Meatloaf

Another much loved comfort food staple, meatloaf is considered an 'all-American classic' but actually has a much longer history, with versions found in Roman cookery books. Meatloaf in it's present form is very much a northern European dish, but honestly, who cares when it's as good as this. The blend of breadcrumbs, yoghurt and eggs help to keep this version deliciously moist, and the addition of spinach with the honey Dijon really brings out all the meaty flavours. And don't forget, it tastes even better the following day reheated. Meatloaf One of the ultimate comfort dishes elevated to star status. Blended pork and beef, seasoned and flavoured to become a thing of beauty large frying panLarge bowlBaking sheet with rimGreaseproof paper 2…

Continue ReadingMeatloaf

Pulled Pork Tacos

Everyone loves pulled pork don't they? Especially when you can use the slow cooker to do all the work. And who doesn't love a taco? So bring them together and you get a family meal that everyone is going to love sharing. You can also make the pulled pork in advance and freeze it, meaning even less effort on the day. Pulled Pork Tacos A quick and easy take on pulled pork, with everything thrown in the slow cooker, that's great with tacos and sauces 1.5 kg pork shoulder (boned with rind removed)3 cloves garlic (peeled and sliced)2 tbsp tomato puree2 tbsp chipotle chilli powder2 tsp sweet smoked paprika1 tsp ground coriander1 tsp ground cumin2 tsp dried oregano.5 tsp fresh grated nutmeg30…

Continue ReadingPulled Pork Tacos
Read more about the article Bubble and Squeak with Parsley Sauce
Golden Bubble and Squeak, Thick Cut Gammon Ham, Poached Eggs and a Parsley and Cheddar Sauce

Bubble and Squeak with Parsley Sauce

Is Bubble and Squeak the ultimate in leftovers food? It should certainly be right up there, and really comes into it's own at Christmas, as it's a great way of using up leftover mash, sprouts and other vegetables. Originally a dish of beef and cabbage, it's morphed over time to suit our needs, so ignore anyone who says that a particular recipe should be followed, or that only certain ingredients work. Feel free to add in cold roast potatoes (the crunch is one of the best bits about this dish), or to use lardons or bacon in the pan to add to the flavour. Great on it's own, this is also the ideal foil to cold leftover meats like ham, turkey or…

Continue ReadingBubble and Squeak with Parsley Sauce

Pork Casserole with Dill Dumplings

As winter well and truly hits, what better way to keep the chills at bay than a warming pork casserole. Add in some fluffy dumplings, and you're talking next level comfort food. This recipe is designed for the oven, but you can easily adjust for the slow cooker. The main cook will take 6 hours on high, or 8 hours on low, with perhaps another 30-45 minutes to finish the dumplings. Pork Casserole with Dill Dumplings A great dish for a midweek family meal. Tasty pork shoulder and vegetables, flavoured with mustard, herbs and cider vinegar to create the ultimate winter warmer Large casserole dish 2 tbsp olive oil900 g pork shoulder (but into large chunks)1 large onion (peeled and chopped)1 medium…

Continue ReadingPork Casserole with Dill Dumplings

Italian Meatballs with Tagliatelle and Tomato and Basil Sauce

As winter starts to bite, it's all to easy to forget just how comforting and warming a bowl of fresh pasta can be. This American Italian classic is loved by children and adults alike and will really hit the spot on cold evenings. Quick and easy to prepare, it really is worth making your own meatballs, which can be done well in advance. Shop bought meatballs tend to be designed for more robust dishes, when what you're really after here are small delicate bites. Using a blend of pork and beef also gives an extra dimension of flavour, with the pork fat adding a delicious creaminess alongside the cheese. Italian Meatballs with Tagliatelle and Tomato and Basil Sauce Italian Pork and Beef…

Continue ReadingItalian Meatballs with Tagliatelle and Tomato and Basil Sauce

Stir Fry Udon Noodles with Char Siu Pork

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a meaty stir fry. Lashings of flavour, quick and easy to cook, and far healthier than most takeaway meals. This version uses thick udon noodles for more bite, especially tasty in the wholewheat versions. Char siu pork is such a fantastic dish, and far easier to replicate at home than more people realise. Although often served in buns or as part of a rice dish, it makes a great add to a stir fry. Stir Fry Udon Noodles with Char Siu Pork Thick noodles, fresh vegetables and succulent pork belly in a tasty hoi sin sauce 700 g pork belly (remove the skin but keep the fat)3 star anise2 tsp Chinese five spice powder4 cloves garlic60…

Continue ReadingStir Fry Udon Noodles with Char Siu Pork

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

With the shorter days, and the run up to Christmas, we're all looking for a family dinner that's easy to prepare, and even easier on the pocket, and will have everyone lining up for seconds. Look no further than this super easy slow cooker recipe for Chilli Con Carne. It feels super luxurious if cooked with the diced meats, and the combination of beef and pork gives a real depth of flavour, but you can easily swap it around and use just the one meat. Plus, it works just as well with minced beef or pork, just reduce the cooking times by 10%. If you use minced pork, you should leave it to rest for 10 minutes once cooked, and skim any…

Continue ReadingSlow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Chilli Pork Chop with Pasta Arrabbiata

This is such a quick and easy dinner choice, half an hour from start to finish, and it's just what you need on a cold autumnal evening. It's so simple, so it's absolutely critical that you have the very finest ingredients. None of your supermarket flimsy pork chops here! Chilli Pork Chop with Arrabiata Pasta 4 pork chops (thick cut)6 tbsp olive oil1 small onion (finely chopped)2 tbsp dried, flaked chillies (finely sliced)2 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)1 bunch basil leaves1 tin chopped tomatoes1 small cartoon passata400 g fresh or dried penne pasta100 g parmesan shavings In a large saucepan, heat 2 tbsps. of oil, and then gently fry the onion until translucent. Add one tbsp. of the chilli flakes, and the…

Continue ReadingChilli Pork Chop with Pasta Arrabbiata
Read more about the article Winter Warming Cassoulet
Winter Warming Cassoulet

Winter Warming Cassoulet

There are few dishes that touch the soul in quite the way that Cassoulet does. A rich, slow cooked casserole of pork, duck, sausage and beans originating in southern France, there's no better way to chase away the cold than to get this in the oven, sit back with the tipple of your choice, and await for this bubbling vat of beans and meat to be ready. Cassoulet A deceptively simple dish, this hearty and warming dish is an autumnal classic Large casserole dishOven 2 400g tinned cannellini beans1 medium ham hock (skin on)500 g pork belly4 Cumberland sausages100 g streaky bacon (chopped)2 confit duck legs (with fat (or chicken thighs for a lighter dish))2 medium onions (peeled, roughly chopped)1 head garlic…

Continue ReadingWinter Warming Cassoulet