East Midlands Food & Drink: Top 5 You Absolutely Have To Try

1. The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie: A Savory Icon

If you are thinking about getting a literal taste of the East Midlands, you really gotta begin with the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. Its name, like, is protected, too, so it’s almost the genuine article only if it’s produced in Melton Mowbray and follows that traditional recipe. Very different from your average pork pie, that is. It’s unglazed, very handcrafted crust houses that flavorful filling of uncured pork. Anyway, what really separates it, that is, is actually the “hand-raised” crust. This is actually formed by hand around a dolly, giving it its distinct, irregular shape, which just means you will get that crust-to-filling ratio right every time. Very savory filling will then get a layer of jelly added after baking, alright, very sealing in all those juices and making it really melt in the mouth.

I remember the very first time I tried one, you know; that flaky pastry kind of crumbled in my hand, like that, you know, just releasing this meaty aroma. Honestly, It was a lunchtime game-changer. I paired it with some pickled onions and mustard, you know, alright, and it just really hit the spot. Even if you like just having a snack or want that perfect addition to a picnic, you’re bound to like this, alright. It just is a total must-try, you know, if you are visiting the region. You won’t get it wrong in trying it as an iconic British food!

2. Lincolnshire Sausages: A Meaty Delight

Okay, next up, you know, is the Lincolnshire sausage, too, very iconic. These sausages actually have that coarse texture, very savory flavor, and, I mean, what separates these sausages, really, is that they use sage as the main herb. A good Lincolnshire sausage has this generous helping of sage that infuses the pork with this earthy aroma. Anyway, It really is great cooked simply under a grill or that barbeque, yet I’ve actually come across it used in stews too and casseroles for that extra depth of flavor, alright. You could say that very few sausages reach the flavorful heights that these do.

I do recall visiting a friend, you know, in Lincoln one autumn. It was a bit chilly, but nothing serious, anyway. It’s almost as though the fragrance of sizzling sausages came wafting from the kitchen window. This is actually the kind of hearty welcome that always makes you smile. They were very crispy and juicy and got served up in that rich onion gravy, too, you know. Very yummy indeed. They honestly became this total staple during my visit, too, you know. It also works quite well as that next component of a comforting breakfast or even part of that very hearty dinner, very showcasing Lincolnshire at its flavorful best. Those earthy flavours that seep into you at that first bite make the sausages really stand out.

3. Stilton Cheese: The King of English Cheeses

You really cannot discuss food from the East Midlands, though, alright, without bringing up Stilton cheese. It, in a way, holds the crown as king, really, as king of all English cheeses, you see. Very produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, that is, too, very Nottinghamshire, It’s, I mean, famous for its blue veins and this quite strong flavor that really packs that punch. It is rather creamy, too, you know, when it’s very young, too, but kind of gets more intense and crumbly the longer it gets left to age, you see. Actually, some say Stilton isn’t that different, just so you are aware.

I, well, love visiting local farmers’ markets, you see, that;s where you find those artisan producers selling very homemade Stilton. Is that so you pair that really creamy Stilton with some pears or crackers, or even maybe stir it through some broccoli soup; you’ve got, like, this quick appetizer or snack. Also, It is like one tradition during Christmas. People consume this all across the area, so in the East Midlands there is a festive tradition which revolves around a good piece of Stilton and also port wine; this adds comfort and enjoyment on cold nights throughout December. It can easily make for a satisfying cheeseboard spread.

4. Plum Bread: A Sweet Treat from Nottinghamshire

For something sweeter, then, there’s Nottinghamshire plum bread, though. Actually, It’s much better when eaten straight out of the oven, alright, a delicious, spiced fruitcake. I mean, even though it says “plum,” that is, the ingredients include a range of dried fruits such as raisins, currants and sultanas rather than actually plums, alright. Anyway, It tastes brilliant on its own with just this slab of butter that runs across, melting slightly onto all its surfaces.

I’ve been on that number of family picnics very close by Sherwood Forest. That kind of rich, aromatic smell always reminds us of those moments in our family. Very few are even that similar to enjoying one of those thick slices in its purest form and sitting back with a fresh mug full to appreciate its wonderful flavor. It makes a lovely teatime companion, or just something special to have for a quick mid-morning boost, too, actually. If you ever take a peek in someone’s bag and find it then I doubt that you would blame them.

5. Bakewell Tart: An Almond-Flavored Delight

Now then, who really hasn’t sampled some amazing British cooking when they have devoured a very delectable Bakewell tart? Just because you’re located further west than other specialties across the East Midlands like very Stilton, you can still grab it as much, actually. We almost expect there is just nothing better, but honestly very simple: all you grab is, for example, that really shortcrust pastry underneath a layer that contains this rich almond filling combined with jam and some glazing too which you find atop, though that sounds pretty awesome.

I’ve bought quite a bit of tart over these past few summers throughout Castleton whenever I get the urge to make one, usually topped with some cherries too, just to share around alongside coffee and conversation for those visiting that tearoom across there. It even proves to be a fine thing taken onto travels to make someone feel a bit homesick for that place which has this taste: really very lovely indeed! Basically, This simple tart has stood all kinds of weather so long, it proves there really remains this strong devotion to Bakewell up till this very day still around there anyway! There’s simply just so much that anyone can get from sharing it, you’d be amazed to see!