Spiced Poached Pears

A simple recipe with zero fat!

Peel 6 firm pears.

In a pan add a bottle of red wine, 4 oz caster sugar, 1 Star Anise, a couple of cloves, a stick of cinnamon and a couple of dashes of Vanilla Extract.

Heat until the sugar is dissolved then add the pears simmering gently until tender (keep turning them). This should take about 20-30 mins depending on the ripeness of the pears.

Remove pears from pan.

Boil red wine mixture until reduced by half.

Serve over the pears.

Simple and delicious.........

Magi Mix

A couple of months ago Hubby got a brochure through from work with the option to pick whatever he wanted (up to a value) for his 20 years long service award.

After he had had a quick flick through he decided there was nothing in it he wanted (Mont Blanc pens etc) and passed the brochure to me - saying 'get what you want'.

Well for a long time I had been yearning for a Magi Mix Food Processor and as we have just had a new kitchen I decided to order one.

The model is a 4200 in satin steel and although have only had it a couple of weeks it has proved as good as I had hoped and more.

The problem now is that Hubby, after watching all the recent cooking programs, has decided that it is now his and he wont stop baking and cooking! To make my point, I was working until 8 last night and came home to a Christmas Cake. He also bought a Magi Mix Ice Cream maker on Saturday and that has been used every night too.

When I can get near the processor (normally when he is at work) I have made bread, cakes, chopped, grated and much more. They truly are an amazing piece of kit.

I will continue to keep you updated on my experiences with it.

H Greaves Butcher

After meaning to go for quite some time, we finally made it to Carr Hall at Wilpshire to their new Garden and Home center.

As lovely as it all is with some beautiful things to buy our principal reason for visiting was the butchers and we were not let down!

They had a brilliant selection of meat and after initially just going for 3 lamb shanks we ended up buying a whole lamb butchered to our specifications. We also bought some great looking belly pork and some sausages. The meat is locally sourced and of the highest quality.

They also have a nice selection of cheese from Leagrams dairy near Chipping and my son was quite amused by a 2 year old cheese called Bob's Knob in a rather strange shape. We bought some Ramshackle Cheese, Lancashire and Blacksticks Blue.

The more time you spend there the more they seem to have, frozen home made pies (savoury and sweet) their air dried ham and bresola.

Also in the farm shop there is a great array of produce, fresh local fruit and veg, home made breads, various pastas, fruit wines and liquers.....

Having just gone in for something for tea we did spend quite a lot more than we had anticipated but it was worth it!

The staff were excellent knowledgeable and humorous - we will be back!

Skipton Market

Had a run up to Skipton this morning and as we have not been in a while, I had forgot how lovely it is.

For those who are unaware of Skipton, it is a bustling market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It has most of the normal high street shops but an awful lot of individual traders too. It also hosts Rackhams.

The market however is a real treat, selling everything that you could wish for and the prices are fantastic! There were good sized herb plants for £3 including Bay, Yorkshire Cheese, Olives, Baklava, Feta cheese - it is a very good market.

There were Jersey Royals for 45p a pound, English Cherries for £1.50, English Strawberrys 3 punnets for £2.00.

It is a proper market and it wont be too long until we are going back!

There are plenty of places to eat out Cafes & Delis and probably the most famous place is Bizzie Lizzies for fish & chips (just next to the canal).

You could quite easily spend the whole day looking round this great, bustling market town.

Oh and on the way home went back via Hellifield for some fantastic Highland Beef Sirloin Steaks.

Venison & Rhubarb

I took the plunge and gave it a whirl and surprise, surprise - it worked!

Firstly prepared Rosti, grated parboiled potatoes in with some onion and salt & pepper and put in individual molds. These were then pan-fried in butter until crisp.

The venison was rump, these were rubbed in olive oil and seasoned then on a very high heat cooked in a non-stick pan for about 8 mins, then into the oven at about 150 for a further 8 mins, taken out and rested for about 5 mins.

The rhubarb was gently poached in water with a touch of sugar. It was then pureed.

In the pan the venison was cooked in we deglazed with some red wine and some of the Rhubarb liquor.

Venison then sliced and served on top of the Rosti, drizzled with the wine reduction and the Rhubarb served on the side.

Really enjoyed it!

I also think that the Rhubarb would be good spiced............. What do you think?

Venison & Rhubarb???

I have a piece of Roe leg (whole muscle not entire haunch)and some freshly picked Rhubarb.

I am just wondering if I can marry the two together? I think it should work.....

