Easy Shepherd's Pie

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
8 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), thawed
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded Cheddar (optional)
1 16-ounce package refrigerated or frozen and thawed mashed potatoes

Preparation
Heat oven to 400° F.

Place the beef in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until no trace of pink remains, about 5 minutes. Spoon off and discard any fat. Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire. Add the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Spoon the beef mixture into a baking dish.

Mix the cheese (if using) with the potatoes in a medium bowl. Spread the potatoes over the beef and bake until heated through, 10 minutes. Divide among individual plates.

Nutritional Information
Calories:384 (40% from fat)
Fat:17g (sat 8g)
Protein:22g
Carbohydrate:28g
Fiber:3g
Cholesterol:88mg
Sodium:827mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Cranberry-Orange Trifle

RECIPE

The cranberries and pastry cream can be made up to three days ahead. Then, simply assemble and refrigerate the trifle up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it.

Yield
12 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)

Ingredients
Cranberries:
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
Pastry cream:
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Remaining ingredients:
1 (10.75-ounce) loaf pound cake (such as Sara Lee), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon orange rind

Preparation
To prepare cranberries, combine 3/4 cup sugar, orange juice, and Grand Marnier in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Add cranberries to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 8 minutes or until cranberries pop. Spoon mixture into a bowl; cover and chill.

To prepare pastry cream, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add milk to pan, stirring with a whisk until blended; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Gradually add half of hot milk mixture to eggs, stirring constantly with a whisk. Return milk mixture to pan; cook over medium heat 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt. Place pan in a large ice-filled bowl until custard cools to room temperature (about 25 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Arrange half of cake cubes in the bottom of a 2-quart trifle dish. Spoon 1 1/2 cups cranberry mixture over cake; top with 1 1/2 cups pastry cream. Repeat layers. Garnish with rind. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and chill at least 4 hours.

Nutritional Information
Calories:265 (21% from fat)
Fat:6.2g (sat 3.2g,mono 1.9g,poly 0.4g)
Protein:4.6g
Carbohydrate:46.5g
Fiber:1.7g
Cholesterol:75mg
Iron:0.5mg
Sodium:155mg
Calcium:84mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Oven Fries

RECIPE

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl; toss well. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 35 minutes or until golden.

Nutritional Information
Calories:193 (17% from fat)
Fat:3.6g (sat 0.7g,mono 1g,poly 1.7g)
Protein:3.3g
Carbohydrate:36.6g
Fiber:2.6g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:0.6mg
Sodium:301mg
Calcium:9mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Brownie Trifle

RECIPE

Notes: Don't substitute a dark ale or stout for the light beer here; it can be too bitter. For quick preparation, buy a package of shredded cabbage and sliced carrots. Chop the onion and garlic while the sausage browns.

Prep and cook time: 35 minutes

Prep: 25 min., Bake: 20 min., Chill: 8 hrs.

Yield
Makes 16 to 18 servings

Ingredients
1 (19.8-ounce) package fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
1 (3.9-ounce) package chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
1 (8.7-ounce) package toffee-flavored candy bars, crushed
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Preparation
1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions in a 13- x 9-inch pan. Prick tops of warm brownies at 1-inch intervals with a wooden pick, and brush with coffee liqueur, if desired. Crumble into small pieces.

2. Prepare pudding mix according to package directions, omitting chilling.

3. Place half of crumbled brownies in bottom of a 3-quart trifle bowl; top with half each of pudding, candy bars, and whipped topping. Repeat layers. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Kahlúa for coffee liqueur.

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Sausage and Cabbage Soup

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 11 to 12 cups; 5 or 6 servings

Ingredients
12 ounces linguiça (Portuguese) or Polish sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 onion (6 oz.), peeled and chopped
1 large clove garlic, peeled and minced
5 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 bottle (12 oz.) wheat beer (hefeweizen; see notes)
1 pound thin-skinned potatoes (1 1/2 in. wide), scrubbed and quartered
1 1/2 quarts finely shredded cabbage (8 to 12 oz.; see notes)
1 cup sliced carrots (1/4 in. thick; see notes)
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Whole-grain mustard

Preparation
1. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat, stir sausage often until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Spoon out and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pan.

