FOOD NOTES

Food news, events and fabulous local produce FOOD FIESTA

This year’s British Food Fortnight, now in its 21st year, runs from 17 September to 2 October. It’s a celebration of the diverse and delicious foodstuffs our country produces. Here in Yorkshire we’re especially fortunate as regards local delicacies. Mainsgill Farm Shop (mainsgillfarm.co.uk) will be showcasing many of them – and running special offers to encourage us to try them out!

Ripping roasts

The butchery department at Campbell’s of Leyburn (campbellsofleyburn.co.uk) always carries an excellent stock of seasonal game, and this autumn is no exception. From now until early December, Yorkshire grouse, with its deep, gamey taste, makes a tasty treat. Sear in a pan and roast for 15–20 minutes at 2000C. Stuff the cavity with herbs for extra flavour.

PIZZA THE ACTION

Love pizza? With this wood-fired tabletop pizza oven from Castle Timber in Redmire, near Leyburn, you can rustle up your own delicious crispy pizza in minutes. Even when you’re not cooking with it, its chic good looks will add a little extra pep to your garden. For more details and showroom opening times, visit castletimberbuildings.com

Game theory

Game is an autumn highlight for food lovers, but how confident are you about cooking it? If you want expert guidance, the Swinton Estate Cookery School is running hands-on, one-day courses in October, November and December to help both novice and experienced cooks make the most of this fabulous seasonal produce. Full details at swintonestate.com

BOTTLE IT

Saturday 8 October is Apple Day at Ripon Walled Garden, a timely opportunity to take along your windfalls to be juiced and bottled so you can enjoy your very own fresh apple juice at home! As always there will be plenty of other apple-related fun – keep an eye on Ripon Community Link’s Facebook page for more information.

There’s still plenty of time left to sizzle sausages on the barbecue before winter gets a grip. The butchery department at Campbell’s of Leyburn (campbellsofleyburn.co.uk) carries an excellent selection of scrumptious homemade bangers to choose from, and their venison sausages are especially apt for autumn. Call 01969 625600 to check what else is currently in stock.

What a carve-up!

Halloween will soon be here, and what better way to prepare for it than picking your very own pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch at Mainsgill Farm Shop (mainsgillfarm.co.uk)? There will be an amazing selection of weird and wonderful pumpkins in all kinds of shapes, colours and sizes. Choose your favourite and get carving! Wensleydale-based caterers Fairhursts have already proved a big hit with their fabulous farm shop and café at Swinithwaite. And now they’ve launched a smart new online shop selling an impressive range of fresh farm produce, artisan food and drink, ready meals and even homeware and gifts. Browse and shop from the comfort of your own sofa at fairhurstsfarmshop.co.uk

THE WHOLESOME HOG

You can’t beat rare-breed pork for flavour and texture, as a trip to Stoneygate Farm Shop and Deli at Ravensworth (stoneygatefarm.co.uk) will prove. Stoneygate’s Old English native breeds are free range, and spend most of their time foraging in the farm’s woodland. The result? Slow-grown meat that tastes a treat and makes fantastic crackling.

LOCALLY SAUCED

Made in Melmerby, near Ripon, TRUEfoods’ stocks, sauces and gravies are created using pure, natural ingredients and traditional techniques. The company’s standards are so high that Michelin-starred chefs use their products in their kitchens – so you can rely on them to help you raise your game with your home cooking! Look out for TRUEfoods sachets at Booths in Ripon booths.co.uk

Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire the farm is home to a pedigree herd of Shorthorn cattle, rare breed pedigree pigs and a fl ock of native-breed sheep. The shop boasts its own bakery, on-site butchery, a deli with a wonderful variety of home-baked produce and a cosy cafe. We also stock an array of locally made produce. The café serves breakfast, lunch and a selection of all day treats and also operates as a restaurant on Friday/Saturday evenings and for traditional Sunday lunch.

T: 01748 897131 W: stoneygatefarm.co.uk

Stoneygate Farm Shop, Stoneygate Bank, Ravensworth, Richmond DL11 7BT