The Michelin-starred chef, famous as the angry young man of the kitchen, reveals how to finish a meal in style with some exciting desserts

It's usually not too difficult to picture the tempestuous chef Gordon Ramsay as a football player - indeed, he began his career at the age of 17 playing for Glasgow Rangers. His aggressive, no-nonsense approach to his work seems as suited to the soccer pitch as it does the hottest kitchens in London.

With the publication of Just Desserts in 2001, Gordon revealed what could be considered his lighter, sweeter side. From jellies and fruit salads to soufflés and crêpes, Just Desserts shows what happens when a master chef - no matter how irritable and strict - turns his hand to the notoriously tricky topic of desserts.

Gordon's angry persona has intrigued audiences in television series such as the no-holds-barred fly-on-the-wall documentary series Boiling Point, in which he regularly lost his temper with his staff, and in Kitchen Nightmares, where he tries to turn ailing restaurants into top-notch eating destinations.

Chouxing star
But one thing should not be overlooked: Ramsay happens to be one the greatest chefs in the world. His restaurant Gordon Ramsay has three Michelin stars, Gordon Ramsay at Claridges was named Tatler 2002 Best Restaurant and his Boxwood Café combines tradition and relaxed service at the chic Berkeley hotel. He launched his protégée Angela Hartnett at The Connaught hotel's MENU and The Grill, which earned a Michelin star in 2004. (Try some of Angela's tasty tapas recipes.)

Okay, so Ramsay famously kicked Joan Collins out of his restaurant, and said of Ainsley Harriott: 'He's not chef, he's a f***ing comedian.' But when you're as celebrated and talented as Gordon, you can get away with such things.

'I would say that 95 per cent of the customers at my restaurant in Chelsea choose a dessert,' says Gordon, 'a staggering figure… I take my dessert skills as seriously as I do all my cooking… I encourage you to master a few classics. After all, desserts are pure pleasure. Enjoy.'

Try some of Gordon's dessert recipes:

• Baked Apples with Peppercorns
• Baguette and Butter Pudding Laced with Baileys
• Deep-dish Autumn Fruit Pie
• Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Caramelised Hazelnut Chocolate Clusters

Gordon Ramsay's Just Desserts (Quadrille, £25) is available from www.amazon.co.uk