By way of an introduction here are four photos of my favourite foods that tell you a little more about me, my love of food and what you might expect from @thecultiveater.
(1) Hot-smoked salmon, asparagus and microgreens
I love to experiment with cooking techniques!! Mr Cultiveater recently bought me a https://www.nordicware.com/ stovetop smoker and it’s fab! This applewood smoked salmon was my first attempt and it was delicious!! Subtle smoked flavour and melted in the mouth. Going try a smoked pizza next – to be honest I’d never heard of it before getting the smoker, but it’s pizza, so it’s got to be delicious right?!
I’ve just received a delivery of microgreen seeds from www.premierseedsdirect.com. This all started because I was lucky enough to get a selection of microgreens in my weekly veg box from www.theorganicpantry.co.uk and was surprised to find that they were grown locally on an urban microfarm on the outskirts of Leeds. I followed the farm on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nellsurbangreens/) and realised I could have a go at growing these amazing microsalads at home to make sure I have a constant supply (they are that good!). It’s amazing the inspiring small businesses and producers we have on our doorstep without even realising. I’ll report back on my progress with growing my own microgreens in a few weeks – fingers crossed.
(2) Dumplings… or in this case pork gyoza
I love dumplings in all their forms. It’s a foodstuff I have no natural limit for – on a trip to Japan a couple of years ago, I went out for a walk in the area around my hotel (having already had a delicious and sizeable meal) and found a small corner café where I could see folks eating dumplings. I went in and ordered a portion (5 gyoza). I ended up leaving an hour later having eaten three orders of gyoza (15 dumplings!)… I’m not even sorry. What I love about dumplings is that every country has their own version… gyoza, pelmeni, pierogi. I seriously love them all and always try to find new local versions on my travels.
Having tried many recipes, these pork, Chinese leaf and ginger gyoza, from my trusty www.wagamam.com “Ways with Noodles” cookbook, are my absolute favourite to have at home. The recipe makes a huge batch so if, unlike me, you don’t eat them by the dozen, they freeze reasonably well. Just keep them separated until frozen and then store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
(3) Cake
I don’t have much of a sweet tooth and I would always choose cheese over chocolate to end a meal. But, I’m a feeder and so I like to cater for everyone. So not often, but perhaps once or twice a year, I make a celebration cake for someone I love. I find it unbelievably stressful and time-consuming while I’m doing the actual decorating (I am a total amateur after all). Every time, I say to Mr Cultiveater (usually around 2 am the night before the cake needs to be finished), “don’t ever let me agree to do another cake”. And then somehow the look on the face of the person receiving the cake makes it all worth it and the rest is history.
This superhero cake was for my great nephew’s birthday a couple of years ago and is my favourite. Mr Cultiveater is still chuffed he got to be a hand model for the hulk.
(4) “Hen’s Egg” from www.skoshyork.co.uk
Don’t be fooled by its appearance – the contents of the egg are a delicious mix of cheddar, mushrooms and px sherry, and it’s wonderful! This is one of my favourite foods from my favourite restaurant. Don’t get me wrong, all the food here is great but I have to have this to start every meal, and you should too. The sourdough with gunpowder butter is pretty special too.
I’m lucky to live between York and Leeds and have some amazing restaurants, bars and other eateries on my doorstep. That said, I will travel for food and try to encourage Mr Cultiveater along to some far-flung places on the prospect of a good meal. Reviews from meals out are likely to be a regular feature of the blog and will cover everywhere from my hometown of Tadcaster, across my country of Yorkshire and further afield in the UK whenever possible. Mr Cultiveater and I are off to Bergen, Norway at the end of the month and have a dream trip to Boston and Nashville, USA planned for September. Suggestions for places to try on out travels will always be welcome. It’s going to be a tasty ride.
If you’ve read this far then thanks so much for sticking with me and learning a bit more about me and the food I love. I hope you’ll visit again!
– Clara –
Featured image: Baron bigod, black truffle, fig and hazelnut sandwich – taken at Skosh, 2018
thecultiveater.com 