Jul 10
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking Food, Yorkshire Rhubarb
You’re going to need -
500g Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb
1 Onion
100ml cider vinegar
1cm piece of fresh ginger
200g white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1. Chop the rhubarb into bite size chunks – you can get creative with this, chunky can look good but so can small – however you like your chutney!
2. Place the onion, ginger, salt and sugar into a large non-aluminium pan. Bring it to the boil and keep it boiling for around 5 minutes.
3. Add the rhubarb and bring the heat down to a simmer. Keep it there for around 15 minutes and you’ll start to notice the mixture thickening.
4. If you plan to keep the chutney now is the time to put it into a sterilised jar. Pop the top on and allow to cool in the kitchen before storing in the fridge.
5. If the chutney is to dress a meal today then allow it to cool in the kitchen until just warm to the touch. This will work as a wonderful accompaniment to smoked fish when served with a strong peppery side salad! Enjoy!
Jul 04
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking Food, Yorkshire Recipes, Yorkshire Rhubarb
You’ll require -
10 sticks of rhubarb
190g/6.5ozs flour
110g/4ozs demerara sugar
110g/4ozs softened butter
1 tablespoon powdered ginger
4 tablespoons water
8 tablespoons of caster sugar
1. Fire the oven up to 180C / 350F / Gas Mark 4
2. Chop the rhubarb in sticks that are roughly 5cms / 2ins long and put them in an ovenproof tray. Sprinkle the water on and roast in the preheated oven for roughly 10 minutes.
3. After the 10 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle on the ginger. Give it all a good mix around.
4. Transfer this rhubarb mix into an ovenproof dish that is around 4cms deep.
5. Using a rubbing technique mix the butter, flour and sugar to make the crumble topping. When this is a suitable consistency toss over the top of the rhubarb and bake for around 30 minutes. You may wish to bake a little longer for a crunchier crumble. Prod with a knife to ensure the mix is hot all the way through before removing from the oven. The rhubarb should be bubbling gently and the crumble should have a nice golden brown appearance.
6. Allow to cool before adding your favourite from the following list – Ice cream, double cream, single cream or all of the above!
Jul 03
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking Food, Fun, Yorkshire Rhubarb
You’ll need -
1 pie case
6 Bramley apples – peeled, cored and chopped
3 Sticks of Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb
2 teaspoons of powdered cinnamon
4 Tablespoons of water
8 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 Egg yolk
1. Get the oven nice and hot, around 220C / 440F should do the trick.
2. Chop the Rhubarb into 3cm/1in long pieces and place in baking tray. Chop the apples into 1cm/1/2in cubes and place in the same tray. Roast for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the fruit from the oven and mix the sugar and cinnamon evenly through the rhubarb and apples.
4. Place the fruit mix into the pie case and and place the top on. Ensure you make some holes to release the pressure – otherwise things will get messy when you bake!
5. Using a pastry brush, apply the egg yolk to the top of the pie, this will ensure a nice brown finish.
6. Bake the pie for around 45 mins or until the pie is golden brown. Remove from oven for 10 minutes – it’ll be hot!
7. Add a large scoop of vanilla ice-cream or custard and enjoy!
Jul 01
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking Yorkshire Rhubarb
Around 90% of the worlds ‘forced’ winter rhubarb comes from a small area in Yorkshire. That area is lovingly known as the ‘rhubarb triangle’ whose points lay at the the city of Wakefield and the towns of Morley and Rothwell. Within this nine square miles lay the smaller villages of East Ardsley, Stanley, Lofthouse and Carlton.
Traveling though these areas you’ll see dozens of ‘forcing sheds’ in which the rhubarb is grown out of season. ‘Forced Rhubarb’ is often a brighter red colour than outdoor cultivated plants and is often sweeter with a more tender texture. The rhubarb is ‘forced’ by raising the temperature local to the plant – this is often done by covering the shoots as they comes through the soil, the rhubarb thrives in this spring/summer temperature and grows as such.
Rhubarb is native to Siberia and therefore enjoys the cold Yorkshire winters! The type of rhubarb produced in Yorkshire carries the name ‘Forced Yorkshire Rhubarb’ and, in the same was Champagne may only be branded as such if it is produced in the Champagne region – Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb was, in February 2010 awarded Protected Designation of Origin status by the European Commission’s protected Food Name Scheme.
