find where to purchase Romy’s NEW cookbook here and start being creative with food and flavours in the comfort of your kitchen.

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 Romy’s recipes!

We’ve teamed up with Chef Romy Gill MBE to share some of our favourite recipes from her latest cookbook, Romy Gill’s India.

Today we’re sharing Romy’s delicious Masala Crab, also known as Kekada Masala.

How to make masala crab

Simi, Romy’s childhood friend, and her share a bond rooted in the industrial New Town in Burnpur. Their common passions, particularly our love for culinary adventures, has bonded us forever. Countless college escapades involved outings to watch movies, then occasionally getting caught. The consequences were often chores piled up at home, but the shared laughter and memories made it worthwhile. It was during one of these movie escapades that she stumbled upon a scene portraying the joy of savouring crabs. Intrigued and captivated, the desire to taste the delicacy lingered in Romy’s mind. The opportunity finally presented itself when she had crab in England and then with Simi’s roots from Kerela she crafted the recipe infusing it with the flavours that complement the crab meat. This dish became the most loved starter in her restaurant. The creamy coconut milk, the pungent mustard seeds, the moreish curry leaves and the sourness of the tamarind elevates the dish.

Heat the oil in a pan over a high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves. As soon as the mustard seeds start to pop, add the garlic and cook for30 seconds, then add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium then add the coconut and cook for 1 minute. Add the chilli powder, turmeric, ground coriander, Maldon Sea Salt, tamarind, sugar and coconut milk and cook, stirring, for a further 2 minutes.
Add the crab meat, mix well and cook for 3 minutes, then serve immediately. Romy enjoys it on crispy toasted sourdough bread, but you can also serve it with rice or any Indian flatbreads of your choice.

Where to buy Romy Gill’s India: Recipes From Home

You can find where to purchase Romy’s NEW cookbook here and start being creative with food and flavours in the comfort of your kitchen.

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

We’ve teamed up with Chef Romy Gill MBE to share some of our favourite recipes from her latest cookbook, Romy Gill’s India.

Today, we’re sharing Romy’s delicious Butter Chicken, also known as Mung Makhani.

How to make butter chicken

There are so many different recipes for butter chicken. This is Romy’s take, because there is a lot of spark and dispute going on in India about butter chicken. Romy served so much butter chicken in her restaurant, so she went in search of the very best butter chicken recipe and researched how it all started. She found this gave me a better understanding of this best-loved dish. With its silky smooth, gently spiced tomato, cashew and cream gravy, it’s a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent. It was in 2013 when Romy started to take a closer look at butter chicken and its history. Her mentor, chef Manjit Gill, took her to the first ever Moti Mahal restaurant in Daryagang in Delhi. A restaurant co-founded by Kundan Lal Jaggi, Kundal Lal Gujral and Maggu (also known as Thakur Das) and it was where they created both butter chicken and dal makhani.

To make the marinade, mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Prick the chicken pieces with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat. Add the chicken to the bowl and stir well to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and set aside in the fridge to marinate for at least a couple of hours.
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 180°Cfan/400°F/gas 6.
Spread the marinated chicken out on a baking tray and cook in the hot oven for 15 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. If the chicken finishes cooking before you have finished making the sauce, switch the oven off after the15 minutes and leave the meat to rest in the oven. Blanch the tomatoes in a bowl of boiling water for a few minutes, then remove their skins. Cut into quarters and remove the seeds, then roughly chop and place in a food processor. Blitz to a smooth purée.
Heat the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the puréed fresh tomatoes as well as the tomato purée and cook for 8–10 minutes until the tomatoes are cooked through, stirring regularly to avoid them sticking and burning. Add all the spices, chilli powder, Maldon Sea Salt and sugar, mix well and cook for a further 2 minutes until emulsified.
Lower the heat, then add the ground cashew nuts and cream, and stir well. Add 500–600 ml (20–24 Fl oz/2 1/2 cups–scant 3 cups) water – the quantity you choose to add depends on how runny you want the sauce to be. Bring the mixture to a boil, and when it starts bubbling, add the chicken, lower the heat and cook for a further 8–10 minutes. Sprinkle over the cardamom seeds and dried fenugreek leaves. Stir and leave to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving with rice or any Indian flatbreads.
Where to buy Romy Gill’s India: Recipes From Home

You can find where to purchase Romy’s NEW cookbook here and start being creative with food and flavours in the comfort of your kitchen.
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 Romy’s recipes!

