Month: November 2016

The ideal Christmas present, an experience day

Posted onAuthorAndy2 Comments

beekeeping experience dayIf you are looking for the ideal Christmas present, an experience day might be just what you are looking for.

I have held a few experience days over recent weeks and wanted to share a few pictures.

Whether you are interested in finding out more about beekeeping or blacksmithing, I can tailor make a day for you.

In a day designed around what you want to achieve and learn, a beekeeping experience day will involve opening up hives and gaining an understanding of how the hive lives and thrives.

 

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“Thank you for such an amazing day!”

Meanwhile, on a blacksmithing day, I first work with you before the day to understand what you would like to make.

I then work on your idea to make it something you can make, with a little help from me when needed.

On the day itself you will learn forge techniques and make something to take away and treasure.

Please contact me if you have any questions about my experience days, or if I can help in any way.

 

 

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Cold food smoking

Posted onAuthorAndy3 Comments

cold-smoked-fishFrom time to time I have tweeted pictures of my cold food smoking equipment. The last time I put up a picture of smoking trout, I had loads (OK one) request to put up some more detailed pictures and explain more. So, here we go.

I have made a cold smoking set up, rather than hot smoking. This means that the ‘fire’ is away from the food being smoked, providing cold smoke, rather than smoldering in the same container and part cooking the food. My set up was inspired by Dick Strawbridge and his ‘smoking’ book.

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The above pictures show my set up. I started with a soot vacuum container from Aldi. I made 2 shelves to fit inside for the food and a separate burner, similar to that used in beekeeping.

food-smoking-coldcold-smokingHardwood shavings are added, and lit, to produce the smoke.

A pipe then feeds the smoke into the container, where the food awaits.

I have found that about 1 hour of smoking gives a delicate flavour. More and it becomes bitter and over smoked.

 

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So far we have smoked fish, cheese and eggs.

All are delicious and I would thoroughly recommend giving it a try.