< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCHRISTMAS GIFTSPANDORA Lincoln314 - 315 High Street, Lincoln, LN5 7DRBe inspired at pandora.netPandora Tower EventPANDORA Lincoln invites you onSATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER9:00am - 5:30pmFor one day only, all customers that make a purchase over £75 in the PANDORA Lincoln store will receive a PANDORA gift from our giant jewellery tower*.*One gift with purchase per customer. Gift is selected from the jewellery tower on a lucky dip basis. While stocks last. Subject to Terms and Conditions, available on request. For HerFor Her1 – This milk jug (£22) gives any room a rustic, countrified feel. Part of a range that meansdaisies are prominent in the design, we think it’s a stylish addition that anyone would love intheir stocking (if it fits!) www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk2 – The Wizard of Oz is a classic Christmas film, so why not bring an element of that into thehome? This wicked witch doorstop (£26.99) is a cast iron wonder! www.thegiftoasis.com3 – For those who love to grow things outside, this personalised garden trug (£25.95)means you can do those fiddly little jobs knowing your tools are close at hand. Italso looks great left in the garden shed, giving the rustic areas of your homesome hand-stamped style. www.plantabox.co.uk4 – Who doesn’t love a good lip balm? And who could resist a pillbox style(£18) such as this? Featuring a ‘Crinoline Lady’ and a mirror to double checkyour look, we’d vouch this will be popular this Christmas.www.gigglinghedgehogs.co.uk5 – These tote bags (£6.95 each) are originally drawn in ink and watercolourand we think they are just the best. Made with fair trade cotton too, theyreally tick all the boxes! www.ceridwendesign.etsy.com1234549-51:Layout 1 13/10/14 14:07 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51CHRISTMAS GIFTSSpecialising in Bespoke Alpaca Hats & Shawls in the Heart of Lincolnshire!Please visit our website…www.alpacaglamour.co.uk1 – Exterminate! Dr Who is back on our screens again andso are the Daleks! This clockwork monster (£5.99) is aquirky take on the Doctor’s scariest enemies.www.no1gadgetstore.co.uk2 – Teach your little ones to save from an early age with thissuper-cute fox money box (£8.98), Made from wood and hand-painted,it’s a brilliant and fun way to save and will look good on a shelf too!www.beckyandlolo.co.uk3 – This beautiful, beech tiger rocker (£99) is made to last a lifetime andlooks just perfect. www.newmakers.com 4– Twit twoo, it’s lunch time! This owl lunch box (£11.99) is a fun way tocarry your sandwiches to school or on a picnic! Create a healthy lunchand use either the small or large containers, or indeed both for largerappetites! www.beckyandlolo.co.uk5 – Who doesn’t love a den? This bear wonder tent (£299) is almostlike a step up, made from American maple and with a cottoncover, it’s a place to hide away on rainy play days! www.etsy.comFor the little onesFor the little ones2351449-51:Layout 1 13/10/14 14:08 Page 3Join us for aSpectacularCHRISTMASPyewipe, Saxilby Road, Lincoln01522 528708enquiries@pyewipe.co.ukwww.pyewipe.co.ukat thePyewipeCome along, ENJOY&taste the difference52-57:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:03 Page 1ood and Lincolnshire go hand in hand.We’ve said it for a long time, but being one ofthe nation’s great food producers, us Yellowbelliestruly know how to put together a sumptuous feast.That applies to Christmas as well, so why notinvestigate what the county has to offer? Often you’ll find Lincolnshire families have somewhatof a local feast in their fridges and larders at any onetime, ready to deploy if friends or family drop by. Thiscan be rolled out as part of a Christmas buffet, but ifyou’ve never had the joy of these fresh Lincolnshirefoodstuffs, get it sorted for this festive season! LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53FOOD & DINING - CHRISTMASFood for theFESTIVITIESIt’s time to getprepared forChristmas, whetheryou like it or not!Thankfully, ourregion is blessed witha cavalcade ofoptions that meanwhether you’repreparing a feast forall and sundry orlooking for a place tocelebrate, we have itsorted!Local butchers make some of thebest Lincolnshire sausages, makesure you get their best! PHOTO: MR BIGStuffed chine is a county speciality,why not line some up for Christmas?F55 52-57:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:04 