TOP CHOICE RECIPES

Here's a short list of my top choices based on ... well, actually, based on nothing more than my own preferences! But that's a good enough reason as far as I'm concerned.

I have simply looked for recipes that have one over-riding quality, whether for Entertaining, Extravagance, Flavour, Simplicity or something totally Unusual. And here's what I found...

* TOP CHOICE RECIPES *

TOP CHOICE FOR ENTERTAINING

Avocado with Grapefruit Chutney and Smoked Salmon

A lovely little recipe for a starter that freshens the palate while delivering a bundle of flavours. So easy to do and prepare in advance.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington - the tenderest of Angus beef, smothered with mushroom duxelles, wrapped in Parma ham and put to bed in a cover of golden puff pastry.

Preparation: 1 Hour
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Chicken in a Salt Crust - Poulet a l'ail en Croute de Sel

The French name for this is "Poulet a l'ail et aux Fines Herbes en croute de Sel Parfumée" - Chicken in Garlic and Herbs with a crust of Perfumed Salt

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Cider-Glazed Roast Ham

Cider-Glazed Roast Ham is one of those traditional British recipes that bring thoughts of Christmas and snow and log fires to mind.

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Confit de Canard (Duck Confit)

Confit de Canard (Duck Confit) is one of our absolute favourites and, whenever we serve it to non-French guests, they fall in love with it too.

Preparation: 1 Hour
Cooking: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Duck Breast in Green Pepper Sauce

Magret (meaning lean) is the breast of a fatty duck fattened by force-feeding when producing confit and foie gras. But Oh Boy, does it taste good!

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Filet Mignon with Sage and Rosemary (Tenderloin of Pork)

Filet Mignon with Sage and Rosemary enhances the tenderness and taste of the pork with gentle herbs. On the other hand, it is quite delicious with

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Five Hour Confit of Lamb

Five Hour Confit of Lamb is not just mouth-wateringly delicious, it's also perfect for when you are entertaining. Simply prepare in advance!

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Hours
Gammon with Cumberland Sauce

This delicious recipe for Gammon with Cumberland Sauce will have your taste buds working overtime. Perfect for entertaining or as a family meal

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours
Honey and Marmalade-glazed Gammon

This stunning Honey and Marmalade-glazed Gammon, glazed with fruity marmalade and sticky honey is great for feeding a crowd and ideal for entertaining

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 4 Hours
Julie's Salmon & Prawn with Lime

Julie's Salmon & Prawn with Lime is dedicated to Terry and Julie, our neighbours on The Isle of Man, who served us the most stunning starter ever.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Luxury Lobster and Potato Salad

I admit that Luxury Lobster and Potato Salad is somewhat decadent and exotic but lobster and truffles are a match made in heaven.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Minted Lamb Meatballs

Minted Lamb Meatballs is a little bit "fiddly" but I've included it because it makes a superb starter for any meal if you are entertaining.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Pan-Fried Cod with Minted Peas, Broad Beans and Pancetta

Here's a quick but sophisticated fish supper, packed full of fresh herbs and summer vegetables and perfect for entertaining guests.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Pears with Blue Cheese Dressing

Pears with Blue Cheese Dressing is a perfect starter if you want to impress your guests. A wonderful mixture of sweet pear and the tang of blue cheese

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: NIL
Roast Lamb Guard of Honour with Peppercorn Sauce

This is a beautiful way to cook and serve a complete row of lamb cutlets. You will need to buy the cutlets from your butcher so he can "chine" them.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour
Salade des Gourmets

A gourmet is an individual with a highly refined discerning palate who revels in the enjoyment of good food. This salad was created for such a person!

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Minutes
Summer Pudding

Summer Pudding is a very, very simple but effective way of presenting soft red fruits (and the taste of summer is quite amazing).

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Minutes
Venison in Huntsman Sauce

Venison in Huntsman Sauce is a real winter treat and is well worth the preparation time. Roast venison should always be served with a rich sauce.

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes

TOP CHOICE FOR EXTRAVAGANT EATING

Foie Gras Escalopes on Spice Bread

This recipe for Foie Gras on Spice Bread (escalope de foie gras au pain d'Épice) is quick and easy and very, very, very tasty!