The ‘forcing’ of Rhubarb is a time consuming and delicate process. Firstly, the rhubarb plants are grown outside and not touched for roughly two years. This gives the plants strong roots and the energy they hold within them bolsters these growth when they are moved indoors. This transfer is done in deep winter, normally November, where the farmers can ensure the plants have been subjected to a frost before they are plunged into the darkness of the sheds. As the temperature rises the plants begin to grow – however, the rhubarb grows and is tended to by candlelight, anything more would halt the growing process. Traditionally the coal mining heritage of the rhubarb triangle meant coal was the cheapest way to heat the sheds, however, with the decline of the mining in the area, diesel is now preferred.
Between the late 1800s and around 1940 an express train stopped at Ardsley railway station every day of the ‘forcing’ season. This express locomotive was specifically designated to carry rhubarb down to the south of England and over the channel to France. The food markets of London and Paris could sell however much of the sweet produce was shipped to them and the industry had thousands of farmers and farm hands ensuring the train ran at full capacity everyday. At it’s peak, 200 tons of rhubarb followed the tracks to the capital and beyond everyday!
Although the market today is not quite so demanding the triangle lives on. Although at it’s peak the area had expanded from the 9 miles mentioned to a huge 30 mile area, it now rests comfortably back with the original Wakefield-Rothwell-Morley triangle. Wakefields council has rhubarb festival every February and die-hard fans of the plant can come and see chefs muster up some of the finest recipes – after they’ve had the pleasure of touring the forcing fields. You’ll see Wakefield councils lasting acknowledgement of the triangle in Holmfield Park where they erected a sculpture depicting the humble rhubarb plant in 2005.
For somewhere to stay on your trip to Yorkshire check out our Lodges for sale in North Yorkshire
Apr 30
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking Dining In North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Restaurants
The Blue Bicycle – York – Fantastic food in the most intriguing of venues! As ‘a house of ill repute’ in the Victorian era the Blue Bicycle offers dining in private downstairs booths – as well as in it’s fantastic eclectic dining room upstairs! Only the freshest produce, cooked to perfection by world class chefs. This has to be one of the most talked about restaurants in the area!
Blue Lion – East Whitton nr. Leyburn – High quality service and food fit for Royalty will greet you at the Blue Lion! Stunning scenery surrounds this country Inn and the menu never fails to please. A relaxed atmosphere and fabulous selection of drinks will have you visiting again and again.
The Brasserie – Harrogate – Seasonal dishes served in the most fantastic setting! If amazing food, a softly lit room and live jazz sounds like it could be your thing then this restaurant is a must visit. The service is second to none and the wine list is superb. If the sun is shining a drink amongst the flowers on the pavement terrace is not to be missed.
Oswalds at Sowerby – Sowerby – A self confessed ‘passion for food and people’ is clear from the moment you enter this wonderful venue. Where possible Oswalds source all produce from North Yorkshire – combine this with the talent and flair of their three world class chefs and you’re likely to have one of the most memorable meals in a long time.
Carriages – Knaresborough – Often considered ‘the place to go’ in Knaresborough, Carriages offers excellent service fronted by a charming host. An excellent Tapas selection that you’re welcome to mix with the outstanding a la carte menu. With an attached wine bar the staff will make sure your glass never runs dry! Lovely food in a lively environment.
Brandy Snap Bistro – Thornton-Le-Dale nr. Pickering – Recently renovated, the Brandy Snap offers top drawer dining in a very friendly setting. The portions here will satisfy even the most hungry visitor and when so much love goes into the puddings – it’d be rude not to indulge! The Tipsy Toffee Brandysnap Basket seems like the obvious choice – although maybe not if you’re driving!
The Traddock Austwick – nr. Settle - Set in what was once a Georgian family home ‘The Traddock’ is an awarding winning restaurant as well as stunning hotel. Locally produced organic ingredients are used wherever possible through a truly wonderful menu. A huge wine list and fabulous service will round off a memorable dining experience!
Thai Jantra – Boston Spa nr. Wetherby – This is Thai dining with a difference. Set in an old village coaching house the team at Thai Jantra insist on locally sourced organic ingredients. If it’s a warm evening you’re welcome to dine al fresco. North Yorkshire raised beef, chicken and pork, served in traditional Thai dishes – a winning combination! Superb food and equally superb service!
Frenchgate Restaurant - Richmond – Fine dining at it’s best. A 100 bin wine list accompanies a modern British and European menu. Set on a cobbled street in one of the most beautiful parts of Richmond, The Frenchgate offers a sophisticated but friendly atmosphere with impeccable service and standards. An unforgettable experience!
