This week has been full of Christmas parties, and I’m really quite tired today! Therefore, I’m going to throw up an oldie from the archives, before traffic started picking up–which means most of you probably haven’t seen it!

This was originally posted on 16th September 2009. x

I may have sung the praises of vegetarian eating recently, but there is also something to be said for a lovely piece of meat! Budget-friendly cuts are back in fashion and here are a few great recipes for cooking them.

Skirt steak

Gordon Ramsay’s Triple Decker Steak Sandwich

Bon Appetit’s Pan-Grilled Beer-Marinated Hanger Steak (hanger steak is American for skirt steak, so I’m told)

Brisket

Jamie Oliver’s Steak, Guiness and Cheese Pie with a Puff Pastry Lid

Good Food Magazine’s Pot-Roasted Brisket in Beer with Parsnips and Mushrooms

Oxtail

Gordon Ramsay’s Oxtail Soup

Nigel Slater’s Braised Oxtail with Mustard and Mash

Chicken Thighs

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake

Good Food Magazine’s Honey Mustard Chicken Pot with Parsnips

Shoulder of Lamb

Jamie Oliver’s Incredible Roasted Shoulder of Lamb with Smashed Veg and Greens

Mary Cadogan’s Greek Lamb with Orzo

Ham Hock

Gary Rhodes’ Ham Hock and Lentils

Emeril Lagasse’s Ham Hock and Beans

Pork Cheeks

Bryn Williams’ Braised Pork Cheeks with Ginger Carrots and Jersey Royal Potatoes

Tim Fletcher’s Bath Chaps in Scrumpy with West Country Farmhouse Cheddar