Wow your guests with this unusual stuffing made from gingercake, apple and bacon. It has a sweet and spicy taste and is a great alternative to the traditional Christmas stuffing.

Gingercake, Apple and Bacon Stuffing – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 3 tablesp. butter
• 1 tablesp. vegetable oil
• 500g/1lb 2oz onions, finely chopped
• 2 eating apples peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 750g/1lb 8oz Dry Cured Smoked Streaky Rashers, finely chopped
• 450g/16oz loaf gingercake
• 2 free-range eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 100g sultanas
• 100g cashew nuts

To Cook

Heat the butter and oil together in a large saucepan. Add the onion and apple to the pan and cook until both ingredients have softened and turned golden in colour (approx. 10-15 minutes). Add the bacon, sultanas and cashew nuts to the softened onion and apple mixture and mix well. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently , for about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool. Cut up the gingercake into clumps and crumbs and add the pieces to the stuffing and mix well. Add the beaten eggs and pepper to the stuffing and press the stuffing into a buttered baking dish. Bake the stuffing in a hot oven with your turkey for about the last 45 minutes. To serve, let the cooked stuffing sit in its dish for a good ten minutes after it has been removed from the oven. Finally, turn out the stuffing onto a clean serving plate, slice and serve with your Christmas Turkey.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

Note: A really delicious glaze – if you are cooking a full ham just double the glaze quantities.

Ham with Marmalade and Ginger Glaze – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 4kg Boneless Green Ham
• 1-2 carrots, chopped
• 1-2 sticks of celery, chopped
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 tablesp. peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 litre cider or apple juice
• 1 orange thickly sliced

Glaze

Serves 10

To Cook

Place the ham, vegetables, peppercorns, bay leaf, cider or apple juice and orange pieces in a large saucepan then cover with cold water. Place a lid on the saucepan, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 2 hours. When the ham is cooked the skin will peel off easily.

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 200°C (400°F). Transfer the ham to a roasting tin just large enough to hold it. Using a sharp knife remove the skin. Taking care not to cut into the flesh, score the fat into diamonds. Mix the marmalade and ginger together in a small bowl. Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds, then brush the mixture over the joint. Stud each diamond with a clove. Pour three ladlefuls of the reserved poaching liquid around the ham to keep it moist and bake for about 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until golden brown. Strain the rest of the poaching liquid and freeze. This can be used in soups or sauces.

Remove the ham from the oven and leave to rest in a warm place for at least 15 minutes.  Slice thickly and serve.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

For a more fragrant and pungent dish, the lamb can be covered in clingfilm and marinated in the fridge for up to 24 hours to allow the spices to penetrate the meat. The accompanying couscous can be jazzed up with pistachio nuts and dried fruits.

Moroccan Style Braised Lamb Shanks – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks, well trimmed
• 1 tablesp. paprika
• 1 teasp. each ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon and turmeric
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 2 tablesp. olive oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2½ cm piece peeled fresh root ginger, chopped
• 450ml chicken or lamb stock
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablesp. clear honey
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Serve with a bowl of couscous

Serves: 4

To Cook

Cooking Time: 2¾ hours

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3, 160ºC (325ºF). Heat a large frying pan. Mix together the paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and one teaspoon of pepper in a large bowl. Add the lamb shanks and using your hands rub in the spices. Add a little of the olive oil to the heated pan and quickly brown off two of the spiced lamb shanks. Transfer to a casserole dish with a lid and repeat with the remaining lamb shanks.

Meanwhile, place the onion, garlic and ginger in a food processor or mini-blender and pulse until finely minced. Add another tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan, then add the onion mixture and sauté for 3-4 minutes until well softened and coloured from the spices left in the bottom of the frying pan.

Pour a little of the stock into the pan, stirring to combine and then tip over the lamb shanks. Add the remaining stock with the tomatoes and honey, stirring gently until evenly combined. Cover with the lid and cook for 2-2½ hours until the lamb shanks are meltingly tender and the meat is ready to fall off the bone. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and season to taste.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

Serve with roast potatoes and some simple steamed vegetables and you will have a great meal for family and friends.

Leg of Lamb Roasted with Mustard and Rosemary – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 1 Full leg of lamb, 2½ kg, well trimmed

Topping

• 2 tablesp. good quality mustard
• 2 tablesp. soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 teasp. rosemary leaves, chopped
• 2-3cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tablesp. olive oil

Serves: 10

To Cook

Cooking Time: 85mins

Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) Gas Mark 7.

