Celebrate Cake Month

We are always looking for excuses to eat cake, well here’s a perfect one.

The Anglo Saxons called February ‘Solmonath’ or cake month because cakes were offered to the Gods during this month.

‘

Sol’ is the old English word for ‘mud’ and traditionally the name referred to the difficulty farmers had with muddy fields. Something we can certainly relate to today with all the rain!  The reference to cakes comes from an Old English Charm used to make the fields fertile.

So there’s your excuse. Here are some unusual cake ideas to give you inspiration. Why not try them? Pop into The Gastronomy Shop and see what ingredients we have to help you.

F aworki
     Origin: Poland
     Traditional sweet crisp dough pastry strips, deep fried and sprinkled with sugar.

E sterhazy torte
     Origin: Austria
    Hungarian cake composed of spiced buttercream between layers of almond macaroon dough.

B oston Cream Pie
    Origin: America
   A cream or custard filled cake with a rich chocolate topping.

R um Baba
    Origin: Italy
   A small yeast cake soaked in rum and filled with whipped cream.

U pside-down Cake
      Origin: America
     A fruit based cake, best served upside-down.

A ngel Cake
  Origin: UK
  A layered sponge cake in pink, white and yellow with a thin layer of icing.

R uske kape
   Origin: Bosnia
   Round chocolate or vanilla flavoured cakes coated with coconut and topped with chocolate.

Y ōkan
    Origin: Japan
    Sliced jellied desert made of red bean paste, agar and sugar. 

Top Ten New Year Foodie Resolutions

Everyone makes New Year resolutions and 2014 isn't any different. Ours is 

“To breathe life into the Gastronomy Shop and re invigorate it as a centre point of the Gnosall community” 

We list our top ten foodie resolutions to help you on your way with yours. 

1. Eat Local 

Buying food from local shops and farmers is a great way to not only help the environment but also see where your food is coming from. It also puts money back into the local economy, so you get a feel good factor too. 

2. Eat Seasonal

Seasonal produce is usually fresher and tastier and therefore brings nutritional benefits to your diet without damaging the taste.  Buying from local producers means you’ll get some of the best seasonal goods.

3. Eat Breakfast 

Getting up and ready for a busy day at work or school can be hard enough, but eating breakfast has been scientifically proven to kick start your body, giving you energy for the day ahead.  Having breakfast has also been linked with weight loss, skipping it means your body indulges more at lunch time. 

4. Eat Regularly

Eating three meals a day gives your body the time it needs to digest food properly. It also means that you cut out snacks, making a much healthier diet. 

5. Eat Healthy 

Making sure you eat fruit and vegetables not only improves your health but it’s also been found to improve your mood as well. 

6. Eat Colour 

Colourful foods usually contain the most nutritional value and let’s face it; it makes meals look a lot more interesting. Try to get at least three colours on each plate and see if it makes a difference. 

7. Eat Slowly

Eating your food slowly is easy and yet it can have massive effects, just by chewing slowly. Not only will you enjoy the meal more but it’s also better for your digestion and improves stress levels. 

8. Eat New things 

Try something new, you never know it might be your new favourite thing. Try a new recipe or buy something you’ve never tried before. Aim to taste something new at least once a month, you might be pleasantly surprised. (We have plenty of ideas in the Gastronomy Shop)

9. Eat Wisely, End Waste

Throw less away, measure portion sizes or shop for specific meals to avoid getting food you won’t eat. If you do cook too much, place it in a container for the next day, or freeze it for later.  

10. Eat Social 

Sit down and eat with your friends or family as often as you can. It gives you a chance to spend time with each other and discuss good food. Try sharing recipes and tips with your friends too.  Visit local cafés and shops together, make it a social occasion. 

They’re easier than you think! New Year Resolutions don’t have to be expensive or time consuming. We hope to see you in 2014 and wish you all the best with your resolutions.