Go nuts for the new creation from Bakehouse in the Barn

As our regular customers will know, last summer we launched a partnership with the wonderful Bakehouse in the Barn.

The very talented Sophie Smith (who many of you will recognise from Hunters) is the baker behind Bakehouse in the Barn and she’s been coming up with some amazing concoctions for us. The idea is that not only is it something you can buy from us ready-to-enjoy (Sophie works some magic!) but you can also take away the recipe to try it for yourself. Therefore we try not to make it too complicated – just utterly delicious!

So, bring on our latest baked treat…. drum roll please…. the Hunter Gatherer Granola Bar! (hope you appreciate the name!)

The Hunter Gatherer Bar is bursting with nuts, seeds and fruit to give a healthy energy boost in the dark winter months, and to curb sweet toothed cravings to help keep those New Year’s resolutions in check. We stock a range of ingredients for the bar from local Yorkshire producers and suppliers, including Yockenthwaite Farm and Quay Ingredients, both in Skipton, and Driffield-based Shepcote, so you can come stock up and then give it a try. It’s a great one to make with kids!

It’s another winning recipe from Sophie – so simple but so effective. The bars she makes to be sold in store are packed to the brim with a whopping 14 different types of nuts, seeds and fruit, but if you’re following the recipe you can adapt it to suit your own favourites. It’s a really satisfying sweet treat, but also includes lots of healthy ingredients - which is what you need at this time of year!

Hunter Gatherer Granola Bar

Ingredients:

300g oats

425g mixed nuts, seeds and fruit (this can include a variety to suit your own preferences, but ours includes: hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, flax, pumpkin seeds, poppy & sesame seeds, sour cherries, sultanas, raisins, dates, goji berries)

60g ground almonds

2 tsp ground cinnamon

100g soft brown sugar

190g honey*

190g butter*

Method:

·        Preheat the oven to 180°C.

·        Line a 20cm x 30cm baking tin with parchment.

·        In a large bowl mix all the dry ingredients together.

·        Melt the butter and warm the honey together in a pan over a medium heat.

·        Pour the honey and butter over the dry ingredients, mix well.

·        Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

·        Bake for 18 minutes, until the top of the granola bar is golden brown.

·        Leave to cool in the tin. Slice once cool.

*for a vegan version, substitute the honey for ½ agave or date syrup ½ golden syrup and the butter for vegan spread.

January food goals

January tends to do odd things to our eating (and drinking) habits.

There’s Ginuary and Veganuary to contend with. Dry January if you fancy it (it’s a bit at odds with Ginuary though).

Even if you don’t subscribe to any official awareness ‘months’ or ‘weeks’ likelihood is you may have made a New Year’s Resolution. There’s something about January which makes you feel like you should be making a dramatic change and looking at a fresh start. Given the over indulgences of the Christmas period those changes often seem to link to food and drink, as we know we can’t carry on in the manner to which we’ve become accustomed. Apparently chocolate and a mince pie for breakfast is not a balanced meal, and nor is it socially acceptable to wash it down with a Bucks Fizz outside of Christmas week. Bah humbug.

According to a poll a couple of years ago, a third of resolutions made were to lose weight and a third were to eat more healthily. But sometimes the mind is more willing than the body. It can be a shock to the system going from 2000 calories by mid-morning to 1200 all day, and from the most exercise you get being a leisurely walk to the fridge to trying to hit the gym five times a week.

We’ve already passed what was dubbed Quitter’s Day – 11^th January (the second Friday in January)– which does seem a very short length of time! Less than one in 10 actually count themselves as having achieved their New Year’s Resolution, which leaves more than nine out of 10 of us feeling a bit of a failure.

The key to making it a success? Well most experts seem to say making sure your goals are manageable and not too generic/huge, having an action plan and taking baby steps to begin with, making it fun (as much as you can) and being kind to yourself if you slip up. Apparently, it takes 66 days to break a habit – so any bad habits formed over Christmas are going to take well into March to reset.

