Showing posts with label Wales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wales. Show all posts

Monday, 15 July 2024

Exploring the World of Whisky: Tasting Notes

Whisky, often regarded as the "water of life," has captivated enthusiasts for centuries with its complex flavours and rich history. 

From the rolling hills of Scotland to the rugged landscapes of Japan, whisky production is an art form that combines tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for the natural elements.

In this blog post, we'll embark on a journey through the world of whisky, focusing on the nuances of tasting notes that make each bottle unique.

The Basics of Whisky Tasting

Before diving into specific tasting notes, it's essential to understand the basic principles of whisky tasting. A well-rounded whisky tasting involves engaging all the senses to appreciate the depth and complexity of the spirit fully. Here's a quick guide to the steps involved:

Appearance: Observe the colour of the whisky. The hue can range from pale gold to deep amber, influenced by factors such as the type of cask used for ageing and the length of maturation.

Nose: Swirl the whisky in the glass to release its aromas. Take a moment to inhale deeply, identifying the different scents. The nose can reveal a myriad of aromas, from fruity and floral to smoky and spicy.

Palate: Take a small sip and let the whisky coat your tongue. Pay attention to the flavours that emerge, noting the balance between sweetness, bitterness, and acidity.

Finish: The finish refers to the aftertaste that lingers after swallowing. A long, complex finish is often a sign of a high-quality whisky.

Tasting Notes from Around the World

Now, let's explore some iconic whisky regions and their distinctive tasting notes.

Scotland

Scotland is arguably the most famous whisky-producing country, home to five main whisky regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown. Each region imparts unique characteristics to its whiskies.

Highland: Known for its diverse range of flavours, Highland whiskies often feature notes of heather, honey, and peat smoke. Glenmorangie, for example, offers a smooth palate with hints of vanilla and citrus.

Speyside: This region is celebrated for its elegant and fruity whiskies. Glenfiddich and Macallan are classic examples, often showcasing notes of apple, pear, and sherry oak.

Islay: Famous for its peaty and smoky whiskies, Islay produces bold and intense flavours. Lagavulin and Ardbeg whiskies are renowned for their robust peat smoke, iodine, and seaweed notes.

Ireland

Irish whiskey, typically triple-distilled for smoothness, is known for its lighter and sweeter profile compared to Scotch.

Jameson: A popular Irish whiskey, Jameson, offers a balanced flavour with notes of vanilla, almond, and a touch of spice.

Redbreast: This single pot still whiskey is rich and complex, featuring flavours of dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of sherry.

Wales

Welsh whisky, though lesser-known compared to its Scottish and Irish counterparts, is rapidly gaining recognition for its unique character and quality. With a rich history that dates back to the 4th century, whisky production in Wales experienced a long hiatus before being revitalised in the late 20th century. Today, Welsh whisky stands as a testament to the region's dedication to craftsmanship and tradition.

The most prominent name in Welsh whisky is Penderyn Distillery, established in 2000 and located in the picturesque Brecon Beacons. Penderyn's approach to whisky production sets it apart. Utilising a single copper pot still designed by Dr. David Faraday, a descendant of the famous Victorian scientist Michael Faraday, Penderyn produces a distinctive, high-quality spirit. This unique still allows for a higher degree of control over the distillation process, resulting in a whisky with a light, smooth profile.

The flavour profile of Welsh whisky is often described as elegant and refined, with a delicate balance of sweetness and complexity. The use of pure Brecon Beacons water and the maturation in ex-bourbon and wine casks contribute to its distinctive character.

Welsh whisky is a testament to the region's ability to produce world-class spirits. As more whisky enthusiasts discover its unique qualities, Welsh whisky is poised to carve out its own niche in the global market. Whether you're a seasoned whisky lover or a curious newcomer, exploring Welsh whisky offers a delightful journey into a lesser-known but richly rewarding world of flavours.

Japan

Japanese whisky has gained international acclaim for its meticulous craftsmanship and harmonious flavours, often drawing inspiration from Scottish traditions.

Yamazaki: Japan's oldest distillery produces whiskies with a delicate balance of fruit and oak, often with notes of berry, mizunara (Japanese oak), and spice.

Nikka: Known for its diverse range, Nikka whiskies can vary from peaty and robust to light and fruity, with offerings like Yoichi showcasing bold peat smoke and Miyagikyo presenting a softer, floral character.

Crafting Your Tasting Notes

To truly appreciate whisky, consider keeping a tasting journal. Documenting your impressions can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of different whiskies. Here are a few tips for crafting detailed tasting notes:

Be Descriptive: Use vivid language to describe the aromas and flavours. Instead of saying "fruity," specify whether you detect apple, pear, or citrus.

Note the Balance: Pay attention to how the flavours interact. Is there a harmonious balance between sweetness and spice, or does one element dominate?

Consider the Mouthfeel: Describe the texture of the whisky on your palate. Is it creamy, oily, or dry?

Reflect on the Finish: A long finish with evolving flavours can indicate a complex and well-crafted whisky. Note the lingering tastes and sensations.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of whisky through tasting notes is a journey that offers endless discovery. Each bottle tells a story, reflecting the heritage of its region and the skill of its makers. Whether you're savouring a peaty Islay Scotch or a smooth Irish whiskey, taking the time to engage your senses and articulate your impressions will deepen your appreciation for this timeless spirit. Cheers to the adventure of whisky tasting!

Thursday, 13 June 2024

Mastering the Art of Glamorgan Vegetarian Sausages at Home

Glamorgan sausages, a delightful vegetarian delicacy from Wales, are a perfect addition to any meal. 

These sausages are not only a fantastic meat-free option but also a celebration of traditional Welsh ingredients like Caerphilly cheese and leeks. 

With their rich flavour and satisfying texture, Glamorgan sausages can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Let's dive into how you can make these scrumptious sausages right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make approximately 8-10 sausages, you will need:

175g (6oz) Caerphilly cheese (or a good substitute like Cheddar)

150g (5oz) fresh breadcrumbs

1 medium leek, finely chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon English mustard

2 large eggs (one for the mixture, one for coating)

Salt and pepper, to taste

100ml (3.5 fl oz) whole milk

Plain flour, for coating

Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by grating the Caerphilly cheese into a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh breadcrumbs, finely chopped leek, parsley, and thyme. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.

Mix the Sausage Base:

Add one egg to the mixture, followed by the mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the milk until the mixture comes together into a firm, but pliable dough. If the mixture is too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash more milk.

Shape the Sausages:

With your hands, divide the mixture into 8-10 portions, depending on your preferred sausage size. Shape each portion into a sausage shape, about 10cm (4 inches) long.

Prepare for Coating:

Lightly beat the remaining egg in a shallow dish. Place some plain flour on a separate plate. Roll each sausage in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, ensuring they are fully coated.

Fry the Sausages:

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausages and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooked, place the sausages on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Serve your Glamorgan sausages hot, accompanied by a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich with a dollop of chutney or mustard.

Tips for Perfect Glamorgan Sausages

Cheese Choice: Caerphilly cheese is traditional, but if you can't find it, or fancy a bit of a change, use a sharp Cheddar or another semi-hard cheese with a similar texture and flavour.

Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best for this recipe. You can make your own by blitzing day-old bread in a food processor.

Herbs: Fresh herbs give the best flavour, but dried herbs can be used if necessary. Adjust the quantity accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Conclusion

Making Glamorgan vegetarian sausages at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings a taste of Wales to your table. With their crispy exterior and rich, cheesy interior, these sausages are sure to become a favourite in your household. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this simple and delicious recipe is well worth trying. Enjoy your homemade Glamorgan sausages, and savour the flavours of Welsh tradition!

