DELICIOUS DUO A collaboration between Matthew Jones Ceramics and chef Simmie Vedi

© GORDON YOUNG SMART TIGER MEDIA clockwise from left: Matthew getting ready to create another batch of ceramics; Simmie is a chef at Pasture Cardiff; dishes created by Simmie, presented on MJC plates; Matthew at his workshop

© GORDON YOUNG SMART TIGER MEDIA

ON A PLATE Design-led studio pottery company Matthew Jones Ceramics opened at Goodsheds Barry in December. As well as creating high-quality, bespoke tableware and home décor, MJC also offers workshops and has a growing body of local chefs and restaurants that use their plates – including Nook in Cardiff, and newly opened Rocket & Rye in Cowbridge. And one of their newest collaborations is with local chef Simmie Vedi, who works on cold starters and pastry at Pasture on Cardiff’s High Street, and was previously the head chef at Dusty Knuckle Pizza and assistant manager of a theatre bar in Cardiff Bay. MJC and Simmie have teamed up to bring the public delicious recipes, all served on MJC’s handmade plates.

“Simmie is a brilliant talent and loves using our plates to display her food,” says Rob Davies, who runs the operational side of things at MJC. “We’ve given her a space to use to create and show off her skills and recipes and it’s a great partnership and something we hope will grow.”

Simmie adds, “My blog can be found on Matt Jones Ceramics’ website. Matt and Rob approached me a few months ago asking about a collaboration as I’d been buying and using Matt’s plates since the first lockdown. The blog is essentially a space for me to host recipes and hopefully connect with people who follow mine and Matt’s work in a more substantial manner. I really enjoy the creative process behind putting together this kind of blog.” For more: www.matthewjonesceramics.com

ALL FOOD PICS © SIMMIE VEDI

GOCHUJANG BAKED CHICKEN WINGS WITH MISO MAYO

By Simmie Vedi, chef at Pasture Cardiff, serves four

Ingredients

CHICKEN WINGS 20 chicken wings, drums and flats separated For the marinade/glaze 3 tbsp gochujang paste (use 1½ tbsp if you prefer less heat) 2 tbsp runny honey 1½ tbsp light soy sauce ½ tsp fish sauce ¼ tsp sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 70ml water

MISO MAYO Home-made aioli 4 egg yolks 1 tbsp dijon mustard 10ml cider vinegar 250ml neutral-flavoured oil Lemon juice and salt to taste Miso paste Add 3 tsp dark miso for miso mayo. Alternatively, mix 200ml good quality mayonnaise with 3 tsp miso GARNISHES 4 spring onions, cut into strips and plunged into ice water Black and white sesame seeds, toasted Method • Mix all marinade ingredients together and marinate the chicken wings for at least an hour. • Preheat oven to 210°C. Prepare an elevated, wire rack with a baking tray underneath it ready for the wings to be cooked on. The wire rack will ensure the wings are crispy on all sides. • While the oven is heating and the wings are marinating, make your miso mayo. If making your own aioli, whisk together the yolks, mustard and vinegar, then add a drop of oil and incorporate it into the yolk mixture. Pour a slow stream of oil until your aioli has emulsified to a consistency where it holds its shape. Add your miso paste, then adjust seasoning with lemon and salt if necessary. Using a KitchenAid or hand whisk with appropriate attachments will get this job done faster, but it can also be done with a manual whisk. • Place the chicken wings on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for glazing. Brush some onto the wings before they go into the oven. • Bake wings for 25 minutes, glazing every 5-8 minutes. • Toast off your sesame seeds until the white seeds get a little colour to them. • Remove wings from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. • Plate up and enjoy! For more on Simmie Vedi and Matthew Jones Ceramics’ collaboration, see www.matthewjonesceramics.com

MEET THE INTERIORS EXPERTS

From fl ooring to fi res, the pros tell us what’s new and exciting for 2021

RUSSELL MILNE LIMEGREEN 029 2066 6622 www.limegreenuk.com

MANAGER, BROADLEAF CARDIFF 01446 771 375

How important is fl ooring to interior design? Flooring is key to a beautiful interior. It’s the foundation for everything else, so it sets the tone.

What should people consider when choosing a fl oor? Flooring is almost certainly the thing you will change least often so choose something that you love and that is versatile. It also takes a lot of wear, so buy the best quality you can afford and something that feels good underfoot.

Why wood? Beautiful wood fl ooring ticks all of the boxes above, and unlike most things it gets better with age.

Why Broadleaf? As manufacturers we have an unrivalled choice of quality products and are real experts. We are also a Wales-based family business who offer a genuinely personal service.

How has 2020 been for you? Although our showrooms have obviously been closed due to Covid, we’ve continued to manufacture and look after our clients. People have spent a lot of time at home this year, which has motivated them to invest in them and to use quality local suppliers.

LEAH GRIERSON & SARAH WATTS www.broadleaftimber.com

How has 2020 been for Limegreen? Somewhat of a roller coaster. The showroom closed during lockdown and more recently with the fi re-break. However, our central heating and maintenance teams have been working throughout. Making sure people are not without essential heating or hot water. Since the re-opening we have seen record months, so all has not been doom and gloom for the business. Roll on 2021!

What is your most popular product? It has to be the Gazco Riva2 Gas Fire. It offers a sophisticated and contemporary look. The customer can choose from a variety of styles with this fi re. It’s a real showstopper and we love it.

Do you have any new products on the horizon we should know about? Yes, The Refl ex 105 3-sided Gas Fire Balanced Flue ‘showroom exclusive’. This has hit the showroom for the new year and we cannot wait for everyone to see it.

What do you enjoy most about your job? Every day is different. We love helping customers’ ideas become reality. Speaking to and seeing so many different people from all walks of life is great too. Christmas is always one of the best times at Limegreen. We enjoyed warming our mince pies up on the showroom woodburners, and we listened to endless Christmas jingles – who wouldn’t enjoy that!

Why choose Limegreen? We pride ourselves on achieving the highest standard in installation and customer satisfaction in everything we do. We offer a huge range of fi res, fi replaces and surrounds to suit everyone’s budget and needs. We do business with a smile. So come on down! We’ll have the kettle on ready.

Where’s your favourite place to eat in and around Cardiff? We have recently been to the Botanist and there was a wide variety of options on the menu – the hanging kebab was amazing!