September - A Quick Bite of Lancashire Food

Paul Ainscough - Fatjax Chutneys

Paul is one of the talented chefs behind the Fatjax label chutneys and relishes, their artisan range is an essential in any local foodies store cupboard.

FATJAX bring you a selection of Cheeky Chutneys, Ravishing Relishes, Delectable Dressings and Serious Sauces for all to enjoy. FATJAX have a range of chutney's and relish's ranging from a fiery Bengali pineapple (so popular it has its won twitter handle !) to something as simple as mushroom. All their range have that little touch of class and show their love of chutney and relish in each jar. The range is made with all natural produce and no artificial colours or preservatives. 

You can purchase their fab range in most local quality deli's and food hall and also at many of the local farmers markets, where you can sample their range.

Paul has kindly agreed to answer our now familiar questions for A quick bite of Lancashire food.

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

I have an extensive collection of Victorian and Edwardian cook books. My favourite is a book for the cooks in large country houses from the turn of the last century. It has menu's for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, high tea, dinner and supper for every day of the year. It also tells the cook what to order and in what quantities as well. Its a bible of cooking.

• What sentence sums up Lancashire Food to you ?

Tasty wholesome food from some of the country's top producers. 

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

Landscape photographer.

• Which piece of kit could you not do without ?

My stick blender, essential kit in my kitchen.

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

As a passionate photographer, I would invite Don McCullin, Tim Page, Charlie Whaite, Joe Cornish and of course Andsell Adams.

All are amazing photographers, the first two made their name as war photographers in the Vietnam war. Don McCullin now does amazing landscapes. Charlie Whaite and Joe Cornish are both fantastic landscape photographers and of course the master himself of landscapes Andsell Adams.

All of them have produced some amazing images in both the subjects that I have a great interest in.

•  What advice would you give to your younger self ?

Slow down and think more about big decisions.

• Describe your style in three words

Taste first !!!!

• What was your latest foodie gadget purchase ?

I don't do gadgets, a sharp 4 inch paring knife will do almost everything you need in the kitchen.

• What is your greatest achievement to date ?

I have cooked for the Duke of Edinburgh and most of Margaret Thatcher's cabinet, plus a few celebrities too, including Michael Parkinson, but setting FatJax up and running takes some beating to be honest .

• What is the worst mistake you have made ?

Leaving a 60lb turkey in the oven for a manager to take out. Very big mistake. He forgot it and we ended up with a big lump of charcoal and no turkey for a function.....!! After that I always do it myself.

• Tell us a secret about yourself ? may be something we wouldn't expect !

I'm into military history in a big way, I grew up watching the Vietnam war on TV in the 60's and wanted to know what it was all about, the rest they say is history.