Celebrate St David’s Day with Godfreys

With the Covid-19 virus repercussions vastly increasing the demand for cooking at home every day - maintaining our usual constant availability is proving difficult - but rest assured we are working tirelessly with our Farmers to quickly replenish availability as soon is possible on a Daily basis - so you can continue to enjoy eating seasonally

We continue to strive to offer full service normality - and availability - but hope you understand if some Cuts periodically run out for a short period of time

March 1st is St David’s Day in Wales, a day to celebrate Wales with St David's Day recipes.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions - this year St David's Day is going to be a very different and muted one - compared to any previous years.

However, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at home with our nearest and dearest - bringing home some much needed and celebratory relief and enjoyment

So in that spirit - here is a bit more on how to celebrate St Davids Day - and Welsh cuisine in particular.

Even if you are not Welsh

Even if you are not Welsh - or connected to Wales - it’s still a good excuse to try and celebrate typically Welsh dishes - as much as we try typically Indian, Chinese or Middle Eastern dishes

St David's Day

St David's Day is a day in honour of the Welsh Patron Saint - a Celtic monk (known as Dewi Sant in the Welsh language) - who spread the word of Christianity across Wales in the 6th Century.

Mystic virtues

On the day, people wear either a Daffodil or Leek, two national emblems of Wales. The Leek is associated with St. David as it was seen as healthy, virtuous, with healing qualities.

It also acquired mystic virtues with claims that girls who slept with a Leek under their pillow on St David’s Day would see their future husband in their dreams!

No wonder then that Leeks feature heavily in St David's Day Recipes and Welsh food!

Welsh recipes for main course dishes cannot ignore Lamb

Local Welsh flavours

A classic recipe is Roast Leg of Lamb with Honey and Cider from Gilli Davies, the Honey, Cider and Rosemary are local Welsh flavours, whilst Ginger has been enjoyed in Wales since it was brought back by the Crusaders.

Another recipe to make the most of early spring is Jamie Oliver’s - what better way to serve Lamb than slow roasted with pungent Garlic and a good Sauce. Delicious served hot but this recipe also makes a lovely cold-cut for sandwiches and light lunches.

Wales’s national dish

Wales’s national dish of Cawl Cennin is traditionally made with Neck of Lamb and Bacon - or with Beef and Bacon.  

Other traditionally favourite dishes include, Chicken and Leek Pie, Roast Shoulder of Lamb, Roast Leg of Lamb, Stuffed Leg of Lamb, Crown Roast Guards of Honour and Beef Stew with Suet Dumplings.

Here are some recipes that you may be tempted to try:

• Sugar-Crusted Lamb
This scrumptious Lamb dish takes only minutes to prepare
Preparation time less than 5 -10 mins : Cooking time 10 mins. Click here for French trimmed Lamb Cutlet, Stokes Dijon Mustard
(Click here for recipe)

• Grilled Lamb Steak with Rosemary Butter & Chargrilled Broccoli - by Brian Turner 
Lamb Steaks take minutes to grill and are just as nice as any Beef Steak. Serve with punchy Rosemary Butter, chargrilled Broccoli and some simple boiled Potatoes.
Preparation time - less than 30 mins. Cooking time 10 to 30 mins. Click here for Lamb Steaks
(Click here for recipe)

• Lamb Chops in Hay with Tabbouleh Salad - by James Martin 
Tender Lamb Chops are home-smoked and served with Bulgar Wheat Salad packed with Fruits, Nuts and Herbs
Preparation time over 2 hrs : Cooking time 10-30mins. Click here for Rack of Lamb
(Click here for recipe)

• Roast Loin of Lamb, Peas, Lettuce & Bacon - by Bryn Williams 
Often a summer dish this sweet and fresh delight is equally delicious all the year round
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 10-30mins. Click here for Lamb Noisette, Smoked Streaky Bacon
(Click here for recipe)

• Roast Rack of Lamb with Crushed Potatoes - by Jamie Oliver
Juicy roasted Lamb Rack with crushed Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic and Olives - bursting with herby flavours, and ready in just over an hour! Dairy free.
Gluten free.
Preparation/Cooking time 1 hr 5 mins. Click here for Rack of Lamb
(Click here for recipe)

  • Rack of Lamb with Lamb Sweetbread Pie & Gravy - by Shaun Hill
Lamb Sweetbreads have a unique flavour and texture and complement the earthy Morels and the spice of Nutmeg in this rich Pie. Can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Serve with a simple Broad Bean Purée.
Preparation/Cooking time 1 hr 40 mins. Click here for Rack of Lamb, Chicken Fillets, Lamb Sweetbreads, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Roast Shoulder of Lamb with Herbs & Honey - by Valentine Warner
Forget about carving this easy, slow cooked Pot Roast - just pull the fragrant tender Lamb from the bone, rustic style!
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time over 2 hrs. Click here for Shoulder of Lamb
(Click here for recipe)

• Braised Lamb Shanks
Lamb Shanks are good value, and as each one is a portion, serving is a cinch. You can braise the Shanks up to two days ahead. Freeze for up to one month    
Preparation time less than 10 mins : Cooking Time 2 hrs 30 mins. Click here for Lamb Shanks, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Cawl -  by The Hairy Bikers
This Welsh dish is wonderfully comforting and best made the day before serving.
Preparation time overnight : Cooking time 10 to 30 mins. Click here for Middle Neck of Lamb
(Click here for recipe)

• Beef Stew and Dumplings  - by Nigel Slater 
This hearty one-pot Beef Stew recipe boasts tender Beef, chunky Vegetables and Dumplings to soak up the juices.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 1 to 2 hrs. Click here for Hand Diced Beef
(Click here for recipe)

• St David's Leek & Chicken Hotpot
Make St David's Day one to remember with this deliciously hearty hotpot
Preparation time over 20 mins : Cooking time 20 mins. Click here for Hand Diced Chicken, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Chicken and Leek Pie - by Nigel Slater
For those with less time on St David’s Day - a super, simple Pasty filled with Chicken and Bacon in a creamy Mustard Sauce
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 1-2hrs. Click here for Chicken Legs, Chicken Thighs, Smoked Streaky Bacon, Stokes Dijon Mustard 
(Click here for recipe)

• Oven-baked Leek & Bacon Risotto
A one-pot Risotto you don't need to stand over for half an hour! Got to be a midweek winner.
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 30 mins. Click here for Smoked Back Bacon, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

St David abstained from drinking

Despite the fact that Saint David abstained from drinking and advised others to do the same, a number of Welsh breweries make special St. David’s Day Ales.

Cardiff brewers Brains describe theirs as ‘a light, daffodil coloured Ale, dry hopped with Styrian Goldings to create a thirst quenching spring Ale with a refreshing bite and dry hop aroma.

And finally for a full list of St David's Day Favourites and ideas click here at www.godfreys.co to visit the special St David's Day tab on our web site now.

So whether you choose one of the recipes above - or are just inspired to further explore further St David’s Day recipes - we hope we have given you plenty of Welsh food for thought
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Godfreys full range of Free Range Cuts - including Lamb Mini Roasts for the smaller gathering - are now live and fresh online - complete with How to Cook instructions - and over 700 Related Recipes - including a generous sprinkling of Michelin Chef Related Recipes - at www.godfreys.co

Give it a Click

So why not give it a Click - and experience a whole new way to enjoy Godfreys Free Range Premium Meats and Poultry - all week - or all month long - by ordering from the comfort of you own home - or workplace - at a time that is convenient to you

We do the rest - be it if you would prefer delivery direct to your door Nationwide - or at our Click and Collect Points in Highbury or Finsbury Park.

Yaki Dah!