2. Add onion and garlic to pan; stir often until limp, 3 minutes.

3. Increase heat to high. Add broth, beer, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, coriander, allspice, and peppercorns (wrap and tie spices in cheesecloth if desired). Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender to bite, 10 to 15 minutes. Discard spices if wrapped.

4. Stir in parsley. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve mustard alongside to add to taste.

Nutritional Information
Calories:301 (48% from fat)
Protein:17g
Fat:16g (sat 5.6)
Carbohydrate:23g
Fiber:3.4g
Sodium:697mg
Cholesterol:38mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Sticky Pudding

RECIPE

Notes: If making sticky pudding up to 2 days ahead, tip sauced pudding from pan onto a microwave-safe serving plate, cover with a large inverted bowl, and chill. To serve, uncover and heat in a microwave oven on full power (100%) for about 5 minutes.

Yield
Makes 10 servings

Ingredients
3/4 pound pitted dates
About 1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) butter or margarine
About 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
Sticky sauce (recipe follows)
Crème fraîche or sour cream

Preparation
1. In a 3- to 4-quart pan, combine dates and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir often until most of the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 7 minutes; watch carefully as liquid reduces to avoid scorching. Let cool at least 15 minutes.

2. Butter and flour a 9-inch square pan. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour with baking powder and baking soda.

3. In a food processor, whirl cooked dates until smooth. Add 1/2 cup butter, sugar, eggs, and flour mixture; whirl until well blended. Scrape batter into pan and spread level.

4. Bake in a 325° oven until cake springs back when lightly pressed in the center and edges begin to pull from pan sides, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool in pan at least 5 minutes. Invert onto a rack. Cut warm or cool cake in half horizontally.

5. Rinse and dry baking pan. Pour about 1/2 cup hot sticky sauce into pan. Lay cake bottom, cut side up, in pan. Pour about 2 cups hot sticky sauce evenly over cake. Lay cake top, cut side down, in pan. Pour remaining hot sticky sauce evenly over it. Let stand at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Invert a flat, rimmed plate over pan; holding containers together, turn over, and lift pan off cake. Cut into rectangles and transfer with a spatula to plates. Add crème fraîche to taste.

Sticky sauce. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, boil 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup (1/8 lb.) butter or margarine, and 1/4 cup light corn syrup, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir another 1 1/2 cups whipping cream into pan. Return to high heat and stir until sauce comes to a rolling boil, 1 to 2 minutes. Use hot, or let cool, cover, and chill up to 2 days; stir over high heat until hot. Makes 3 1/2 cups.

Nutritional Information
Calories:717 (48% from fat)
Protein:6.2g
Fat:38g (sat 23)
Carbohydrate:94g
Fiber:2.2g
Sodium:338mg
Cholesterol:181mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Pistachio-Cranberry Scones

RECIPE

Basic biscuit dough is enriched with sugar, egg, fruit, and nuts to make a sweet breakfast scone that's equally tasty served warm or at room temperature. A sprinkling of coarse turbinado sugar creates a crunchy topping.

Yield
12 servings (serving size: 1 scone)

Ingredients
9 ounces all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup fat-free buttermilk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pistachios, toasted
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400°.

2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Cover and chill flour mixture 10 minutes.

3. Combine buttermilk and next 4 ingredients (through egg), stirring with a whisk until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture; stir just until dough is moist.