Chapters Restaurant and Brasserie - Stokesley – A choice between the formal restaurant or relaxed brasserie means there’s something for everyone at Chapters. There’s even the terrace on a warm evening! Wonderful art work can be found as well as incredible service and an exceptional menu! It’s quickly apparent why Chapters has quite so many awards to it’s name!
Apr 06
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking, The Great Outdoors Picnic Spots, Yorkshire Picnics
1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – It doesn’t get much more picturesque these Georgian water gardens. Definitely one to take the camera to! Lakes, waterfalls and stunning temple ruins mean you’re never short of a great place to enjoy your sandwiches!
2. Duncombe Country House and Park – The stunning stately home garden is the perfect spot for some outdoor eating! There’s an adventure playground for the kids and some very pretty gardens if you want to work up an appetite with a walk! See if you can find the ’scented secret garden’ and admire the views of the valley.
3. Beningbrough Hall and Gardens – If a picnic in the park surrounding a Georgian Mansion sounds like it’s for you then this is a must! Extensive parkland, wilderness play area and some guided walks if you fancy exploring. Dogs are welcome and there’s plenty to look at in the house when you’ve finished your sandwiches!
4. Goddards Garden – Here you can picnic amongst the wonderful wildlife that calls the garden home! Hedged garden rooms are a lovely feature and ensure some lovely quiet spots. The wilderness gardens make for a lovely wander too. Don’t forget your chocolate in your picnic – the gardens used to belong to Noel Goddard Terry of ‘Terrys’ – the famous York chocolate making company!
5. Nunnington Hall – If you’re wondering what the noise is… it’s probably one of the many peacocks that reside here! Sat on the banks of the Rye, the walled gardens boast some wonderful spring time colours and fabulous spots to enjoy your food. Why not have a look around the hall too? Some great period rooms and a famous collection of miniature rooms upstairs make for an interesting visit.
6. Rievaulx Terrace and Temples – Pretty woodland walks and stunning views aplenty here! You’ll be able to find a spot that looks over the ruins of the Abbey and take in some of the wonderful scents of the wild flowers that cover the bank. The terrace leads on from the woods and makes for some fantastic pictures – definitely one to take the camera to.
7. Richmond Castle – One of the most spectacular in the North of England, Richmond Castle provides the perfect place for a picnic in the surrounding wooded parkland. The castle is one of the oldest Norman stone fortresses in the whole of the country so there’s plenty of history to be taken in!
8. Sutton Bank – Often passed through by tourists but few realise there’s a picnic area with views to rival virtually any in the UK! You’ll see miles and miles of North Yorkshire country side. In fact, the only people with better views will be the paragliders sailing overhead! Well worth dropping into the National Park visitors centre too!
9. Monk Park Farm – Perhaps you’d like to picnic amongst wallabies, deer, llamas and other such exotic breeds! Monk Park offers these and many more interesting species in the heart of Herriot Country. Adventure playground, nature trails and pedal cars mean that no one will get bored – even when the sandwiches and crisps are gone!
10. Kirkham Priory – The ruins of the old priory provide the perfect place for that quiet summer picnic. Pick your spot anywhere off the footpath that follows the river and explore and play amongst the ruins. The setting for many local legends, you’ll still see the ancient family crests on the gatehouse walls. A fantastic spot you’ll definitely want to visit again.
Abbots Green offers the perfect base for visiting the whole of Yorkshire and beyond, for a look round, click here to go to our contact page.
Mar 30
Abbots GreenEating and Drinking Food, Pub Lunch, Pubs
1. Hambleton Inn, Sutton Bank, Thirsk. – A fine country ‘free house’ with a distinctly equine history. Positioned very close to the famous White Horse carving at Kilburn, The Hambleton Inn is a very welcoming venue thanks to hosts Paul and Tracy Cooper… and their roaring open fire! The pub is over 300 years old and boasts an award winning menu.
2. The Black Bull, East Marton, nr. Skipton – Owned by award winning chef Neil Butterworth, The Black Bull is sure to delight with a fantastic menu that can be enjoyed next to the open log fire – or outside on the beautiful terrace. Part of the historic Broughton Hall estate, the pub is set in thousands of acres of perfect Yorkshire countryside. The ‘Cassoulet’ is not to be missed!
3. Crab and Lobster, Topcliffe, nr. Thirsk – If fish is your thing it would be criminal to not experience the seafood pie here! A stunning looking pub with a traditional thatched roof and a real touch of elegance inside. You can pick from an extensive wine list to compliment the truly wonderful food. A real character venue you’ll be sure enjoy! More
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