So, maybe you’ve set yourself a resolution to eat better, to try new foods, to give vegan cooking more of a go – whatever it might be, we’re here to help. As well as lots of tasty treats (everything in moderation!) we also have tonnes of fantastic ideas for cooking, for zinging up a salad or some veg, for healthy snacking – as well as some amazing soft drink and zero alcohol ‘booze’ to give you choices to help you achieve your goals.

Whatever your January food goals, it’s National Croissant Day on 30^th. Sure that’s something we can all get on board with! Pass the jam will you?

Twixmas food fix

Happy Christmas to all our customers, we hope it was a good one…

Now we’re in the weird ‘no man’s land’ between Christmas and New Year. For some people it’s still ongoing celebrations and family get togethers, others are back at work. Some are hitting the sales in hope of a bargain and others are already taking their decorations down with a feeling Christmas has been and gone.

Whatever camp you’re in, the likelihood is you’ve felt the need for an expanding waistband over the past few days! Apparently the average Brit will have consumed more than 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone – almost three times the standard daily recommendation. Christmas Dinner in its own right doesn’t have to be too calorific, but the chocolate, nuts, crisps, fizz and baileys we tuck into either side of that is. A third of us have had a festive tipple by midday (is it wrong that I think that’s a surprisingly low number?). But don’t worry – apparently you can burn those calories off with an eight-hour run or a 22-hour walk. Easy done!

Further research showed that the nation will consume 308 million slices of turkey and 411 million sprouts. Not forgetting the 205 million slices of Christmas cake and pudding and, of course, the 205 million glasses of champagne. Someone will have a sore head.

But all that excess, lovely though it is, can leave you feeling like you can’t face another heavy dinner, or another buffet. It can be hard to figure out what you fancy! Well why not leave that to us?

Hunters is open every day from 27^th December, other than New Year’s Day and 2nd January and we’re happy to help you find something to tickle your tastebuds. Perhaps a flavoursome curry or stir fry to use up some of that leftover turkey? Maybe you want to avoid the kitchen all together after slaving over a hot stove on Christmas Day – well our delicious frozen pies from The Original Baker could be the answer. Simple but delicious and you can choose from favourites such as Steak and Ale or Chicken and Leek. Put together a salad with all your favourites from the deli counter, or how about treating yourself to a nice new pickle or chutney to zhoozh up your salad or leftovers? Soup, jam packed with veg and wholesome ingredients, is always a winner on a cold day and we love The Yorkshire Provinder range.

So, don’t let food disappoint you this Twixmas (yes, that really is the name given to this time of year, and no, it’s not linked to the caramel topped biscuit bar!). Put down the tin of chocolates and come see us for some inspiration!  

Bring on the Christmas feast!

One of the best things about Christmas is the food and drink.

It’s the one time of the year when to over indulge is expected – and no one bats an eyelid if you’re eating chocolate for breakfast, washed down with a bucks fizz.

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without turkey and all the trimmings (in fact – make sure you stock up on cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy – you don’t want to forget those all essential elements!). It was actually King Henry VIII who first had turkey for Christmas – up until then it had mainly been boar, goose or even peacock. By 1573 turkey seemed to be a regular on the British Christmas Dinner menu, along with goose – which was still the most popular choice until the Victorian era. But our favourite Christmas bird is certainly a tradition which dates back several centuries. Pigs in blankets…maybe not so much.

Christmas pudding is another Christmas favourite with a long history. Although it started out as more of a soup/porridge with meat and dried fruit, which doesn’t sound like it would go so well with custard. By the 17^th century it was looking more like Christmas pud as we know it, and King George I made it an essential part of the Christmas meal. The monarchy were definitely the reality TV stars of their time – whatever they had, everyone else wanted! Maybe we’ll all be eating what Kate and Wills or Harry and Meghan have for Christmas dinner in a few years.

