The Little Big Broughgammon Cookbook is out! It’s chock-full of meaty treats like Rabbit Stew and Roasted Goat Kid as well as various vegetable delights. Published by the Cole family at Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle, this is the perfect gift for forward-thinking foodies from the forward-thinking farmers. They specialise in free-range rose veal, cabrito goat kid meat and seasonal game.

Hero ingredients from local producers like Mike’s Fancy Cheese’s Young Buck and Bushmills whiskey are namechecked throughout. There’s a healthy mix of home-grown recipes from the Broughgammon folks and their customers as well as Food NI, Coppi and Jolly Pies.

It’s available now for £5 from www.broughgammon.com

Breakfast has a rich history and heritage in the UK and has long been hailed as the most important meal of the day.

To celebrate Breakfast Week (25^th – 31^st January 2015), here are some facts[i] to help whet your appetite…

Breakfast habits

• The average person sits down to breakfast at 7.31am during the week and 8.28 am at the weekend
• The nation’s favourite breakfast is a cooked breakfast, followed by porridge, breakfast cereal and then toast
• The breakfast foods we are most likely to eat during the week are wholegrain cereal (37%) followed by toast with spread (32%) and then porridge (27%)
• The most popular place to eat breakfast is at home at the table, either alone or with other members of the household, followed by on the sofa
• Taste, speed, filling, quick to prepare and health, are the most important factors when it comes to breakfast[ii]
• There is a growing trend for eating breakfast out of the home.[iii]

Breakfast skipping

• A worrying quarter (25%) of people are skipping breakfast once or more during the week, with more than one in ten (13%) never eating it
• Of women who skip breakfast, 29 per cent miss it because they are too busy getting ready
• 14 per cent of female breakfast skippers say they don’t eat in the morning because they are trying to lose or watch their weight
• Women are more likely to prioritise their hair and choosing clothes for the day than eating breakfast.

Breakfast food facts

• Bread is bought by 99 per cent of UK households and nearly the equivalent of 12 million loaves are sold each day – equivalent to 43 loaves per person, per year[iv]
• 124,000 hectares of oats are grown in the UK[v] – more than the area of Berkshire
• 1.9m hectares of wheat are grown in the UK^v – that’s almost the size of Wales
• Around 5.2 billion litres of milk are bought each year[vi]
• The UK produces 8,847 million eggs per year[vii] and more than a third of UK eggs are eaten at breakfast[viii]
• Kippers only became popular for breakfast in the UK after Queen Victoria ate them in Dalkeith in 1842^viii
• Every day, five million Britons will eat sausages[ix]
• Bacon is a £1.3 billion industry, with consumers currently purchasing 221.6 thousand tonnes per year. Rashers are the most popular form of bacon[x]
• British Bacon is part of our national heritage; there are records of the Romans salting sides of bacon as early as 200BC and Julius Caesar brought his own bacon with him when he landed in ancient Britain in 55BC.x

 

Quirky breakfast facts

• The celebrity people in the UK would most like to have breakfast with is Holly Willoughby
• The world’s first breakfast cereal was created in 1863 and needed soaking overnight to be chewablevⁱⁱⁱ
• The world record for the most people eating breakfast in bed is 289 and was set in Sydney, Australia on 2^nd March in 2012. It involved 85 queen size beds containing four people each[xi]
• Scientists have uncovered a statistical relationship between a person’s character, lifestyle and social class and whether they like their eggs boiled, fried, scrambled or as an omelette.[xii]

• Poached egg eaters tend to be outgoing, listen to upbeat music and have happy dispositions
• Boiled egg eaters are disorganised
• Fried egg fans have a high sex drive
• Scrambled egg lovers are more guarded
• Omelette eaters are self disciplined

• The world’s largest breakfast on record involved 27,854 people and took place in Germany on 29 May 2005[xiii]
• The largest bowl of porridge weighs 865 kg and was achieved in Tula, Russia on 10 September 2011.[xiv]

Breakfast Week is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of breakfast and is organised on behalf of UK cereal farmers and producers. Every year, hundreds of breakfast events take place around the country and the Best Breakfast Awards return for a second year to search for the UK’s best breakfast dishes being served in eateries around the country.

