Parsnip Custard Food

CREAMY PARSNIP & MUSTARD GRATIN

Steps:

• Slice enough parsnips thinly lengthways to cover the surface of a small ovenproof dish, then slice the rest thinly into rounds. Combine the milk, cream, stock, mustard and half the cheese in a large, lidded saucepan and bring to the boil. Add a good grating of nutmeg and some seasoning - the sweet parsnips can take a bit of salt - then tip in the parsnips. When the cream is simmering again, cover and cook for 6 mins.
• Using tongs, fish out the long slices of parsnip and set aside. Tip the rest into your dish, then arrange the long slices over the top. Scatter with the rest of the cheese and another grating of nutmeg. Can be chilled for up to 24 hrs.
• To serve, heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4 and bake for 1 hr, then turn up to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and brown for 15 mins more - you can do this while the pie is resting.

HONEY-MUSTARD PARSNIP & POTATO BAKE

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Tip in the potatoes and parsnips, bring back to the boil and simmer for 5 mins. Gently drain so they don't rough up too much, then tip into a baking dish.
• Melt the butter in a big saucepan, then stir in the flour and cook for 2 mins. Gradually stir in the milk to a smooth, lump-free sauce. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce is nicely thickened - about 5 mins. Stir in the mustard, honey, vinegar and some seasoning. Pour evenly over the potatoes. Mix the crumbs and cheese together, then scatter over the top and set aside until ready to bake. You can cover the dish and chill for up to 24 hrs before finishing.
• Cook the bake at 200C/180C fan/ gas 6 for 30-40 mins until the top is crisp and golden and the sauce hot through.

CRISP HONEY MUSTARD PARSNIPS

Steps:

• Boil the parsnips for 5 mins, then drain well and let them steam-dry for a few mins. Mix the mustard powder with the flour and plenty of seasoning. Toss the parsnips in the mix, then shake off any excess.
• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 - you can do this while the turkey is resting. Put the oil into one large, or even better 2, non-stick baking trays (the parsnips mustn't be crowded if they're to become really crisp), then heat in the oven for 5 mins. Carefully scoop the parsnips into the fat, turn them a few times, then roast for 30 mins or until golden and crisp. Drizzle the honey over the hot parsnips, give them a little shake, then scatter with flaky sea salt and tip into a serving dish.

HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN POT WITH PARSNIPS

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a large frying pan or shallow casserole with a lid. Brown the chicken until golden, then set aside. Heat the remaining oil, then cook the onions for 5 mins until softened.
• Nestle the thighs back amongst the onions and add the parnips. Mix the stock with the mustard and honey, then pour in. Scatter over the thyme, then bring to a simmer. Cover, then cook for 30 mins (or longer, see tip) until the chicken is tender, then season. Serve with steamed greens.