Any thoughts? Feel free to comment! ;-)

Clitheroe Beer Festival

CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale), celebrating their 40th anniversary, are holding a beer festival this weekend in the St Mary's Centre on Church Street,

Renowned Chef Paul Heathcote is opening the proceedings on Friday 13th May at midday also to celebrate this event his restaurant on York Street is putting together some beer based dishes!

The festival which is being held over 2 days will have 65+ Real Ales, Cider and bottled beer.

Brewers are to include the great Bowland Breweries (based at Bashall just outside the town) Thwaites, Fullers, Burnley based Moorhouses and Darwen's Blue Buzzard.

Open from noon until 11pm on Friday and Saturday the cost of admission is £1 before 6pm and £2 after. Food will be available all day and live entertainment will be on in the evening featuring performances from Compared to What and The Witnesses.

Emporium Review

We had a very pleasant evening at The Emporium in Clitheroe on Saturday.

We all met and had drinks in the area downstairs which also has large leather sofas.

After a glass or two we were shown to our table upstairs, we decided to have a selection of starters, garlic breads, nachos with chilli & melted cheese and a selection of homemade breads with different oils & balsamic vinegars! It was all very good.

We had various main courses, the lemon & blackpepper chicken gougons where a hit (as always) with the kids. I myself had a wonderful pescatore pizza the only down side was I could not finish it! Someone had the Black Pudding starter as a main this came with a poached egg and a lovely hollandaise.

No deserts as everyone was too full, all in all a great evening in the company of family, nice surroundings and great food!

The Emporium

Off to The Emporium tonight to celebrate a family birthday.

The Emporium, situated on Clitheroes main street Moor Lane, is in what was an old Methodist Chapel. A huge building set over 3 floors along with intimate landings is a relaxed place to visit with a good atmosphere.

Part coffee shop, winebar & brasserie The Emporium also sells interior design, in fact everything there is for sale - sofas, dining furniture, ornaments etc. There is also a shop on the lower floor.

A varied menu to suit all, coffees, wine & draught beer are on offer along with a good selection of soft drinks.

The Emporium is part of the Warburton brothers empire which includes Waddington Arms, Mitton Hall and the newly refurbished Royal Hotel at Kirkby Lonsdale.

Check back tomorrow for a honest review.

Royal wedding!

With all the build up to the Royal Wedding and the secrecy about everything! I just wondered what everyone was eating to celebrate?

Please leave your comments of what you are having today!

Shackletons Garden & Lifestyle

Just outside the village of Chatburn lies Shackletons Garden & Lifestyle and The Pavilion Coffee shop & Brasserie.

You could easily spend an afternoon here.

The garden center sells everything you need and they have a fantastic array of plants and shrubs including an amazing topiary tree of a racehorse!

In the Lifestyle section you can buy everything to make your home & outdoor living space fantastic! Outdoor dining, patio furniture (out of the ordinary) all singing barbeques and drink coolers. Indoor furniture, scrumptious settees, cushions, paintings and Farrow & Ball paint and wallpaper. Gifts for all ages, books, jewelry and cards.

Then on to The Pavilion! Here they serve everything to suit your mood - glass of wine and nibbles, pannini's, and full main meals on their daily specials board. they have wonderful coffees and teas, cakes, cream scones and kids food. The busy restaurant with leather settees and an outdoor dining area has a great atmosphere. It is a really nice place to visit for either just a coffee or for a full meal and the prices are reasonable. The staff are polite and helpful and the food is excellent. It is licensed with a good selection of wine by the glass or bottle and beer on draught. On some evenings during the year they have themed nights which are very popular.

Another good reason to visist is they have just started selling Huntleys of Salmesburys amazing ice-cream Moo2You.

Plenty of parking, beautiful views and a kids play area - there is something for everyone and is well worth a visit!

Shop local and save money!

As well as supporting your local butcher also think about your other food and groceries.

Wellgate Fisheries in Clitheroe is a great plaice! Run by Giles and his knowledgeable, helpful staff nothing is too much trouble for them as they will prepare your fish for you. They stock a fantastic selection of fish from the normal to the exotic all at good prices. They also have a stall on Clitheroe market which is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Wellgate Fisheries also supply to a large number of restaurants and pubs in the area from their purpose built unit on the outskirts of town.

If you go to Clitheroe market pay a visit to one of the fruit & veg stalls to buy locally grown produce again at great prices.

Also on the market you will find good butchers, cooked meats, Cheese stalls (again selling local produce) and many more. You could buy everything that you needed from here rather than at a supermarket in a nice environment and saving money!