 

For inspiring breakfast recipes, to vote in the Best Breakfast Awards or find a local Breakfast Week event to you, visit www.shakeupyourwakeup.com.  

 

Keep up to date with news and activities on Twitter @breakfastweek and www.facebook.com/shakeupyourwakeup where you can share your breakfast moments in a photo competition.

 

 

[i] Unless stated otherwise, the majority of the breakfast facts have come from a survey conducted on behalf of Breakfast Week by One Poll. 2,000 UK adults were surveyed online between Friday 29^th November and Monday 2^nd December 2013

[ii] Kantar World Panel Breakfast July 2014

[iii] http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/rise-and-shine-its-breakfast-time/4006806.article

[iv] http://www.nabim.org.uk/statistics/flour-and-bread-consumption

[v] DEFRA Census of Agriculture and Horticulture, June 2011

[vi] http://www.thisisdairyfarming.com/discover/dairy-farming-facts/how-much-milk-do-we-drink-in-the-uk/

[vii] http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/855/poultry-production-in-england

[viii] http://www.express.co.uk/fun/top10facts/372254/Top-10-facts-about-breakfast

[ix] http://www.lovepork.co.uk/pork-products-cuts/sausages/sausage-faqs/

[x] http://www.lovepork.co.uk/pork-products-cuts/bacon/bacon-facts/

[xi]  http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1000/most-people-eating-breakfast-in-bed/

[xii] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9573822/A-persons-way-of-eating-eggs-can-predict-personality-type.html

[xiii] http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/1000/largest-continental-breakfast-(attendance)

[xiv] http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/4000/largest-bowl-of-porridge

Christmas is coming to Inns Market on Saturday 13 December at 10am-3pm with 28 stalls in total, 23 of which are local, fresh and artisan food producers.

Inns Market continues to grow from strength to strength each month since it was established in June of this year. Joining the market on Saturday will be the Krazi Baker, baking his specialty hotplate breads right on site and newcomer to the market scene, Cheeky Bakes with their range of gluten free and paleo friendly treats.

Regular stallholders such as Passion Preserved, Broughgammon, Still Waters Fishing, Go Yeast Breads, Cheese-makers – Kearney Blue and Young Buck, will be in residence as well as artisan bakers, Man Made, Mange Tout, Little Treats, and Doughzy Donuts. We are privileged to have 2 indigenous award winning rapeseed oil producers, Broighter Gold and Harnett Oils, both of which make excellent gifts for the foodies in your life.

As it is Christmas, we couldn’t be without a turkey, and specialist Turkey farm, Buchanan Turkeys, will be providing tastings of their delectable turkey and taking orders for delivery directly to your door, or for collection at the Inns on 23 December.

Indeed a number of our producers will be taking orders on Saturday for a special pick-up service at The Inns on 23 December, 9am-11am. In addition to Buchanan Turkeys, Cherry Valley Farm will be taking orders for all your vegetable needs and Mange Tout for your freshly baked Christmas goodies.

Inns Market is all about keeping it local and ensuring that each market is a pleasurable and social experience for everyone, including the small visitors to the market, so especially for Christmas, Gemini Faces will be back offering face painting. To complete the Christmas package, local businesses, Lecky & Golden will be selling Christmas garlands, table arrangements and wreaths, with Pat’s Newsagent selling Christmas Trees and turf.

We hope to see you there, Saturday 13 December, 10am-3pm.

       

TV chef Phil Vickery is calling on the nation to shake up its wake up and celebrate the most important meal of the day this Breakfast Week (25^th– 31^st January 2015). Breakfast Week is organised on behalf of UK cereal farmers and producers, who grow and make the foods we all enjoy at breakfast.

Research shows that eating breakfast can give you more energy, help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, mood and may even help you to manage your weight^{[i],[ii],[iii],[iv]}. However, a survey[v] conducted for Breakfast Week shows that a worrying quarter (25%) of people are skipping breakfast once or more during the week, with more than one in ten (13%) never eating it. Getting ready for the day takes priority for 28 per cent, followed by catching up on sleep (25%).  Despite this, 25% of people complain of feeling tired and low in energy if they have missed breakfast.

