Fried Le Rustique Camembert pieces and nettle pesto

1. Foraging
   During spring, nettles are at their most delicious (tasting a bit like spinach!), full of Vitamin C and iron and are also a natural body cleanser. Growing in abundance across the UK, nettles are commonly known for the sting when you pick them, so we’ve provided some tips on how to harvest your own without hurting your fingers: Use rubber gloves Pick in spring when the nettles are very tender Pick the young leaves from the tips Once picked, lay the nettles out to wilt as, once wilted, they will no longer sting you When wilted, pull the leaves off the stems
2. Nettle Pesto
   Bring a pan of water to the boil to cook the nettles. They won’t sting you once cooked but ensure to wear gloves when picking off the stalks Transfer the nettles into the water and use a spoon to cover them all. Cook for one minute, drain and run under cold water Squeeze out the nettles and pop in a food processor with the breadcrumbs, parmesan, pine nuts, lemon zest, garlic and blitz Gently pour in the oil until you get a good consistency, season and serve in a lovely ramekin.
3. Whisk the eggs together and place in a flat short sided container. Season the flour and bread crumbs separately and place in containers Set up your work surface with all three containers and unwrap all the cheese pieces Pane the Le Rustique Camembert pieces one by one by covering in flour first, then eggs and then bread crumbs Use two forks to juggle the Le Rustique Camembert pieces though each stage and place on a plate when covered and ready
4. Shallow fry the cheese in sunflower oil, keep turning until brown and crispy on each side Blot the cheese pieces on a sheet of kitchen paper to remove any excess oil and stack on a place next to your pesto ramekin and enjoy whilst warm Tip: you can keep the cheese warm in the oven at 50°C if you are frying in batches

Recipe created by Alex Head