A pies of the action this British Pie Week!

It’s British Pie Week 2020! An awareness week we can really get behind (Who doesn’t love a pie? Definitely better than National Awkward Moments Day. Yes really. March 18^th if you were wondering…)

If you’ve been into our Helmsley deli of late you’ll have seen our wide selection of delicious pies. They’re made for us by the wonderful The Original Baker based in nearby Malton. Steak and ale, slow cooked minced beef and onion, slow roast pork in a cream and cider sauce, in an all butter shortcrust pastry case and a puff pastry lid (best of both worlds)… a mere mention of them makes the mouth water!

We even have The Original Baker’s range of delicious gluten free pies for those who are unable, or prefer not to eat gluten. How about a gluten-free slow-cooked beef and vegetable pie or a thai vegetable pie with a creamy coconut sauce?

Britain’s history with pies dates back as far as Roman times. Did you know the pastry on a pie was originally just a cooking and serving dish, with the rich just eating the fillings? (Although it’s thought the servants may have been given the tough and slightly inedible pastry to eat). Of course it wasn’t quite the crumbly, buttery pastry we see on our pies today!

Pies have always been part of our popular culture – from nursery rhymes (Sing a Song of Sixpence, Jack Horner and Simple Simon) to slightly more disturbing accounts of people being baked into pies by Shakespeare and in Sweeney Todd. In the 16^th century, cooks used to bake live animals into ‘Surprise Pies’ so they could jump or fly off once it was served. Think we might give that tradition a miss. For 16 years in the 1600s, mince pies were banned for being a ‘pagan form of pleasure’ by Oliver Cromwell! Well, they are good…

In a truly British tradition dating back to the middle ages, every time there is a jubilee or coronation, the people of Gloucester send lamprey pie to the Royal household. Lamprey is an eel-like fish – we’re not convinced we can see the Royal family tucking into that as part of the celebrations but we love a quirky tradition!

Research this year by BBC Good Food revealed that cottage pie was the nation’s favourite pie – a controversy indeed given it contains no pastry so technically isn’t even a pie – sharing the top spot with chicken pie. However, another poll by Uber Eats revealed that chicken and mushroom topped the list for the savoury pies and apple for the sweet. Although, as you’d perhaps expect, apparently there’s quite a lot of variation across the regions, with the North rating steak, cheese and onion and meat and potato high on their lists.

Whatever your favourite we’re sure we’ve something to tickle your tastebuds this British Pie Week! (except if it’s a ‘Surprise Pie’ – then you’re on your own)

New year, new you?

Happy new year to all of our wonderful customers, suppliers and friends. Hope you had a magnificent Christmas. 

Christmas is, of course, all about the overindulgence. Over the last week or so, we’ve heard many a customer joke that they were 90 per cent cheese, or that pure chocolate (or red wine) was running through their veins! 

And so January brings with it those feelings of needing to make a change, to deny yourself some of life’s pleasures and to ‘be good’, whatever that actually means! So, not only are the decorations and sparkly lights all gone, presents all over and done with and no more days off work to look forward to – but apparently it’s no longer acceptable to have a bucks fizz at 11am and crack open the chocolates for breakfast?!

But sometimes a change is what is needed and a new year’s resolution can give you the push to do it. Although perhaps it’s best not to call it that – as research shows only one in four people manage to keep theirs going beyond the end of January. The general consensus for success seems to be to set manageable, tangible goals rather than the generic – so instead of “I want to eat healthier” it might be “I want to cook from scratch at least four times a week”.

Perhaps you’re trying Veganuary? A quarter of a million people signed up last year, with many more doing it more informally. Approximately 22 million people now identify as ‘flexitarian’ (which basically means eating more plant-based foods and less – although still some – meat). Whether you’re a vegan, or you just want to reduce your meat intake, we have some fantastic products and ingredients in store to help you cook up a storm or grab a snack on the go. How about Macadamia nut butter or the fabulous range of Rafis curry packs perfect with the many pulses and beans we stock.