Then a trip to the multi-award winning D Byrne & Co for a perusal around their amazing wine cellar. A unbelievable selection of wine at great prices. They also stock a massive choice of Single Malts along with most spirits and beers & ciders. You can also purchase freshly ground coffee (or beans if you prefer) and loose tea from around the world. Again the owners and staff are extremely knowledgeable and it is like stepping back in time.

We have many other great shops in Clitheroe and will find out more about them another time.

Look out for produce that is in season this month:

New Potatoes
Asparagus
Watercress
Lettuce
Spring Lamb (just arriving in butchers now)
Pigeon
Rabbit
Crabs
Lobster
Shrimps
Wild Salmon and Sea Trout
Rhubarb

Support your local butcher

I have, for sometime, refused to buy meat from Supermarkets (with the exception of Booths!) and have chosen to buy from local butchers.

The quality and the price is far and away better than any of the big supermarkets.

Last night we had Italian Pork Sausage from Roy Porters in Chatburn and for £2.85 a pound not only where they a bargain they tasted fantastic too! Served with creamy mash and onion gravy was a quick, cheap and tasty Friday night supper.

Today I went to Countrystyle Meats based (permanently) at the auction site at Clitheroe. Alan & Heather try to source locally and have a blackboard to advise you where the Pork, Lamb etc has come from. They also sell game.

From there I bought 4lb of chicken breasts for £12 and 5lb of quality beef mince for £7.50! They will pack into whatever size you want and will vacpac if required. As daughter is at uni we stock up there for her with mince vacpacked in to 1/2lb bags and individual chicken breast etc.

So support your local butcher and you will get superior, tastier quality meat and you will also know where it has come from.

Deli now added!

Have now added a Deli section to my store where you can buy a range of Ham's, salamis, smoked salmon,caviar. Also Oils & vinegars and some lovely Pates!

Will be adding new products on a daily basis so please bookmark and check back regularly!

http://astore.amazon.co.uk/ribblevalleygourmet-21

The Middle Earth Bear Festival

On 28th - 30th April The Aspinall Arms are holding the 3rd Middle Earth Beer Festival.

This is being held in Hurst Green Village Hall near Clitheroe in Lancashire.

There will be 40 Real Ales & Ciders and food is being served.

The featured bands are King Creosote, The Swing Commanders and Ram Bunk Shus!

Tickets available from The Aspinall Arms or online at

Will well be worth a visit!

Hellifield Highland Beef

Robert & Wendy Philip rear Highland Cattle on their farm in Hellifield. All around the village you are met with the wonderful sight of, all ages, of these fantastic cattle grazing.

The meat is hung for a minimum of three weeks and can be purchased from their farm shop (phone first) or online at www.hellifieldhighlandbeef.co.uk. They sell everything from Joints and Steaks to Sausage and Burgers.

I can vouch that the meat is fantastic, the rump steak we had last night was superb!

Ribble Valley Food Trail

This food and drink trail, produced by Ribble Valley Borough Council, visits 36 outlets in the area.

This is not an exhaustive list and there are many more top-quality establishments here.

http://www.ribblevalleyfoodtrail.com/

Just to note that Waterfields Foods is no longer on Whalley Road as they are now specialising in superior ready meals. Www.waterfields-foods.co.uk

Also the chocolate shop Cocomayo has now closed down.

Please follow me on Twitter!

Tea!

So! Having had an excellent tea at mum & dads, consisting of turkey, ham, sausage, salad,potatoes and lots of other lovely things. We had a really nice time!

What have you done today?

Mothers Day!

Is anyone eating out in the Ribble Valley today for Mothers Day?

If so let me know where and what you have eaten!

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers out there.

Chicken Curry

When we were on holiday in Goa we went to Aprora market one evening, what a place that was! You could buy anything there. There was a very strange atmosphere to the place with the loud music and the smell of drugs in the air! Bartering was a must and you could buy things at about 10% of the original asking price. 

Whilst we were there we bought a lot of spices some premixed and ground and others whole. Kept in an air tight tin they keep their flavour for a long time. I tend to use these spices in my curries but have included others if you don't have access to spices from Goa! Most can be purchased from you local Asian supermarket.

4 Chicken Breasts - diced

1 Onion - sliced

Tin of Coconut Milk

Tin of Chopped Tomatoes

1 tsp Mustard Seeds

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds - Ground

1/2 tsp Fenugreek - Ground

6 Cardamon Pods

Fresh Chili finely sliced (to taste)

1 Clove of garlic

Tablespoon of Curry Leaves

Fresh Corriander to serve

In a large frying pan heat some oil and add the mustard seeds until they begin to pop. Add the onions, cumin, fenugreek, cardamon, garlic and chilli - fry gently for a few minutes until the onions are soft.

