Jamie at Home

A large and varied family group the Brassicas and Jamie makes some fantastic and unusual recipes. Jamie walks us through some of the Brassica family that he has growing in the garden and gives us a run down on what can be done with what – the curly kale, the cauliflowers, broccoli’s, purple sprouting and kohl rabi. Brian crunches on raw stalks and surprises even Jamie that so much of the plants are edible raw. From the garden Jamie picks some incredible lime green and purple cauliflowers and uses them to make curried fritters with a brilliantly simple batter. Cauliflower and broccoli are used for a simple, hearty cannelloni and Jamie cooks ham and spring greens with mustard and celery leaves.

To get the freshest, most flavoursome strawberries there’s only one thing for it and that’s to grow your own. Jamie’s garden is bursting with strawberries from hanging baskets, a great way to grow them, and he picks them in situ to make a strawberry salad with speck and halloumi. Not only are they good fresh, Jamie shows us more inventive ways with the traditional strawberry – his take on a classic is grilled strawberries with pimms. Whilst there are a glut of strawberries in season Jamie shows us how to make the most of them by making a really simple, delicious strawberry jam which he serves hot with a creamy rice pudding. As strawberries are everywhere in Jamie’s garden at this time of year, even Brian gets to take a break and enjoy a strawberry bellini.

It’s summer and Jamie’s garden is producing row after row of gorgeous lettuce and salad leaves. Jamie starts with an explanation about the basic principles of dressings and makes a simple green salad. Herbs are a brilliant part of a salad or summer dish and Jamie makes a herb and tomato crostini. Brian and Jamie look at what can be grown in a small space – they’ve grown rocket in welly boots, mixed leaves in boxes and lettuce in old bathtubs. There’s no excuse for not growing some greenery - even if you only have a windowsill at your disposal, you’ll be inspired to have a go. Using a variety of leaves from the garden Jamie uses them to form the basis of a lovely roasted peach and bresaola salad with feta and a yoghurt dressing. The wood oven at Jamie’s Essex home looks like Tuscany on this beautiful summers day and the rustic Caesar salad Jamie makes in it is a perfect shared lunch.

Rhubarb. No one knows what to do with it except rhubarb-and-strawberry pie or jam, but Jamie has the cure for this boring fare as he uses his garden's rhubarb to create an entrée, a dessert and even a cocktail. Dishes: • Speedy Rhubarb Fool – Served with Puff Pastry Biscuits • Rhubarb and Crispy Pork • Rhubarb & Custard Soufflé • Creamy Rhubarb and Vodka Cocktail

Jamie demonstrates a simple pastry dough, and then plunders his garden for fillings both savory and sweet. Dishes: • Shortcut Pastry – Sweet and Savory Versions • Blackberry and Apple Pie – With Stem Ginger and Served over Custard • Steak & Guinness Cheese Pie • Italian Ham, Nettle & Spinach Tart

Jamie shows how vegetables aren't just the purview of summer as he uses his winter harvest to create a soup and salad.

Jamie discusses lamb with a local sheep farmer, the proper herbs for the protein with his gardener, and prepares lamb dishes that will make you rethink how often you include it in your menu.