What is a Jersey Bean Crock? A Jersey Bean Crock or ‘les pais au fou’ is perhaps Jersey’s national dish. It is a tradition casserole of dried beans rather like a French Cassoulet. And don’t worry Guernsey readers I know that the Guernsey Bean Jar ( moussaettes au four ) is just as culturally important. The Bean Crock or Jar is cooked in a large clay casserole dish and historically was left in a baker’s oven overnight.
Braising
Cask Ale Week – Cooking with Beer
As I work for a company that owns two award winning breweries inevitably I get to cook with beer, and drink the odd pint as well ( any time you want to send some promos over to taste guys ). I’m going to post links to three great recipes made with the amazing Liberation Ale*. Now you don’t have to be afraid to cook with beer, in Belgium they have made an art of using beer much as the French would use wine.
Classic Beef and Ale Pie – British Food Fortnight
As we shift into Autumn if you are a bit of a foodie you will know it is also time to celebrate National Cask Ale Week* and to promote British Food Fortnight, and if you follow this blog you will also know how I feel about some of the more obscure food promotions but as my day job is working for a brewery pub chain this is an ideal opportunity for me to promote two great passions, classic British pub food accompanied with a pint or two and what can be more suitable than a traditional Beef and Ale pie, a real pub favourite.
Perfect Slow-cooked Lamb Shanks
Today’s recipe is perhaps the most satisfying, a one-pot casserole, ideal after a good long walk on the cliff tops in Jersey.
There is a substantial amount of meat on a large shank enough for the largest of appetites and I would say ample for two average dinners with the addition of a selection of vegetables.