Creamy Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

This really is one of my go to dishes. Super quick, easy as it comes, and it makes use of any leftovers you might have, or just the cheaper chicken cuts. Creme fraiche forms the basis of the sauce, it's an excellent go to for pasta dishes with its light and tangy flavour, and it won't curdle in the pan if you treat it well. The recipe is quite approximate, because this is all about using what you have. So use it as a base, and play it with it as you see fit. Creamy Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom Pasta Quick and easy midweek meal, whether you use leftovers or cook the chicken fresh 1 tbsp olive oil1 small onion (peeled and…

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Baked Chicken Leg with Chorizo, Beans, Pesto and Kale

This is truly one of the most surprising dishes you'll taste. The humble chicken leg, white beans, and much maligned kale, all brought together in a one pot. You would never expect the actual result in a million years. Crispy chicken skin, tender leg meat, layers of flavour, and a lovely creamy sauce. Most important of all, it's a quick to prepare one pot dish that you can stick in the oven and forget about whilst it cooks. A great family dish, and ideal for a rushed night midweek. Baked Chicken Leg with Chorizo, Beans, Pesto and Kale Quick easy one pot dish that tastes so rich you won't believe how little effort goes into it. Large Hob Casserole 4 Chicken Legs2…

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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…

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Read more about the article Leftover Lamb Shepherds Pie
Beautifully Golden Brown Leftover Lamb Shepherds Pie

Leftover Lamb Shepherds Pie

Slow roast lamb, especially at this time of year, is one of life's ultimate pleasures. But to do it right, you often need a large cut, meaning lot's of leftovers. So what's even better is using those up in this leftover lamb Shepherd's pie. Like so many things, it just tastes so much better second time round. The depth of flavour is really out of this world. With this recipe you can dice it, shred it, or mince it if you have the kit, whatever you prefer. The end result will still be something the whole family rushes to the table for. Leftover Shepherds Pie Slow roasted lamb used to create the ultimate in comfort food. Large casserole 600 g leftover roast…

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Chicken and Mushroom Pie

A perennial pub classic, the Chicken and Mushroom pie is always a family favourite. Tender, tasty chicken thighs, white wine, cream, and juicy mushrooms, all encased in a crispy and indulgent short crust pastry. You can make the component parts a day in advance, spreading out the whole affair to make it easier. And you can do the final assembly of the pie in the morning and stand in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to give twenty minutes at room temperature before it goes into the oven. That way you ensure that the filling can cook through properly, and the pastry won’t shock and shrink too much. Tastes even better reheated in the oven the next day!! Chicken…

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Read more about the article Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto
Super Tasty Pork Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto

Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto

Risotto is a fantastic midweek dish. Quick and easy to make, minimal preparation, and it's a great chance to use up on the left over veggies rolling around in the drawer. This version uses seasonal pumpkin, but adds a bit of a twist with the pork butchers sausages. But don't let that put you off, this one's an absolute winner. Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto Unctuous and smooth, a super tasty risotto that will taste like you've pulled out all the stops, rather than being the super cheap meal it is. large, heavy bottomed pansmall frying pan 8 butchers sausage2 tbsp olive oil2 small onions (finely chopped)400 g pumpkin (or butternut squash, chopped into 1cm cubes)2 small carrots (peeled, in half length wise,…

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Easy Coq au Vin with Potato and Celeriac Mash

Coq au Vin is the classic French chicken casserole. Rich and deeply flavoured, this version is a little lighter than the original and is super easy to make. What's even better, it's jam packed full of goodness, and because it uses thighs, easy on the pocket as well. And when you're picking up the thighs from us, you'll be able to find everything else you need next door, at Colyford Post Office and General Stores, including some great quality wines, perfect for this dish. Easy Coq au Vin with Potato and Celeriac Mash Easy to cook, quick to prepare and full of goodness, chicken thighs with red wine. Large casserole 1 tbsp olive oil100 g fat smoked bacon (roughly chopped)8 chicken thighs1…

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Classic Beef Stew

An absolute belter of a dish when the cold starts to bite, this dish is so quick and easy to prepare, letting the oven do all the cooking so you can get on with other things. Just as easy to prepare in a slow cooker as well, either for 4 hours on high, or 8 hours on low. A perennial family favourite. Classic Beef Stew A winter classic, braised beef with vegetables and gravy. 1 onion (chopped)2 celery sticks (chopped)2 tbsp olive oil3 carrots (chopped)300 g button mushrooms1 kg braising beef (diced)2 tbsp plain flour2 tbsp tomato puree2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp mushroom ketchup700 ml beef stock (stock pots work well)2 bay leaves3 sprigs thyme1 spring rosemary1 tbsp smoked paprika Fry the…

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Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb

This is an absolute classic at this time of year. Tender golden lamb, crispy potatoes and onions, and a delightful wine and redcurrant gravy to finish. And the beauty is that the oven does all the work, leaving you time to relax and prepare yourself for the big event... getting stuck in. Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb Golden tender shoulder of lamb, served with crisp onions and potatoes and a delightful wine and redcurrant gravy. 2.25 Kg Whole shoulder of lamb1 tbsp olive oil4 cloves garlic (crushed)2 large onions (peeled and cut into large chunks)1 kg Desiree potatoes (or Maris Peer, peeled and cut into thick slices)1.6 L lamb stock (stock pots work well for this recipe)45 g plain flour (three tablespoons)250…

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