Nick Harris sings the

Rise ON THE

AS FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH OF LOVE, I WANTED TO WRITE ABOUT ONE OF MY MANY PASSIONS - BREAD, SAYS JARROLD EXECUTIVE CHEF NICK HARRIS READ IS THE FOOD OF LOVE; the smell of freshly baked bread can stimulate the senses, it is comforting to eat, and it is perfect to share. For me bread evokes memories of my grandma’s saffron loaf, which was a bit similar to brioche and shaped like a Chelsea bun, and it was delicious.

Now bread is becoming part of the heart of the kitchen at Jarrold, as we will be baking our own bread in-house for all our restaurants and the Refectory at Norwich Cathedral. Heading up our new bakery is Aaron Proctor from Norwich bakery Pye Baker. He brings with him a wealth of artisan bread making experience so that we will be able to offer you freshly baked breads every day. We are looking to serve all types of bread in our eateries and the plan is to eventually sell fresh bread in our Deli. One of my favourite breads of the moment is Ryebread, which is a food trend at the moment. Rye is a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, plus antioxidants, so it is perfect for those looking to eat more healthily.

I also plan to add yeast cakes to the menu. These are a great option for brunch and perfect for tearing and shar ing – ideal for

Valentine’s Day. THE BAKERY at Jarrold is open now and you can experience Jarrold Own Brand bread in all restaurants. Freshly baked bread will also be available from the Deli for you to take home very soon. B

Why do we cook?

ANGELA GIFFORD OF ABLE COMMUNITY CARE EXPLORES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD AND COOKING

COOKING FOOD has been an activity that has been taking place for a very long time. Research has found evidence that an early human species was cooking food on campfires 1.5 million years ago. Coming closer to our own existence, evidence has been found of cooking pots with scorch marks and soot on the outside of the pots, pointing to being used for cooking, in China, 20,000 years ago. What was and is the fundamental reason to cook? The first positive reason to cook was and is to safeguard health by killing germs and parasites. It is likely that our ancestors found that cooking food made it more digestible and pleasant to eat. In 2020, is it now necessary to cook? All shops, from the largest supermarket to the smallest grocery shop, sell ready meals. No preparation needed, a wide diet choice, very little mess and, after a few minutes in a microwave, a meal is ready to eat.

The number of food takeaways continues to rise, with almost 60,000 outlets delivering or preparing food for collection. So why do people want to cook? Cooking is a pleasurable activity. It can be relaxing, satisfying and, for many, the saying ‘the kitchen is the heart of the family’ still indicates cooking for family and friends.

For older people and individuals with a disability who have reduced dexterity, it is now easier to prepare and cook meals then it has been in years past.

Kitchens can be personalised for disability. They can be wheelchair accessible, have adapted worktop heights, appropriate ovens, sinks and cooking appliances, all easily available to help a person wanting to cook.

Reduced dexterity can make it more difficult to cope with fiddly activity. Cutting vegetables with a sharp knife can easily lead to accidents. However, it is no longer necessary to chop onions (and cry!), cabbages, sprouts, mushrooms, leeks and other vegetables, all of which are available pre-chopped/cut from both fresh and frozen counters of supermarkets. Modestly priced tin openers and jar openers offer efficient, quick ways to open jars and tins, and smaller kitchen equipment is available with adapted handles, lightweight, balance features, etc.

How food is presented also adds to its attractiveness and, in addition to the wide range of plastic tableware, it is possible to buy adapted crockery in china and attractive cutlery.

There are some people who do not wish to cook, either from choice or circumstances. Able Community Care supports people throughout the UK who no longer cook for themselves. Part of the support they and their families ask for, is freshly cooked meals, decided on by having a chat about what is fancied for that day or what needs to be prepared for specific diets or cultural reasons. You could call it ‘second-hand cooking’ with the individual being cared for, still in charge!

Able Community Care is a provider of live-in carers to people with high dependency care needs throughout the UK. For a free brochure on any of our services Call 01603 764567 Visit us at www.ablecommunitycare.com Or email us at info@ablecommunitycare.com