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 easycook
subscribe &
save today!
see page 38

4
, p4
ille
tatou
ra
ky
hun
c
with
on
Salm
to
k in
c
Tu

...to this month’s Easy Cook. We love

this time of year because the chillier
weather gives us the perfect excuse to
lock ourselves away in the kitchen and
cook to our heart’s content – and there’s
nothing more comforting that the all-time
classic, apple pie. Our recipe (p69) comes
courtesy of the Queen of Baking, Mary
Berry, who helpfully guides us to pie-fection
with a step-by-step masterclass. We’ve also
got some spooky surprises in this issue to
treat your kids, feed your family or scare
the wits out of a party crowd! Check out
our ideas for pumpkins (p30), including
a spicy pumpkin biryani, and some very
eye-catching, spine-tingling spooky kooky
cookies on (p34). Elsewhere, we’ve got
great ideas for game (p52). It’s widely
available in supermarkets these days,
and cooking a pheasant is as easy as
roasting a chicken. We hope you enjoy
it as much as we did. Happy cooking!

The Easy Cook Team

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sure that they’ll work perfectly every time. 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8GU

BBC Easy Cook 3

 easycook
We know how busy you are, so the recipes in
Easy Cook are designed to make life easier
Q We keep the ingredients lists as short as
possible, and preparation times to a minimum.
Q All our recipes are costed to help you
> >}iÞÕÀv> ÞLÕ`}iÌ°
Q /Ã>ÛiÞÕÀÌ i`ÕÀ }ÌiÜii] > Þv
our recipes use ingredients you might already
>Ûi ÞÕÀÃÌÀiVÕ«L>À`ÀvÀ`}i°
Q ƂÃÞÕ>Ûi ÀiÌ i>ÌÌiÜiii `]ÌÃ
ÃiVÌ v >ÃÞ V> i«ÞÕÌÃÌÀiÌV
your skills, and try new techniques with our
step-by-step cookery classes.
Q ƂÕÀÀiV«iÃ>Ài> >ÞÃi`vÀÌiÀV>Ài]
v>Ì> `Ã>ÌÕÀ>Ìi`v>ÌV Ìi ÌLÞ>μÕ>wi`
ÕÌÀÌ >ÌiÀ>«ÃÌÌi«ÞÕ> `ÞÕÀv> Þ
to maintain a balanced diet.
Q To help you cut down on waste we include
ÃÕ}}iÃÌ ÃvÀivÌÛiÀÃÜiÀi«ÃÃLi°

EDITORIAL
Editor Keith Kendrick
Assistant Editor Sarah Sysum
24
Mediterranean
Art Director Gareth Glynne Jones
Sub-Editor Marianne Voyle fish gratins
with thanks to Jill Tipping
PUBLISHING
Group Publishing Director Ƃwi iÜÃ
Publishing Director Simon Carrington
ADVERTISING
Kitchen
7
Advertising Director Jason Elson (020 7150 5030)
*URXS +HDG 'LVSOD\ &ODVVLŵHG Catherine Nicolson
Senior Display Sales Executive Rosie Bee buys
&ODVVLŵHG 6DOHV ([HFXWLYH Þ` iiÃ
Inserts Harry Rowland

Contents
Group Head, Partnerships Nicola Shubrook
Partnerships Executive Abigail Snelling
MARKETING & READER OFFERS
Senior Marketing Executive Chris Pearce ISSUE85 OCTOBER 2015
Reader Offer Manager â> Û> Ã
Subscriptions Marketing Manager Þ -Ü>ÀLÀV
PRODUCTION & AD SERVICES
Head of Production Koli Pickersgill EVERYDAY HALLOWEEN
Production Manager Kate Gristwood
Senior Production Coordinator i> `> Ü>Þ
Senior Reprographic Technicians 8 30 MINUTES OR LESS... 30 PUMPKINS GALORE
Robert James, Darren McCubbin
Reprographic Technician Jonathan Shaw Quick, tasty and delicious weeknight meals 8 things to make with this seasonal squash
Head of Ad Services Sharon Thompson
Senior Ad Services Coordinator Sarah Barker 19 EASY EGGS 34 BAKING WITH KIDS
SYNDICATION Pushed for time? Whip up these quick lunches They’ll love these creepy Halloween cookies
Director of International Licensing & Syndication
Tim Hudson 20 EVERYTHING SPICE
MANAGEMENT Make an authentic-tasting curry your WEEKEND
Chairman Stephen Alexander
Deputy Chairman Peter Phippen
signature dish
CEO Tom Bureau 42 FREEZABLE FAVOURITES
27 SUPERFAST DESSERT
BBC WORLDWIDE, UK PUBLISHING Meals to cook ahead for stress-free weekdays
Director of Editorial Governance Nicholas Brett Be a kitchen whizz with this amazing
Head of UK Publishing Chris Kerwin 5-min prep cake 47 NIGHT-IN FRIED CHICKEN
UK Publishing Coordinator Û> ƂLÀ> 
UK.Publishing@bbc.com
And it’s even better than a takeaway…
LLVÜÀ`Ü`i°V ÉÕ > âÉÕ«ÕLà }°>ëÝ
48 SUPERFOODS
7i >i iÛiÀÞ ivvÀÌ Ì i ÃÕÀi Ìi >VVÕÀ>VÞ v Ìi What to eat and why it's good for you

easyoffer
«ÀVià `ë>Þi`  >ÃÞ  >}>â i° ÜiÛiÀ]
ÌiÞ V> Û>ÀÞ  Vi Üi } Ì «À Ì° *i>Ãi ViV ÜÌ Ìi
>««À«À>Ìi ÀiÌ>iÀà vÀ vÕ `iÌ>ð ÕÌÀÌ > > >ÞÃà 52 GREAT GAME
includes listed ingredients only and excludes optional
 }Ài`i Ìà ÃÕV >à Ã>Ì] > ` ÃiÀÛ } ÃÕ}}iÃÌ ð Why not try venison, rabbit, pheasant
40 Save on frying pan and pigeon?
and saucepan sets. 56 GOOD BAKES
BBC Easy Cook magazine is owned by BBC Worldwide and Chocaholics unite; indulge yourself with
produced on its behalf by Immediate Media Company Limited.
$$% 9QTNFYKFGoU RTQƂVU CTG TGVWTPGF VQ VJG $$% CPF JGNR
Go on, treat this month’s best bakes
fund new BBC programmes.
© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2015
yourself!

4 BBC Easy Cook

 EASY COOK OCTOBER

14
Lemon
lamb
chops

36
Spiced pumpkin
cookies

45 Big-batch Bolognese

TV CHEFS ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Cook our cover recipe

63 JAMES MARTIN 4 NEWS
Take time out to enjoy a leisurely brunch What we know, what we like and what
64 JOHN TORODE we recommend
Try John’s Moorish Moroccan tagine 38 SUBSCRIBE
66 THEO RANDALL Don’t miss a single issue of Easy Cook
How to make a showstopping lamb 41 HAVE YOU TRIED...
shoulder for lunch Peruvian food? Make ceviche at home
68 MARIA ELIA 69 COOKERY SCHOOL
Make-ahead veggie baklava Learn the secrets of Mary Berry’s famous
Apple pie
72 THE EASY GUIDE TO...

63 Toasted
banana
bread
Everything you need for cracking casseroles
74 INDEX
Find all the recipes here

72
Our top
Pumpkin biryani, p31

casserole
dishes

BBC Easy Cook 5


Food news
This month’s hot foodie treats, news snippets and kitchen accessories
WHAT’S ALL THE
FUSS ABOUT?
Spiralizers are everywhere
at the moment. You can
use these nifty machines
to create veggie pasta by
attaching raw veg to the
‘teeth’ and turning the
handle to push it through.
It’s a healthy way of cutting
back on carbs or getting
kids to eat more veg. If you
spiralize courgettes and
eat ‘courgetti’ instead of
spaghetti, you’ll be saving
yourself around 300 kcals
per 100g (uncooked food),
plus the cooking time is
considerably shorter. In fact
it only takes 3 minutes to
cook up 300g of courgetti,
just add a small knob
of butter after cooking
to stop it sticking. Our
favourite is the Lakeland
Vegetable Spiralizer
(£28.99, lakeland.co.uk),
because it’s really easy
to use and clean.
6 BBC Easy Cook
Wooden Halloween Garland
£9.00, tch.net
Spooky treats
Butterkist Grim
Green Popcorn
Fun treats to keep your little
150g, £1, Tesco
(and big) horrors quiet!
Pumpkin Tea
Cosy £16.65,
laughinghens.com
Gingerbread
Mummies £1.49
each, Morrisons
Witch Shortbread
79p each,
Morrisons
Trick or Treat
Felt Pumpkin
Bucket £2.50 each,
Sainsbury’s
Snack-O-Lanterns
Cookie Cutters
pack of 6, £8.99,
amazon.co.uk
Bargain buys BOOK OF THE MONTH
Cucina Double Concentrated Our Korean Kitchen by Jordan Bourke
Tomato Purée, 37p, 200g, Aldi & Rejina Pyo (£25, W&N)
If, like us, you get through Korean food is big news – all the trendy
tubes of tomato purée, you food vans are serving it. This interesting
know how expensive it can introduction to the cuisine
get. We’re impressed with this includes everything
one because it’s affordable from traditional Kimchi
and tastes just like sundried to Soy-marinated beef
tomatoes. Try mixing it with and Pecan & cinnamon-
salad cream for a quick Marie stuffed pancakes. Plus, it
Rose sauce for prawns. has an easy-to-navigate
ingredients glossary.
 FOOD NEWS

What’s hot right now

FLOWER POWER
Anything that brightens up the
room on a grey October day is a
winner with us. Here are a few
of our top designs...

