Showing posts with label Chicken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicken. Show all posts

Wednesday 2 October 2024

Make your very own easy-peasy Italian-Mexican-Indian-British tortilla wrap in minutes!

You too can make your very own easy-peasy Italian-Mexican-Indian-British tortilla wrap in minutes! And I'm going to tell you how.

First, take a tortilla wrap and oil it with ghee, butter or vegetable margarine, olive oil, or rapeseed oil. In fact Borderfield's British Rapeseed oils are excellent for this. Especially their delicious spray oils. Trust me. You won't know how you coped before you buy Borderfields!

Spread it with humus or a similar paste.

Next spread a thin level of tomato puree or tomato sauce over it.

Then shred ham, chicken, any other type of cooked meat that takes your fancy, or a vegetarian alternative. Squeaky Bean products are ideal.

Next add a good layer of grated or sliced cheese dairy or otherwise, it really is up to you.

Sprinkle with cumin, turmeric, a little bit of salt, a good deal of pepper (ground black is awesome!) and some Italian seasoning.

Roll it up tightly and then microwave it for two to three minutes.

It'll be piping hot, as they say, so whatever you do, don't burn your mouth on it! 

You are then the owner of an Italian-Mexican-Indian-British feast on a plate. Enjoy it!

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

https://borderfields.co.uk

Tuesday 2 July 2024

Mastering the Perfect Roast


Roasting meat to perfection is both an art and a science. Whether it's a Sunday roast or a festive feast, achieving the perfect roast requires the right techniques, the finest ingredients, and a touch of patience. 

Here’s your guide to mastering the perfect roast.

Choosing the Right Meat

The foundation of a great roast begins with selecting high-quality meat. Here are some popular choices:

Beef: Opt for a rib roast, sirloin, or fillet. Ensure it has a good marbling of fat for flavour.

Lamb: A leg or shoulder of lamb is ideal for roasting.

Pork: Choose a loin or shoulder joint, preferably with the rind on for that perfect crackling.

Chicken: A free-range whole chicken provides the best flavour and texture.

Preparation is Key

1. Seasoning

Generously season your meat with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. For additional flavour, consider using herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic.

2. Room Temperature

Take the meat out of the fridge about an hour before roasting to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.


The Perfect Roast Beef

Ingredients:

2kg rib of beef

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 sprigs of rosemary

Method:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C)/425°F/gas mark 7.

Prepare the Meat: Rub the beef with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.

Searing: In a hot pan, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This locks in the juices.

Roasting: Place the beef in a roasting tin. Roast for 20 minutes at the high temperature, then reduce to 180°C (fan 160°C)/350°F/gas mark 4 and continue roasting. Calculate cooking time: for medium-rare, roast for 15 minutes per 450g plus 15 minutes.

Resting: Remove from the oven and cover with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender.


The Perfect Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

1.5kg free-range chicken

1 lemon, halved

4 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fresh thyme

Method:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 200°C (fan 180°C)/400°F/gas mark 6.

Prepare the Chicken: Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and garlic. Rub the skin with butter, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Roasting: Place the chicken in a roasting tin. Roast for 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes.

Basting: Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking.

Resting: Once cooked, cover with foil and rest for 15 minutes before carving.


Achieving Perfect Crackling on Roast Pork

Ingredients:

2kg pork shoulder with rind

Sea salt

Olive oil

Method:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 240°C (fan 220°C)/475°F/gas mark 9.

Prepare the Pork: Score the rind with a sharp knife. Rub with olive oil and a generous amount of sea salt.

Roasting: Roast at the high temperature for 30 minutes. Reduce to 180°C (fan 160°C)/350°F/gas mark 4 and continue roasting for 25 minutes per 450g plus 25 minutes.

Resting: Rest the meat under foil for 20 minutes before serving.

Accompaniments

A perfect roast isn’t complete without its accompaniments. Here are a few classic British sides:

Yorkshire Puddings: Light and fluffy, these are a must with roast beef.

Roast Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Parboil, shake in the pan to rough up the edges, and roast in hot oil or fat.

Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are traditional choices. Roast with a drizzle of honey and thyme.

Gravy: Made from the meat's roasting juices, thickened with a bit of flour and enhanced with stock.

Final Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer: For precision, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. For beef: 50°C for rare, 60°C for medium, and 70°C for well done.

Rest the Meat: Always rest your meat after roasting to ensure it stays juicy.

Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish.

Mastering the perfect roast takes practice, but with these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable meal every time. Happy roasting!

Wednesday 5 June 2024

Celebrate National Barbecue Week: The Joy of Grilling and Barbecue

As the aroma of sizzling meats and charred vegetables wafts through the air, it can only mean one thing: National Barbecue Week is upon us! 

This beloved annual event is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, gather loved ones, and indulge in the quintessential summer experience. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, there’s something magical about cooking outdoors that brings people together. So, let’s don our aprons, sharpen our tongs, and delve into the delightful world of grilling and barbecue, British style.

The Great British Barbecue: A Tradition of Togetherness

In Britain, barbecuing is more than just a method of cooking; it's a cherished social activity that epitomises the essence of summer. From lush garden parties to beachside cookouts, the barbecue is a staple of our outdoor gatherings. The beauty of barbecuing lies in its simplicity: a warm summer day, good company, and delicious food. It’s an opportunity to unwind, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Grilling vs. Barbecue: What’s the Difference?

Before we get into tips and recipes, let’s clear up a common misconception: the difference between grilling and barbecue. In Britain, the terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct cooking methods.

Grilling: This involves cooking food quickly at high temperatures directly over the heat source. It’s perfect for sausages, burgers, steaks, and vegetables.

Barbecue: This refers to cooking food slowly over indirect heat, often with the addition of wood smoke for flavour. It’s ideal for larger cuts of meat like ribs, brisket, and pork shoulders, which benefit from the low-and-slow cooking process.

Essential Equipment for a Successful Barbecue

To ensure your barbecue is a roaring success, it’s crucial to have the right equipment. Here’s a checklist of must-have items for any British barbecuer:

Barbecue Grill: Whether you prefer a charcoal grill for that authentic smoky flavour or a gas grill for convenience, make sure it’s sturdy and reliable.

Charcoal or Gas: Charcoal adds a distinct taste to your food, while gas provides better temperature control. Choose based on your preference and experience.

Grill Tools: Invest in a good set of tongs, a spatula, a basting brush, and a meat thermometer. These tools will make your grilling experience smoother and safer.

Fuel and Fire Starters: For charcoal grills, have a bag of high-quality charcoal and some natural fire starters on hand. For gas grills, ensure your propane tank is full.

Cleaning Supplies: A wire brush for cleaning the grill grates, and some soapy water for wiping down surfaces, will keep your barbecue in top shape.

Tips for Perfect Grilling

Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent food from sticking.

Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.

Marinate and Season: Marinate meats for at least a few hours to enhance flavour and tenderness. Season generously with salt and pepper just before grilling.

Monitor the Heat: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Here are some general guidelines:

Beef steaks: Medium-rare at 55°C (130°F), medium at 60°C (140°F)

Chicken: 74°C (165°F)

Pork: 63°C (145°F)

Fish: 60°C (140°F)

Let It Rest: Allow grilled meats to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and enhances flavour.

Mouth-Watering Recipes to Try

To help you get started, here are a few classic British barbecue recipes:

1. Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary.

Method: Marinate the drumsticks in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary for at least 2 hours. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

2. Classic Beef Burgers

Ingredients: Minced beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Method: Mix minced beef with finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Shape into patties and grill over high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.

3. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients: Bell peppers, courgettes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Method: Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat until tender and slightly charred.

Celebrate Safely

While enjoying your barbecue, remember to follow safety guidelines:

Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage flare-ups.

Never leave the grill unattended.

Ensure your grill is placed on a stable, non-flammable surface away from any structures or overhanging branches.

Conclusion

National Barbecue Week is a fantastic opportunity to embrace the joys of outdoor cooking. Whether you’re grilling up a quick weekday meal or embarking on an all-day barbecue adventure, the key is to enjoy the process and savour the flavours. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and celebrate the great British barbecue tradition. Happy grilling!

And don't forget your Tracklement sauces, mustards and dips! But especially look out for their new Special Edition zingy burger sauce! 

https://www.tracklements.co.uk/product/special-edition-zingy-burger-sauce-290g

Thursday 22 February 2024

Winging their way to you: Sauce Shop Launches Nationwide Delivery Concept Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® in Partnership With Sessions

Sauce Shop, the popular and award-winning British craft sauce brand, has partnered with Sessions, the Growth Platform for original food brands, to launch an exclusive delivery concept, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop®. 

This innovative partnership marks Sauce Shop's first foray into delivery-only operations, strategically tapping into the growing UK foodservice delivery market.

Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® is set to debut on February 20th, available on leading delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The menu, exclusively designed around Sauce Shop's exceptional range of products, features crispy fried wings, buttermilk fried tenders, chicken burgers and more, all made using, or served with, Sauce Shop sauces, including the 3-star Great Taste Award-winning Buffalo Hot Sauce.

Inspired by Sauce Shop's triumphs in the foodservice sector, Tenders & Wings, available from over 50 dark kitchens across the nation, aspires to deliver an outstanding 20,000 meals every week by April. With an anticipated surge in user penetration in meal delivery, expected to surpass 33% by 2027 (Statista, 2022), it highlights a significant market potential for Sauce Shop's latest exciting venture.

After supplying the hospitality industry with sauces and seasonings for almost a decade, Sauce Shop has built a reputation for uncompromising quality and flavour. The range is produced without artificial preservatives or additives, delivering an authentic taste that resonates with chefs and culinary professional and foodies. The brand's mission, centred on making great tasting sauces accessible to all, aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of consumers in the dynamic meal delivery landscape.

“We're really thrilled to announce our new food delivery menu. Having been suppliers to the hospitality industry for the best part of a decade, it's genuinely exciting to introduce a food menu that embodies the essence of Sauce Shop. Knowing that our fans appreciate a good serving of fried chicken, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop is set to exceed their expectations” says Pam Digva, Co-Founder of Sauce Shop.

Dan Warne, Founder and CEO of Sessions said: "We have always believed in partnering with fresh talent, brands and creators to scale original food concepts, and our latest partnership with Sauce Shop® is a real testament to that.”

Sauce Shop is readily available at major retailers and local suppliers making it a convenient choice for chefs and establishments.

www.sauceshop.co

Wednesday 30 August 2023

Aldi's Fake-away range beats Nando's!

Clever shoppers who love Aldi's bargains now have even more reasons to shop at Aldi, as they can enjoy a full Nando’s inspired range of CHEEKY starters, mains, sides, and sauces including a Wing Roulette, Mighty Peas, Peri Peri Mayo and more from 5th September onwards.

Aldi has revealed a stupendous new peri-peri chicken range to rival juicy high street favourite Nando’s. 

Launching on Tuesday 5th September, shoppers are certain to get peri hot under the collar as the selection includes everything from lemon and herb chicken thighs to scorchingly hot chicken breast sizzlers for the ultimate fake-away feast. What’s more, the range will be the first ever launch to trigger a full branded takeover of the fresh meat specials fixtures across all Aldi stores.

Aldi’s NEW Rooster’s Half Chicken Lemon and Herb (£3.99, 900g) is a deliciously, zesty dish featuring a succulent breast and leg marinated in a delightful and delicious blend of lemon, herbs, and spices. Also available in a medium heat setting(!) for those seeking a little bit more of a kick. What’s more, shoppers can save 54% compared to Nando’s prices.

Need to turn up the heat a little bit? Aldi will have you covered with a purse-friendly alternative to the popular Nando’s Butterfly Chicken. The NEW Chicken Breast Sizzlers (£3.69, 400g) come with a sizzling Hot Peri-Peri sauce. It's also available in lemon & herb recipe for those with more timid taste buds.

Or why not sink your gnashers into Aldi’s NEW Rooster’s Thigh Fillets Medium Peri Peri (£3.29, 360g)? It's an absolutely delectable combination of tender, juicy chicken thigh served with a special signature spice blend, packing just the right amount of heat to tickle your taste buds. Also available in Lemon & Herb, too.

Are you perhaps feeling braver? Well, why not walk into the wing of fire with the Wing Roulette (£4.99, 1.1kg), a lucky dip of marinated chicken wings with spice levels that vary from mild to insanely hot. Put your taste buds to the test and see if you can handle the heat!

Pair your choice of chicken with a massive host of sides inspired by Nando’s classics like: Spicy Rice (1.99, 300g), Mighty Peas (£1.99, 250g), Corn on the Cob (£1.99, 255g), Peri Peri Seasoned Fries (£1.49, 255g) and Rainbow Slaw (£0.79, 300g).

If that’s not saucy enough, try Aldi’s Peri Peri Mayo (£0.99, 170g) blending peri-peri chili spice and creamy mayonnaise, adding a vibrant and tangy kick to any dish.

But it doesn’t end there! Those looking for an alternative to meat, need look no further than Aldi, because Aldi has introduced its brand-new Plant Menu Peri Peri No Chicken (£1.99, 240g). Perfect for vegetarians, these plant-based alternatives will have even the biggest chicken fans guessing.

Aldi Rooster’s Breast Sizzlers, Peri Peri Seasoned Fries and Mighty Peas

£7.17

NANDO’S

Nando’s Meal Main with two sides (Butterfly Chicken with PERI-Salted Chips and Macho Peas

£14.20

SAVINGS: £7.03 (50%)

Aldi’s full NEW cheeky Nando’s inspired range includes:

Starters

Houmous with Peri Drizzle (99p, 150g)

Olives (£1.69, 120g)

Mains

Rooster’s Half Chicken Lemon and Herb/Medium Peri-Peri (£3.99, 900g)

Rooster’s Thigh Fillets Lemon and Herb/Medium Peri-Peri (£3.29, 360g)

Rooster’s Breast Sizzlers Lemon and Herb/Medium/Hot Peri-Peri (£3.69, 400g)

Rooster’s Wing Roulette (£4.99, 1.1kg)

Plant Menu Peri-Peri No Chicken (£1.99, 240g)

Sides

Spicy Rice (£1.99, 280g)

Mighty Peas (£1.99, 300g)

Spicy Corn on the Cob (£1.99, 255g)

Mini Garlic Bread (£1.29, 145g)

Peri Peri Seasoned Fries (£1.49, 255g)

Rainbow Slaw (£0.79, 180g)

Coleslaw (79p, 180g)

Sauces

Peri Peri Mayo (£0.99, 150g)

Aldi’s new fakeaway range will be available in store and via Click & Collect from Tuesday 5th September.

www.aldi.co.uk

Saturday 22 April 2023

Sainsbury’s is now trayless with its whole chickens, saving over 10 million pieces of plastic a year

Sainsbury’s has announced that its by Sainsbury’s whole chicken range is now totally trayless, after the retailer removed single-use plastic trays from its packaging. Using a minimum of 50% less plastic, the change is estimated to save some 140 tonnes of plastic annually.

The trayless products are available in all stores across the UK and online, helping to reduce the amount of single-use plastic customers have to dispose of at home. The change affects five products in total, including all by Sainsbury’s whole chickens ranging from extra small to extra-large sizes.

Also, the film packaging can still be recycled at one of Sainsbury’s front-of-store flexible plastics recycling points (available at all Sainsbury’s UK supermarkets).

The move is the latest in a string of plastic reductions as part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to halve its use of own brand plastic packaging by 2025. Last month, the retailer removed single-use plastic lids from its own brand dip pots, including household favourites including guacamole, tzatziki and sour cream and chive dip.

As part of its wider sustainability commitments, Sainsbury’s is also dedicated to protecting animal welfare across its supply chains. In March, Sainsbury’s made improvements to its chicken welfare standards, by moving all its fresh and frozen own brand by Sainsbury’s chicken to a lower stocking density. The move means its chickens now have 20% more space than the Red Tractor UK industry standard.

The retailer has also introduced more enrichment bales, pecking objects and platforms for perching, giving its chickens the freedom to express their natural behaviours, helping them live happier and healthier lives.