New recipes, new stress!

I used to sprinkle aubergines with salt to remove the bitterness and then rinse and dry them. A flipping fag!

Unnecessary now.

As I thought my book has said soaking to remove 'the bitterness' from the aubergines are now better varieties and do not need soaking.
Try it .

It's well worth trying out any new, experimental recipes at a less frantic time. We seem to put ourselves under pressure to make Christmas 'the best ever' when really, keeping things simple is what's needed. It's a day to enjoy!

I made the GN Aubergine parmigiana. A few days ago and it was really lovely.
I used Aldi Feta cheese which I find has more flavour than Mozzarella. It was very good. The basil leaves in the sauce really made it .
I find it odd to soak the Aubergine slices. I have tried using that and without and it is better just without the soaking the slices.
I think I heard somewhere it is not necessary.
Certainly I think the Italians will have to put up with me not using Mozzarello cheese.
It is worth trying.

Thanks for this thread, mumofmadboys nudged me into trying Mary berry’s warming beef stew. I served it up today for 7 and it was a triumph. It’s set to become a firm winter favourite.

Yes I did Urmonston. They were lovely. Crisp pastry. Did star tops too so it cuts down on pastry to filling ratio! Thanks for your recipe.

Did you get to try the different pastry with lemon zest & almonds for your mince pies momb?

I have done several new recipes in the last week and have been really pleased with them. One was recommended on GN -Mary Berry's warming beef stew. Yummy! Thank you whoever recommended it.

It’s not mandatory to use new recipes! If you like what you already do, stick with it.