To slice steak, find the direction of the grain (the lines of muscle fibre) and slice across the grain rather than parallel to it.

Place meat into freezer and freeze up to 1 hour.

For sous-vide cooking use bags that are resistant to the times and temperatures specified in these recipes. Check at time of purchase to ensure bags meet the following criteria: specific for food and for sous-vide cooking; resistant up to 212°F; resistant up to 8 hours of cooking; BPA-free; PVC-free

Be sure to use clean utensils and sterilised jars for best results.

You can use any stout in this one, but we chose the Irish favourite, Guinness®. Particularly good when the weather turns colder, this beautifully wholesome and tender beef stew is the perfect winter warmer. Delicious served with mashed potatoes.

Placing the star anises inside the simmering basket makes it easier to remove them after cooking. They can also be added directly to the mixing bowl though.

Cut thick white parts of pak choi in smaller pieces (2 in.) and green leafy parts in larger pieces (4-6 in.) .

Top up with water midway through to increase broth quantity.