England -v- Italy : Italian Sausage and bean casserole / Tomato and Mozzarella bites

In an attempt at reverse psychology I am going to be putting up some suggestions for pre / post match grub, and half time snacks - based on England's opponents.
I am looking at one pot wonders - or anything that won't need any effort on the night - and food that will help soak up a few beers - celebratory of course.
So England v Italy - I have gone with an Italian Sausage and Bean casserole which is an old favourite -  on the blog from last June: - http://hannahs-kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/this-is-simply-one-of-my-favourite.html

For a half time snack I have gone for something really quick and straightforward - but still packs a flavour punch.

Tomato and Mozzarella bites

20 cherry tomatoes
20 mozzarella bocconcini - or mozzarella cherries
Small bunch of basil
Juice half a lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
good pinch salt
cocktail sticks

1 Put the basil, lemon juice, olive oil and sea salt in a mini blender and whizz
2 Halve the tomatoes
3 Thread a mozzarella ball between 2 halves of tomato - as above
4 Drizzle with the basil dressing

If made ahead of time they would probably benefit from marinating in the basil dressing - but mine didn't last that long.......


So - here it begins - England v Italy - hope you enjoy.
Think I will have my work cut with Uruguay and Costa Rica!!

Beef with Basil

If you can get hold of some I would use holy basil in this dish - but normal basil will do.
I marinate the beef in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar before cooking for an hour or so - but this is not essential.
I am generous with the white pepper - I really think it adds something special to the dish.
Forgive the photo - I am hoping these will get better!!
The peppers are added late - so retain their crunch in the finished dish

Ingredients

2 steaks ( I used rump)
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 red pepper
2 red chillis
1 bunch fresh basil
2 tbsp oil
salt
5 tbsp soy sauce (2 for marinade)
white pepper

1 Cut the steak into thin strips, set aside in a non metallic bowl with two spoons of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar (if you have time to marinade)
2 Finely slice the onion and pepper
3 Chop the garlic - slice the chillis
4 Pick  the basil leaves - tear any large ones in half
5 Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok.
6. Cook the onion over a high heat until it begins to take colour.
7 Add the garlic and chilli and cook for a couple of minutes
8 Add the beef and sear
9 Once the meat has been seared add the peppers
10 After another couple of minutes add the basil leaves
11 Add the soy sauce, stir and add the white pepper (be generous)
12 The dish is ready to be served