WHITE CHEESE WHIZ RECIPES

Measure all the ingredients except the poppy seeds into a food processor. Season with salt and black pepper and whiz until well combined to a soft dough.

Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured work surface and roll into a cigar shape about 12cm (4½in) long and 4cm (1½in) wide.

Sprinkle the poppy seeds on to a board. Roll the dough in the seeds so the roll is completely covered. Carefully wrap in cling film and place in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6. Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper.

Slice the roll into 20 thin slices and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until pale golden and just firm in the centre. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Mary’s tips:

Can be made up to 4 days ahead and kept in an airtight tin lined with kitchen paper – this prevents the biscuits from becoming soggy.

Freeze well. Refresh in a low oven after defrosting.

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
2. Cover the dried porcini with boiling water and leave to rehydrate.
3. Halve the squash, then scoop out and wash the seeds. Drain and pat dry, then, on a tray, toss with a drizzle of oil, the fennel seeds, and a pinch each of chilli flakes, sea salt and black pepper.
4. Chop each squash into 8 chunky wedges, then toss on a large tray with a little oil, salt, pepper and another good pinch of chilli flakes. Roast the squash for 1 hour, or until golden, adding the tray of seeds for the last 30 minutes.
5. For the ragù, peel the onions, carrots and celery, then chop it all into 1cm dice and place in a large casserole pan with 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook on a medium heat for 20 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.
6. Saving a sprig each of rosemary and thyme, tie the rest of the woody herbs together with string. Add to the pan for a few minutes, then pour in the wine and leave to cook away.
7. Scrunch in the tomatoes through your clean hands, then pour in 2 tins’ worth of water. Leave to tick away for 30 minutes, then drain and add the beans. Cook for a further 30 minutes, or until thickened and reduced, stirring and mashing occasionally, adding splashes of water to loosen, if needed. Season to perfection.
8. Meanwhile, prick the whole aubergine all over with a fork, then place directly over a flame on the hob, turning regularly with tongs until softened and blackened all over. Place in a bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave for 5 minutes. When the time’s up, remove the clingfilm, pour the juices into the pan, then halve the aubergine lengthways, scrape out all the flesh, and stir into the pan.
9. For the white sauce, peel and finely slice the garlic, and clean and finely slice the mushrooms. Pick and finely chop the reserved rosemary and thyme.
10. Place a saucepan on a medium heat with 2 tablespoons of oil, add the garlic for 1 minute, then add the herbs, mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until lightly golden, stirring regularly.
11. Add the porcini and soaking liquor (discarding just the last gritty bit), leave to bubble and cook away, then turn the heat down to low, stir in the crème fraîche and cook gently for a few minutes. Remove from the heat, then finely grate and stir in half the hard cheese.
12. To assemble, remove the herbs from the ragù, finely grate and stir in the remaining hard cheese, then generously spoon 2 ladlefuls into the bottom of a 25cm x 30cm lasagne dish. Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of white sauce, tear over a quarter of the squash, scatter over a handful of spinach, and top with a layer of pasta.
13. Repeat 3 further times, finishing with the remaining creamy sauce. Loosen the edges with a spatula to push some of the sauce down the sides, then grate over the Cheddar. Halve the tomatoes, quickly toss in oil, and dot over the top, then bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
14. Leave to stand uncovered for 30 minutes while you make the pesto. Rip the top leafy half of the herbs into a food processor. Break in the hard cheese, peel, finely slice and add the garlic and tip in your chosen nuts. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and whiz until very finely chopped, then stir through 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the lemon juice. Have a taste and tweak to your liking (this makes more than you need, so freeze any leftovers for tasty meals on other days).
15. Serve the lasagne with a dollop of the pesto and a scattering of crispy seeds. Good with a fresh, seasonal salad.