The colder months are well and truly upon us, and as the winter frost sets in, so does our desire for all things warming and delicious.

Our talented team have two delicious recipes that are perfect to prepare when the family is coming over for dinner, or you want to treat visiting friends to a tasty homemade treat.

Studies have shown that the fatty acids found in salmon contribute to healthy brain function, as well as the wellbeing of the heart and joints, making it the perfect fish to enjoy in our older years. Our Salmon en Croute is the perfect autumnal dish, serve with roasted new potatoes and sautéed greens for the perfect family supper.

Serves approx. 5 people

55g unsalted butter
3 large shallots
100g washed spinach leaves
450g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
675g salmon fillets, skinned and sliced
1 lemon, juice only
1 large bunch fresh dill
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Splash of white wine
1 large free-range egg, beaten
550g frozen puff pastry

1. Put half the butter in to a frying pan and heat until foaming

2. Add finely chopped shallots and fry until golden brown

3. Add mushrooms and fry until slightly cooked. Add spinach then take off the heat and set aside

4. Put salmon in a bowl and combine with lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt and pepper

5. Roll out the pastry until it’s a few millimetres thick, spoon the shallot, mushroom and spinach mixture on to the pastry and spread evenly

6. Place the salmon (juices discarded) in a row, just off centre, on top of the shallot, mushroom and spinach mixture

7. Sprinkle white wine over salmon and dot the remaining butter over

8. Roll the whole thing up tightly (like a sausage roll), and coat in egg wash

9. Cook at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown

10. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving

Chocolate brownies are the perfect sweet treat all year round and a definite crowd pleaser! Serve with winter berries and a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert that the whole family will love.

Makes approx. 20 portions
462g unsalted butter
462g good quality dark chocolate
212g plain flour
100g cocoa powder
125g milk chocolate
7 large eggs
687g golden caster sugar

1. Melt the butter and dark chocolate in a bowl over simmering water

2. Beat the sugar and eggs together until the mixture starts to thinking and look creamy

3. Once the chocolate has melted and cooled, gently fold with the egg and sugar mix, trying not to knock the air out.

4. Sieve in the flour and cocoa powder, break the milk chocolate and gently combine until it forms an even colour and consistency

5. Pour the mix into lined baking trays, about 1 ½ inches deep

6. Cook in oven for approx. 25 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius

7. Leave to cool before portioning and serving