FOOD NOTES TERRIFIC TURKEY
If you’re planning on turkey for your festive roast then you’ll want the very best. For half a century the Henshaw family at Mainsgill Farm has been rearing succulent, top quality turkeys by traditional methods. The birds are grown slowly and naturally, fed on Mainsgill’s own specially mixed cereal diet, and it shows: they’re packed full of flavour! You can buy a whole bird, boneless rolled turkey or an easy-to-carve boneless crown, and Mainsgill’s butchers can supply all the trimmings, including pigs in blankets. Find out more or place your order at mainsgillfarm. co.uk. Better still, visit in person and check out the Christmas shop in Mainsgill’s new extension.
LIGHT BLUE
Launched just over 25 years ago, Yorkshire Blue from Thirsk-based artisan cheesemaker Shepherds Purse quickly established itself as a cheeseboard classic. It has been winning awards ever since, and is now available in delicatessens nationwide. Yorkshire Blue is sweet, creamy and mild – an ideal introduction to blue cheese for those who find that the likes of Gorgonzola or Roquefort have too much ‘bite’ for their taste. Yorkshire Blue is handmade from local cows' milk and matured over the course of two months, carefully turned each week to achieve the attractive blue veining and smooth, even texture. You can find a local stockist – or order online – at shepherdspurse.co.uk
CRACKING CHOCS
IN PRAISE OF PORK
How about ringing the changes this festive season with some fabulous local free-range pork? The butchery department at Campbell's of Leyburn (campbellsofleyburn.co.uk) is renowned for its superb rare-breed meat, and if you haven’t tried rare breed pork you’re in for a treat – the taste and texture are out of this world. Campbell's also supply local beef and lamb, game and corn-fed chicken and duck. The shop’s butchers are a friendly bunch, and are always happy to advise you how best to prepare your purchases. For full details of the rare breed and locally reared meat in stock, or to place an order, call the butchers at Campbell's on 01969 625600.
There’s nothing like a bit of shameless selfindulgence to brighten up the dark days of winter, and chocolate certainly works wonders for most people. Ballantyne's Chocolates and Confectionery opened their doors this time last year, on a mission to bring top-quality chocolates to Bedale. They sell a mouthwatering selection of luscious chocs from Belgium, along with premium products from local artisan makers like Inspired Chocolates of Leyburn and Kacao of Richmond. And if you want to buy a gift for family or friends but aren’t sure which luscious confectionery would suit them best, why not buy them a Ballantyne's gift voucher? Ballantyne's Chocolates and Confectionery is at 24 Market Place, Bedale, 01677 427465. Follow them at facebook.com/ballantyneschocolates Dales Life | WINTER 2021 |
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