BATTER, BREAD, DOUGH & PASTRIES

Most stores now sell ready-made pastries that are quick and simple to use. For that reason, few pastry recipes are required, though it's worth having them in case you run out and the store is closed.

Though it's not the intention to turn 'NeedARecipe' into a definitive tome (we prefer to keep to simple, more basic recipes), there are one or two straightforward dishing requiring the making of a batter. Don't be afraid to try... it's not as hard as you may have thought!

* BATTER, BREAD, DOUGH & PASTRIES *

BATTER

Aloo Paratha (Paratha Bread Stuffed with Spiced Potato)

A popular breakfast in the northern Indian state of Punjab. The taste is sublime and Aloo Paratha is a favorite with the whole family

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Bacon and Brie Pancakes

Bacon and Brie Pancakes are an unusual twist on the 'standard' pancake recipes. They are great at any time of day.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Bacon Strip Pancakes

Bacon Strip Pancakes are the sort of comfort food which, when you think about them, will make you immediately run into the kitchen and get cooking!

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a very popular indian sweet recipe prepared and enjoyed on weddings, festivals and households occasions. "Moreish" and easy to prepare.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Blinis

Blinis are the perfect accompaniment to smoked salmonand soured cream. You can make up a batch of these blinis and freeze them

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Cheese Toad in the Hole

Cheese Toad in the Hole is a simple variation on a basic Toad in the Hole with the addition of cheese and the substitution of chipolatas for sausages

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Chicken Lollipops

Chicken Lollipop derives its name from the way the chicken wings are cut and forced into the shape of a lollipop

Preparation: 25 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Cumberland and Gorgonzola Toad in the Hole

Cumberland and Gorgonzola Toad in the Hole ups the standards from normal Toad in the Hole! A great variation from the normal meal.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Ham and Cheese Pancakes (Crêpes)

The use of thin savoury pancakes to hold a variety of fillings is of French Origin where they are called crêpes.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Masala Dosa

Masala Dosa is an all time favourite South Indian breakfast. Rice batter with filling of spicy mashed potatoes served with sweet and spicy chutney

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Mini Toad in the Hole

What better way to celebrate anything than with a mini toad in the hole? Fresh sage, cider and three sausage halves go into each portion - yummmm!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Mushroom and Garlic Pancakes (Crêpes)

The use of thin savoury pancakes to hold a variety of fillings is of French Origin where they are called crêpes.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Potato Pancakes

This Potato Pancakes recipe will make 8 pancakes which are ideal as part of a fried breakfast and are also great with apple sauce.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Rare Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

Rare Roast Beef on Yorkshire Pudding takes a typically British tradition and turns it into a typically British snack

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes
Ricotta Pancakes

Ricotta Pancakes make a great breakfast or light lunch. Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese usually made from sheep's milk whey.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Savoury Pancakes (Crêpes)

The use of thin savoury pancakes to hold a variety of fillings is of French origin where they are called crêpes

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Sweet Breakfast Pancakes

Though recipes vary, all pancakes have the same basic ingredients of flour, eggs and milk. Pancakes are a truly universal and enjoyable treat.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole is a simple variation on a basic Yorkshire Pudding, where the meat is included with the pudding. It's a great treat on a cold day.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Yorkshire Pudding

The great British tradition of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding is still alive and well. Traditionally, Yorkshire Puddings were used as plates!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Yorkshire Puddings with Sausages, Broccoli and Shallot Gravy

Party-sized nibbles, filled with sausage and a little Tenderstem broccoli tree. Be sure to make the gravy, too! Celebrate traditional English cooking!

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes

BREAD

Dal Paratha (Indian Bread)

Dal Paratha is an important part of a traditional Indian breakfast. Originating in North India, it was then accepted in different parts of the country

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Graham's Proper Garlic Bread

Graham's Proper Garlic Bread is so named because I got fed up going to restaurants that claimed to serve garlic bread but produced rubbish instead!

