Transform your festive leftovers into a decadent treat!
Don’t let your Christmas chocolate go to waste! Elevate your leftovers with a recipe that’s as indulgent as it is simple: Festive Rocky Road, featuring the perfect balance of sweetness and Maldon Sea Salt’s signature flaky finish. This no-bake delight combines rich layers of dark, milk and Christmas chocolate for a holiday-inspired twist, creating a treat that’s ideal for sharing – or keeping all to yourself!
This Rocky Road is packed with festive charm. Crunchy pretzels bring a satisfying texture, while gooey marshmallows and sweet glace cherries add pops of softness and colour. A mix of nuts – think pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts or pecans – offer warm and depth, enhanced by zest of orange for a hint of citrusy brightness. Drizzle with white chocolate and finish with a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt flakes to create a show-stopping treat that’s perfectly balanced: sweet, salty, and oh-so-delicious!
Here is how to make the Festive Rocky Road
Line a 9×9-inch (or similar) square baking tin with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate, milk chocolate, butter, and golden syrup. Melt the mixture over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat.
To the melted chocolate mixture, add crushed pretzels, marshmallows, leftover Christmas chocolate, glacé cherries, mixed nuts, and orange zest. Stir until all ingredients are well coated with the chocolate mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press it down lightly to ensure all ingredients are packed in well.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the rocky road mixture, using a spoon or fork for a decorative effect. Place a few extra pretzels on top and finish with a good sprinkle of Maldon Sea Salt.
Place the tin in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the rocky road is set.
Once firm, remove from the tin and cut into squares or bars. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These roast potatoes will be the star of the festive season! They might even steal the spotlight on the big day. Thanks to Maldon Garlic Sea Salt, these epic roast potatoes have a double layer of seasoning. Use the Maldon Garlic Sea Salt when parboiling the potatoes and then again after roasting to layer the flavour. Resulting in the crispiest roast potatoes with fluffy insides. If that’s not delicious enough, they’re served with a sticky garlicky glaze, made with honey and balsamic vinegar, plus a sprinkle of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt of course.
Here is how to make garlic roast potatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6 .
Peel and slice the potatoes in half.
Put the potatoes in a pan of cold salted water, season the water with a generous pinch of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt. Bring to the boil then simmer gently for around 6 – 8 minutes until they are about half cooked.
Drain and shake them hard in a colander so that you rough up the edges – this gives you super crunchy potatoes. Leave them to steam cool in the colander.
Add the oil to a deep roasting tray. You can also use duck or goose fat depending on what you prefer. The tray should be big enough so the potatoes are in a single layer. Pop the tray in the hot oven for 5 minutes or until the oil is smoking hot.
Remove the tray and carefully spoon the potatoes into the tray and baste with the hot oil, season well with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt.
Roast for 45 – 55 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a small pan heat the honey on a medium heat, when it starts to bubble, stir in the balsamic vinegar and a generous pinch of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt. Simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
Plate up the roast potatoes and pour over the glaze. Enjoy!
Celebrate the holidays in style with a Christmas Spiced Orange Roast Duck recipe that is sure to become the star of your Christmas dinner. This elegance dish features succulent duck roasted to golden brown perfection, infused with festive flavours and aromatic spices. The tender meat is beautifully complimented by a rich orange glaze, offering a citrusy brightness that balances the deep, savoury notes of the duck. With crispy skin seasoned with Maldon Sea Salt flakes and a warming blend of Christmas spices, this roast duck promises a memorable dining experience, perfect for special occasions!
The combination of orange and spices elevates the natural richness of the dusk, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and full of holiday spirit. You can make the glaze with freshly squeezed oranges (we used clementines), caramelized shallots, and a hit of cinnamon to enhance the duck’s succulent meat, while the crispy skin adds an irresistible crunch. Try adding a pinch of star anise to bring a sophisticated flavour to the dish! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a festive dinner party, this spiced roast duck recipe is a showstopping centrepiece that captures the warmth and comfort of Christmas in every bite.
How to Roast Duck Perfectly
Roasting duck perfectly involves ensuring the skin is crispy while keeping the meat tender and succulent. Start by patting the skin dry and rubbing Maldon Smoked Sea Salt into it. Place the duck breast side down initially to allow the fat to render out, ensuring a crispy skin as it roasts evenly. Always keep an eye on it and baste regularly to maintain moisture.
Making the Christmas Spiced Orange Roast Duck
Prepare the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Pat dry the skin of the duck and rub 1 tsp of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt into it. Peel and halve the banana shallots and set aside. Halve the clementines and prepare your potatoes for roasting.
Roast the Duck:
Place the duck breast side down in a roasting tin with the shallots and roast for 1 hour. While the duck is roasting, boil the potatoes until tender and set aside to steam and fluff.
Turn and Season the Duck:
After 1 hour, drain off the fat (reserving for the potatoes). Carefully turn the duck breast side up, surround it with 3 halved clementines, a cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Continue roasting for another hour, basting occasionally.
