Ice

I really do love winter. It is to most people an anathema, but to me it brings only healthy brisk mornings through the open window in the bedroom.

A really hard winter kills bugs and insect pests, so from a farming point of view it’s good, but can also be a double edged sword as the livestock and particularly the hill and fell sheep can find it hard going. 

As a died- in- the- wool meat man, I have to say that stuff also keeps better......I remember my first employer (the old sexy Rexy) saying “by Gum its cold, but its grand keeping weather”.

The other morning as we sat having breakfast, discussing with the kids about the impending severe cold weather on its way, their only comment was “will there be snow? bring it on!”.  And of course, who can doubt the wonderful and warming feeling of those comfort foods we all crave when the temperature plummets.... the stews, the soups, the roasts, all the dishes that in the height of summer feel like too much too much effort to eat and certainly too much effort to cook.

Autumn is well and truly here

Autumn is here and don’t we know it..... leaves all over, gusty winds, and a bag full of windfall apples from our neighbour..... (have a look at the last of the crumble.....cream coming up). 

As we fall into autumn, we start to look for more hearty food like stews and slow roasts, and what better than beef brisket plate (sometimes called short ribs Jacobs ladder). Brisket on the bone IS a bit fatter but at least the fat is honest, if the cattle are grass fed the fat will contain omega 3 oils - not those vegetable style oils used in lots of processed foods but the healthier fish style omega 3’s.

This economically viable joint costs a lot less than other joints. As with other economical cuts of meat it takes a little more effort to prepare, but compensates ewe with massive flavour and tender, succulent meat. It can give you roasts, then make a great mince for lasagne, or, boiled first then roasted to brown and crispy, will give you a stock which when cold (and after removing the fat) will make a hearty and very cheap base for vegetable soup, beef and tomato soup and loads more.

You will be amazed by the reaction of your butcher when asking him for this cut as it is rarely sold over the counter in a joint but is usually boned and used in sausage and burgers etc. In fact, this might be the start of an interesting regular exchange with the butcher, which could if nurtured, yield for you many more economical cuts and interesting recipes.