A Flash in the Pan by John Whaite Cookbook Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of John Whaite’s A Flash in the Pan

John Whaite, season 3 winner of The Great British Bake Off in 2012, apparently doesn’t squander a moment. In my interview with him last year, he was in training to be a barrister, had just finished Comfort, and was working on his next book all while planning his wedding. He has been a television presenter, writes for the Telegraph and now has opened the John Whaite’s Kitchen Cookery School in Lancashire. He wrote about the stress of life after GBBO recently for the Telegraph. After ups and downs, John has found his balance.

In John’s fifth cookbook, A Flash in the Pan, he shares simple recipes that can be made on the stovetop in under 45 minutes. Speedy pan dishes needn’t be without style as evidenced by recipes such as Eritrean pancakes with lentil stew, Chicken pad krapow, or Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes. John covers breakfast through dessert here and does so with his usual brilliance and attention to flavor.

Special thanks to Kyle books for providing the following recipe for our members to try now and for offering two copies of this beautiful book in our giveaway below (US). EYB will provide one copy worldwide.

Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake
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I tend to shy away from deconstructed desserts. Being a classically trained pastry chef, I like structure and foundation and find it hard to veer away from that discipline. Whimsical platefuls can be intimidating: reserved only for the trendiest of restaurants, reviewed critically by an entire hipster team. In contrast to this, most food writers will have simplicity at the core of their professional integrity – if our recipes are too technical, they won’t be used. But putting these probably too-profound reflections aside, this is simply a blob of a cream cheese mixture topped with some toasted oats and poached apricots. How can that be anything other than desirable?

Serves 4

For the apricots

  • 6–8 small apricots, halved and stoned
  • 300ml (10fl oz) water
  • 150g (5oz) honey (chestnut honey is perfect)
  • 75ml (21/2fl oz) single malt whisky
  • 3 cloves
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 1 star anise

For the cheesecake

  • 125ml (41/4fl oz) double cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 150g (5oz) full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 280g (10oz) full-fat cream cheese

For the base

  • 75g (23/4oz) jumbo porridge oats
  • 25g (1oz) butter
  • 40g (11/2oz) dark brown muscovado sugar

Start with the apricots. Place them in a medium saucepan along with the water, honey, whisky, cloves, cardamom pods and star anise. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the cream into a mixing bowl with the vanilla and honey and whisk to very soft peaks. Throw in the yogurt and cream cheese and whisk until smooth.

Put a large deep-sided frying or sauté pan over a high heat. When the pan is hot, add the oats and toast, tossing occasionally, for a minute. Add the butter and sugar and fry, stirring, until the oats are caramelised – a couple of minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

To serve, scoop generously heaping mounds of the cream cheese mixture into four bowls. Add the poached apricot halves and sprinkle over the oats. Drizzle over a little of the warm poaching syrup and serve.

Thanks to the publisher for providing the recipe above and for offering two copies of this title to EYB Members in the US. EYB is offering one copy worldwide. One of the entry options is to answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post.

Which recipe in the index would you try first?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post and this forum post. Once you log in and enter your member name you will be directed to the next entry option – the blog comment. After that, there are additional options that you can complete for more entries. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on November 11th, 2019.

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193 Comments

  • Kristjudy  on  September 10, 2019

    Pork gryos

  • jmay42066  on  September 10, 2019

    Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road

  • catmommy9  on  September 10, 2019

    Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes

  • riley  on  September 10, 2019

    Pickle Philly steak nachos

  • matag  on  September 10, 2019

    Sausage, fennel and Greek yogurt pasta

  • lauriesk  on  September 10, 2019

    Blackened garlic soup

  • miggsy  on  September 10, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake!

  • ARackerby  on  September 10, 2019

    I am really into spelt right now so this would be what I would cook first: Spelt pancakes with whipped goat’s cheese, beetroot, radish and buckwheat

  • LeMinou  on  September 10, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • Emily Hope  on  September 11, 2019

    Jalapeño chicken burgers sound good to me!

  • ShirleyHarring  on  September 11, 2019

    Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes – yum!

  • Shelley.b  on  September 11, 2019

    Pickle philly steak nachos

  • GiovannaR  on  September 11, 2019

    Tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles…

  • NikkiPixie  on  September 11, 2019

    Plum, Earl Grey, and star anise cobbler …. because I have so many plums in my garden to use!!

  • ravensfan  on  September 11, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • vickster  on  September 11, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding

  • Curlyfatkins  on  September 11, 2019

    Saag halloumi

  • debakken  on  September 11, 2019

    Macaroni cheese frittata — intrigued by the title and ingredient list

  • lapsapchung  on  September 11, 2019

    Hot dog banh mi

  • mfl  on  September 11, 2019

    the abricot cheesecake

  • elizamatt  on  September 11, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake would be my first choice – I love cheesecake. 🙂

  • swayingoak  on  September 11, 2019

    Nachos!

