BACON AND CABBAGE

INGREDIENTS

1 x 1½ kg loin of bacon
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. peppercorns
A dash of vinegar
1 tsp. mustard
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 tbp. butter
1 savoy or sweetheart cabbage, thinly sliced
1 dessert apple, peeled, cored and diced
100ml cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

BALSAMIC GLAZE

2 tbp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbp. honey
2 tbp. wholegrain mustard

MASH

4 scallions or shallots, finely chopped
small glass of milk
2 slices of butter
10-12 freshly cooked floury potatoes, peeled

METHOD

Place the bacon in a large saucepan along with the bay leaf, peppercorns, vinegar, mustard and onion and cover with cold water. Put a lid on the saucepan and bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat and gently simmer for about an hour. Allow 20 minutes per ½ kg.

While the bacon is cooking make the glaze. In a small bowl mix together the balsamic vinegar, honey and wholegrain mustard.

When the bacon is cooked preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180°C (350°F). Remove the bacon from the water and place in a baking dish lined with foil. Allow to cool a little. Then remove the rind and discard. Brush the bacon liberally with the glaze. Keep aside a tablespoon of the glaze to flavor the cabbage. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

To cook the cabbage, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the cabbage and apple and cook for about ten minutes stirring occasionally. Then stir the cream and reserved glaze through the cabbage. Simmer uncovered until the cream has thickened. This will take 5-6 minutes. Taste and season.

To make the mash, melt the butter in a small saucepan and gently sauté the scallions or shallots until softened. Pour in the milk and butter and bring to a simmer. Mash the potatoes and then using a wooden spoon, beat in the milk mixture until you have achieved smooth, creamy mash. Taste and season.

To serve – slice the bacon and serve with the creamy cabbage and mash.