Episodes

  • Local Farm Produce

    Local Farm Produce
    Jul 4 2025
    Local provenace is everything says Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, who grew up eating straight from the farm. He says we are now going back to those traditional values, with more and more of us enjoying our food from farm to fork, rather than mass produced foods from the supermarkets. It tastes so much better says Bruce, and knowing where its come from helps too as buying direct helps the local economy and cuts down on food miles. We talk about some great local farm shops - Robertshaws and Holme Farm Eastby as two examples. From lucky dip veg boxes to muddy potatoes, a glut of gooseberries just when they are ripe to sizzling sausages from a local butcher, Bruce is a real champion of experiencing local produce direct from the farm.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Pasta

    Pasta
    Jun 27 2025
    Think pasta, think Italy - or so we thought. Pasta is originally from China and today we find out why. We look at some great ways to cook pasta and is fresh or dried best? We sample pasta from the Yorkshire Pasta Company, based in Malton, North Yorkshire - that definitely gets our thumbs up! We've fun facts and also remember the day the BBC fooled the country with pasta growing on spagetti trees!
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Al Fresco Dining

    Al Fresco Dining
    Jun 20 2025
    There is more to eating outside than a BBQ burger in a bun. In this episode of the Dales Chef, Bruce looks at the many ways we can enjoy eating outside. From a picnic on the beach, to a lovely afternoon in the garden with friends. Home made lemonade, some zingy salads and some protein with a twist - that's what makes a great family afternoon in the back garden. We look into the origins of outdoor eating - and what does 'al fresco' really mean? Summer in the Dales, with the Dales Chef - there's nothing better :)
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Peppers

    Peppers
    Jun 13 2025
    In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce looks at the traditions behind Chilli Peppers and the many ways to use our old favourite the Bell Pepper. From zero on the Scobel scale, right up to the hottest Ghost Chilli we look at our love of peppers. Some top tips for making the perfect Chilli con Carne including Bruces secret ingredients to add flavour! We look at the origins of the Chilli in South America and its journey via Spain and Portugal to India! Plus of course, some spicy fun facts!
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Cider

    Cider
    Jun 6 2025
    The Dales Chef tells us all about the origins of Cider. We look at Yorkshire's finest export - the wonderful Ampleforth Cider, no longer made by monks , it has a flavour to behold. Cider, we all know, goes well with pork but have you tried it instead of red win in your Cock Au Vin? Delicious! Did you know cider bottles were the precursor to Champagne bottles? Yep, we invented them first! Lots more fun facts too.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Tapas

    Tapas
    May 30 2025
    In this episode Bruce Elsworth, The Dales Chef talks about the origins of Tapas. We love it when on holiday in Spain and equally at Tapas evenings at home. We look at some of the most popular dishes from Potatas Bravas to Magchego with olive Oil. Jamon, freshly sliced and Tempura Prawns. And what of the local influence from here in the Dales? Add in some of Chris Wildman's Yorkshire Chorizo or some black pudding to make bob-bons and you've instantly got Yorkshire Tapas! Bruce also mentioned that at Elsworth at the Mill they are doing a Tapas special for Father's Day. A chance to treat Dad at home to a very special meal - collect from the Mill and enjoy at home. Definitely an episode to whet the appetite, as Bruce inspires us with some of the best ways to serve Tapas!
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Salads

    Salads
    May 23 2025
    It's another Bank Holiday Weekend at this week the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth, is looking at accompaniments for your grill on the BBQ. We look at salad as the main event and even grilling veg on the barbie as well. We find out who really did invent the Caesar Salad and, if your an avid listener and remember our mexican food pod, you might already know the answer to that one! We talk Haloumi on the grill, greek salad and the difference between a salad dressing and a vinegarette. Rain or shine,the BBQ will be on this weekend, so enjoy your grill - with some creative, colourful salads!
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Pub Fayre

    Pub Fayre
    May 16 2025
    Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef takes us back to when pub fayre first started in Roman times, through the middle ages and to more recent times. From the ploughmans to scampi and chips, burgers and gastro-pubs, our favourite pub grub has gone through some changes. We chart those culinary delights from tavernas to Bernie Inns! DId you know the first UK gastro-pub was here in the Dales? (along with one in London but we won't argue the toss) Bruce reveals his favourite pub fayre and talks about his career from pub pot wash to business owner including his time at that first Gastro Pub.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins