Welsh Griddle Bread — A Pan-Baked Heritage Loaf

Before modern ovens became a kitchen staple, Welsh homes relied on the griddle (or bakestone) — a flat, cast-iron plate set over the fire. 

It’s where classics like Welsh cakes and crempogau were born. But nestled among them is a lesser-known gem: Welsh Griddle Bread — a pan-baked loaf with a soft crumb, golden crust, and the unmistakable touch of tradition.

Bread Born of Simplicity

Griddle bread (sometimes called bara llestri in Welsh) is a rustic, round loaf made without yeast or elaborate proofing. It rises with baking powder or bicarbonate of soda and cooks low and slow on the stovetop or fire-heated griddle.

What makes it magical is the crackling crust from direct heat and the steam-trapped softness within — a texture somewhere between a scone and soda bread, with just the right density for buttering.

A Baker’s Legacy

Griddle bread has long been associated with:

Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, where it was commonly eaten with soup or stew

Slate mining families in Snowdonia, where quick breads were preferred over long-fermented loaves

Chapel teas, often served split, buttered, and layered with jam or cheese

Simple Ingredients, Honest Flavour

Most traditional recipes include:

Plain or strong white flour

A rising agent (baking powder or bicarb)

Salt

Buttermilk or sour milk

Lard, butter, or a mix of both

Optional enrichments include oats, wholemeal flour, or even mashed potato in some rural recipes.

How to Serve Welsh Griddle Bread

Warm with salted butter and a pot of tea

Toasted with Caerphilly cheese and chutney

With soup or stew, particularly cawl

Split and filled like a bap with bacon or laverbread

This is a bread made for comfort, not show — the kind of food that fills your kitchen with the scent of home.

Recipe: Welsh Griddle Bread

Ingredients:

400g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp salt

50g lard or unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

250ml buttermilk or sour milk (more if needed)

Method:

Sift the flour, bicarb, and salt into a large bowl.

Rub in the lard or butter until the mix resembles breadcrumbs.

Stir in the buttermilk gradually to form a soft, but not sticky, dough.

Roll into a thick round about 2–3cm thick.

Heat a griddle or heavy pan over medium-low heat and dust lightly with flour.

Place the dough round on the griddle. Cook gently for 10–12 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (use a cake tester if unsure).

Cool on a rack and slice while still warm.

The Hearth in a Loaf

Welsh Griddle Bread is a reminder of how our ancestors baked with what they had, not what they lacked. No oven? No problem. Just a hot griddle, some flour, and a little love.

It's ideal for reconnecting with Welsh heritage in your own kitchen, one pan-baked slice at a time.

Next up: Bacon and Cockles — A Coastal Welsh Classic.

Crunch Time: Planet Farms Is the First Vertically-Farmed Product Stocked by Waitrose, Available Now

Thanks to a unique, cutting edge, fully automated growing system, the leaves move from harvest to bag in under a minute. 

Also,  the carefully designed clean-room growing conditions and root-only irrigation system leads to a dry and crispy leaf with no need to wash. Eat straight from the bag, and if you listen carefully, there is a crunch you can actually hear! 

By virtue of the fact the leaves have never been touched or washed, they stay fresh and crispy in the fridge for at least 8 days. There is no chemical residue, less waste and maximum freshness. The process also offers a new benchmark in sustainable food production with 95% less water used, a 93% reduction in soil occupancy and 96% less fertiliser than in traditional agriculture. 

Currently based in Italy, this is the first time Planet Farms products are available in the UK, and a major expansion is on the way. In April 2025 Planet Farms announced an investment  in excess of £25m into a UK-based facility that will supply Waitrose directly. At 20,000 sqm of growing capacity, it will be one of the largest vertical farms in the entire world. 

