Frozen Beef and Muffins in a loaf tin

Buddingblonde

I am trying to be soooo good and cook all my meals for the coming week over the weekend and I have not one but two crisis'

Firstly I ran out of muffin cases so put my banana muffin mix in a loaf tin (well sillicone) and now I have no idea how long it will take to cook (I have put it in at 180/190 ish). No skewer and the tap the bottom test is only for bread isnt it????? Any help appreciated!

Now my frozen beef - I found a packet of raw frozen beef in the freezer today - it was bought in March 09. It is defrosting with another pack of meat from last month and the older one is very brown looking (and frankly not that appetitising looking) - it is for a steak pie so will be cooked for hours tomorrow - should I use it or will it be awful? I dont eat meat but OH has already spotted it and is threatening to boycott pie unless I find out that it isnt poisonous.

Can someone help? All the good intentions are starting to fall away but I really want a week of non cooking if I can!!!!!

Thanks

Angela

Is it a one or two pound loaf tin?
How many muffins would the mix you put in the loaf tin make?
I can then advise

aliadds

If its a 1lb loaf tin I'd say 30-40 minutes. In place of a skewer you could use a sharp knife or cocktail stick.
With the beef I'd go by the smell!

ariarnia

for the meat, assuming your freezer hasn't been on the fritz at any point since it went in, and assuming it went in at a good time before the date, it should be fine.

If it's discoloured /dry looking then it's prob just been in the freezer too long. This isn't a problem per say, but you just might not like the texture.

I'd be fine with it, but if you aren't happy, don't risk it obviously, chuck a load of oats and a tin of beef soup in with the other pack instead. (or in a pie, mash works well)

hot.chick

The beef will not poison him, meat should really be darker not the bright red we are used too, enjoy....

Do you not have any cocktail stick u could use ti test your muffin loaf. A knife would work too....

Buddingblonde

I think it is a 2lb tin - it makes 12/14 large muffins normally. I have just looked in the oven and it is almost overflowing the tin (didnt expect it to rise so much). It has been in the oven for 40 mins now and it is still wobbly just under the crust (which is a lovely golden brown).
I will try a sharp knife and see how that goes.

aliadds

Perhaps cover with some foil to stop it browning any more and turn the oven down a bit to finish cooking!

Buddingblonde

I will try that aliadds thanks - dont want it black yet raw if I can help it.

Angela

Is it out yet.
Sounds like it need a good hour to me.

Buddingblonde

It is out now - took it out after an hour and 10 mins (think I was a touch cautious when I wrapped it in foil and turned down the oven to 150).

It looks lovely if a little tanned!

Thanks for all the help guys - it has been an experience. Tomorrow I am going to stew the beef and kidneys, make some twinks hob nobs, make some curries, make a large portion of mash, make bacon and lentil soup and make and freeze sandwiches for lunches for the week.

BitterAndTwisted

Buddingblonde I'm moving into your house! Yummy