Are blackcurrants the key to a healthy life?
Research has found that
blackcurrants, weight for weight,
have a higher level of vitamin C
content than an orange. They are
particularly rich in anthocyanins,
a type of antioxidant, which is
said to help ward off a range of
1*QOG5GPUG(NQTCN6KHƂP
£12.99, homesense.com 1
2 The Chelsea Gardener
Floral Coasters £2.99,
chelseagardener.com
3 M&S Black Cake Tin £15 2
When picking, 4 Sainsbury’s Midnight Bloom
look for plump, Dinner Plate £4 each
ƂTOEWTTCPVU
5 Hand-Painted Colanders
£20 each, berryred.co.uk
6 Mid Century Poppy
Set of 3 Tins £12.95,
ailments, including colds. Plus, the dotcomgiftshop.com
compounds in blackcurrant berries
are said to increase attention span
and mood levels, and help to
improve memory. All great excuses
for making a blackcurrant and
3
apple crumble this evening.

FANCY SOMETHING NEW? 4

Did you know that venison is quickly becoming one of the nation’s
5
favourite game meats, with sales of venison up 94 percent since
last year? If you’re not sure what to do with it,
think of it like beef. Waitrose has introduced
Venison Mince that’s almost the same price as
beef (£4.39), so it’s a great excuse to experiment
with something new in your cottage pie or
homemade burgers. Plus, it has a third of the fat
found in beef and fewer calories than chicken.
Q Turn to page 52 for more inspiration on what

to make with gamey meats.

6
Baking tips
from Paul
Hollywood

FOODIE FESTIVAL 24 – 27 September, Hampton Court Palace

Join Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood to talk all things baking at
the Radio Times Festival. Other talks include Sir David Attenborough,
Danny Dyer, David Walliams and Alex Jones. Expect lots of family fun
with Doctor Who, The Gruffalo, Thomas The Tank Engine, Shaun the
Sheep and Morph, and the food village has a range of gourmet street stalls and bars.
To book tickets and for more information, visit radiotimesfestival.com

BBC Easy Cook 7

 EVERYDAY

30-minute
suppers
 All recipes tested
 Easy-to-buy ingredients
 No tricky techniques
or expensive equipment
 30 mins to the table or less
 Weeknight inspiration

Tomato & chorizo risotto

Q Serves 4
Q Prep 5 mins Cook 25 mins
Q 45p a portion

Q 695 kcals, 26g fat, 11g sat. fat a portion

1 tsp olive oil

400g cooking chorizo, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
350g risotto rice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 litre hot chicken stock
85g frozen peas
1 tbsp grated Parmesan, plus extra to
serve (optional)
small pack parsley, chopped (optional)

1 Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sizzle

the chorizo for 1 min until some of the oil
starts to come out. Add the onion and cook for
5 mins until soft, then add the risotto rice and
cook for 1 min. Splash in the vinegar, then add
the tomatoes and stir well.
Did you know...
2 Gradually add the hot stock, a ladleful at a Q Chorizo is made from coarsely-chopped
time – stir the rice until the stock is absorbed, pork, red pepper, chilli and paprika.
then add the next ladleful. With the last ladleful Q Fresh parsley will last longer if

of stock, add the peas and keep stirring until refrigerated with their stems in water.
the rice is cooked. Turn off the heat and Q ParmesanÃÜvÌÞÃiÃÌÃy>ÛÕÀÜi

stir through the Parmesan and parsley, if }À>Ìi`]ÃÌÀÞLÕÞ}ÌÜiVÕÃÌ

using. Serve straight from the pan, with extra }ÛiÞÕÀ`ÃiÃÌiLiÃÌÌ>ÃÌi°
Parmesan, if you like.
8 BBC Easy Cook
 EVERYDAY 30-MINUTE SUPPERS

Only 45p a serving.

Beat that for value!

BBC Easy Cook 9

 Sweet chilli tofu with pineapple stir-fried noodles
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 5 mins Cook 25 mins
Q £2.09 a portion
Q 512 kcals, 18g fat, 3g sat. fat a portion
250g egg noodles
396g pack firm tofu
4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
4 tbsp soy sauce
540g can pineapples pieces in juice,
drained but keep the juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
250g frozen sliced mixed peppers
8 spring onions, finely sliced (keep the
green parts separate)
1 Pour boiling water over the noodles and
set aside to soften for 15 mins. Cut the tofu
in half through the centre to make 2 thinner
pieces, then in half the other way to make
4 rectangles, and in half on the diagonal to
make 8 triangles. In a frying pan, mix the chilli
sauce, 2 tbsp soy and 3 tbsp pineapple juice.
Add the tofu and cook until the sauce is thick
and sticky, turning the tofu halfway through
cooking. Tip into a serving dish with any sauce
and keep warm.
2 Drain the noodles. Heat the oil in the pan,
add the peppers and the white parts of the
spring onions and fry for 8-10 mins until the
peppers have defrosted and softened. Add the
pineapple, noodles and remaining soy sauce,
then toss together and heat through.

Fresh, healthy
& delicious.
9JCVžUPQVVQNKMG!

10 BBC Easy Cook

 EVERYDAY 30-MINUTE SUPPERS

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bowls, top with the
ƂUJ CPF UECVVGT QXGT
the sesame seeds

Citrus & ginger steamed

fish with stir-fry veg
Q Serves 2
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 10 mins
Q £3.19 a portion

Q 259 kcals, 7g fat, 1g sat. fat a portion

zest and juice 1 orange

1 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
2 tsp white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
300g pack of 2 white fish fillets or loins
1 tbsp very finely-shredded ginger
2 tsp sesame oil
10 spring onions, halved and sliced
lengthways
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
140g beansprouts
1-2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted

1 For the dressing, mix together the orange

zest and juice, soy and vinegar. Next, line the
top of a steamer with baking parchment and
heat water in the base. Top the fish with a little
of the ginger, add to the steamer and spoon
over 2 tbsp of the dressing. Cover and steam
for 5-6 mins until the fish flakes easily.

2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a non-stick wok

and stir-fry the spring onions, garlic, pepper
and remaining ginger for 2 mins. Add the
beansprouts and cook for 2 mins more. Pour
any juices from the fish into the veg. Stir
through the dressing.
BBC Easy Cook 11

Spaghetti with chilli prawns
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 15 mins Cook 15 mins
Q £1.58 a portion
Q 613 kcals, 19g fat, 4g sat. fat a portion
(includes serving suggestion)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 thumb-sized red chillies, sliced and
most seeds removed
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp fennel seeds
10 slices fennel salami, chopped
140g cherry tomatoes, halved
400g spaghetti or bucatini pasta
300g large raw prawns, shells removed
1 In a large frying pan, heat the oil. Add the
chillies and garlic and sauté until golden.
Add the fennel seeds and salami, and stir
for 1 min. Tip in the tomatoes and a pinch of
salt, then sauté for a further 10 mins.
12 BBC Easy Cook
Soy marinated steak
Q Serves 2
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 10 mins
Q 58p a portion
Q 534 kcals, 32g fat, 11g sat. fat a portion
2 x 250g fying or flank steak
1 tbsp sunflower oil
FOR THE MARINADE
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves
thumb-sized piece ginger, grated
juice ½ lemon, reserve lemon half
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 rosemary sprig, bruised
1 Mix all the marinade ingredients together
in a bowl. Place the steaks in a shallow
dish, pour marinade over to coat the
meat completely. Cover, chill and leave to
marinate overnight.
2 Scrape the marinade off the steaks and
rub each steak with a drop of sunflower oil.
Heat a griddle pan until very hot, then rub
the steaks with the reserved lemon half and
cook with the rosemary sprig for 3-4 mins
each side for medium-rare, 1 min longer if
you prefer your steak cooked more.
2 Cook the pasta in boiling salted water
according to packet instructions, about 9
mins. Heat the sauce and just before the
pasta is ready, stir in the prawns until they're
cooked through. Drain the pasta and mix
with the sauce.
Sprinkle with Gremolata
breadcrumbs
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Tip 2
slices crusty bread, pulsed to crumbs on
to a baking sheet, pour over 1 tsp olive
oil, season and bake for 7 mins. Toss 1
tsp chopped garlic through the crumbs
and bake for 3 mins more. Remove and
add a large handful of ƃCVNGCHRCTUNG[,
chopped, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add
the breadcrumbs to your dish.
 EVERYDAY 30-MINUTE SUPPERS

Top tips for a great steak

Q Use a thick-based, non-stick frying pan.
Q Fry with an oil that withstands high
temperatures, like groundnut, and ensure
it's hot before adding your steak.
Q Avoid overcrowding your pan. It's best to

cook 1-2 steaks at a time.

