Month: May 2023

Posted on

Pan-fried Hake with Lemon & Herb Butter Sauce

Hake is a fish native to the waters around Cornwall. With its white flakey flesh, pan-fried Hake makes a great alternative to the more traditional Cod. This hake recipe idea is served with a side of mixed vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Cornish hake fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the roasted vegetables:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, courgette & cherry tomatoes), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
pan-fried hake with lemon & herb butter sauce

Pan Fried Hake

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a baking dish, place the mixed vegetables. Drizzle them with olive oil & season with salt, pepper & dried oregano. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelised.
  3. While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the hake fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels & season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Use a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the hake fillets, skin side down, & cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets & cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
  5. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the butter, lemon slices, fresh parsley & thyme leaves to the skillet. Stir them together to combine.
  6. Return the hake fillets to the skillet, placing them on top of the lemon slices and herbs. Spoon the butter mixture over the fillets.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven & bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the hake fillets are cooked through and easily flake with a fork.
  8. Serve the Cornish hake fillets on a plate with roasted vegetables on the side. Drizzle any remaining butter sauce from the skillet over the fish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Posted on

Things to do in Porthleven

Visitors are never short of things to do in Porthleven. This quaint Cornish village boasts stunning natural beauty. With its wild rugged coastline, golden sandy beaches & breathtaking sea views. The village is situated on the Lizard Peninsula in the south of Cornwall. Which is renowned for its unspoiled landscapes & scenic walking routes. Whether you want to relax on the sandy shores or explore the coastal paths. The village is a fantastic base for nature lovers to explore the local area.

Porthleven is also famous for its historic harbour, which dates back to the early 19th century. The picturesque harbour is still a working port, and you can still watch colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water. It’s a great place to capture some memorable photographs or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

If you’re a food enthusiast, Porthleven will not disappoint. The village has gained a reputation in recent years as a foodie destination. With a variety of excellent restaurants & eateries serving up delicious cuisine. You can savour fresh seafood caught locally or indulge in other culinary delights from around the world. While at the same time enjoying stunning coastal views.

things to do in porthleven

Porthleven Harbour

Porthleven is a haven for surfers, attracting wave riders from near and far. The village is known for its consistent and powerful waves. Making it an ideal spot for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner, there are surf schools where you can take lessons & ride the waves under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Porthleven has a rich history that can be seen through its architecture & local landmarks. The iconic clock tower stands proudly near the harbour. You can visit the Porthleven Museum to learn about the village’s past. In particular its maritime heritage. The area is also dotted with historical sites & remnants of its recent industrial past.

The village has a charming & laid-back atmosphere. With its narrow streets, cozy cafes & art galleries. It’s a place where you can unwind, immerse yourself in the local culture & appreciate the slower pace of life. Whether you’re browsing unique shops or enjoying a cream tea. Porthleven offers a warm & welcoming ambiance.

Posted on

Newquay Zoo Visitors Guide

Newquay Zoo is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts in Cornwall. It offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals from around the world. Here is my Newquay Zoo visitors guide, to help you get the best of your day out at one of Cornwall’s premier attractions.

Over 1,000 animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and penguins, can be seen at Newquay Zoo. Thanks to a variety of interactive exhibits and feeding opportunities, visitors can see many of these animals up close like never before. Newquay Zoo also offers guided tours, that give visitors the chance to learn more via their team of informed and friendly staff members. These guides will tell you a lot more about the animals and their respective habitats.

The zoo offers a range of talks and presentations on various species and conservation issues throughout the day. These talks are a fantastic way to find out more about the animals and their environments. Most importantly, you can learn about the conservation efforts being made to ensure they remain out of danger from extinction.

newquay zoo visitors guide

Newquay Zoo is home to a variety of gardens and eco-systems. These include a tropical rainforest and even a desert landscape. This is in addition to the numerous animal enclosures. All of these areas are open for visitors to explore while learning more about the plants and animals that live there.

The children’s farm is a very popular part of the zoo. Kids can interact with and feed a variety of farm animals, such as goats, pigs and sheep. Also the outdoor adventure area is the ideal area for kids to play, where they can burn off some energy. There are numerous climbing structures and slides for them to have a fun play on safely.

There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic at Newquay Zoo once you have worked up an appetite. With benches and tables located throughout the grounds. Visitors can also purchase food and drinks from the zoo’s cafes and kiosks. The zoo’s gift shop also offers a wide variety of unique souvenirs and gifts. Including stuffed animals, t-shirts, and other merchandise. Proceeds from the gift shop help support the zoo’s long term conservation efforts.

Newquay Zoo is a fantastic destination for families and animal lovers. Offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Here is link to the the latest Newquay Zoo map to guide you on your visit.

Posted on

Cornish Chef’s – Paul Ainsworth

Paul Ainsworth is one of the most well known Cornish Chef’s and restaurateurs. Noted for his inventive & modern twist on traditional British food. He was born in Southampton, England, in 1979, but grew up in Cornwall. Ainsworth’s interest for cooking began at a young age. He began his professional culinary career in London, working for the legendary chef Gary Rhodes.

Paul Ainsworth then returned to Cornwall in 2004 to work at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. After obtaining valuable experience at a number of London’s premier fine dining restaurants. He quickly ascended the ranks, eventually becoming head chef in 2009. Ainsworth received a Michelin star during his tenure at the restaurant. For his inventive and imaginative approach to local seafood dishes.