  • etcjm  on  September 11, 2019

    Saag halloumi

  • kmn4  on  September 11, 2019

    Sour cherry and mahlab Welsh cakes

  • sarahawker  on  September 11, 2019

    Apple, panettone and caramelised walnut panzanella

  • Plumbobmummy  on  September 11, 2019

    Banana and pecan steamed puddings with whisky custard

  • calguire  on  September 11, 2019

    Tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles

  • NaomiH  on  September 11, 2019

    Japanese pancake (Okonomiyaki)

  • MarciK  on  September 11, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding

  • lean1  on  September 11, 2019

    Japanese pancake

  • jodie1131  on  September 11, 2019

    Blackened garlic soup

  • aminning  on  September 11, 2019

    Eritrean pancakes

  • JRumi  on  September 11, 2019

    Marinated hangar steak with creamed corn

  • demomcook  on  September 11, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding

  • hdh74  on  September 12, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • uk2nl  on  September 12, 2019

    Jalapeño chicken burgers with cheddar corn fritters

  • mph993  on  September 12, 2019

    Jalapeño chicken burgers with cheddar corn fritters

  • Siegal  on  September 12, 2019

    Mmm blackened garlic soup

  • Ishtar  on  September 12, 2019

    Saag halloumi

  • michelle666  on  September 12, 2019

    Blackened garlic soup

  • hbakke  on  September 12, 2019

    Corn chowder with ricotta and chilli lemon oil

  • camerashy131  on  September 12, 2019

    Breakfast bruschetta with confit tomatoes and garlic sounds delicious

  • debbiehb  on  September 12, 2019

    Chocolate olive oil mousse

  • lpatterson412  on  September 12, 2019

    Pork gyros!

  • Laura1  on  September 13, 2019

    Saag halloumi

  • gsugar  on  September 13, 2019

    Tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles

  • JenjiRM  on  September 13, 2019

    Saffron za’atar and lemon chicken kebabs

  • DJCross  on  September 13, 2019

    Smores Sundae

  • Pamyoungvb  on  September 13, 2019

    Marinated Flank Steak would be my husbands first recipe from this book. 🥩

  • kmwyman  on  September 13, 2019

    Sweet potato and harissa salad

  • Dendav  on  September 13, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • hrk  on  September 13, 2019

    Black tarka salad

  • JJWong  on  September 13, 2019

    I’d love to try the chocolate olive oil mousse.

  • trudys_person  on  September 14, 2019

    S’mores Sundae! I love anything marshmallow!

  • tcjanes  on  September 14, 2019

    Szechuan duck with rainbow chard and cashews.

  • Jojobuch  on  September 14, 2019

    Mushroom pho

  • Mtetpon  on  September 14, 2019

    Blackened Garlic soup

  • RSW  on  September 14, 2019

    Sour cherry and mahlab Welsh cakes

  • HArlow  on  September 14, 2019

    Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road sounds delicious

  • virjeania  on  September 14, 2019

    Apple, panettone and caramelised walnut panzanella

  • Blackeyedsusans  on  September 14, 2019

    Passionfruit Tiramisu

  • Lkitchings  on  September 14, 2019

    Chocolate olive oil mousse

  • Lora724  on  September 14, 2019

    We love rice pudding, the Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding for fall sounds delicious.

  • LaurenE  on  September 15, 2019

    Apricot whiskey and honey cheesecake

  • jamston  on  September 15, 2019

    Apple, panettone and caramelised walnut panzanella

  • Velvet_Queen17  on  September 15, 2019

    Golden rice and black lentil salad

  • luluf  on  September 15, 2019

    Burn butter, sage and blue cheese omelette sounds delicious

  • agreaves19  on  September 16, 2019

    Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road

  • maci234  on  September 16, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • bopper  on  September 16, 2019

    S’mores Sundae

  • chefthomas  on  September 16, 2019

    Passion fruit tiramisu

  • jenmatt  on  September 16, 2019

    Sour cherry and mahlab Welsh cakes

  • Isis1981uk  on  September 16, 2019

    The Jalapeño chicken burgers with cheddar corn fritters

  • GregH  on  September 16, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding

  • Sfgordon  on  September 17, 2019

    Passion fruit tiramisu

  • sequoia55  on  September 18, 2019

    Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes

  • jigglesfrog  on  September 18, 2019

    Butterscotch and pecan marshmallow popcorn bites

  • maggz1967  on  September 18, 2019

    Apricot whisky cheesecake sound bliss

  • popoff  on  September 19, 2019

    Banana and pecan steamed puddings with whisky custard

  • NancyLynn  on  September 19, 2019

    macaroni cheese fritatta

  • Shelmar  on  September 19, 2019

    Blackened Garlic Soup

  • bookmark77  on  September 20, 2019

    Banana and pecan steamed puddings with whisky custard

  • bookmark31  on  September 20, 2019

    Eritrean pancakes

  • leilx  on  September 20, 2019

    Sausage fennel and Greek yogurt pasta

  • bookmark58  on  September 20, 2019

    Japanese pancake

  • cellenly  on  September 20, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • Steben  on  September 20, 2019

    Pickle Philly steak nachos

  • LiseBise  on  September 20, 2019

    I love lamb and all things spicy… the sriracha and pomegranate lamb fits the bill!

