We are giving away a copy of Around Britain, one of our most popular cookbooks.
In this updated edition we explore our glorious gastronomic heritage with a collection of fascinating and delicious recipes from every region of Britain.
For a small nation, the topography of Britain is immensely varied. This fertile land yields the ingredients that have influenced our gastronomic heritage.
From the orchards of the South East to the lochs of Scotland, each region harvests its own food and creates its own dishes.
I hope the sun is shining and early daffodils are beginning to flourish where you are; these gorgeous golden flowers really help to lift the spirits.
Why is the daffodil worn to commemorate St David’s Day?
In comparison with the ancient Welsh associations of the leek, the daffodil has only recently assumed a position of national importance. An increasingly popular flower during the 19th century, especially among women, its status was elevated by the Welsh-born prime minister David Lloyd George, who wore it on St David’s Day in 1911.
St Davids, where St David is said to have founded a monastery, is well worth a visit (when permitted of course; we can plan and dream). This lovely miniature city – the smallest city in Britain – with a particularly spectacular cathedral, it’s just a stone’s throw from the spectacular beaches of Pembrokeshire. I have very fond memories of wandering its lanes surrounding the ecclesiastic buildings, enjoying the sunshine whilst getting a very tiny little one off to sleep in his pram.
That same holiday, we stayed in a quaint cottage, and the owners kindly welcomed us with a home-baked Bara Brith. This deliciously moist fruit bread or ‘speckled bread’ as is the definition, is perfect spread with real butter and served with a cup of tea.
Here is the Bara Brith recipe from Around Britain. This lovely cookbook takes us on a culinary tour around England, Wales and Scotland, introducing us to traditional regional delights.
I post a blog every week featuring food, family and fun. There are lots of useful household tips, crafty ideas, giveaways and delicious recipes that I think you will find irresistible.
However, if anything, this past year has brought my partner and me closer than ever, and I am grateful for the endless cups of tea and the support he showed when things were difficult.
To express my appreciation, I am going to prepare a lovely restaurant-style meal for two, using delicious recipes from the cookbook Just For One Or Two.
Neither of us are starter-people, so for the main: Griddled Lamb with Fresh Pesto, served with soft and creamy celeriac mash, and wholesome ratatouille. Then for dessert: Lemon Posset topped with fresh juicy berries, one of his absolute favourites!
For more inspiration on how you can treat your loved one – which is not limited to Valentine’s Day! – take a look at our recipe collection, Restaurant-Style Meals for 2.
Of course, Valentine’s Day could not be celebrated properly without showing the love we have for our customers, so we are giving away a copy of the popular Just For One Or Two, which is full of perfect recipes for a restaurant-style dinner, at home.
Enter below by telling us how many recipes are found within the book. You can find the answer on Just For One Or Two’s page here.
Triple your chances of winning by heading to our Facebook and Instagram pages, where you can enter there too! Good luck.
Even for the most optimistic among us, it’s been challenging to remain cheerful over the past few months
There are ways however, to bring a little joy into our lives each day – tiny things we can do to add some colour and relieve the monotony of lockdown.
Wear your wardrobe
Not all at once, obviously! Work your way through your wardrobe from right to left (or left to right if you prefer) wearing a different outfit every day. Obviously summer clothes are not ideal right now so place them at the other end, but otherwise enjoy everything that you own.
Try new outfit combinations, wear a glam dress with thick tights and boots; have fun with what you wear rather than reaching for the same old jeans and jumper. I have given myself the challenge of buying no new clothes for a whole year (this is a HUGE challenge for me!) and have found that this method helps me to love what I own all over again.
Discover new walks
It’s all too easy to fall into the routine of the same walking route every day. But even in your own corner of Britain, there’s bound to be a new route to be discovered. Dust off an old Ordnance Survey map and take a look at what public footpaths surround you, or visit walking-routes.co.uk or walkingbritain.co.uk for new ideas.
When out walking, notice nature – listen to birdsong, watch the ducks on the pond, or look out for crocus and snowdrops as they begin to appear. This mindful activity helps to focus the mind on positive things, rather than negative.
Connect with your local community
Join your local Facebook group and share uplifting photographs of the walks you have enjoyed or snippets of local history that you think locals may enjoy. Or make a batch of marmalade and put it in a basket in front of your home for passers by to help themselves.
Put on your favourite lipstick
Be the most glamorous in town when you go on your daily wanderings (avoid this when shopping though – lipstick and a face mask are not the best combination!) And smile at everyone you pass. A cheerful ‘hello’ can mean a lot to someone who may not have conversed with anyone that day.
Phone/Whatsapp/Facetime a friend
A catch-up and a good laugh, reminiscing about good times, is a wonderful tonic, and proven to lower stress levels.
You may even want to nominate your friend to receive a beautiful bouquet; we’re giving one away this month
I, for one, have vowed to no more ‘New-Year-new-me’ declarations, which usually involves depriving myself of the things I love (which roughly translates to no chocolate).
This recipe from Fantastic Food For Less is foolproof; whenever I bake them the result is gorgeous, rich, gooey brownies. Perfectly served with classic vanilla ice cream.
They are relatively low in calories per portion too, so win-win!
Who knew that you could make a dye from avocado stones?
Natural dyeing is back in fashion thanks to growing environmental concerns. Making your own colours at home with things you already have in your own kitchen cupboard is rewarding and perfect for keeping occupied during lockdown.
For more inspiration, crafts, tips and ideas, visit the Inspire Me blogs on the Dairy Diary website.
Emily Davenport
I post a blog every week featuring food, family and fun. There are lots of useful household tips, crafty ideas, giveaways and delicious recipes that I think you will find irresistible.
Dairy Diary Chat 