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The Norfolk Foodie Series

On a day full of April showers here in the UK, I c

On a day full of April showers here in the UK, I can't help but think back to this delicious Mattei's Smash, which I enjoyed a couple of weeks ago while in Los Olivos and spending time with friends @matteistavernauberge

Not all burgers are equal, and this one was particularly good - juicy patties from grass-fed beef, melting cheese, a bun that melted rather than took over, and perfect pickles.

When only a burger will do, this was a great choice - and it would go down a treat today, as temperatures have plummeted to 4 degrees again, with high winds and torrential showers.

What's your go-to food on days such as this? Let me know below!

After an eye test at the ever-fabulous @dippleandc

After an eye test at the ever-fabulous @dippleandconway we decided to stop @pennoyercentre on the way home. This oat milk mocha was amazing, piping hot and suitably indulgent. I also love the dog tablecloth, reflected in the glass mug!

The Pennoyer Centre is a great community treasure. As well as delicious food and drinks, they also offer a wide variety of events. It was featured on @griffrhysjones series, Restoration - which is surely due a return to the screens - and it is a must visit if you live locally.

Happy belated Easter! What a beauty from @palfreya

Happy belated Easter! What a beauty from @palfreyandhall - slow cooked with wet garlic and rosemary from @giddensthompson and it will be served with Italian red from @imperialwineco Heaven, right there!

#slowcook #lamb #blicklingestate #easterlamb #belated #sundayroast #roastlamb #norfolkonaplate #norfolk #norfolksuffolkfoodie #thedelicatediner #britainbesthomecooks_ #sunday #bungay #redwine #jetlag #happysunday

I do find it difficult to post when I am on the ro

I do find it difficult to post when I am on the road. I am living in the moment and tend just to fall into bed at the end of the day, tired from the day's activities, and ready for sleep.

I came home early and totally surprised my mum in the process 🧡 And that gives me a weekend back to recover from jetlag and adjust to the eventual 8 hour time difference.

I've never wanted a flight to go so quickly! I flew @americanair for the first time - way better than the equivalent @british_airways offering - and they offered @haagendazs_us sundaes for dessert. How could I possibly resist!

I will do a full post soon with some of the delicious foodie delights I've enjoyed since mid-March, but for now, it's time to cuddle with @magicalmistermishkins and enjoy a stroll around the spring garden. Happy Sunday all!

What a great first night in California, starting w

What a great first night in California, starting with this delicious pizza from @toscana_pizzeria_tapas_enoteca - brisket corned beef and white cabbage. So fresh and delicious and running with rich green olive oil. That and a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc made for the beginning of a memorable evening!

In a New York minute... I love it when synchronic

In a New York minute...

I love it when synchronicity happens in life and, popping into @earshamstdeli today to get their glorious Friday tart, my attention was caught by their focaccia special of the day. It was a 'New York Deli Style' - pastrami, mustard mayo, Jarlsberg, pickles and rocket. Given that, on Wednesday, I fly to New York, I had to have it!

This delicious focaccia sandwich has definitely whetted my appetite for a New York Reuben. @katzsdeli is meant to have the best - but where do you recommend to get the ultimate Reuben-fix? Today's from Earsham Street definitely hit the spot, so the bar is already set high!

What else to do on a grey Sunday than make fruit s

What else to do on a grey Sunday than make fruit scones? Perfect fresh from the oven with butter and jam!

Because you don't always want dessert... The most

Because you don't always want dessert...

The most delectable Welsh rarebit imaginable.

Another wild day out there, so what better to cosy

Another wild day out there, so what better to cosy up with than a sticky toffee pudding from @caistorhallnorwich Just perfect for rainy days...

The Delicate Diner is 9 today! From my early days

The Delicate Diner is 9 today! From my early days of sharing recipes to now, via MasterChef, it has certainly been an incredible adventure. And there is much, much more to come - definitely a case of watch this space...

Thanks to all who have supported me and my foodie dreams, here's the the next nine years!

Samantha xx

I enjoyed a fabulous lunch @stokemill this week, h

I enjoyed a fabulous lunch @stokemill this week, having a long overdue catch up with a dear friend. We couldn't resist pudding - and this one was a gem! A very gingery ginger sponge with new season rhubarb and cardamom crème Anglais. Ginger and rhubarb are two of my favourite flavours together, so this pud really did have my name all over it!