Finally, flavour remains paramount and is underpinned by a partnership with the oldest three Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy; Da Vittorio. Known for their uncompromising culinary standards, the Cerea family (chefs and owners of Da Vittorio) bring challenge, innovation and a relentless pursuit of flavour via the mini-farm and R&D facility built on site to supply the restaurant in Brusaporto and to test new recipes. 

Planet Farms is a certified B Corp and has earned accolades across Europe for its commitment to quality, transparency, and planet-first thinking.

RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Delicate Mix

A delightfully sweet and irresistible blend of red and green lettuce, offering a light, airy crunch RRP £1.80 70g

Fresh Everleaf Iceberg Lettuce

Cool, crisp, and endlessly refreshing—these vibrant iceberg leaves deliver a bold crunch with every bite RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Vitality Mix

An energising mix of bold, peppery greens and red leaves—packed with character and a satisfyingly snappy texture RRP £1.80 70g

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf Mixed Leaves

A rich, velvety medley of red and green salad leaves, layered with subtle sweetness and a complex, satisfying texture RRP £1.80 70

Daniele Benatoff, CEO and Co-Founder of Planet Farms, told That's Food and Drink:  “We hope people in the UK will love our pioneering Italian-grown salads, and experience crunchiness and freshness like never before. 

"This partnership represents our shared values of quality, sustainability, and innovation. We want to make sure that foods stay fresher on shelf, for longer, and contribute to reducing food waste. 

We believe that by combining technology with nature's wisdom, we can grow better food for everyone - delicious, fresh, and respectful of the planet.”

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf is  available exclusively at Waitrose from now, on shelf and online. RRP £1.80

https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/shop/search?&searchTerm=Fresh%20Everleaf 

Planet Farms Fresh Everleaf is available exclusively at Waitrose.

https://www.planetfarms.ag/en 

Harehope Launches Its Hemp Nutritional Powerhouse Range to Support Health and Fitness Goals

Harehope Wholefoods has just launched a trio of award-winning plant-based products, all 100% British grown, including Hemp Protein Blend, Hemp Seed Hearts and Hemp Seed Oil.

Hemp Seed Oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant and is obtained by cold pressing the seeds. It has gained popularity for its nutritional value and potential health benefits in recent years.

Leading the trio is the Hemp Protein Blend, a complete plant-based protein source that offers great health benefits. 

High in protein 40% and Fibre 31%, all nine essential amino acids, easily digestible and packed with vitamins and minerals, it supports muscle repair, boosts energy levels and promotes heart health.

Hemp Seed Hearts are packed with nutrients that can enhance your fitness, wellbeing and overall energy levels. Whether you love exercise and are looking to boost your performance, or you're simply seeking a natural energy boost.

Hemp Seed Oil is a delicious alternative to olive oil, 40% less saturated fats and offers a whole lot more polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega 3 and 6. It's ideal for dipping bread, and perfect as a final drizzle on your favourite pasta, pizza or salad.

Hemp is good for the planet too. As it's fast growing, it absorbs large amount of C02 from the atmosphere while generating soil health. It requires no pesticides or Herbicides which helps promote wildlife and biodiversity.

Nurturing Nature, Nourishing You

https://harehope.com/

That's Christmas 365: Festive Summer Recipes with Christmas Flair: A Yul...

That's Christmas 365: Festive Summer Recipes with Christmas Flair: A Yul...: Just because the sun is shining and the barbecues are out doesn’t mean we have to put Christmas spirit on ice!  Whether you're celebrati...

Celebrating Pentecost with Feasting at Home and in Church

Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church.” 

For many Christians in the UK and around the world, it’s a joyful occasion symbolising unity, renewal, and divine inspiration. Traditionally observed with church services and processions, Pentecost can also be meaningfully celebrated with food and fellowship—whether at home or in the community.

A Feast of the Spirit: What Does Pentecost Symbolise?

Before diving into menus and table settings, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the meaning of Pentecost. The name itself comes from the Greek word Pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth." It commemorates the moment when the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to speak in many languages, allowing them to share the Gospel with people from all nations. Because of this, Pentecost is associated with themes of inclusion, communication, and spiritual awakening.