Crispy the Potatoes:
In a separate roasting tin, roast the potatoes in the reserved duck fat, seasoning with Maldon Smoked Sea Salt. Ensure they are crispy and golden brown.
Create the Glaze:
In the final stages of cooking the duck, reduce the juice of the remaining 3 clementines in a small pan. Add honey and Seville orange marmalade and simmer until it forms a sticky glaze. Brush this over the duck and roast for the final 10 minutes.
How to Make Christmas Spiced Orange Roast Duck
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.
Can You Freeze Cooked Duck?
Yes, you can freeze cooked duck. Once fully cooled, wrap the duck tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Marmalade Glaze for Duck
A marmalade glaze adds a sweet and tangy dimension to roast duck. Reduce the clementine juice until it thickens slightly, then stir in honey and Seville orange marmalade. Brush over the duck in the final stages of roasting for a glossy and flavourful finish.
Create a showstopping festive centrepiece this Christmas with 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.
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.
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.
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!
If you’re looking for a snack that’s both simple and sophisticated, charred Brussels sprouts on toast with ricotta and parmesan is your go-to festive treat! This delightful combination of crispy, oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy ricotta, and tangy parmesan creates a mouth-watering appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings. Nestled atop toasted sourdough, and finished with a sprinkle of Maldon Sea Salt, cracked black pepper, and a hint of lemon zest, this dish is packed with vibrant flavours and textures. For an added crunch, hazelnuts round out the recipe, making it a memorable dish that highlight seasonal product while keeping things easy and delicious!
Brussels sprouts, when charred to perfection, bring out their natural sweetness with a smoky edge that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta base. Tossed in olive oil, roasted to a golden crispy, and layered on slices of freshly toasted sourdough, these sprouts create an irresistible contrast between the crunch of the bread and their tender interior. The parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite, while the bright lemon zest and crunchy hazelnuts elevate the snack into something truly special.
Ideal as a light starter, festive canape, or even a creative side dish, this easy Brussels sprouts recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the season with wholesome, bold flavours.
Best Way to Roast Brussel Sprouts
Roasting Brussel sprouts to perfection involves coating them evenly with olive oil and seasoning them generously with Maldon Sea Salt and cracked black pepper. Spread them out on a large baking tray to ensure they roast evenly without steaming, making sure to check them halfway through roasting.
Making Charred Brussel Sprouts on Toast with Ricotta and Parmesan
Prepare the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Halve the Brussel sprouts and place them on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt and cracked black pepper.
Roast the Brussel Sprouts:
Place the tray in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the Brussel sprouts are tender and charred in places, giving them a deep, roasted flavour.
Prepare the Toast and Ricotta Spread:
Toast the two slices of sourdough bread to your preference. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta with the zest of half a lemon, adding a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt and black pepper to taste. Spread this ricotta mixture onto each piece of toast.
Assemble the Toast:
Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts and have the finely grated parmesan ready. Top each slice of toast with the charred Brussel sprouts, followed by a scattering of toasted hazelnuts and a generous amount of grated parmesan. Serve immediately for a delightful crunch and creamy texture.
How to Make Charred Brussel Sprouts on Toast with Ricotta and Parmesan
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.
Can You Freeze Roasted Brussel Sprouts?
Yes, you can freeze roasted Brussel sprouts. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Healthy Brussel Sprouts Recipe
This recipe features healthy Brussel sprouts roasted to perfection, paired with creamy ricotta, crunchy hazelnuts, and tangy parmesan on sourdough toast. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal vegetarian option for any meal. If you are craving something a little different, why not try Joe Woodhouse’s delicious roast Brussels sprouts with whipped tahini, paid with a spicy tomato chutney and a gorgeous crouton crumb.
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.
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.
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavours of a spiced apple frangipane tart, where the warm, nutty essence of almond meal meets the crisp sweetness of Granny Smith apples. This elegant apple tart is elevated with the subtle smokiness of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt, adding a sophisticated twist to the classic dessert. Each bite of this tart reveals layers of flavour, from the buttery crust to the spiced apples on top, dusted with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar.
What is frangipane?
Frangipane is usually made as a filling for tarts, comprising of finely ground almonds, butter, sugar and eggs. You can also add a drop of almond extract in the mixture if you like a more intense almond flavour. Once you have made the frangipane, you can then spread it evenly across a blind-baked tart shell, creating a delicious, creamy mixture once baked.
Frangipane vs marzipan
Although both frangipane and marzipan’s main ingredient is almond meal, marzipan does not include butter, whereas frangipane does! Because of this, the main difference between frangipane and marzipan is the texture. Frangipane is very rich and used as a cream-based filling for tarts. In contrast, marzipan is more of a thick paste, used for decorating cakes and cupcakes. Our delicious orange and pistachio Battenberg cake uses marzipan to protect the soft, fluffy interior of the cake.
As a result, you can’t substitute one from the other, as they consist of different components and have different purposes in baking. However, if you’re running out of time, bakers tend to use almond paste instead of marzipan for a quicker solution when decorating.
