PORT AND GARLIC BEEF – Gluten Free

This is a recipe that a friend used when she was catering for her husband’s 40th birthday dinner a many years ago. She cooked two 1kg pieces of beef and multiplied the marinade and sauce ingredients to match. It could be prepared in advance and was delicious. At the time she wasn’t worried whether it was gluten free or not, but with us being more conscious of dietary issues these day, it would work really well for everyone now.

MINTED LAMB IN RED WINE

This is a great lamb dish for a party as it uses 2 1.5kg boned legs of lamb and makes a fairly large casserole. Of course if you halve the recipe, it’s a fine for a family meal or a smaller number of guests. It recommends asking your butcher to bone out two legs of lamb for you to use, which is shows it’s age. Now it’s all done for you at the supermarket without you having to ask – much easier!!

SEASONED TOPSIDE ROLL WITH SOUR CREAM SAUCE

This was a favourite dinner party recipe that I used to make back in the 90s. It didn’t take long to prepare and could be put in the oven when the guests arrived. It looked good on the plate and the sour cream sauce was an unusual addition. It’s worth a try if your looking for something different to serve.

BEEF, BEAN AND CHORIZO STEW

The discovery of chorizo while on holiday in Spain a few years ago was one of the highlights of the trip. Since then I’ve used it in a variety of dishes, with lamb and with beef, like in this stew, and my favorite cooked in apple cider as a hot savoury. I love it’s texture and spicy flavour and that extra kick it gives everything.

BEEF WITH THYME BUTTER

This recipe is from a 1991 Woman’s Day Christmas Recipe zip-out. If you’re looking for a main course dish that isn’t pork, turkey or chicken this might work for you. Although really you could serve it any time of the year, not just at Christmas.