Mince Pies were another Christmas delight which started out containing meat. Originally called Christmas or Shrid Pie, they’re thought to date back to the Crusaders returning from the Middle East in the 13^th Century. For many, they’re symbolic, with the cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg representing the gifts given to Jesus by the three Kings. There’s also all kinds of myths and superstitions around them – from making a wish when you eat your first one of the year (bit late for that…) and it being illegal to eat them on Christmas Day. Which it isn’t. Although it might have been during the time of Oliver Cromwell who banned them.

Thankfully completely suitable for vegetarians, the Christmas Pudding we’re loving this year is Cole's classic pudding with ale. And for Mince Pies, you need to give Lottie Shaw's Sloe Gin mince pies a try.

One Christmas Dish which we don’t really see any more is the traditional Yorkshire Pie, dating back to the 18^th century. You’d have to like meat for this one – it’s filled with a whole goose, a turkey, a fowl, a partridge, a pigeon, a hare, game, and any other meat you had to hand, mixed with mace, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, salt and a mountain of butter. Sounds a bit much to be honest – and the pastry was never meant to be eaten, what a waste! So, if you love a savoury pie (who doesn’t) we’d recommend instead the pork, apples and black pudding lattice pie.

Whatever your Christmas traditions and feasts involve, we’re here to help, and we like to think we cover most bases with everything we have in store – it’s full to burst with festive treats. Except for a meat-based Christmas pudding – if that’s your thing, you might have to make your own…

Enjoy the festive fun in Helmsley

Christmas is coming! Despite how some of us might be in denial, it’s less than four weeks now until the big day…

This weekend sees the annual Small Business Saturday celebrations in Helmsley to kick start the town’s festivities.

On Saturday 1^st December a day of festive fun is planned which will offer something for the whole family. A huge snow globe you can climb inside, perfect for the selfie taker amongst you. The giant Nutcracker Trail, with 6.5ft nutcrackers hiding around Helmsley. Music, entertainers and rides – everyone loves a bouncy castle! There’s a dog fancy dress competition and the best dressed two or three wheels for the kids. If you want to leave having learnt some new skills Helmsley Walled Garden is holding wreath making workshops and the very talented Rhian at Celebrate Country Cake Design is holding a sugar craft demonstration. Teams from the Fire Brigade, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue will be there to chat to visitors – and the big man in red will of course be there in his grotto.

We love to get involved. We’re offering some delicious in-store tastings from some fantastic local suppliers. There’ll be Albion Artisan handmade pate, which is made in Epworth, Doncaster, Hooting Owl Distillery-Gin from Barmby Moor, and Three Girls Orchard Apple Juice which is made in our very own Helmsley. We do hope you’ll come along and have a try!

Small Business Saturday is a great idea to celebrate the wonderful independent businesses out there – of which there are dozens in Helmsley. It’s a great opportunity for the local community and visitors from further afield to come and join in the fun and games while doing a spot of Christmas shopping. We, and our retailing neighbours, have lots of fantastic and unique ideas for gifts, and ways to make your Christmas extra magical this year. By shopping local you’re helping to keep the high street alive and keeping money and jobs in the local economy. And you get great customer service and fantastic, hand-picked products. Win-win!

The festivities don’t end on Saturday – Helmsley’s annual Christmas Tree Festival continues on until 16^th December, open daily from 10am to 4pm. There’s 26 trees, all individually decorated to the theme of “The best of Helmsley” by organisations and businesses in the town. We have one – see if you can spot it! And although our giant nutcrackers can only be in town for the day, there is a miniature nutcracker trail taking place until 16^th too. There’s approximately 30 mini nutcrackers (the soldier kind, not the walnut cracking variety) hiding in shops around town. Pick up a trail from Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop and see if you can find them for your chance to win a prize!

So, we look forward to seeing lots of our regulars and meeting some new faces over the next few weeks – bring on the celebrations!

Nothing bundt the best at Hunters…

You may remember that back in September we announced a partnership with the wonderful Bakehouse in the Barn.

The very talented (and award-winning) Sophie Smith whipped up a storm with her pecan, date and banana muffins, which flew off the shelf here in store, but were also a huge hit in terms of getting people in their kitchen to give baking them a go themselves.

