Wouldn’t it be nice to not feel like a slave to the stove on
your last minute self-catering holiday?
We know the meals aren’t going to cook themselves, but there are some delicious
recipes which won’t make you feel like you’re stuck in the same daily routine,
in a different location.
Homemade Burgers
When the sun is shining I like nothing better than a
sizzling BBQ outside with the whole family. To keep it healthy, rather than
buying packet burgers make up your own with this quick and easy recipe from BBC Good Food.
The kids will give you the thumbs up as no cutlery is required, whilst
you have created a tasty meal that is quick, easy and good value. Serve
with ciabatta rolls, cheese, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, onion and mayonnaise.
Image credit: BBC Good Food
Ingredients
540g/1lb
3oz minced beef chuck steak
Method
1
Place all the burger ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir
to combine. Using your hands, shape into four equal-sized patties.
2
Preheat the grill to hot. Cook the burgers under the grill
for 15 minutes, or until cooked through, turning once.
3
Top each burger with a slice of cheese towards the end of
the cooking time.
4
Before serving, mix together the mayonnaise and lettuce.
Cut the ciabatta rolls in half and toast under the grill on both sides.
5
Top the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls with the
lettuce and mayonnaise, followed by a slice of tomato.
6
Arrange the burger and cheese on top of the ciabatta,
followed by a slice of red onion. Top each burger with the other halves of the
ciabatta rolls and serve.
There is so much you can add to make this a full meal from potato
salads, pasta dishes to some handmade chips. When it comes to dessert I
recommend fruit skewers, for a refreshing taste as well as keeping the little
ones entertained whilst building their own.
Frito Pie
Frito pie is highly popular in America and is slowly working its
way through the UK to become a household favourite. The quick and simple recipe
is similar to the Mexican nachos with its burst of flavours and variety of
textures. You don’t have to stop at chilli, why not experiment and try
different toppings each time?
Image Credit: Angie Nisbit
Ingredients
1 large bag of tortilla
chips
1 15-ounce can of chilli with beef (with or without beans), heated
1 8-ounce bag of shredded cheese
Optional: chopped onion, tomatoes, lettuce, jalapeƱos and/or sour cream
Method
1
Pour tortilla chips and spread evenly in an oven-safe
serving dish
2
Cook minced beef in a pan until brown, draining off
the fat and adding a tomato sauce and chilli mix
3
Prepare toppings whilst chilli is slowly cooking
4
Pour chilli over the tortilla chips (Famous in
America using Frito a bag of Fritos)
5
Add additional ingredients like onion, tomato, lettuce, and
jalapeƱo as desired.
6
Sprinkle cheese all over and pop into the oven at 350 degrees
till the cheese is a little melted.
7
Serve immediately.
Moules Mariniere
This recipe is a French classic that I have seen dozens of times
on various food shows. It’s quick and easy and more importantly has a heavenly
taste that certainly keeps your mouth watering. Perfect for a starter or main
course and if you have an outside area it is a great meal for alfresco dining.
Follow this recipe from the Channel
4 cooking team, adding a bread of your choice to soak up
the flavoursome juices of the garlic and cream.
Image Credit: Lowenna Pascoe
Ingredients
Knob of butter
5 medium shallots, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1.5kg mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
100ml white wine
Chopped parsley
200ml single cream
Method
1
Wash the mussels under cold running
water, removing any beards and barnacles.
2
Discard any mussels that float or
remain open when tapped against the side of the sink.
3
Boil the wine in a small saucepan for
30 seconds then set aside.
4
Melt the butter in a large saucepan
over a high heat, and then add the onion, bay leaves and thyme.
5
Stir for 10 seconds, then add the
wine and bring to a boil.
6
Add the mussels, cover with a lid and
cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mussels open. (Discard any mussels that do
not open.)
7
Add the whipping cream and parsley
and stir well. No seasoning is required as the mussels will release a little
salt water when they open, which is enough to season the dish perfectly
8
Serve the mussels in a large warmed
serving dish or four soup plates.
9
Give your guests finger bowls and
plenty of good-quality French bread to mop up the juices
So there you have three tasty meals
for your self-catering holiday and of course we all love a night off, so grab a
take away or be wined and dined at least once or twice in the week.