Our caravan park in Carnforth is blessed to be situated next door to the beautiful area of Cumbria. Cumbria is known for its stunning natural scenery, rich literary heritage, and impressive Lake District, but did you know that it’s also the home to many iconic British dishes?
If you’re looking for some meal inspiration for some easy holiday home recipes, then we’ve got you covered. Continue reading for some ideas of some tasty meals to cook or enjoy whilst you’re staying with us.
The Cumberland sausage refers back to when Cumbria was comprised of smaller counties, with one of them being Cumberland. This sausage is a staple for any Cumbrian local and has been around for 500 years. Instead of being sold in links, the Cumberland sausage appears as a coil, which is rumoured to originate from German miners who worked in the area during Elizabethan times. This sausage also differs from traditional pork varieties in its spices, which typically include pepper, sage, and nutmeg.
Cumberland sausages are enjoyed in a variety of different ways, from the classic sausage sandwich to a hearty sausage and mash – the possibilities are truly endless. To try Cumberland sausage that pays homage to tradition, check out Woodall’s of Waberthwaite, who have been using the same family recipe since the 19th century.
In addition to its meats, Cumbria is also renowned for some delectable, sweet treats, such as Cumberland Rum Nicky. This dish is comprised of shortcrust pastry, dates, brown sugar, and, as the name suggests, dark rum. Like the spices found in Cumberland sausages, Caribbean rum was introduced into Cumbrian cuisine when it came over from the Americas, which gives this dessert a signature sweet and rich taste. You may find this pie variation in some local establishments, but it’s a recipe that can also be made at home if you’re feeling creative.
To make Rum Nicky, begin by combining the filling with dates, apricots, ginger, rum and sugar. For the pastry, you can either make it yourself or use store-bought shortcrust pastry. Simply line a pastry dish with the pastry, insert the filling, and place another protective layer of pastry on top, using a lattice structure. Bake the Rum Nicky for 35 minutes or until golden and serve with rum butter or your choice of accompaniment.
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved British dessert, but did you know that it originated in Cumbria? Whilst variations of sticky date pudding exist around the world, it was Francis Coulson at the Sharow Bay Country House Hotel in Ullswater that popularised this dish in the UK during the 60s. Sticky Toffee Pudding consists of a moist date sponge covered with a toffee sauce, and usually served with ice cream, cream, or custard.
Again, this is a relatively simple dish to make if you want to tackle it yourself, or alternatively try some local renditions at a pub or restaurant near our caravan park. Even if you’ve had this dessert plenty of times before, it’s worth trying a local version for a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer ice cream or custard with your sticky toffee pudding, it’s one you definitely don’t want to miss while you’re here.
In addition to local dishes and meats, Cumbria is home to some famous delicacies for those of you with a sweet tooth. We couldn’t round off our list without mentioning the iconic Grasmere Gingerbread. Invented by Sarah Nelson in the 1850s, this gingerbread is made using the secret original recipe, honouring its Victorian roots. It’s slightly different to other gingerbread you may have tasted, as it’s a cross between a cake and a biscuit with sweet and spicy notes. You can only get this gingerbread here, and the shop assistants dress in traditional Victorian clothing to contribute to that traditional feel.
On the subject of traditional Cumbrian treats, Kendal Mint Cake is a beloved favourite, especially for those planning to hike up some of the peaks of the Lake District. This cake Is infused with a signature peppermint oil flavour and is regarded as a great source of energy for those long treks up the mountain. Dating back to 1869, this treat joins Grasmere Gingerbread in its long-running history and is still made by several suppliers in Kendal today.
Whether you’ve been inspired to get making your own version of Cumberland Rum Nicky, or enjoy a warming Cumberland sausage meal, this area of the UK has plenty to offer both in its scenery and delicious dishes. During your stay at our caravan park, you can enjoy some of the best food Cumbria has to offer, from locally sourced meats to tasty pub meals. For more information about our park or our caravans, please feel free to contact us.