The Dales Chef
Episodes
Roast Dinners
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Roast Beef to Roast Chicken, Pork, Duck, Lamb and of course Turkey, there are so many great meats we enjoy for our traditional Sunday Dinner. Bu...
Sprouts
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Dales Chef, Bruce admits he doesn't like sprouts (nor does Julian!). However, for the benefit of those that do, we look at the...
Dates
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Naturally sweet and juicy, fresh dates - the kind we get at Christmas, are the fruit of the Date Palm, originally from the Middle East and now cultiva...
Christmas Tipples - Baileys and Advocaat
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef we talk about two of our most popular Christmas drinks - Bailey and Advocaat. Their origins in Ireland and Holland,...
Hot Chocolate
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Dales Chef we find out about the origins of Hot Chocolate. From its early beginnings in Ecuador, to the chocolate cafes in Vic...
Christmas Prep
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's closer than you think and time is ticking by. So as we are already mid-November, what can we be doing now to prepare for the festivities? Bru...
Puddings
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
British Pudding Day is this Sunday - the 9th November. It is a day when pudding lovers can gather and indulge in every kind of pudding that they ever ...
Porridge
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Warm, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, porridge is far more than a simple breakfast—it’s a culinary canvas steeped in tradition, comfort, and ...
Stouts and Porters
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth looks at Stouts and Porters. Winter is almost upon us. The nights are drawing in and the clock...
Pumpkins
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It is almost Halloween, the leaves have turned golden brown and orange and it's time to pick your pumpkin! More than just Halloween décor, pumpkin...
The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival runs from 10th to 19th October 2025 and in this episode Bruce looks at what delights await us at the festival, fro...
Soups
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are talking all about the origins of our favourite winter dish - the humble soup. How simple a basic soup is to make and how to elevate it to anoth...
Eat your greens!
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition, Bruce Elsworth looks at greens - cabbage, broccoli, kale and sprouts. From smoothies to sprouts at Christmas, we talk about the he...
Foraging recipes
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce gets excited about all the goodies he can get for free and what he can do with them. Being a Yorkshireman, o...
Mustard
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
That most vibrant of condiments - lavish, yellow and tasty - spread on our ham sandwich or wholegrain in a dressing, it is an unmistakable English tr...
Vinegar
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce investigates Vinegar. From thousands of years ago when the ancient Egyptians used it to preserve to modern d...
Salt
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fish and Chips wouldn't be the same without salt - and vinegar if you choose! It is the world's favourite flavour enhancer, exciting our tastebuds fo...
Blueberries
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
They are at the peak of the season right now - English Blueberries. Sweet little berries packed with greatness and a true superfood. Bruce talks a...
Fermented Foods
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce looks at fermented foods - much needed for a healthy gut. We look at probiotics and the good bacteria we a...
Seaweed
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition we look at sea vegetables - mainly seaweed - a true taste of the sea. How to best forage for it, how to cook it and some top recipe i...
Yorkshire Strawberries
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Such a versitile sweet treat, our Yorkshire strawberries are at their best right now. Bruce Elsworth talks about the adaptability of them - their m...
Puglia - Italy's best kept secret
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef we are transported to Puglia in Southern Italy. Following the success of a recent Puglian dinner at Bruce's popular...
Pickles and Chutneys
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth looks at origins of Pickles and Chutneys. This time of year the produce is ready right now so strik...
Chicken
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chicken is popular the world over but did you know it originates from the jungle? And has links with the mighty T-Rex? What to look for when purcha...
Local Farm Produce
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Pasta
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Al Fresco Dining
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 out...
Peppers
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Cider
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 mo...
Tapas
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Salads
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sal...
Pub Fayre
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Champagne and fizz
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Bruce and Julian, like fine wines and champagnes, grow a little older, what better way to celebrate than by popping a cork or two? Coincidentally ...
Mexican food
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Jalapenos to guacamole there are some very traditional Mexican dishes we love the world over. Whether it's a great Chilli con Carne or a bee...
Farm to plate - Yorkshire Dales produce direct
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a special event the Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth is holding next week promoting local produce direct from the farm, this episode focusses on the ben...
Easter
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's Easter and in this edition of The Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth talks about the traditions surrounding this Christian celebration. Its all abou...
Carrots
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the week before Easter and the Easter Bunny is in every Easter trail across the Dales. The most famous bunny is of course Buggs Bunny and his fa...
Pork Pies
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pork Pies are a Yorkshire speciality and each pie shop stamps their own mark on them. All different in the Dales, yet equally delicious. In this e...
Avocado
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Avocado is undoubtedly a superfood, popularised as smashed avocado on toast in cafes and restaurants across the world, we can't get enough of it - on ...
Bananas
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are going bananas, Bruce looks into when the nation's favourite fruit came from. But is it actually a fruit? And there's a lin...
Goat
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth talks about everything goat. It's been a staple around the worth for tens of thousands of years. Hu...
Honey
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth looks at honey - its origins, it's uses both medicinal and culinary. Bruce talks about the benefi...
Pancake Day
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of lent is when we traditionally use up all the ingredients in the cupboard before fasting. Hence making...
Coffee
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you like it black, white, filtered or instant? We all love a coffee our way and today The Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth looks into why coffee is a fav...
Chocolate at Valentines
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Dales Chef Love is in the air as Bruce Elsworth looks at our passion for chocolate, whether to woo your loved one with or to si...
Preparing for Valentines Day
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Valentines Day is nearly upon us and in this episode of the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth gives us some ideas for a Valentines meal at home, plus how thi...
Ice Cream
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef delves into the delicious world of Ice Cream. From its origins with Marco Polo and then the resurrection in Victorian ...
