The Dales Chef

In this episode the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth looks at milk.  From reminiscing about getting our daily fix at primary school to making milk lollies this summer.

We look at its origins as a doorstep delivery and just how versatile milk really is.

We look at how to make a proper milk pudding and talk about the problems faced by dairy farmers here in the Dales.

Image: Freepik KamranAydinov

Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, looks at one of the Dales and indeed nationwide traditions that has been a part of Britain's rural community for hundreds of years.  The twelfth of August marks the start of the Grouse shooting season here in the Dales.  

In this episode we look at the beautiful moorland Grouse, which has been a staple food source for many many years, as we'll hear.  We'll talk about the controversy surrounding the annual shoot, but more so about how it is part of the natural management of our rural countryside.

Bruce gives us top tips on how to best prepare and cook grouse and other game birds as the season gets underway on the 'glorious twelfth' of August.

Image by vladimircech on Freepik

"What's to eat mum....I'm hungry" is all we hear all summer long - so how do you keep them happy, healthy and stave off the constant hunger blues?

At this time of year the kids need more energy and equally important they need to keep hydrated.  But how do we do this and keep them healthy, happy and entertained as well?  

This week Bruce Elsworth talks about his top tips, from personal experience with his own family, having just returned from a short summer break by the sea.

From frozen grapes to fruit kebabs on the BBQ; in season HUGE Hereford cherries to lentil crisps, in this episode, the Dales Chef looks at lots of quirky ways we can get lots of energy-packed food into them in small bite sized chunks AND keep their water intake up.

Image: PV Productions on FreepiK

Raspberries have been around since Roman times.  But did you know they come in other colours as well as that amazing deep red.

Bruce says pick them when they are ready and freeze as many as you can to enjoy them all year round.

Find out what else to do with them and why they are so good for you.

The Raspberry/Strawberry debate continues - which are your favourites?

Image: FreePik

Today we find out all about the Avocado.  

From smashed avocado on toast to Guacamole.  Do you have yours baked with eggs like the Aztecs did?  

A true Mexican favourite, is the avocado and so popular to export, it even has its links with the cartels over there!

From Binghams Potted meats to Yockenthwaite Granola; Pucketts Pickles to Ruchello liquor, Bruce samples the finest of what Yorkshire has to offer at the 165th Great Yorkshire Show.

Capturing the flavour of the largest agricultural show in England, Bruce chats with Julian about the award winners...and runners up across the show, including Shepherd's Purse Cheese which has swept the floor with accolades this year.

In this episode, Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, talks about traceable Yorkshire food and why he chooses to use it in his restaurant.

With the Tour de France on and Bruce being a keen sportsman himself he is celebrating with his own take at a special 'Tour de Yorkshire' event at his restaurant, Elsworth at the Mill, which has already sold out!

It's one of many themed events run by Bruce, his wife Rebecca and their team, as they create memorable and entertaining evenings for food lovers to enjoy.

Watch Bruce describing the Yorkshire charcuterie on the menu here on Facebook.

You can find out more about other up and coming events via their website elsworthatthemill.co.uk and social media.

Bruce Elsworth, The Dales Chef investigates one of the nation's favourites - the Cream Tea.  Quintessentially British and a firm favourite when we are out and about or in the company of friends.

It’s evolved into afternoon tea but originated in Devon as a way to feed the workers – jam and cream on bread.  How it's evolved!

Talking about Devon – Cornwall also lays claim to the origins of the Cream Tea.  And famous suppliers of clotted cream and Strawberry Jam got together to create National Cream Tea Day.

And if you want to know more about the accepted etiquette on eating your cream tea - you'll find ONE way here!

So, what’s the right way to enjoy your fresh scone – jam then cream.. or cream then jam?  Find out the definitive answer in today's episode of The Dales Chef.

Is the best thing to do with Iceberg Lettuce to still put it in a prawn Cocktail as we've done since the 70s? 

We find out its origins and the health benefits.

Is there more we can do with it?  Have you ever cooked lettuce?

And after all is said and done, is Bruce's favourite still the Prawn Cocktail?

The Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth talks about Gooseberries, not so often found on the supermarket shelves, more so in the cottage garden.  They have a very short season - around mid to end of June.

We have all come across Gooseberry Fool, but what else can you do with the humble, rather tarte Gooseberry?