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARVERSRESTAURANT & TAKEAWAYDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETExperience the best Fish and Chip Restaurant the areahas to offer, in stylish comfortable surroundings.Bookings now being taken for Authentic Greek nightsCome along and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine & an experiencethat will acquaint you to the Mediterranean way of dining.Spaces subject to availability, bookings strongly advised.Now taking Christmas party bookings, book now to avoid disappointment266-268 Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe DN16 2RXTel: 01724 277831Christmas FestivitiesFor bookings and more information: Stallingborough Grange Hotel, Riby Road, Stallingborough DN41 8BUTel: 01469 561302Email: reception@stallingboroughgrange.co.ukwww.stallingboroughgrange.co.ukFri 5th Dec Michael Bublé Tribute Night£36.00 Includes Christmas Fayre MenuFri 12th Dec Ultimate Christmas 70’s Night£32.00 Includes Christmas Fayre MenuFri 19th Dec Rock & Pop Around the Christmas Tree £32.00Includes Christmas Fayre MenuSun 14th Dec & Sun 21st Dec Lunch with Santa£19.50 Adult. Children £12.50 Includes a present from Santa & mini discoChristmas Day Lunch£65.00 Adults £32.00 Children Age 4-10New Years Eve Sparkle & Mistletoe Dinner£34.00Our Christmas Menus are available every lunch & evening in our restaurantMenus are available to view onlineExperience our unique culinary delightsIf you are looking for a unique culinaryexperience La Foundouk Moroccanrestaurant set in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside of Great Limber is the answer. All the amazing flavours of Moroccoare here for you to enjoy. If you would like to try your hand atMoroccan cooking try one of our cookery workshops.For more information or bookings, contact us today15 Brickyard, Great Limber, North Lincs DN37 8JUT: 07749 497888 E: sharon@lafoundouk.com www.lafoundouk.comThe Chequers, Main Street, Gedney Dyke, PE12 0AJ.Tel 01406 366700 e-mail: bookings@the-chequers.co.ukStartersVeloute of celeriac and apple ciderWalnut, blue cheese and croutonTerrine of confit duckSalt baked beetroot, orange and Cumberland sauceGratin of Cornish cock crabAged parmesan and chiveMain CourseRoast black feather turkeyTraditionally garnishedRoast fillet of salmonButtered kale, roasted Jerusalem artichokes, salsify and parsleyButternut squash and feta cheese bakeToasted pumpkin seeds and dried cherry tomatoesDessertBaked apple tarte tatinClove ice creamChristmas puddingBrandy crème anglaiseSelection of 3 fine cheesesHomemade biscuits and chutney2 course £18.50 3 course £22.50Lunch and Dinner Wednesday – SaturdayParties of 6 or more a pre-order will kindly be requestedDecemberMenuAvailable3rd 24th December52-57:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:04 Page 3Here’s a few of our favourites:Lincolnshire haslet:The original and best,pronounced ‘hayzleht’, this cold meat is perfect withpickled onions, piccalilli, salads or in sandwiches. Madefrom stale white bread, ground pork, sage, pepper andsalt, it’s simple and is a perfect taste of the county.Stuffed chine:Another county belter, stuffed chine isalso served cold, which is perfect for Boxing Day fodder.The unique striped appearance comes from the parsleythat’s stuffed in a neck joint that’s been soaked in brine,giving it a salty, but fresh taste that’s wonderfullydelicious with a salad that’s packed with cold lettuce. Plum bread:This amazing cake is a wonderfulcombination of fruit, combined with the killeringredient of Earl Grey Tea, which gives it a dry edge toa moist loaf. The traditional way is to serve it cold withbutter and a slice of cheese, but it’s equally deliciouswarmed through with a large dollop of custard. A realwinter warmer, it can even replace the traditionalChristmas Pudding if your guests find that a bit too richfor their tastes.Lincolnshire Poacher cheese:The quintessentialLincolnshire cheese, this is the perfectaccompaniment to Lincolnshire’sLINCOLNSHIRETODAY55FOOD & DINING - CHRISTMASThe humble sausage is aLincolnshire staple, restaurants likeThe Blacksmith’s Arms in Rothwellnear Caistor do a mean version!56 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BRENT HOFACKER52-57:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:04 Page 456 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDWe are a traditional butchers doing