[i] Breakfast Skipping and Health Compromising Behaviors in Adolescents and Adults, Helsinki University, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation July 2003

Chef Phil Vickery said: “With busy lifestyles we sometimes neglect breakfast, but in my opinion it provides many benefits and helps set you up for the day ahead.  With so much choice and variety, you will be able to find something to suit your lifestyle. It’s also one of the meals that I think as a nation we do best, so why not give it a go this Breakfast Week and see the difference eating breakfast can make.”

Phil Vickery shares his top breakfast tips to shake up your wake up:

• How to make the perfect porridge: Well, believe it or not I find the best way is in a microwave. Yes, microwave! I add double the amount of water or milk to oats and cook over a high heat for 2 minutes. Remove, stir well and cook for a further couple of minutes. The more you stir the creamier it will become. In fact I have found that making it the day before and re-warming is just as good.

• The best and easiest way to poach an egg: Add a little salt to boiling water, plus add a little acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, this will help to set the whites. The other thing to remember is the fresher the egg the better as the white sets quickly and coats the yolk perfectly. Once the egg is half cooked, lift the pan off the stove and leave for a couple of minutes to finish cooking perfectly.

 

• For deliciously crispy bacon: I always say that to get crispy bacon, the best thing to do is fry gently, so the meat crispens in its own fat, or grill on a medium heat, and cook gently. The golden rule of cooking any pork joint or product, is to cook slower and for slightly longer for the best results.

• Perfect pancakes: Hot pan, I use lard to cook my pancakes in (my mother swore by it) plus make sure the mix is not too thick. These can also be made the day before and cling filmed, then warmed to order.

• Give your granola the wow factor:

• When I make my own granola, I mix all the dry ingredients together with sugar or syrup and gently bake in a moderate oven so the ingredients are toasted. It gives the finished cereal a lovely colour, crunchiness and taste. Then cool, break up and add the dried fruit

 

As part of the celebrations to help inspire people to reprioritise breakfast, the Best Breakfast Awards are returning for a second year and you can help choose the winner! Eateries of all types, from cafes and coffee shops through to restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and food vans, will all be calling on their customers to support them. You can vote for your favourite breakfast dish from December at www.shakeupyourwakeup.com and the winners will be announced during Breakfast Week. Phil Vickery will also be personally visiting one venue to give out a special judges award for the most unique or innovative breakfast, so you could find yourself at the next table to the TV chef himself!

Hundreds of breakfast events will also be taking place around the country during the week. These range from breakfast promotions and special offers through to local community breakfasts and breakfast tastings.

For inspiring breakfast recipes, to vote in the Breakfast Awards or find a local event to you, visit www.shakeupyourwakeup.com.

Keep up to date with news and activities on Twitter @breakfastweek and www.facebook.com/shakeupyourwakeup where you can share your breakfast moments in a photo contest.

[ii] The Cognitive Effects of Breakfast Study, Mindlab Laboratory, Sussex Innovation Centre, Brighton (March 2012)

[iii] Cognitive Drug Research, in conjunction with HGCA (2004)

[iv] A three-month trial at San Raffaele Rome Open University where two groups of women had identical diets but one group ate 70% of their calories at breakfast, morning snack and lunch; and the second group had 55% and the rest of their calories in the afternoon and evening. Both groups lost weight but the morning eaters lost more weight than the afternoon group. Reported in the Daily Mail in June 2014http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2653256/Why-big-breakfast-helps-lose-weight.html

[v] A survey conducted on behalf of Breakfast Week by One Poll. 2,000 UK adults were surveyed online between Friday 29^th November and Monday 2^nd December 2013

Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council in partnership with Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) and Dungannon Traders Association are prepping for the town’s first outdoor artisan Christmas Food Fair in Market Square, which will showcase local produce at its finest.

The fair will run for three days from Friday 12^th to Sunday 14^th December alongside late night shopping, street entertainment and it will incorporate a variety of Christmas treats to offer a unique visitor experience.