Red is the liturgical colour for Pentecost, representing the flames of the Holy Spirit. This vibrant hue can also inspire decorations, foods, and drinks for your celebration.

Hosting a Pentecost Feast at Home

Bringing Pentecost into your household is a beautiful way to engage your family in the spirit of the season. Here are some ideas for a home-based celebration:

1. Decor Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Use red table linens, napkins, or candles.

Add dove and flame motifs as symbolic decorations.

Incorporate flowers like red geraniums or roses to brighten the table.

2. Spirit-Filled Menu Ideas

Choose dishes that represent unity, diversity, and harvest. Pentecost is historically linked with Shavuot, a Jewish harvest festival, so seasonal produce is especially appropriate.

Starter:

Roasted red pepper soup (symbolising the tongues of fire)

Main:

Mediterranean platter with flatbreads, hummus, grilled vegetables, olives, and lamb

Vegetarian paella or ratatouille—dishes with international flair and communal spirit

Dessert:

Strawberries and cream or a red velvet cake

Meringues with raspberry coulis—symbolising the Spirit’s lightness and power

Drinks:

Sparkling elderflower cordial

Sangria or pomegranate juice for a rich red touch

Encourage everyone at the table to share a story of spiritual renewal or something that has inspired them recently, echoing the storytelling spirit of the apostles.

Feasting and Fellowship in Church

Many churches host special Pentecost services featuring music, readings in multiple languages, and community meals. Here are ways churches can include feasting:

1. Post-Service Fellowship Lunch

Invite parishioners to bring a dish from their cultural background. A Pentecost potluck celebrates the international nature of the Church and encourages cultural sharing.

Suggestions for Church Gatherings:

Label dishes with the country of origin

Offer a “Pentecost punch” in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions

Include a bake sale or cake stall with red-themed baked goods

2. Outdoor Picnics or Garden Parties

If weather permits, hold the feast outdoors with red bunting, picnic blankets, and perhaps a dove release or symbolic activity involving fire (like lighting candles in a safe environment).

3. Pentecost Prayer Stations and Food

Set up different “stations” with themed snacks and reflective prompts:

Wind Station: Windmill biscuits and fans, with prayers about being guided by the Spirit

Fire Station: Spicy food samplers and reflections on boldness

Language Station: International snacks and a multilingual prayer wall

A Feast for the Soul and the Senses

Whether at home or in your local parish, celebrating Pentecost with food adds a sensory layer to the spiritual meaning of the day. It’s a chance to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice in the unity the Holy Spirit brings.

 Pentecost Activity Ideas for All Ages

1. Flame Craft: Tongues of Fire Headbands

Materials: Red, orange, and yellow construction paper, scissors, glue or stapler, headbands (or paper strips)

How to: Cut flame shapes from the paper and glue them to the headbands. These represent the tongues of fire that rested on the apostles.

Use at: Sunday school, home celebrations, or to wear during the church service.

2. Wind Mobile or Pinwheel Craft

Materials: Card, paper straws or sticks, string, hole punch, markers

How to: Make a mobile with flame, dove, and globe symbols to represent the Spirit. Alternatively, create pinwheels to represent the rushing wind of the Spirit.

Reflection prompt: “Where have I felt the Spirit guiding me?”

3. Languages of the World Game

Idea: Print simple greetings (“hello,” “peace be with you,” “thank you”) in various languages and hide them around the house or church hall.

Challenge: Have participants match the language with the country. Discuss how Pentecost shows that God's message is for everyone, everywhere.

4. Prayer Candle Station

Setup: Provide tea lights (real or LED), red tablecloths, and simple prayer cards.

Instructions: Light a candle and pray for someone who needs peace or guidance. A beautiful visual reminder of the Spirit’s light.

