Quick Recipe Hacks & Tips

Here are a few ideas to take packet stuffing to the next level!

1. Roast a whole bulb of garlic in the oven, squeeze out the cloves, and mix through the stuffing mix before cooking. 
2. Dried fruit goes great with stuffing, add some dried apricots, apple, or cranberries when the water is added to the mix. 
3. Any spare fresh herbs lying around? Chopped rosemary, thyme, or extra sage will taste amazing.
4. Why not add some sausage meat to your stuffing?  

Nothing wrong with granules, but here are a few tips to make it even better!

1. Cold sauces will add a great new taste to your gravy. Why not add some grain mustard, cranberry sauce, or apple sauce?
2. Even if you haven’t got the time to make proper gravy, simply adding the cooking juices from the pan to your gravy will give it a real depth of flavour.  

Veggies taste great boiled, roasted, or steamed… but a few little additions will add new flavours to your 5-a-day!

1. Brussels: Instead of plain, boiled sprouts, why not roast in butter with some smoked bacon?
2. Carrots: Stirring through some carraway seeds and sugar will take them to the next level.
3. Parsnips: Glaze with honey or maple syrup for the last few minutes in the oven.
4. Cabbage: Rather than boiling, why not fry off some onions in a knob of butter, add a little water and the cabbage, cover, and let the water steam the cabbage in a bath of flavour until tender.

Roast dinner prep: Creating a roast dinner is all about the preparation and veggies can be prepared in advance. Place all your favourite veggies (like carrots, broccoli, sprouts, and green beans) into a tray with a knob of butter, a splash of water, and cover with foil. Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes while your meat is resting and you’ll end up with delicious, tender veggies. 

Take your sides to the next level:

• Sage and onion stuffing: Add some sausage meat, cranberry sauce, or fried onions!
• Mac & cheese: Add some diced bacon or some breadcrumbs for a little extra flavour and crunch.