RECIPES that have all been cooked, tried, tested and eaten by a group of Cumbrian men have found their way into a new cookbook.

The Northern Fells Group (NFG) has just produced a Cooking for Men Cookbook following a series of sessions at Caldbeck Village Hall where a group of males were shown how to prepare some simple dishes.

The Cooking for Men sessions were led by Margaret Brough who was asked if she could provide demonstrations of “good old home cooking.” She was ably assisted by Anne Robinson from Uldale.

In May 2014 a taster session was held at Mungrisdale Village Hall to gauge the interest in starting a regular morning to show men how to cook dishes like cottage pie and fruit crumble.

Three men attended the initial two hour session in the kitchen and after more sessions were organised the venue changed to Caldbeck Village Hall, in order to accommodate more participants.

Margaret has taught the men several dishes along with skills such as how to chop unions – without too many tears - how to peel a tomato and even got them making a lemon meringue pie, whilst guest presenter, chef Andrew Teasdale, came to show them how to make a steak and ale pie.

In addition to helping Margaret keep the men in order, Anne has shown them how to make quick and easy puddings. At the end of each session the participants and their tutors sat down together for lunch.

Village agent Philippa Groves said: “We were pleased at the response from the men who really look forward to the Cooking For Men mornings. In addition to learning new skills there is the opportunity for a good get together and a natter.”

The Cooking for Men Cookbook is priced at £2.50 and is available through the NFG office at Millhouse Village Hall (telephone 016974 78094) or for those living within the NFG catchment area from local village agents.

Under the name Food & Company, Margaret Brough, along with her sister Joan Gate, are known for the cookery courses they run at the Garden Hall at Mirehouse near Keswick.