Q Rest your steak for 5 mins before serving.

BBC Easy Cook 13

 Lemon lamb chops
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 5 mins Cook 10 mins plus resting
Q £1.84 a portion
Q 519 kcals, 24g fat, 8g sat. fat a portion
(includes serving suggestion)
8 lamb chops
1 tbsp olive oil
zest 1 lemon
Heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Brush
the lamb chops with 1 tbsp oil, then rub all
over with the lemon zest and some seasoning.
Griddle for 3-4 mins each side for slightly pink
meat, or a little longer for well done. You may
need to do this in 2 batches. Remove from the
pan, wrap in foil and leave to rest for 10 mins
before serving.
14 BBC Easy Cook
Serve with Crushed
kidney beans
Gently fry 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 red chillies,
`iÃii`i` >` wiÞ V««i`] >` £ garlic
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Ƃ`` Ó Ý {ää} V>Ã red kidney beans,
`À>i`] >` }iÌÞ VÀÕÃ Ìi ÜÌ >
«Ì>Ì >ÃiÀ] Ìi VÌÕi Ì V vÀ
Î Ã ÕÌ Ìi Li>Ã >Ài Ü>À° -ÌÀ  Ìi
ÕVi v £ lemon] Ã> «>V mint] i>ÛiÃ
«V i` >` wiÞ V««i`] >` Ãi>ð
-iÀÛiÜÌÌiV«Ã>`Ã>>`°

Salmon fish finger sandwich
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 15 mins Cook 15 mins
Q 89p a portion
Q 741 kcals, 35g fat, 6g sat. fat a portion
(includes serving suggestion)
3 tbsp plain flour
1 large egg, beaten
100g dried breadcrumbs (we used panko)
4 skinless and boneless salmon fillets,
sliced in half lengthways
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
1 Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated
4 sub rolls, split
;QWNN NQXG VJKU ITGCV ICUVTQ RWD
twist on a childhood favourite
EVERYDAY 30-MINUTE SUPPERS
1 Put the flour, egg and breadcrumbs on
separate plates. Season the flour, then dip the
strips of salmon in it to coat. Dust off any
excess, then dip in the egg and finally roll in the
breadcrumbs. Heat a grill to high and grill the
fish fingers for 3-4 mins each side, or add the
oil to a non-stick frying pan and cook for 3-4
mins each side.
2 Arrange the Little Gem leaves in the split
sub rolls, then stuff each with a couple of fish
fingers, followed by a good dollop of tartare
sauce (see recipe, below). Serve with a side of
chips, if you like.
To make
Homemade
tartare sauce
Ý Ì}iÌiÀ x ÌLë
mayonnaise] £ i>«i` ÌLë
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onions] wiÞ V««i`] ¤ Ã>
«>V tarragon] i>Ûià V««i`
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¤ lemon°
BBC Easy Cook 15
` `
 EVERYDAY 30-MINUTE SUPPERS

Roasted veg & feta tostada

Q Serves 2
Q Prep 15 mins Cook 15 mins
Q £2.06 a portion

Q 443 kcals, 24g fat, 4g sat. fat a portion

325g frozen grilled vegetables

1 tsp Mexican seasoning
1 small avocado, peeled, stoned and
chopped
juice 1 lime
75g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 small flour tortillas
2 handfuls rocket
2 tbsp light feta cheese, crumbled

1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Season

the frozen vegetables and toss with the
Mexican seasoning, then roast for 15 mins.
Meanwhile, mix the avocado, lime juice and
tomatoes with some seasoning, then set aside.

2 Bake the tortillas until crisp. Transfer the

tortillas to plates and scatter them with rocket
and top with the roasted vegetables. Add some
of the avocado salsa and sprinkle over the feta.

Use up the frozen veg in

Grilled cheesy veg
Preheat the grill to high and line the grill
pan with foil. In a bowl, toss together 400g
frozen grilled vegetables, 2 chopped garlic
cloves and 1 tbsp olive oil. Transfer to the
prepared grill pan and grill for 10 mins,
stirring halfway through cooking. Transfer
to a serving platter and serve scattered with
25g grated cheese. Serves 4.
Turkey & courgette koftas
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 20 mins plus soaking
and chilling
Q £1.47 a portion
Q 381 kcals, 17g fat, 8g sat. fat a portion
(includes serving suggestion)
koftas only
500g pack turkey thigh mince
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tsp ground cumin
zest and juice 1 lemon
140g courgettes, coarsely grated
a large handful of mint, leaves only,
finely chopped
½ pack flat-leaf parsley
1 small cucumber, halved, deseeded and
thickly sliced
4 carrots, grated
140g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 flour tortillas, each cut into 8 wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
1 Soak 8 wooden skewers in cold water
for 10 mins. In a bowl, combine the mince,
garlic, cumin, lemon zest, courgettes, half the
mint and parsley, and some seasoning. Divide
the mixture into 8 and form into sausage
shapes around the skewers. Chill for 20 mins.
2 Toss the cucumber, carrots, tomatoes,
remaining parsley and remaining lemon juice
together in a bowl.
3 Grill the tortilla pieces for 3 mins on each
side. Brush the koftas with the oil and grill for
14-16 mins, turning until browned.
Serve with
Minty crème fraîche dip
In a small bowl, mix together 85g half-fat
crème fraîche, 50g Greek yogurt, a
large handful of mint] i>Ûià Þ] wiÞ
chopped, a squeeze of lemon juice, and
some seasoning.

BBC Easy Cook 17

EVERYDAY 30-MINUTE SUPPERS

Baked peanut chicken Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line

Q Serves 2 a baking tray with baking parchment. Put the
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 20 mins peanut butter, garlic, spices and egg in a small
Q £1.64 a portion bowl and whisk with a fork until blended. Add
Q 321 kcals, 14g fat, 3g sat. fat a portion the chicken, one piece at a time, turning them
(includes serving suggestion) in the mixture until coated, then place on the
baking tray. Any mix left over in the bowl can
2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter with no be put on top of the chicken. Bake for 20 mins
added sugar until the coating is firm.
1 garlic clove, finely grated
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp smoked paprika
Serve with Carrot &
1 medium egg cucumber salad
2 skinless chicken breast fillets Mix 1 tbsp cider vinegar and 1 tsp
rapeseed oil in a bowl then add 2 large
handfuls salad leaves, 10cm piece
cucumber, halved and sliced, 1 carrot,
coarsely grated, 1 banana shallot, halved
and sliced, and good handful coriander.

18 BBC Easy Cook


6eggs ways with
Versatile and healthy, eggs are
a storecupboard staple and make
great speedy lunches
Tasty bake
Leek & tomato eggy bread bake
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Grease a
L>} `Ã >` w ÜÌ Óää} crusty white bread,
torn into chunks. Heat 25g butter in a large pan
until it foams. Add 2 leeks, thinly sliced, and 2
cloves of garlic] wiÞ V««i`°  ÛiÀ >
medium heat for 5 mins, stirring as you go. Spoon
the leek mixture over the bread and top with 100g
cherry tomatoes, halved. Beat together 4 eggs,
200ml milk, and 100g cheddar. Season, pour over
the bread and bake for 15-20 mins, until golden
and puffy. Serve with ketchup. Serves 4.
Curry in a hurry
Egg korma Boil 3 eggs for 8 mins, then cool
under cold water. Peel off the shells. Fry 1 onion,
wiÞ ÃVi`]  £ ÌLë vegetable oil for 5 mins
until soft, then stir in 2 tbsp korma paste and
175g green beans, trimmed and halved. Add
200ml water, cover and cook for 5 mins. Add
175g young leaf spinach, 175g cherry tomatoes
and 100ml reduced-fat coconut milk. Bring to a
simmer and stir until the spinach just wilts. Spoon
on to 2 plates, then halve the eggs and put them
on top. Serve with toasted naans. Serves 2.
Easy dessert
Oeufs au lait Butter 4 ramekins, about 150ml
each. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Have
a roasting tin ready and put the kettle on. Pour
425ml milk into a pan with 85g caster sugar and
1 tsp vanilla extract. Bring to the boil, stirring
to dissolve the sugar, remove from the heat. In a
bowl, beat 2 eggs until frothy. Slowly whisk in the
cooled milk. Put the ramekins in the tin and divide
the custard between them. Pour hot water around
the ramekins to come halfway up the sides. Bake
for 20 mins, until just set, cool and chill. Serves 4.
Poach them
Eggs benedict Bring a large pan of water to
the boil and add 2 tbsp white wine vinegar. Lower
the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir the water to create
a small whirlpool then slide in 4 eggs, one by one,
200C/180C fan/gas 6. Tip 500g potatoes
and 2 UJCNNQVU sliced, into a large, non-stick
roasting tin. Drizzle with 1 tbsp QNKXG QKN
sprinkle over 2 tsp dried oregano and mix
well. Bake for 40-45 mins, add 200g small
mushrooms and cook for 10 mins more, until
the potatoes are golden. Make 4 gaps in
the veg and crack an egg into each space.
Return to the oven for 3-4 mins. Serves 4.
EVERYDAY EGGS
Quick lunch
Veg & cream cheese frittata
Fry 100g lardons in 1 tbsp olive oil until it starts
to brown. Add 2 large courgettes, cut into
chunks, and fry for 3-4 mins until soft. Add 350g
frozen sweetcorn and 400g frozen spinach,
defrosted and drained. Season, then heat
through. Heat grill to medium. Beat 8 eggs,
then pour over the vegetables. Crumble over
150g cream cheese with garlic and herbs.
Cook gently until the eggs have set around the
edges (about 5 mins). Slide the frittata under the
grill and cook until set and lightly browned. Cut
into wedges and serve with salad. Serves 4.
6JG JGCNVJ DGPGƂVU
Eggs are highly nutritious. They’re rich
in vitamin D, which is vital for bone and
muscle strength. They're also an important
source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
6JG[TG JKIJ KP RTQVGKP which is perfect
if you’re trying to lose weight as it means
ÌiÞ¿ w ÞÕ Õ« Ài Ì> ÃÕ}>ÀÞ v`ð
More than half of an egg's protein is found
in the egg white.
A medium egg contains around 100mg
QH EJQNGUVGTQN which is a third of our
recommended daily limit. The body needs
some cholesterol in order to make vital
hormones and vitamin D. If you have high
cholesterol, eating too many eggs isn't
recommended, but high cholesterol levels
are most likely due to eating too much
saturated fat. In fact, only 25 percent of
the cholesterol in our body comes from
our diet – the liver produces the rest.
BBC Easy Cook 19
 Just add rice
These recipes may not be quite as quick as opening a
jar of ready-made curry sauce, but they taste far better