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Minutes
Italian-style Breadcrumbs

Because of the addition of spices, Italian-style Breadcrumbs are great for breading meat, fish, chicken, pork, vegetables.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Melba Toast

Melba Toast is simply very thin toasted bread. Sure, you can buy it in a packet, but home-made looks more rustic and is far less hard on your teeth!

Preparation: 1 Minute
Cooking: 9 Minutes
Merguez and Fontina Stuffed Croissants

Here's a recipe idea that I borrowed from Gordon Ramsay. Merguez are a red, spicy mutton- or beef-based fresh sausage in Maghrebi cuisine.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Theplas

Theplas is a bread from the western Indian state of Gujrat. This is an inherent part of Gujarati meal, and are used for different occasions.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes

DOUGH

Akki Roti

Akki Roti is rice based bread that makes for a quick and filling breakfast. It is an all time favourite with kids as they can eat it on the move

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Chinese Pancakes

Chinese Pancakes are the classic accompaniment to Peking Duck and reflect the northern Chinese use of wheat instead of rice.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature (also known as chana bhatura) is one of the most popular dishes originating from Punjab state of northern India.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes
Egg Pancakes (Crêpes)

The use of thin savoury pancakes to hold a variety of fillings is of French Origin where they are called crêpes (pronounced "krep")

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Idiyappam

Idiyappam forms part of a main course served along with chicken or vegetable curries. Idiyappam is also known as "String Hoppers"

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Minutes
Khaman Dhokla

Khaman Dhokla is a vegetarian dish that originates from Gujarat in India, and it is a traditional recipe for Gujarati people.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Maaki ki Roti (Corn Roti)

Maaki ki Roti (Corn Roti) in Punjabi stands for Maize and roti is Indian flatbread. These are prevalent during the North Indian winters.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Marita's Beef Stew and Herb Dumplings

Marita's Beef Stew and Herb Dumplings is so called because my ex-wife, Marita, frequently used to make it for myself and the kids. Ah, fond memories!

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Marwadi Gatta Kadhi

Marwadi Gatta Kadhi a great combination that comes from the Marwadi community in Rajasthani in the western region of India.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Mini Sausage Wreath

Christmas isn't complete without a wreath. So why not make one yourself - that you can eat? Mini Sausage Wreath serve it warm, and it won't last long!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Murukku

Murukku (also known as chakli or akar kelapa) is a savoury snack consisting of a deep-fried spiral of bean-based batter, originating from Tamil Nadu

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Samosa

Samosa is a stuffed, deep fried snack that originated in the Indian state of Gujarat and has become extremely popular right across Asia and Europe.

Preparation: 25 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes

PASTRY

Curried Cod Quiche

Curried Cod Quiche is a wonderful way to serve fresh fish and prawns with just a slight tang of spice. It makes a delicious meal all on its own.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Leek Flan

Leek Flan is a great way to enjoy leeks and makes a delicious meal with a baked potato. Perfect comfort food

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Pork & Leek Manx Dragon Pie

Despite the name, Pork & Leek Manx Dragon Pie contains no dragon meat, and no dragons were harmed in its production! But we Manx love our dragon pies!

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
Scotch Pie

There are some amazing things in Scotland... men in kilts, haggis, deep-fried Mars bars, the Loch Ness Monster and Scotch Pies served with mushy peas!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes
Shortcrust Pastry

Nearly all pastries in everyday cooking are based on the same formula and use half as much fat as flour. The fat can be butter, margarine or lard)

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Steak and Kidney Pie

Ah, the humble Steak and Kidney Pie; what can I say about it that has not already been said? I'm a big fan of these hearty English favourites.

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Tuna and Sweetcorn Flan

Tuna is as excellent in a flan (an open pie) as it is in a salad. Don't be afraid of the idea of making a little pastry; it is, in fact, much easier t

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes

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BATTER, BREAD, DOUGH & PASTRIES