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Winter Break and Great Coffee

It’s always a sad time when something comes to an end and today it was our favourite coffee shop. Pilgrims Coffee House is closing its doors for the last time.

Sorry, that’s probably a bit dramatic and we should explain that it is only for the winter. They WILL be back next year and with a few exciting changes. Firstly, the main reason we went.

We had a few errands to run on the island. Fudge for the guests and a look at what new bottled delights the winery may have acquired. But most importantly the new book produced by Pilgrims. Victoria Mundy and Roy Player wrote the book and it  is a combination of recipes, stories and photographs. It shows the best of Lindisfarne in beautiful photography and local stories. The recipes have been taken from both the surrounding area as well as those used in Pilgrims itself. From the north east staple of Panhaggerty to the Cuthbert Slice (we’re definitely making that one) there’s something for everyone. Book bought, lunch next.

What we love about Pilgrims is they have a great sense of humour and an honest approach to selling. Looking at the sparse (but still lovely) offerings in the cabinet we couldn’t help but smile. Written on the glass is “If you can’t find what you want its because we’re closing and we only have what we have”. Totally non offensive and simply true. Pilgrims sells honest food from good ingredients and is well made. It’s not just the coffee that gets all the love. Ham, Cheese and Bechamel sauce baguette for lunch, lovely.

We bought a couple of bags of their Myanmar as presents for a couple of coffee fiends we know and had a chat with Jonny. Andy and Jonny are off to India this week to select their next batch of coffees. They don’t just buy “off the shelf” or online, they actually go where it’s grown.

Pilgrims has an ethical approach to everything they do. From serving everything in or on recyclable, compostable or burnable plates/cups etc to choosing their coffee beans. They prefer small growers to support their expansion and have included plantations of bean types which have almost died out. This allows a greater diversity in their coffee choices. Better for the growers and certainly better for us coffee lovers.

Purchases made we headed back to the mainland with the intention of heading over the day they open again next year. Why? Because they are in the process of making a huge change to the coffee garden and the roastery currently in the yurt. Because they are moving the roasting equipment to its new home? If you don’t know yet then we’re not going to spoil it but we suggest you get over there as soon as they open again. It’s going to be great. Find them here.

https://www.pilgrimscoffee.com

Field to Jar in Four Hours

Despite the beast from the east some soft fruits have been amazing this year. The strawberries really benefitted from the cold winter and the damp spring. This has given them an amazing flavour and colour. Sadly, the raspberries have not enjoyed this weather so much and are suffering. We hope they will pick up and we can still enjoy some later this month. Fresh is always best when making homemade jam.

So, this week Steve and I took a tip to Oxford Farm just south of Berwick. We have been picking strawberries and raspberries here for the last 5 years for serving at breakfast and for jam.

An hour of picking we came home with five kilos of lush, juicy strawberries. We also had sore backs but it’s always worth it.

After a quick wash, three kilos went into the jam pan with three kilos of caster sugar and the juice of two lemons. Forty minutes of boiling down and they are in jars waiting to cool. The next morning and the guests are enjoying fresh homemade jam on their toast.

As you may have guessed we make all our jams and marmalades here at Market Cross. Why would we buy jam when we can make it so easily and without all the man made stuff. All we use are fruit and sugar with a bit of pectin if it refuses to set. Simple. It is also so satisfying to hear the guests enjoying them and we even sell some.

We will be going back in a few weeks to harvest the raspberries and more homemade jam will be made. Not as much as the marathon Seville orange marmalade session in January, but enough.

Any we have spare (in this case two kilos) are for breakfast as well. It’s good to add fresh local fruit as an addition to all the other good things we put out for them.

Strawberries for homemade jam

Strawberries form Oxford Farm

If you’ve never made homemade jam before it’s worth doing. You don’t need a big jam pan like ours and a little time and patience will get you a few jars. Give it a try and you won’t eat shop bought again.

A picnic with Grace Darling (and pirates)

Well, not quite. But when offered a trip to Longstone lighthouse on a glorious summer evening we weren’t going to say no. Who wouldn’t want to visit the island on which Grace Darling lived. And while this technically doesn’t have a lot to do with food it was the perfect place for a picnic.

On a beautiful, sunny, quiet evening in June we took part in a promotional trip out to the Longstone lighthouse with The Golden Gate. The only boat allowed to land on Longstone Island, The Golden Gate provides a unique opportunity in the Farne Islands. The chance to enter and explore the lighthouse lived in by Grace Darling and her father. It was from here that they carried out the rescue they are so famous for.

The trip out was stunning. Calm sea, warm air and amazing views of the Farne Islands. We were slightly worried when we spotted a smaller boat following us. The crew dressed in black keeping their distance, we fully expected them to run up the skull and crossbones and start boarding. It turned out to be the rangers from Inner Farne who had jumped at the chance of real food in the lighthouse. A welcome change from foraging for roots and berries on the island!

After docking we had the chance to just wander to our hearts content and explore. The island has abundant birdlife and the ever present seals making it a great photo opportunity. The lighthouse is available to look around and you can also go all the way up to the light room. This is where you get a fantastic view of the Farnes and beyond

After our wandering we all made our way to the dining area in the lighthouse. Everyone had brought something (that’s the food bit) and we had a lovely picnic with a bit of Prosecco thrown in. Everyone talked and explored the residential area of the lighthouse which while basic is functional. Not sure we’d want to live there for any length of time. Except maybe for the beautiful view every morning. The pirates (sorry, rangers) made the most of it, plates piled high and doggy bags to see them through the weekend. Amanda’s peanut butter squares (see, more food) being a particular favourite for them.

