Asparagus Mousse Recipes

Steps:

• Brush 6 dariole moulds (100 ml/ 31⁄2 fl oz capacity) with mild olive oil and line the bases with discs of baking paper. Shell the peas and trim away and discard the cut end of the asparagus. Chop the asparagus into short lengths and put in a steamer with the peas. Steam for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus and peas are just tender but still bright green. Put 6 tbsp of steamed peas into a small bowl, spoon over the 1 tbsp olive oil and set aside.
• Put the asparagus and the rest of the cooked peas in a food processor and whizz to a purée. Soften the gelatine in the wine or lemon juice in a small pan for 5 minutes, then put over a low heat until the gelatine is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
• Whisk the cream with the tarragon until it is thick but still glossy. Stir the gelatine into the purée and fold in the cream with plenty of salt and pepper. Divide the mixture between the moulds so they are three quarters full, then put in the fridge for 2-3 hours or until set.
• When ready to serve, run the blade of a small knife around the rim of the mousse and turn out each one on a small plate. Sprinkle the reserved peas around the base of each mousse and lay a tarragon sprig on top of each one. Drizzle a little more olive oil and a few dashes of balsamic vinegar over the peas. Serve straight away while still chilled.

Steps:

• Whip juice into cream cheese.
• add mayo and WELL mashed asparagus.
• Set aside.
• Dissolve jello in boiling water and cool.
• When cool combine with other indgredients.
• Add almond extract and almonds.
• Pour into 9x13 pan and refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 225°C.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan, continually stirring. Then add the flour and mix well to make a roux.
• At the same time, bring the milk and pouring cream to the boil. Then add it to the flour mix and whisk well until the mixture is smooth.
• Whisk the egg, egg yolks and thickened cream. Then add them to the hot mixture and stir well.
• Add the parmesan and seasonings, and whisk well.
• Lightly brush 4 dariole moulds with melted butter and pour in the mixture. Place in an oven tray and fill 2/3 up the sides of the moulds with boiling water. Then cover the moulds with foil and cook in the oven for about 40-45 mins until a knife comes out clean.
• Blanch the asparagus in lightly salted boiling water until crisp-tender. Drain and serve alongside the turned out mousses.

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a heavy-based pan. Once it's foaming, add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 mins until soft but not coloured. Remove from the pan and drain well on kitchen paper. Rinse out the pan and pour in the cream, milk and garlic. Bring to the boil, simmer until reduced to 350ml - check by pouring into a measuring jug - then add the asparagus and boil for a few secs. Remove from the heat.
• Blend the mixture in a liquidiser along with the spinach leaves, then sieve into a clean bowl. Add the soaked gelatine and stir until dissolved. Sieve again and allow to cool for a few mins in the fridge, but do not let it set.
• Beat the egg white to soft peaks, then carefully fold into the asparagus mix and season. Divide the mousse between 4 glasses or ramekins and leave them to set in the fridge.
• To make the ham salad, mix all the ingredients, apart from the watercress, in a small bowl and season. When the mousse is set, remove each glass from the fridge, place some watercress leaves on top of the mousse, spoon on the diced ham salad and drizzle with a little olive oil.