Free From Cakes - South Lancashire Clandestine Cake Club at Duk Deli and Cantina, Chorley

For our most recent meeting of  South Lancashire Clandestine Cake Club we are back in Chorley, where our meeting was kindly hosted in the newly opened Duk Deli and Cantina on Cleveland Street, right in the heart of the town near the market.

The theme of "Free From" Cakes was chosen as our venue is award winning when it comes to catering for allergies of all types. We had cakes that were gluten free, dairy free, egg free, sugar free, fat free, gluten and dairy free and you just couldn't tell , the cakes were amazing, we had lemon drizzle, chocolate cake, date cake, strawberry cake,sugar free carrot cake, vegan raw cake and many more.

We had a great time and were very well looked after by the lovely friendly staff at this cute new town centre venue, members discussed the different gluten free flours now avaliable, free from baking in general and our favourite healthy cook books.

Pictures are courtesy of Lancashire Food Photography and Colin Shepherd one of our baking members. Apologies as a couple of cakes are missing from the images on the day, they were all delicious.

October 2014 - Andrea Mellon - DUK POND

This month's talented foodie is Andrea Mellon, creator and chef of Dukpond in Preston, Andrea is passionate about Lancashire food and is one of the driving forces behind the food scene in Preston. Her relaxed informal dining venues are legendary as is her hot and spicy Peruvian Stew.

Andrea has been nominated for various awards over the years including the BIBA's and a local food hero. 

• What is your favourite cookery or food book or publication ?

My favourite cookery book is "Spain a culinary journey"

•  What sentence sums up Lancashire Food to you ?

Sustainable, deliciousness and second to none.

• If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you like to be ?

 World wildlife animal rescue worker.

• Which piece of kit could you not do without ?

My knives oh and garlic :) 

•        Who would join you at your ultimate dinner party and why?

      My grandad ..... To show him who I am today. 

• What advice would you give to your younger self 

Stop pleasing others and look after yourself.

• Describe your style in three words 

Eclectic, Innovative, Vibrant

• What was your latest foodie gadget purchase ?

A mini blender. 

• What is your greatest achievement to date ?

Being recognised  as one of Lancashire's creative chefs and achieving "Taste Lancashire" quality assured award for 5 years.

• What is the worst mistake you have made ?

A mistake is just an opportunity to try again ... however, one is now one of my biggest sellers raspberry chicken ... Rushing threw raspberries in instead of tomato the rest is history :) 

• Tell us a secret about yourself ? 

I reclaim redesign and build furniture.