5GTXG YKVJ ƃWHH[

DCUOCVK TKEG
CPF C ƃWVVGT QH
coriander leaves

Spiced okra
Q Serves 4 1 Heat a large wok or frying pan over
Q Prep 15 mins Cook 30 mins a medium heat. Add the oil, then the
Q 92p a portion onions, cooking until soft. Stir in the
Q 209 kcals, 16g fat, 2g sat. fat a portion okra. Add the tomatoes and chilli, then
season. Mix well and keep stirring gently,
taking care not to break up the okra.
5 tbsp olive oil Okra releases a sticky substance when
400g onions, sliced cooked, but keep cooking, stirring gently
500g okra, trimmed, washed, dried and – this will disappear and the tomatoes
sliced into 2cm pieces will become pulpy, about 10 mins.
2 tomatoes, diced
1 red chilli, finely chopped 2 Lower heat, add ground coriander and
2 tsp ground coriander cook for another 5-10 mins. Add 2 tbsp
handful fresh coriander, roughly water, cover and let simmer for another
chopped, to serve 4-5 mins.

20 BBC Easy Cook


South Indian fish curry with chickpeas
Q Serves 2
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 25 mins
Q £2.93 a portion
Q 535 kcals, 33g fat, 6g sat. fat a portion
(includes serving suggestion)
1 tsp rapeseed oil
1 onion, halved and sliced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp black mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seed
¼ tsp ground fenugreek
¼ tsp chilli flakes
½ thumb-sized piece ginger, finely
chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely grated
400g can chopped tomatoes
210g can chickpeas, drained
Serve with 250g brown rice, cooked according to pack instructions, then tip
KPVQCDQYNCPFVQUUYKVJIƃCMGFCNOQPFUCPFEJQRRGFEQTKCPFGTNGCXGU
EVERYDAY RICE
½ fish stock cube, crumbled
2 tbsp tamarind paste (optional)
350g fresh mackerel, cut into thick pieces
(or use boneless fillets if you prefer)
1 Heat the oil in a wide, non-stick
covered pan. Add the onion, put on the lid
and cook for 5 mins, stirring occasionally,
until golden.
2 Add the whole and ground spices, the ginger
and garlic, stir for about 30 secs to release their
flavours, then pour in the tomatoes and a can
of water, the chickpeas and stock cube. Cover
and leave to cook for 20 mins.
3 Stir in the tamarind (if using) and add the
mackerel, then cover and cook for 8 mins more.
BBC Easy Cook 21

Serve with basmati rice, raita
or your favourite chutney
Cauliflower, paneer & pea curry
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 45 mins
Q £1.27 a portion
Q 321 kcals, 14g fat, 4g sat. fat a portion
2 tbsp sunflower oil
225g pack paneer, cut into cubes
1 head of cauliflower, broken into
small florets
2 onions, thickly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 heaped tbsp tikka masala paste
500g carton passata
200g frozen peas
small pack coriander, roughly chopped
1 Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick
frying pan, add the paneer and fry gently
until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon
and set aside. Add the remaining oil and the
cauliflower to the pan, and cook for 10 mins
until browned. Add the onions and cook for a
further 5 mins until softened.
2 Stir in the garlic and curry paste, then
pour in the passata and 250ml water, and
season. Bring to a simmer, then cover and
22 BBC Easy Cook
cook for 18-20 mins or until the cauliflower
is just tender.
3 Add the frozen peas and crispy paneer to the
pan and cook for a further 5 mins. Stir through
most of the coriander and garnish with the rest.
How to make perfect rice
There are two main methods for cooking rice. Both work well, so choose your favourite
Absorption method
With this method, the amount of water you
use is crucial – you need twice as much water
as volume (not weight) of rice. For example,
for 4 people weigh out 340g long-grain or
basmati rice. Tip into a measuring jug and it
will come roughly up to the 300ml mark, so
cover the rice with around 600ml cold water.
Add ½ tsp salt. Cover the pan tightly so the
steam doesn't escape (you can put a layer of
foil over the pan and then add the lid for a
Ì}ÌiÀ wÌ®° À} Ì Ìi L] ÌÕÀ Ìi i>Ì Ì
the lowest possible setting and leave to cook,
lid on, until all the water has been absorbed
and the rice is cooked (about 12 mins). When
the rice is cooked there will be tiny dimples
One-pan prawn
& tomato curry
Q Serves 4
Q Prep 10 mins Cook 20 mins
Q £1.87 a portion
Q 217 kcals, 8g fat, 1g sat. fat a portion
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 large onion, chopped
large piece ginger, crushed
4 garlic cloves, crushed
½ red chilli, finely chopped
1 tsp golden caster sugar
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp garam masala
2 tsp malt vinegar
400g can chopped tomatoes
400g raw king prawns
small bunch coriander, chopped
1 Heat the oil in a deep-sided frying pan
and cook the onion for 8-10 mins until it
starts to turn golden. Add the ginger, garlic
and chilli and cook for 1-2 mins. Stir in the
sugar and spices for 1 min, then splash in
the vinegar and tomatoes. Season with salt
and simmer for 5 mins, stirring, until the
sauce thickens.
2 Stir in the prawns, reduce the heat and
cook for 8-10 mins until cooked through
– if the sauce gets really thick, add a splash
of water. Remove from the heat, stir though
most of the coriander. Serve straight from
the dish scattered with the remaining
coriander. Serve with rice, yogurt, chutney
and Carrot & cumin salad (see recipe, right).
on the surface. If any water remains after this
Ìi] Ì> i Ìi ` vv >` iÌ Ìi ÀVi `ÀÞ LÀiyÞ°
Fluff up the grains with a fork before serving.
Excess water method
With this method, you need to use about
5-6 times the amount of water to rice you're
cooking, so you may need a bigger pan.
À} Ìi «> v Ã>Ìi` Ü>ÌiÀ Ì Ìi L ­ÕÃi
about 1 tsp of salt per 800ml of water). When
Ìi Ü>ÌiÀ LÃ] >`` Ìi ÀVi° À} L>V Ì
the boil and simmer with the lid off for 12-15
mins, or until the rice is soft but not mushy. As
soon as the rice is cooked, remove the pan
from the heat. Drain the rice in a sieve and
rinse with boiling water, then serve.
 EVERYDAY RICE

In a hurry?
You can have
this from
pan to table
in just
30 mins

Serve with
Carrot & cumin salad
Grate 3 carrots and season with salt and
a large pinch of sugar. Mix in 1 tsp cumin
seeds, juice ½ lemon, thumb-sized piece
of ginger, grated, ½ bunch mint, chopped,
3 thinly-sliced shallots, 2 tbsp olive oil and
some chopped coriander.