Another popular month to sign up to is Dry January. Certainly after the excesses of Christmas it can feel like a good idea to have a bit of a break. We have some amazing ‘grown up’ soft drinks in store, as well as some non-alcoholic spirits, such as Seedlip, which are ideal to mix with tonic, ice and a slice so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.

If you’re just trying to eat and drink a bit more healthily, we can help with everything from dinner inspiration to a wide selection of delicious herbal teas. Eating well doesn’t have to be boring!

January is also Walk Your Dog Month, which is great for anyone looking to ensure they stay active. Of course, you have to actually have a dog first – or be able to borrow one. Helmsley is a great place to come with a four-legged friend as lots of businesses are pooch friendly, and there’s plenty of great spaces nearby to stretch everyone’s legs. 

Whatever you’re doing to mark the start of the new decade, here at Hunters we hope 2020 brings you health, happiness, peace and prosperity. And we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Coffee – we like it a latte

Once upon a time it was all about tea. Now, don’t get us wrong, tea is still one of our favourite drinks as a nation. But, it has to be said, coffee is biting at its heels. Apparently coffee consumption has increased from 70 million cups a day in 2008 to 95 million a day in 2018. That’s quite a lot of lattes!

Here in the UK, the latte is our favourite kind of coffee – one in four of us would opt for one. Cappuccino is the next most popular, followed by flat white and the good old Americano. Rumour has it that American soldiers developed the Americano during the Second World War to make their espresso last longer – by adding extra hot water. Makes sense!

The same research showed that one in 10 of us admit to being coffee addicts – and even those who don’t go so far as to call themselves an addict say they need the hit to get the day going, with 42 per cent not feeling like the day has got started until they have their first cup of joe. Apparently many of us think we’re funnier and work harder when we’ve had a cup…not sure how true the first is, but maybe that’s because of our dazzling sense of humour with or without coffee.

The health benefits (or opposite) of coffee have frequently been discussed, with people often being warned not to over indulge for the good of their health. But the coffee bean is a natural item and it does include powerful antioxidants such as hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols, which have been linked to the prevention of cancer and other horrible diseases. There’s been academic research from the University of Nottingham which has shown that coffee can help to fight obesity and others have said it can protect against gallstones.

There’s even research to show a cup of coffee won’t keep you awake of a night, so you can enjoy one any time. Although don’t hold us to that – we didn’t do the research so don’t blame us if that 10pm espresso has you ready to start partying by 11pm. Maybe stick to the decaf just in case!

Apparently one in three UK households now owns a coffee pod or capsule machine, and many more of us rely on our cafetière. Of course good old instant has a role to play too when you’re in a hurry.

Here at Hunters we have a wide range of coffee products – from loose beans we can weigh out to some of our very favourite grinds. How about Taylor's  Java Jember or Grumpy Mule Velvety Peru ? We also love the Grumpy Mule Sumatra to kirk start the day.

If you’re popping into Hunters to buy a sandwich we also offer a cup of coffee to go – perfect for that afternoon boost ahead of a long walk, mooch round Helmsley’s shops or heading back to work!

Might just go put the kettle on…

Guess who is officially the Best Independent Retailer in the North?

We’re blushing a bit as we say it – but IT’S US!

Thank you so much to all of our wonderful customers who voted for us, we don’t know what to say!

But yes, here at Hunters of Helmsley we’re celebrating after being crowned the best independent retailer in the North following a public vote run by the Great British Food Awards 2019.

We beat off stiff competition from hundreds of other delis to be included on a shortlist of five retailers in the north, before eventually claiming the top spot.

There were 19 categories in total (nine for the independent retailer awards split across the country geographically). Our own region covered the North West, North East and Yorkshire so we’re even more honoured to have received this prestigious accolade with all the amazing competition across all those counties!

Staggeringly, more than 14,000 votes were cast in a number of reader-voted categories (thank you to everyone who took the time to do so), whilst celebrity favourites including the Hairy Bikers, Raymond Blanc and John Torode judged some of the other categories, such as best cheese, gin or baked goods. Nice work if you can get it!

The awards, which are in their sixth year, are run by Great British Food Magazine. Their lovely editor, Natasha Lovell-Smith, said: "Hunters of Helmsley is a Yorkshire institution and the finest food retailer in the North of England, according to Great British Food readers; 70% of the products available in store are sourced from within Yorkshire itself, so local sourcing is clearly a priority for the team. Famed for its excellent customer service and wide range of products, this is the place to go for local specialties, homemade preserves, fine wines, gift hampers and lots more."

So, we really are proud as (rum) punch. We feel passionate about good food and drink and supporting local producers and suppliers, so it is always wonderful to know that people enjoy what we offer. Thank you also to our wonderful team who always go out of their way to help customers find what they’re looking for – or discover a new favourite!

Think this deserves a glass of something fizzy! Cheers to you all!

Things heat up this National Curry Week

This week is the 21^st annual National Curry Week.

It’s no secret that in Britain we have a bit of a love affair with a good curry. It was the 1970s when curry houses started popping up in earnest around the country, but the first recorded curry recipe in English was in a cookery book all the way back in 1747. In fact, commercially produced curry powder first appeared in a shop in London in 1780.

The modern word curry comes from the Tamil ‘kari’ which is a spiced sauce served with rice. Everyone has their own personal favourites. The Tikka Masala apparently counts for one in seven curries eaten in the UK – but it’s not a traditional Indian curry at all, having thought to have been invented in Glasgow in 1971. Although in research two years ago which shocked the nation (OK, we may be exaggerating slightly….) the Korma actually beat the Tikka Masala, with one in five opting for the coconut cream-based curry as their favourite dish. Maybe it was just a blip that year. Madras, Jalfrezi and Vindaloo then typically follow as our favourite curry varieties.

For those who prefer things as hot as possible there’s the Chicken Naga, with plenty of Naga pepper seeds (855,000 on the Scoville Scale - 100 times hotter than jalapeño peppers). Or how about the ‘Flaming Fiery Phaal’ which includes the Naga but also the Scorpion pepper – a scary 1,500,000 on the Scoville Scale! You might need a few pints of milk or tubs of yoghurt to hand eating that one.

Although, admittedly understandably in that case, we may be nervous to try something new, apparently one in three of us always order the same thing when we have an Indian – we’re creatures of habit. But variety is the spice of life, so they say!

If you fancy spicing up your life a bit, at Hunters we have a wide range of curry sauces, spices and accompaniments, as well as some delicious ready to eat products. How about choosing from a selection of Rafis Spices all put together in York,maybe amazing Anila's handmade authentic sauces or  Yorkshire very own Aggrah range of sauces. All totally delicious and easy to combine with your favourite ingredients.

After all, a good curry is second to naan! (sorry….)

Buy local this British Food Fortnight – Yorkshire and proud!

It’s British Food Fortnight – two weeks dedicated to celebrating all that is wonderful about British food.

And it is wonderful, we’re so very lucky to have a wealth of amazing and talented farmers and producers within our shores. Not only that, we’re even more lucky here in Yorkshire, because we have a multitude of them on our very doorstep.

We’re very proud that here in Hunters at least 70 per cent of our products are sourced within the region. Why would we not when there’s so much delicious food and drink made here? We (as in Chris and Christine Garnett, the owners) both come from farming backgrounds and believe the quality of food and where/how it is produced is vital. It’s key to the Hunters’ philosophy that local farmers, producers and suppliers are supported and championed where we can.

We have formed very strong relationships with local suppliers: bread and cakes are made at the Malton Bakery just 15 miles away; cheeses come from nearby dairies such as Shepherd’s Purse; drinks from Ryedale Vineyard and local breweries including Cropton and Hambleton; and Johnsons of Thirsk and The Original Baker provide the delicious pastries and pork pies. The highest quality local meats are sourced from several local farms and cooked daily on the premises, ready for our amazingly deep-filled sandwiches (bring your appetite!)