  • Roosta  on  September 20, 2019

    Banana and pecan steamed puddings with whisky custard

  • ssnbawin  on  September 20, 2019

    Mushroom pho

  • HomespunHouse  on  September 21, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake

  • RickPearson54  on  September 21, 2019

    pork gyros

  • Judyfos  on  September 22, 2019

    Pickle Philly steak nachos

  • Sand9  on  September 22, 2019

    Apricot & Cardamon Upside Down Pudding x

  • fujirw  on  September 22, 2019

    I love hot dogs so would try the bang mi hot dog first!

  • tennyogirl  on  September 22, 2019

    Black pepper and basil vegetable stir-fry

  • lindaeatsherbooks  on  September 23, 2019

    Apple, panettone and caramelised walnut panzanella

  • Bsackssinger  on  September 23, 2019

    Saffron za’atar and lemon chicken kebabs

  • Love2ReadBooks2Day  on  September 23, 2019

    Sausage, fennel and Greek yogurt pasta

  • Emmydee  on  September 24, 2019

    Plum, Earl Grey & Star Anise Cobbler. Sounds delicious!

  • Emmydee  on  September 24, 2019

    Plum, Earl Grey & Star Anise Cobbler. Sounds delicious!

  • mpdeb98  on  September 24, 2019

    Apricot and cardamom upside-down pudding

  • ennsee  on  September 24, 2019

    I’d make Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes.

  • kmbrly69117  on  September 27, 2019

    Fishcake rosti

  • zeenie  on  September 28, 2019

    Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road

  • kennethjohngilmour  on  September 28, 2019

    saffron za’atar and lemon chicken kebabs found on page 44

  • PROUDITALIAN1973  on  September 28, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky & Honey Cheesecake.

  • SueJC  on  September 28, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • love2chow  on  September 28, 2019

    Indo-Chinese chilli paneer or brunch burritos

  • jezpurr  on  September 28, 2019

    Rhubarb and matcha Eton mess!!!^_^

  • EmilyR  on  September 29, 2019

    passion fruit tiramisu

  • lils74  on  September 29, 2019

    oooh, that blackened garlic soup!

  • ktcupcake  on  September 29, 2019

    Tahini and honey pancakes

  • Breeze81  on  September 29, 2019

    Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes sounds delicious

  • kathay708  on  September 29, 2019

    Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road!

  • silversand  on  September 30, 2019

    Squash, mushroom and amaretti panzanella

  • MaggieMaggieMae  on  October 1, 2019

    Plum, Earl Grey, and star anise cobbler

  • dbranigan27  on  October 2, 2019

    I would try the Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road.

  • ckeller  on  October 2, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • Chelle85  on  October 3, 2019

    Toffee apple and salted pretzel rocky road

  • Rosskat  on  October 4, 2019

    Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse.

  • AnnaZed  on  October 4, 2019

    Apple, panettone and caramelised walnut panzanella

  • t.t  on  October 5, 2019

    Saffron za’atar and lemon chicken kebabs

  • infotrop  on  October 5, 2019

    Tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles

  • hillsboroks  on  October 5, 2019

    Tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles.

  • jd5761  on  October 8, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding for me

  • ceejayen  on  October 9, 2019

    I love the sound of the Passion fruit tiramisu

  • kimbolarson  on  October 9, 2019

    Jalepeno chicken burgers with cheddar corn fritters! Yum!

  • Pizzacat13  on  October 10, 2019

    The Aubergine Katsu Curry

  • DesiKim  on  October 10, 2019

    Tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles

  • Aminata95  on  October 10, 2019

    Pickle Philly steak nachos

  • Livia  on  October 11, 2019

    Certainly the Fried eggs, potato rosti and infused maple syrup !

  • agale723  on  October 11, 2019

    Pork Gyros

  • Jjewett  on  October 11, 2019

    Monkfish and anise stew

  • luccio  on  October 11, 2019

    Apricot and cardamom upside-down pudding

  • Jesmondgirl  on  October 11, 2019

    I would like to try the lemon chicken and za’atar kebabs!

  • tcjanes  on  October 11, 2019

    Pork gyros.

