26 minute read
Food & Drink
With KATY BEAUCHAMP
Boxing clever for the holidays
This month’s recipes are dishes that you can make with your Christmas Day lunch (or dinner) leftovers and serve for a Boxing Day brunch, lunch or holiday get together with friends and family.
LEMON SALMON PÂTÈ
INGREDIENTS
(serves four) 160g cooked salmon (I used a tin) 50g melted butter 100g ricotta or double cream Juice and zest of a lemon 10g dill (fresh or dried) Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD Combine everything together in a blender and whizz until smooth. Divide into four ramekins and chill in the fridge for half an hour before eating. Serve with crackers or toast with a wedge of lemon.
Tinned or fresh salmon works equally well in this recipe
TURKEY AND CRANBERRY PIES
This makes 15 little pies or one big one to serve four people. INGREDIENTS
METHOD Unroll the pastry and sprinkle the stuffing over the surface and give it a light roll with a rolling pin. Cut out 15 circles and place in a greased muffin tray, saving the leftovers for decorations.
Combine the turkey, cheese and herbs (if using mince, cook it first and let it cool before mixing in the cheese). Add salt and pepper to taste and spoon into the muffin tin.
Spread cranberry sauce over the top, add your little pastry decoration and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
You could serve them as canapés at a Christmas party with some Somerset mulled cider! 1 pack of readymade short crust pastry 20g dried stuffing mix 300g shredded turkey (I used turkey mince as I don’t yet have any leftover turkey) 100g grated cheese (I used Stilton but you could use any hard cheese you have left over from the cheeseboard) 1tsp mixed herbs Half a jar of cranberry sauce
A versatile dish for canapes or a main course
CHRISTMAS POPS
This makes about 15 pops (three per portion) but they were so delicious that my son and I ate them all between us.
METHOD Crumble the cake into a bowl and add a splash of cream or milk to make it doughy. Roll into walnut-sized balls and refrigerate until you are ready to cook them.
Whisk the batter together, it needs to be on the thick side. Dip the cold cake pops in the batter (I used a skewer) and deep fry them for about two minutes until crispy. Serve with whatever you have: ice cream, cream, custard or the elite of dairy products . . . clotted cream!
INGREDIENTS
400g of Christmas cake or pudding Splash of cream/milk For the batter: 150ml milk 150g self raising flour Tsp ground cinnamon
Castle Cary has community at its core
CASTLE Cary Market House hosted the town’s annual Apple Day events, which featured juice pressing, artisan food, live music and family activities.
People who brought their own fruit for pressing were encouraged to make a donation to the local community group Cary Cares.
Reggie (left) and Logan, enjoy freshly made apple fritters
Pumpkin carving Isla refills the crusher . . . . . . and the juice begins to flow
Country shopping at its best New Manor Farm Shop North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US!
Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake –the very best in local produce and gift ideas
MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM
TEA ROOMS
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH –AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER 1st Hot & cold meals • Delicious cream teas • Full English breakfasts • Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches CHRISTMAS TREES, HOLLY WREATHS & HIYACINTHS
Feast with us this Christmas FABULOUS CHOICE OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Cakes, Mince Pies, Christmas Puddings and more
Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm • Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm • Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment
WILD FOOD
A pixie pear Christmas!
WHATred berries were said to foretell a bad winter after a heavy crop? What red berries were historically known in Somerset as “bird’s meat”, “hags”, “pig-haw”, “pixie pears” and “haws”? The answer is dog rose hips and hawthorn berries! With ADRIAN BOOTS It’s unclear why these different species shared the same old names, but one can have fun imagining the conversation: “Pig haw? No. Hags? No. Haws? Yeah . . . no. You know –the red ones.”
My favourite name has to be “pixie pears”; one can only guess at this but maybe they were picked in pairs.
Dog Rose (Rosa canina) has red fruits and was supposedly distinguished from cultivated roses by being prefaced with the word “dog”. This addition may have originated from the word “dag” or thorn.
