Roasts

by Laura Mason

Published 5 September 2019

The best traditional recipes for roasted dishes, from a Sunday beef roast with Yorkshire pudding and rack of lamb with herb crust to stuffed roast goose, pheasant and veal. Leading chef Laura Mason gives you all the best techniques for sourcing, preparing and roasting all kinds of meat: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and various game, including partridge, grouse and woodcock. To make the absolute most of this most prized food, the author explains the various cuts of meat (and what cuts work best with various recipes) and roasting times for a rare or well done piece of meat. Plus, of course, she covers the use of marinating, barding, larding, basting and dredging.

The recipes would not be complete without a range of potato and vegetable dishes that are ideal accompaniments. From the best roast potatoes and mash to gratins, gravies and sauces.

But the best part of any roast is often the leftover meat that makes the best ingredient for leftover meals. A joint of meat can stretch a very long way, from Shepherd pies, rostis, soups, stews, and much more; the life of a roast can be the source of more than one delicious meal.


Good Old-Fashioned Roasts

by Laura Mason

Published 2 November 2009

A warm, welcome addition to the popular Good Old-Fashioned series, this time giving you the best traditional recipes for roasted dishes, from a Sunday beef roast with Yorkshire pudding and rack of lamb with herb crust to stuffed roast goose, pheasant and veal.

Leading chef Laura Mason gives you all the best techniques for sourcing, preparing and roasting all kinds of meat: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and various game, including partridge, grouse and woodcock. To make the absolute most of this most prized food, the author explains the various cuts of meat (and what cuts work best with various recipes) and roasting times for a rare or well done piece of meat. Plus, of course, she covers the use of marinating, barding, larding, basting and dredging.

The recipes would not be complete without a range of potato and vegetable dishes that are ideal accompaniments. From the best roast potatoes and mash to gratins, gravies and sauces.

But the best part of any roast is often the leftover meat that makes the best ingredient for leftover meals. A joint of meat can stretch a very long way, from Shepherd pies, rostis, soups, stews, and much more; the life of a roast can be the source of more than one delicious meal.


A collection of 200 delicious country recipes from the National Trust.

This wonderful collection of 200 traditional recipes brings you the best of British country cooking. There are mouth-watering recipes for every occasion, from soups, starters and light meals to hearty stews and pies, delicious puddings and teatime treats to fruity jams and spicy chutneys.

The rhythms of rural life influenced country meals and dishes and led to tasty slow-cooked stews and hotpots and the rituals of baking bread, cakes and pies. There is a balance of classic ‘good plain cooking’ and rich, well-seasoned dishes often rooted in a particular region and focusing on local ingredients.

Choose from time-honoured family favourites such as Slow Roast Belly Pork with Root Vegetables, Shepherd’s Pie, Apple Cake and Bakewell Pudding, or discover lesser-known regional country gems like Cornish Fish Pie, traditional Welsh Stew or Cumberland Girdle Cakes.


A celebration of the farmhouse foods of Britain and a collection of the best farmhouse recipes that have at their heart local ingredients. The South West has a wonderful tradition of cooking with pastry and clotted cream, the South East has puddings in suet crusts, and the Lake District often uses brown sugar and spices derived from the West India trade.

Every region of Britain has a selection of recipes that bring out the best of the local ingredients, traditional cooking techniques and are much loved by locals and visitors. Sally Lunn Bread and Strawberry Cider from the West Country; Curd Tart and Yorkshire Pudding from God's Own Country; and Partridge Pudding and Kentish Huffkins from the Garden of England.

These wonderful recipes – from salads, soups, stews and roasts to cakes, buns and bread – celebrate British food and specific local foods. But more than that, the book offers a range of recipes that can delight palates all over the United Kingdom.


The Picnic Cookbook

by Laura Mason

Published 16 April 2015

Picnics and outdoor meals are a classic theme in British food. Afternoon tea in the garden on a golden afternoon in late summer, a packed lunch consumed on a hilltop while the eyes feast on a magnificent view, and the tantalising smell of grilling from a barbecue are all part of this. Being outside sharpens the senses and the appetite, refreshes the soul and gives different perspectives – and National Trust properties provide a wealth of different environments in which to enjoy food outdoors.

The book will include over 100 recipes covering picnics, barbecues and campfire food. They range from bresola rolls and lemon gin to be enjoyed as a punting picnic, to a warming minestrone and spiced parkin for bonfire night, a baba ganoush made with aubergines chargrilled on the barbecue, and mussels wrapped in seaweed and cooked on the embers of a campfire. Author Laura Mason gives tips on transporting and cooking the food in the great outdoors, as well as giving historical context to the recipes and suggesting the best National Trust places to eat outdoors.


A hearty collection of the nation's favourite pies, stews and one-pot wonders. This mouth-watering collection features easy to follow instructions on everything from Steak and Kidney pie and Bolton Hotpot to Chicken & Leek Pie and Sausage and Lentil stew. Perfect comfort food for any time.

A hearty collection of the nation's favourite pies, stews and one-pot meals, from Steak and Kidney pie and Bolton Hotpot to Chicken & Leek Pie and Sausage & Lentil stew. 

Includes recipes for beef and veal, lamb, pork, chicken, game, fish and vegetables, as well as dumplings, pastry and other must-have accompaniments. 

Ingredients can be swapped, altered or added to make quick and easy nourishing meals for friends and family.


A collection of hearty, traditional recipes.

A hearty collection of traditional one-pot pies and stews that make delicious meals for family and friends, from Steak and Kidney Pie, to Chicken and Leek Pie, Braised Lamb Shanks and Fish Pie. Includes recipes for beef and veal, lamb, pork, chicken, game, fish and vegetables, as well as dumplings, pastry and other must-have accompaniments to the pies and stews. Ingredients can be swapped, added to or altered to make quick and easy nourishing meals for family and friends, just like mum used to make.