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Foie Gras Escalopes with Dates and Pears

Escalopes of Foie Gras with Dates and Pears relies on the rich, buttery, and delicate falvours of fresh (uncooked) foie gras.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Prawn Perfection

In Prawn Perfection the peppery flavour of the paper-thin slices turnip perfectly balances the sweetness of the king prawns and the red pepper sauce.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Tournedos Rossini

This is the 'traditional' Tournedos Rossini recipe with foie gras on top of the steak. It is one of the great classic dishes of the world.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes

TOP CHOICE FOR FLAVOUR

Asparagus and Chicken Stir

Asparagus and Chicken Stir has a unique flavour and wonderfully fresh texture. This recipe a must for all lovers of Asiatic foods.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Asparagus in Parmesan Sauce

Though this recipe works well as a side dish, Asparagus in Parmesan Sauce is perfect as a starter course, all on its own.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Bacon and King Scallop Open Sandwich

Bacon and King Scallop Open Sandwich ... My mouth is watering simply by typing the words. The combination of bacon saltiness and scallop's tenderness!

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Beef in Oyster Sauce

The subtle mixture of meat and fish flavours in this traditional Chinese dish enhances the meaty flavour or either pork or beef.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 7 Minutes
Chicken and Anchovy Pie

Chicken and Anchovy Pie is the ultimate in surprise "surf and turf" dishes. It's just so unexpected, yet the anchovies add another dimension.

Preparation: 35 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Cubes of Veal with Spicebread Sauce

Cubes of Veal with Spicebread Sauce, accompanied by Cauliflower-Cheese - it's truly delicious and to die for!

Preparation: 40 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Double-Take Apple Flan

Double-Take Apple Flan is a winner, no matter what the occasion, and the extra little trouble in preparation and cooking is well worth the effort.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 50 Minutes
Garlic Prawns (Garlic Shrimp)

Garlic Prawns is one of those delicious recipes that is perfect as a starter if you are entertaining or as a light lunch for yourself and the family.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani

Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in India. Chefs who can cook a good Kachi Biryani are considered to be very accomplished

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Lamb Shanks in Deep Rich Gravy

Lamb Shanks in Deep Rich Gravy is a magical recipe, especially if you want to have your guests guessing at the secret ingedients.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Leek and Bacon Platter

In this dish, the slightly sweet and salty taste of the bacon compliments nicely the more savoury taste of the leaks. It's a great accompaniment.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Roquefort Cheeseburger

The Roquefort Cheeseburger is a delightful beast and my favourite type of burger since the cheese is inside the patty and infuses its rich creaminess.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Sesame Noodles with Chicken

Sesame Oil is a true delight and this recipe for Sesame Noodles with Chicken makes full use of it's rich flavours.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Tomato Chutney

Tomato Chutney is a sweet and spicy sauce that goes well with breads and rice. You'll find this version of Tomato Chutney to be tangy and delicious.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 5 Minutes

TOP CHOICE FOR SIMPLICITY

Cauliflower Cheese

I find the combination of succulent cauliflower florets and cheese sauce quite irresistible

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 25 Minutes
Chicken with Tarragon (Poulet à l'Estragon)

Chicken with Tarragon is one of the classic French ways to cook a chicken. Stupidly simple but plenty of taste and fragrance.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Corned Beef and Bacon Hash with Fried Egg

Corned Beef and Bacon Hash with Fried Egg is one of the 'classics' of "comfort cooking" and has certainly earned a well-respected place on our table.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon & Chives

Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon & Chives is a lovely recipe for a breakfast treat or a regular weekend breakfast.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Grilled Goats Cheese Salad

We eat Grilled Goats Cheese Salad two or three times a month for lunch. It's quick and easy to make and it tastes very, very good.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Macaroni Cheese

Macaroni Cheese is definitely one of my favourites and is really very easy to make. No need to serve anything with it... just on its own is fine!

