Sunday, 29 April 2012


Farmers Market Hero
Food producer of the month goes to Woodhouse farm from Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire,LE9 7SE www.woodhousefarm.co.uk
Those of you who are regular visitors to our local farmers markets in Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, New Street B'ham and Solihull will no doubt be familiar with the cheeky chappie Alan; who is passionate about the rare breed and traditional meat which is available as sausages, bacon, black pudding and jointed meat to buy at his stall. At Solihull ,owner Andrew carves up his spit roasted pig served in baps to hungry shoppers.
It is wonderful to see a family farming business that are so passionate and hard working in order to produce wholesome,tasty affordable food. As a result they have won no less than 15 gold great taste awards!
For the recipe below I used their dry cured back bacon which is produced, butchered and smoked at their farm in Leicestershire.
Bacon and spring pea soup
25g (1oz) unsalted farmhouse butter
8 rashers dry cured back bacon
3 leeks, sliced into rings
2 garlic cloves, crushed
500g (1lb 2oz) frozen peas (not petit pois these will make the soup too sweet) or you can use fresh
2 tablespoons of garden mint
1.2l (2 pints) fresh chicken stock
To Garnish:
Crispy pancetta cubes
Spoonful of sour cream

Serves 6
Method
Melt the butter in a heavy based pan over a moderate heat, add the bacon,leeks and garlic cook until softened-this should take about 5 mins.
Next tip in the peas, chopped mint and pour in the stock.
Cover and allow to boil once the peas are tender turn down the heat and allow to simmer for about 25mins.
Take off the heat and allow to cool before blending until smooth.
Return to the pan to heat through and then serve in warmed dishes garnished with a swirl of sour cream and crispy pancetta season with black pepper.

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