For many of us, our earliest food experiences centre around the home, and that all-important figure: Mum. As Mother’s Day approaches, why not turn the tables and get chopping, prepping and basting to create the perfect roast for Mum. She might make it look easy, but getting all the elements in place is actually hard to master, so take a look at our hints and tips to make sure you get it all right on the day!

SELECT YOUR CUT

Although most of us know our fillet from our flank, how well do we know the rarer cuts? From silverside to topside, onglet to brisket, they all have their own unique qualities and are all worth investigating. Although lesser-known, these cuts might be perfect for your requirements, and could save you money in the butcher or supermarket. If you need to brush up, check out our guide to cuts and how to cook them.

NAIL THE SIDES

Make sure your side dishes reach the standard of the main event. To help you get the freshest of produce, we suggest seeking out seasonal veg. Discover our article about what’s ripe for picking this spring. And If you’re a roastie fan, see our ultimate guide to the perfect roast potatoes, bound to impress the whole family.

GET YOUR TIMINGS SORTED

Timings are perhaps the most important, and hard to master, element of creating a classic Sunday roast. The last thing you need is cold veg, tough meat, or an oven that refuses to heat up! This video on how to roast a rib of beef, details the importance of making sure you leave enough time to allow the beef to return to room temperature before it goes in the oven. As the saying goes, fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

PERFECT THE GRAVY

The crowning glory of any roast; a rich, flavoursome gravy. Watch and learn as chef Tony Fleming creates a perfect gravy, offering a step-by-step guide. With his help, there’s no excuse for anything but the best on the day itself!