One-Pot Mexican Chilli Beef.....

This delicious one-pot Spicy Mexican braised beef recipe is a real crowd pleaser.  Not only is it easy to make, delicious, spicy and filling.....it's stress free!  This recipe is enough to feed 14 - 15 so it's perfect for a party or to feed the family and freeze the rest or needless to say just reduce the amounts by half. 

Ingredients:

• 
  
• up to 6 tbsp sunflower oil
• 4kg stewing beef
• 4 white onions , sliced
• 4 tbsp chipotle paste
• 8 garlic cloves , crushed
• 50g ginger , grated
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 2l beef stock
• 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 5 x 400g cans pinto or kidney beans , drained
• 
  
• 
  

Method:

Heat a small drizzle of the oil in an extra-large flameproof dish. Brown the meat in batches, adding a drop more oil, remove from the dish and set aside. Add 1 tbsp oil to the dish, then the onions, and cook for 7-10 mins or until caramelised.

Stir the chipotle paste, garlic, ginger, cumin, cinnamon and flour in with the onions and cook for a couple of mins. Gradually add the stock, stirring all the time, so it's fully mixed in with the other ingredients. Add the tomatoes and oregano, season and simmer for 10 mins.

Now tip in the beef, cover and simmer very gently for about 1 hr 45 mins until tender, removing the lid and adding the beans for the final 15 mins. If the sauce is thin, let it boil down for a further 5-10 mins with the lid off. Before serving, adjust the seasoning. Serve with the garlic bread and salsa.

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Bradford One Community Group...fighting for the future of The Bradford Odeon

Bradford One Community Group

Posted on November 27, 2012 by ralphslife

Here’s some background on Bradford One Community Group…..

WHAT IS BRADFORD ONE?

A newly launched community interest group seeking to take the Save the Odeon campaign on to the next level by organising and overseeing the redevelopment of this much loved building at the heart of Bradford.

They aim to do this by engaging and involving the people of Bradford throughout the process.

Ultimately the aim is an economically viable venue with an assured future. They are ordinary Bradfordians with no vested interests other than that they care about the building, about Bradford and its future.

They’ve chosen a community benefit vehicle, similar to a co-operative, which will include an asset lock on the site so that it will remain in the ownership of the people of Bradford.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?

The Bradford Odeon is clearly important to local people as the long running campaign to save it has demonstrated. Alongside organisations such as the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group BORG (who I’ll be featuring soon), the voice of the community has played a massive role in ensuring that the initial plans for demolition and re-development as New Victoria Place were rejected.

The Bradford One group includes campaigners who met through the fight to save the building, via online and offline activities. Their aim is to now transform this campaign into a constructive way of securing a solution with as much input from the people of Bradford as possible.

They believe that a redeveloped Odeon that retains the essential characteristics of the building will have far reaching benefits for Bradford city centre and the wider district, drawing people back into Bradford and helping to show what Bradford and its people really have to offer. It will complement perfectly the area around Centenary Square with the Alhambra, Media Museum and City Park.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?

To create a multi-purpose cultural venue and a home for creative entrepreneurs.

It will include a modern, well-equipped auditorium for mid-scale touring live acts and events surrounded by managed workspace, learning facilities and co-working spaces to encourage collaboration and innovation.

Incorporating restaurants, café-bars and independent retail outlets will help to make Bradford One a sustainable proposition in the heart of Bradford city centre.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO GET INVOLVED?

Initially, They plan to engage with the community in two ways:

A consultation exercise to let the people of Bradford decide what happens to the building
A community share issue to let the people of Bradford take ownership of the building – shares will be available at a very low cost and will give you voting rights

This will very much be a community led process at each stage, with the ultimate aim being a renovated building everyone can enjoy.

The public needs to demonstrate their support as this will strengthen the campaign.

You can register your interest now on the website www.bradfordone.com

HOW WILL YOU FUND THIS?

A mixture of sources, including:

• public funding through issuing shares to the public
• grants, gifts and donations and community funding
• investor funding and loans

ARE THEY MEMBERS OF BORG?

No, they are a separate group to BORG, although they have shared a common aim with them in their campaigns to save the building.

WHO DO YOU PLAN TO WORK WITH?

All interested parties.

Nothing is ruled out at this stage and they’re exploring all possible options as to funding, developers, tenants and use of the spaces around the main auditorium.

They want to engage the people of Bradford throughout the whole process – as a community led group they want to listen to and reflect the wishes of the community.

One of Bradford’s best resources is its people and they believe that giving the people a voice and a choice is the best way forward to work towards the renovation of the building and the regeneration of Bradford city centre.

WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

Now the group has been formed they can start to explore the various funding opportunities available at different stages.

First of all they will formally examine the viability of the scheme and put together a business planTheyWe also plan to pursue funding for a feasibility study.

They will continue to liaise closely with Bradford Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (who currently own the building) and look forward to the completion of the structural survey Bradford Council have agreed to provide for all interested parties.

This will be an open process, and they encourage and welcome the involvement of the people of Bradford.

Love Bradford…Love The Odeon

Café bocboc.....the perfect place to meet and eat.....

Opened in 2010 and situated in Eccleston, St Helens Café bocboc's aim was to provide a European style coffeehouse with an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere for their customers to enjoy, and boy have they succeeded!

  

Café bocboc is a unique business in itself and proving to be a destination venue to eat and meet. It's the first and original coffeehouse, ice cream parlour and patisserie to be established in St Helens and the surrounding area.

The image and décor is based on creating a modern cosmopolitan establishment, providing something exclusive, elegant, yet still achieving a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for their customers to enjoy.

Their concept is unique in this area as they combine specialty Italian coffees, fresh cuisine made from the finest fresh (locally sourced where possible) produce by two qualified Chefs, Luxury ‘Award Winning’ Ice Cream (the Rum 'n' Raisin is to die for) and irresistible desserts.

They use a selection of local suppliers to provide fresh produce and ingredients. They constantly search for other suppliers and give other business the chance to offer their produce, which in turn helps them to regularly change the menu and to provide excellence with 'elan.  That, combined with the qualified Chefs provides the perfect match to offer creative and delicious food, a selection of beverages, old fashioned drinks and the luxury desserts on offer.

Bocboc are confident that their great food and quality coffee, served by trained and friendly staff will make Café bocboc a special place to meet, eat, relax and socialise with family and friends.  Light breakfast, Seasonal salads, homemade soups, luxury sandwiches created from fresh, in-house baked bread served with hand carved meats are just some of the highlights from their menu. 

Not forgetting the kids, as they have a selection of meals dedicated to providing healthy, yet appealing choices.  Always looking to take advantage of seasonal produce, this is reflected in the menu and so as the seasons change, you’ll see the menu and specials board updated on a regular basis.

Their blend of coffee is unique as it's roasted to their specification and provided fresh on a regular basis to give that perfect elegant flavour to suit all. The result, a warm fresh flavoured espresso produced from high quality coffee beans and is the perfect selection to suit the wide range of coffees on offer.

They have a local award winning ice cream supplier – Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and the brand name speaks for itself as Cheshire farm take pride in producing fresh, high quality ice cream in a range of flavours to suit all.

In the café they offer an extensive range of Cheshire farm products. Traditional vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, sit alongside luxurious honeycomb, Maltese and toffee fudge – adult favourites include stem ginger, mango and Bailey’s.

So, you can complement your choice of coffee and keep the children happy with an excellent selection of ice cream!

The selection of patisseries are as exquisite to look at as they are to taste. They're elegant, delicious and comparable whith any found in a fine dining restaurant. Dressed to perfection with cream and seasonal fruits, they're a truly luxurious accompaniment to a coffee or the perfect way to end a meal.

If that's not enough they have luxury collection of ‘flowerpot’ muffins, rich fruit filled granola, sweet pastry chocolate twists and traditional scones served with cream and jam. This list goes on, but what you can be certain of is that they'll have an indulgent treat to satisfy everyone!

Cafe bocboc has launched Junior Masterchef 2012, open to Young People in senior school years 7 – 10 in the St Helens Area. They're working with What's on in St Helens to promote this great competition.

They'll be sending the information to all St Helens High Schools to get involved and encourage young children to produce a healthy dish that they would be proud of and a chance to include it on the menu.

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Apr 14, 2012 by Danielle Whitby

Bright, friendly and gorgeous food :-) perfectly located and very handy for a Saturday treat or catch up with friends after the school run!

My children love it .. Even my 2 year old asks to go! Love it and would tell anyone who would listen to me :-))

Response: thank you very much for your comments

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Superb

Nov 24, 2011 by clare

superb cafe and we like it so much that we will come back a again and again and agian

Response: thank you

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Fresh food on offer

Sep 06, 2011 by M Scott

Excellent choice of fresh, succulent meals, pleasant decor and friendly enagaging staff - well done. Provides a stylish and vibrant focal point which amalgamates good food and good conversation.

Response: Once again, its so rewarding to hear nice comments like this. Thank You

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Community Love this place

Aug 31, 2011 by A Stahler

Excellent, staff always helpful. Nice place to walk to and have lovely food. Regenerated the Eccleston community ...provided a heart to the village. Long awaited.