Friday, 10 May 2024

Savouring the Flavours of Wales: Exploring Traditional Welsh Foods

Welsh Cakes courtesy of la-fontaine & Pixabay
Welcome to a culinary journey through the picturesque landscapes of Wales, where tradition and taste converge to create a delectable tapestry of flavours. From hearty stews to indulgent desserts, Welsh cuisine reflects the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting nation. Join me as we delve into the world of traditional Welsh foods, each dish a testament to the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Cawl:

Let's start with a classic dish that embodies the essence of Welsh comfort food – cawl. Pronounced "cowl," this hearty stew is a staple in Welsh households, particularly during the colder months. Made with lamb or beef, along with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and leeks, cawl is simmered slowly to perfection, allowing the flavours to meld together harmoniously. Served piping hot with crusty bread, it's the ultimate soul-warming meal.

Welsh Rarebit:

No exploration of Welsh cuisine would be complete without mentioning Welsh rarebit. Often described as "posh cheese on toast," this simple yet satisfying dish consists of a thick slice of bread smothered in a rich cheese sauce, typically made with Welsh cheddar, mustard, and ale. Grilled until golden and bubbling, Welsh rarebit is a favourite choice for a quick lunch or hearty snack, guaranteed to leave you craving more.

Bara Brith:

For those with a sweet tooth, bara brith is a must-try delicacy. Translating to "speckled bread" in Welsh, this traditional fruit loaf is infused with a medley of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, soaked in (Welsh!) tea overnight to plump them up with flavour. The resulting loaf is moist, fragrant, and utterly irresistible, perfect for enjoying with a generous slather of butter alongside a cup of tea.

Laverbread:

Venture to the Welsh coastline, and you'll discover laverbread, a unique culinary delight made from edible seaweed. Despite its name, laverbread isn't actually bread but rather a puree of cooked laver seaweed, often mixed with oatmeal and fried until crisp. Rich in vitamins and minerals, laverbread has been a traditional Welsh food for centuries, prized for its distinctive taste and nutritional benefits.

Welsh Cakes:

Last but certainly not least, we have Welsh cakes, deliciously sweet treats that are a beloved part of Welsh culinary heritage. Resembling small, thick pancakes studded with currants or raisins, Welsh cakes are cooked on a griddle until golden brown and lightly dusted with sugar. Served warm or cold, they're perfect for snacking on the go or enjoying with a cup of tea during a leisurely afternoon.

Conclusion:

From hearty stews to indulgent desserts, traditional Welsh foods offer a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary treasures of this captivating nation. Whether you're sampling a steaming bowl of cawl or savoring a freshly baked bara brith, each dish tells a story of tradition, passion, and a deep connection to the land. So why not embark on your own culinary adventure and experience the flavors of Wales for yourself? You won't be disappointed. Diolch am ddarllen! (Thank you for reading!)

Tuesday, 19 September 2023

New, improved and larger Co-op launches to serve Talgarth (Powys) community

The Co-op has launched a new, improved and larger store to serve the community of Talgarth, which is in mid-Wales. (EDITOR: By chance this is the part of Wales where both sets of some of our Welsh ancestors hail from!)

The Co-op has relocated to a new, purpose-built store in Hay Road, Talgarth, which, at nearing, 3,000 sq ft, -is over 50% larger than Co-op’s previous store in the town.

Co-op’s new store supports some 17 local jobs, with some new positions created.

Services provided to the local community includes Post Office, customer car-parking, a free to use ATM to provide access to cash in the community, an in-store bakery, hot food an, a Costa coffee dispenser. 

Self-service tills have been included for ease of use, speed and convenience, particularly at busier times. 

There's also an extended and better range of fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from; vegan and plant-based products – including Co-op’s exclusive vegan range, GRO.

William Lloyd, who is the Co-op Store Manager, said: “The store has a great look, we're delighted to 'serve-up' a brand new store and are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new and improved store. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life. 

We have worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently - with a focus on delivering member-value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

Co-op announced its biggest ever single investment in pricing of £70 million, as it extended its ‘member-only’ pricing across everyday essentials, launching with a list of nearly 200 fixed lines including milk, eggs and bread, with a Co-op sliced loaf at a mere 76p.

