SIMON WOOD’S FAMILY BBQ: VIMTO SWEET & SOUR HANGER STEAK KEBABS

SIMON WOOD’S FAMILY BBQ: VIMTO SWEET & SOUR HANGER STEAK KEBABS

VIMTO SWEET & SOUR HANGER STEAK KEBABS
BY SIMON WOOD OF WOOD MANCHESTER AND WoodKraft Cheltenham. IMAGES © BROOD MAGAZINE

It is important, so very important that we eat, cook and relax as a family. Despite life trying its best to get in the way. Once a week we should all make the time.” – SIMON WOOD

I thought I’d lay out my food and family ethos as well as showing you some amazing hands on child friendly Summer BBQ recipes and a little something for the grown-ups to enjoy.

Food and families are two topics in which everyone claims some expertise, and rightly so. Families are made up of people who eat food. Both families and food contribute to a person’s physical and social well-being throughout life and are the foundation of many memories, both good and maybe not.

Dictionary definitions of food include terms such as wholesome, supporting growth, or providing energy. People recognize that food is necessary for the physical survival of their families. Although sometimes the purpose of food intake is only to satisfy hunger, the role of food in families goes much further than meeting physical needs.

We can all recall many memories, special occasions, sad times and celebrations and in every one of them, Food, will at some point be what joins us together. The flavours, smells and sounds of a meal all evoke a sixth sense in us that immediately transport us to that event or period in time.

It is important, so very important that we eat, cook and relax as a family. Despite life trying its best to get in the way. Once a week we should all make the time.

BROOD Magazine

VIMTO SWEET & SOUR HANGER STEAK KEBABS

Today I’m going to focus on the Summer, the smell of a barbeque and dinner in the garden. And a recipe you can get the kids involved making.

 

When I’m cooking in the restaurant or developing a new dish I have one brief. “Classic flavours served with playful authenticity” and this recipe does just that. It reminds me of my first Chinese, even though I’m using local Manchester products, Hangar Steak from my Butcher, Gav at Albion Farm. Vimto, there aren’t many Children (or Adults) that don’t enjoy the soft drink first sold in Lancashire. It was first manufactured as a health tonic in cordial form, then decades later as a carbonated drink. It contains the juice of grapes, raspberries and blackcurrants and that itself generates many childhood recollections.

 

I use it as the sweetness in my Beef and Green Pepper Glaze, reminiscent of sweet and sour or beef in black bean sauce from family take-away treat nights.

 

Using measures of two parts Vimto, one water and half red wine vinegar it’s a great yet simple marinade. In a saucepan add a little oil gently soften some sliced shallots before adding in your liquid marinade and reducing until sticky

 

  • 2 Shallots (Sliced)
  • 20ml Sunflower Oil
  • 300ml Vimto
  • 150ml Water
  • 75ml Red Wine Vinegar

 

  • Place a pan on a medium heat and add the oil, followed by the shallots. Soften the shallot gently and then add in the marinade. Reduce by just over half. Later in the recipe you’ll use a bunch of rosemary to glaze the almost cooked kebabs to give them a sticky sweet and sour glaze.

 

In this recipe I’m using Hangar steak for my kebabs, you can use any steak for this recipe, it will work with Chicken or even Tofu. However I think beef is best and for that you need to get on good terms with your local butcher. I use Butcher Gav (@butcher_gav) from Albion Farm Shop Butchers in Saddleworth. He is an avid Grill master as well as being one of the best butchers in the business, the produce is amazing and it fits this recipe a treat, plus I’m supporting a local business which in the current climate is absolutely vital.

 

Simon Wood
BBQ IMAGES © FOR BROOD MAGAZINE

For this recipe I’m going to cook for the family, that’s me and the kids (and Grandchild) so in total around 8 People. Here is what you’ll need.

 

  • 5 kilos of Beef
  • 8 Large Green Peppers
  • 8 Large Spring Onions (The giant ones)
  • 6 big sprigs of rosemary (to brush)
  • Maldon Sea Salt
  • 8 Metal 14” Kebab Skewers
  • 200ml Sunflower oil
  • 5 Sprigs of rosemary tied with string

 

Method

 

  • First Dice your beef into equal sized pieces, around 1.5 inches square is best
  • De-seed and chop your peppers into the same size
  • Then, Half your onions
  • Next starting with the onion, then pepper, followed the beef layer up your kebab skewers with a piece of pepper between every chunk of steak.
  • Drizzle in oil and then Season with a good amount of Maldon Salt before grilling at 200ºc turning until thoroughly cooked, around 15 minutes
  • For the last 5 minutes use the sticky glaze and rosemary brush to coat the meat in the delicious marinade. Don’t do this to soon or the sugar will burn before the meat is cooked.

