Out & About December 2017

OA food & drink

Seasonal fish stakes It’s always a challenge to stay ahead in the preparations for Christmas, but SIMON RHODES thinks fish is a front-runner in the alternative food championships the final hurdle for Christmas W e are all under starter’s orders as Christmas is galloping towards us quicker than a racehorse in the Grand National and it won’t be long before the conversation inevitably turns towards the Christmas dinner. salmon, scallops and of course oysters. Start the great meal with a few oysters, served with a selection of tangy accompaniments, such as the classic white wine and finely some herb butter and place under the grill for about 4-5 minutes until the butter has melted. We can prepare your lobsters live or cooked to your requirements.

chopped shallots, or lemon and tobacco, or my favourite – very finely grated ginger, soy sauce and a hint of wasabi. All of our oysters come from Colchester and go through a rigorous purification process. Salmon paté is always well-received. Simply blitz up some soft cream cheese, crème fraîche, zest of a lemon, then add some smoked salmon and pulse blitz until you have a nice paté. Season to taste and finally stir in some chopped fresh dill. Serve with warm crusty bread. Lobsters make the most amazing starter. Simply halve a cooked lobster, dress with

If ever there was a time of year to indulge in good quality food, Christmas must surely be that time. Explore the difference in fresh, quality produce. Take your time and create an amazing dish that is a bit different from the norm, get excited about food and become part of an exclusive club of ‘galloping gourmets’ and call yourself a ‘foodie’. We at The Lobster Pot and Cobbs Farmshop will help you every step of the way. You are under starters orders, but with quality ingredients you are odds on favourite to have an amazing Christmas without a steward’s enquiry.

As we approach the final hurdle, turkey is the great favourite, but hang on – in the last few years fish has been coming up on the outside as a popular alternative. However, it’s odds-on that someone in the family is not that keen on fish. But can they be tempted? Fish and seafood can be very versatile and can suit any occasion. So, from a simple starter or canapé to the main event, fish and seafood can provide a simple, exciting addition to the festive season. Lobsters are the front-runners in the popularity stakes, closely followed by the Lobster Pot’s stunning organic salmon fillet, locally smoked

Simon Rhodes owns: The Lobster Pot Fishmongers. Cobbs Farmshop, Bath Road, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0SP Telephone: 01488 686770

37