Response: We appreciate your kind words and our aim is to provide a place for the community to socialise. Thank You

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Excellent Place

Aug 09, 2011 by S Tabern

Lovely, lively place to enjoy lunch/snack, friendly staff, superb food, excellent choice and value for money. Provides the community with an upmarket venue which caters for all ages.

Response: Thank you for your valuable visit and see you again soon.

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Excellent Place to Eat

Aug 01, 2011 by I Swift

Excellent, good value/service, pleasant surroundings and a godsend....somewhere decent and child friendly for the people of Eccleston. Made the district more attractive and appealing to all ages - nice surroundings and good value and quality food.

Response: Really glad you enjoyed the visit to cafe bocboc. Thank you

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bocboc is the place to be

Jul 26, 2011 by H Miller

I really enjoy coming to Bocboc, its a welcoming place, lovely, clean and stylish. Food and service are excellent. A really nice meeting place giving Eccleston a 'village feel'. Easy to find from the A580..St Helens needs more quality cafes and restaurants.

Response: Glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you again. Thank You

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Really Nice Place

Jul 23, 2011 by J Beech

Wonderful, Staff and service are very good and friendly. The food is very good, the ambience is just right and the decor is bright , fresh and contemporary. Its a great meeting place to meet with friends and relax.

Response: Your comments mean a lot to us as a business.

thank you

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Cafe bocboc168 Kiln Lane St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 4RB UK enquiries@cafebocboc.com • 01744 24480

Microwave Crisps

Ingredients:

600g Roosters red potatoes, unpeeled and scrubbed

2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking spray

Method:

Slice potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds for thicker potato chips.

For thinner ones if you have a mandolin use it to cut very thin slices. 

Toss slices in a medium bowl with oil and salt to coat evenly.

Coat a large microwave-proof plate with cooking spray.

Arrange some potato slices in a single layer on the plate.

Microwave, uncovered, on High until some slices start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes 
(depending upon potato thickness and microwave power). 

Turn slices over (they will be hot, so take care with your fingers) and continue microwaving 
until they start to crisp and brown around the edges, about 35 seconds for very thin potato slices 
to 2 to 4 minutes for thicker slices. 

Check frequently and rearrange slices as needed to prevent scorching. 

Transfer chips to another plate and allow to cool completely (they'll crisp up more as they cool) 
and repeat the process with remaining slices.

Purslane Restaurant.....33a St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Ralph's not been as excited for some time as he was when he discovered Purslane Restaurant in Edinburgh's fashionable Stockbridge (ok to be fair I did get a new pull rope earlier this week) who are offering a 'casual' fine dining experience for nothing like fine dining prices.  

The restaurant has a casual feel with no dress code or formality as they want the customer to feel relaxed at all times. Front of house are friendly, approachable and are happy to deal with any questions or requests. The food takes on the fine dining element showcasing local produce with a mix of old and new techniques using worldwide influences.




They feel strongly about the seasonality of the ingredients that are used in order to to ensure the best quality. 

They've tried to source most of their suppliers in the local area and around 80% are based in the Stockbridge area in the hope that it'll bring a sense of community to the restaurant and also help fellow small businesses. 


Chef Patron Paul Gunning has experience working in five star hotels, 2-3 rosette and Michelin starred restaurants, working under chefs like Marco Pierre White (Riverroom MPW), Jeff Bland (Balmoral, Number 1), Phil Thompson (Auberge Du Lac) and the classy Jean Michel Gauffre (La Garrigue). 



He's ably assisted by Craig Smith who also has experience working in 2-3 rosette restaurants most notably the outstanding Seafood Restaurant in St. Andrews working for Craig Campbell Millar, and Peter Griffiths back in the Midlands. 


In 2009, Craig took part in BBC`s Masterchef the Professionals where he made it through to cook for Ralph's mate Michel Roux Jr` (OK had you going for just the teeniest moment). 

This is his first Head Chef position and has the drive and enthusiasm about food to produce great dishes.

Purslane have just celebrated their first anniversary and look like going on from strength to 

strength as they're quickly establishing themselves as one of The top eating destinations (they're only a sniff away from being in the top 50 on Trip Advisor) in Edinburgh.  Friday's and Saturdays' they offer a seven course tasting menu at a fraction of the cost that some restaurants (not too far away) charge for six courses but still manage to deliver an above and beyond level of quality and service.

Purslane Restaurant

33a St. Stephen Street 
Stockbridge, Edinburgh 
EH3 5AH 

T: +44 (0)131 226 3500 
E: @purslanerestaurant.co.uk

Purslane Restaurant - Edinburgh's Casual Fine Dining - Click here for bookings