The Verdict ...
VEGGIE EVANGELISTS
To celebrate this month ’ s National Vegetarian Week , we take the opportunity to review some of the Parsnipship ’ s best vegetarian offerings . food / drink
IF you ’ re a regular visitor to farmers ’ markets in Cardiff and its surrounding towns , you may have stumbled across The Parsnipship and their unique vegetarian food . Established seven years ago and based in Ogmore Vale near Bridgend , The Parsnipship produce a tasty range of pies , crumbles , bakes and hot dishes to sell at markets across South Wales and inspire others to take their interest in vegetarian cuisine in a new direction . For those who ’ d like to learn how to make the most of seasonal veg from your garden and improve your own vegetarian and vegan cooking skills , The Parsnipship run a popular cookery school with monthly courses teaching people how to cook tasty , affordable and healthy meals
The Verdict ...
SHROPSHIRE BLUE AND SPINACH POTATO CAKE This gluten free potato cake is a strong-cheese lover ’ s dream . The Shropshire blue cheese was extremely powerful and was perhaps in danger of over-powering any other flavour in the potato cake , but the addition of spinach and mozzarella does well to balance the sour blue cheese . AB
GLAMORGAN CRUMBLE Packed with leek , carrot , mature cheddar , breadcrumbs and seasoning , once again this is a pie packed with strong flavours . Leek is the dominant flavour throughout , so if you ’ re not a fan then it ’ s probably best to avoid . The crispy case , the topping of melted cheese and the soft , crumbling pie on the inside , was a winning combination . AB
intuitively and without the need for recipes . For National Vegetarian Week , Parsnipship are running a Healthy Seasonal Family Cookery Course on Thurs 16 May , and at £ 50 per person , the three-hour course is sure to enliven your taste for inventive vegetarian cooking . Of course , if you ’ re more concerned about the threat of chopping off your finger whilst dicing carrots , pop along to the Parsnipship ’ s stalls at St Mary Street on Saturdays , Riverside Farmers ’ Market on Sundays , and Chapter pop-up markets on Wednesdays and let the experts tingle your tastebuds . Parsnipship can also be found at the Roath farmers ’ market every Saturday and monthly markets in Cowbridge , Mumbles and Undy .
TANDOORI LENTIL AND CHICKPEA BURGER As seems to be the case with most ‘ quality ’ burgers made out of dead things one sees nowadays , this is closer in size and shape to a tennis ball than a flattened patty , so might be a bit of a faff placed between a bun . Taste-wise it ’ s great stuff , though : spicy , but in a way that prioritises the flavour . NG
WILD MUSHROOM AND SUNFLOWER SEED PIE Given 20 minutes at gas mark 7 this takes on an agreeable texture : crisp on the outside and sort of sticky in the middle .
It has a nutty , earthy flavour for the most part , not unlike a nut roast . The large chunks of wild mushroom ( I can ’ t claim sufficient knowledge to identify them specifically ) are very chewy ; I suspect they were dried and soaked before being added , rather than fresh . NG
INDIAN SUMMER PIE This one was my favourite of the three . The pastry is golden , crisp and flaky with a thicker and stronger base which ably absorbs flavour . The sweet potato and chickpea filling is bolstered by a subtle spiciness . Even the size is perfect , assuming you have a side to add to your plate ( evening meal ) or are eating it on its own for lunch . NG
The Parsnipship Cookery School . Info : 01656 857130 / www . theparsnipship . co . uk / helen @ theparsnipship . co . uk
BUZZ 26
GOWER CHEESE AND CIDER WEEKEND
Gower Heritage Centre proudly puts forward its best selection of award-winning food and drink on Sat 11 and Sun 12 May at its annual Cheese And Cider weekend . The weekend offers visitors the chance to sample a vast array of locally produced cheeses and ciders , including their very own Mill House cider . If that isn ’ t enough , the festival will also have a choice of chutneys , pickles , arts and crafts on sale , as well as a Gower roast , BBQ and not forgetting the everpopular Welsh cream tea served throughout the day in the Mill Tearooms .
Info : 01792 371206 / www . gowerheritagecentre . co . uk
THE OLD SWAN INN BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL
Revel in the opportunity to try 18 ales and ciders at The Old Swan Inn Beer And Cider Festival from Fri 17-Sun 19 May . Tucked away in the beautiful surroundings of Llantwit Major , the historic Old Swan Inn will be cracking open their first keg on Friday lunchtime and keeping it flowing until the end of the weekend alongside some great live music from local bands , a quiz on the Sunday evening and a mammoth hog roast on the Saturday to keep everyone well fed . The selection of beverages includes products from the Gwynt Y Ddraig and Blaengawney breweries among others .
Info : 029 2064 6840 / www . knifeandforkfood . co . uk pic : NATE STEINER