Step 1 Place the corned beef in a large pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 3 hours or until tender, occasionally skimming any scum that rises to the top. Leave to cool in the pan and then about half an hour before you are…

Step 1 To marinade the beef, combine the soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, white pepper and star anise in a large non-metallic bowl.  Add the beef pieces and toss thoroughly. Cover with clingfilm and leave to marinade in the fridge for at least six hours (overnight is even better). Step 2 To cook the…

Step 1 Heat a large, heavy-based pan. Add the oil and sauté the pancetta or bacon for a minute or two until it has begun to crisp and release some of its fat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and taken on…

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 Step 2 To make the potato gratin, peel and thinly slice the potatoes, using a mandoline if you have one Step 3 Add the cream, garlic and thyme to a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the cream by half, add the sliced potato and gently stir…

Step 1 Brush steak with oil and bring to room temperature. Step 2 Drizzle the aubergine slices with rapeseed oil and salt and pepper and toss in a bowl, heat a griddle pan until hot and cook the slices on both sides until soft and charred, leave to cool on plate. Step 3 Now with the…

Step 1 Brush the steak with oil and bring to room temperature. Step 2 Drizzle the aubergine slices with rapeseed oil and salt and pepper and toss in a bowl, heat a griddle pan until hot and cook the slices on both sides until soft and charred, leave to cool on plate. Step 3 Now with…

Step 1 Place all of the ingredients for the brine together in a large pan and bring to the boil. Once it reaches the boil remove from the heat and leave to cool. Once it is cool place the brisket in the brine, making sure it is completely submerged. Refrigerate for a week. Step 2 For…

Step 1 Season the beef fillet thoroughly with salt and pepper and place a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the oil to the pan and, once the pan is nice and hot, add the beef, sprinkling over the chopped thyme.  Sear on all sides, turning every 1-2 minutes to colour until it…

Step 1 To make the soda bread croutons, tip the plain flour, self-raising wholemeal flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a mixing bowl and combine. Make a well in the centre, and then pour in the buttermilk. Bring together the dough with a knife. Knead, shape, and then put in a 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6…