Ask a chef: Don’t Stress this Easter

Entertaining (and cooking) for the masses at Easter is a wonderful way to spend a long weekend. Unfortunately, more often than not, the head chef ends up frantic on the day.

To make sure you don’t stress this Easter, check out our head chef Tom’s tip for preparing like a pro.

This simple checklist will have you feeling prepped and ready to go, which is a recipe for a much more relaxing day. Don’t forget to have fun – cooking shouldn’t be a chore!

Before anything

Ask yourself a few questions:
Have I read the recipe all the way through? ⃝

Is there anything I can prepare well ahead of time, even the day before?  ⃝

Have I got all the utensils and tools I need? ⃝

Are all the ingredients close to hand? ⃝

Do I have a bin/scrap bowl nearby? ⃝

Have I preheated the oven? To the right temperature? ⃝

Let’s get cooking!

When it’s time to cook, take your time with it! Slowing down allows you to focus and avoid absent minded mistakes. Treat the activity as something to be enjoyed with a glass of wine and some good music, and you’ll have much more success.

Put on a killer playlist and optional glass of wine ⃝

Prepare all pre-prep steps ahead of time (get to chopping!) ⃝

Use ingredients at room temperature ⃝

Clean up as you go (nearby bin, assemble!) ⃝

Clean things properly as well ⃝

Keep tasting and seasoning throughout ⃝

Above all

Don’t stress if things divert from the recipe ⃝

Cook for yourself as well as other hungry mouths! ⃝
(aka There Ain’t No Shame in a Shortcut, No Need to Impress Here)

It’s only food! And above all, it should be fun ⃝

Here’s one of our favourite recipes – a delightful warm spiced shakshouka that works perfectly as an Easter brunch. The spiced tomato sauce can be prepared the night before, and then gently warm through before cracking in eggs when it’s time to serve.

Happy Easter!