The Dales Chef

Roast Dinners

From Roast Beef to Roast Chicken, Pork, Duck, Lamb and of course Turkey, there are so many great meats we enjoy for our traditional Sunday Dinner.  But what are the best accompaniments to go with the star of the show at each meal? Bruce Elsworth looks at the traditions, where did our roast originate and I bet you can't guess why Henry the VII's guards were called Beefeaters!? Being the week before Christmas we also talk about the biggest and most important roast dinner of them all - the Christmas Day Feast! We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year and we will be back in 2026 with more mouth-watering episodes.

Sprouts

In this edition of The Dales Chef, Bruce admits he doesn't like sprouts (nor does Julian!).  However, for the benefit of those that do, we look at the history, why on earth we are the largest sprout eating nation and how best to cook them... or disguise them if you are not so keen! From the simplest method with some butter and seasoning, with pancetta and nuts or even spicy a bit like a saag, Bruce has all the popular ways to enjoy Sprouts on Christmas Day. We find out that Sprouts are so popular, more are eaten at other times of the year, when in season, plus the amazing nutritional benefits of this festive superfood. Sprouts really are the Marmite of our traditional Christmas Dinner. Image: Freepik

Dates

Naturally sweet and juicy, fresh dates - the kind we get at Christmas, are the fruit of the Date Palm, originally from the Middle East and now cultivated in California. But what is the religious connection with Christmas?  In this edition of The Dales Chef we find out. Bruce talks about Medjool Dates - often known as the king of dates and adding them to your Christmas pudding. We also talk about the savoury uses for dates - along with Apricots they make any middle-eastern dish. We can't talk about dates without mentioning Sticky Toffee Pudding - it's origins not so far from here in Cumbria/Lancashire and Bruce's experience making it a long-running favourite desert at the Angel at Hetton.   Image: Freepik

Christmas Tipples - Baileys and Advocaat

In this edition of the Dales Chef we talk about two of our most popular Christmas drinks - Bailey and Advocaat.  Their origins in Ireland and Holland, although technically Advocaat originates in South America! Some great ideas to elevate festive puddings with a drop of Baileys and top tips for some great mulled wine. We look ahead to this weekends Great Skipton Santa Fun Run now in its sixteenth year and raising around £60,000 a year for local good causes.  A fantastic event of course finished off with your favourite festive tipple!  Find out more about the fun run here [https://skiptonsantafunrun.com/] [https://mmo.aiircdn.com/392/650958f2635dd.jpeg]

Hot Chocolate

In this edition of The Dales Chef we find out about the origins of Hot Chocolate.  From its early beginnings in Ecuador, to the chocolate cafes in Victorian times. Is the ready-mix just fine, or what is it like to make your own from scratch?  Bruce has some top tips. We talk about Hot Chocolate in deserts - Panna cotta and Chocolate Soup!  A Chocolate Affogato surprise.  Plus we come up with a whole new desert with Chocolate, Hazelnut Ice Cream and biscuits. Warming your winter with the Dales Chef - enjoy yours! Image: Freepik