Hunters even has its own range of products, all made locally, just outside York. The range includes condiments, sweet and savoury biscuits, pates and chocolates, all made with top quality ingredients – they have to be good to bear our name!

There really is so much amazing work being done across the region to produce the very best food and drink out there. We adore Lauden chocolates, made in Leeds – you won’t find a prettier chocolate, but they taste amazing with such intricate flavours. The delicious Rosebud Preserves are created in Masham and the popular Cartwright & Butler savoury and sweet  biscuits are made near Beverley

We have over 40 locally brewed bottled beers, cider made by the Monks at nearby Ampleforth Abbey, wine created at the Ryedale Vineyards and gin distilled just outside York.

Some of our other Yorkshire favourites include the most delicious gift chocolates made in Leeds by Lauden Chocolates. Flavoured chocolate bars from Choc  Affair in York, voted best chocolate brand in the UK 2019.

 

 We also love to encourage local organisations to work together. We approached local cider-makers Ampleforth Abbey and pie-maker Yorkshire Baker, to work together to create a brand new pie - Slow Roast Pork and Ampleforth Abbey Cider pie - which is available exclusively at Hunters. We did likewise with Sole gin producers SLOEmotion and Brymor Dairies, to create the world’s first Sloe Gin Ice Cream – delicious! 

British Food Fortnight is the ideal time to make a conscious effort to buy local. And we’re always happy to recommend some items which we know will quickly become firm favourites! 

Rice or roast

This next week marks the start of two foodie ‘awareness weeks’ (not that we think either of these things need awareness – they’re pretty well known!)

Launching on 18^th September, National Rice Week aims to highlight the nutritional benefits of rice, and ways to cook it. We have to say, rice can be an understated staple – you can get stuck doing the same old boiled rice as an accompaniment to bulk out a meal, rather than enjoying it in its own right. So maybe it’s a good thing to have a week celebrating rice and all the things you can do with it! Hot or cold, sweet or savoury – they’re all good…

How about using it to make some sushi? We have everything you need in store to create your own nigiri or maki rolls. Or why not try some sticky jasmine rice with a fresh thai green curry? Maybe it’s a good incentive to make your own instead of opting for a take away this weekend.

Risotto is always a winner – and we have the easiest, tastiest ready-to-go risottos going! Simply add water to the packs and simmer for 10-15 minutes for a quick, satisfying supper in no time! Choose from Mediterranean  vegetable and mushroom varieties.

As rice week comes to a close, British Roast Dinner Week kicks in on 24^th (of course it would have to start on a Sunday!). Who doesn’t love a roast dinner, but it has to be said they’re a lot of hard work. If you’re going to go to all that effort, you want to make sure it’s the best of the best. You can’t have roast beef without horseradish or mustard – we think Baytree's hot stuff horseradish  is perfect for the job. Roast lamb? Got to have some mint sauce. Tracklements do a lovely fresh mint jelly, or  a perfectly balanced traditional mint sauce. Just the thought makes your mouth water! Roast pork – bring on the apple sauce. We love Stokes brand brambly apple. And then we come to chicken or turkey. Of course, cranberry sauce is a well-established favourite, and we do a great variety. But we also do a

delicious, Hunters’ brand chilli jam which tastes amazing with poultry. Maybe not so much with gravy, but perfect for using up those leftovers with some delicious fresh bread and butter or a salad.

If whipping up a roast dinner is going to take more time than you have, why not pop in for one of our famous deep-filled roast beef sandwiches? We perfectly roast the beef on site, so it’s still slightly pink – the smell is enough to get your stomach rumbling! Served with your choice of accompaniments, choosing one of our best-sellers will definitely never leave you feeling hungry. In fact, you wouldn’t be alone if you could only manage half and had to share the rest with a lucky friend (or save it for later if you’re not feeling that generous).

So, whatever this week inspires you to eat, pop in to Hunters and let us help you make an ordinary meal extraordinary!