Half fill a pan with water and add the vanilla pod, cinnamon stick, star anise, caster sugar and orange peel. Bring up to the boil and allow the sugar to dissolve before lowering the heat and adding the pears. Simmer gently for 15 minutes until the pear is tender. Remove from the heat and leave the pears to cool in the poaching liquid.
To make the salted caramel sauce start by melting the sugar in a pan. Gently melt in the pan and swirl around but avoid vigorous stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved and it has gone a deep golden-brown colour. Then immediately take off the heat and add the butter and half of the cream – it will bubble a lot – whisk this in before adding the remaining cream and a generous pinch of Maldon Sea Salt, whisking to a smooth caramel sauce.
Serve the pears with some crème fraiche, the salted caramel sauce and some toasted almonds.

Start by assembling your toasted sandwich. Take each slice of sourdough bread and spread the outside of each with mayonnaise. Then fill by spreading a tsp of Dijon mustard, followed by the leftover turkey meat – this is a good point to season the toastie with a pinch of Maldon Chilli Sea Salt and some black pepper. Top this with the sliced up leftover stuffing and pigs in blankets. Then top with slices of brie. Finally finish with a generous amount of cranberry sauce then sandwich the top slice of bread on top.
Place a heavy bottomed pan on a medium heat and add the knob of butter. When melted add your sandwich, then use a heavy weight to press it down. Allow this to cook on one side for approximately 3 – 5 minutes before lifting the weight and carefully flipping the sandwich. The other side should be golden and crisp on the bottom. Add the weight back on and cook the other side for the same time.
As soon as the toastie is done, remove it from the pan and cut in half. The cheese should be oozy, and you can serve it with a cornichon and cocktail stick in the top. It is delicious served with warm leftover gravy for dunking.

Preheat the oven to 180c.
Place the Brussel sprouts onto a large baking tray and drizzle with the olive oil, then season with Maldon Sea Salt and black pepper. Place into the oven and roast for 15 – 20 minutes until charred in places.
Toast the two pieces of sourdough bread. In a small bowl mix together the ricotta and lemon zest along with some Maldon Sea Salt and black pepper. Then spread the ricotta mixture on top of each toast. Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts.
Top each toast with the charred Brussel sprouts, a scattering of toasted hazelnuts and some grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Preheat oven to 180C. Pat the skin of the duck dry and rub 1tsp of the Maldon Sea Salt into the skin. Place the bird breast side down in a roasting tin with the shallots and roast for 1 hour.
While this is roasting, peel and halve any large potatoes. Place them in a pan of water and boil them for 8 minutes, or until a knife can be inserted. Then tip the potatoes into a colander in the sink and allow them to steam. Shake the colander a little to fluff up the potatoes and then set aside.
After 1 hour, drain off all the fat reserving it to cook your potatoes in! Then carefully lift and turn the duck in the tray. Surround it with 3 clementines, halved, the cinnamon and bay and return to the oven for a further one hour (keep watching and basting).
Meanwhile, roast the potatoes in the duck fat adding a good pinch of Maldon Sea Salt.
Before the end of the cooking, add the juice of the 3 remaining clementines to a small pan and simmer until reduced by half, then add the honey and marmalade. Brush the duck with the sticky glaze and return to the oven for the final 10 minutes.
Serve the duck with the roast potatoes, braised red cabbage and sprouts.

Create a showstopping festive centrepiece this Christmas was a mouth-watering mushroom, butternut squash, chestnut and caramelised onion wreath. Golden brown and packed with seasonal ingredients, this dish is the perfect vegetarian main for your holiday table. Made with a sheet of light, flaky puff pastry and filled with savoury roasted vegetables, this wreath is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike! The combination of earth mushrooms, sweet caramelised onions and nutty chestnuts brings together the flavours of winter, while the Maldon Sea Salt flakes adds the perfect finishing touch.

