My Dad's Roast

Everyone always seems to think that their parents cook a delicious roast, better than anyone else’s. I’ve eaten a lot of roasts, by different people and in different restaurants, and although there are some close competitors, I can safely say that my Dad makes the best roast. In my eyes, a Sunday isn't a Sunday without a roast and my Dad definitely makes Sundays worthwhile when he serves up one of his famous roasts. Whether that be beef (his best), chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, duck, or his famous gammon, you name it, he can make it, perfectly.

There’s a few things that my Dad is known for when it comes to cooking – his delicious flavours and going the extra mile. On some occasions there will be just four of us eating, but nonetheless, the table is still full of bowls, trays, dishes, bursting to the seams with delicious food. My Dad’s roast is not just your standard roast either – meat, potatoes, a few vegetables – oh no! It’s beautifully tender meat, normally more than one type, the nicest potatoes you will ever eat (really crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside), at least four different types of veg, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings (even though he does have a tendency to forget to put them in the oven until the last possible second), and jugs of delicious home-made gravy.

And it’s definitely not just your standard boring dry turkey, or plain lamb. When my Dad cooks, expect beef that’s been slow-cooked for five hours, with red wine and spices or gammon soaked with clementines and cinnamon.

He doesn’t just do standard veg either. Obviously it’s nice to have some broccoli or peas, but if you fancy cauliflower cheese with onions, mushrooms and bacon, or Brussel sprouts with chestnuts, my Dad is the man.

Although I will without doubt have seconds every time, sometimes even three helpings, there is always leftovers (because he always makes so much), so we normally always have the meat in sandwiches the next day, or he’ll rustle up a curry or stir fry with what’s left. And that’s always delicious too.

Most of my Dad’s roast recipes are top secret, not that I blame him. But if you think your parents are slacking, or you’re thinking you need to up your roast game, here is one of my Dad’s favourite gammon recipes that is perfect for impressing your friends and family at Christmas time! https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/fruitgammonwithspice_90783

Although my Dad seems to have a world of roast knowledge in his head, he appreciates The Hairy Bikers’, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay when it comes to roasts, so maybe check out some of their recipes if you’re looking for inspiration.

I guess my last words are: Thanks Dad, you’re a great chef! I’m looking forward to the day that I see you showing off your skills on Saturday Morning Kitchen or Masterchef.