BBC Easy Cook 23

FISHY
Feed yo
family
/  } >LÕÌ wà vÀ ÃÕ««iÀ Ìà À`>Þ¶
/ÀÞÌiÃi`iVÕÃÌÜÃÌà ÌiV>ÃÃVwëi
9J[ EJQQUG RCPMQ! +VU OCFG HTQO DTGCF YKVJQWV
ETWUVU UQ VJG[TGETWPEJKGTVJCPUVCPFCTFDTGCFETWODU
24 BBC Easy Cook
Mediterranean fish gratins
Q Serves 6
Prep 25 mins Cook 55 mins
Q
Q £2.31 a portion
Q 372 kcals, 11g fat, 3g sat. fat a portion
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 fennel bulb (about 250g), trimmed and
thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, finely sliced
1 heaped tsp coriander seeds, lightly
crushed
150ml white wine
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes with herbs
2 tbsp tomato purée
good pinch of saffron
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves
roughly chopped
900g mixed skinless fish fillets,
cut into chunks
350g raw peeled king prawns
75g finely-grated Parmesan
50g panko or coarse dried breadcrumbs
1 Heat the oil in a wide non-stick saucepan
and gently fry the onion, fennel, garlic and
coriander seeds for 15 mins, stirring regularly
until the veg softens. Pour in the wine and
add the tomatoes, tomato purée, saffron and
bay leaf. Season and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for about 15 mins, stirring occasionally,
until thick.
2 Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Stir
the lemon juice, most of the parsley, raw fish
pieces and prawns into the tomato mixture.
Cover tightly with a lid and simmer gently over
a medium heat for 4-5 mins or until the fish is
almost cooked. Stir a couple of times, taking
care not to let it break up.
3 Ladle the tomato and fish mixture into
6 pie dishes – they will each need to hold
around 350ml. Mix the cheese, breadcrumbs,
remaining parsley and a little ground black
pepper together and sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 20 mins, until golden and bubbling.
Cut the cost
Fish can be affordable
Use frozen, defrosted prawns and salmon
as it works out much cheaper. And try
switching from cod to pollock – like cod,
«V >à ÛiÞ] L} ÕVÞ y>ið Ì¿Ã >À`
to notice the difference between them.

Fish pie tart
Q Serves 6
Q Prep 30 mins Cook 1 hr
Q £1.94 a portion
Q 701 kcals, 47g fat, 19g sat. fat a portion
500g pack shortcrust pastry
1 egg yolk & 3 whole eggs
250g piece undyed smoked haddock
250g chunky unsmoked fish (like cod)
200ml tub crème fraîche
½ pack chives, snipped
grating of fresh nutmeg
handful of cooked prawns, defrosted
if frozen
25g sharp cheddar or similar cheese, grated
1 Roll the pastry until just thicker than a £1
coin, and large enough to line a 23cm fluted
tart tin (about 4.5cm deep) with some excess.
Line the tin with the pastry, trim off the excess
with a roll of the rolling pin, then prick the base
all over with a fork. Chill for 15 mins. Heat
oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line the pastry
with a sheet of over-hanging foil and press
it into the corners of the tin. Fill with baking
beans, lift on to a baking sheet and bake for 25
mins until the pastry feels firm. Remove the
foil and beans, and bake for another 5 mins
until biscuity. Beat the egg yolk and brush it all
around the inside of the case. Bake for another
5 mins until golden and lacquered. Heat oven
to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
EVERYDAY FISH PIES
2 Put the fish on a plate, cover with cling film
and microwave on High for about 4 mins until
the flesh flakes easily. Alternatively, steam or
gently poach the fish, then drain well. Gently
transfer the fish to a colander and drain until
the pastry is ready. Beat the 3 eggs, crème
fraîche, chives and nutmeg with seasoning.
3 Flake the fish into large pieces, discarding
any skin and bones, pat dry with kitchen
paper and put into the pastry case. Tuck in the
prawns here and there. Pour the filling over,
scatter with the cheese, then bake for about 35
mins or until golden and set, with just a slight
tremble in the middle of the tart. Let the tart
cool for a few mins before serving.
BBC Easy Cook 25
 EVERYDAY DESSERT

Sweet & simple

Cheat and use shop-bought cake and a tin of peaches
to make this fancy-looking dessert in less than 15 mins
Coconut cake
Q Serves 2 1 Tip the peaches and syrup into a pan then
Q Prep 5 mins Cook 15 mins gently warm through with the spices, bay
Q 83p a portion leaves and the white wine for 5 mins.
Q 489 kcals, 24.8g fat, 19.5g sat. fat a portion

2 Coat the cake with a layer of honey then

coconut and toast in a non-stick frying pan
410g can peach slices in syrup for 1 min each side. Put on a serving plate
pinch each ground cinnamon and grated and top with the peaches. Serve with a scoop
nutmeg of vanilla ice cream, fresh raspberries and a
3 whole cloves spoonful of mulled syrup.
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp white wine
2 slices bought Madeira or banana cake
2 tbsp clear honey
4 tbsp desiccated coconut

Looks
lovely, doesn’t
it? A burst of
sunshine on a
chilly Autumn
evening

Use up desiccated coconut

%QEQPWVDCMNCXC
Heat oven to 140C/160C fan/gas 4. Place a
UJGGV QH ƂNQ RCUVT[ (4 in all) on a baking sheet.
Brush with a little OGNVGF DWVVGT (85g in total).
Scatter over some ƃCMGF CNOQPFU (85g in total)
and FGUKEECVGF EQEQPWV (85g in total). Drizzle
with JQPG[. Repeat until all the ingredients are
used up. Cook for 5-7 mins. Serves 1.

BBC Easy Cook 27

IT’S NOT JUST OUR RECIPE
THAT’S BEEN PASSED
DOWN THE GENERATIONS.
OUR MACHINES HAVE TOO.
The way we make it says it all.
 Spooky ideas for
petrifying pumpkins,
frightening falafels
and kooky cookies
Woo-ooh!

Creamy
pumpkin
For Spiced
& lentil soup pumpkin
cookies, turn
to page 36

BBC Easy Cook 29

Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
he had been the only son and inherited a large fortune as well as the
lucrative and old-established business. It would not have been
difficult for him, in such a position, to have made a brilliant marriage;
had he so chosen, he might have entered the ranks of the
aristocracy, for more than one dowerless Belgravian maiden would
have welcomed him as a suitor.
But although he had plenty of business ambitions, he was not very
ambitious socially, considering his vast wealth. He had no desire to
enter a proud and impoverished family who might think they were
condescending when they allowed him to mate with their blue-
blooded daughter. For rich as he was, he had come of homely stock,
the founder of the great business having been a poor man of humble
origin who had begun on the lowest rung of the ladder.
So he followed his own inclinations. He went abroad for a long
holiday and returned with a wife, much to the astonishment of his
friends and acquaintances. And not very much was vouchsafed
about the antecedents of the lady who had become the wife of the
much-sought-after banker. The world was given to understand that
she was a woman of good family, but no very full details were given
until the arrival of Sir George Clayton-Brookes upon the scene, when
it was announced that a younger brother of his had married her
sister.
The long conversation between Archie Brookes and his aunt came
to an end presently, and then the young man took his departure. Like
Sir George, he was not greatly interested in this kind of function. He
did not belong to the exclusive clubs which opened their doors to his
fashionable uncle, but there were less pretentious establishments
which welcomed him. Like his relative, he was addicted to cards and
betting, and was only really happy when in the society of kindred
spirits.
Rosabelle and young Croxton spent some time together, while the
uncle and nephew had been discussing them, and Archie Brookes
had held that long conversation with his aunt. When young people
have got much to say to each other, it takes a long time to consume
an ice.
 As they came back to the crowded rooms, the first person they
met was Rupert Morrice himself. He was a fine-looking, grey-
bearded man, carrying his fifty-five years well. The face was a little
hard, perhaps, the clear blue eyes were very keen, but the tones of
his voice showed that there was a very tender strain in his
composition. He gave a kindly glance to his niece, and addressed
the young man.
“I hope we shan’t be kept up too late, Dick; we have to be astir
betimes to-morrow, to open that safe.”
Rosabelle smiled her sunny smile. “That wonderful safe, uncle, of
which nobody but you and Dick knows the secret.”
The great financier indulged in a satisfied chuckle. “Yes, young
lady, you may smile, but I am very proud of it. It is ‘some’ safe, as the
Yankees would say, I can tell you.”
 CHAPTER II
THE RIFLED SAFE

