thefoodiegifthunter.co.uk

Ah, remember the balmy days of early December? How warm we all were? How soft the ground was? There was I thinking how lovely to run Sarah Fay’s list the first week in January, when we’d all be ready for a good long walk in the countryside.

How wrong could I be? But in preparation for warmer times (i.e. when it returns to above freezing) then Sarah’s list gives you some great insight into her passion for foraging, wild food and truly eating seasonally. Here’s Sarah’s perspective:

What better way to assure yourself of the finest, freshest ingredients than to forage for your own?  You will be surprised what you can find in hedgerows, woodlands and even local parks.  What’s more, your palate will be treated to full flavoured produce for free.  My advice is to arm yourself with a spacious basket, a pair of wellies, definitely a hat of sorts to protect yourself from falling grub(s), and the essential guide books and recipes.  The rest is pure, indulgent, foodie enjoyment.

Here is a list of books, both old and new, that have become my friends, dare I say bibles…

The Wild Food Year Book

1. The Wild Food Yearbook by Country Kitchen - this is one of my favourite books; well, it is almost like a thick magazine in true year book style.  Each chapter is separated into Season, detailing what is available to forage at any given time, and providing straight-forward useful ideas for each; from everyday recipes for delicious meals, to brewing your own beers and wines, to jam, jelly & chutney making. This is a practical guide for any wild food enthusiast, or wannabe forager.

2. The Easy Edible Mushroom Guide by Prof David Peglar - There are so many books dedicated to wild mushroom foraging, although this guide ticks all of the boxes for me.  It is small enough to be stuffed into your backpack and used as a field guide; clear photography and a size guide help you to easily distinguish between tasty fungi and potential poisoners!  The guide also includes a month by month calendar, so you know what to look for and when.  Some good recipes at the end of the book provide inspiration on how to best prepare and cook your rich pickings.

3. First Steps In Winemaking by C J J Berry- When you get into making your own home brew, you will rarely turn back, it is a little addictive, and the results are surprisingly good.  This benchmark guide is invaluable; from the rundown of what you will need to start off, to step-by-step recipe instructions, and the essential ‘trouble-shooting’ chapter.  The book is set out in a ‘wine-making year’ style, so you can follow and experiment as the months and season’s unfold, utilising the produce available.  I would include a serious amount of alka-seltzer if buying this book as a present!

British Seasonal Food by Mark Hix

4. British Seasonal Food by Mark Hix- Mark Hix brings to us a serious seasonal foodie guide in this fabulous book.  Chapters are separated by month with a brief of what is good ‘right now.’  The recipes range from simple everyday cooking ideas to more challenging dinner party feasts.  Witty illustrations, beautiful photography and Mark’s down to earth enthusiastic writing style, make this book a real treasure.  From a cookery beginner, stuck for ideas for what to do with their veg box, to the passionate foodie looking for seasonal inspiration – this book in my opinion, is a must.

5. Game: A Cookery Book by Tom Norrington Davis & Trish Hilferty - The latest addition to my bookshelf, Game: A Cookery Book has fast become my latest love.  The book covers all aspects of sourcing, prepping and cooking wild game, and is arranged by animal type – two legs (game birds), four legs (the bigger beasts & furred game), no legs (mostly fish).  The two London chefs join forces to celebrate game hunting and cooking in all of its glory.  The recipes range from the classics to modern fusion styles; simplistic to challenging, and all ensure that your prized catch gains centre stage.

So, once we’ve all come out of this temporary hibernation, it’ll be a great time to get out there, look at the food that’s around us, not to mention finding great seasonal food in your locality. And if you’d overspent at Christmas, then finding some food for free has to be a good thing. Another thing to think about is that after a tough winter like this one, local food supporters are going to need us more than ever. And if you’re in the Essex area, then check out Sarah’s site, Essex Gourmet, for a great guide to everything that is great to eat in the area.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Be Sociable, Share!

•