WHAT a festive feast we have in store from all our local food producers.

Kendal Creperie - who you will find in Kendal Market Place on Saturdays (and events throughout the summer, of course) - have come up with some seasonal pancake treats including turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce filling; festive spirit brandy and cream; and marzipan, cherries, almonds, sultanas and golden syrup.

For Christmas and New Year bookings call Janette and Philip Dixon on Kendal 724498 or email dixonsteam@yahoo.co.uk Country Harvest, the Dales shopping emporium on the A65 at Ingleton (pictured), has organised a Christmas Extravaganza with food tastings, mulled wine and mince pies from 6pm to 9pm tomorrow (Friday). And at Artisan in Kendal, an army of local food producers have been lined up for a delicious free tastings programme including puddings from the famous Sharrow Bay country house hotel at Ullswater (December 18), and More? puds and gateaux from champion baker Patrick Moore of Staveley (December 21).

As part of the ‘Christmas at Holker’ event, Shap-based food historian Ivan Day will host a fascinating evening lecture next Wednesday, December 9, 7pm.

‘From Havercake to Hackin - The Forgotten Food of Lakeland 1590-1914’ will demonstrate that many of our truly traditional foods are now extinct and almost forgotten. For example, how many Cumbrian folk dine nowadays on sowens, double noddin cake, pousoudie and brazzled peas?

Tickets cost £12 per person and include mulled wine, mince pies and the opportunity to taste some of Ivan’s authentic historic Cumbrian recipes. Booking essential - call 015395-58328.

Meanwhile, Steven Higginson and Carly Jones of the new Starly's at Staveley bistro which specialises in Indian food has asked us to point out that they offer a takeaway service from 5pm onwards - not just until 6pm when the doors open to table bookings.