5. Holy Spirit Fruit Tree

Theme: Galatians 5:22–23 – the fruit of the Spirit

Materials: A tree poster or real branches in a vase, paper fruit shapes

Activity: Write fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) on each fruit and hang them up as people name ways they’ve seen those fruits in action.

6. Storytelling Circle

Inspiration: Just like the apostles told stories in many tongues, create a circle where everyone shares a short story or moment of grace in their life.

Adaptation for kids: Read a Pentecost-themed picture book and ask questions like, “What would you do if you could speak every language?”

7. Bake and Share: Pentecost Biscuits

Recipe idea: Basic sugar biscuits or gingerbread in shapes like doves, flames, or globes. Let children decorate with red, yellow, and orange icing.

Community idea: Pack biscuits in small bags with a prayer card and deliver them to neighbours or congregation members unable to attend church.

8. Spirit Balloons

Materials: Red, orange, and yellow balloons, marker pens

Activity: Write one way you can share kindness or joy this week on a balloon. Display them around the house or hall.

May your Pentecost be filled with flavour, fellowship, and the fire of the Spirit.

Sweet Celebrations: How to Celebrate World Bee Day with Honey-Inspired Dishes and Bee-Friendly Actions

World Bee Day, celebrated every year on 20th May, is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a crucial reminder of the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. 

Bees are responsible for pollinating over 75% of the crops we eat, yet their populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

This World Bee Day, let’s show our appreciation with a twofold approach: cooking with nature’s golden treasure—honey—and taking simple but meaningful actions to help save our buzzing friends.

Celebrate with Honey-Inspired Dishes

Honey is a natural sweetener packed with flavour and history, with each variety reflecting the flowers visited by the bees. Here are a few delicious ways to make honey the star of your World Bee Day menu:

1. Honey-Glazed Roast Vegetables

Give your Sunday roast a floral twist. Toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes in a glaze made from local honey, olive oil, and a touch of mustard before roasting.

2. Lemon and Honey Chicken

A classic pairing—roast chicken drizzled with a lemon, garlic, and honey glaze for a sticky, tangy finish. Perfect for a light spring supper.

3. Honey and Yoghurt Panna Cotta

Swap out sugar for honey in this creamy dessert. Use wildflower honey to complement the richness of the panna cotta, and top with bee-friendly edible flowers like violets or calendula.

4. Breakfast Boost: Honey Porridge or Granola

Drizzle a spoonful of honey over warm porridge or mix it into homemade granola with oats, nuts, and dried fruit for a nourishing start to your day.

5. Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme

A crowd-pleasing appetiser: bake a wheel of Brie and top it with warm honey, fresh thyme, and chopped walnuts. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Top Tip: Always try to use local, raw honey. Not only does it support local beekeepers, but it’s also likely to contain beneficial enzymes and pollen.

How You Can Help Save the Bees

It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Here are some bee-friendly actions you can start today:

Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers

Bees need nectar and pollen-rich plants to thrive. Grow varieties like lavender, foxglove, borage, and wild marjoram. Try planting a small wildflower patch or even a window box—every little helps.

Avoid Pesticides

Chemicals in pesticides and herbicides can be deadly to bees. Opt for organic gardening methods and encourage natural pest control like ladybirds and lacewings.

Create a Bee Hotel

Solitary bees like mason bees need places to nest. A bee hotel made from hollow stems or drilled wood is a great addition to any garden or balcony.

Leave Out Water

Bees need water, especially in hot weather. Place a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles for them to safely land and drink.

Support Local Beekeepers and Conservation Groups

Buy honey from local sources, support bee charities like the Bee Friendly Trust or the British Beekeepers Association, and raise awareness about bee protection on social media.

Bee the Change

World Bee Day is the perfect opportunity to blend pleasure with purpose. Whether you're baking with honey, planting wildflowers, or skipping the pesticides, every small action helps secure the future of bees—and our food system.