Burns Night
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Dales Chef we head North of the border to find out all about Burns Night. Bruce looks at the traditions from piping in the h...
Rhubarb
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth enthuses about Yorkshire Rhubarb, after Christmas it is one of the products chefs look forward too c...
Veganuary
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This month it is Veganuary and the Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth is encouraging us to sample a little vegan food for a change. Not necesarity going the w...
A healthier New Year
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at some great ideas to get the New Year off to a great start. Sadly, Bruce isn't well this week so you have Julian to tell ...
Christmas Day Traditions
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Everything is now Christmas in the last few days. We look at the history behind our food, from Mince Pies to Plum Pudding. Not forgetting the Yule L...
Festive Drinks
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From festive fizz to exciting cocktails, Bruce has it covered. There's three special cocktail recipes which are sure to wow your party guests. C...
Festive nibbles
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you are looking for inspiration for a stand-up buffet with nibbles or some canapes as guests arrive before a festive feast, the Dales Chef has...
Comfort Food
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Those treats that make us feel good and just the thought of them gets the tastebuds going. Comfort foods - are they really that bad for us...or are t...
Christmas Turkey
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we join the Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth as he starts preparations for Christmas. We look at the origins of the Christmas Dinner and th...
Sweet Potato
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Popular at Thanksgiving it's the humble sweet potato. A tuber that is no relation to the regular potato! Away from sweet potatoes, we congratulate...
Curry
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's become one of our favourite dishes, but even the word curry isn't Asian - it's British. In this episode, Brice Elsworth, The Dales Chef, tal...
Sausages
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Julian talks with Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, about the great british banger. Its origins in Roman times through to modern day re...
Trick or Treat? Halloween and Bonfire goodies
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From apple bobbing to toffee apples, in this episode we look into Halloween customs and sweet treats. What to do with pumpkins, other than of cou...
Apples
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An apple a day helps keep the doctor away so the saying goes, but just how health is our favourite of traditional English fruits? In this episode of ...
Breakfast
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Dales Chef, Julian chats with Bruce Elsworth about all things breakfast. Of course we'll look at what makes a great 'full En...
Mushrooms
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Dales Chef we are talking mushrooms. Where did they originate from, if you're foraging, there's advice on picking safely and w...
Cheese
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cheese has been around for thousands of years and in this episode of The Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth looks at how it was discovered and where. Did y...
Eggs
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you like your eggs in the morning? As the song goes. Well, Bruce like his scrambled. In this episode we find out the best way to make scrambl...
Foraging
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are at Elsworth at the Mill in Skipton to talk foraging with the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth. At this time of the year our hedgerows are fu...
Recycling
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recycling is something we have all become used to, but composting for example is nothing new. Bruce talks about what waste from your kitchen makes up...
Packed Lunches
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Julian chats with the Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth all about packed lunches. How t=do you get your child to eat their lunch? How can y...
BBQ
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef gets ready to light the BBQ, ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. We find out about the origins of th...
Milk
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode the Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth looks at milk. From reminiscing about getting our daily fix at primary school to making milk lollies t...
The Glorious Twelfth
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, looks at one of the Dales and indeed nationwide traditions that has been a part of Britain's rural community for hundr...
Summer Snacks for the kids
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"What's to eat mum....I'm hungry" is all we hear all summer long - so how do you keep them happy, healthy and stave off the constant hunger blues? ...
Raspberries
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Raspberries have been around since Roman times. But did you know they come in other colours as well as that amazing deep red. Bruce says pick them...
Avocado
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we find out all about the Avocado. From smashed Avocado on toast to Guacamole. Do you have yours baked with eggs like the Aztecs did? A...
The Great Yorkshire Show
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From Binghams Potted meats to Yockenthwaite Granola; Pucketts Pickles to Ruchello liquor, Bruce samples the finest of what Yorkshire has to offer at t...
Yorkshire Provenance
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, talks about traceable Yorkshire food and why he chooses to use it in his restaurant. With the Tour...
The Cream Tea
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Dales Chef investigates one of the nation's favourites - the Cream Tea. Quintessentially British and a firm favourite when we are out and about o...
Iceberg Lettuce - Prawn Cocktail and much more!
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the best thing to do with Iceberg Lettuce to still put it in a prawn Cocktail as we've done since the 70s? We find out its origins and the health...
Gooseberry
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth talks about Gooseberries, not so often found on the supermarket shelves, more so in the cottage garden. They have a ve...
Elderflower
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth talks about Elderflower. Making a presse with freshly foraged Elderflower. And what else can you do with it? Make a jell...
Fish and Chips
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With national Fish and Chips day coming up, Bruce Elsworth looks at this great British culinary tradition. From its roots as the humble potato and th...
Spinach
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, talks about spinach, how to use it and some creative dishes. It became more popular in the last century after the car...
Yorkshire Spring Lamb
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yorkshire Spring Lamb is available from your butcher now. But is it too early yet? The Dales Chef Bruce Elsworth tells us more. He talks abou...
Yorkshire Strawberries
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, talks about Yorkshire Strawberries. Just in season and at their very best. The origins of the humble wild strawberry,...
Jersey Royal New Potatoes
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Dales Chef, Bruce Elsworth talks about Jersey Royal New Potatoes. Just in season and delightful washed, boiled, salted and with some proper butte...
Asparagus
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Elsworth, the Dales Chef, talks about Asparagus
Celeriac
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Elsworth talks about Celeriac - that lonely little vegetable on the supermarket shelf. When its in season, what to do with it and some great re...
Wild Garlic
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wild Garlic is prolific at this time of year and now is the time to go foraging for it. But what can you do with it? How to cook it and some top...