Mayor of Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council, Councillor Roger Burton said “We are excited about Dungannon’s first outdoor food fair, which is situated in our newly completed civic space at Market Square. It will offer visitors the chance to indulge in some flavoursome treats and cherry pick unique gifts for Christmas. Foodie fans will be delighted with treats including chocolate, mince pies, hot food, cordials, homemade tray bakes, festive flowers and more.

A range of events happening in the town throughout December will promote Dungannon as a retail centre of excellence and a unique destination for all to enjoy. Late night shopping, lots of free car parking, the artisan food fair and the £2,500 Golden Ticket competition are just some of the reasons that Dungannon certainly has festive appeal this year.

Dungannon Events 12^th-14^th December, 2014

• Artisan Food Fair in Market Square- official launch with the Mayor on Friday 12^th December

• Opening times of Fair- Friday 12^th 1-8pm, Saturday 13^th 9am-5pm, Sunday 14^th 1-5pm

• Late night shopping until 8pm on Friday 12^th December and Sunday 14^th December 1pm to 5pm.

• FREE car parking at Ann street, Perry Street and Scotch Street Pay & Display Car parks. Please note: Castle Hill Car Park is Pay and Display Monday to Friday and free on Saturday/ Sunday.

• Q Radio 106 Roadshow on Friday afternoon from 2pm in Market Square.

• Live street acts, family fun entertainment on Saturday 13^th & Sunday 14^th.

• Cinderella Pantomime, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre. Show times: Friday 12^th at 7.30pm and Saturday 13^th at 11am, 2pm and 7.30pm.

 

• To book call Ranfurly House on 02887728600.

• Christmas Crafts for Ages 4-8 years in Dungannon Library on Saturday 13^th Booking essential – Tel: 028 87722952

• Free Jumping Clay Workshop (Suitable for 4+) in Ranfurly House Tel: 028 8772 8600.

 

For more information on Dungannon Christmas events please visit www.dungannonlife.com or follow us Dungannon Life facebook.

Simple Power And Rural Support’s Hamper Scheme Unites 17 Agri-Businesses to Help Families in Need

Rural Support, which has teamed up again this year with wind energy company, Simple Power, to launch its biggest ever ‘Christmas Hamper Scheme’, has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of Northern Ireland food and drink producers.
Some of the biggest names in the local agri-food business have pledged their support to help farming and rural families in need, with over 17 companies donating food and drink items so far. After the success of last year, and through the kindness of Northern Ireland agri-businesses, Rural Support and Simple Power hope to provide up to 100 hampers for hard-hit families across Northern Ireland.
The generous donors include Ballyeamon Eggs, Cavanagh Eggs, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Comber Potato Company, Dale Farm, DJ’s Juice and Apple Cider, Dungannon Vineyard Church, Karro Food Group, The Krazi Baker, Mash Direct, Moy Park, Punjana Tea, Rural Development Council, South Antrim Community Network, Tayto, Tesco and the Ulster Farmers’ Union.

Rural Support’s Development Director, Jude McCann, said “I’m delighted with the response we have received to date. More agri-food producers than ever have signed up to support the campaign. We would like to sincerely thank Simple Power who have been instrumental in developing and co-ordinating the scheme and enabling us to reach more families this year. We have also been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local agri-producers’ donations, especially given the added pressures these companies are generally under during the festive season. Their support is much needed and will make a great difference to a rural family in need this Christmas.” Rural Support provides support for farmers and rural families through a helpline offering a listening and signposting service. It deals with a range of issues including emotional distress, physical and mental health, farming paperwork and bureaucracy. Rural Support has also recently launched a pilot project focusing on Financial Stress, providing one-to-one financial mentoring aimed at those experiencing debt or financial issues relating to the farm business and were stress is impacting mental health and well- being.
Simple Power Chief Executive, Philip Rainey, commented, “We are delighted by the support shown from local agri-producers for our Christmas Hamper Scheme in partnership with Rural Support. Christmas can be a very special time for many but it’s important to acknowledge that it can also be a difficult time of year for those in hardship, particularly within the rural community. With the support of the local producers, the hampers will go some way towards providing a little Christmas cheer, alongside Rural Support’s very beneficial support service.”