Well-known in the Lampeter area for his demonstrations at food festivals, Gareth welcomed us to his well-equipped demonstration kitchen with a lively introduction to a posh picnic basket and his programme of seasonal dishes suitable for a summer picnic.
Everything he demonstrated was adapted into individual portions so that it could be transported safely and served easily in pristine condition. He made a lightly spiced chicken and mango salad on a gem lettuce leaf and placed in individual dishes, followed by harvest bread with rosemary in individual paper loaf cases topped with onion chutney and goat's cheese.
For dessert, there was a simple lemon cheesecake presented in individual plastic cups with strawberries and Welsh teisen lap, normally baked on a plate, but Gareth made his in cup cake cases for tidy individual presentation. Delicious it was too!
The picnic feast was rounded off with cheese truffles made with a selection of Welsh cheeses and herbs/nuts/seeds, ideal to serve as a savoury or canapes.
After a delicious lunch of all these items, plus Gareth's elderflower spritz, we returned to the kitchen for his flower arranging demonstration. With amazing speed and artistic flair, he completed four magnificent arrangements, described by him as simple. That depends on one's artistic flair! Four lucky members took one home following a raffle.
The day concluded with tea and home-made cakes and a hearty vote of thanks to Gareth for a truly unique and enjoyable day out. Members then had the opportunity to purchase a selection of his home-made preserves and elderflower cordial, as well as his recipe book Food for Four Seasons.
Food and Flower Days can be booked directly with Gareth for parties of 15 to 25 on 01570 422313.