Cheesy hammy eggy recipe

Ex-Navy officer Stefan began with a cryptically titled starter of slow-cooked ham hock, egg and cheesy hollandaise on Come Dine With Me Chichester

Serves 4

Ingredients

Oil, for frying
1 ham hock, soaked overnight in cold water
2 bottles good-quality cider
Few bay leaves
1 onion, halved
1 star anise
Few cloves garlic, reserve one for the bread
4 small eggs
4 thick slices granary bread
Homemade hollandaise sauce, with added strong cheddar
Thyme or chopped parsley leaves, to garnish

Method

Heat some oil in a large flameproof casserole until very hot, then brown the ham hock all over.
Add the cider, bay leaves, onion, star anise and garlic, then enough water to cover. Cover and simmer gently for at least 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Heat a saucepan of water and gently poach the eggs until set.
Toast the bread then cut lengthways, rub with garlic and drizzle with oil.
Pile the ham into the centre of the serving plates, and spoon some cooking liquor over. Sit an egg on top of each and drizzle with the cheesy sauce. Scatter with parsley or thyme and serve with the garlic crouton.

Please note this recipe is the contestant's own and has not been tested professionally. Like the Come Dine With Me contestants, you could be creating a culinary delight or dining disaster, so switch on your ovens and be bold.