insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 01 - March 2015

FOOD+DRINK CROWD-PLEASING RECIPES Now that the winter is fading away and spring is around the corner, you might be thinking of coming out of hibernation. And what better way to celebrate the season than by throwing a dinner party? If you like the idea of entertaining after the last few months of dreary darkness, here are some delicious recipes to get you started. Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms Spaghetti Bolognese with a Chilli Twist (serves 4) (serves 4) This popular Italian cuisine is loved around the world for its ﬂavoursome simplicity. Fun to make and fun to eat, with the added spice of chilli jam, this student staple becomes a sophisticated evening meal. Ingredients • 4 rashers streaky bacon (chopped) • Sprinkle of rosemary • Olive oil • 2 red onions (chopped) • 2 cloves of garlic (ﬁnely diced) • 500g minced beef • 400g spaghetti • 1 medium wine glass red wine • 1 400g jar chopped tomatoes • 2 carrots (chopped) • 2 tbsp chilli jam • Salt and pepper These heavenly tasting mushrooms are simple to make and can be prepared in advance, ready to pop in the oven when your guests arrive. Ingredients • 2 tbsp butter (plus some for greasing) • 2 rashers streaky bacon (chopped) • 285g frozen spinach • 4 large mushrooms • 1 onion (chopped) • 2 garlic cloves (minced) • 30ml double cream • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated) • Salt and pepper Method 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C and grease a baking tray 2. Fry up the chopped bacon and put aside 3. Place the frozen spinach in a saucepan with a covering of water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cook for about 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the heat and drain 4. Whilst the spinach is cooking, remove stems from mushrooms and chop them. Then place the mushrooms on the greased baking tray 5. Melt the butter in a saucepan, and then add the onion and garlic. Once soft, add the bacon, mushroom stems, bacon, and double cream. Let it get up to a simmer, before removing from the heat and adding the parmesan cheese. Season 6. Stuff each mushroom with a generous amount of ﬁlling and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes Method 1. In a wok or large saucepan, heat the olive oil and when hot, fry the bacon with the rosemary 2. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic, and fry for a further 3 minutes until softened 3. Add the minced beef, stir, and continue to fry for another 2-3 minutes. Then add the wine, tomatoes, and chilli jam 4. Season well and lower the heat. Continue simmering for about an hour, stirring and checking regularly 5. Serve with spaghetti and hot garlic bread 44

insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 01 - March 2015 | Page 44