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.

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.

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

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

OF COURSE YOU CAN

It’s always nice to have a project for the forthcoming year, so how about making 2022 the year you take your cooking skills to the next level? Swinton Cookery School at Swinton Park Hotel has a packed programme of half-day and full-day hands-on, practical cookery classes to help you do just that. On 18 January for example, the Show-stopping Canapés course will teach you how to craft delicious mouthfuls that will make any social event extra special. And on 19 January and 24 March the Seasonal Dinner Party course will inspire you to use fresh local produce to delight and impress your dinner guests. There are lots more tempting topics too – for more information visit swintonestate.com Chilly days make a hearty roast meal all the more appealing. And if you don’t have the time to rustle up your own, or don’t want the fuss, there’s an easy option: Middleham-based professional caterers Fairhursts will deliver one to your door. Along with your choice of meat you’ll receive a selection of sides and trimmings, including Dauphinoise potatoes, herb-roasted potatoes, carrots and parsnips, pickled red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, sage, onion and apricot stuffing, proper Yorkshire gravy and homemade Yorkshire puddings. On top of that you’ll get a choice of four scrumptious desserts. A Fairhursts Roast Dinner Box feeds two to four people and prices start at £45. Order yours online at fairhursts. co.uk

TINY TREATS

There are plenty of festive treats for sweettoothed shoppers at Booths in Ripon (booths.co.uk) this year – and several of them come in super-cute miniature format. So if you love Christmas cake but don’t necessarily want a whole one, this Mini Christmas Cake Selection could be just what you’re looking for. The pack of six contains three variations on a theme – the theme being mixed spice sponge cake with vine fruits, mixed peel and a dash of sherry and rum. Two of the mini-cakes are topped with icing and marzipan, two with Belgian dark chocolate, and two with jewelled fruits. All are handmade and vegan friendly. Yum!

HEAVENLY HAMPERS

Who wouldn’t want to receive a hamper packed with gourmet goodies from Lewis & Cooper? Northallerton’s award-winning fine food retailer offers an extensive range of readymade hampers and gift packs, but it’s arguably a lot more fun to create your own – and they have an easy online tool to help you do it. First you choose your packaging: postal carton, silver gift box or traditional wicker hamper, each available in a variety of sizes. Then you select your own unique combination of contents from the food hall, deli and wine sections of the online store. For more information about Lewis & Cooper hampers, or to order online, visit lewisandcooper.co.uk