things the traditional way. Our meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer service.Christmas orders now being taken16 High Street2 Market PlaceHorncastleWragbyLN9 5BLLN8 5QU01507 52737101673 858968best dishes. Whether it’s baked into a souffléor served with crackers, it’s a full, rich tasteof the county.Lincolnshire ale:There’s a whole host ofbreweries both large and small across theregion. They are all fantastically creative,producing not only old favourites likeBateman’s XXX, but hundreds of craft beersand real ales too. To call Lincolnshire’smicrobreweries small is to do them adisservice, there’s some incredible tastescoming out of all corners of the county. We’drecommend you seek out local porters inparticular for Christmas. Its heavy, but drinkabletaste means it can be enjoyed with hearty meals ona tasting level without feeling like a meal in itself likemany stouts. The hops-heavy craft beers now emergingare also impressive when paired with festive food, theautumnal and wintry notes making it a tempting drop toenjoy with or without a meal.Lincolnshire sausages:It’s an obvious one, but what you’lloften see touted as a county banger, particularly in thesupermarket, is not a true Lincolnshire sausage. Trek to yourlocal butchers or perhaps taste test ones from around thecounty. A purist’s version would be one constructed of coarselychopped or ground pork mixed with binders, seasonings andpreservative, with the only seasoning added being sage. Othersausages that use parsley or onion flavourings could be said toresemble the Lincolnshire banger, but in a taste test, a trueyellowbelly would spot the difference we’re sure.Gingerbread:Not many people know this, but Lincolnshire isthe unofficial birthplace of gingerbread. Its creation wasserendipitous, way back in the mid-18th Century. What shouldhave been a whetstone batch of biscuits was ruined by a localbaker named William Egglestone. After incorrectly usingingredients for that particular recipe, the resultant sweetmeat, agingerbread containing no black treacle, made such deliciousbiscuits that the haphazard baker was forgiven. That sweet,FOOD & DINING - CHRISTMASPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SUGARLESSNot many people know this, butLincolnshire is the unofficialbirthplace of gingerbread, its creationwas serendipitous, way back in themid-18th Century52-57:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:04 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57FOOD & DINING - CHRISTMASExotic Thai Restaurant205 High Street, ScunthorpeTel: 01724 843204Exotic Thai Restaurant is a testament to traditional Thaicuisine. The only Thai restaurant in Scunthorpe, Exotic Thaican accommodate up to seventy guests for a deliciouschoice of authentic starters, main courses and an impressiveselection of fish dishes along with a choice of tasty desserts.The Exotic Thai prides itself on authentic Thai cuisine with friendly service, giving a truetaste of the east.PictureYour VenueTo promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukThe Mint LeafA46 Lincoln Road, NewarkTel: 01636 646994 www.mintleafuk.co.ukThe Mint Leaf, located just off the A46, is a fine example of stylishpan-Asian cuisine. Cuisine from the Indian subcontinent is served withpanache. With the best tastes of India combined with a hint of the Orientand elements of the West, it’s a must-visit dining experience.Comfortable catering for both large and small parties, The Mint Leafis accessible from across Lincolnshire.Get cooking!With recipes from chefs across the county, ‘TheEssential Cook Book’ from the Lincs & Notts AirAmbulance is on sale now in the charity’s shopsand at Ruddocks of Lincoln. We’re impressedwith just how much they’ve packed in, but wealso have a copy to give away to a lucky reader.Simply send us your name and address tocompetitions@blmgroup.co.uk or send apostcard to: Cook Book Competition,Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House,Armstrong Street, DN31 2QE. Good luck!giveawayaromatic smell is something you grow up with that never leaves you.Of course, most of these tempting foodstuffs are available as supermarketimitations, but you’re best off trekking to the localities where they are madeby experts who have been passed down the skills over the years and are ableto create authentic, bona fide examples of what makes Lincolnshire a foodieparadise. Ask at any restaurant or pub you