Lifestyle: Asparagus Fest

As promised we said we would tell you all about the fun we had at our local asparagus festival!

On a warm, late spring day we walked to our local festival as organised by our favourite public house - The Fleece.

Tickets thankfully were still available on the door for £10.00 each, for the day and we were greeted with a warm and buzzing atmosphere.

After the walk to the festival from our house, it of course made us incredibly thirsty - so naturally we had to head for the beer and cider tent to refuel. We did also see the old steam engine cider press, so it was not all drinking!

There is plenty to look at, with a great array of food stores selling tasty jams, chutneys and of course asparagus! Cooking demonstrations were on all day by the talented Conor Barr, teaching and recommending various ways to enjoy your round of gras.

We all know my love for flowers and what a treat some of the flower stands were! Beautiful and decadent cut English roses and the option of fresh flower hair garlands. Sadly I came to this stall last and had already purchased a cute, purple false flower garland.

The music that was on the main stage was lively, up beat and kept the crowds of people,

; on blankets enjoying picnics, prosecco and cocktails happy.

This is a family festival so there is lots available for the children, bubbles, entertainers and face painting. I wish I had got my face painted, you're never too old for that right?

It was a great day, and it makes one feel incredibly proud to be British! The sun also made an appearance too!

Thanks for having us Asparagus fest, and we look forward to next year. A huge well done to the Fleece team for all the hard work into making another festival a huge success!

Love

Chlobo's Closet

Xxx

Food: All hail the vale chicken and asparagus

In celebration of the asparagus festival, I decided to get creative and prepare a mouth watering dinner - which is incredibly easy to make and only takes 15-20 minutes to cook! This scrumptious, healthy meal for two; ticks all the boxes and is high in iron and protein.

Bon appetite!

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

2 handfuls of spinach

1/2 lemon

1/2 bunch spring onions

2 cloves of garlic

60g light mascarpone

50g parmesan

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp coconut oil

8 x asparagus 

Parma ham

Method:

1. Melt the coconut oil in a large pan and add the chicken breasts (preferably diced). Cook on a high heat for fifteen to 20 minutes.

2. Whilst the chicken is cooking, finely dice the spring onions, garlic and add to the pan with the chicken

3. Check the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and there are no pink bits. 

4. Add the spinach, mascarpone and parmesan and 1-2 tbsp water to thin the sauce out. Ensure your spinach has wilted which should take 2-3 minutes.

6. Add the juice of your half of lemon.

5. Wrap parma ham around your asparagus and lightly fry in a separate pan, until the ham is crisp.

6. Finally give your chicken and sauce a final stir, with a pinch of pepper.

7. Plate your chicken and sauce up and lay your cooked asparagus over the top of your dish.

Voila - simple and delicious.

If you feel like adding a kick, add a pinch of paprika over the top.