Slow Roast Pork and Banana Splits

Is there a better meal to have on a Sunday than a roast dinner? Probably not. For me, it's the cornerstone of the British family and cuisine. Whether it's pork, lamb, beef, or chicken, there's something for most people. 

I don't think I've got a particular favourite. Other to say that a slow roasted joint is usually the option to go for. It means you can just pop it in the oven in the morning (normally the day before in my case), and forget about it for a few hours. The cheaper joints are better for slow roasting, which makes it an inexpensive meal, too. Leftovers can be used in a variety of ways...

What to do with leftovers roasts:

• If you've got leftover potatoes and veg, make bubble and squeak by mixing it together and frying in a pan until crispy. Serve with either leftover meat or sausages. 
• Any leftover meat would be good in a salad. Try and match classic flavour combinations in the salad, such as pork and apple, chicken and lemon, beef and horseradish, lamb and mint.
• Beef or lamb can be turned into cottage pie or shepherds pie, or a ragu. 
• ...Don't forget about roast meat sandwiches!

I've also been trying to encourage my oldest niece to cook and help in the kitchen. She helped me with the maple syrup on the pork, and later she made banana splits with her younger sister. 

It's a great, simple dessert that the kids can do themselves.

Slow Roast Pork

Serves about 8, or less with leftovers


2kg leg of pork, deboned, rolled and scored
2 tbsp olive oil
1tsp each of garlic salt, ground coriander, fennel seeds, chilli flakes
salt and pepper
2-4tbsp maple syrup or honey


Preheat oven Gas 3 (170°C/325°F)


Rub the pork all over with the olive oil and spices, and plenty of salt and pepper. Cover with tin foil and place in the oven for around 8 hours. Keep an eye on it every so often, and baste it.


10 minutes before the end, discard the tin foil and drizzle the maple syrup or honey over the pork and return to the oven on Gas 7.


Allow to rest for at least 15 minutes for serving.

Banana Splits

Serves 2 little girls

2 bananas, split length ways

Ice cream

Custard

Sauce, chocolate, strawberry, and/or maple syrup

Toppings, sweets, sprinkles, etc.

Simply split the bananas in half and set the ingredients out for the kids (or adults) to help themselves. I scooped the ice cream for them to make it a bit easier.