Our vegetable of the month is PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI. It is full of vitamin C, and is a good source of iron, caretenoids, folic acid, calcium and vitamin A. It contains the phytochemical sulphoraphane which is thought to prevent cancer and may provide resistance against heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes SERVES 4 Ingredients 1 shallot, [...]

Serves 6 Creamy and tasty – serve hot or chilled. Ingredients 1½ pt (850ml) chicken or vegetable stock 2lb (900g) Brussel sprouts 8oz (225g) potatoes 1 onion 2 oz (50g) unsalted butter ½ pt (285ml) milk ½ tsps grated nutmeg ¼ pt (145ml) single cream Freshly ground black pepper Garnish – 6 oz (175g) flaked [...]

Serves 4 Ingredients 600g potatoes, sliced (use a waxy one, like Desiree) 600g pumpkin, cubed 8 good quality pork sausages, halved if preferred 1 large parsnip, sliced I large carrot, sliced 1 dozen smallish button mushrooms 1 large onion, sliced 1 pint vegetable stock Vegetable oil 2 large knobs butter 4 bay leaves or 1 [...]

Our fruit of the month is the APPLE. Apples are rich in natural sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and have useful amounts of fibre, vitamin C and potassium. With over 7000 varieties of apple, there’s sure to be one to suit every taste! Don’t overlook those with dull or matt skins – they are often [...]

SERVES 4 Ingredients 4 medium sized pears 8 oz light soft brown sugar I vanilla pod or few drops vanilla essence 10 fl oz single cream Toasted flaked almonds, or chocolate curls for decoration (optional) Method Peel the pears, keeping shape and stalk on. Cut a thin slice from the base of the pears so [...]

Serves 4 – 6 Ingredients 450g (1lb) raw, unpeeled beetroot 125 g (4 oz) goats’ cheese, sliced 2 spring onions, finely chopped 85g watercress 2 baby gem lettuces For the dressing 50ml (2fl oz) red wine vinegar 225ml (8 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp grated horseradish 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped 1 [...]