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Creamy Mussel and Leek Appetiser
We went out to eat right after Christmas and ate at one of our favourite hotels that do a Sunday brunch. I tried this mussel dish that they served in little espresso cups that was totally gorgeous. I told others in our party that they had to try them and everyone agreed that they were gorgeous. I tried to recreate them the other night as appetisers and they got the same response from all around the table that they were really good. I thought I had got it pretty close to the ones we tried at the brunch. I filled little ramekins with the mixture and garnished a plat with some salad greens and served a bread roll on the side and it made for a wonderful appetiser. They would also be great served at a party in little espresso cups like the hotel, I fell in love with the idea and plan to try it this way at our next big gathering.

Ingredients

800g Mussels, scrubbed and cleaned and beards removed
1 Medium leek (approx350g), roughly chopped, I sliced it then quartered each slice
2 Cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tablespoons liquid garlic seasoning, I use Maggi brand.
2 Teaspoons creamy french mustard, I use Maille brand Fine Gourmet
6 Tablespoons white wine
11/2 Teaspoons vegetable stock granules
400ml Cream, light or full fat is fine
6 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided use

Method

1. Add enough water to a pan to cover mussels, heat to boiling poimt, add mussels, cook until they open, about five minutes.

2. Drain mussels, rinse under cold water to cool, remove mussel meat from shells, place in a bowl and set to one side.

3. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan, add leeks and garlic cook until leeks soften.

4. Add garlic seasoning, mustard, wine, stock granules and cream, stir to combine.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese, stir to melt cheese.

6. Add the mussels to leek mix, stir to combine.

7. In 4 ramekins divide the mussel mixture evenly, top each ramekin with the remainder of Parmesan cheese, approx 1 tablespoon each.

8. Bake in pre-heated oven of 190 degrees Celsius for about 6-8 Min’s until browned and bubbly.

All photos taken by me unless otherwise stated.

Pork Loin With Apples and Pancetta
This is a very nice pork recipe simple and the flavours all work really well. I have listed some changes to the original to make it easy to understand but if you would like to view the original recipe please click here. I am the first person to make this one so there are no other reviews or photos of this one.I know it is Halloween so I hope all you kids and big kids have a wonderful safe evening. I wanted to post some great treat ideas for the kids but I have been so busy I did not get round to it, BOO HOO. Hopefully next year. Anyway have a good one to all my regular readers.

Ingredients

2 Green apples, cored and diced
2 Leeks, white and tender green parts, thinly sliced
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 Teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 Teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper
1 (4 lb) pork loin roast, butterflied, debonded
12 slices pancetta, thinly sliced

Method

1. Saute the apples and leeks into in the oil over high heat until softened, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the vinegar, honey, cumin and corianger and simmer until the vinegar has evaporated.

3. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

5. Preheat oven to 450°F.

6. Spread the mixture in the center of the pork loin, roll to close and tie with kitchen string.

7. Liberally season the outside of the pork loin, Place pancetta slices around the outside of the pork, slightly overlapping them.

8. Roast in a baking pan for 10 minutes and then lower the heat to 325°F.

9. Cook for about 25 minutes per pound.

Note: I made a light gravy to go with this dish and I think it goes really well with it.

All photos taken by me unless otherwise stated.