 

Once cooked, charred and sticky make sure you leave the kebabs to rest thoroughly at least 10-12 minutes, this is so important and, gives everyone time to take in the smell and anticipation of dinner to be served. I would serve this with a simple green salad and a warm and toasty barbequed flatbread.

 

Now, while you’re waiting for the meat to rest the grown-ups can enjoy this particularly Summery drink using one of my favourite flavours, Lemon.

 

A Limoncello Spritz

 

25ml Luxardo Limoncello

25ml Forty-Five Dry Vermouth

Fill with ice and then Top with Sparkling Wine of Choice.

 

My choice is Exton Park RB45 this is the drink of choice for my restaurants Chefs Table arrival and shows an abundance of tropical and citrus fruit, with subtle notes of vanilla and orange blossom, it works amazingly well with this cocktail

 Once Poured simply Garnish with a Lemon twist or some Verbena before relaxing and enjoying making invaluable food related memories with the people that matter the most.

 

I do hope you have enjoyed my first Column for Brood, Thanks for reading and if you have any recipe suggestions or questions please do send them to me at @SimonJWoodUK or simon@woodmanchester.com

 

Thanks, Simon

 

 

Simon is Chef Patron or WOOD Manchester on First Street Manchester and WOODKRAFT ‘The Artisan Eatery’ on Regent Street in Cheltenham.

WoodKraft Cheltenham
Simon Wood
Written by

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Veggie Egg Muffins & sweet oat muffins recipe by Kate Devine

Veggie Egg Muffins & sweet oat muffins recipe by Kate Devine

Veggie Egg Muffins & sweet oat muffins recipe by Kate Devine

Veggie Egg Muffins, sweet oat muffins and Spring Foods

By Kate Devine

Well, it’s been a while! I’ve missed writing my monthly articles for you lovely people! I’ve been a busy bee with lots of exciting work projects, celebrating Christmas and a BIG birthday for myself which obviously took over the whole month! But I’m back and armed with lost of information, advice and recipes for you to try.

March sees the return of Spring and of course, Mother’s Day on Sunday 19th. This day is portrayed as a day of togetherness, happiness and appreciation but can be difficult for some. From mothers who have lost children, children who have lost mothers, or those with struggling relationships around motherhood and with parents, the reality can be very different. We hear you, we see you and we support you.

I’ve put together a sweet and savoury, easy-to-make, breakfast recipe to enjoy on Mother’s Day morning (or any morning for that matter) made by whoever, for whatever reason you want!

Oven-baked breakfast muffins – sweet and savoury…

 

Shayne Ward and Sophie Austin
Veggie Egg Muffins

Veggie Egg Muffins

You will need:

Silicone baking cups x12 – optional
12 cup cake muffin tin
Spray oil to grease the muffin tin if not using baking cups – I use coconut oil
Shallow pan/skillet
Large mixing bowl and whisk

Ingredients:

10/12 eggs
Veggies of your choice -1/2 cup – I used red onion, red pepper, mushrooms, spinach – chopped into small pieces
1/3 cup crumbled feta or cheese of your choice
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp olive oil

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C (fan)/200C
Prep the muffin tin by either spraying each muffin mould with the coconut oil or place the silicone baking cups in each mould and add one spray of the oil inside each cup
Add the eggs to the mixing bowl, along with the salt and pepper and whisk together. Set aside
Heat the skillet pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil
Add the veggies of your choice for 5 mins or until they begin to soften
Add the veggies to the whisked eggs along with the feta and parsley and mix well
Transfer the mixture to a measuring jug and pour equal amounts into the individual baking cups – roughly 1/3 cup per muffin
Place in the oven and bake for 17-20mins, or until the muffin cups are no longer wobbly and an inserted toothpick comes out clean
Remove from the oven and allow to cool
Enjoy immediately.

Note – You can prep these ahead of time and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, pop them in the microwave for 40-60 seconds to reheat.

 

4-Way Sweet Oat Muffins

Optional Topping Choices: – quantities for 3 muffins in each flavour

Apple and Cinnamon – 2 tbsps finely diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon
Chocolate and Banana – 3 banana slices and 2 tsp mini chocolate chips
Strawberry and Coconut – 2 tbsp fresh, diced strawberries and 2 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Blueberry and Almond – 2 tbsp fresh blueberries and 2 tsp sliced almonds

You will need:

Silicone baking cups x12 – optional
12 cup cake muffin tin
Spray oil to grease the muffin tin if not using baking cups – I use coconut oil
X2 Large mixing bowls

Ingredients:

2 large bananas (overripe are best) mashed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of your choice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups jumbo rolled oats
1/2 cup oat flour – this can be bought in the supermarket or you can make your own by placing 1/2 cup of oats in a blender and blend until flour like consistency
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C (fan)/200C
Prep the muffin tin by either spraying each muffin mould with the coconut oil or place the silicone baking cups in each mould and add one spray of the oil inside each cup
In a large bowl, mash the banana and add the eggs, maple syrup, milk and vanilla. Mix to combine and set aside
In the other large bowl, mix together the oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt
Slowly add the wet ingredient to the dry ingredients and mix until combined
Using a spoon, divide the mixture equally between the muffin cups until filled close to the top
Add the desired topping to the top of each cup, pressing in slightly so some of the ingredients reach the centre of the muffins
Bake for 20-25mins or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean
Allow to cool for 15-20mins before removing from the muffin tin.

