As the temperatures plunge and winter makes its presence felt, comfort food such as root vegetables and hearty stews are certainly on the menu. Try one of these delicious recipes to keep out the seasonal chill Serves 4

  • 700g/1½lb best Irish chuck steak
  • Seasoned flour
  • 4tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 300ml/½pt beef stock
  • 300ml/½pt red wine
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 700g pack ready rolled puff pastry
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 12 fresh oysters, shucked
  • 1tbsp roughly chopped flat parsley



THIS IS WHAT YOU DO

  • 1. Cut beef into bite-sized chunks and dip in seasoned flour. Shake off excess and reserve the beef.
  • 2. Heat 2tbsp oil in a pan and gently fry onions and garlic over gentle heat until softened but not brown. Transfer to a flameproof casserole.
  • 3. Add remaining oil to pan and fry beef in batches to brown on all sides. Add to casserole. Pour over beef stock and red wine and bring to bubbling. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Turn down to simmer for 1½ hours with the lid half on, or until beef is tender.
  • 4. At the same time roll out the pastry slightly thinner. Cut out 4 shamrocks using plain pastry cutters for the leaves and a thin strip for the stalk.
  • 5. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg then bake at Gas Mark 6/ 400F/200C for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
  • 6. When beef is tender tuck in oysters and add any juice in the shells and cook 5 minutes more. Serve beef and oysters in bowls, scattered with parsley and topped with pastry shamrock.