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Lamb's Tail Pie - An Easter Tradition That No Longer Exists
<p class="">Traditional Easter meals in the West Country used to feature the historic Lambs' Tail Pie. This article delves into the culinary traditions of rural England, revealing the lost art of preparing this unique Easter delicacy. Discover the methods and anecdotes surrounding this old-fashioned lamb recipe, once a staple in the West Country. Reflect on the changing food practices and the cultural significance of historical British pies and rural English Easter meals in t
Martin Hesp
Mar 26, 20243 min read


Emmental Cheese - Learning About its History and How to Make it
<p class=""><strong><em>This article explores Emmental cheese's history and the Emmentaler Visitor Centre in Switzerland. Originating in the 13th century, Emmental is famous for its large holes and nutty flavor. Made from raw cow's milk, its quality is marked by the holes' size, created during fermentation. The Visitor Centre offers an immersive look into its production and cultural significance, showcasing traditional and modern cheesemaking methods, attracting cheese lovers
Martin Hesp
Dec 17, 20232 min read


Hela Bojun Hala - Remarkable Food Stall in Kany, Sri Lanka
<p class=""><strong><em>Discover the authentic flavours of Kandy at Hela Bojun Hala, a vibrant hub for traditional Sri Lankan cuisine that empowers local women. This culinary gem offers a sustainable dining experience with organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Relish in organic street food, from spicy curries to sweet treats like Watalappan, all while supporting community-based tourism. Dive into the heart of Sri Lanka’s food culture and savour eco-friendly meals at this coop
Martin Hesp
Nov 1, 20233 min read


Barbecuing on the move
<p class=""><strong><em>Discover the transformative power of kamado-style cooking with this review of the Kamado Joe Classic II and the Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill. Journey from the author's first experience with a kamado a decade ago, to their recent exploration of the latest models, demonstrating the evolution of this ancient Japanese cooking method. Learn about the unique features and advantages of these outdoor cookers, including temperature regulation, durability
Martin Hesp
May 16, 20237 min read


Octopus - and the art of grilling
Years ago we lived in Greece where we learned to catch octopus in the little bay where we lived. We also used to visit a town called Galatas where some very untouristy old bars - full of old men - used to serve grilled octopus as a kind of tapas when you bought enough ouzo. I loved that stuff. Really loved the smoky, sweet salty sea-flavour of the very chewy octopus with a squeeze of lemon. Grilling octopus might seem like a daunting task, reserved only for seasoned grill mas
Martin Hesp
May 11, 20233 min read


Rhubarb Rhubarb
<h3>With its distinctively tart flavour and striking pink hue, rhubarb has long been a favourite ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes</h3>
Martin Hesp
Apr 10, 20233 min read


German Cuisine 3 - The Schnitzel
<p class="">Schnitzel is one of the great dishes to be found in countries like Germany and Austria - simple but delicious - it’s the sort of food you sample at least once while on a visit</p>
Martin Hesp
Mar 30, 20232 min read
German Cuisine 2 - Curry Wurst
<p class="">Curry-wurst is a great favourite in Germany so we thought we’d give it a try in an ancient town in Lower Saxony</p>
Martin Hesp
Mar 30, 20232 min read


German Cuisine 1 - Schweinshaxe or roasted pork knuckle
<p class="">German food is delicious and very filling. Here’s one typical dish - Schweinshaxe is very much for meat eaters only - a large pork knuckle cooked slowly and served with sauerkraut and potatoes</p>
Martin Hesp
Mar 30, 20232 min read


January's Great Time For Fresh Fish
<p class="">Midwinter is a wonderful time for the cold-water seafood caught off the coast of South West England </p>
Martin Hesp
Jan 16, 20237 min read


Blackberry Time
<p class="">It’s blackberry time in the hedgerows</p>
Martin Hesp
Sep 7, 20223 min read


Amazing Attributes of Ancient Grain
<p class="">Ancient grains - the types of cereal we humans were eating 10,000 years ago when we began farming - are making a comeback. We find out why…</p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 20, 20229 min read


Saigon
<p class="">A quick trip around central Saigon or Ho Chi Min City, with Martin Hesp</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 5, 20222 min read


Voting for Venison
<p class="">Wild venison is one of the most healthy meats you can buy, and it comes guilt-free if you are worried about the environment</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 1, 20226 min read


Lanzarote Limpet Pickers
<p class="">Limpets can be a remarkable base for a seafood stew, says Martin Hesp who once came upon a man harvesting limpets on one of the most barren coastlines in Europe</p>
Martin Hesp
Feb 7, 20222 min read


Great Meals in Great Places Remembered
<p class="">Remembering great meals enjoyed in great places - we’ve been too long in lockdown - time to get out and about - these recollections may be a guide to where you can go…</p>
Martin Hesp
Feb 6, 20225 min read


Prawns and Prawning
<p class="">Catching your own prawns in summer… There is nothing quite as satisfying or as delicious if you happen to be on the right kind of beach and you have a net, says Martin Hesp</p>
Martin Hesp
Jan 8, 20226 min read


Chocolate
<p class="">Travels with chocolate - a reflection on chocolate around the world - this article offers a rich and engaging journey through various chocolate experiences. It covers topics from chocolate's history and production methods to personal experiences with chocolate at different locations around the world. The narrative is intertwined with cultural insights and details about the chocolate-making process, emphasizing the diverse aspects of chocolate as a culinary delight
Martin Hesp
Dec 28, 20214 min read


Canned Heat
<p class="">Tinned food is often looked down upon in the UK, but a West Country chef has just launched a new brand of luxury canned seafood from Devon and Cornwall which helps put the store-cupboard staple back on the foodie map. </p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 15, 20217 min read


Taking Up Smoking
<p class="">Cold smoking your own salmon can be fun and absolutely delicious </p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 12, 20216 min read
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