Early planning will boost profits this Christmas

Beef and lamb are popular and versatile alternatives to the traditional turkey dinner, and the new Quality Standard 'Christmas Roasting Joints Range' and Quality Standard 'Christmas Gourmet Range' from EBLEX will provide a real point of difference during seasonal festivities and to wider, winter menus. The Christmas Roasting Joint range has been designed to maximise the profit potential from carvery menus. The range makes use of forequarter cuts, which are seam butchered to produce cost effective roasting joints. Hugh Judd, foodservice project manager for EBLEX, said: "The whole range has been developed with the licensed sector in mind, from hotel groups and branded chains to independent restaurants and gastro pubs. Each cut is easy to cook and carve, and works well with traditional accompaniments and sauces – delivering a tasty alternative this Christmas." The Christmas Gourmet Range is a selection of cuts that benefit from slow cooking to become incredibly tender and succulent. As Hugh says: "These cuts are extremely versatile and can be pre-prepared and then used as ready meal solutions or 'sous-vide' products. Once cooked, portions can be set aside and easily re-heated as required, allowing for excellent portion control and profit. "The whole slow-cooking process allows for enhanced flavour and by utilising some of the lesser used cuts, caterers can also benefit from paying lower prices yet continue to promote the fact they serve quality meat that is fully assured from farm to plate." To help caterers start planning ahead for the busy period and make the most of the new Quality Standard Roasting Joint and Gourmet ranges, EBLEX has produced a brand new Christmas kit. This contains two 8-page guides – one for each range – which highlight each beef and lamb cut, as well as the primal from which it is taken and the corresponding code from their Meat Purchasing Guide to simplify the ordering process and ensure product consistency. Catering suppliers will get a corresponding specification folder for each range. Hugh continues: "Warming beef and lamb dishes – whether roasted or slow cooked – are perfect for a frosty winter day. They are also a popular and versatile option for Christmas menus, boosting the festive atmosphere, as well as sales and profit! "At this time of year when provenance, taste and quality becomes even more of a priority, chefs can further benefit from the fact that all Quality Standard beef and lamb is fully traceable and assured. The Quality Standard scheme also covers eating quality, so that you and your customers can be confident in the tenderness and succulence of the beef and lamb served. "We recommend that chefs discuss their requirements with their Quality Standard catering supplier or butcher, who will be able to prepare the cuts to the exact specifications detailed in EBLEX's definitive Meat Purchasing Guide." For more information on becoming a scheme member, to request a copy of the guide or for roasting joint and slow-cooking recipe ideas visit www.eblexfoodservice.co.uk or call the scheme hotline 0800 781 4221.