Place the lamb in a roasting tin.  Mix the mustard, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary and ginger together and then gradually stir in the olive oil to make a paste.  Spread this mixture over the lamb.

Put in the oven and roast for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 180°C (350°F) Gas Mark 4 and continue to roast for another 50 minutes.  The lamb will be cooked medium at this stage. Remove from the oven, wrap the lamb loosely in foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Serving Suggestions

Roast potatoes and red onions roasted alongside the lamb – peel and quarter potatoes and some red onions and mix with a little olive oil, bay leaves and seasoning. Roast for the last 50 minutes in the roasting tin with the lamb.

Steamed vegetables

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

A really tasty mid-week meal that can be on the table in twenty minutes. We have used sideloin/centreloin chops but the recipe works equally well with any type of lamb chops, cutlets or lamb steaks.

Sideloin/Centreloin Lamb Chops… – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 4 sideloin lamb chops or 8 centreloin lamb chops
• 1 tablesp. olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tablesp. fresh thyme leaves

Parsley and Thyme Dressing

• 4-5 tablesp. fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tablesp. fresh thyme leaves
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 150mls olive oil

Serves: 4

To Cook

Drizzle the olive oil over the chops, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle on the the thyme leaves.  Heat a pan or barbecue and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until golden. Combine the dressing ingredients and serve with the lamb.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

There has been an upswing in demand for oxtail as people rediscover and discover its pleasures. It has to be cooked long and slow, resulting in a thickened rich sauce and melt-in-the-mouth texture. The dish takes around 4 hours to cook, but the preparation takes only a fraction of that. The wonderful aromas that waft through the house as this dish looks after itself prepare everyone for the feast ahead.

Braised Oxtail – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 50 g/2 oz plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper
• 4 oxtails, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or 30 g/1 oz butter (or combination of both)
• 2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 thick bacon rashers, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 570 ml/20 fl oz red wine
• 1 litre/35 fl oz beef stock
• bouquet garni of a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, a sprig of parsley and a sprig of rosemary, tied together
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup parsley, finely chopped

Serves: 6

To Cook

The casserole can be cooked on the stove top or in the oven. If you are cooking it in the oven, preheat it to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Put the seasoned flour into a plastic bag and add the oxtail pieces. Shake it well to coat the meat. Heat the oil or butter in a large heavy-based casserole and add the oxtail pieces in small batches. As each batch is browned, remove to a warmed plate with a slotted spoon and repeat until all the meat has been sealed. Add a little more oil if necessary and add the onions and cook until golden. Add the bacon and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes. Return the meat to the casserole, pour in the wine and simmer until the liquid has reduced by about a third. Add the stock and bouquet garni to the pot and cover. Simmer gently on the stove or cook in the oven for about 2 hours. At this point add the carrots, celery and tomato paste and continue to cook for a further 2 hours or so, until the meat falls off the bone. Adjust the seasoning and sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and baked parsnips.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

This is a great recipe that is quick and easy to rustle up. Try this tasty recipe the next time you have an informal meet up with your friends to watch the match.

Steak Sandwiches with Chilli Butter – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 4 x 100g (4 oz) Minute Steaks
• 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into thick slices
• 2 red onions, peeled and cut into thick slices
• Salt and lots of black pepper
• 1 tablesp. Balsamic or wine vinegar
• 1-2 tablesp. oil
• Mixed leaves
• Lemon juice
• French stick or ciabatta

Chilli Butter

• 50g (2 oz) butter, softened
• 1 chilli, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Parsley, chopped

Serves: 4

To Cook

Combine the Chilli Butter ingredients and store in fridge until ready to serve. Season the steaks, red peppers and onions with salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar & oil.

Place the vegetables on the hot barbecue or grill, then add the steaks. Do this in two lots if the barbecue or grill is over-crowded.

Mix the leaves with a little oil, lemon juice and seasoning.

Cut the bread lengthways, fill with the leaves, grilled vegetables, steak and top with butter.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

This is a great recipe that can be used for either striploin or tenderloin roasts. The mustard and herb dressing is also delicious served with cold roast beef or used as a topping for grilled or barbecued steaks.

Ingredients

• 2kg (4 Ibs) Dry Aged Angus Striploin Roast / Tenderloin Roast
• 1 tablesp. black peppercorns
• 1-2 tablesp. olive oil

Mustard and Herb Dressing

• 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Handful of parsley, flat leaf if possible
• Some basil, chopped
• 1-2 teasp. capers
• 2-3 anchovy fillets
• 1 tablesp. wine vinegar
• 1 tablesp. mustard
• 125ml (¼ pt) olive oil(approximately)

Serves: 8-10

To Cook

Set oven to Gas Mark 6, 200°C (400°F).

