What's in the shops, with the emphasis, where possible, on locally-produced, seasonal and specialty foods.

Richardsons, Bowness: Fresh Windermere char - new season butcher David Richardson suggests poaching and serve with a salad - £4.18 per 500g.

Kendal Fisheries: Own-make salmon fishcakes (250g) - £1.20 each.

Also, large fresh Manx crab claws (delicious in soups or with salad) - £4.32 per half kilo.

Country Harvest, Ingleton: Smoked duck breast - ideal for canapes; delicious starter served with rocket and a fruit chutney; or try stir-fried with hoisin or plum sauce & serve with noodles (sliced & vac-packed) - £2.75 per 100g pack.

Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop: Gluten-free pork sausages from Richard Woodall of Waberthwaite - 98% meat content with no additives or preservatives suitable for home freezing - £1.36 per 250g pack.

Bowland Bridge Stores: Cornish pasties (from Grange Bakery) 70p each.

Watson & Woollard, Kendal: T-Bone steaks from South Lakeland Select of Ulverston - £4.39 per 1/2 kilo.

Booths: Village Bakery (Melmerby) 10-seed bread - introductory offer 68p (subject to availability).

Dales butchers, Kirkby Lonsdale: Marinated lamb leg steaks with garlic & herbs oven cook, medium temperature for 20 mins - £1.95 each (8oz).

Higginsons, Grange-over-Sands: Mediterranean chicken fillets - marinated in olve oil, garlic, lime juice and fresh coriander, oven bake approx 30 mins - £3.92 per half kilo.