  • Cathy55  on  October 11, 2019

    sriracha and pomegranate lamb with Beetroot tabbouleh

  • CookieMomster12  on  October 11, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake

  • ljsimmons  on  October 11, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake

  • KitKatCat  on  October 11, 2019

    Saffron za’atar and lemon chicken kebabs

  • jimpan3  on  October 12, 2019

    always looking for new recipes

  • LMedina  on  October 12, 2019

    So many sound great, but I think the first thing I would make is Jalapeño Chicken Burgers with Cheddar Corn Fritters. And who could resist Toffee Apple and Salted Pretzel Rocky Road?

  • pootle71  on  October 12, 2019

    Love the sound of the deconstructed cheesecake

  • chasteph  on  October 12, 2019

    Apricot whisky and honey cheesecake

  • fionajk42  on  October 12, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding

  • liasim  on  October 12, 2019

    Passion fruit tiramisu

  • BMeyer  on  October 12, 2019

    toffee apple

  • leroykm909  on  October 12, 2019

    YUM!

  • Nufcake  on  October 13, 2019

    Macaroni cheese frittata

  • cmagillespie  on  October 13, 2019

    Philly nachos

  • ella1912  on  October 15, 2019

    gyros

  • chasteph  on  October 16, 2019

    Apricot cheesecake

  • PaulaCheadle  on  October 18, 2019

    Apricot cheesecake sounds delish

  • lgroom  on  October 18, 2019

    Saag halloumi

  • verorenee  on  October 19, 2019

    tahini and miso salmon with soba noodles

  • Ingmarisalex  on  October 19, 2019

    Passion fruit tiramisu

  • sheridarby  on  October 19, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake

  • Karla123  on  October 20, 2019

    Black pepper and basil vegetable stir-fry!

  • HannahLI  on  October 20, 2019

    Blackened garlic soup

  • Emmaeng  on  October 20, 2019

    Jalapeño chicken burgers with cheddar corn fritters

  • sammii04  on  October 20, 2019

    I would love to try the Indo-Chinese chilli paneer!

  • andyszym  on  October 20, 2019

    Beef bulgogi with sushi rice

  • orchidlady01  on  October 21, 2019

    Beef bulgogi with sushi rice

  • seejayez  on  October 21, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake – I’ll ask for forgiveness later…

  • Arinelle  on  October 21, 2019

    Eritrean pancakes with lentil stew

  • Lauramcdaid29  on  October 22, 2019

    Blackened garlic soup

  • TheBlackLodge  on  October 22, 2019

    Apple and cardamom upside-down pudding

  • pluckypuddin  on  October 23, 2019

    Pumpkin spice latte rice pudding sounds amazing.

  • janinex  on  October 23, 2019

    Hot Chicken Caesar

  • Anthonygreen21  on  October 23, 2019

    Sausage fennel and Greek yogurt pasta

  • antpantsii  on  October 23, 2019

    Apricot and cardamom upside-down pudding

  • robyn297  on  October 23, 2019

    Pickle philly steak nachos

  • DimensionAEB  on  October 23, 2019

    I would like to try the Hot Chicken Caesar first

  • Blackeyedsusans  on  October 24, 2019

    Passionfruit Tiramisu

  • Joyceeong  on  October 26, 2019

    Black Pepper and Basil Vegetable Stir Fry

  • MeerkatSilverleaf  on  October 27, 2019

    Jalapeno chicken burgers with corn fritters

  • ktwalla  on  October 27, 2019

    Apricot and Cardamom Upside Down Pudding

  • dbielick  on  October 28, 2019

    Japanese pancake (Okonomiyaki)

  • aroshaliny  on  October 30, 2019

    I would love to try the Chorizo and membrillo grilled cheese French toast

  • NancyLynn  on  November 1, 2019

    asparagus tempura

  • lhudson  on  November 1, 2019

    Saltimbocca Stroganoff with pan-fried potatoes

  • JessHeilman  on  November 2, 2019

    Apricot cheesecake

  • banba1  on  November 2, 2019

    Sour cherry and mahlab Welsh cakes

  • Reebeeki  on  November 3, 2019

    Chocolate olive oil mousse

  • auntietina  on  November 4, 2019

    Sriracha and pomegranate lamb with beetroot tabbouleh

  • Bellroyd  on  November 4, 2019

    Apricot, Whisky and Honey Cheesecake!

  • vmsparrow  on  November 4, 2019

    Saltimbocca Stroganoff sounds goood

  • portkey  on  November 4, 2019

    Pork gyros

  • VeryVigario  on  November 6, 2019

    Jalapeño chicken burgers with cheddar corn fritters

  • v.t  on  November 9, 2019

    Hot chicken Caesar!

  • Salro  on  November 10, 2019

    Sweet and sour sprout and bacon curry page 83 sounds an interesting mix of flavours and very seasonal. Most of the recipes are an exciting addition to a bookshelf

  • starzine  on  November 12, 2019

    Butterscotch and pecan marshmallow popcorn bites.

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