This is a bit posh but dead easy. The aniseedy hit from the wild fennel and the floral notes from elderflower make this dish proper special. One to impress that someone special.
• 4 sea bass fillets, skin on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large handful wild fennel fronds, washed
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 100ml dry white wine
• 100ml fish stock
• 3 tbsp elderflower cordial (homemade if possible)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tbsp capers, rinsed
• Small knob of butter (optional)
• Sea salt and black pepper
• New potatoes to serve
1. Reserve some fennel fronds for garnish, roughly chop the rest.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan, gently cook shallot until softened.
3. Add white wine, bring to a boil and reduce by half.
4. Add fish stock, elderflower cordial, and chopped fennel, simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add lemon juice and capers, then blend until smooth. Keep warm.
6. Pat fish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
7. Heat remaining oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
8. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until skin is crisp.
9. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until just cooked through.
10. Stir butter into the sauce if using, check seasoning.
11. Spoon sauce onto warm plates, top with fish, and garnish with reserved fennel and lemon zest.
12. Serve with new potatoes.
This simple compote works with whatever you've found – blackberries, elderberries, wild plums, crab apples, the lot. Chuck it on your morning porridge or ice cream.
This takes minutes to make but livens up everything from toast to steak. Keep it in the freezer and you'll thank yourself later
A proper winter warmer with a surprising citrusy kick. Packed with vitamin C and that lovely forest smell that'll transport you straight to the woods.
The simplest way to enjoy those stingers. Don't worry – they lose their sting as soon as they hit hot water. Proper refreshing and full of goodness.
Refreshing on a hot day and takes no time at all. Wild mint has a more interesting flavour than the shop-bought stuff – sometimes it's got hints of apple or chocolate.
Dead simple but proper tasty – this smoothie is a great way to use up whatever berries you've found while out and about.