So grab a spoonful of honey, share a recipe, plant a flower, and help spread the buzz!

Teisen Nionod — The Savoury Welsh Onion Cake

Layered with simplicity and love, Teisen Nionod is a traditional Welsh dish that transforms pantry staples into something extraordinary. 

Think tender potatoes, sweet onions, and lashings of butter — baked slowly until golden and crisp on the outside, soft and melting inside.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of South Wales, Teisen Nionod is both a side dish and a star in its own right — one of those quiet heroes that deserves far more fame.

Humble Ingredients, Hearty Results

This dish calls for just a few components:

Thinly sliced potatoes

Sliced onions

Butter (and lots of it!)

Salt and pepper

Sometimes a little stock or bacon fat for extra flavour

Layered and baked slowly, the flavours mingle and intensify, giving you crisp edges and creamy centres. It’s a dish that rewards patience and celebrates the beauty of Welsh produce.

Regional Twists

While Teisen Nionod is most commonly made in Glamorgan and surrounding counties, you’ll find a few variations:

Carmarthenshire: Adds a splash of chicken or vegetable stock for extra richness

Cardiganshire: Uses dripping or lard instead of butter for a deeper flavour

Modern takes: Add leeks, cheese (like Caerphilly or cheddar), or even mustard

Perfect Pairings

Teisen Nionod is a perfect partner to:

Roast lamb or pork

Faggots and onion gravy

Laverbread and bacon

Or simply served with buttered cabbage and a poached egg for a vegetarian supper

Recipe: Teisen Nionod (Welsh Onion Cake)

Ingredients:

4 large floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper or King Edward)

2 large onions, thinly sliced

75g unsalted butter, melted

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional: 100ml stock or 50g grated Caerphilly cheese

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.

Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly (a mandoline helps).

Grease a round baking dish and layer potatoes and onions alternately.

Season each layer with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of butter.

Pour over any remaining butter (and stock if using).

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Uncover and bake a further 30 minutes until golden and crisp on top.

Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving in generous wedges.

A Taste of Hearth and Home

Teisen Nionod is proof that the most soul-satisfying dishes are often the simplest. It brings together the frugality of Welsh cooking and the indulgence of comfort food — a tray of golden warmth that belongs on every table.

Coming next: Welsh Griddle Bread — A Pan-Baked Heritage Loaf

Tatws Popty — North Wales' Roasted Potato Delight

Wales is no stranger to hearty, comforting potato dishes, and Tatws Popty might just be one of its best-kept culinary secrets. 

Hailing from the north, this dish is as warming as the mountain air is bracing — a rustic traybake of roasted potatoes, onions, and lamb, all cooked together in a single oven dish.

Its name literally means “oven potatoes” (tatws = potatoes, popty = oven in North Welsh dialect), and it remains a beloved staple of Gwynedd and Anglesey family kitchens.

The Charm of Simplicity

Tatws Popty is the kind of meal that cooks slowly while you get on with your day. Traditionally made on a Sunday and cooked low and slow in the Aga or oven, it rewards patience with a meal that’s golden, crispy on top, and tender throughout.

No fancy tricks or obscure spices — just quality ingredients and time.

A Taste of the Land

Most traditional versions include:

Welsh lamb shoulder or chops

Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes

Carrots, onions, and sometimes parsnips

A little stock or water to help it roast gently and create that melt-in-the-mouth texture

The flavours meld beautifully, with lamb fat gently basting the vegetables as they roast.

Regional Notes

Gwynedd

Includes thick-sliced potatoes in layers

Uses fresh rosemary or thyme when available

Served straight from the pan with crusty bread

Anglesey

Meatless versions exist (for Lenten meals or budget cooking)

Often cooked in lard or dripping for extra richness

Recipe: Tatws Popty

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 onion, sliced

500g lamb shoulder, chopped or left in chops

2 tbsp oil or lamb dripping

250ml stock (lamb or vegetable)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.

