People regularly ask me for recommendations: from which culinary classics to have on their bookshelves, to which ingredients to keep in their cupboards, or what utensils are best for certain techniques. So, as a Pasta Grannies team, we thought it was about time to share a few of our favourite things. Each week, on the Pasta Grannies blog, we’ll share a few key items we’re loving.
There’s something timeless about a roast; the fact it feeds so many (and sometimes even some people the next day as well). I love the scent filling the kitchen. A roasted joint of meat isn’t just dinner: it’s a great chance to gather people together, be it friends or family.
So whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, or every Sunday with a roast, there’s bound to be at least one occasion where you’ll need to think about what to have in for a big family-style spread.
This week, we’re sharing a few bits for the cupboard and the kitchen to build memorable Sunday-dinner stories and family-friendly feasts. Plus, there’s a few things thrown in here for when you retire to the living room and undo that top button too. And while you’re cooking, you won’t want to ruin those lovely clothes of yours; so why not pop one of our Pasta Grannies Aprons?
STOCK
Items we regularly have on shelves in our pantry
Our grandmothers usually use herbs from their garden, garlic and citrus fruits from the local markets to stuff or season meats they’re cooking. And where possible we like to do the same. However, dried herbs and spices can be useful when combined with fresh ones to concentrate flavours. This poultry rub from Fortnum & Masons is packed with so many different notes. You don’t need to use a lot.
We also love to use a little marjoram with turkey or chicken. It’s oregano’s softer, more delicate, slightly aromatic cousin. For any spices, we recommend shopping at the sustainable Steenberg’s since they specialise in Fair Trade, and environmentally responsible produce.
MAKE
The best kitchen gadgets and gizmos to make a family-style spread.
Are you a turkey, ham, or goose person? Maybe you have your own special family recipe for a nut roast? Or a different type of roast altogether?
Regardless of how you celebrate the festive season, a large roasting tray with a lid is always a good investment for any future culinary efforts. This one from Russell Hobbs keeps the steam in, and traps heat, producing meat that’s extra tender. And if you’re cooking something like a beef shin, or a short rib, you can pop any leftover bits of meat back in with stock, tomatoes, and some veg the next day to make a stew or a slow-cooked ragù that will go well with some pappardelle.
To get any roasted meat extra moist, you’ll want to baste it. And of course, the key to a good gravy is using the juices from the tray but it can be quite a lot of work to drain, sieve, and skim the fat from the juices. Oxo Good Grips have a handy selection to help: the angled tip on this one makes it easier to draw up the liquid. And once you’ve taken the meat out to rest, you can pour the juices into their Gravy Separator and easily skim the fat from the top; saving you lots of time to focus on entertaining your guests.
ENJOY
Other things we’ve been enjoying inside or outside of the kitchen.
Michaella on our team has a bit of a candle addiction; they’re one of her favourite simple luxuries. They make a house feel so much cosier. So, when she’s done enjoying the smell of cooking, she loves to light them in the living room and invite her guests to take a softer seat for coffee and cakes. Her favourite brand is Neom – their sleep candles are very relaxing and (so should be avoided lighting at your desk when trying to concentrate). This year they’ve released this festive Christmas candle which is like a warm hug in wax form.
And once you get to the living room with your family and friends. Is it all dozing or debates? Are you a group who watch television or do you like to play games? If you fancy switching the gin-rummy or the standard hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs for something different, Michaella’s family have tried and tested Monopoly Deal with good reviews. It’s much faster than the board edition and given there’s more of a streak of luck involved instead of out-strategising your loved ones – it tends to results in less disagreements.
Or maybe you fancy getting a bit woo-woo? Ever learnt how to pull a tarot? Not your thing? Not usually for us either. Yet, this Pasta Tarot Deck is rooted in Italian history, and contains a selection of delicious foods, so even for the sceptics among you; perhaps you’ll find some hidden meanings and predict something in the future— even if that is just that you’re due your next cannoli with the post-dinner espresso.
Please note that all these items are real recommendations chosen at our own discretion, and not a result of paid placement. Sometimes, however, we may include affiliate links)