A funding boost is also provided locally through Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of Co-op unlocks additional value with personalised offers and Member pricing benefits. Also, Co-op members are rewarded with 2p in every pound that they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance, with Co-op donating the same amount to local causes and, community organisations, so, Members can make a difference locally simply by shopping at Co-op.

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives. Its Members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation, and enjoy a wide number of benefits including member-only pricing across everyday essentials, money back on own-brand purchases and personalised offers via the Co-op app.

A soft plastic recycle unit is also available in store to enable the community to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches. This means that all Co-op’s own food packaging is recyclable through either local authority kerbside collections, or its in-store soft plastic recycling unit.

Alongside Food, Co-op operates Funeralcare; Insurance and Legal Services, too.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership

Friday, 4 August 2023

Top Tasting Food and Drink Products from Wales Revealed for Great Taste 2023!

The land of my Fathers, Wales, has done extremely well in the Great Taste Awards. 

Thousands of artisan food and drink producers from around the world discover if their products achieved a distinguished 1-,2- or 3-star from Great Taste - the world's largest food and drink accreditation scheme based entirely on taste.

Across 89 judging days in Dorset and London, a group of over 500 judges conducted comprehensive blind taste tests on 14,195 entries which were submitted from a staggering 109 different countries. Each producer will also receive invaluable feedback on their submissions from an array of food experts.

Welsh products have won not one, but an impressive 242 awards. 151 x 1-stars, 77 x 2-stars and 14 x 3-starshave been scooped including the following:

Great Taste 3-star – Smoked Chicken Breast by Black Mountains Smokery (only 1.8% of entries received a 3-star – “extraordinarily tasty food & drink”)

Great Taste 2-star – Dragon Welsh Salted Butter by South Caernarfon Creameries (only 11% of entries received a 2-star – “above and beyond delicious”)

Great Taste 1-star – Plum Caramel and Pistachio praline by Brecon Chocolates (28.8% of entries received a 1-star – “food & drink that delivers fantastic flavour”)

John Farrand, managing director at the Guild of Fine Food comments: “A huge congratulations to the Welsh producers who have been awarded  Great Taste stars for 2023 with their outstanding food and drink.

“Every year, we welcome new and established producers making fantastic products around the world and this year has been no exception. The breadth and quality of food and drink has been outstanding, and we wish everyone who entered huge success and hope they find the feedback from our expert judging panel beneficial as they continue in their onward journey.”

So, what, exactly, is Great Taste? 

Recognised as a stamp of excellence and actively sought out by food lovers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else. All products in the line-up for judging are blind-tasted: every product is removed from its packaging so it can't be identified, before entering a robust, layered judging process.

New for this year and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food offered 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free.

The bursary was aimed at micro producers who have never entered Great Taste before or have a new product, which has never been entered before. The bursary panel, which consisted of Adrian Boswell, buyer at Selfridges, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, selected the 50 most eligible entries.

2023 saw 21 products entered through the bursary scheme win a Great Taste award including Karobi's Ghee from Karobi's (3-star), New Alt from Antur Brew Co. (3-star), Shoogle Junniperous Scottish Navy Strength Gin from Shoogle Spirits (2-star) and Traditional Napa Cabbage Kimchi from The Ferm (1-star).

Food & Drink Wales is the headline sponsor of Great Taste 2023. Great Taste Golden Fork trophy sponsors include: Andrew Ingredients, Bord Bia, Food & Drink Wales, Invest NI, Italian Trade Agency, Maltby & Greek, Mevalco, Partridges, Scotland Food and Drink, ShireFoods, and Speciality and Fine Food Fair. Great Taste is supported by Henderson Group, Horgans, and Peter Green Chilled.   

The Great Taste 2023 judging panel:

“When I come across a product with the iconic black and gold Great Taste logo, I see it as a badge of honour and feel compelled to purchase it. Having knowledge of the effort required to attain such a rating and the exceptional flavour that accompanies it, I am confident the product will not disappoint.” said a regular of the Great Taste judging panel.

The distinguished judging panel consisting of over 500 food & drink experts, included chefs, critics, recipe developers, buyers, journalists, retailers, broadcasters, and reputable industry professionals. The Great Taste 2023 judging line-up included senior buyers and coordinators from Selfridges, Whole Foods Market, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Waitrose and Westmorland Family. MasterChef 2022 winner Eddie Scott, olive oil sommelier and author Irini Tzortzoglou, food writer and owner of Violet Cakes Claire Ptak, chef and co-founder of Island Social Club Marie Mitchell, chef turned farmer Julius Roberts, pastry chef and author Ravneet Gill, restaurateur and producer Amy Poon from Poon's, baker and author Kitty Tait - the youngest and newest judge to join this year. Finally, broadcasters and journalists Andy Clarke and Juliet Sear (ITV), Felicity Cloake (The Guardian), Xanthe Clay (Telegraph) and Joanna Blythman were involved this year, among many others. 

What next?

These Great Taste award-winners can now proudly display the iconic black and gold Great Taste logo as a badge of honour on their award-winning products. The logo states whether the product was awarded 1-, 2- or 3- stars and that it was awarded in 2023, so make sure to look out for them in your local stockist!

Past winners have stated that displaying a Great Taste sticker has increased sales by as much as 50%, as consumers from around the world are enthused to taste the best food and drink products available each year.

Great Taste Golden Fork ceremony 

The excitement of Great Taste 2023 doesn't stop there, for the highest scoring winners it's just the beginning. All 3-star winning products were tasted and judged again by the knowledgeable judging panel to crown the Golden Fork trophy winners and the 2023 Supreme Champion – the highest accolade of all.

The Golden Fork ceremony celebrates the best of the best from producers around the world, awarding them with a Golden Fork trophy. Further Golden Fork trophies are given for various categories, including the Guild of Fine Food Lifetime Achievement award, the Great Taste Startisan of the Year award and Nigel Barden's Heritage Award.

All will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Ceremony on Monday 11 September 2023 at the Battersea Arts Centre (this is a special, trade event only).

For the full list of this year's winners and where to buy them, head to www.greattasteawards.co.uk from 2pm today where you will also find a wide range of the award-winning products available to buy in delis, farm shops and independent retail outlets across the country.

Keep up to date on socials: @guildoffinefood #ISpyGreatTaste

As my Welsh relatives would say: "da iawn!"

Monday, 27 February 2023

Have a great day of Welsh feasting on St David's Day, courtesy of Asda

 Asda is here to help its customers celebrate one of the most colourful days of the year in Wales, St David’s Day. 

From pies to yoghurts to Welsh cakes and whisky and gin to wash it all down, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the wondrous legend of St David. But be quick, offers are running in store and online over selected dates only.

For example:-


Popty Bakery Traditional Bara Brith Fruit Cake. Made using a traditional recipe by the third generation of the Williams family in the foothills of Snowdonia. £2.60 (WAS £3.00)



Popty Bakery Six Traditional Welsh Cakes. Rich, moist, fruited teatime treats. Eat as they are or warmed, spread thickly with butter and jam. Enjoy! £0.95 (WAS £1.10)




Welsh Brew 160 Tea Bags Their original premium tea. Blending teas for our wonderful Welsh water since 1989. Foil wrapped for freshness. 30 years of proper Welsh brews. £1.25 (WAS £2.20)




Penderyn Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky 70cl Penderyn Celt is a Peated whisky which stems from the maturation of the light and fruity Penderyn spirit in the finest Kentucky ex-bourbon barrels first and then in richly peated Islay quarter casks. £23.00 (WAS £32.00)






Edwards of Conwy 6 Traditional Pork Sausages Their Traditional Pork Sausages are made using only the finest cuts of British Shoulder of Pork, delicately seasoned for a flavoursome and succulent sausage £2.50 (WAS £3.25)



Check out www.Asda.com for more Welsh goodies!

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Spicy ice cream? It's time for the Llangollen Food Festival!


SPICY ice cream and beer shampoo are among the more weird and wonderful products making their début at this year's Llangollen Food Festival.

