Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

Happy Yorkshire Day! Celebrated annually on August 1, the event is a vibrant festivity that honours the rich history, unique culture, and culinary delights of England's largest county. 

This celebration is not just about paying homage to Yorkshire's past but also about indulging in its present—a feast for the senses that captures the essence of our beautiful county.

I’m proud to call this county home. From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the rugged coastlines to the bustling streets of Leeds, uniquely beautiful spa town of Harrogate and the historic city of York, there's something for everyone.

Yorkshire is also renowned for its farming heritage and culinary scene with award-winning restaurants, hotels and pubs. From rapeseed oil, sea-salt, local honeys and tipples to blue cheese, there is no end to its amazing produce and products.

The region's food culture is steeped in tradition, with recipes passed down through generations, each dish telling a story of its origin and the hands that have crafted it. One of these iconic dishes is the Yorkshire pudding.

The word pudding often conveys a sweet dish, and I thought it would be a fitting way to celebrate Yorkshire Day by innovating and adapting a beloved recipes, turning a Yorkshire pudding in a dessert with seasonal berries - perfect for summer celebrations.

Yorkshire pudding with summer berries and clotted cream

Yorkshire pudding ingredients

• 100g plain flour.
  
• 2 large eggs.
  
• 100ml milk.
  
• Pinch of sea salt.
  
• Sunflower oil.
  

Topping ingredients

• A handful of fresh summer berries of your choosing.
  
• 2 tbsp sugar.
  
• 1 tbsp water.
  
• A dollop of clotted cream or ice cream.
  
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish).
  

Instructions

• Prepare the batter - in a mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Whisk together, gradually adding the milk, until you have a smooth batter. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  
• Bake the puddings - preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Pour a little sunflower oil into each hole of a muffin tin and place it in the oven to heat up. Once the oil is sizzling hot, carefully pour in the batter, filling each hole about halfway. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown. Remember, don’t open the oven door during cooking.
  
• Prepare the berries - while the puddings are baking, wash and hull the berries. In a small saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the berries are soft, and the sugar has dissolved, creating a syrupy sauce. Let it cool slightly. Frozen berries will also work.
  
• Assemble and serve - when the Yorkshire puddings are ready, remove from the oven and cool slightly. Spoon the berry mixture into the center of each pudding, topping with a generous dollop of clotted cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
  

Yemi's verdict: Yorkshire Day is not just a celebration of a county; it's a celebration of identity, community, and creativity.

So let's raise a glass of locally brewed ale, enjoy a hearty meal, and relish the simple pleasures of Yorkshire life. Cheers to tradition, cheers to innovation, and cheers to the unforgettable flavours of Yorkshire.