L ATER on, in the small hours, the young couple had a further tête-
à-tête. The members of the family had done their duty by their
several guests, and were at leisure to follow their own inclinations for
a while.
A celebrated violinist played the opening notes of a wailing melody
—the best of its kind was always a feature of the entertainments at
Deanery Street—and at the sound, Richard exchanged a meaning
glance with his sweetheart. Quietly they stole away to a secluded
corner where they could whisper away to their hearts’ content, and
were safe from interruption.
“Do you find it so difficult to screw up your courage to the sticking
point, you silly old Dick?” asked the girl presently in a low voice,
pursuing a conversation that had been proceeding for some little
time.
The young man smiled; the smile was a little rueful and apologetic.
“To tell the truth, my darling, I do. When I think of it in cold blood, it
seems such a daring thing to do.”
“‘Faint heart’—you know the rest,” said the girl, in a bantering
voice. “Well, Dick, if you can’t manage it, I shall have to throw my
maidenly modesty to the winds, and undertake it myself. I am not
afraid of my uncle, if you are.”
“But from my point of view, dear, you must admit it wants a lot of
pluck. A poor devil of a fellow with a couple of hundred a year of his
own, asking a millionaire to consent to a marriage with a niece whom
he is going to make his heiress. Wouldn’t ninety-nine men out of a
hundred kick me out of the house in double quick time?”
The smile on Rosabelle’s charming face grew sunnier than ever.
“But first of all, we will say, and it is the truth, that he is the
hundredth, not one of the ninety-nine. And then, it isn’t as if he didn’t
know. I don’t think we have kept our little secret very much to
ourselves, have we, Dick?”
“I am not so sure that he does know,” answered the still doubting
lover. “He is always so frightfully absorbed in his business, I think it
uses up all his faculties. We know we are in love with each other, but
I doubt if the fact is so patent to everybody as you think, my darling.”
“Rubbish!” cried the girl pertly. “Don’t you make any mistake about
Uncle Rupert being so wrapt up in business that he doesn’t observe
anything outside. Why, those keen eyes of his never let the most
trivial thing escape them. And I have often seen them resting on us
with a very intelligent expression. Take my word for it, Dick, he
knows what is going on, and he approves. You know how swiftly he
puts his foot down when he has a mind to. If he disapproved, he
would soon give me a very strong hint, or if he did not care to speak
to me himself, I should soon have a serious warning from auntie.”
Young Croxton was greatly encouraged by these words. He had a
firm belief in his sweetheart’s judgment and powers of penetration.
“That settles it then,” he said, speaking in a much more confident
tone. “I will tackle him to-morrow. I want to get it settled before we go
away to Mürren. Oh, my darling, if it is all right, as you think, shan’t
we have a lovely holiday?”
She gave his arm an affectionate squeeze. “And, as for all that
nonsense about having no money, why, I have no money either to
speak of. You have two hundred a year of your own, I have a
hundred. Well, Dick, if we were very wilful, I daresay we might be
brave enough to start on that, even if the worst were to happen. But
there, don’t let us think of that; I tell you it is going to be all right.”
He returned the affectionate squeeze she had given him with
interest. “By Jove, you do put courage into a fellow, little girl.”
“Not so little, if you please, Dick. I am rather above the average
height, you know. And if he is going to make me his heiress, as you
think, he doesn’t intend to leave you in the cold. He has treated you
like a son from the day you first came into the house. Everybody
knows how he worshipped your mother, and kept single all those
years because of her. I do not say he is not fond of auntie in a
steady, quiet way. But his other love was the sort that comes once in
a lifetime, and never again.” She bent her head very close and
whispered shyly in his ear. “He loved your mother, Dick, in the way
that you and I love each other, and of course he loves her son for her
sake.”
And after such a declaration, it is small wonder that these devoted
young lovers, knowing they were safe from observation, testified
their affection for each other in a long caress.
Later on, when the last car had rolled away, and the somewhat
weary host and hostess were alone, a brief conversation took place
between them on the subject of the young couple. It was begun by
Mrs. Morrice.
“You still approve of it, Rupert?” It was evident from these words
that the matter had been discussed between them before.
“Remember that Rosabelle is a very pretty girl, as well as a charming
one, and will have plenty of lovers in time.”
By these remarks it might be inferred that if Mrs. Morrice did not
offer actual opposition, she was quite ready to take a neutral attitude
in the matter.
Her husband did not beat about the bush in the least, he was
always a man who spoke out his mind unhesitatingly.
“Yes, I have thought it well out. If he is the man of Rosabelle’s
fancy, and everything points that way, I am quite willing he should
marry her. The moment he asks for my consent he shall have it.”
Mrs. Morrice heaved a gentle little sigh. “I know how fond you are
of Richard, that you could hardly be fonder of him if he were your
own son. Well, I own I am just a little sorry that her choice did not fall
upon Archie. It is not to be wondered at, for he is to me what Richard
Croxton is to you.”
Mr. Morrice frowned ever so slightly at the suggestion, but he
turned away his face quickly so that his wife should not see it. He
had wasted his heart upon Richard’s mother, and he could never
give another woman what he had given to her. But he was fond of
his wife, he appreciated her charm, her good qualities, the help she
gave him in the social side of his life, and he would not have pained
her for the world.
“If Rosabelle had set her heart upon Archie,” he said gravely, “I
cannot say for certain what my attitude would have been. I should
have hated to make her miserable, and yet—and yet I could not
have approved. I am glad that things are as they are. Archie has his
good qualities, no doubt; he is pleasant and amiable; I daresay he
would make a good husband. But, forgive me if I speak a little too
plainly, he is an incurable idler, and much too fond of pleasure—I
could not bear to see her married to a man of that stamp.”
There was a little quiver in the wife’s voice as she replied: “Are you
not just a little too hard upon poor Archie, Rupert? Remember, he
has not had the advantages of Richard’s training. If he had had you
for a tutor, how different he would have been. My brother-in-law is
not an ideal guardian of youth. An idler himself by the accident of
birth, and I fear by inclination, he does not see the necessity for work
in others.”
The great financier, whose life was one long strenuous working
day, from choice not necessity, shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, his uncle will leave him his money, that seems understood,
and therefore Archie has no need to work for a subsistence. But I
should think better of him if he took up some occupation, if only as a
hobby. Nothing saps a man’s character like the idle loafing life he is
leading now.”
There was a note of bitterness in Mrs. Morrice’s voice as she
replied to those uncompromising remarks.
“It is not at all certain that some day Archie will not have to work
for a living.”
Morrice looked at his wife in some surprise. “But Sir George is
credited with being a well-off man. You have told me the same
yourself.”
 “He is well off perhaps now. But whether he dies rich or not will
depend upon what the gaming table and the race-course have left
him.”
Mr. Morrice pursed his lips, and his face grew very hard. It wore
the look that some of those who knew him in business dreaded to
see. Upright and of iron resolution himself, he had small pity for the
weak and self-indulgent. Above all, he loathed men who had made
ducks and drakes of their money, who threw it away in unprofitable
enterprises.
“I own that I have heard some rumours of this, that he bets too
highly, that he plays for too big stakes,” he said presently. “Well, it
would be a good thing if Master Archie could be removed from such
a corrupting influence.”
“Would to heaven that he could be.” There was a note of almost
anguish in the woman’s voice as she spoke, then she recovered
herself quickly, and added in a calmer tone: “But it is too late. His
uncle worships him, and he is devoted to his uncle.”

The morning came. Mr. Morrice was not going to his business
house; a client was calling on him in Deanery Street, and after that
visit had been paid, he was going to a jeweller’s in the West End for
a certain purpose. He had lately purchased some very fine and
expensive diamonds, which he had put away in readiness for an
important event—the birthday of his wife falling a week hence. He
was going to have these made up into a necklace and present it to
her upon the happy occasion. Like most women, she was
passionately fond of jewels, and though she already had plenty, he
knew she would be delighted to add to her store.
The client who was paying him a visit was coming to receive a
large sum of money, a million francs, which the financier had put for
safe custody in that wonderful safe to which allusion has been made.
 Morrice and Richard breakfasted alone that morning at an early
hour, while the ladies stayed in bed to recover from the fatigue of the
previous evening.
Neither of the men spoke much during the progress of the meal.
The financier’s busy brain was at work upon his various schemes,
and he had almost forgotten that conversation a few hours earlier
with his wife concerning her brother-in-law and Archie Brookes.
Young Croxton was very preoccupied too. This was the day on
which, fortified by the encouraging counsels of his sweetheart, he
had resolved to screw up his courage and ask Morrice’s consent to
his betrothal to Rosabelle.
The two men from time to time looked at their watches, and at last
the elder rose with a quick, alert movement.
“It wants five minutes, Dick. Let us be going.” They went into
Morrice’s study, a spacious room, solidly furnished. In a corner stood
a big safe, from which, when the actual time arrived, they were going
to take the packet of French notes and the loose diamonds. Two
days previously they had shifted them to an easily accessible spot.
They stood before the formidable-looking receptacle, watches in
hand, and then with a simultaneous exclamation of “Now!” from
each, Morrice and his confidential secretary inserted their two
separate keys. The heavy door swung back, the financier advanced
his hand to the spot where the articles had been placed, and drew
back with a cry of dismay.
The packet of French notes, the canvas bag containing the loose
diamonds, had been removed from their hiding place, also a parcel
of private papers containing important secrets.
 CHAPTER III
RICHARD IS DISMISSED