The annual culinary spectacle is in its 14th year and has garnered a reputation for attracting exciting, independent producers from across England and Wales, and provides a great day out for any food lover.

Among those will be Mon ar Lwy, an award-winning ice cream maker from Anglesey trialling Hellish Relish, an ice cream "sizzling" with spices and chilli. And local brewers Llangollen Brewery will be selling soap and hair products with its Welsh Black ale being a key ingredient!

Held over the weekend of October 15 and 16, few food feasts boast a more beautiful location and the tree- and heather-clad hills above the Vale of Llangollen will be ablaze with autumnal colour providing an amazing day out for all the family.

Centred on Llangollen's Pavilion venue, home to the world-famous Musical Eisteddfod, the festival will star Welsh TV chef Dudley Newbery and Graham Tinsley from ITV's "Taste the Nation" as they share simple home cooking through a series of workshops and demonstrations.

This year's festival has a back-to-basics theme. Recognising the household spending squeeze, there will be a greater emphasis on grow-your-own ingredients and smarter shopping - how to buy from small, independent traders and save money.

A real ale trail will feature a courtesy shuttle bus linking the festival site with more than a dozen pubs in and around Llangollen.

Festival entry is £5 (under 16s enter free). For more information visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Tuesday, 30 August 2011

Burnt Bangers Not Enough' As BBQs Go Gourmet

New research has discovered that a charcoaled sausage is no longer enough to cut the mustard among BBQ loving Britons - with 61% of UK adults now making the effort to marinate their food before their BBQ. A growing number of us are becoming more adventurous with our BBQ menus with over a third saying that steak, pork and lamb steaks are our meat of choice.

The survey, commissioned by Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the organisation responsible for promoting Welsh Lamb, also revealed that almost a third of us take up to a week to plan for a BBQ - with Londoners taking alfresco dining the most seriously.

As we dust off the BBQ and dig out the deck chairs in the hope of sunny bank holiday spent cooking and eating in the garden, it seems that the Great British BBQ is growing in popularity - on average people are having BBQs eight times a year, with the biggest BBQ lovers found in East Anglia where 10% of people pack in a whopping 16 a year. And they're not small affairs either, with the majority of people (52%) hosting up to 10 guests every time they BBQ, and 11% saying they cooked for up to 20 at their average BBQ.

Myrddin Davies, Welsh farmer and Face of Welsh Lamb, said: "It's really encouraging to see more people taking the time to put extra love and attention into their BBQ food this summer by cooking different meats and using marinades. Although we all still enjoy a sausage from the BBQ, it's important to try new cuts of meat in new ways. Welsh Lamb for example is often associated with Sunday lunch or a dinner party treat however, mouth-watering lamb steaks can be popped on the BBQ and served in a matter of minutes. BBQing is a great way to enjoy good home-cooked food with all the family."

Red meat is still the way to a man's heart with 40% of them preferring to eat red meat to chicken and fish (30%) and 70% of them prefer cooking it to white meat on the BBQ.

90% of Britons said that the BBQ is still a man's world. Both men and women confessed to preferring food cooked on a BBQ by a man, regardless of what they were serving up.

And if the sun doesn't shine this weekend - it won't hamper the BBQ fun for resilient Britons, almost 80% stick out the showers and carry on grilling instead of retreating to the kitchen when the rain starts!

Why not try making delicious Welsh Lamb and apricot burgers for your bank holiday BBQ?
Welsh Lamb and Apricot Burgers
Ingredients
o 450g (1lb) lean Welsh Lamb mince
o 5ml (1tsp) oil
o 1 small onion, peeled and finely sliced
o 5ml (1tsp) mild curry powder
o 50g (2oz) dried apricots, roughly chopped.
Heat oil in a small pan and lightly cook onions. Add curry powder and gently cook for 1-2 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

Place lamb mince and apricots into a large bowl and add slightly cooled onions.

Mix well together and divide the mixture into 4 or 6 and shape into burgers.

Place under a preheated grill or on a hot barbecue for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked thoroughly.

Serve with curried mayo and spicy couscous.