That’s the message from Chris Lennon of Radcliffe Butchers of Malew Street in Castletown. Chris or ‘Lenny’ as he is also known is stressing this message following on from National Butchers week that was held between 15 and 20 March.

Radcliffe Butchers has been supplying the highest quality local Manx meat for over 27 years in Castletown and they pride themselves in offering the highest standards of produce, choice and personal service.

Chris commented ” It’s about building up a personal relationship with our customers. We can offer advice on the choice of meat, the right cut and also how you can prepare, carve and serve the meat to ensure that you get most satisfaction from the dish.By supporting your local butcher you are also supporting the Manx farming industry and also the local countryside and whats more, local Manx meats are packed full of flavour.”

So take the time to visit your local butcher or head to Castletown, but if you can’t, then all is not lost as soon you will be able to shop online at www.radcliffebutchers.com

Some dates for the diaries for all you Isle of Man food lovers out there.

Isle of Man Queenie Festival 1 July 2010 – 5 July 2010

The islands first food festival and now in its third year, The Isle of Man Queenie Festival is an annual event held to celebrate one of the Island’s favourite local seafoods , the Queen Scallop, more commonly known on the Isle of Man as the Queenie. Lots of family fun and entertainment, cooking demos, barbecues, recipe competitions and Marine fun.

Southern District Agricultural Show 31 July 2010 – 1 August 2010

An Agricultural Show held at the Great Meadow, Castletown. Lots of livestock, local producers, cookery, stalls, Young Farmers and a great day out for all the family.

Royal Manx Agricultural Show 13 August 2010 – 14 August 2010

The Isle of Man’s showcase farming and producer show.Dog show , Horse show, motor bike display , Craft stalls , Falconry Displays . Lots of livestock, local producers, cookery, stalls, Young Farmers and a great day out for all the family.

Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival Dates to be confirmed

The Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival is a celebration of the very best of Manx produce. The festival normally takes place in September at the Villa Marina gardens. Check out the 2009 Isle of Man Food Festival here.

If and when I find out more I will post them up here.

Here is a bit of a list that Gourmet Shark has put together for some food resolutions for 2010!

1. Shop local – If you’re shopping make a special effort to find Manx food. Always check the label and check where the food has come from? Look out for the Manx produce and the I love Manx logo in the supermarkets or head to one of the local farmers markets around the island.

2. Eat seasonal food – Not only does it taste really good, but it’s also much better for you and provides many of the nutrients we need to stay healthy. Download What’s in season (pdf) Coming Soon!

3. Try a local dish – When next in a pub or restuarant, try a local local beer with a local speciality for an authentic experience that reflects the character of the Isle of Man it could be local seafood or Loughton Lamb. Ask the staff what they would recommend.

4. Try something different – Explore what the Isle of Man has to offer, there are loads of producers sprouting up all the time, its not just meat and cheese. What about the Apple Orphanage and their Elderflower Keshal or Cocoa Reds handmade chocolates, not only is it all good stuff, its also a bit of fun!

5. Pick your own – You can’t beat being able to enjoy fresh fruit selected and picked by yourself. There is the farm at the White Bridge just outside Onchan (can’t remember the name) or simply have scrabble in the hedgerows for some blackberries.

6. Cook a Manx meal for friends or at least use Manx produce – Nothing beats Manx Queenies or Pork Chops, there really is so more on offer these days it really is more than just spuds and Herring (although that is pretty tasty!)

7. Get along to a food event - There are the Saturday Farmers Markets, but don’t forget events like the Southern Agricultural Show, The Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival and the Isle of Man Queenie Festival just to name but a few.

8. Why not grow your own - Eating food you have grown yourself – even if it is just a few spuds is very satisfying. Lettuce, herbs and carrots are easy to grow and you do not need much space to do it – I am even going to give it a go but more about that another time!

9. Have a Manx BBQ – Get yourself out and about to many of the local beaches or simply in your back garden. Try some local steaks or marinade some lamb. Not only is BBQ food so tasty its a great way to socialise with neighbours or friends.

10. Celebrate the local harvest – Support one of the many local of Harvest Festivals or Mhelliah’s. They are a celebration, help to raise money for the local community and some are even held in the pub – no excuse!

The main thing is to enjoy the wide variety of local food and produce of the Isle of Man.

Christmas comes to Paddy’s Market, bringing more mouth-watering produce than ever before…

Food lovers from all over the Island regularly flock to Paddy’s Market in Port St Mary for its great variety of delicious, quality produce. Now, the team behind Paddy’s is planning two special Christmas markets, so you can fill your basket with seasonal eats, pick up great new food ideas and support local business as you go.

Paddy’s Christmas Markets will take place on Saturday 19th December from 10am to 2pm, and on Tuesday 22nd December from 5pm to 9pm. There’ll be stalls laden with a huge variety of fare and as you wander around, you’ll be able to savour the smells, tastes and sounds of the season.

On the fruit and vegetable stall, you’ll find a selection of home-grown and specially imported produce, including familiar favourites and more exotic alternatives. From crisp salad leaves and wild rocket to brussels sprouts, cauliflower and carrots, you’ll find all the perfect partners for your Christmas roast. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try roasting our purple truffle potatoes in goose fat?

Paddy’s will also welcome Radcliffe’s butchers of Castletown to the weekly markets. Butcher, Tony Crook will be selling their range of award-winning sausages, dry cured bacon and other succulent meats, as well as the usual Christmas trimmings.

At the heart of Paddy’s Market the famous fresh fish and seafood, sourced from local and British waters. The smoked salmon, seafood platters and dressed lobster prepared by Pad, Ian, Dave and Terry were all a big hit last year, so make sure to place your order early this time (pre-order forms are now available).

Moving further afield, there will also be a superb selection of cheese and charcuterie from around the world and the friendly, helpful team will be more than happy to put together a cheese board or suggest the ideal anti pasti for your meal.

The main emphasis at Paddy’s remains on showcasing the best of Manx produce and the Christmas Market is a great way to do just that. They will also have organic herbs and preserves from Staarvey Farm, fresh bread and other baked goodies from Liz at The Good Loaf, and hand-made confectionary from Karl at Cocoa Red. They say that Christmas is a time for indulgence – and who are we to argue?

It’s also a time for enjoying traditional treats: that’s why Paddy’s Chef Ian will be busy preparing homemade gravy, brandy butter, rum sauce, chestnut stuffing, mince pies and Christmas puds for your delight.

When you’re surrounded by food this tempting, it can be hard to wait ’til Christmas Day. The good news is, you don’t have to – following the tradition of German yuletide markets, they will be dishing out piping hot soup, hog roast and bratwursts to all who attend. Lastly, to make sure you’re warmed through and through, Martin from Bushy’s will be serving up gluhwein as well as selling his excellent bottled beer.

So, be sure to head down to Paddy’s Market on the Quay (in front of the Yacht Club) in Port St Mary on 19th and 22nd December and share in the festive spirit.

If you would like a Christmas order form or to join us and set up a stall, contact Tim on 834494.

What you need

Manx Scallops – depends on how many your cooking for, 3 per person is a good amount.
Black Pudding – don’t think it’s made over here I used the Burnley stuff from Shoprite!
Frozen or Fresh Peas
Fresh Mint – Staarvey Farms are good for this
1 shallot
Salt and pepper
Fresh cream – Isle of Man Creameries

What to do

To make the Pea and Mint Puree
Lightly cook the Shallots in a pan with the butter.
Boil the peas for 10 mins until they just start softening up then drain.
With a food processer of blitzer, whizz up the peas, cream, shallots, fresh mint into a smooth puree. You can add a drop of water or cream to get it to a silky consistency. Then set aside

How to cook the Manx Scallops & Black Pudding

Get your pan red hot with a little amount of vegetable oil, the hotter the better!
Place your sliced black pudding on. After a minute turn this over and cook the other side.
Once you have turned the pudding add the scallops too
Remove the black pudding pudding and drain on kitchen roll.

Gourmet Shark Tip: Don’t move the scallops around in the pan, you want them to catch and begin to colour, when you have a bit of colour then turn them. Don’t be scared they don’t need to be cooked for long at all Only a minute to minute and a half each side!

Once both side have good golden colour remove and set aside.

Now build your dish, place a scallop on top of the pudding with the puree around the side.

This is an ideal starter or could be made into a main with a few chunky chips on the side! Delicious and simple!

I make these regulary with my 3 year old daughter, she loves making them and Daddy loves eating them! Good old fashioned Sunday afternoon fun!

What you need

1 pack of chocolate chips.
150grams of soft Isle of Man Creameries butter.
2 ½ cups of Laxey Glen Mills flour.
2 tablespoons of coco powder
4 medium eggs from Staarvey Farms
1 cup of sugar.
¼ cup of milk.
1 tablespoon of baking powder.
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Good pinch of teaspoon of salt.

What to do

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)

Beat the butter and the vanilla extract together to form a light, airy mixture

Add the eggs one at a time, and beat gently

Add ¼ cup of the sugar after each egg and mix thorougly

Put the baking powder and salt in the milk, then add to the mixture

Fold in the flour, cocoa powder and the chocolate chips

Pour the mix into your muffin cups, rougly ¾ full

Bake for 20- 25 minutes or until muffins turn golden brown

Leave to cool on baking rack

Offer to make numerous cups of tea so that you have another excuse to sample your muffin delights!

Serves 4 – 3 Scallops each or two if you really love Scallops like me!

What you need
12 scallops,
6 slices Oaked Smoked streaky bacon (Moore’s is good for this)
1 Lime
Yep that’s it! Sometimes simple food is the best.

What to do
Preheat your oven to 190 C / Between Gas mark 4 and 5
Remove white scallop meat from the shell, remove roe, wash and drain, set aside
Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each half around a scallop.
Get the cocktail stick and secure in the scallop and bacon wrap.
Cut the lime in half and squeeze half over the scallops.
Place on a baking tray and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
Remove and finish off with another squeeze of lime over the scallops

Dig in! Simple, quick and easy and tastes great. You can have as a simple snack or dress this dish up with some simple winter leaves for a stunning starter.

This is one of my favourite tea time dishes for three reasons. Its really easy to make, its quick and it tastes fantastic! So he goes yessir!

What you need

1 tbsp vegetable oil

4 chicken breasts chopped in to even sizes approx 3cm

Any spare vegetables – I used baby sweetcorn and mange tout, but you can easily use peas, green beans or even brocolli, whatever takes your fancy really

4 large teaspoons of Green Thai Curry paste (You can ge this from Tesco/any supermarket or make yourself – see below)

Juice of  a lime

A good handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

A pinch of salt

1 tin of coconut milk

This can be served with Thai Rice or Noodles. I went for the noodles on this occassion, the kids prefer it over rice!

If your making the paste you will also need:

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 green chillie

1 tsp of dried cumin seeds

1 tsp of coriander seeds

2 large cloves of garlic

1 small onion, roughly chopped

A chunk of fresh ginger, chopped

1 lemongrass stalk, roughly chopped

Zest of a lime

A Handful fresh coriander

What to do

For the paste if your feeling daring throw all the paste mix in a blender and get whizzing! After its been pulped have a sniff, it smells great doesn’t it!

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the chicken. Stir this around until it takes on a bit of colour. Then add the 3-4 large tsp’s of the paste and get it all sizzling nicely and releasing all those flavours. Once the chicken has browned well and the paste starts to catch to the pan, add the vegetables and the coconut milk. Let this simmer for 7-10 minutes

Remove from the heat and add the fresh coriander and the squeezed of lime juice. Drop in your cooked noodles and stir through.

Enjoy – I do at least once a week!

Well done to all 72 of the Isle of Man’s schools dinner staff who have achieved a 100 percent pass rate in exams and have gained the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) level two award in food safety. It’s really great to know that the preparation, hygiene, handling, cleaning and storage is all taken seriously when preparing meals for all the kids on the on the Isle of Man. It really is reassuring to know that when it comes to lunch time their in safe and reliable hands.

I am sure all the parents on the Isle of Man are very proud and no doubt Mr Oliver would be as well.

Big up the Isle of Man Dinner ladies!

Apparently it’s British Sausage this week – you learn something new every day!

The Sausage week is being celebrated by Ratcliffe’s Butchers in Castletown and for those of you who don’t know Chris or Lenny as he is better known and his Dad, well they have been making cracking sausages for years now!

Throughout the week they will be making up a whole host of sausage recipes and trying out some new varieties incorporating local ingredients such as Manx cheese and Bushy’s beer so be sure to head on to Castletown for some tasty meaty treats. They will also be doing sampling on Friday and Saturday so I might even head down for look myself – I do love a good sausage or two, oh and smothered in Colemans English Mustard! Yum!

Bizzarely it seems that there is a British Sausage Appreciation Society that has Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee as the main endorsers… now that is bizarre!