Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2008/January 2009 | Page 94

life ADVERTISEMENTS Local food & drink Winter warmers The abundance of root vegetables on the list of seasonal produce shout out casserole. There is nothing more warming or satisfying than a well flavoured stew. It can be made posh with the addition of red wine and mushrooms and called coq au vin or beefed up with the addition of stout but the common casserole has many advantages. It can be cooked in one pot, vegetables, meat and sauce – so much less washing up. After the initial preparation there is nothing more to do than wait and then serve. It can be cooked long and slow which means cheaper cuts of meat can be used and they still melt in the mouth. Lamb, Beef, Pork or Chicken all make great casseroles, even sausages can be used. Whilst cuts of meat with bones in do impart flavour they can make eating more 94 complicated. It can be bulked out with economical additions such as dumplings, plain or flavoured with herbs. Practically every culture has it’s own stew so the choice is endless. The Irish stew using lamb is delicious and the Lancashire Hotpot with a crusty rosette of potatoes is a complete meal. Coq au vin with the addition of red wine to a chicken casserole or paprika, peppers and sour cream to create a Hungarian Goulash, or an Apple and Pork casserole make a satisfying main course for a dinner party and leave the host or hostess free to b e with guests rather than slaving over a hot stove. A garnish of garlicky croutons or French sticks and a sprinkle of parsley added to your stew can make a satisfying and appetising meal. The same root vegetables can be transformed with the addition of fish to a bouillabaisse or substantial chowder. For vegetarians the basic root vegetable stew can be enhanced with, beans or pasta and topped with bread or potatoes and melted cheese. It is more than an old wives tale that often stews taste even better the following day. Reheat well to ensure no bugs are present and enjoy two days meals with just one days cooking. The Island's new funky radio station www.wightfm.com