Food for thought, or just thinking of food…

It’s Fairtrade Fortnight

One thing that really sways me to buy one product over another is if it is Fairtrade. I can’t think of a better way to ensure that the food we are eating comes from a well managed source that ensures famers are paid properly and have decent working conditions. It gives food producers the ability to have more control over their lives, and prevents them from being exploited. 

So, I'm giving this blog entry a mini theme of celebration, you should be celebrating this year's Fairtrade Fortnight  (27 February to 11 March 2012)by getting your hands on some Fairtrade produce and cooking up a storm.

I've asked lots of people what they thing of Fairtrade, and unfortunately some people wrongly believe that the only Fairtrade products available in the UK are bananas and coffee – in actual fact there is a myriad of items that you can get your hands on. Take a look at Divine Chocolate (www.divinechocolate.com) who have a vast range of extremely delicious looking treats on offer – their website has a great recipes section, too. I have fallen in love with the sound of the Sticky Peanut Butter Cake – I’m going to make one over the weekend, I’ll let you know how it goes (www.divinechocolate.com/recipes/cakes/Stickypeanutbuttercake.aspx).

You can get Fair trade wine and sprits too, and I’ve been tipped off that Stone Bridge’s selection are particularly good (www.stonebridgewine.com).
 

In addition to the products I have motioned, there are a whole host of others ­– you may be really surprised about what’s available, and you really should give something a go. Get some more information from www.fairtrade.org.uk

St David’s Day

I love any excuse for a celebratory meal, be it birthdays, anniversaries or just because I feel like indulging. But today, there is a very valid reason for grabbing some great British ingredients and cooking up a very Welsh dish in honour of St David’s Day.

I got introduced to a gorgeous hearty stew at a supper club I went to in January. Although my recipe may not be 100% authentic, it’s really delicious and perfect to gorge on while it is still chilly outside. 

 You will need:

• 900g of Welsh lamb
• 900g potatoes cut into large chunks
• Small glass of red wine
• 50g pearl barley
• 4 carrots (scliced)
• 3 parsnips
• 6 thickly sliced large shallots
• 1 peeled and chopped swede
• 3  large leeks chopped into chunks
• bouquet garni
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 10 Black peppercorns

Serves 4 very hungry people!

Method

Dice the lamb into big chunks before browning it in a large stewing pot. Pour over a glass of red wine and cook off the alcohol.

Add the barley, potatoes, carrots, parsnips and swede and then cover the ingredients in water. Bring to the boil

Throw in the bouquet garni, thyme and peppercorns and simmer the stew gently for 2 hours. 

Season the stew with a little salt and add the leaks, then continue to simmer for 10 minutes until they are soft.

Stir in the parsley just before plating up and serve with crusty bread. Delicious!