Note – You can prep these ahead of time and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. You can deforest them by placing in the fridge overnight to allow them to thaw but if you forget this step, you can still defrost from frozen by wrapping in a paper towel, placing in the microwave and heating for 30-60 seconds until warm throughout.

oat muffins
written BY KATE DEVINE

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SIMON WOOD’s WEEKEND FAKE-AWAY: Naantastic’ Rarebit with Bombay Taters & Curry Sauces

SIMON WOOD’s WEEKEND FAKE-AWAY: Naantastic’ Rarebit with Bombay Taters & Curry Sauces

SIMON WOOD’S FAKEAWAY
BY SIMON WOOD OF WOOD MANCHESTER AND WoodKraft Cheltenham. IMAGES © TOM PITPIELD FOR BROOD MAGAZINE

There’s no harm in having a little bit of a treat now and then, what’s that saying? ‘Everything in Moderation, including moderation.’

Well, I’m no different and sometimes a take-away is a lovely thing, but sometimes, and we’ve all been there, its not. It’s cold, late, or worse just not very good.

So in this month’s edition of Brood Food I’m going to show you how to make something so simple and so tasty. You’ll question picking up the phone or using that easy-access app again.

After Christmas especially, Take-aways can be expensive so here I’m going to show you how to create a fusion of my two favourite things in the comfort of your own kitchen.

It’s quite simply ‘Naantastic’, a Donkeystone Rarebit filled naan bread loaded with Bombay tater-tots and a cheats curry sauce. This is made entirely from store cupboard ingredients, and I like to use a local brewery’s Ferris Muler Beer to add into my chilli cheese mix

simon woods weekend fake away naantastic rarebit with bombay taters curry sauces
BROOD Magazine

Naantastic’ Rarebit with Bombay Taters & Curry Sauce

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

  • 4 Large Naan
  • Ready-made Curry Sauce (or granules)
  • Deep Fried Chickpeas
  • 2 Tablespoons Aleppo Chilli
  • 1 Jar Curry Sauce 

The Rarebit Mix

  • 1 pack Grated Chilli Cheese
  • 1 pack Grated Cheddar
  • 100g egg yolk
  • 80g Beer
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Method

Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper

The Bombay Taters 

  • Boiled New Potatoes
  • 1 Red Chilli
  • 1” Ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 Small Onion
  • 200ml Water
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chilli Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon salt and black pepper
  • 1 Bunch Chopped Coriander
  • 50ml veg Oil.

 

 

SIMON WOOD'S FAKEAWAY
INGREDIENTS FOR FAKEAWAY © FOR BROOD MAGAZINE

Method

In a large hot frying pan add your oil followed by your onions and cook until softened, add in the chopped garlic, chili and ginger and cook for 1 minute.

 

Next add in your spices and toast them for 2 minutes, stirring throughout and then add in your water followed by the potatoes.

 

Stir regularly adding a little more water if the mix starts to dry out

 

Next wet your naan bread and toast one side under a grill, turn and then add your cheese mixture and place back under the grill allowing the cheese to melt and turn golden.

 

Add your coriander to the potatoes and warm the curry sauce.

 

Top the toasty naan with the potatoes some crunchy chickpeas and sliced red chilli and then Serve with a beer of your choice.

 

All this can be made in less than 15 minutes which gives you plenty of your evening to relax and unwind.

 

@Donkeystonebrewingco @SimonJwoodUK

WoodKraft Cheltenham
Naantastic’ Rarebit with Bombay Taters & Curry Sauce
SIMON WOOD’S FAKEAWAY © FOR BROOD MAGAZINE
Simon Wood
Written by
Simon Wood

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM PITFIELD

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Russell Kane & Lindsey Kane

“IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT COUPLES IN SOCIETY DO, IF THEY AGREE TO ROLLING AROUND IN THEIR HIPPY BED, LETTING THEIR BABY SUCK ON THEIR T**S UNTIL YOU’RE BOTH 60, IF THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT – NO ONE SHOULD JUDGE ANYONE, I JUST THINK IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO AGREE ON HOW YOU WANT TO RAISE YOUR KID BEFOREHAND.”

read more