The name is also linked to the tale of a soldier who was cured after being bitten by a mad dog. Not sure what his name was. Or the dog’s. What we do know is the “hip” of rose hips comes from an Old English word “heope”. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) on the other hand is thorny, has dark red fruits (haws) and appears not to have any confusing explanations as to the origins of its common name. Traditionally, both are harvested from October but can survive until December. Just. Both are very common in the UK and are found in hedgerows, woodlands, scrublands and heathlands.
Hopefully, one would have already picked one’s pixie pears but unlike previous years they are disappearing fast. Did you have a heavy crop this year?
We had very few where I live so maybe it will just be a bad winter where you are. They do become quite mushy picking this late in the season which makes for an interestingly sticky experience.
There is no better way to preserve and enjoy pixie pears than as a replacement fruit for sloes in gin or in a fruit brandy or whisky.
I have to admit if you are doing this now, it’s probably too late for this Christmas, yet the mushiness will help the infusing process but not its appearance in the bottle I’m afraid.
There goes the homemade Christmas gifts idea. So now all that’s left for me to do is wish you all a pixie pears Christmas!
Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
GARDEN FOOD
Flour corn part III
WE’VErecently been experimenting with making pure corn flour bread from the “Magic Manna” corn we grew this year. Because maize doesn’t contain gluten, corn bread tends to be more of a cake, risen with baking powder and/or With JAKE bicarbonate of soda. Cornmeal these WHITSON days tends to be an industrial product made from dent corns, which were bred as animal fodder and yield a low quality, coarse flour.
So recipes tend to specify adding a rather large amount of white wheat flour to yield a bread that is less dense. But true flour corns yield a soft fluffy flour with minimal grinding,
“Magic Manna” is a true flour corn and we were keen to see what kind of bread we could make with it alone. We started off by running the kernels through our Bulldog malt mill - it was quite a cheap option when it comes to mills and can be powered either by hand or drill. It’s really meant for crushing malt for home brewing but performed admirably at first cracking and then grinding the corn kernels down into a fairly coarse flour. Once that was done we ran the flour through a fine sieve, re-grinding whatever didn’t pass through in a coffee/spice grinder.
The resulting flour was quite fine and we started to experiment baking, at first following the recipe that the breeder of “Magic Manna” sets out in her book, which calls for a portion of the flour to have boiling water poured over it, resulting in a semi-cooked paste that helps the cornbread hold together without wheat flour.
From there we developed our own recipe, the result of which is pictured here. It has an incredible rich nutty flavour and crumbly soft texture totally unlike any cornbread we’ve had before. If you can get hold of some decent cornmeal or grow you own, here’s how to make it:
First bring 240ml of milk and 110g of butter to a boil, and pour it over 170g of cornmeal, stirring until incorporated. Allow to cool, then beat in two whole eggs. Sift together another 170g of cornmeal with 1/2 a teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking powder, then mix that into your paste.
Pour into a skillet pre-heated in an oven set to 190c. Bake for around 30 minutes until set and golden on top. Serve warm with butter.
Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder –he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
A busy year
NESTLEDin the picturesque hamlet of Nempnett Thrubwell above Blagdon Lake, Nempnett Pastures is led by George Ford, sixth generation farmer on this small family farm.
Specialising in pasture-raised, grass-fed chickens and turkeys, but also this year having introduced holistically-managed and grass-fed beef to their range, Nempnett Pastures are on a mission to produce high quality, nutrient dense food from high welfare systems which build soil and enhance our environment, rather than deplete it.
The idea for Nempnett Pastures was born after learning more about the regenerative farming practices that previous generations on the farm would have followed.
Bringing them into the modern day using the knowledge and experience that has been built up over time, George and his family are still on a journey of discovery when it comes to regenerative agriculture as new techniques evolve, making it an even more exciting time for this growing business.
From welcoming people to the farm for the first ever Farm Safari in September and planting over 500 trees around the farm, to introducing mobile chicken tractors and hosting numerous pop-up shops and BBQs, 2022 has seen Nempnett Pastures go from strength to strength.
Details: www.nempnettpastures.co.uk
Create your own hamper at farm shop
LIKEso many farm shops across the region Peasey Farm Shop is expecting a busy run up to Christmas. The shop is full of everything you would expect to find, local food that if not supplied by the farm itself, has been sourced from local suppliers. A recent and popular additionis the Peasey Pit Stop meaning you can enjoy a tea or coffee before or after you shop giving you the perfect opportunity to relax. Peasey will host their first Christmas Fayre this year on Saturday 17th December
A very Merry between 10am-4pm with fun,
Christmas to all our customers why not come food and entertainment for all ages. There will also be and join us at our an opportunity to create your
Christmas Fayre own hamper. on Saturday 17th December Details: Facebook Peasey 10am-4pm Farm Shop
Peasey Farm Shop
Bradney Lane, Bridgwater TA7 8QD 07769 215647 Email: peaseyfarm19@outlook.com
Store’s success
THEinspiration behind Brent House Farm milk store couldn’t have occurred any further away from Somerset. Owner Sarah Coles said: “Five years ago I was dairy farming on a working holiday in New Zealand and I noticed that many of the farm shops had milk machines where customers could buy milk direct from the farm. The idea came home with me.” Owner Sarah Coles It may have taken her a little longer than planned but having opened their newly-built shop in February, Sarah couldn’t be more pleased with how things have gone.
She said: “I’m over the moon with what we’ve achieved so far. It’s down to a lot of hard work by a lot of people.”
The highlight of the year is still to come with their first Christmas Market on Saturday 10th December, 10am-3pm’, with lots of different local craft stalls booked.
Details: Facebook: Brent House Farm milk store
Community cafe
Griff Rhys Jones with property owner Phil Davies
THE Frankie Howerd Community Hub and Cafe is run by the Frankie Howerd OBE Trust and opened in September this year. Patrons of the trust include Joanna Lumley and Griff Rhys Jones.
Already proving to be a popular stop-off point for cyclists, the hub is located in Loxton, near Axbridge and Cheddar. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday, 8am-3pm for breakfast and light snacks as well as a full range of cakes. All profits go to the trust.
The next project is to raise money for a minibus and a defibrillator for the community.
Foodbank wants gifts
AROUND80 households have been referred to Wells Vineyard Foodbank this year by agencies such as Citizens Advice and the Job Centre for emergency food parcels.
They are also collecting Christmas gifts for children and families. Good quality items can be dropped off at LA Moore Demolition, Old Railway Yard, Haybridge, Wells, BA5 1AH. The deadline for donations is Friday, December 10th.
Details: www.wellsvineyard.com
BRENT HOUSE
FARM
We are hosting our first Christmas market at the farm shop on Saturday 10th December 2022 10am until 3pm Lots of stalls and Santa will also be paying a visit!
Edingworth Road Weston-super-Mare BS24 0JA
CAFÉ Community + Hub
Sevier Road, Loxton, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2XE Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 8am-3pm serving Breakfast, Light Snacks, Cakes and Lunches. All our profits go to the trust
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
Thank you for your continued support in 2022 From Rob and all the team at Beans and Machines Ltd
Popular bistro
LOCATEDin the beautiful setting of West House Farm in the Polden Hills, J’s Bistro offers a wide range of coffees, cakes and light meals six days a week (closed Mondays).
Very popular with locals and people just passing through, J’s has a burgeoning reputation as
Unit 5, 21 Broadway, Chilton Polden, Bridgwater, Somerset 07494 794444 A very Merry Christmas to all our customers why not come and join us at our Christmas Market on Friday 2nd December 2-7.30pm the ideal place to stop, rest and recharge the batteries in the most peaceful of surroundings.
J’s will be part of the annual artisan West House Christmas Market being held on Friday, December 2nd, 2-7.30pm when there will also be live music, food and parking is free.
Details: Facebook J’s Bistro
Rich’s memorable year
IThas certainly been a year to remember for all at Rich’s Cider. The opening of their new farm shop back in the summer is an obvious highlight along with the awards that both the shop and cider production have won this year.
General manager, Molly Scott, said: “It’s been a fantastic year for all of us at Rich’s, a real team effort. It’s been a pleasure working with some wonderful local businesses, all of whom show the best that Somerset has to offer.”
The farm shop was her brainchild and since opening in July has flourished. Rich’s has as many local suppliers as possible to showcase and pride themselves on providing high quality, local and sustainable products at a fair price.
December will be a busy time for Rich’s. The restaurant is hosting a number of events, including the popular breakfast with Santa between December 19th -22nd and the shop will be selling a range of Christmas trees and wreaths from the end of November.
A spectacular Christmas Fair is on December 1st, 5-9pm with more than 30 stalls already booked as well as food and live music.
Molly said: “It’s the perfect opportunity to come along to try out some amazing local produce and meet the amazing people who make it.”
Details: www.richscider.co.uk
PUB | RESTAURANT | BEDAND BREAKFAST
Dan and Jess Pardoe offer you a warm welcome Home-cooked traditional food from local suppliers With some a la carte surprises H Food theme nights H Music events and festivals Opening: Closed Mondays Tues-Thurs 12-3pm 5.30-11pm Food until 2pm and 9pm Friday/Saturday 12-11pm Food all day until 9pm Sunday 12-9pm • Food 12-8pm
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Fridays and Saturdays 4-course meal and music £30 per head
Wishing customers past and present a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year
The Old Down Inn, Emborough, Radstock BA3 4SA. T: 01761 232398 W: www.theolddowninn.co.uk
A right royal time
Ayesha at the BHI Spotlight Awards
AYESHA Kalaji, co-owner and head chef at the Queen of Cups gastro pub in Glastonbury, was named winner of the Middle Eastern Food of the Year category at the BIH Spotlight Awards.
The Queen of Cups gastro pub is situated in Northload Street, Glastonbury. Ayesha said: “We feel so honoured by the recent award wins and positive feedback, but we couldn’t have come this far so quickly without our amazing
team and the local community.
Ayesha is also a finalist for the 2022 Best Pub Chef (national) and the Queen of Cups are up for best Casual Dining and Best New Business at the Somerset Bath and Bristol Tourism Awards which will be announced in Weston-super-Mare on December 1st.
The BIH Spotlight Awards is the first ever UK awards to celebrate diverse talent in the hospitality industry.
Queen of Cups, 10-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9JJ. T: 01458 831255. E:reservations@queenofcups.co.uk W: queenofcups.co.uk
Carols by Lantern Light in Winscombe
THIS community event for all ages is taking place outside the Church Centre in Woodborough Road, Winscombe on Saturday, December 10th.
It will include community singing of favourite carols and Christmas songs accompanied by the Weston Brass Band. Refreshments will be on sale including hot dogs, mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies.
Santa will be arriving at 4.45pm and children will be able to visit him in his grotto. The community singing will be taking place from 5.30pm.
There is limited car parking for the disabled on-site but organisers ask people to use the village car parks or consider walking to the event.
In the event of inclement weather the event will take place inside the church centre. It will raise funds for the foodbank at the All Healthy Living Centre and St James’ Church, Winscombe.
Mells Winter Fayre returns
AFTER being postponed for two years during the pandemic, Mells festive market is returning on two Sundays, December 4th and 11th.
It promises artisan shopping, lively music and good food, with plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm, some lovely walks nearby and fun activities for the kids.
Profits raised will support the village school, the community café and the Walled Garden Plant Nursery, a nonprofit organisation that provides social and therapeutic projects in the community.
The fayre will take place 10am-4pm at the Walled Garden at Mells and the Tithe Barn.
Details: www.thewalledgardenatmells.co.uk/winterfayre
THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT A GLASTONBURY HOLY THORN TREE Crataegus Monogyna Biflora –It’s The Real Thing!!! Available from Malcolm Slocombe Four Seasons 16 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DU Telephone No: 01458 832061 lllllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllll llllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllllllllllllllllllllllNow available in Patio size
Nativity trail
PENSFORD’Sannual nativity trail returns on December 2nd, at 6pm, and will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until Christmas Day.
