CREAMY SMOOTHIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Place the cream, onion or shallot and the thyme sprig into a small pan. Slowly heat to just below boiling point, then remove from the heat and leave to cool. Strain, discarding the onion and thyme.
• Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 4. Rub the bottom and sides of a gratin dish measuring about 20cm x 30cm with butter. Peel the parsnips and trim the ends. Peel and scoop the seeds out of the squash. Thinly slice the vegetables.
• Layer the parsnip and squash in the dish, pour over the infused cream, then scatter with the thyme leaves and gruyère. Bake for 1 hr until golden and a fork slides easily into the veg.

Steps:

• Cut any thick celery stalks in half, trim all of it into thumb-size lengths, then wash and leave wet. Melt half the butter in a large frying pan, then add the celery, onion and bay leaves. Season, cover, then cook over a medium heat for about 30 mins, stirring occasionally to stop the onions catching.
• Meanwhile, prepare the breadcrumbs. Melt the remaining butter in a separate pan, then toss in the crumbs and walnuts, stirring often until lightly golden and toasted. Set aside.
• Heat grill to medium. When the celery is tender, turn the heat right up, pour in the wine and stock, then reduce by two-thirds. Pour in the cream, then reduce for a final few mins until you have a syrupy sauce. Check seasoning, tip into an ovenproof dish, then scatter with the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Grill for 2-3 mins, until the sauce bubbles. Let it sit for 5 mins before serving.