In a large roasting tin, layer the potatoes, carrots, onions, and lamb.

Drizzle with oil or spoon over lamb fat, season generously, and pour in the stock.

Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour.

Uncover and roast for another 30–45 minutes until everything is golden and crispy on top.

Serve hot with steamed greens or buttered cabbage.

One Tin, Full Bellies

Tatws Popty is honest food. There’s no need to dress it up — it’s Welsh comfort at its finest. Perfect for feeding a crowd, warming up after a walk in the hills, or just soaking up the joy of a weekend roast with minimal washing up.

Celebrating VE Day with Classic British Food and Drink

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks the formal end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945. It’s a day of remembrance, gratitude, and celebration—a moment to reflect on the resilience of a generation and the joy that followed years of hardship. 

One way we can honour this occasion today is by recreating the flavours of that time, paying tribute to the foods that brought comfort and community to wartime Britain.

Wartime Cooking: Making Do and Mucking In

During the war, rationing defined everyday meals. Ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and meat were in short supply, leading home cooks to get creative with limited resources. Communities pulled together to grow vegetables in "Victory Gardens", and recipes were adjusted to stretch rations and reduce waste.

Traditional VE Day Foods to Try at Home

Recreating a VE Day spread offers a tasty nod to history, blending nostalgia with simple, comforting flavours. Here are some traditional dishes and drinks that capture the spirit of the time:

Woolton Pie

Named after Lord Woolton, the Minister of Food, this hearty vegetable pie became a symbol of wartime ingenuity. Made with root vegetables, a white sauce, and topped with a mashed potato crust, it’s still a delicious meat-free option today.

National Loaf

This government-mandated wholemeal bread replaced white bread during the war, as it was more nutritious and used less refined flour. It’s dense, filling, and ideal for serving with a good wedge of cheese or jam.

Eggless Sponge Cake

With fresh eggs scarce, bakers turned to clever substitutes. Vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and dried egg powder made it possible to still enjoy a slice of sponge cake. Add a dollop of jam and you’ve got a classic treat.

Carrot Bicuits

These naturally sweet biscuits used grated carrots to replace sugar. Surprisingly tasty and easy to make, they’re a nod to how creative wartime bakers became.

Drinks of the Era

Beer

While many luxuries were hard to come by, beer was never rationed and remained a symbol of celebration. Raise a pint of traditional British bitter or mild ale to toast the end of war in Europe.

A Proper Cuppa

Tea was vital to morale, and despite rationing, it was carefully managed to ensure everyone could enjoy their daily brew. Whether black or with a splash of milk, a warm cuppa was—and remains—a national comfort.

Hosting a Modern VE Day Tea Party

Why not bring friends and family together for a VE Day garden party or afternoon tea? Hang up some bunting, put on a playlist of 1940s hits, and serve a spread of wartime-inspired treats. It’s a chance to honour the past while enjoying the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

Final Thoughts

VE Day is more than a date in the history books—it’s a celebration of resilience, togetherness, and hope. Through the food and drink of the time, we can connect with those who lived through it and reflect on how far we’ve come.

Have you tried any wartime recipes or hosted your own VE Day celebration? Share your stories and photos in the comments or tag us on social media!

Is Your Pop Potty About Peanut Butter? Then please read on!

Because That's Food and Drink has received some news about an utterly perfect present for him, for this Father's Day.

Then we have the perfect nifty gifty for you this Father’s Day. 

Introducing their new, limited edition PapaLife jars. Packed to the brim with thei delicious Crunchy Original Roast peanut butter, packed with a fresh look that’s befitting for the perfect Pa. This is, we think, the perfect way to say ‘YOU ROCK’ this Father’s Day.

PapaLife jars will go on sale in Waitrose priced at £4 from May 21st through to 17th June. 

You can also find it in selected Sainsbury’s stores from 28th May to 17th June, priced at £2.75.