Read more about the article BBQ Pit Beans

BBQ Pit Beans

Who doesn't loved a good baked bean? And whilst here in the UK we might have a soft spot for a certain tinned variety, there's nothing so wonderful as a BBQ side than a good dish of homemade pit beans. Full of smokey spices and seasonings, whilst this is at it's sublime best cooked low and slow in a smoker BBQ, it's well worth making even if you cook it in the oven. And other than the long cook time, it's simplicity itself. A quick sweat of the onions, then throw everything in the pan and let it cook (albeit with the occasionally stir). If you're smoking large joints at the same time, then don't forget that pit beans make a great…

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Read more about the article BBQ Pit Beans

BBQ Pit Beans

Who doesn't loved a good baked bean? And whilst here in the UK we might have a soft spot for a certain tinned variety, there's nothing so wonderful as a BBQ side than a good dish of homemade pit beans. Full of smokey spices and seasonings, whilst this is at it's sublime best cooked low and slow in a smoker BBQ, it's well worth making even if you cook it in the oven. And other than the long cook time, it's simplicity itself. A quick sweat of the onions, then throw everything in the pan and let it cook (albeit with the occasionally stir). If you're smoking large joints at the same time, then don't forget that pit beans make a great…

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Read more about the article Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a fantastic ingredient, bringing lots of colour and vibrancy to the mix when seasonal ingredients are quite low on the ground. Full of vitamin C and beta-carotene, it's also great for the immune system just when you need it. This side is fantastic with a wintry roast dinner, or as an alternative to chips! Roasted Butternut Squash Colourful and tasty, great with a roast, or instead of chips non stick baking tray 1 large butternut squash4 tbsp olive oil3 sprigs thymesalt and pepper Cut the squash down the middle lengthways, and then cut each half again to give four quarters. Using a large spoon, scope the seeds from the bottom ends.Preheat oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6.Cut…

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Read more about the article Lemon and Parsley Green Beans

Lemon and Parsley Green Beans

A classic side dish that's also incredibly versatile. Great with a Sunday Roast, but just as good with a juicy steak and some triple cooked chips. Or what about that summer BBQ, served cold with creamy potato salad? Lemon and Parsley Green Beans Simple but bursting with spring flavours Large saucepanlarge frying pan 650 g fine green beans75 g unsalted butter3 cloves garlic (peeled and finely diced)2 tbsp flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)1 large lemon (zest and juice)salt and pepper Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add a little salt, and then cook the beans for 3-5 minutes, until bright green and tenderPlunge into cold water, then drain.Heat the frying pan over a medium heat, then add in…

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Read more about the article Balsamic Glazed Red Onions

Balsamic Glazed Red Onions

Fantastically easy, packs a proper taste punch, and great with a Sunday Roast or a summer BBQ. Balsamic Glazed Red Onions Stunning side dish that elevates the humble onion to star status 6 medium red onions (cut in half and peeled)400 ml cider vinegar3 tbsp olive oil4 tbsp balsamic vinegar2 tbsp runny honeysalt and pepper (to taste) Place the onion halves into a glass bowl and cover with the cider vinegar. Soak for one hour.Preheat oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6.Drain the onions, retaining 100ml of the vinegar in a pan with the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil over a high heat, and simmer for approx 10 minutes, until just starting to thicken.Place the onions in a…

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Read more about the article Chimichurri Sauce
Flank steak with sweet potato fries and Chimichurri sauce

Chimichurri Sauce

Is this an authentic recipe? Probably not, there are hundreds of variations as this is one of those recipes that everyone tweaks to their own personal taste. It's so easy to do, that I'm sure you'll soon have your own version as well. Chimichurri Sauce A classic South American sauce, packed full of fresh and zingy flavours, and a great accompaniment to steaks and bbqs 120 ml extra virgin olive oil2 tbsp red wine vinegar20 g fresh coriander, washed20 g fresh parsley, washed (finely chopped)2 small red chillies (deseeded and finely chopped)1 tsp dried oreganosalt and pepper to taste1 shallot (peeled and finely chopped)2 cloves garlic (peeled and finely chopped) Ideally you should hand prepare and chop all of the ingredients, as…

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Read more about the article Easy Peppercorn Sauce
Peppercorn Sauce

Easy Peppercorn Sauce

The classic steakhouse sauce. Creamy, full of flavour, and with the wonderful peppery kick. This version is super quick to make, and is ideally made whilst your steaks are resting. Easy Peppercorn Sauce One of the best steak sauces, this is super simple to cook whilst your steaks are resting. 85 ml brandy or cognac1 rich beef stockpot100 ml cold water150 ml double cream30 g unsalted butter3 tsp coarsely crushed/ground black peppercorns If cooking steaks, remove from the frying or saute pan once cooked, and set aside to rest. Deglaze the pan with the brandy, using your wooden spoon or spatula to make sure that you have all the bits off the bottom of the pan. Add in the remaining ingredients, and…

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Read more about the article Homemade Onion Rings
Triple Cooked Chips served with Rib Eye steak, onion rings and tomatoes

Homemade Onion Rings

A classic side with steaks, as well as a great snack on it's own with friends and drinks. This version uses a beer batter for crisp and golden brown results. Homemade Onion Rings An ideal side, or a great snack whilst drinking a beer or two 250 g plain flour2 tsp sweet smoked paprika1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp salt1 tsp ground white pepper1 tin beer of your choice (approx 340 ml)vegetable oil for frying3 large onions In a large bowl, mix together 200g of the flour with the spices. Whisk in the beer, so that the mixture is reasonably thick, but slides off the whisk when held above the bowl. Add a little water if too thick, a little more flour if…

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Chunky Oven Chips

Chunky Oven Chips Healthy and tasty chips, without the deep frying 4 large potatoes, Maris Piper or Desiree (approx 1kg)2 tbsp oil, vegetable, olive or groundnutsalt for seasoning Peel the potatoes, then cut into large chips. Rinse under cold running water until they run clear, then blanch in a large pan of boiling water for three minutes. Drain well, and cool on a large tray until they stop steaming, then chill in the fridge for approx 30 minutes.Heat the over to it's highest possible setting, ideally about 250C, 230C fan, gas mark 9. Preheat a large, lipped, baking tray. Put the chips into a bowl, drizzle with the oil, and toss them around until well coated, then season well. Turn onto the…

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Read more about the article Deep Fried Triple Cooked Chips
Triple Cooked Chips served with Rib Eye steak, onion rings and tomatoes

Deep Fried Triple Cooked Chips

Who doesn't love a proper deep fried chip? Obviously we all know we need to be careful how often we indulge ourselves, but it really is the perfect side to a special occasion steak, a crispy meat pie, or simply on their own with a sauce for dipping! Deep Fried Triple Cooked Chips The classic deep fried chip, and still the best 4 large potatoes, such as Maris Piper (approx 1kg in weight)sunflower oil (for frying in fryer)beef dripping (optional)salt to season Peel the potatoes, then cut into thick chips. Rinse the chips under cold running water until it runs clear to remove starch.Add the chips to a saucepan of cold water, seasoned with salt, then bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer…

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