Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Lemon Linguini and Chocolate Pots

Lemon Linguini
(from Nigella Lawson's "How to Eat")

750g linguini
2 egg yolks
150 ml double cream
50g freshly grated parmesan
zest and juice of 1 lemon
15g butter
parsley, chopped

Cook the linguini according to the instructions on the packet.
In a bowl mix together the egg yolks, grated parmesan, zest and juice of the lemon, a pinch of salt and some pepper. Beat together with a fork.
When the linguini is cooked drain, retaining a small amount of the cooking liquid. Put the linguini back in the pan throw in the butter and swirl it about until each strand is coated with the melted butter. Then add the parmesan/lemon mixture and stir into the pasta. Add a couple of tablespoons of the cooking water only if the mixture looks a bit dry - otherwise don't bother.
Serve immediately, preferably with a green salad, with chopped parsley on top of the pasta.

Comments:-
The recipe is actually for six - I cut it down for the three of us.
The idea is for the sauce to taste subtly of lemon - add more or reduce the amount of lemon juice appropriately.
Nigella states in the book that this is best with linguini pasta - and that it would not work properly with something as fine as angelhair pasta. I suggest that you experiment, though.

Chocolate Pots
(from "The Return of the Naked Chef" by Jamie Oliver)

half pint single cream
200 g (7 0z) best cooking chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons brandy, the best you can get
20g (3/4 oz) butter

In a thick-bottomed pan heat the cream until nearly boiling. Remove from the heat, leave for 1 minute then add the chocolate. Stir in until melted and smooth. Once melted stir in the egg yolks and brandy, stir until smooth. Leave to cool slightly before stirring in the butter until the mixture is smooth.
Pour into individual serving pots.

Comments:-
Serves four. It is very, very rich - so serve only a small amount per person.
I used Cointreau instead of brandy, which worked well with the chocolate/cream mixture.

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