4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut dough into 12 wedges (do not separate the wedges). Brush egg white over dough; sprinkle evenly with turbinado sugar. Bake at 400° for 13 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan; cool 2 minutes on wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
Calories:191 (30% from fat)
Fat:6.4g (sat 3.3g,mono 2g,poly 0.6g)
Protein:3.9g
Carbohydrate:29.9g
Fiber:1g
Cholesterol:30mg
Iron:1.3mg
Sodium:184mg
Calcium:66mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania

Guinness-Braised Chuck Steaks with Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

RECIPE

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 3 ounces beef, 3/4 cup potatoes, and 1/3 cup sauce)

Ingredients
Steak:
1 1/2 pounds boneless chuck steak, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
1 garlic clove, minced
2 bay leaves
1 (12-ounce) bottle Guinness Stout
Potatoes:
2 pounds peeled baking potatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
To prepare steak, sprinkle steak with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add steak; cook 5 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove steak from pan; set aside. Add 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped carrot, 2 tablespoons broth, and sugar. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook 10 minutes. Stir in rosemary, mushrooms, and garlic. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Add bay leaves, stout, remaining broth, and steak; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until steak is tender.

To prepare potatoes, place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Return potatoes to pan. Add butter; beat with a mixer at medium speed just until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Keep warm.

Remove steak from pan; keep warm. Discard bay leaves. Increase heat to medium-high; cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Spoon stout mixture over steak. Serve with potatoes.

Nutritional Information
Calories:428 (27% from fat)
Fat:13.1g (sat 5g,mono 6g,poly 0.9g)
Protein:35.2g
Carbohydrate:42.3g
Fiber:4.6g
Cholesterol:86mg
Iron:4.3mg
Sodium:872mg
Calcium:82mg

British cooking@home
by cooking lover

Standing Rib Roast with Madeira Sauce and Herbed Yorkshire Puddings

Yorkshire pudding, a holiday classic for generations, derives its name from the Yorkshire region of northern England. Let the roast rest while you finish the sauce and make the puddings; it will be easier to carve.

Yield
12 servings (serving size: 3 ounces beef, 2 tablespoons sauce, and 1 pudding)

Ingredients
Roast:
1 (5-pound) French-cut rib-eye roast, trimmed
1 garlic clove, halved
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray
Sauce:
1 cup water
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Madeira wine
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Puddings:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
5 large egg whites
2 large eggs

Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°.

To prepare roast, rub roast on all sides with garlic. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Place roast, fat side up, on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Insert meat thermometer into thickest portion of roast. Bake at 450° for 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300° (do not remove roast from oven); bake an additional 1 1/2 hours or until thermometer registers 145° (medium) or desired degree of doneness. Place roast on a platter; let stand while finishing sauce and Yorkshire puddings. Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons drippings from pan for puddings; set aside.

To prepare sauce, wipe the remaining drippings from pan with paper towels, leaving brown bits on the bottom of pan. Combine the water and 2 tablespoons flour in a small bowl. Add Madeira to pan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, scraping bottom of pan with a wooden spoon to loosen brown bits. Add flour mixture; cook for 1 minuteor until slightly thick. Stir in broth and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; cook 2 minutes. Keep warm.

Preheat oven to 450°.

To prepare puddings, coat 12 muffin cups with reserved pan drippings. Lightly spoon 1 1/2 cups flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add thyme and remaining ingredients to bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Spoon batter into prepared cups. Bake at 450° for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375° (do not remove puddings from oven); bake an additional 15 minutes or until golden.

Nutritional Information
Calories:304 (38% from fat)
Fat:12.8g (sat 5g,mono 5.2g,poly 0.6g)
Protein:29g
Carbohydrate:16.1g
Fiber:0.6g
Cholesterol:106mg
Iron:3.5mg
Sodium:410mg
Calcium:58mg

British cooking@home
by cooking lover

Red Tomato Chutney

Yield
3 1/2 cups (serving size: 2 tablespoons)

Ingredients
3 cups finely chopped peeled tomato (about 4 large)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes or until thick (B), stirring frequently. Cool; pour into airtight containers.

Note: Refrigerate Red Tomato Chutney in airtight containers up to two months.

Nutritional Information
Calories:30 (3% from fat)
Fat:0.1g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.1g)
Protein:0.3g
Carbohydrate:7.5g
Fiber:0.5g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:0.2mg
Sodium:44mg
Calcium:6mg

British cooking@home
by cooking mania