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Countryfile Summer Diaries (Image: Michael Caines)

Local delights

Michael Caines made recipes inspired by local produce from the south-west.


Summer Diaries - series two

In the second series of this Countryfile spin-off, Michael Caines joined presenters Matt Baker and Melissa Porter on their tour around Devon. While they sought out the history and natural features of the area, Michael conjured up a selection of mouth-watering dishes.

Monday 20 August

Episode one - Bovey Castle

Peaches

Michael used local Devon ingredients to create two summery puddings. His Creme brûlée with marinated summer fruits was crammed with strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, blackberries and redcurrants, while his pancakes were filled with roasted peaches and apricots enhanced with lavender honey.


Tuesday 21 August

Episode two - Burgh Island

Mussels

Matt and Melissa headed to Burgh Island off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea in south Devon. Michael brought a seafood theme to his dishes with Sea bass served with crushed olive potatoes and mussels in a saffron white wine sauce.


Wednesday 22 August

Episode three - Tamar Valley

Michael continued his seafood theme. The beautiful stretch of countryside running alongside the River Tamar was the focus of the programme. The area is renowned for its fly fishing so Michael used freshwater fish, trout, as his main ingredient for one dish and chose crab for his second dish.


Thursday 23 August

Episode four - Ashburton

Countryfile Summer Diaries (Image: Beef and shiitake mushroom stir-fry)

While Matt and Melissa searched for an authentic antique momento or souvenir, Michael whipped up a couple of recipes for those on a tight budget. There was a vegetarian pasta dish with red onions, tomato, basil and courgette and a stir-fried shoulder of beef with shiitake mushrooms.


Friday 24 August

Episode five - The Tors

Michael got ready for the weekend with two ideas for Sunday lunch. While Matt and Melissa investigated the Dartmoor Tors, Michael prepared a roasted leg of lamb served with minted new potatoes and roast chicken with a chicory salad.


Monday 27 August

Episode six - Buckfastleigh

Blueberries

In this episode, Michael turned his attention to summer drinks. Meanwhile, Matt took the scenic South Devon Railway between Buckfastleigh and Totnes and Melissa looked at the modernist architecture of the nearby High Cross House. Michael suggested quenching a summer thirst with a berry smoothie, punch or fruity milkshake.


Tuesday 28 August

Episode seven - Start Bay

Michael had some great ideas for a light summer lunch that were quick and easy to make. He brought a south-west twist to Welsh rarebit and scrambled eggs with his Devon rarebit and scrambled Cornish duck eggs. While Michael cooked up his light meals, Matt and Melissa put on their walking boots and explored Start Bay.


Wednesday 29 August

Episode eight - Salcombe

Countryfile Summer Diaries (Image: Pan-fried scallops with a garden salad and grain mustard vinaigrette)

While the Countryfile Summer Diaries team found horticultural inspiration in the green lanes and hedgerows of the South Hams, Michael created a three-course menu fit for a dinner party. For starters, there was pan-fried scallops with a garden salad, followed by a main course of roast saddle of venison with a broad bean ragoût and finished off with a dessert of marinated strawberries.


Thursday 30 August

Episode nine - Chagford/Castle Drogo

Countryfile Summer Diaries (Image: Goat's cheese toastie with aubergines, peppers and courgettes)

Using local seasonal produce, Michael created some tasty vegetarian dishes. While the team explored the grounds of Castle Drogo and its links to the arts and crafts movement, Michael made a goats' cheese toastie and wild mushroom risotto.


Friday 31 August

Episode ten - Dartmoor/General

Countryfile Summer Diaries (Image: Grilled asparagus with lemon and chive dressing)

Michael rounded off the series with the perfect Devon barbecue. The team was joined by wine expert Oz Clarke for a wine trail around Devon. Michael brought a few twists to ordinary beefburgers and sausages with his lamb chops, monkfish tail and asparagus recipe ideas.


About Countryfile

Countryfile Summer Diaries was a spin-off of the rural and environmental matters series Countryfile, which is shown Sundays at 11.00am on BBC One.


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In Lifestyle

Michael Caines
What's in season
Great British Menu
Discover regional British food
Grow your own

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Countryfile
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The Food Programme

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Exeter food festival
Tamar Valley
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