might dine in, which localingredients they are using on their menus. From talking to chefs every month,we’re certain most places now pride themselves on using local producers. Be it butchers, bakers or local breweries, there’s a heritage for food nowthat many are keen to promote. There’s certain places we end up that useproduce from fields you can see from the restaurant window and use meatfrom livestock you can see grazing in adjoining fields. At this very foodie time of year, it pays to be picky and with such amazingchoice on offer, why not investigate into what’s good locally? We know wewill be, scrumptious! PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BRIAN CHASE52-57:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:04 Page 6Having been at the Bluebell for around elevenyears, Darren has developed a menu that he thinksshows off the best in local produce and what hisdiverse clientele demand.He says, “We get a lot of holidaymakers visiting thewolds and a lot of visitors from the meetings at Cadwellwhich is close by. Over the years we’ve realised thatoffering a bar menu style alongside our a la carte reallyworks.”From the chalkboard that hangs on the wall of the Bluebellyou can certainly see the diversity, but it all sounds sodelicious too. The likes of a blade of beef marinated inGuinness, sits comfortably alongside a selection of homemadeburgers that Darren suggests are as popular as each other.Having been interested in catering since his school days,Darren’s previous experience comes from a long time spent inWindermere in the Lake District. Serving at an AA DoubleRosette hotel with just twenty covers, he also spent time awayfrom Lincolnshire in locations as diverse asTenerife and Northumberland as well as areturn to the Lake District where heFOOD & DININGFood for anyoccasionFood for anyoccasionThe Bluebell Inn in Belchford, near Horncastleis a real foodie haven for walkers, bikers andthose enjoying the wonderful LincolnshireWolds. We catch up with head chef and ownerDarren Jackson to find out how he creates hiswonderful menu.The Bluebell Inn is at 1 Main Road, Belchford, Horncastle, LN9 6LQ. To book a table or to find out more, call 01507 533 602 or visitwww.bluebellbelchford.co.uk58-59:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:36 Page 1Lincolnshire PoacherCheese SouffléIngredients420ml milk80g butter80g flour220g Lincolnshire Poacher cheese (grated)6 eggs (separated)1 tbsp English mustardDouble creamMethodPre-heat the oven to 180°C and butter eight small, non-stick baking dishes,cups or ramekins.Melt the butter in a pan and add flour, cooking gently for a couple of minutes,stir in the warmed milk a little at a time. Once all the milk has been added,continue to stir over heat for a couple of minutes. After this, remove from the heat and add the cheese and mustard, stir untilthe cheese has melted and the consistency is thick but smooth. Then add theegg yolks and transfer to a clean bowl. Finally, stir in the whisked egg whites andfold in carefully.Fill the buttered dishes up by two thirds and cook in a bain-marie for aroundhalf an hour. Leave to cool, then remove soufflés from dishes and place upside down inseparate, ovenproof serving dishes. Add a couple of tablespoons of doublecream and a little grated cheese over each soufflé and cook in oven for aroundten minutes at 200°C until golden, bubbling and risen.Darren says, “I want to show people it’s not a difficult dish, this can either be madeinto small portions and served with say, a Waldorf salad, for a starter, or as a largerportion for a main course.”FOOD & DININGcooked in Hawkshead.Starting as a tenant at the Bluebell, Darren had the chance to buythe place after two or three years and has since made sure that hisfood offers something for everyone. His passion for cooking he says is innate, “I just had a talent for it atschool and I still never get up and think, ‘Oh I’ve got to go to worktoday’, I still enjoy every day cooking.”Darren admits he watches littletelevision for recent cookery shows tohave had an impact on his style, but hesays that in the early days of his career,reading ‘White Heat’ by Marco PierreWhite had an influence, selling him thelifestyle of being a chef as well as givinghim ideas about cooking.“It was quite enticing and made mewant to do it even more,” he says. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY5958-59:Layout 1 13/10/14 12:36 Page 2Next >