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 25 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
Mushroom Burger

Mushroom Burgers are a great alternative to high-cholesterol beef burgers. They're light, vegetarian and very, very tasty. Great for a quick meal too.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 8 Minutes
Oh So Simple Roast Lamb

Oh So Simple Roast Lamb is what its says... dead simple! It also happens to be delicious. Worth trying even if you've never cooked a meat joint before

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Pan Fried Scallops on Black Pudding with Pea & Mint Purée

Pan Fried Scallops on Black Pudding with Pea & Mint Purée is an ideal starter course or could easily be made into a main dish.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes
Pork Tenderloin in Brandy and Orange

Pork Tenderloin in Brandy & Orange is a little "secret gem" of mine. It's prepared and cooked in minutes yet looks and tastes like you've spend hours

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Raspberry and Caramel Crunch

Raspberry and Caramel Crunch is incredibly easy, can be mostly prepared beforehand. It takes just 10 minutes under an oven grill to cook.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Rice Soup with Chicken and Ginger

Rice Soup with Chicken and Ginger is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a meal with friends. It's a simple, straightforward recipe.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 50 Minutes
Rumtopf

Rumtopf, which literally means rum pot, is a German and Danish dessert, traditionally eaten around Christmas (though perfectly acceptable any time!

Preparation: 1 Hour
Cooking: NIL
Three Ingredient Spaghetti

Three Ingredient Spaghetti is known throughout Italy as Cacio e Pepe which literally means "Cheese and Pepper". It is just stupidly simple!

Preparation: 3 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes
Vegetable Tian with Fromage Frais

Discover this classic dish from the Provence region of France. Excellent choice to accompany a slice of ham. This recipe is simple and economical.

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 35 Minutes
Vichyssoise by Odile

The concept of Vichyssoise is simple; make some leek and potato soup, stir in cream, cool the soup quickly and serve. And who am I to argue with that?

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 45 Minutes

TOP CHOICE FOR SOMETHING UNUSUAL

Aligot à l'ancienne

Aligot à l'ancienne is a dish traditionally made in L'Aubrac region of France. It tastes good and makes a great talking point when you have gue

Preparation: 30 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Black Pudding Scotch Eggs

Black Pudding Scotch Egg is a great cold addition to a buffet, with a salad, in a picnic, as a snack or hot with French Fries. Eat cold or warm.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 10 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
Daube Provençale

If ever there was an underrated "stew", Daube Provençale is it! Daube is tender and carries the exquisite taste and aromas of the Mediterranean

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 3 Hours
Eton Mess

Is this the most British pudding of them all? It may have been invented by a bunch of public schoolboys, but Eton Mess works wonders for us all.

Preparation: 5 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties is the Scottish "national dish" and, though some people scoff at its simplicity, it's actually darn good.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 40 Minutes
Hot Camembert with Cherry Filling

Hot Camembert with Cherry Filling is a somewhat decadent way of mixing cheese and fruit, but it's very, very more-ish when served with crusty bread.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Kidney Beans Curry (Rajma Curry)

Kidney Beans Curry (Rajma Curry) is an unusual curry, having red kidney beans as the main ingredient (Rajma is the Indian name for Kidney Beans).

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Kobbari Mithai (Coconut Burfi)

Kobbari Mithai (also known as Coconut Burfi) is a traditional dish from the southern state of Karnataka. It is a savoury usually made for festivals.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 30 Minutes
Manx Mountain Pie

The Isle of Man - where men are men and the sheep look the other way! Only the Isle of Man could dream up a Manx Mountain Pie. It's a man's meal!

Preparation: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Pulled Pork with Pineapples

There's only one way to describe Pulled Pork with Pineapples - comfort food! And the hot pork when first cooked makes a fantastic sandwich.

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 4 Hours
Roast Beef with Rich Stout Gravy

Roast Beef with Rich Stout Gravy is a recipe I've kept all to myself till now! It's great for an informal meal or just for fun on a winter's day.

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Roast Potato Bombs

Roast Potato Bombs is one of those great recipes that lifts the normal into the stratosphere of "Wow" where you are transported into a world of taste

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Seafood Chowder Mash

Seafood Chowder Mash is a real comfort food, consisting of a wealth of fish and seafood over a bed of mashed potatoes... surf and turf, if you like!

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cooking: 20 Minutes
Trio of Scallops

a Trio of Scallops is a simple and very effective starter course or you can extend the choice to make it a "quad" of scallops. Absolutely stunning!

Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 15 Minutes