Cooks' Corner

PORK AND APPLE CASSEROLE - this is an easy meal, not too heavy and a good way to use up any cooking apples. Serves 4 - 6 people.

Ingredients:

2lbs lean pork cut into chunks

1 level tsp whole coriander

1 sprig rosemany (or a tsp dried)

2 onions peeled and sliced

4oz sliced mushrooms (I like the large dark ones, but any type will be good)

2 cooking apples peeled, cored and cut into chunks

juice of half a lemon

about a mugful of strong, dry cider

Method:

(Heat your oven to 220 - 230 degrees C./ 425 - 450 F./ Gas 7 - 8.) Brown the pork and the onions briefly in a little oil or fat and put them into a casserole dish. Add the rosemary and coriander and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the cider and lemon juice. The liquid should nearly cover the meat - add more cider if necessary. Cover the dish and cook in the centre of a hot oven for 15 mins, then turn down low to 140-150 degrees C/ 275-300 F/ Gas 1-2 for 1 and a half to 2 hours. About half an hour before the end, add the mushrooms and apple. Delicious with baked or mashed potatoes and your favourite vegetables.

Zoé Mair