Frangipane tart recipe
To make a classic frangipane tart, start by preparing the frangipane filling. Cream together room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add an egg yolks and a touch of almond extract for extra flavour (optional). Gradually fold in the finely ground almonds or almond meal to create a smooth mixture. Pour the frangipane filling into a blind-baked tart shell, ensuring it spreads evenly across the base.
If you are wanting to add fruit to your tart, we recommend lemons, apples or cherries. If opting for apples, you need to make sure your chosen apples (preferably Granny Smiths), are thinly sliced. Arrange the apples slices in a decorative pattern on top of the frangipane . Bake the tart is a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 30-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the apples are golden. Once cooled, dust the tart with powdered sugar for a final touch. You can serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet almond filling and tart apples.
How to make a spiced apple frangipane tart
Start by making the pastry. In a food processor add the plain flour and icing sugar. Then add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Next add the egg yolk and cold water. Pulse again until the pastry starts to come together. If it looks a little dry, add a splash more water.
Bring the pastry together with your hands and tip out of the food processor. Knead very gently and then wrap in clingfilm in a flat disc shape and put into the fridge to chill for 30 mins.
After 30 mins, remove the pastry from the fridge and the roll it out on a lightly floured work surface. Roll a large circle around 2cm in thickness and the use your rolling pin to lift the pastry and drape over a 23cm fluted tart tin. Gently press in the corners and up the sides, leaving some overhang at the top. Use a fork to lightly prick the base of the tart. Then place this back into the fridge for another 30 mins.
Preheat the oven to 180c.
After 30 minutes, remove the chilled pastry case from the fridge. Scrunch up some baking paper and then line the pastry with this and some baking beans. Place into the preheated oven to blind bake. Bake it for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the pastry feels chalky and lightly golden in colour. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly
While the pastry is blind baking, make the frangipane. Using an electric hand whisk, place the softened butter, sugar and pinch of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt in a large bowl and whisk together for 2 – 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Then add the eggs, yolks, and vanilla and whisk again. Finally add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ground almonds and flour and whisk until combined.
When the pastry case has cooled slightly, take a small, serrated knife and carefully trim off the excess pastry so you have a nice smooth line around the top. Dust off any pastry remains.
Spoon the frangipane filling into the pastry case and smooth out with a palette knife. Then arrange the apple slices on the top and lightly press into the filling.
Place the tart back into the oven for around 40 – 45 minutes until the apples are golden and the frangipane is puffed up and golden brown too.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool before dusting with icing sugar and serving.
Can you freeze frangipane?
Once you have made your frangipane, you can store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 1 month in the freezer. Make sure you thaw the frangipane overnight in a fridge before using it in your bakes. When you are storing leftover frangipane, make sure it’s covered with clingfilm to prevent freezer burn.
Pisco Sour origin
The Pisco Sour is a classic South American cocktails, known for it’s refreshing balance of citrus, sweetness, and the distinctive aroma of pisco. Pisco is a spirit made from fermented grape juice. Originating in the early 20th century, it’s believed that the cocktail was popularized by American bartender Victor Morris, created within his very own bar, Morris Bar, in Lima, Peru.
The Pisco Sour combines pisco – whether Peruvian or Chilean – with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. The egg white creates a frothy, smooth texture at the top of the cocktail. This beverage is typically garnished with a dash of Angostura bitters, adding a subtle spice to it’s otherwise tart and tangy profile.
What is Pisco?
Pisco, the main ingredient of the Pisco Sour, is distilled from aromatic grape varieties, with Peruvian pisco traditionally being unaged and produced in a pure form, like Pisco Acholado or Mosto Verde, and Chilean pisco often aged in wood.
The variety of pisco used can significantly influencer the cocktail’s flavour, with brands like Macchu Pisco and Campo de Encanto offering diverse expressions. The Pisco Sour is a classic that’s intertwined with South American culture, rivalling other sour/bitter cocktails such as the Whiskey Sour.
Here’s how to make a clementine Pisco Sour
Place the sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker along with the lemon juice, pisco, Maldon Sea Salt, egg white and clementine juice. Add some ice to the cocktail shaker, close firmly and shake well for 30 seconds.
Strain this into your martini or nick & nora glass.
Garnish with a wheel of clementine, a sprig of rosemary and some pomegranate seeds, if you like.
Can you freeze a Pisco Sour?
Today we see many variations of the Pisco Sour, such as the Frozen Pisco Sour, which is equally delicious!
An excellent recipe, created by A Beautiful Mess, demonstrates just how easy it is to transform a classic pisco sour to a frozen Pisco sour.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Pisco
2 tbsp sugar
Juice from one lime (roughly 3/4 oz.)
Zest from one lime
1 egg white
1 to 1 1/2 cups of ice
A pinch of Maldon Sea Salt, to elevate the sweetness
Method:
In a blender, combine the sugar, lime juice, lime zest and Maldon Sea Salt flakes. Blend until the sugar dissolves.
Add the pisco, egg white, and ice. Blend until combines and very frothy.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Tag us in your creations!
Make sure you have your Maldon Salt ready when making your pisco sours! 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 the 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.
