Winter warmers take over from summer barbecues

Beef and lamb on the barbecue spells summer for most Kiwis. But now summer is ending, pack up the barbecue, and look forward to those winter casseroles, baked lamb shanks and your favourite roast.

Winter cooking can save money too, vital in today’s hard financial times. Cheaper cuts of beef and lamb are best suited to the slower cooking methods associated with winter, such as braising and casseroling. Mince, chops, chuck, skirt, silverside, oxtail and stewing beef offer value for money, ideal for family meals.

Dust off the slow cooker and casserole dishes and fill the house with those heart-warming aromas of your family favourites. Using cheaper cuts of meat doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality. And they’re healthy too. Concerns have been raised again recently about charred meat, sometimes seen when meat is cooked just that bit ‘too well’ on the barbie. Marinating meat before grilling and using a plate-style barbecue help but, for now, enjoy the benefits of cooking your favourite winter warmers.

Visit our recipes website, www.recipes.co.nz for hundreds of delicious beef and lamb meal ideas.