Say goodbye to the Betwixmas slump – switch to simple, comforting, and restorative meals before the new year arrives
Ah Betwixmas. The quiet, hazy days between Christmas and New Year. The perfect time to talk about simple, comforting food when motivation is low, and leftovers are plentiful! You’ve navigated Christmas Day, survived the mountain of washing up, and you’re now firmly ensconced in that glorious, hazy period before the new year dawns.
But as the festive energy wanes, a new problem sets in: kitchen fatigue. It’s very real. So, the question we ask of you this Bewtixmas is, what are you without? The chances are, though, you’re run out of energy to even get you into the kitchen, let alone flourish pots and pans.
If there was ever a time for simple, comforting classics, this is it! Using quality cuts from Lakings means less effort is needed to enjoy dishes with maximum flavour. We’ve pulled three recipes from our back catalogue, championed by Chef Ambassador Rosie Dicker, to save your sanity during the festive slump.
You’re without energy and motivation – cue the 15-Minute Feast!
The Problem: You just need something substantial, warm, and ready now. You’re tired of leftovers, but the thought of a complex recipe is too much.
The Fix: Chef Rosie’s Dan Dan Noodles
The Magic: As Chef Rosie says, this is “one of my favourite tasty yet quick meals to throw together when I’m late home”. It’s an ideal recipe for Betwixmas because it uses versatile Lakings Pork Mince – or left over cold cuts for that matter – and packs a huge punch of flavour for minimal effort. Ready in minutes, this recipe offers up a completely different flavour profile to reset your palate after days of rich, traditional Christmas food.
You’re without comfort and cosiness – the hands-off Winter warmer
The Problem: The weather is cold, the house is chilly, and you need a truly restorative meal that requires less than 20 minutes of effort before handing the reins over to the oven.
The Fix: Traditional Lancashire Hot Pot
The Magic: A hearty, traditional, one-pot wonder. This recipe, using Lakings Lamb Shoulder (or neck), is the epitome of cold-weather comfort. It uses a less-lean cut of grass-fed lamb, meaning it rewards long, slow cooking, giving you time to put your feet up. A classic slow-cooker or low-temp oven dish to make sure you give carving meats a rest. Ease into the warmth and deep flavours that feel like a hug in a bowl.
You’re without fresh ideas – it’s time for an elevated classic
The Problem: You have simple mince in the fridge/freezer, but you’re bored of bolognese or shepherd’s pie. How can you elevate the simplest ingredients into an indulgent, satisfying Betwixmas lunch?
The Fix: Beef Mince on Toast with a Cheesy Garlic Bread
The Magic: This recipe is pure, unadulterated comfort. It elevates mince on toast into an indulgent, messy, and totally satisfying meal. It feels like a treat but uses basic, accessible ingredients alongside quality Lakings Beef Mince. The cheesy garlic bread component turns this simple meal into a festive delight.
Don’t let the Betwixmas slump lead to culinary despair! The answer to “What are you without?” is simple: you might be without energy, but you are not without a delicious plan B! Pop into Lakings to restock on those quick-cook essentials – mince, diced stewing meat, and quick-cook noodles – to make the most of those lovely, hazy days between the holidays.
