The wels or sheetfish is a type of catfish that can grow up to 5 m (16 ft) in the wild and is Europe's largest freshwater. It is found in the Rhine River in Germany eastwards to the Black and Caspian Seas. The elongated wels body consists of a powerful forebody and a laterally greatly compressed tail shaft; the prominent anal fin merges with the caudal fin. This fish, with its calm undulating tail movements normally has its long pair of upper jaw barbels pointing straight forward, while the four smaller barbels of the lower lip hang down. The dorsal fin, consisting of just four rays, seems small for such a powerful animal. In the wild they have been known to eat ducks where they rush up behind them at night, sucking them into their mouths with a vortex motion. In their native habitat they feed on other fishes mainly eels, burbot, tench and roach, but it also takes water voles.
A hardy, mainstream breed of cattle which does well in the mountains of central Wales. It provides well-marbled, tasty meat with lots of fat. The beef is of high quality and well-flavoured.
Similar to drop scones with currants but made with self raising flour and baked on a hot plate.
Laver bread. A fine, silky seaweed delicacy, collected from the beaches of south and west Wales. It is so rich in vitamins and minerals that it was suggested that miners ate it to compensate for their unhealthy lives underground.
A slice of toast topped, ideally, with Caerphilly cheese, egg yolk, mustard and beer or milk, and grilled. The controversy rumbles on about the origins of the name. It is more correctly known as Welsh rabbit than rarebit. It is thought, but not by all, to have derived from a derogatory expression indicating that someone was unable to put meat, i.e. rabbit, on the table. Some like add a touch of cayenne pepper or Worcestershire sauce.
A slice of toast topped, ideally, with Caerphilly cheese, egg yolk, mustard and beer or milk, and grilled. The controversy rumbles on about the origins of the name. It is more correctly known as Welsh rabbit than rarebit. It is thought, but not by all, to have derived from a derogatory expression indicating that someone was unable to put meat, i.e. rabbit, on the table. Some like add a touch of cayenne pepper or Worcestershire sauce.
This cheese was first made at Jervaulx Abbey in Yorkshire, from milk from both sheep and goats. Now, these crumbly, white to pale primrose yellow cheeses are made from a mixture of cow and sheep's milk although versions are available in any of cow, goat or sheep's milk. Farmhouse versions are suitable for vegetarians. This is one of my favourite cheeses.