F OR an instant the two men stared at each other in blank

amazement as they stood in front of the big safe, the door of
which had been unlocked with such startling results.
The elder man recovered himself first. His was a strong, resolute
character, and it was always said of him by those who knew him
intimately, that no man could grasp the bearings of an unexpected
situation more readily. Croxton seemed dazed and stupefied beyond
the power of speech.
“But they were there, all of them, when we shifted them the other
morning, the packet of notes, the bag of diamonds, the parcel of
papers. You saw them, we both saw them.”
The young man’s voice was trembling as he answered: “We both
saw them, as you say, sir. They were there, right enough.”
The big financier took a great interest in the mechanism of safes; it
had always been one of his hobbies. He had tried half a dozen
different kinds during his business career, and in the present one he
was confident he had found the latest thing in ingenuity and safety.
In truth it was a marvel, and there was nothing else like it in all the
world. He had availed himself to the full of the resources of the
locksmith’s art, and had contributed a few practical suggestions as to
the actual mechanism himself. It had a marvellous time lock, the
secret of which was only known to himself and his secretary. The
time when the safe could be opened was automatically controlled by
the day of the month.
For example, if it was secretly set to open at nine o’clock on June
the twelfth, it would not open before nine plus six (the sixth month of
the year), plus twelve (the day of the month). Therefore, it would be
twenty-seven minutes past nine before the two keys could be
inserted, and then only for one minute. If that time passed, the safe
could not be opened till next day, and then not one minute but two
minutes later.
There was a long pause in which both men were thinking furiously.
Richard Croxton, recovering slowly from the shock, was beginning to
realize the awkwardness of the situation with regard to himself, and
to anticipate the thoughts that were forming themselves in the mind
of the man who had, up to the present, treated him more like a father
than an employer.
Gradually over Morrice’s countenance came that hard, grim look
which Richard had seen a few times during their association
together; notably in the early days when some gross act of
carelessness or inattention had aroused dissatisfaction and
subsequent anger.
“Well, what have you to say about it?” thundered the banker at
length. When he had once come to a conclusion he never beat about
the bush, but went to the point as straight as an arrow.
The unfortunate young man moistened his dry lips with his tongue.
It was an agonizing moment for him, and, engrossed as he was with
the terrible aspect of the situation, he could not help thinking of
Rosabelle and her heartening words uttered a few hours previously.
This was the day on which he had resolved to confess to her uncle
his love for the charming girl, and beg his consent to their betrothal.
In a few seconds this roseate prospect had been blotted out, and he
was confronting, not a kindly master and friend, but a stern and
angry judge.
“I have nothing to say, sir, except that I am innocent, and that
statement you do not look as if you were inclined to believe.”
The elder man emitted an angry exclamation, and the grim
expression grew grimmer as he gazed searchingly at the pale and
shaken young man.
“Richard Croxton, you are no fool, you can see the situation as it
presents itself to me, as it would present itself to anybody who knew
the circumstances. The secret of that safe is known only to us two,
you and I alone have access to it with our separate keys. Even
supposing for a moment, and it is a most wild supposition, that some
third party could have gained temporary possession of your key and
mine, and, after taking impressions of them, had duplicates made,
how was he to know the secret of the mechanism, the time at which
the safe would open. We saw the articles here two days ago; they
have been taken between yesterday and this morning.” He paused
and added significantly: “At that time when the safe could be
opened, I had left the house early, and was in my private room in the
city. You had work to finish here, and were to come down to me with
the report you were preparing at twelve o’clock.”
It was difficult for Croxton to preserve his faculties of thought as
the damning evidence grew and accumulated on him. But a ray of
light seemed to pierce suddenly through his benumbed brain.
“We breakfasted together at eight o’clock, sir, and you left directly
you had finished. After you had gone, I went up to my own room, and
remained till it was time for me to leave to join you in the city. I never
during that time entered this apartment. To that I am ready to swear;
I will take any solemn oath you care to dictate to me.”
Morrice seemed just a little staggered by the solemnity with which
these words were uttered, and for a second the hard, stern look
melted, but only for a second. His keen, logical mind at once
prompted the question.
“You say that you were in your own room practically all the time
you were alone. Is there any evidence you can bring forward to
corroborate this statement? Did Mrs. Morrice, Rosabelle, any of the
servants look in upon you during that period?”
The young man made a despairing gesture: “Alas, no. It is very
rarely that either Mrs. Morrice or Rosabelle pays me a visit when I
am at work. The servants are hardly ever about the house at that
time. And I know from what they said that both the ladies were out
very early on a shopping expedition. I don’t suppose that anybody
knew for certain whether I was here or in my own room. I have
nothing to offer you, sir, but my bare word, my solemn oath, if you
choose to accept it. But if I am what you appear to think me, my oath
would carry no more weight than my word. Again I say, much as
appearances are against me, inexplicable and astounding as the
whole thing is, before heaven I am not the thief who has stolen your
property.”
“Then if you are not the thief, I must be,” cried the irate financier
with bitter sarcasm, “though, I take it, the most suspicious detective
in the world would hardly dare to suspect me of purloining my own
money and diamonds.”
There was another long pause. Morrice walked up and down the
spacious room with long strides, the stern frown on his face now
deepening, now clearing a little, as his conflicting thoughts raced
through his brain. No doubt to him the brazen effrontery of the young
man seemed incredible, in view of the damning facts of the situation.
And that seemingly feeble excuse that he had been in his own room
during the time of the burglary, during the whole period between
breakfast and the moment when he left the house—did it hold water?
Was it a lie invented on the spur of the moment, or had it been
thought out beforehand to be produced at the moment of discovery.
And yet, if Richard were a cunning criminal, would he not have taken
precautions to secure some sort of alibi? The theft from the safe
would not have taken more than a minute, the articles were all
together, their removal would have taken no time. He could have
gone back to his room, rung the bell three or four times to summon a
servant on one pretext or another. It might not have been convincing
proof, for the robbery could have been accomplished so quickly, but
it would have been better than no proof at all.
But then the cleverest criminals made often very stupid mistakes,
and he could not believe the young man to be a hardened
malefactor. He had some secret vices that had never been
suspected, he had got into money difficulties; in his perplexity he had
taken advantage of the trust reposed in him, and yielded to a sudden
temptation.
And then, in the midst of his anger and disappointment, came
softening thoughts of the dead mother whom he had loved with such
a passionate devotion. Could he act towards her child as if he were a
stranger between whom there had been no tie save that between
employer and employed. The stern look melted away; he came up to
the stricken Richard and laid his hand upon his shoulder.
“Listen to me, Dick. You are the son of the woman whom I would
have given up everything else to make my wife, had she not
preferred your father to me. When you were left to the tender
mercies of the world, an orphan cast aside by your own family, with a
small pittance, enough to keep you from actual want, I came to your
rescue. I took you into my business; I took you into my house. I have
not perhaps told you very definitely of my future intentions, but you
can guess what they were likely to be. In a year or two I proposed to
give you a share of my business. I have noticed the attachment
between you and Rosabelle, who is very dear to me. I should have
put no obstacles in your way.”
The bitter irony of it all! But for this disastrous happening, what a
fair and golden future! The unhappy young man could not speak, but
inwardly he was suffering tortures. Those beautiful dreams of an
honourable and prosperous career, of a happy wedded life with the
charming girl he loved so dearly—all had vanished in those hateful
few moments!
“Listen to me, Dick,” went on the deep, resonant voice, and the
tone was now one more of sorrow than anger. “Abandon this
stubborn attitude of pretended innocence. Don’t regard me as the
stern and inflexible judge, ready to mete out deserved punishment,
but one who will incline to mercy, the mercy that all of us may stand
in need of some day. Your mother’s son cannot be naturally
dishonest, it is impossible. You have got into difficulties that I have
never suspected; in an evil hour your better instincts yielded to your
pressing needs, your fear of disgrace; and you did this base thing.
Confess your fault, make restitution if you can, if it is not too late, and
I will help you as I vowed to your mother I always would.”
A dreadful groan escaped from the tortured Richard. “You are one
of the best and kindest men on God’s earth; my mother whom you
so loved always told me so. If I were the guilty wretch you believe
me to be I would go on my knees and implore your pardon. But I am
not a thief, and I cannot restore what I have never taken.”
But Morrice, more than ever convinced of his obduracy, continued
to urge him, in tones that were almost pleading.
“There must of course be something between us that can never be
quite blotted out, in spite of repentance on the one side and
forgiveness on the other. I could never again put you in a position of
trust, for that fatal weakness might come over you once more. But I
would give you a post where temptation could not assail you. You
have spoken of your mother, so dear to us both. I implore you by the
memory of that beloved woman who, for aught we know, is even now
watching us from afar, to quit this stubborn attitude and confess the
truth.”
No reply came from the accused man, and the hard, stern look
came back to the banker’s face. At that moment the door of the room
slowly opened, and the charming vision of Rosabelle, looking her
sweetest and daintiest, stood framed in the opening.
“May I come in?” she cried in her fresh, girlish voice.
“Come in, my poor child,” was her uncle’s answer. “Come in;
something has happened that you will have to know sooner or later,
although I fear the knowledge may break your heart.”
White as death at these ominous words, she advanced into the
room, closing the door, her troubled glance changing from the stern,
set face of her uncle to the pallid countenance of her lover, the two
men who were the dearest to her in the world, loving the one with a
filial devotion that could not have been surpassed by a daughter, the
other with all the fervour of her ardent youth.
It was a painful scene. In a few trenchant words, the more weighty
from the cold, judicial tone in which they were uttered, Morrice
explained to her what had happened. She learned to a certain extent
the secret of that wonderful safe, about the protecting properties of
which she had so often laughingly rallied its owner, this wretched
safe which had worked the ruin of Richard, and now menaced her
own happiness.
 She was too much dazed by the sudden and tragic happening to
do much more than grasp a few salient facts. The safe was opened
by two keys, one carried by each of the two men. They alone of all
the inmates of the house knew of its mechanism. That safe had been
opened, and certain valuable property extracted.
“But how could it be opened by one person, if it requires two
keys?” she cried, grasping at the first difficulty that presented itself to
her in her distress.
Mr. Morrice did not mince matters. “If I had a duplicate key of the
one carried by the other man, I could open it alone, and vice versa,”
he explained.
She understood the horrible suggestion, but her heart refused to
credit it. Of course she realized that her uncle would not steal his
own property, that would be a surmise altogether too ridiculous. But
it was equally impossible to believe that Richard, the man in whom
the great financier had placed such implicit trust, to whom her whole
soul went out in pity and yearning, should stoop to such a dastardly
act, with all the long and sinister preparations for its execution.
She stretched her hands out imploringly to her lover. “Richard, you
are no thief, nothing shall ever convince me of it,” she cried in a
voice of agony. “Deny it, deny it to us both. Say something that will
persuade him of the falseness of the accusation, of the injustice he is
doing you.”
The miserable young man was hardly less moved than herself. “I
have denied it, Rosabelle; I have offered to swear it, to take any oath
he may dictate to me. But he refuses to believe either word or oath. I
can do no more. Thank heaven, black as appearances are, you
believe that I am an honest man.”
“Oh yes, oh yes,” she cried brokenly. “I do not care a straw for
appearances, if they were twice as strong against you as they are. I
know you so well, my heart tells me that you have not done this
horrible thing.”
And then Morrice delivered his sentence. Incensed as he was at
what he considered the obstinacy of Croxton, he could not fail to be
moved by the girl’s passionate vindication of her lover.
“Richard Croxton, needless to say that from this day forth we are
strangers; my house can no longer give you shelter. For the sake of
one whose memory I shall always revere, I shall take no steps.
Nobody but Rosabelle and my wife will know the real reasons of your
departure. I am now going to the city to get money to replace that
which has been stolen. I shall go there and return here as quickly as
possible. I have no heart for any other business to-day. When I
return, let me find you gone. Later on I will invent some plausible
explanation of the severance of our relations, and give it out to those
who are interested.”
He turned on his heel without vouchsafing another glance at the
miserable man upon whom, up to the present, he had lavished
kindness and affection, strode through the hall, and a minute later he
had left the house.
The two wretched lovers were left alone, and when the door had
closed, the poor girl broke down, and threw herself into Richard’s
arms, sobbing bitterly.
 CHAPTER IV
GIDEON LANE TAKES A HAND

