CREME DE FRAICHE RECIPES

Steps:

• For the mustard creme fraiche: Mix together the creme fraiche, whole-grain mustard, Dijon and seafood seasoning in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For the mini crab cakes: Pulse the bread in a food processor to make coarse breadcrumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Add the crab, mayonnaise, lemon zest, Worcestershire, seafood seasoning, cayenne, scallions, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Mix gently to combine. Add the egg and mix gently but thoroughly. Roll the mixture into about 15 golf ball-sized rounds, then arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet and flatten them slightly. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set.
• Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes, in batches if necessary, turning once, until golden brown on both sides and heated through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Arrange the crab cakes on a serving platter and serve with the mustard creme fraiche dolloped on top or in a small bowl on the side. Sprinkle with the chives and serve with lemon wedges.

Steps:

• 1. Finely slice the bacon. Pick the mint leaves and discard the stalks. Finely grate the Parmesan. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and drop in the stock cube (if using). Stir until it’s dissolved, then add the mini shells and cook according to the packet instructions. Get a large frying pan over a medium heat and add a good lug of olive oil. Add the bacon to the pan, sprinkle a little pepper over and fry until golden and crisp.
  2. Meanwhile, finely chop your mint leaves. As soon as the bacon is golden, add your frozen peas and give the pan a good shake. After a minute or so, add the crème fraîche and chopped mint to the bacon and peas. Drain the pasta in a colander over a large bowl, reserving some of the cooking water.
  3. Add the pasta to the frying pan. Halve your lemon and squeeze the juice over the pasta. When it’s all bubbling away nicely, remove from the heat. The sauce should be creamy and delicious but if it’s too thick for you, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to thin it out a bit. Add the grated Parmesan and give the pan a shake to mix it in.
  4. Divide your pasta between plates or bowls, or put it on the table in a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves. Lovely with a simply dressed green salad.