So, I had hoped to prove that I can update the blog in a timely manner and get an update out after our first trip away which took us to Yorkshire. But alas I failed as we came away again on Tuesday. Oh well, at least an improvement on the last couple of blogs, and you have to start somewhere, but instead of overlapping I have only included our trip up North here.

Following an extended period back at the Farm, we finally headed back to Yorkshire to enjoy some of our favourite eateries and beautiful countryside. We had planned to do this trip back in January, but when the snow started to fall and the blizzards came in – we thought it best to postpone….all of our destinations however, were revisits – albeit with one at a different campsite.

First stop was of course Prashad in Drighlington, just outside Bradford – where as always, the food and service was exceptional, offering a wonderful example of elevated Indian Vegetarian cuisine with layers of flavour and spice. Minal – the Chef Patron – was also hugely accomodating with gluten and dairy dietary requirements, should anyone wish to know for the future.

It was then just a hop over to Pickering, via the farm shop to pick up supplies as they have a lovely shop with home grown and local produce as well as a butchers and cafe.

As the little campsite we stayed at last time in Pickering is all grass and the ground is still absolutely saturated, we opted to try out Westgate Carr Campsite, which is slightly further out of Pickering itself – but oh, so tranquil …unless of course you have an adversity to wildlife and particularly owls – of which there appeared to be a few!

We managed to escape with only a light dusting of snow …..along with some rain, naturally – which I think, considering the weather some of Yorkshire had, was pretty good and just gave us even more of an excuse to try out the local cafe….a few times!

Moving on after the weekend, we did a quick pub stop at The Piebold Inn again – I did warn you that it was a short, sweet, foodie trip – where Keith endulged in his favourite pie…The Cleveland – 3 cuts of beef, Beef Skirt, Brisket and Oxtail slowly cooked with black treacle, bacon, shallots, and chestnut mushrooms, apparently, as good as the first time! Unfortunately, my gluten / dairy free option didn’t quite hit the mark – but perhaps that is because I know that I, like Mr Kipling – make exceedingly good pies…. and have managed to get my gluten/dairy free pastry to new heights of flakey deliciousness thanks to River Cottage.

It’s a great set up at the Piebold for motorhomes and they even offer full cooked breakfasts… although to date, we have always eaten so much the night before that we haven’t felt inclined to book in for a full cooked breakfast the following morning!

Instead, we headed over to Bridlington on the coast, where the sun was shining and the wind was blowing up a hoolie. It did however stay dry for our short 3 day stop – or mostly at least. So, we were able to get some good walking done, buy some fresh fish and have a quick visit to Planetwise, sister of The Nut and Nettle – both incredible organic, vegan cafes serving inspirational food.
A lovely few days by the sea, you just can’t beat it when it is rough and feiry….although my photos only show it when the sun cames out!

Keith has been experimenting a little more with his snacks, with his mum being the most compliant taster along the way! And we have also found a great alternative cornbread recipe which has a fantastic flavour and crunch to it.
– Jalepeno Cornbread (Gluten Free) – easy to make and a good crunch
– Mango and Coconut Flapjacks (Gluten Free) – which are apparently truly delicious (I can’t eat oats…. so can’t be a taster on this one)
– Light Tahini Chocolate Brownie (Gluten Free) – really light and not too sweet
– Pecan and Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free) – a quick burst of flavour and protein
– Tahini and Sesame Biscuits (Gluten Free) – almost biscotti like with a lovely crunch…. one of my favourites

And just in case you’d like to see the route….