You may think that eating seasonally through the winter months require a bit more experience or experiments! But there's so many great options out there that are unique to this cold season. Pheasant is aplenty for this time of year, but it does have a tendency to dry out, as it is quite easily overcooked. I seal them in a very hot pan first to stop them drying out in the process. And of course root vegetables too, like parsnips and carrots. Follow the steps below and the result will be a happy, unique and tasty winter warmer...
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• 2 Pheasant Breasts
• Salt
• 2 tsp Rosemary
• One handful of Grapes
• 1 small Shallot
• 150ml Chicken Stock
• 2 tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar*
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Parsnips
• Beetroot
• Red Onion
• Carrots 

 

• Preheat the oven to 180C. Place all of your veggies in a deep baking tray and put into oven, meanwhile, season the pheasant breasts with salt, pepper, and a 1tsp of rosemary.
• After about 15mins of the vegetables roasting, put the grapes on a sheet pan and drizzle 2tbsp oil over them, then roast for about 15 minutes.
• While the grapes are roasting, brown the pheasant breasts in a hot saute pan. Sealing the breasts like this will avoid them drying out. After they have browned on both sides, remove them from the pan and put aside for a moment - and add the shallots. Brown the shallots for several minutes and deglaze the pan with the white balsamic vinegar and stock, scraping the bits in the bottom. Add another teaspoon of rosemary and return the pheasant breasts. By now the grapes should be roasted and they can be added to the saute pan with the pheasants along with their juices.
• Allow the pheasant and sauce to simmer on low until the pheasant is cooked through and the sauce has reduced, your roasted winter vegetables should also now be ready!

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Please note this method is an easy way to cook indoors at home, but I use my smoker outside all year round for EVEN better results. Recipe in a future book ;-) 

Homemade BBQ Rub:
4 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons paprika
A generous amount of black pepper all over
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
(for approx 1kg brisket, increase measurements for larger size)

Brisket is a tough and hard-working slab of meat, so it needs some time and love to bring out its flavour - but when you do the flavour is incredible. This recipe is very straightforward and easy, so don't feel daunted that the time means too much effort, it's super simple! I prefer to use a smoker but this guide is for an indoor cook! First, put the brisket into a large bowl, leave out of the fridge for around 20-mins. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl and mix well with your hands, blending all of this homemade rub over the meat.  Place the rubbed brisket into your slow cooker on HIGH for 2hrs, then turn slow cooker to LOW. Leave cooking on low for 4hrs. Just before you take the brisket out of the slow cooker turn your grill on and up to about 250C. Once at temperature, carefully place the brisket into a deep roasting tray and cook until the outer lay turns into a dark, rich,  tree-like "bark".  Your brisket should be dark on the outside and near pink in the middle and is now be ready to either slice or shred - either tastes delicious! Serve with corn on the cob and perhaps a homemade slaw - yum.

This is perfect all year round;  for summer (best cooked on the BBQ though) or using the above procedure for winter or if you don't have a smoker! ​

Simply put 1kg of whole chicken legs into your slow cooker, with 300g of mushrooms (sliced), 400ml of a good cider (may I recommend New Forest Cider available at The Cider Pantry in Burley, New Forest), with sprinkle of thyme and oregano, then season to taste with salt and pepper - simple! Cook of high for one hour then reduce to low for around five hours. Once done, add five tablespoons of double cream and two teaspoons of English mustard, mix in and add flour if necessary to thicken. It's meals like this that make fat loss / weight loss easy - and also make Autumn feel a little warmer. Another very healthy recipe for my approach to a Happier, Healthier and Greener lifestyle!