From Knob Throwing To Nettle Eating : The Mind Boggles !

The summer months can see many different types of Festivals, Fayres and Concerts, and thankfully to the delight of so many there have been quite a few dotted around the UK.

However, one event that couldn't be held this year, because it got too popular to run, was the Dorset Knob Throwing Event. The event can attract 8000 visitors and it should have been held in May, but due to various reasons the Dorset Knob Throwing committee had to cancel it ... a shame. The one-day event which usually incorporates a food festival and live music started in 2008 and features a host of fun knob-themed events using the spherical biscuit including a knob and spoon race, guess the weight of the big knob and knob darts.

These knob biscuits have been made by the Moores family in Dorset for more than 150 years. Originally, they were made from leftover bread dough with added butter and sugar, hand-rolled and left to dry in the dying heat of the oven. It is thought their name comes from the hand-sewn Dorset knob buttons that were also made locally. They can be eaten with Blue Vinny cheese, dipped in tea or cider, or taken with honey and cream - known locally as thunder and lightning. No-one likes to cancel events and the committee are hopeful it can be held in 2023 ... we shall have to wait and see. This story from here

One charity event that is happening this weekend is, The World Nettle Eating Competition, which sees hopefuls try and chew their way through as many stinging nettles as they can in one hour. The winner is the contestant who has stripped and eaten the leaves from the greatest number of stalks. The tradition dating back to the 1980s has been taken over by Ryan Strong and has been kept in the town of Bridport at the Dorset Nectar Cider Farm. The nettles, picked the day before from his organic cider farm, have to be eaten raw and there is "no mayonnaise, no ketchup or deep-frying". "This is a competition of mind over matter, it is quintessential Dorset", Mr Strong said. Contestants must also have the stomach for the challenge as vomiting is not allowed. Cider-maker Mr Strong, who came second in 2019, said he had a "numb-blackened tongue" and his chin "stung for hours afterwards". The contest has previously attracted entrants from as far afield as Australia and Canada. This story from here

Do you have any local events that you enjoy going to?

Many towns and villages have scarecrow festivals which are always fun and colourful. I have enjoyed 'wellie throwing' at summer fetes but the thought of eating raw nettles is not something I would like to try. However, you can forage for wild nettles (carefully) and use them in your cooking. They are similar in taste to spinach, and nettles make a great addition to soups, pesto and pie fillings, they are also a tasty toast topping, a selection of recipes here not all are low carb!

Whatever your plans are this weekend, I wish you a good one.

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health it is always advisable to consult your Doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan