Will Mellor's encouraging men to get involved in cooking this Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, millions of us are rushing around madly as we prepare for the biggest day of the year. But how many men would actually like to do Christmas differently and play a bigger part if given the chance? And what would they change if they had more control over festivities?
For men who would like to get more involved this Christmas and fancy putting their stamp on festivities this year (while earning some valuable brownie points at the same time!) help is at hand in the form of actor and family man Will Mellor.
Will has teamed up with Red Tractor beef and lamb to come up with a failsafe guide for even the most kitchen-phobic man to create ultimate, easy and delicious dishes that are quick to prepare and sure to impress friends and family over the Christmas period.
In the following video, learn how to whip up a Beef, Beer and Chestnut Pie
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 2½ hours
Ingredients:
450g/1lb lean boneless beef shin, cut into 2.5cm/1 inch cubes
30ml/2tbsp plain flour seasoned with salt and freshly milled black pepper
45ml/3tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil
1 red onion, peeled and sliced
100g/4oz vacuum packed whole peeled chestnuts, halved
300ml/½pint stout
150ml/¼pint good, hot beef stock
5ml/1tsp brown sugar
5ml/1tsp wholegrain mustard
1 bay leaf
For the Pot Pie Topping:
450g pack prepared puff pastry
1 egg, beaten
Method:
- Place the seasoned flour and seasoning into a large plastic food bag. Add the beef in batches and shake to coat.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the beef in stages for 4-5 minutes until brown on all sides. Spoon into a 1.2L/2pint ovenproof casserole dish suitable for the hob and oven.
- In the same frying pan fry the onions and chestnuts for 2-3 minutes. Spoon into the casserole dish with the beef.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, turn up the heat and boil then cover, turn down the heat and cook on the hob or in a preheated oven at Gas mark 3, 170°C, 325°F for 1½hours.
- Remove the casserole from the hob or oven and turn up the oven to
Gas mark 5, 190ºC, 350ºF.
- Remove the bay leaf and spoon into a 1.2L/2pint ovenproof pie dish.
- For the topping, roll out the pastry in a large square on a lightly floured surface to about the thickness of a pound coin. Cut the pastry lids large enough to cover the dish.
- Spoon the filling into the casserole dish, dampen the edges with water andcover the top with a pastry lid. Cut a small slit on top of the pastry for the steam to escape. Put the pie on a baking tray then brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden.
- Serve the pies with creamy mash and seasonal vegetables.
For more information visit - www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/christmas
Tagged in Will Mellor Christmas Food