How do I make sure the whole meal comes together at the same time?
It's all about timing. Use the oven timer or keep a close eye on the kitchen clock. For a big occasion draw up a timetable, working back from when you want to sit down at the table. It should say when to pop the meat in the oven, when to take it out, when to start cooking the vegetables etc. Follow your timetable and everything will be ready for the table at the same time
What's the best wine to serve with main meals?
As a general rule, think red for red meat and game and white for poultry and fish. Always, uncork red wine and leave to stand to bring it up to room temperature. Make sure white wine is well chilled before serving.
For the low-down on wine, read Majestic Wine's wine guide
I'd like a recipe for cooking roast beef: what's the best method?
For your first attempt try a slow-cooking, cheaper cut like beef brisket – as it's more forgiving.
- season the joint with pepper and place in a lidded casserole dish
- add ¼ of a cup of water
- cover and place in an oven preheated to 150°C for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the weight
- if one side is getting too brown, turn it half-way through
Other than that, it looks after itself. Leave the beef to stand before serving, as it makes the meat more succulent.
Find more beef recipe ideas
How can I roast chicken and keep it succulent without smothering it in butter?
Use water instead of butter for a healthier roast chicken that remains juicy.
- put the seasoned bird in a roasting dish with 2 dessert spoons of water
- cover the bird with foil and place in an oven preheated to 150°C for an hour
- remove the foil, increase the temperature and baste the bird every 10 minutes for 30 minutes to brown the skin
- remove from the oven, cover with the foil to keep warm and leave to stand for 15 to 30 minutes before serving
Check out these chicken recipes from the Good Food Channel
What's the key to cooking fish?
Keep it simple – fussy sauces can overpower the delicate flavour of most fish.
Cooking salmon? Try it pan fried, poached, grilled or baked in a foil parcel. Just add a few herbs and seasonings to taste.
Cooking plaice? It's delicious lightly grilled with butter and pepper. Cook under a medium grill for 5-8 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet. Jamie Oliver has some great fish recipes
Check out our tasty starter recipes
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