We all have a favourite recipe, maybe something we learned to cook from a parent or grandparent, or perhaps a dish that reminds us of a place we miss. Something easy and nourishing, or a dish that helps use up leftovers.
What’s your favourite recipe? The FoodFutures Closing Loops project would like to know in the winter recipe challenge. Recipes should either use ingredients that are local and seasonal to North Lancashire, or have something to do with local history. Recipes could also reflect the great diversity of food cultures that we have in our region.
Along with your recipe, we’d love to hear the story behind it. Who taught you how to cook this recipe? What does it mean to you, or remind you of? Where do you get the ingredients, and can you recommend any substitutions according to season, availability and as an alternative to meat and dairy?
Choosing local and seasonal produce has many benefits. We can reduce the need for imports that are transported over long distances, avoid energy-intensive cold storage and help lower carbon emissions. Supporting local growers, farmers and producers strengthens our local economy, keeping money circulating within the community. And seasonal ingredients are often fresher and packed with flavour, and they can be more affordable, which makes them a win-win for both your plate and the environment.
By putting plant-based foods centre stage on your plate and reducing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy you can do an extra bit for the climate.
Produce that’s in season at this time of the year includes brassicas like Brussels sprouts, winter cabbage, swede and kale. Leeks, parsnips and mushrooms can see us through winter, and potatoes, onions, beetroot and some varieties of apples and squashes can be stored.
To participate in the North Lancashire winter recipe challenge, email your recipe along with a photo to silvia_cl [at] globallink.org.uk. The photo(s) of your dish should be high-resolution and present the dish including its plate or container.
All recipes sent in before 31st January 2025 will enter a prize draw. The three lucky winners will get a £25 voucher to spend at Gather North Lancashire Food Hub, the new online marketplace for locally grown seasonal food.
All recipes will also be considered for publication in North Lancashire’s community food magazine THRIVE, which features recipes that reflect the season using at least some local ingredients.
Winners will be notified by email and announced in March 2025 at Lancaster’s Spring Market and in the March 2025 edition of THRIVE. The next issue of THRIVE will be the Midwinter one, and you can pick up your free copy at Lancaster’s Midwinter Market on 13 December.
