More often than not, we pay more attention to St. Patrick's Day that we do to the Saints of England, Wales and Scotland - most likely because we all enjoy a few too many pints of Guinness!
However, Monday 1st March marks a special day for our Welsh cousins across the border as St. David's Day is celebrated up and down the UK.
Saint David was a church official who became the patron saint of Wales. Born in the 5th century and living to the grand age of 89 on a diet of bread with butter and water (he banned meat and beer!), David founded many monastic settlements and churches across Wales and Cornwall, the most famous being St. David's cathedral in Pembrokeshire.
Celebrations in Cardiff and across Wales will include concerts, parades and food festivals, but why not enjoy at the very least a small celebration at home this Monday with thebestof Newmarket's Welsh Rarebit recipe (just don’t call it cheese-on-toast!):
The Best Of Welsh Rarebit
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
half mug of good quality beer or ale (preferably Welsh!)
three quarters cup heavy cream
6 ounces (approximately 1 ½ cups) grated Cheddar
4 slices toasted rye bread
Directions
In a medium saucepan over a low heat, melt the butter and add the flour, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes taking care not to brown the flour.
Add the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to the mixture. Keep stirring!
Add the beer and stir to combine.
Add the cream and stir until a smooth mixture is obtained – usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes over a low heat.
Gradually add cheese, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce is smooth; this will take 4 to 5 minutes. Pour over toast and serve immediately.
