From The Shack - Episode 8 | Influencers You Should Be Following

Episode Summary:

We’re back together! Dec’s fresh from his Stateside adventures, and it’s our first joint episode of 2025. This week, we’re catching up on all the foodie escapades we’ve been up to since the last pod—everything from fire-fueled feasts to culinary inspiration we’ve picked up along the way.

Our main topic? The must-follow influencers who are shaping the world of BBQ and fire cooking right now. Between us, we’ve got six incredible accounts to share that will up your grilling and BBQ game. Whether you’re looking for plant-based fire cooking, masterful meat techniques, or stunning food photography, we’ve got you covered.

So grab a drink, fire up the grill, and join us for another fun-filled episode of From the Shack!

Featured Influencers You Need to Follow:

👉 @chefdandanielwatkins – Game-changing plant-based cooking.

👉 @jamespecckk – The man behind Ember, bringing fire-fueled feasts to life.

👉 @melissafood – Stunning storytelling paired with bold flavors.

👉 @genevieveeats – A true trailblazer in the UK BBQ scene.

👉 @charlieboy_bbq – Master of meat and fire.

👉 @keithcooks – BBQ brilliance with a creative twist.

What to Expect:

• A big welcome back to Dec and a Happy New Year from the shack.
• Foodie catch-ups: our culinary highlights over the holidays and what’s inspired us. Loaded Spuds!!
• Our top 3 influencers each: six accounts you need to follow to elevate your BBQ game.
• Exciting plans for 2025: amazing guests, BBQ community-building, and inviting YOU to be part of the pod.

Connect with Us:

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, BBQ creations, or let us know your favourite BBQ influencers:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
• YouTube: @fromtheshackpod

Don’t forget to tag us in your BBQ photos or leave us a message about what’s cooking in your shack!

Outro:

Thanks for tuning in! It’s great to kick off the year together, and we’ve got so much more in store for 2025. Until next time, happy grilling, and don’t forget to give those influencers a follow—they’re guaranteed to inspire your next cook!

From The Shack - Episode 7 | Steve Solo hosts while Dec is on holiday

Episode Summary:

This week, it’s just Steve holding down the shack while Dec explores the bright lights of New York! In this more laid-back, solo episode, we’re kicking off 2025 with big plans, bold flavors, and a love for BBQ that keeps us fired up.

Join me as I share what’s on the horizon for From the Shack this year, from exciting guest interviews to building the U.K. BBQ community. I’ll also take you through my upcoming cooks, including a show-stopping Côte de Boeuf and a low-and-slow brisket, plus I’ll highlight a smoky, hearty Mexican Black Bean Stew that’s perfect for winter grilling.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just love great food, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s talk fire, food, and community!

What to Expect:

• A casual New Year’s catch-up from the shack.
• 2025 plans: big guests, BBQ events, and how YOU can join the podcast as a guest.
• Upcoming cooks to inspire your grilling sessions:
• Thick-Cut Ribeye Steaks with sautéed wild mushrooms and potato gratin.
• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with root vegetables and red wine jus.
• Low-and-Slow Brisket with celeriac mash and charred broccoli.
• Côte de Boeuf with potato dauphinoise, honey-glazed carrots, and rocket salad.
• Sticky Lamb Ribs with fennel slaw.
• Recipe Spotlight: Mexican Black Bean Stew
• This smoky, South American-inspired dish is packed with flavor. Made with hotlink sausages, homemade Mexican rice, and crispy tortillas, it’s a winter BBQ favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for customizations like leftover brisket.

Featured Recipe:

Mexican Black Bean Stew

• Oil, for cooking

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 poblanos, seeded and diced (use sweet peppers and some green hot peppers if you can’t get poblanos)

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 30g+ of your favourite rub or seasoning

• chiote paste if available adds great flavour

• 170g tomato purée

• 1 veg stock jelly

• 3 garlic cloves, grated

• 1 tbsp chilli powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp smoked sweet paprika

• 1 tsp chipotle powder (use chilli powder for milder flavour)

• Two or three 400g cans black beans (or any beans you prefer )

• 240ml water

• 4 hotlink sausages, smoked, then grilled and sliced into 1.5cm discs

• sliced white tortillas, deep-fried until golden and salted

• 340–450g shredded cheese (e.g., Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend)

• 60g sour cream

• 1 lime optional

Mexican Rice Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 200g long-grain rice

• 400ml chicken or vegetable stock

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish

Updated Method

1. Preheat your BBQ or oven to 190°C.

2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and poblano, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.

3. Stir in tomatoes, seasoning, tomato purée, and stock. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add 2/3 of the garlic, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle powder. Cook for 1 minute.

5. Stir in the beans with their liquid, along with 240ml water. Cover, reduce heat, and let stew for at least 1 hour.

6. Meanwhile, smoke and grill the hotlink sausages. Slice them into 1.5cm discs and add to the stew for the final hour of cooking.

7. Combine sour cream, remaining...

From The Shack - Episode 6 | Christmas Episode

Release Date: 22/12/2024

Episode Summary:

It’s Christmas at From the Shack! 🎄 In this festive episode, Steve and Dec take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on their cooking journey and how the podcast has evolved. Join us as we share some of our favorite moments, lessons learned, and what’s next for the show. Whether you’re a BBQ pro or just love good food, this episode is packed with holiday cheer and plenty of inspiration for your next cook!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @fromtheshackpod
• YouTube: @fromtheshackpod
• TikTok: @fromtheshackpod
• Email: fromtheshackpod@gmail.com

Subscribe & Review:

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Support the Podcast:

We’re cooking up something exciting—Patreon is coming soon! Stay tuned for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and more.

Sponsorships:

We’re open to sponsorships that align with our ethos. Let’s collaborate!