let the farmers markets inspire...

To get into the culinary spirit of the festive season, visit one of the excellent Farmers Markets around the county in December. Here you will be able to buy all the goodies you need for the Christmas table, not least regionally grown seasonal vegetables including stalks of Brussels sprouts. One of the biggest Christmas Farmers' Markets is the one in Orton, which takes place on Saturday December 12 from 9.30 to 2 pm. Orton has over 30 member food and craft producers, and you can pick up anything from delicious locally reared venison and any other meat products you can think of, to great preserves, baked goods, cheeses, locally grown trout, home churned butter and sumptuous puddings. They usually all dress up for the Christmas Market. From 10.30 Santa will be in Orton with treats for the children.

Other Farmers markets running in December includes Kendal, with a vast range of foods sold on Market Place from 9.30 to 3.30 on December 18, 21 and 22.

Content and photography supplied by artisan-food.com