I need some advice regarding the making of Pasta Bake and Lasagne.

I've looked at recipes for Lasagne, and also on the instructions for Pasta Bake, and towards the end of the recipe they both say to 'grate your favourite cheese' over the top before placing into the oven.

My problem is that my favourite cheese is not available in the UK, it's a very rare Alapaca milk cheese that I tried once in Bolivia. I can't even use my second favourite cheese, matured Brie, because it is too soft to grate.

I've been tempted to use something like Cheddar or Red Leicester but although I am quite fond of them feel that this is probably cheating because they are not my number 1 favourite. A friend of mine said I should give it a go with medium cheddar but I just thought it was too much of a risk and that I might get in trouble.

I think you are taking the recipe a little more literally than you need to...

Brilliant, did you write for the Fast Show?

Mmmm its a difficult one is this......if I was you I would 'pretend' and just use Cheddar or Red Leicester, just 'pretend' when making these recipes that they are you're favourite cheeses.

Good luck OP and let us know how you get on

After a crappy day this has made me smile

lol

If I did, we'd be discussing Monkfish.

I gave this a go on Saturday night with medium cheddar and was pleasantly surprised, it turned out very well. I don't think using cheddar was 'in general' the real issue though. It was always going to turn out pretty well as cheddar is probably the favourite cheese of many people.

My issue is now the worry that I broke the rules by not using my own 'favourite cheese' as directed in the clear and explicit instructions. I'm sure that Homepride must have their own compliance section that come down hard on people that break the rules like I have. Does anyone know if I'm likely to receive a warning for what is, in essence, a first offence or am I likely to be in deeper water?

As you can see from the above post I took your advice but now I'm shitting myself in case they find out.

Don't worry Paulie no-one will ever find out, our lips are sealed

They are likely to come down on you like a ton of bricks, Paulie, but what did you expect when you chose to blatantly disregard the recipe instructions? I'd consult a lawyer, pronto. Don't let the Homepride people into your home. Be on the lookout for funny-looking little men in bowler hats.

Just steer clear of Gregg Wallace - the man's a drama queen and a pedant!

How did a greengrocer ever get to be preaching to people about food anyway???

"This week I have been mostly eating very rare Alapaca milk cheese that I tried once in Bolivia."