Cook Up Something Special This Bank Holiday

With the lockdown in full force across the UK, trips to the supermarket for the weekly shop and your government-mandated exercise are your small escapes from the house. At Pure Luxuries, our team have been cooking and baking more than ever to fill the day and the house with exquisite smells and delicious foods.

We have some ideas for the perfect three-course meal for this May Bank Holiday for all the family. 

For the Traditionalist 

Nothing screams a Bank Holiday more than a classic roast dinner and keeping it as simple and easy as possible is just as important. To make sure no one is going stir crazy, get the whole family chipping in with a little preparation help and make it a bank holiday to remember. 

To start, look no further than a soup, a perfect and timeless starter which can be mixed and matched with what vegetables you've been lucky to get hold of, fresh or frozen. Our personal favourite is pea and mint with a nice hunk of crusty bread (homemade or store-bought, we won't judge). 

For a main, lamb is the ultimate option for the meat-eaters. This recipe is perfect for keeping it simple, minimal prep is needed. Massage on lovely aromatics and pop in the oven for a few hours. Serve with some roast potatoes and your favourite vegetables. 

To finish this lavish meal off, we will always stick with the classic apple crumble with a healthy splash of custard. Easy to use and the perfect way to get the kids involved. Add a touch of cinnamon to the apples for subtle sweet warmth.

For the Vegan

Veganism can be a hard adjustment for many families however we have a three-course menu to change up your big Sunday roast. Whether a full-time vegan or just dipping your toes in, this is perfect for you.  

Although it might seem daunting, sometimes simple ingredients and firm favourites are perfect for all dietary requirements. Something like a sharing platter of beetroot hummus is ideal. You can substitute smooth peanut butter for tahini if you can't find any and leave out the mozzarella balls and prosciutto to make it vegan.  

For a main, why not try a nut roast, a vegan version of the classic meatloaf. With plenty of options to add flavour and your own spin, this is a great introduction for a carnivore looking to go vegan even just for a day. Serve with some vegan gravy, mash and your favourite vegetables for a delicious centrepiece for your three-course meal.  

Try a baked pear finished with cinnamon which is a nice and easy dessert. Most importantly it can be topped with anything you have lying around in the cupboard that might add a nice layer of flavour.

For the Experimental

If you are looking for something, completely different then we have a three-course meal for someone looking to step outside their comfort zone. Teach yourself a new cuisine of cooking with your spare time with ingredients that have been readily available in most supermarkets.

A modern starter that with only 16 minutes of active cooking time, these Crispy King Prawns take little effort but are filled with punchy flavours and awe-inspiring crispy texture. 

With a little preparation the night before, you can have a completely different roast dinner with a gorgeous and luxurious sauce. A green Thai curry roasted chicken makes for a beautiful and unique main course which can be served with perfect fluffy rice and wok-fried tender stem broccoli. 

To finish off this Asian feast, a beautiful Matcha Cheesecake which is a no-bake dessert. With it's vibrant green colour and earthy flavour, it will quickly become a family favourite. 

Most importantly in this time of uncertainty - please stay home, stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones.