My Favourite 'Foodie' Spots in Nottinghamshire by Joe Piliero

This week we share a slightly different 'favourite places' blog, dedicated entirely to food. We asked food specialist Joe Piliero from the School of Artisan Food for his favourite places to source his Christmas dinner. If you would like to share your ‘favourites’ with us, email us at social@experiencenottinghamshire.com or use the comment section below. You may feature on our blog and our various social media platforms. "The mere mention of Christmas conjures a whole host of images and for us they are largely about food!  With so much great local food available right here on our doorstep, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to taste something new and support and celebrate Nottinghamshire’s fantastic producers. Here at The School of Artisan Food we’re regularly asked what our favourite cheese is, or who makes the tastiest dry cured bacon. Well, the truth is, it’s impossible to say! The variety of local food available is so vast and to pick an ultimate favourite is an impossible task. Our top-tip is to go and explore and taste for yourself; speak to your local butcher, baker, farm shop and deli and learn more about where they source their produce, how it’s made or reared, and how to cook it. Visit top outlets like Delilah, the Welbeck Farm Shop and Trinity Farm where staff are always happy to talk about food and offer assistance (plus, the produce is fantastic!). But, if you really are bending our arm, here are a few items definitely making an appearance on our menu over the next few festive weeks: Bread is so versatile, tasty and nutritious! Our neighbours at The Welbeck Bakehouse make real, artisan bread by hand and then bake the loaves in wood-fired ovens. No additives or preservatives are added and with a delicious range of mince pies and Christmas puddings, it’s no wonder we love them so much. Imagine a Christmas cheeseboard and Stilton will probably make an appearance. Well, how about this year replacing it with a raw milk blue cheese made here in Nottinghamshire to a traditional Stilton recipe? The cheese’s name is Stichelton and is an essential at any time of year. The Welbeck Farm Shop has a brimming local meat counter and what’s more everything is butchered from nose-to-tail, in-house, by friendly butchers who make all their own sausages, bacon and more. There’s also an extensive range of seasonal game. And, whilst you’re visiting don’t forget your fruit and veg! With all this talk of food, something to wash it down with is required and covering that department is the Welbeck Abbey Brewery. You may already know their brews from your local pub. If you don’t then their presentation packs make the ideal gift for any beer lover. After all this food and drink, something sweet is essential and we have just the producer. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect stocking filler or something to serve on the big day itself then look no further than Boutique Aromatique’s range of award-winning chocolates and sweet treats, lovingly produced by Shelly Preston." For more food inspiration and seasonal recipes visit www.schoolofartisanfood.org The School of Artisan Food is an education provider and a registered charity. Email: info@schoolofartisanfood.org Telephone: 01909 532171