Reinventing Family Favourites With Branston Pickles & Sauces

Most of us know the name Branston and the saying "Bring Out The Branston".  The original Branston Pickle was always on our table to liven up ploughman's lunches and sandwiches.  My dad was a particular fan and in fact, his pet name for me was Pickle - which may, or may not be linked.

Branston Pickle was first made by Crosse & Blackwell in 1922 and is named after the small village near Burton in Staffordshire. Over 17 million jars of pickle are sold every year and the range now includes relishes and table sauces.

But did you know that you can use Branston products to liven up a whole range of dishes, including family favourites such as lasagne or beef stew with dumplings?

There is a great selection of Branston products to choose from such as the new Branston Sweet Chilli Pickle, Spicy Tomato Relish, Caramelised Onion Chutney, Orchard Fruit Chutney and Tomato & Red Pepper Relish.

You can use these to jazz up your leftovers - for example, you could use up leftover cheese in a Cheese, Spinach & Caramelised Onion Chutney Quiche or how about some Mediterranean Bubble & Squeak Cakes - a great way to use up leftover potato and veg.

Branston's website has a comprehensive range of recipes to try, including five created by Andy Bates, the star of Food Network’s Street Feasts which are tasty takes on the hot sandwich. Andy, who is known for his modern twists on classic dishes, fuelled by his international travels and passion for street food, has created a recipe to complement each flavour in the Branston Relish range.

How about Cider & Fennel Braised Pulled Pork, Mango Salsa Roll with Branston Sweet & Spicy Brazilian Relish or Mushroom & Grilled Cheese ‘Burger’ Muffin With Branston Caramelised Red Onion Relish?

It's a very long way from the humble Ploughman's!

If you would like to try Branston's recipes for yourself, you'll find them at www.bringoutthebranston.co.uk.

We tried Sticky Pork Chops but substituted the Branston Orchard Chutney for the Branston Sweet Chilli Chutney.

Simply make a marinade with 4 generous tablespoons of Branston.

Coat the chops with the marinade and chill for 30 minutes.

The Marinade at work

Then whack in the oven for half an hour while you prepare some rice with the broccoli and courgette.

The tomatoes are added to the chops about 10 minutes before serving.

The result was pork chops with quite a kick and the added veg are great for the kids.

You're sure to find a way to add some extra taste to your meals with the Branston range.