I shall let you into my new little secret – an absolute delight and my new guilty pleasure. Roasted strawberries. And I am sharing them here with a beautiful weekend cocktail sent to me by my friends at Brasted’s – their signature Brasted’s Bramble. The roasted strawberries first… I mentioned them to a friend yesterday , and she was surprised, saying that she has never thought of roasting them. “Do,” I replied. “They are amazing.” Not only are they amazing, they are simple and delicious, and such a good way to use up strawberries that are, perhaps, a little bit…
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Continue ReadingThe Norfolk foodie scene is not just about chefs and producers – it is also about those people who work hard to showcase the best of what the county can do, and the people in my third interview for The Norfolk Foodie series personify this. Anna and Hugo Stevenson have been at the heart of the food and drink scene in the region for 15 years, and it was a pleasure to talk to them not just about their love for all things foodie in Norfolk, but also their clear passion for those who live here. “The Norfolk food and drink…
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Continue ReadingSign the petition here: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/latest-news/food-standards-petition/ While all our attention has been on getting through the COVID-19 pandemic with friends and family unscathed, the British government is close to putting through a Bill that will have a huge impact on food standards – and we all need to act now to prevent this from happening. In essence, the government has voted against an amendment to the UK’s Agriculture Bill that would have guaranteed high standards for food imports entering the UK post-Brexit. This would mark the biggest reform in British farming since 1945. Needless to say, farming groups had already lobbied…
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Continue ReadingI am delighted to share my second interview in my The Norfolk Foodie series, which is with the Queen of Chutney herself, Candi Robertson of Candi’s Chutney. A hugely popular figure on the Norfolk food and drink scene, Candi is known across the county and beyond for her utterly delicious and innovative chutneys – all made with fresh produce grown here in Britain. With COVID-19 impacting the number of markets producers are able to attend, Candi spares a couple of hours out of her preparation for the first Creake Abbey Market of 2020 to talk to me about her award-winning…
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Continue ReadingThe first interview in my The Norfolk Foodie series is with Jane Steward of Eastgate Larder, producer of the fantastic Eastgate Larder medlar jelly, cheese and spicy chutney that so many of us know and love. Jane is passionate about all things Norfolk, so much so that her ‘gift’ to the county is having her medlar orchards awarded National Collection status by Plant Heritage. This will ensure that not only will Norfolk continue to be recognised for this iconic status, but that the medlar fruit will take its place in the forefront of peoples’ minds once more. “I owe my…
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Continue ReadingA quick and easy recipe, my dark chocolate and sea salt fudge truffles are perfect for making with children right now. These also make wonderful gifts – wrapped up in a bag and tied with a ribbon – all ready for when lockdown is over and we can visit our families again. INGREDIENTSOne tin condensed milk340g good quality dark chocolate – I use CallebautA dash of vanilla extractMaldon sea saltExtra flavours as desired METHODLine a deep baking tin with parchment paper – it needs to be at least one inch deep and, ideally, rectangular in shape. Empty the condensed milk…
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Continue ReadingThere is something special about the foodie people of Norfolk. I guess that everyone can say that about their own area – but Norfolk is truly unique. There is a pull here like no other, those that leave almost invariably return. And along with the amazing life that those of us who live here get to enjoy, with almost 100 miles of stunning coast to explore, lush green fields and open spaces, and the vibrant city of Norwich, there is the region’s own celebrated food and drink. From Norfolk saffron to the amazing medlar fruit of Eastgate Larder, which was…
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Continue ReadingThis is a really quick, easy and delicious salad that brings together the flavours of the Middle East in one lovely dish. It is perfect either as a main dish, with some fresh soda bread on the side, or as a side for a family BBQ or get together. INGREDIENTS1 block halloumiA generous teaspoon each of sumac & lime powder*A bag of mixed salad*Pumpkin seeds, toasted*Pine nuts2 lemons1 tsp Dijon mustard (or more to taste)60ml rapeseed oil* plus extra for marinadingFlat-leaf parsley, choppedBlack pepper METHODRemove the halloumi from the packaging and cut into even slices. Put into a bowl, add…
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Continue ReadingTalking to my friends during these interesting times we find ourselves in, there is a common theme of what is getting us through – and that is the moment when the sun is in the right place over the yard arm and we can crack open a bottle, sit down and relax, and try to pretend that we are not currently living in a sci-fi film! With the long weekend upon us (or just another day in lock down if you are cynical), and another at the end of the month, I thought I would ask some of my foodie…
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Continue ReadingOx cheeks – and beef cheeks – are amazing cuts of meat. When slow cooked, the become incredibly tender and melt in the mouth. Although the weather is warming up outside, the evenings are still cool enough to enjoy this delicious meal. This recipe easily feeds a family of four, with leftovers for another day. INGREDIENTS4 ox cheeks – ask your butcher to remove as much fat as possibleYare Valley rapeseed oil3 shallots, quartered3 or 4 bay leaves2 celery stalks, chopped2 large carrots, slicedA generous helping of white peppercornsDried parsley & fresh thyme500ml good red wineA beef stock potBoiling water…