The life-size figures are the work of local man, Paul Baxter, who modelled the faces from local people in the village.
Operation Christmas Child returns to Chew Valley
Pictured (l to r) Maggie Bone, Mel and Peter Jameson, Penny Savill and Sheila Dobbs
PEOPLEacross the Chew Valley are busy packing shoe boxes with gifts for those less fortunate than themselves through the annual Operation Christmas Child project.
It is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project, run by the Christian relief and development organisation, Samaritan’s Purse.
Chew Stoke resident, Mel Jameson, is collecting boxes and held a coffee morning to show what goes into them and to raise funds towards transport.
Mel said: “This year 75% of the boxes are going to Ukrainian refugees in Poland and surrounding countries and they hope some will go to orphanages in Ukraine too.”
The coffee morning raised £360. She is appealing for more boxes.
Blagdon Primary School children are pictured with some of the boxes they collected
Crib festival
ST Cuthbert’s Church in Wells will be holding its annual Crib Festival with a display of crib sets from around the world.
There will also be seasonal refreshments, creative crafts, a raffle and a chance for parents to get a special Christmas photo of their children.
Contact the parish office if you would like to add to the display.
The festival runs from Friday, December 2nd – Sunday, December 4th, 10am4.30pm (Sunday 11.30am-4.30pm).
Libraries’ warm welcome
LIBRARIESacross Bath and North East Somerset are offering a warm welcome to residents struggling with rising energy costs this winter.
As well offering a warm space where you can access library services and free Wi-Fi, the libraries can provide information on how to save energy at home and signpost people to partner services offering advice and information on money matters, benefits, jobs, wellbeing services and food support.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: “We welcome anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills this winter to visit our libraries, keep warm and use the wonderful facilities.
“Across Bath and North East Somerset there are currently 17 warm spaces opening their doors to people struggling with their heating bills this winter, and we hope more will come forward as the temperature drops.”
Free Christmas parking
IT will be free to park in all Mendip District Council-owned pay and display car parks for one week, from Saturday, December 17th until Saturday, December 24th and is also providing free parking all-day on Sunday, January 1st.
On Small Business Saturday, December 3rd, there will be a feefree day at Cranhill Road in Street, St John's car park in Glastonbury, Union Street in Wells, Great Ostry in Shepton Mallet and the Cattle Market in Frome.
Ruby anniversary for Snow White
SNOWWhite and the Seven Dwarves was the first panto Sutton Theatre Company ever did when they were launched in Bishop Sutton by the late, great Pete Wells back in 1982.
It returns 40 years later with Rachael Abbott’s hilarious version of this famous fairytale, Snow White and Seven Silly Super Heroes, with plenty of humour, slapstick, singing, dancing, an ultra-violet scene and much more.
Performances are on both Saturday, November 26th and Saturday, December 3rd with a 2.30pm matinee and an evening performance at 7.30pm on both days at Bishop Sutton village hall, with mulled wine and mince pies available.
Details: www.suttontheatre.com
Christmas card
THEFriends of St. Andrew's Church, Congresbury, have revived the village Christmas card after a gap of four years, painted by village artist, Richard Brooks.
It will be sold at village and church events from now until Christmas and at a coffee morning in Congresbury Methodist Hall on November 26th, 10am-noon.
Over the last 20 years the friends, a registered charity, have raised thousands of pounds for repairs and improvements to the church.
Rotary calendar
THERotary Club of Wrington Vale have produced a calendar to raise funds for local good causes. It’s on sale at local shops, including the Alvis farm shop, Suzi’s Salon, Langford, and Thatchers Cider Shop, price £9.
