Fillet and Cook Fish at Dormy

Andrew Troughton, Head Chef at Dormy House

Andrew Troughton, Head Chef at Dormy House

Will too many chefs be in danger of spoiling the broth when the Dormy House Hotel holds its second cookery course on 29 September 2010? We don’t think so.

The inventive and yet precise cuisine of Head Chef Andrew Troughton saw his inaugural course sell-out.

According to Gourmet Boltholes Food and Travel Magazine, in June 2010, “His is a Michelin-starred restaurant waiting to happen.”

In this second course Andrew will take delegates, step by step, through the art of filleting and cooking fish. Along the way, they will learn how to maximise the use of expensive ingredients and how to present food to a professional standard.

The preparation of flat and round fish, including salmon, Dover Sole, sea bass and scallops is included, in addition to techniques such as pan-frying, roasting and poaching.

The course begins at noon with a light lunch as both Andrew and general manager David Field offer expert culinary advice. Delegates will enjoy the fruits of their labours with a complimentary glass of wine at the end of the session. The price of £90 includes an embroidered Dormy House apron. Men may have to discuss this.

A third course – to be held late November – will focus on party food for the festive season, again produced to high standards but with an economical twist.

Andrew joined the Dormy House in March 2008. His inspiration comes from locally inspired ingredients which reflect the changing seasons. Signature dishes include Beef Cheeks, which rely on the meat being cooked in a water bath for 18 hours.

Andrew says: “I like to use flavours that work well together but rely sometimes on combinations that are a little bit different.

“I’m also inspired by old recipes and retro dishes and bringing them into the 21st century using modern techniques”.

Marketing Manager Orazio Pollaci says “… guests who take up the option of this course will find the chance to work alongside a top chef such as Andrew an inspiration.

“From a cooking, nutritional and presentational point of view – he is a font of ideas – but on a practical level he guides guests through the procedures in a simple step by step way”.

Dormy House is a four star, 45-bedroom country house hotel in private ownership. It prides itself on being utterly civilised, yet unstuffy, with loyal staff and a fire in the hearth to welcome visitors all year round. Interiors comprise a mix of traditional and contemporary with a Danish touch.

Dormy House website.

Chicken Liver Pâté with Sloe Gin

Chicken Liver Pâté with Sloe Gin. VDuBourdieu©2010

Chicken Liver Pâté with Sloe Gin. VDuBourdieu©2010

Ingredients
1lb (450g*) organic chicken livers, trimmed and cleaned
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 teasp. fresh oregano leaves (or thyme)
2 teaspoons grainy mustard
2 tablespoons (60mls) Sloe Gin (or brandy)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
8 oz (225g) organic butter
1 teasp. (5g) allspice or mace
Sea Salt and freshly milled pepper

Utensils & kitchenware
Chopping board
3-4 buttered cocotte (mini soufflé) dishes
Food blender or hand blender with glass mixing jug
Wooden spoon, tablespoon, teaspoon, garlic crusher, sharp knife, salt and pepper grinders
Small stainless steel pot and pyrex bowl to fit inside or a bain marie
Stainless steel or iron frying pan/wok

Method

  1. Brown trimmed chicken livers in pan, using 1oz (25g) of butter, and cooking about 2 minutes on each side or until they are just pink inside. Transfer to food blender.
  2. Melt 5oz (150g) of butter and add to blender.
  3. Add chopped shallots and crushed garlic** to pan; cook until transparent. Pour alcohol on shallot mixture and stir any residue in the pan until you have a sauce. Pour over chicken livers.
  4. Now add mustard, allspice or mace, oregano or thyme, and blend until the mixture is as smooth as you like it. Divide between buttered pots.
  5. Melt remaining 2oz (300g) of butter in bain marie, and pour over pate in pots to seal. Decorate with oregano flowers or a sprig of leaves.
  6. Cover with film (or Gladwrap in NZ) and keep in fridge until required.
  7. Serve with a good wholegrain toast or, if you prefer, Melba or Sicilian toast.

*Conversion rounded up for grams

**Thanks to Maggie Moriarty for spotting that the garlic had not gone in with Version One.