“W HAT an awful day!” she cried when Richard had calmed her
a little, not that he was in much of a mood to administer
consolation to others. “And last night, when we talked of our future,
and I told you to pluck up your courage, I felt so gay and light-
hearted. Oh, Dick dear, it will kill me; but no, I must not let it do that.
We must both be brave, and strain every nerve to prove your
innocence.”
“It is indeed a tragic day,” corroborated her lover. “And, my darling,
but for this inexplicable mystery, it would all have been such plain-
sailing. In the midst of his reproaches, he paused to tell me that he
knew of our love for each other, and that he would have put no
obstacles in the way.”
The poor girl sobbed afresh at this. To have the cup of happiness
dashed down when it was so near her lips—could there be a more
poignant disappointment? But presently, she rallied and dried her
tears, and inquired his plans for the future. Morrice had ordered him
to quit the house before he returned to it. There could be no
disobeying that command.
“I have often spoken to you of the dear old soul who was first my
mother’s nurse and then mine. My grandfather left her a small
annuity as reward for her faithful services to his family. She has a
tiny little cottage at Petersham, near Richmond. She will take me in
until I have collected my thoughts sufficiently to decide upon my
future.”
“And I shall come and see you there, Dick,” cried the girl eagerly,
“even though you are forbidden this house.”
“My darling, you must not do anything without your uncle’s
sanction. In certain moods, he is a stern and hard man.”
 Richard felt that life, in a way, was over for him, but for this brilliant
young creature it was only just beginning. Touched as he was by her
faith in him, he knew that it would be folly for her to cling to a man
over whom hung the shadow of disgrace. As yet, he could not wound
her feelings by telling her so. But presently, when he had recovered
himself sufficiently to think and plan, he would pass quietly out of her
life.
“He may be stern and hard at times, but he is always just,” said
Rosabelle. “He will not think the less of me because I refuse to
believe you guilty. Why, Dick, I know you so well,” she added
impetuously. “I would not credit the evidence of my own eyes against
your word. If these things had been found in your pockets and you
had denied you stole them, I would have believed you, and known
the real thief had put them there for the purpose of incriminating
you.”
Young Croxton smiled a wan smile at his sweetheart’s
vehemence. Can anything equal the blind faith of a woman in the
man she loves? It is one of those qualities amongst many which they
must surely derive from a divine source.
“He is sore and angry over his loss now,” went on the beautiful girl.
“In a day or two he will calm down, and see that he has been too
hasty in his judgment.”
“I have never known him angry over losses, and hardly a year
goes by that he does not make heavy ones,” answered Richard
sadly. “No, to do him justice, what has cut him to the quick is the
supposed discovery of my unworthiness.”
Half an hour later, Richard Croxton had left the familiar house in
Deanery Street which had sheltered him so long. His sweetheart
bade him a tearful farewell, and Mrs. Morrice, to whom the young
couple explained the terrible happenings of the morning, showed
considerable emotion. In her heart, she would have preferred her
nephew, Archie Brookes, as a husband for Rosabelle, but she had
always been very fond of Richard, and stoutly expressed her belief in
his innocence.
 A taxi bore him swiftly to the neat little ivy-covered cottage at
Petersham, where he received a hearty welcome from his old nurse,
a comely old woman verging upon her seventieth year, but hale and
vigorous for her age. To her he did not explain the actual truth, but
simply stated that circumstances had suddenly arisen which
rendered necessary the severing of his connection with Mr. Morrice.
The good, simple old soul said little, but she was very upset at the
news. She knew very well that the great financier had treated him
like a son, and that this sudden separation meant the ruin of his
bright prospects.
“And Miss Rosabelle?” she inquired anxiously. Hitherto he had
kept few secrets from the faithful and sympathetic old woman, who
had long ago learned the history of his love affair.
“She will come and see me, dear old nurse, that is to say, if her
uncle does not expressly forbid her.”
Mrs. Hart, such was the name of this faithful old servant, made no
comment upon this significant remark. It crossed her mind that it was
more than probable Richard’s departure had been caused by this
very love-affair; that fond as he was of him, the wealthy financier had
resented his attentions to his niece, who, in the course of time, would
be a considerable heiress.
It may be observed in passing that the same opinion was held in
the servants’ hall at Deanery Street, where the young man’s sudden
exit had naturally aroused a tremendous amount of interest. It had
also occurred to Morrice, desirous of keeping the true facts to
himself, more perhaps from respect for the dead than tenderness to
the living, that he might get his wife to give some hints which would
produce the same impression amongst their acquaintances.
True to her promise, in a few days Rosabelle arrived at the ivy-
covered cottage, having warned her lover, in a letter received by the
first post in the morning, of her visit.
He noticed that she drove up in a taxi, not, as was usual, in one of
her uncle’s cars. He was, of course, overwhelmed with joy at seeing
her so soon, but he was very anxious that the fidelity to himself
should not entail disastrous consequences to her own fortunes. So
the first question he asked was whether Mr. Morrice knew of her
visit.
“Everything is straight and above-board, dear Dick,” was the girl’s
answer. “I had a long talk with him yesterday morning at his early
breakfast. I got up early myself in order to seize a chance of finding
him alone. He seemed very sad and preoccupied, but he was not as
stern and harsh as on that dreadful day. I told him a lot of things as
they came into my head, how dearly we loved each other, how we
had fallen in love from the first day we met—that no matter if all the
world turned against you, I should still be faithful, that my one great
object was that you should take steps to get yourself cleared and
discover the real criminal.”
“And what did he say to all this?” asked the young man eagerly. “I
can guess, my darling, that you pleaded very well.”
“He listened very attentively, and was very quiet for a long time.
When I had finished, he asked me if I wished him to send for
detectives from Scotland Yard. I hastily said that I did, and that I was
sure you would wish it too. ‘My poor child, you don’t know what you
are talking about,’ was his answer. ‘The certain result of that would
be that the man in whom you believe would be arrested, and once
having taken the case up, I could not drop it, I should be bound to
prosecute.’ That scared me dreadfully, you may be sure. His final
words were spoken in a very sad voice. ‘Let sleeping dogs lie, my
poor wronged Rosabelle. Richard Croxton through his own act has
passed away from my life, as he must pass away from yours. You
are young, and in time your grief will heal, and some day you will
meet a man worthy of your love.’”
The young man’s head sunk on his breast. Yes, Mr. Morrice was
right. Appearances were too black against him; if the authorities
were called in, arrest would be sure to follow.
The girl went on in a low, tearful voice. “I told him that the day to
which he looked forward would never come, that if I could not marry
you, no other man should be my husband. And then, Dick, I ended
with the boldest thing I had said yet—I am pretty brave as a rule but I