Pepper Crusted Venison Steak & Dauphinoise Potatoes

Once boiling, add the potato slices to the water and simmer until just tender, 8-12 mins. TIP: The potatoes are cooked when you can easily slip a knife through them. Once cooked, reserve some of the potato cooking water (see ingredients for amount), then carefully drain in a colander. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Add half the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 secs. Then add the creme fraiche, chicken stock paste, reserved potato water and half the cheese. Mix together, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lay the cooked potato slices in layers in an appropriately sized ovenproof dish, then pour over the creamy mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake on the top shelf of your oven until golden brown and bubbly, 15-20 mins. TIP: Put the dish onto a baking tray to catch any drips. Meanwhile, to make the dressing pop the cider vinegar, walnuts and olive oil (see ingredients for amount) into a medium bowl. Mix, season with salt and pepper then set aside.

Clean your frying pan and return to medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. When hot, add the apple slices and stir-fry until softened, 5-6 mins. Once cooked, transfer to the bowl of dressing. Pop the (now empty) pan back on medium-high heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry until starting to char, 2-3 mins. Stir in the garlic, turn the heat down to medium and cook for 1 min. Then add a splash of water and immediately cover with a lid or some foil. Allow to cook until the beans are tender, 4-5 mins. Once cooked, transfer the beans to a small bowl and cover to keep warm.

Sprinkle the steaks with salt and the cracked black pepper, ensuring they are well coated. Return the (now empty) pan to medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. When hot, lay the steaks into the pan and brown for 1 min on all sides. Lower the heat slightly and cook for another 1 min on each side. TIP: Venison is best served rare but if you like it more well done, cook for another 2 mins on each side. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. The venison is safe to eat when the outside is browned. Once cooked, rest the steaks on a board loosely covered with foil.