The aim of the partnership is to create seasonal products using local ingredients, with the finished bake, made by Sophie’s own hand, sold exclusively in our deli - but with the recipe available to anyone who wants to have a try. We’ve kept them simple (but utterly delicious) so anyone can give them a go – children, grown ups, those who shy away from baking in any way – you don’t have to be Mary Berry to give them a whirl. And you can always come and talk to Sophie when she’s in store, if yours don’t turn out quite the way hers did. But, if you really don’t fancy donning a pinny, come in store and treat yourself – Sophie’s always turn out perfect every time!

So, excitingly, Sophie has developed her second recipe for us – which we’re delighted to say has a definite seasonal appeal! Welcome to the festive Cranberry and Orange Bundt – a delicious Christmas treat, which is suitable for vegans and those with a dairy intolerance.

Using locally-produced Yorkshire rapeseed oil as the fat and a plant-based milk (Sophie recommends almond but you might have a personal favourite), the cakes make a light and fruity treat jam-packed with seasonal flavours. Just the smell of these takes you straight to Christmas – if you had these baking in the oven your whole house would smell like Mrs Claus’ kitchen! 

The cakes can be bought in store for £1.85 until the end of December, but you’re welcome to whip up a batch to try with your family and friends – we have copies of the recipe in store as well as below.

Happy baking – and eating!

Rise to the occasion

15th to 21st October marked National Baking Week. We have to agree with the timing on that, there’s something about October and November that makes you want to head to the kitchen and whip up some nice comforting cakes, pies and crumbles. Although we’re pretty happy to eat any of those at any time of the year, to be honest.

Perhaps that’s why the Great British Bake Off hits our screens this time of year too? Watching it certainly helps build up an appetite – although it might be just as likely to put us off baking for ourselves given the pressure of trying to create a showstopper we’ve never even heard of in a few short hours (korovai anyone?)

Last year, The Grocer reported that the number of households buying home baking products during Great British Bake Off season jumped by more than 1.1 million (almost 10%) - the sharpest spike of recent years. Its research also showed that the proportion of Brits baking on a weekly basis had risen (excuse the pun) to 34% who were donning their apron at least once a week. One in 10 women say the show inspires them to bake – especially those aged 25 to 34.

However, other research from Statista shows 48% of the population never ever bake at home from scratch – it’s not everyone’s cup of tea of course. Although enjoying a slice of something freshly baked with a cup of tea is, usually.

The research revealed our favourite bake to be – unsurprisingly – is cakes (75%), followed by cupcakes (39%), biscuits (37%), pies (33%) and then bread (29%). It seems those bread makers everyone had on their kitchen worktops a couple of decades ago may now mainly be gathering dust…

Baking as a family is something many of us will have warm memories of – whether it was our grandma teaching us how to make scones, or parents passing down a family recipe. Cooking is a great thing to do with kids – a bit of maths, a bit of science, a lot of fun – and potentially a good way to get them to try new things. But it’s not just for kids. How long is it since you’ve tried your hand at making a cake, or have you been tempted to use the delicious fruit falling from the trees at the moment to make a pie or tart? Why not call in and see us for all the ingredients you might need? And if you have any dietary requirements to work around (even Bake Off had a dairy-free vegan week this year), we can help with that too. We have the best quality ingredients we’ve tried and tested ourselves, so we know you’ll get the best results. From using Yorkshire Rapeseed oil instead of butter, to coconut flour instead of the run of the mill kind (geddit?) we can help recommend our favourite swaps.

Of course, we all have our strengths and weaknesses – and not everyone is a gifted baker. Have no fear, there’s no need for you to miss out on handmade goodies – we have plenty in store! We currently have the rather wonderful partnership with Bakehouse in the Barn, and there’s a new recipe about to hit the shop – watch this space…

So, whether you’re the baker, or the enjoyer of someone else’s baked goods, it all sounds pretty tasty to us!