This recipe is great addition to your collection of vegetarian puffy pastry recipes and is ideal for those looking for an easy yet stunning main course for Christmas!

How to caramelise onions

Caramelising onions is a slow cooking process that draws out the natural sugars,
resulting in sweet, golden brown onions perfect for adding depth to recipes. Start by
heating olive oil and butter in a pan over low heat. Add finely sliced onions and a pinch
of Maldon Sea Salt flakes and cook for at least 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add soft brown sugar and continue cooking until onions are sticky and caramelised, usually
another 5 minutes. If you have any leftover, you can use them as a filling for a delicious portobello mushroom and stilton burger, paired with rocket in a sweet brioche bun.

Making the Mushroom, Butternut Squash, Chestnut and Caramelised Onion Wreath

Prepare the Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Slice the red onions finely and prepare the butternut
squash by peeling and dicing into 2cm cubes. Tear the mixed mushrooms into pieces
and crumble the chestnuts.

Roast the Vegetables:

Place the mushrooms and butternut squash on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and
season with Maldon Sea Salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until the squash is
tender and mushrooms are golden brown. Allow to cool.

Make the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, caramelised onions, crumbled
chestnuts, shredded sage leaves, grated nutmeg, and dried cranberries. Season with a
pinch of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt.

Assemble the Wreath:

Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a baking tray. Pile the vegetable filling down the
middle of the pastry. Roll the pastry over to encase the filling, sealing the edges with an
egg or milk wash. Shape into a wreath, sealing the ends together. Use leftover pastry for
decorations if desired. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Bake the Wreath:

Once chilled, bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden
and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or cold.

Mushroom, Butternut Squash, Chestnut and Caramelised Onion Wreath Recipe

Preheat the oven to 200c.
Start by making the caramelised onions. To a frying pan add 1 tbsp of olive olive plus a knob of butter and allow it to melt. When foaming, add the sliced onions and a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt. Fry these on a low heat for at least 10 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Then add the soft brown sugar and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the onions have gone sticky, soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Place all the mushrooms onto a baking tray along with the diced butternut squash. Then drizzle with the remaining olive oil and some salt and pepper. Place into the hot oven and roast for 25 minutes until the squash is tender and the mushrooms are golden. Set the tray aside to cool.
Once the vegetables have cooled you can make the filling. Simply mix in a bowl with the caramelized onions, chestnuts, sage, nutmeg, dried cranberries and Maldon Garlic Sea Salt.
Unroll the pastry onto a baking tray and then pile the filling down the middle in a line. Then roll the pastry over to seal it, as though making a large sausage roll. Use the egg wash to seal it down, and then take the two open ends and join them together, sealing them as well. Any excess pastry can be cut off and used to decorate the wreath, if desired. Egg wash the whole outside of the wreath and then place into the fridge for 30 minutes.
Once the wreath has chilled, place it into the preheated oven and bake for 35 – 40 minutes until it is golden and crisp on the outside. Cool slightly before serving – can be served warm or cold.

Can You Freeze Butternut Squash?

Yes, you can freeze butternut squash. Peel and dice the squash into cubes, blanch in
boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then cool in ice water. Drain and pat dry before placing in
a single layer on a baking tray to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for
long-term storage.

Side Dishes to Serve

A delicious flaky mushroom wreath is the epitome of comfort food. However, now you need the perfect sides to make the ultimate festive feast! Here are a few tasty side dishes you can serve with your mushroom wreath.

Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary & Thyme

The ideal accompaniment for this recipe – the classic roast potato. Crispy on the outside and heavenly fluffy on the inside. Normally you can season your ‘tatties’ with salt and pepper, but we’ve added a twist by infusing rosemary and thyme to give a delightful flavour and an addictive crunch.

Carrots with Honey & Lemon

Oh-so-sweet and tender! These carrots are cooked in a delicious honey and lemon glaze that offers a sweetness and and touch of colour to your dinner plate.

Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon

Add smoked bacon to your humble brussels sprouts to give a crispy, savoury element to the dish. It compliments the wreath’s mushroom and caramelised onions beautifully!