We are getting really excited about the Malton Food Lovers Festival. Today we received confirmation that we our two Falcon demonstration cookers are on their way. We have ordered a cream 1092 deluxe with chrome controls and a black 1000 deluxe both with gas hobs. These cookers combine stylish design with professional build quality and durability. Both cookery theatres will be using Falcon cookers to take advantage of the many features that have become synonymous with the Falcon name. Most of the celebrity chefs love demonstrating on these cookers, especially as they grace the very best commercial kitchens throughout the UK.

A big well done to Jo Mason the winner of the Ladies Open AGA Total Control qualifier  race at Hornby Castle.



The weather looked grim as we drove the show trailer through the deer park gates and on to the old turf surrounding Hornby Castle.  This was the home of the Bedale hunt point to point. However the grey skies did not put off the punters who turned out in force on this Easter Saturday meeting.



We nestled our show trailer next to the lovely people at Field House Saddlery on our left and I'anson feeds on our right, both local businesses with strong connections to many of the Bedale field.



By the time the first race started the weather had relented and we even had some sunshine, yes it was actually warm enough to crack open the rose wine. Although of course there were those individuals unable to share due to the rigours of lent. Even Charlotte the multi-skilled race announcer was unable to eat our special chocolate cake because chocolate was given up for lent. (Gosh did we feel unholy drinking wine and eating chocky).



Thankfully our super photographers had not availed themselves of any religious constraint and allowed us to ply them with cake and soup in liberal doses. Most necessary in Pam's case as her hands were so cold she could barely operate the shutter.



The big race of the day for us was of course the Ladies Open. Jo mason had the last minute ride on the striking grey Blandings Castle as original jockey Pippa Tutty is still recovering from her crashing fall at Wetherby. With Jo's cousin Jackie Coward as odds on favourite Jo had some big shoes to step in to. However showing her spirit right from the start she led the whole way around. Jackie tried hard on the diminutive Narciso but couldn't quite match the stride of the big grey, and the scope of his bold jumping style. So victory was Jo's and as she brightly said it was really a victory for Pippa too.



We thoroughly enjoyed our day and thanks must go to Hannah Bryce and the lovely Lupe the chihuahua and David, Richard and Judy for coming along to support us and help on the stand. Hopefully most have them (and their livers) have dried out by now. We are looking forward to seeing some of our ladies from Yorkshire at Cheltenham.

Easter is one of our favourite times of the year because not only is there chocolate in abundance but also lots of lovely cakes and baked goodies. This simnel cake is a particular favourite and it wouldn’t be Easter without it.  Ingredients 200g (7 oz) plain flour 1 tsp mixed spice ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 175g (6 oz) butter 175g (6 oz) light soft brown sugar 1 lemon, grated rind 4 eggs, beaten 55g (2 oz) ground almonds 700g (1lb 9 oz) mixed fruit with peel 85g (3 oz) glace cherries, quartered 55g (2 oz) blanched almonds, chopped 700g (1lb 9 oz) white almond paste 1 egg white or 1 tbsp apricot jam Method Butter and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin. Sift the flour and the spices together. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy and gradually beat in the eggs and lemon rind, adding some flour towards the end to avoid the mixture curdling. Fold in the remaining flour and ground almonds, then the fruit, cherries and chopped almonds. Place half the mixture into the cake tin. Roll out a quarter of the almond paste and lay on top of the mixture and press down lightly, spread the remaining fruit cake mixture on top and level. Bake for about 5-6 hours on the grid shelf placed on the floor of the Simmering Oven. Alternatively cook in the Aga Cake Baker in the Roasting Oven for 1¼-1½ hours.

We are getting ready for the Queen's Jubilee here at Country Warmth.



Check out these lovely accessories to get your party celebrations going!


From hob covers to tea towels, mugs and dishes, we have everything your kitchen needs...

To make your mouth water this Easter!!

Here are a few snaps from today's cookery demonstration - Spring & Easter Entertaining.


Guests enjoyed some yummy treats and we all enjoyed the glorious sunshine!

WHEN? Saturday April 7, 2012
 
START TIME? First race is at 12.30pm, parading at 12 noon (first two races are Pony Races)
 
LOCATION:   Hornby, North Yorkshire DL8 1NQ
  
ADMISSION PRICE: £25 per car or £10 per person if less than three people in the vehicle






Call us for details!
 

AGA is thrilled to announce the launch of its new blog – The World According to Lady AGA.

As well as posting recipes, AGA cooking tips, guest blog posts, news and, of course, uniting AGA owners across the world, Lady AGA will also be indulging in a little sociology by offering a tongue-in-cheek, sideways glance at the different types of AGA owners she has met.

Visit AGA to find out more.

We hosted one of our 'beginners guide to AGA cooking' demonstrations on Wednesday night.