#pudding #stokemill #ginger #gingerpudding #rhubarb #newseason #myflavours #foodphotography #foodiesofinstgram #thedelicatediner #foodie #norfolkfood #lovepudding #instapudding

A #throwbackthursday based on a memory that appear

A #throwbackthursday based on a memory that appeared the other day... It has been five years since my appearance on MasterChef was aired - where has that time gone!

So much has happened since then, including - working for a food and drink magazine, then owning my own; cooking demos at festivals and for private businesses; having recipes published; being asked to do food photography for businesses; compiling and producing a cookbook for a client in the US; interviewing some brilliant chefs and producers; judging food and drink entries at an agricultural show; and not forgetting - doing a fabulous charity pop up with two fellow MasterChef friends!

To appear on the show was a long-held dream, and the reality was certainly scary! I have tried to make the most of the opportunities that have come my way since the show, and I have one exciting idea I am working on now - watch this space!

To all around the world, I wish you a Happy Valent

To all around the world, I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! And of course, the obvious question today is - what's cooking? Do let me know!

We are having beef wellington from Old Hall Farm - and maybe a lovely glass of my favourite Pinot Noir to go with it.

Who is ready for Pancake Day this week? I love pan

Who is ready for Pancake Day this week? I love pancakes, yet somehow, we only seem to have them once a year!

I tend to start savoury and then go sweet, ensuring that there a splash of cherry brandy or amaretto on the last one! I prefer thin crepes, but I am not adverse to a fluffier, American-style pancake, such as these ones here made with bananas and blueberries.

What will you have on your pancakes tomorrow night - and how do you like yours? Thin or fluffy? Let me know!

#shrovetuesday #pancakeday #pancakes #pancake #pancaketuesday #foodporn #pancakestack #foodie #foodphotography #food #instafood #pancakelover #yummy #delicious #brunch #blueberry #banana #bananapancake #thedelicatediner #crepes #americanpancake #howdoyoueatyours

My Producer of the Month is the @freshherbsalt Com

My Producer of the Month is the @freshherbsalt Company from Norfolk.

They take the old fashioned idea of preserving summer fresh herbs from the Mediterranean, handmaking and producing an aromatic collection of fresh herb salts with their own unique method.

I am a huge fan of their salts, with the Original Italian being my favourite, although Coriander, Lime & Garlic is on my 'must buy' list!

Find out more, including how to order, at https://www.freshherbsalt.com/

#freshherbsaltcompany #norfolk #thedelicatediner #producerofthemonth #herbsalt #preserving #summeherbs #mediterranean #mediterraneanherbs #flavour #cooking #cookingmusthave #norfolkfoodie #foodblogger #foodwriter #onmyshelf

I had a lovely day out in North Norfolk on Monday

I had a lovely day out in North Norfolk on Monday with a dear friend, and on the way back, we stopped at @fieldingcottage where the lovely Erica gave us an impromptu cheese tasting!

Erica's knowledge and enthusiasm was second to none, and we tried:

Norfolk Pinkfoot
Binham Blue
Suffolk Blue
Smoked Walsingham, which I've not tried before and is extraordinary!
Snowdonia Truffle Trove, also rather lush!
Wissington Ewes Milk Cheese, which is Erica's current favourite.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, why not pop in and let Erica help you put together the perfect cheeseboard?

#fieldingcottage #cheese #lovelyerica #cheeseboard #valentinecheese #norfolkcheese #suffolkcheese #lovecheese #thedelicatediner #norfolkfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography #cheesetasting #cheeseplatter #grazingboard

Create this delicious Valentine’s stuffed Medite

Create this delicious Valentine’s stuffed Mediterranean peppers recipe, made using the Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone Air Flyer 8.5L @instantpotuk

Full of flavour, this dish is quick and easy to make using the VersaZone, leaving you time to enjoy Valentine’s evening with the one you love. Visit thedelicatediner.com for the fill recipe.

If you are tempted by this cool piece of kit, visit the Instant Brands website to get 10% off your own air fryer, using code VERSA10.

