Asparagus and cheddar creams recipe
- 6 leaves of gelatine
- 100 g (3.5oz) asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 25 g (0.9oz) butter
- 300 ml (10.6fl oz) double cream
- 80 g (2.8oz) extra mature cheddar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 100 g (3.5oz) asparagus tips, halved lengthways
- 6 quail eggs
- 2 spring onions, trimmed and sliced
- 2 tsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- Soak the gelatine leaves in a jug of cold water.
- Lightly oil four 9cm metal cooks rings, then wrap cling film over the base and around the outside of each to form a mould.
- Place in a small tray.
- To make the creams, melt the butter in a medium pan, add the asparagus and saute for 2 mins, cover the pan and cook for 4 mins until just tender.
- Add the cream and bring to the boil, simmer for 2 mins.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the cheese then season to taste.
- Lift the soft gelatine from the cold water and drop into the hot asparagus cream, stir well.
- Use a stick blender to whizz the mixture to a velvety smooth cream.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared moulds, cool, then chill for at least 2 hours or until firmly set.
- To finish: Bring a medium pan of water to the boil, add the halved asparagus tips and cook for 1 min.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and refresh in cold water.
- Use the slotted spoon to gently add the quail eggs to the boiling water and gently boil for 2 and a half minutes
- Drain the eggs, rinse in cold water and when cold enough to handle, peel away the shells.
- Cut each egg in half.
- In a small bowl, mix the asparagus, spring onion, dill, oil and vinegar, season well with salt and pepper.
- To serve: Remove the cling film from each of the metal rings and place in the centre of four serving plates.
- Waft a blow torch on the outside of each to loosen, then lift away the metal ring.
- Top each cream with a little of the asparagus and dill salad, then 3 halves of quail egg.
- Finally spoon a little dressing over the top and around each cream.
- Serve straight away.
gelatine, butter, double cream, extra mature, salt, pepper, eggs, spring onions, dill, olive oil, white wine vinegar
Taken from www.lovefood.com/guide/recipes/27411/asparagus-and-cheddar-creams-recipe (may not work)