Stir in the chicken and cook for a further 5 minutes stirring regularly.

Add the coconut, tomatoes and curry leaves and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the chopped corriander and serve with Basmati Rice and Naan Bread.

Enjoy with a glass of Kingfisher Beer.

James Martin comes to Lancashire!

James Martin is the special guest at the Lancashire Food Festival which is at Accrington Town Hall 9th - 10th April. James is only on on the Sunday.

Further details on www.lancashirefoodfestival.co.uk

Biltong!

As Biltong is very addictive (and takes time to make) it is advisable to make it in large quantities!

Depending on if you like it lean or fatty will determine the meat that you decide to use. Most cuts of meat can be used for Biltong, I personally prefer venison but beef is also very good, it is all personal preference.In South Africa it is made from various game. Also it is trail and error with the spices so if you like it hot add more chili etc.

5lb meat, all sinew removed

Biltong Spice: (mix all ingredients together)

3oz each of Sea Salt, crushed Black Pepper, Coriander Seeds (all finely ground)

Garlic and Chili flakes to personal taste

1/4 Vinegar 

1/2 teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda (inhibits mold and tenderises the meat)

Cut the meat into long strips keeping a uniform thickness so that it dries evenly. Cut with the grain not against it.

Rub the Biltong Spice into the meat so that it is well covered and place in a plastic container in a cool place for about 12 hours.

Remove the meat and place on a cooling tray to let the excess drip off. Hang in a well ventilated place (with the pieces not touching each other) and leave to dry. This will take around 3-4 days.

Then just sit back and watch it vanish!

Enjoy

Biltong or BBQ'd Leg of Lamb?

When we were on holiday in South Africa we were introduced to Biltong, a fantastic cured meat eaten as a snack. We could not get enough of it!

Also when we were there we had barbecued meat (of various origins) which was fantastic but I have adapted it to work with Lamb.

Which recipe would you like to see?

Let me know.

How lucky we are!

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and one that is also full with such fantastic food!

From the traditional market in Clitheroe with its specialist shops selling sausages, fish and wine (amongst others) to the many deli's that have appeared in recent years. We also have farm shops one particular is Gazegill Organics which children love to visit.

Cafes such as Delicious in Gisburn, which is also a deli, The Pavilion at Shackletons Garden Centre and many more.

Fantastic restaurants, casual and fine dining, from the renowned Northcote Manor to country pubs serving traditional food.

Italians, Indians, Chinese, Pizza, Fish & Chips and more..................

The Ribble Valley is definitely a food lovers paradise!

Venison

You can purchase Venison from several butchers in the Ribble Valley including Roy Porters in Chatburn and also Country Style Meats at Clitheroe Auction Mart www.countrystylemeats.co.uk

Venison can also be purchased from food registered stalkers.

Be aware where you purchase your venison from, as a lot of it may be poached and therefore you will not be guaranteed quality or indeed the hygiene of the meat! Or even how the animal was dispatched.

You can also purchase on line from the likes of Nicola Fletcher at Seriously Good Venison.

Enjoy and please purchase responsibly!

Comments

I want you to be involved in this food blog so please feel free to leave any comments.

If there is a specific question you wish to ask please do and I will get back to you.

Have you visited any restaurants in the area and wish to share your experience?

Please callback very soon for more...............

Venison Loin with Red Wine reduction

To serve 2

Preheat oven to 180

Trim the loin making sure that all sinew and 'silver' skin is removed.  Rub with olive oil and season.

Place in a hot non stick frying pan and cook on all sides for about 4 mins in total.

Put on a tray into the oven for about 12 mins.

Remove and leave to rest for about 10 mins in a warm place.

Meanwhile add some red wine to the frying pan, scraping up and bits. Add a couple of teaspoons of Redcurrant Jelly and reduce.

Slice the Venison (should be pink inside) and serve with mash or dauphinois potatoes with the reduction spooned over the Venison.

Delicious!

An easy Venison Recipe coming very soon..........

Pictures

Are available for puchase!

Contact me for futher details.

The lambs are on the Downham Hall Estate.

Welcome to my Blog on the food of the Ribble Valley

Thank you for joining me as we take a food lovers trip

around the beautiful Ribble Valley!

Visiting restaurants and pubs.

Farm shops and farmers markets.

Sharing recipes and hints.

And most of all enjoying fabulous food!