The benefits of the Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone Air Fryer include:
• Either two independent 4.2L cooking baskets or one XXL 8.5L basket – create by simply removing the divider
• Ideal for cooking a big joint of meat, a yummy tray bake & more.
• Independent cooking baskets with separate controls for each
• SyncFinish function, so both baskets are ready at the same time
• Preheating in minutes
• Up to 50% faster cook times than a traditional oven and use up to 80% less energy and costs compared to cooking in an electric oven.
• Simply choose a function, set the time and temperature and press start. It’s really as easy as that!

#gifted

#airfryer #instantpot #delicious #foodblogger #airfryercooking #tastemade #foodreels
#airfry #thekitchn #cookingathome #airfryercooking #stuffedpeppers #valentinesmeal #vegetarianvalentine #vegetarianfood #foodie #lovetocook #goodfood #thedelicatediner #foodphotography

Music: Take it
Musician: LiQWYD

I've got to be happy when Tart Day @earshamstdeli

I've got to be happy when Tart Day @earshamstdeli coincides with my birthday week, being my favourite tart - lemon meringue - AND the sun being out! Happy Friday, everyone!

#earshamstreetdeli #lemon #lemonmeringuetart #blueberries #birthdayweek #celebrations #tartday #happyfriday #sunsout #february #thedelicatediner #lovelocal #fortnumsandmasonsofnorfolk

As temperatures drop again, it is time for comfort

As temperatures drop again, it is time for comfort food to return to our plates! Chestnut and wild mushrooms, cooked simply in mushroom stock and thickened with cornflour, served with - my favourite - wet polenta. For those who don't know, wet polenta has butter and parmesan added, making this dish a truly Northern Italian feast.

Save this post, you'll be searching for it later!

Last month, I went to The @thekingsheadbrooke - an

Last month, I went to The @thekingsheadbrooke - an iconic pub and restaurant
in South Norfolk which reopened last year with new owners and a great farm
to fork ethic. Read my review to find out more
www.thedelicatediner.com/fit-for-a-king-the-kings-head-brooke/

review #thedelicatediner #norfolkfoodie #foodblogger #foodphotography
#thekingshead #thekingsheadbrooke #fabulousfood #norfolkdining #foodreview
#foodstagram #stowparkfarm #fieldtofork #norfolksuffolkfoodie #foodforfoodies

Earthy, rich, and utterly delicious - winter truff

Earthy, rich, and utterly delicious - winter truffle, mushroom, and Alpine cheese tart, part of the incredible tasting menu @restbenedicts

Thank you @chefbainbridge @chefashwilliamson @laflacarch @l_baileyy for a fantastic afternoon!

#benedicts #benedictsrestaurant @norwichlanes #norwich #norfolkfoodie #finedining #tastingmenu #wintertruffle #trufflelover #alpinecheese #lionsmanemushroom #wildmushrooms #thedelicatediner #wineflight #delicious #michelinstandard #richardbainbridge #yummy #foodporn #foodphotographer

Perfect comfort food for such a rainy day! Cheese

Perfect comfort food for such a rainy day! Cheese scones fresh from @oldhallfarm topped with local cheese, bacon and a poached egg. Ideal for brunch or when you just need that extra something to get you through the day.

Keep safe and dry everyone in #stormhenk - and perhaps consider this to get you through the next rainy day.

#comfortfood #naturallightphotography #elevateyourfood #cheesescone #poachedegg #runnyyolk #brunchinspo #brunchgoals #foodphotography #rainydays #localfood #foodie #foodiephoto #thedelicatediner

It will be a Norfolk Ginstmas after all! Thank hea

It will be a Norfolk Ginstmas after all! Thank heavens for their fabulous refill pouches!

#norfolkgin #gin #christmas #ginstmas #thankheavens #refill #thebestgin

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy fab

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy fabulous local foods & wines, and I’ll be back in 2024 with more recipes, reviews, and interviews!

Samantha - The Delicate Diner xx

#merrychristmas #keepitlocal #thedelicatediner #localfood #localwine #feelingfestive #masterchefuk

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The Delicate Diner was founded by Samantha Mattocks in March 2016. From then, she has gone on to appear on MasterChef UK, has conducted a number of food interviews, co-owned nourish magazine – the taste of East Anglia. She is also an award-winning author and journalist, writing for a range of international publications. Her own books – progress, Sandstorm, and Mister Mishkins’ Apothecary – are out now.

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