The Best Potato Salad

The Best Potato Salad

Potato salad is a summer favourite and easy to rustle up.  I have made many variations but this has to be the best – it is so tasty and simple to make!

Serves 4

Prep time:  10 minutes (plus cooling time)

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

500g New Potatoes, halved

2tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

125g mayonnaise

1tbsp wholegrain mustard

3 anchovies, finely chopped

2 tbsp capers

3 spring onions, finely sliced

Small handful of fresh mint, finely chopped

Small handful of fresh flat leaf parsley finely chopped

Method

1.    Boil the potatoes in salted water for 12- 15 minutes until tender.  Meanwhile whisk together the oil, vinegar and Dijon mustard in a large bowl.  When the potatoes are cooked drain and toss in the oil, set aside to allow to cool.

2.    In another bowl mix together the remaining ingredients.  When the potatoes are cool toss through the mayonnaise mixture, garnish with herbs and serve.  Enjoy!

Roquefort Stuffed Burgers

Roquefort Stuffed Burgers

If you love blue cheese, you will love these burgers stuffed with Roquefort cheese.  They are absolutely delicious as you get a great taste of oozing blue cheese in every mouthful.  Ideal recipe for a summer barbecue!

Serves 6

Prep time:  10 minutes (1-2 hours chill time)

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

150g Roquefort cheese, crumbled

200g unsalted butter, softened

Small handful fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

1kg minced beef

1 red onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled & crushed

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 egg yolks,

Freshly ground salt and pepper

Vegetable oil for brushing

To serve

6 rolls of your choice, split (I used brioche)

4 tomatoes, sliced

Rocket leaves

Method

1.    In a bowl, mix together the cheese, butter and fresh parsley.  Cut a sheet of cling film and add the cheese to form a cylinder about 4-5 cm in diameter.  Roll in the cling film to make a sausage shape and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours.

2.     In a large bowl mix together all the remaining ingredients and season.  Divide into 12 evenly sized patties. 

3.    Remove the cheese roll from the freezer and allow to soften slightly and slice into 6 even slices.

4.    Add a slice of cheese to 6 of the patties and then top with the remaining patties.  Pinch the sides to make sure the cheese is fully encased.  Place in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

5.    Now brush the patties with a little oil.  Heat a chargrill or pan grill, when smoking hot cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side.

6.    To build the burger place slices of tomatoes on a slightly grilled roll, add the burger and top with a small handful of rocket leaves, serve.  Enjoy!

Piri Piri Chicken

Piri Piri Chicken

This recipe is inspired by my recent trip to Portugal.  This recipe is easy to make and it tastes so good – increase the spice to suit your taste!

Serves 4

Prep time:  10 minutes plus marinating time

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the marinade

1 red chilli, deseeded

2 garlic cloves, peeled

2 lemons, juice only

1tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chilli flakes (more if desired)

1 tbsp ginger puree

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp caster sugar

For the chicken

1 kg chicken thighs

20g butter, melted

1 lemon, juice only

Handful fresh coriander, chopped

Method

1.    Blitz the marinade ingredients in a food processor.  Season to taste and add more chilli if you prefer more heat.

2.    Place the chicken thighs in a freezer bag and pour in the marinade, massage into the chicken, close the bag and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.

3.    Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas mark 7.  Put the chicken on a baking tray and reserve any remaining marinade.  Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.  Decrease the heat of the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas mark 6 and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

4.    Remove from the oven and allow to rest.  Mix the remaining marinade with the melted butter, juice of 1 lemon and the chopped coriander.  Brush the buttery mixture over the chicken and serve with your desired sides, enjoy!

Cowboy SPAM® Beans

Cowboy SPAM® Beans

SPAM® Chopped Pork and Ham is the perfect quick and easy meat for an outdoor feast.  This recipe is perfect for camping or the BBQ season – great for all the family!

Serves 4

Prep time:  5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 x tin 340g SPAM® Chopped Pork and Ham

1tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled & finely chopped

1tbsp dark brown sugar

1tbsp tomato ketchup

1tbsp BBQ sauce

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp instant coffee granules

½ tsp mild chilli powder

1 x tin of baked beans

Season to taste

Method

1.    Slice the SPAM® and grill on the BBQ until golden brown or gently fry in a pan.  Remove, chop into bite sized pieces and set aside.  

2.    In a large pan heat the oil and gently fry the onions until softened.  Add remaining ingredients and mix through.

3.    Add the SPAM® and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4.    Serve with jacket potatoes or as a tasty accompaniment to your camping or BBQ feast. Enjoy!

Barbecued Chicken

Barbecued Chicken

This is a delicious no-fuss BBQ chicken marinade that can be made in minutes!

Serves 4

Prep time: 5 minutes (plus 5-10 minutes marinade time)

Cooking time:  10-15 minutes

Ingredients

½ red chilli, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 ½ tsp smoked paprika

1½ tsp Dijon mustard

3 tbsp honey

3 tbsp tomato ketchup

1 tsp olive oil

Pinch of sea salt & freshly ground pepper

4 chicken breasts or thighs

Preparation method

1.  In a large bowl place the chilli, garlic, paprika, mustard, honey, ketchup, oil and seasoning.  Mix well and set aside 2 tbsp of the marinade.

2.  Add the chicken to the bowl of marinade and coat thoroughly, cover with cling film and allow to marinade for 5-10 minutes.

3.  If using a grill pan or grill, put it over a high heat to get it steaming hot.  Use tongs to transfer your chicken onto the grill or grill pan.  For chicken about 1 inch thick, cook for about 5 minutes on each side, turning and basting until golden and cooked through.  Spoon a little of the reserved sauce over the chicken.

4.  Serve hot or cold with fresh green salad. Enjoy!

the BEST Barbecued Chicken recipe

Barbecued Chicken

This is a delicious no-fuss BBQ chicken marinade that can be made in minutes!

Serves 4

Prep time: 5 minutes (plus 5-10 minutes marinade time)

Cooking time:  10-15 minutes

Ingredients

½ red chilli, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 ½ tsp smoked paprika

1½ tsp Dijon mustard

3 tbsp honey

3 tbsp tomato ketchup

1 tsp olive oil

Pinch of sea salt & freshly ground pepper

4 chicken breasts or thighs

Preparation method

1.  In a large bowl place the chilli, garlic, paprika, mustard, honey, ketchup, oil and seasoning.  Mix well and set aside 2 tbsp of the marinade.

2.  Add the chicken to the bowl of marinade and coat thoroughly, cover with cling film and allow to marinade for 5-10 minutes.

3.  If using a grill pan or grill, put it over a high heat to get it steaming hot.  Use tongs to transfer your chicken onto the grill or grill pan.  For chicken about 1 inch thick, cook for about 5 minutes on each side, turning and basting until golden and cooked through.  Spoon a little of the reserved sauce over the chicken.

4.  Serve hot or cold with fresh green salad. Enjoy!