It's cool to love Stokes Sauces

 Mon Garde Manger

‘My larder’ in French is ‘mon garde manger’ and because quality food is so essential to the French way of life, they have a magazine called Mon Garde Manger. The editor recently asked Rick Sheepshanks (founder and MD of Stokes Sauces) for an interview in which he asked Rick what the larder meant to him.

Traditional larders – cool, bricked, aired, storage rooms – are sadly a thing of the past, which is why condiments and preserves rely too much on stabilisers, preservatives, colorants and taste modifiers to extend shelf life in the modern kitchen. 

“We sacrifice great traditional taste for shelf life” said Rick, “but we can have both if we are prepared to pay a little more for quality over pure convenience”.

We now think of the larder in broader terms. Suffolk is a wonderful, natural, largely organic larder itself, producing amazing foodstuffs, ingredients and ideas dedicated to great taste. Perigord in France is a larder for gamey meat, truffles and fine wines. The Rhone-Alpes region is the gastronomic larder for some of the world’s finest cuisine whose heart still beats in Lyons. 

And the sun-drenched hillsides of southern Italy represent one of our own larders, for the sweet, plump tomatoes we use in Stokes AwardWinning Tomato Ketchup.

Saucy Sausages

Your larder could become a veritable treasure chest of flavour with these saucy ketchup twists from Stokes - try something a little different by clicking on the image below:

 Beautiful Bangers

Inspired by mini Cumberland sausages as a starter for lunch on the first visit to my son at Sheffield University, I thought - what could make their honey and grain mustard dipping sauce better ... Stokes Cider & Horseradish Mustard of course.

I just had to try it when I got home. One part runny honey to one part Cider & Horseradish Mustard over a gentle heat to improve the mix - perfect. Give it a go and let us know what you think.

 CoolBrand status again

We are delighted to share the official announcement that Stokes has been awarded 'CoolBrand' status for the second year running - making Stokes Sauces a prestigious addition to the larder, as well as a delicious dollop, pour, spoonful of taste on  the side of your plate.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the CoolBrands Council, said: "CoolBrands status illustrates that Stokes is rated highly by both influencers and the British public, proof that the brand is considered highly original and innovative."

He went on to say: "Being recognised independently in this is naturally a wonderful affirmation that Stokes is recognised, valued and respected." 

Cool as a cucumber 

  

Cool as a cucumber - perhaps, but Stokes are now also: cool as Apple; cool as a pair of Ray-Ban; cool as Glastonbury; cool as an Aston Martin; cool as a Harley Davidson - just some of the other CoolBrands in this year's selection.


 Cool Relish

Innovation and passion are two of the reasons why Stokes has been declared 'cool'. Here's a trio that illustrate the fact. They will add pure joy to your cheese board this Autumn. 

Fig Relish - this abundance of deep, sweet juicy fig is perfect with smoky cheeses and tangy Cheddars. Chilli Jam - deliciously sweet with a vibrant finish that adds passion to stronger goat and Stilton cheeses. Red Onion Marmalade - the star performer. It’s thick and luscious, with a tangy depth that you’ll want with everything.

Gravy with a twist

Here's a tasty tip to add a delicious twist to your gravy. Whether you make your own from a stock, reduce it from a jus, or - hmmmmm shake it from a jar, try this.

For an earthy sharpness stir in a spoonful of Stokes Brown Sauce; for a sweeter depth of flavour add a spoonful of Stokes Bloody Mary Ketchup; and for a richer hint of eastern spices add a good dollop of Stokes Curry Ketchup.

You'll know how much to add when it tastes ... yummy.


Leftover Chicken ? - give it a cool coronation

 

Before we get to the Coronation Chicken, to make your roast chicken taste better still, add a spoonful or two of Stokes Cider & Horseradish Mustard to your gravy, stir it in to taste and enjoy the combination of sweet cider, hot horseradish and juicy pops of mustard grains running round the plate.

Coronation Chicken

For the perfect, speedy Coronation Chicken, mix two parts of Stokes Coronation Sauce with one part of Philadelphia cream cheese and fold to coat the shreds of cooked, cold chicken. Instant, smooth and oh so full of flavour.

It's great on a jacket potato, with a salad, or in a sandwich for supper.



Two fishy favourites

Whitebait makes a lovely supper starter or a crispy lunchtime snack. A bag in the freezer is essential in or house, just as a jar of Stokes Real Mayonnaise is essential for the larder. Less of an essential though more of a treat is a jar of our Mustard & Dill Sauce. It mixes the sweet dill with warming mustard in a smooth sauce just begging to be spooned beside a piece of baked cod loin.

Simple,  honest,  delicious

 FOOD MADE BETTER 

www.stokessauces.co.uk

01394 462150