Recipes

Everyone loves a good homemade meal and here are some of my favourites...

Chicken and Leek Pie (serves 6)

You will need:
400g chicken fillet
400g leeks (washed)
100g bacon
Dollop of creme fraiche
1pt chicken stock
Ready to roll puff pastry
egg (optional)

Cooking essentials-
olive oil
salt
pepper
plain flour


Grill your chicken fillets until cooked through i.e. juices running clear. Meanwhile, slice the bacon into strips and cook in a large pan with olive oil. Trim the ends of the leeks and slice- thickly at the stalk end and gradually getting finer as you make your way along. If you are an oxo gal like me then get your kettle on to boil now ready!

Once the bacon is cooked add a good knob of butter and also your leeks. Season with salt and pepper, put the lid on your pan and leave to simmer for about 10 minutes. When your chicken is cooked slice into bite-sized chunks.

The leeks in the pan should have reduced and become all soft and lovely! Add your chicken and stir in. Add a large tablespoon of plain flour and mix. Then add your chicken stock as well and bring to the boil. Add a dollop of creme fraiche and if you have any fresh tarragon or thyme you could add this as well. Once cooked through drain your chicken and leek filling in a colander but make sure you collect the gravy in another pan! Pour the chicken and leek filling into an oven proof dish. Keep your gravy warm in the pan ready for serving later.

Roll out the puff pastry and layer on top of your filling. I like to score the top and wash with a mixed egg but both of these are optional as well. Cook in the oven for approximately 30mins or until the pastry is looking golden and delicious.

I like to serve my pie with peas and either chips or mashed potato and the homemade gravy on top.

Enjoy!

P.S. I'll try to be a real blogger and add pictures the next time I cook this...