The trip back to Seahouses was longer as George, owner of Golden Gate took us back via some of the other islands. Brownsman Island was where the Darlings started their lighthouse keeping and remnants still remain. The base of the original lighthouse, the cottage and even her father’s rhubarb are still there. There were more birds than we could shake a stick at and of course loads more seals.

All in all it was an amazing way to enjoy a picnic.

And in the interest of fairness, other boat trips to the Farnes are available.

Garce Darling Lighthouse

Picnic with Grace darling

Market Season

When we first moved to Belford one of the many delights was realising there were so many new places to discover and visit. As I have said before, how and where food is produced is one of my passions so hunting out a local market was a must. These are just a couple to get you started.

Alnwick Market

Regular markets in the (market) town of Alnwick are a great staple and the monthly farmers & craft market have those extra local delights. Held on Fridays and Saturdays during the spring and summer there are a good number of local producers here. Everything from local meats, baking treats and handmade crafts including shoes.

The farmers market every last Friday of the month mostly concentrates on local produce. Regulars are Northumberland Cheese and D R C Collins for beautifully fresh fish, two of our favourites and ones for later blogs. Local meats, beers and some crafts are always here and well worth trying.

Worth mentioning is also the Taste of Northumbria shop in the market square. This an outlet for locally made/brewed beers and spirits. Made from local grains and in the case of the gins and vodkas, botanicals from the area that provide a unique flavour and bouquet. Always worth popping in to see what’s new.

St Abbs Market

On our travels St Abbs Market appeared on our radar.  Held at the Ebba centre in St Abbs every Friday it’s a great morning out.  A lovely find on one of our visits was Kiki’s Chocolate. We had been looking for something a little special for guests celebrating an occation. Kiki was able to personalise a handmade chocolate bar with “Best Wishes from Market Cross”. Ideal for any occasion and always well received by our guests. They taste amazing too.

St Abbs Market also travels to several other destinations in north Northumberland. If you want to find one near to where you may be staying the website is st-abbs-market.com.

Belford Market

As I posted in my last blog (All About Bread) I bake around 30 loaves of bread every bank holiday weekend. This is for the Belford Market which while small is held for a great reason. Apart from attracting visitors to the village its purpose is to support various charities. The market has grown since we first arrived in the village. It now has around sixteen stalls manned by local people helping to make a difference.

These range from Blue House Goats Cheese, locally made cupcakes, crafts, photographs and plants. Tea and coffee is always provided either by the Belford WI or St Marys Church. Such a friendly atmosphere and worth dropping in. We are looking forward to an extended market in July as this coincides with the Belford Arts Festival. 28thand 29thJuly. Come and have a look at the local artistic talent. You won’t be disappointed.

St Abbs Market

 

All About Bread

It’s been mayhem in the Market Cross kitchen today, Belford has a community market every bank holiday weekend so I am busy kneading and proving my bread. I bake around 20 to 30 loaves to sell and usually a mixture of white, brown, spelt and fruit loaves. It takes a few days and is full on but I enjoy the challenge of making them. And with only one oven.

When I first arrived at Market Cross, bread was one of my many passions. Having been to Edinburgh on a course with Andrew Whitely I knew I wanted to make my own bread for the B&B. I’m really keen, as usual to use local produce wherever possible and have 2 flour producers right on my door step.  After struggling for a few months to get my bread right I decided to go on another bread course. This time it was with with Bread & Roses in Alnwick. While there I discoverd that the local flours contained higher levels of gluten than I was used to. That was why my bread was not rising!  Changed my flour and hey presto, great bread.

Variety being the spice of life I have made many different types to go with various dishes. Sour dough, focaccia, bagettes,soda and ciabatta to name but a few. It depended entirely on what dish I was preparing of course and was part of the meal plan, particularly when we were serving evening meals. I  have sometimes struggled in the winter to get it to rise (old house) and in the summer with it over proving.

Needless to say all our bread for breakfast is made by us and you can see our menus here.

Having recently met the new miller, Dave from Heatherslaw Mill near Ford and Etal, of course the conversation turned to bread, flour and all things baking.  I explained my problems with the local flour and Dave told me that it was to do with the quality of the wheat and the way it was milled.  He suggested that I try the Heatherslaw flour and I am currently using his wholemeal and malted.

Steve and I went up to the mill to collect our first batch of flour and had a guided tour. It is really fascinating and well worth a visit when your in the area.

Needless to say all the bread

 

https://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/heatherslaw-mill

The best food of Northumberland

Steve and I moved to Market Cross Guest House in Belford in 2012. This was a new venture for both of us.  I have always had a interest in food and retrained to be a chef in my forties. Then began working at Swinton Park Cookery School in the Yorkshire Dales. I worked there for a number of years and it was there that I really developed a passion for where our food came from. Also the use of seasonal produce being lucky enough to have access to a real kitchen garden and excellent local suppliers. While working at Swinton I discovered the delights of fine dining, the amazing talent and passion that goes into creating menus and dishes.  Within my role at the cookery school I met some fantastic food producers. I also came to understand what amazing produce was available in North Yorkshire.

When we moved to Northumberland I doubted I would find the same level of produce here on our door step.  How wrong was I! A local water powered flour mill. A traditional family butcher and a

Here in my blog I will share with you some the producers we use here at Market Cross. We will also let you know about the best local restaurants and maybe a few of my favourite recipes.

I hope you  enjoy.