He opened his own restaurant, No. 6, in Padstow in 2011 & it rapidly became known as one of the best in the UK. It currently holds a coveted Michelin star. Rojano’s in the Square, his second restaurant in the town, it opened in 2013. This eatery offers a more casual dining experience, with a big emphasis placed on Italian food.

cornish chef's

Paul & Emma Ainsworth

Paul along with his wife Emma relaunched The Mariners pub in Rock, Cornwall, in May, 2019. This pub looks over Cornwall’s stunning Camel Estuary. The menu at The Mariners focuses on British pub classics, while championing the best of local produce.

Paul is also regular fixture now also on British television, in addition to running his restaurants. Appearing on programmes including: BBC’s Saturday Kitchen & MasterChef. “Paul Ainsworth’s Kitchen Secrets,” is a cookbook he also wrote, providing an inside peek at his culinary methods, inspiration & recipes.

He is renowned for his dedication to utilising seasonally grown ingredients. His menus frequently include classic Cornish recipes with a contemporary twist. All of Paul’s restaurants are also known for being great venues for chefs learn & hone culinary talents.

Posted on

Stargazy Pie Recipe

The Stargazy Pie Recipe is a traditional Cornish dish that originated in the small fishing community of Mousehole in the English county of Cornwall. It is a one of a kind visually stunning pie. Recognised for its peculiar design, which features fish heads emerging through the pastry casing.

The arrangement of fish, typically herrings, within the pie is the pie’s defining feature. The entire fish, including their heads, are positioned to look to be peering up through the pastry. The pie gets its name from this presentation, which is claimed to resemble stars in the night sky.

The pie is customarily served on Tom Bawcock’s Eve. Which is celebrated in Mousehole on December 23rd each year. Tom Bawcock, according to folklore, was a brave fisherman who ventured out during a powerful storm to catch fish. Ensuring the town had enough food during a time of great famine. The Stargazy Pie is thought to have been invented to honour his bravery.

stargazy pie recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 6-8 small whole herrings, cleaned and deboned
  • 4-5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • 4-6 rashers of bacon
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fish stock (or vegetable stock as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out the pie crust and line a pie dish with it. Set aside.
  3. In a large pan, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  4. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in the fish stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Arrange the herring fillets in the pie dish, making sure the heads poke out of the crust. Place the halved hard-boiled eggs between the herrings, yolk side up.
  9. Pour the sauce over the fish and eggs, ensuring everything is evenly covered.
  10. Place the bacon rashers on top of the sauce, leaving some of the heads exposed.
  11. Cover the pie with the remaining pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
  12. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  13. Once cooked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Posted on

The Beast of Bodmin

A fabled beast known as The Beast of Bodmin is claimed to prowl the countryside of Cornwall. Over the years, numerous people have reported seeing this large, black animal with a panther like appearance. Sightings have persisted well into the twenty first century after the first reports of the monster surfaced in the late 1970’s.

There hasn’t been any concrete evidence to back up the allegations of the beast’s existence. Despite intensive efforts by researchers, wildlife experts, and locals. Others continue to insist that the beast is a real animal, that is still hidden in the rough terrain of Bodmin Moor. While some people think it is just a myth or the result of people’s overactive imaginations.

Many theories have been proposed to explain the creature’s origins. Some speculate that it was an exotic private pet released into the wild. While others speculate that it was a survivor from a a population of big cats, native to the British Isles. Others believe it is a hybrid of different species or a previously unknown type of animal.

beast of bodmin

What is the Beast of Bodmin?

Numerous research groups over the years have been set up in an attempt to discover the truth about the Beast of Bodmin. As well as numerous photographs and moving images, claiming to show the creature have been taken. However none of these images have been clear or conclusive, in order to prove the beast’s existence.

The legend of Beast of Bodmin continues to intrigue people all around the world. Despite the paucity of reliable proof. Other people see it as a cautionary tale about the risks of meddling with the natural world. While some see it as an intriguing mystery that may one day be solved. Whether or not the creature exists, its tale is certain to survive for a long time to come yet.

Posted on

Cornwall Air Ambulance

With the summer months approaching, it is important to recognise one of the most vital emergency services in Cornwall. The Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Cornwall Air Ambulance is a critical medical service that provides emergency air transport. Mostly to critically injured patients throughout the county. The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, a registered charity. Operates the air ambulance service, which is funded entirely by public donations. With its highly trained medical staff and state of the art equipment. The Cornwall Air Ambulance plays a pivotal role in providing rapid response emergency medical care, to those who need it most.

Cornwall Air Ambulance has 2 helicopters, both of which are fitted out with cutting edge medical technology. The aircraft are staffed by highly experienced paramedics and doctors. The helicopters are stationed at Cornwall Airport, Newquay. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service covers around 1000 square miles. It can reach any spot in the county of Cornwall within 20 minutes.

Cornwall Air Ambulance

cornwall air ambulance

Cornwall Air Ambulance provides emergency medical assistance to individuals who require immediate help. This could include people who have been in a catastrophic vehicle accident, had a cardiac arrest or serious injury in a recreational activity. Critically sick patients who need to be transferred between hospitals, can also benefit from the air ambulance.

Cornwall Air Ambulance is exclusively supported by charitable contributions and receives no government assistance. Every year, the charity relies on the generosity of the public to generate the £4.5 million a year that is required to keep the service going. The charity organisation has a dedicated fundraising staff team. They organise a variety of events and activities to raise funds for the service. The organisation also operates a number of stores right throughout the county. Where anyone who visits can contribute items to be sold. Or buy some of the products on sale, to help fund the air ambulance.