Place the beef on the roasting tin, crush the black peppercorns coarsely, and sprinkle over the fat, pressing them in quite well. Drizzle over the olive oil. Place the meat in a hot oven for 45-55 minutes.

Reduce the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180°C (350°F) after the first 20 minutes. Leave to rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Serve the beef sliced with the mustard and herb dressing.

To make the mustard and herb dressing
Mix the lot together in the food processor. Taste for seasoning.

Cook’s Notes

The Mustard and Herb Dressing is also delicious served with cold roast beef and also excellent as a topping for grilled or barbecued steaks.

If you are catering for larger numbers, it is best to cook 2 joints rather than one very large joint. Increase the ingredients accordingly.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

The secret to great burgers is to use top quality Round Steak Mince , the onions sautéed till golden brown and cooked ahead of time and a good splash of chilli oil in the mixture.

Burgers with Melted Cheese and Tomato Salsa – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 450g Round Steak Mince
• 1 large onion, finely chopped, sautéed in oil till golden and cooled
• 1 tablesp. scallions, chopped
• 1 tablesp. chilli oil, optional but nice (see recipe)
• Salt and black pepper

Serves 4

Tomato Salsa

• 16 approx. cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1-2 red onions, finely chopped
• Handful chopped coriander
• 1 tablesp. chilli oil
• Lemon juice to taste
• Salt and black pepper

To Cook

Mix the mince, onion, scallions, chilli oil and seasoning well together.  With wet hands shape into 4 burgers.  Flatten each one down with the palm of your hand until you have a nice even shape.  This way they will cook more quickly and evenly.  Keep in the fridge until ready to cook.  Grill, barbecue or cook on a black ridge pan, until fully cooked, 4-5 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile mix all the salsa ingredients together. Then place a spoonful of salsa on top of each burger and top with a slice of cheese.  Grill, or cover the barbecue or pan and continue to cook for another minute until the cheese has melted.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

This simplified version of a traditional Moroccan tagine and is ideal for either Lamb or Beef. The word Tagine refers to the heavy clay cooking pot unique to Morocco.

Beef/Lamb Tagine – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

Serves 4

Topping: (optional)

Mix together:

• 1-2 tablesp. fresh coriander, chopped
• Grated rind of 1 lemon
• 50g (2 oz) almonds, chopped
• Salt and black pepper

To Cook

Set oven Gas Mark 4, 180ºC (350ºF).

Place the meat in a large bowl. Mix the spices together and coat the meat with the spices. Heat half the oil in a large pan and brown the onions well and place in a flameproof casserole, then brown the meat in the remaining hot oil (do this in batches to get the meat a good colour). Transfer to the casserole with the onions. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir well, bring to the boil. Place in the oven for approx. 1½ hours or until the meat is very tender. Sprinkle on the topping and serve with rice or cous cous.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

This oriental recipe will tantalize your taste buds with a combination of sweet and spicy flavours. It is easy to prepare and takes literally minutes to cook.

Stir Fry Steak with Grean Beans and Chilli – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

• 1-2 tables. oil
• 100g (4 oz) green beans, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large red chilli, chopped
• 450g (1 lb) boneless sirloin steak, thinly sliced and cut into finger-size strips
• 1 tablesp. oyster sauce
• 1 tablesp. chopped fresh coriander (if available)
• 1 teasp. sugar

Serves 4

To Cook

Heat half the oil in a wok or pan. Stir-fry the beans with onion, garlic, pepper and chilli until just tender. Remove from the wok. Add remaining oil. Stir-fry steak in two lots to avoid the juices running from the meat. Return the bean mixture to the wok or pan. Add the oyster sauce, coriander and sugar. Season if you think it is necessary. Serve immediately with boiled rice or noodles.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post by Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers. Pat is a 5th generation butcher, cook book author and the director of  James Whelan Butchers with shops in Clonmel, the Avoca Handweavers Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue, Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Rathmines and Swords in Dublin. Sign up to our newsletter for more updates from James Whelan Butchers

Pheasant is so often overlooked nowadays where as in the past it was a very popular gamey meat. Pheasant is a very lean meat with a low fat content and it has a unique gamey flavour. If you haven’t eaten pheasant before this recipe is the perfect introduction this delicious meat.

Roast Pheasant Stuffed with Apples – Printer Friendly Download

Ingredients

Serves 2-4

To Cook