Clock cards
PENSFORD Church’s Tower Friends are selling Christmas cards to help pay for the regilding of the clock face at St Thomas a Becket Church. Sarah Pattimore, whose dad the late Sara Pattimore (left) with Jane Flower John Pattimore, who is chair of the Tower Friends regularly wound up the clock, said: “We would like to thank KC Printing, who sponsored the cards, which are on sale at Pensford Post Office. They will also be on sale at Publow Church’s Christmas market on Saturday, December 3rd.
Details: https://gofund.me/3c119adf
Open daily from 26th November
Check website for details
07494 015440
Palace filled with gifts and songs
Beatrice Walters (left) and Jess Greig on their stall
VISITORS to the Bishop’s Palace in Wells were able to browse and buy at around 70 artisan stalls and enjoy live music in the chapel during a festive weekend market.
Browsing the stalls in the Undercroft
Tree of Light in Wells
CITYof Wells Lions, in conjunction with The Bishop’s Palace, have again organised a “Tree of Light” in the “free area” of the palace. It is an opportunity for members of the local community to sponsor a star in memory of a loved one and reflect on their lives.
Application forms are available at The Bishop’s Palace ticket office and donations may also be left there. They are also available at the Wells Tourist Information Office.
The Bishop’s Palace pastor, Rosey Lunn, will give the dedication on Wednesday, December 21st, 4.30pm, at which the names will be read out.
All proceeds will support other groups and organisations within the city and local area.
Details: Ian Williams cityofwellslions@gmail.com or call 0345 833 6736 to speak to president Alan Sanderson
www.danmagness.com
Dan Magness football freestyler
Football skills masterclass for all ages from 8 x Guinness record-holder Dan Magness. To book your session or exhibition from the worlds leading football freestyler, contact him through Facebook or website.
Film makers in the spotlight
ONthe evening of November 12th the Old Schoolroom in Chew Magna was abuzz with the Young Film Makers awards ceremony organised by Chew Valley Films with Mendip Times.
Thanks to the generous sponsors, all the finalists received a trophy and cash prize, £50 from Webb Tree Care and Brock and Houlford for runners-up and £100 for winners from Joanna Tiley Estate Agents and Mogers Drewett solicitors, plus a £50 voucher for Debbie Fortune Estate Agent’s favourite film and £200 from the Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce for the best film in the competition.
Darcy Spours-Baliff, aged 12, was individual film maker runner up for Grief. The judges thought her film tackled an important and difficult issue with sensitivity and skill.
Clementine Pover and Jessica Wookey, also aged 12, were group film maker runners up for Untitled. The judges thought this film had some lovely visual touches and that the story was well told.
Joshua Pritchard, aged 14, was individual film maker winner for Herbert the Scarecrow.
The judges thought he showed great visual flare and particularly liked his use of locations.
This was also Debbie Fortune’s favourite film.
Harry Panter, Bryson Petty and Harry Wilton, all aged 15, were group film maker winners for Paranormal Investigators, a mock documentary which the judges thought cleverly parodied modern documentary techniques and created great atmosphere in the night scenes. It also won best film in the competition.
All the finalists said they had enjoyed taking part in the competition and were thinking of making more films.
Pete Brownlee of Chew Valley Films was compere for the evening.
Pete Brownlee with the finalists
Details: www.chewvalleyfilms.com
Film highlights climate change
A PREVIEWof a short fiction film, The Nixie, was given a screening at the Wells Film Centre to an invited audience at the end of October. The film was written and directed by John Adams with local actors.
John has lived in Butcombe since 1996 and has worked in film and theatre throughout his adult life as a writer, director, university teacher, journal editor and academic researcher. The story is set some years in the future as a woman looks back to an encounter with a water sprite on the Mendip Hills, where she had taken refuge from rising sea levels. The two main
parts are played by former Chew Valley School pupils, Henry Hicks and Lucy Payne. John said: “This film reflects a profound and long-standing concern about the climate crisis, especially the consequence of rising sea levels and the impact of man-made interventions on global hydrology.” In addition to large-screen presentations to international festivals and conferences, the film will be available for schools Henry Hicks and Lucy Payne and community groups, supported by a teaching pack.
