Recipe

1. Remember to defrost your meat. Defrost in the fridge and use within 24 hours, or in a microwave on ‘defrost’ directly before use. 

   This recipe works perfectly with frozen meat. Check what you have in your freezer and defrost meat thoroughly before cooking.

2. Place the flour, oil, water and a pinch of salt into a bowl and mix to a dough. If you use wholemeal flour you will need an extra dash of water. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Then sprinkle a flat clean surface with flour and roll out the pastry ½ cm thick, to line a lightly oiled 20cm x 4cm deep round metal tin.

3. Meanwhile, add a dash of oil to a pan, add the bacon and onions or leeks, and stir regularly until onions start to brown. Add the apples and root vegetables and cook a further 3-4 minutes, still stirring regularly.

4. Add the milk, ¾ of the cheese, a little salt and pepper. Stir for 1 minute, then mix in the egg and put the mixture into the pastry case.

5. Top with the rest of the grated cheese and bake 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven 180°C/Gas 6/ 400°F until golden brown.

6. Use up: Boiled, roast or baked potatoes; other cooked vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or squash; or cooked chicken.

7. Variations: Use any cheese including blue or goat’s cheese. Use pears instead of apples; add walnuts. Try smoked bacon or ham, chorizo or smoked haddock.

8. Extra flavour: Add herbs such as basil, parsley oregano, chives or tarragon. Add a teaspoon Dijon mustard or a teaspoon of curry paste or crushed garlic.

9. Remember to freeze any portions you don’t eat this time to save them from going in the bin. A great time saver for a simple meal another day when you may be busy. Simply defrost in the fridge and use within 24 hours.