Chocolate, Scallops and Rice Pudding
Seasonal Foods and Food Festivals in March

March can be a real mixed bag as far as the weather is concerned, but at least it gets lighter as the month goes on. No longer do we have to go to work in the dark and come home in the dark, with only artificial light in between.

The trickle of pink rhubarb that began at the end of February now turns into a torrent. Delicious rhubarb cakes, rhubarb fool, rhubarb and custard, and tart rhubarb compote to be served with cheese begin to take my time in the kitchen.

All manner of shellfish, and especially scallops, are still at their most delicious in March and a dinner of scallops in their shell with a generous helping of cream and a hint of garlic, followed by pink rhubarb fool gives the first hint of fresher, lighter things to come over the next few months.

And if winter decides to muscle in for a few more days, then warm yourself up with a creamy baked rice pudding.

Serve it with pink rhubarb compote and you won't notice the rain lashing the windows!

On the food festival front, things still look a little thin, especially after February's Marmalade extravaganza and the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival. But, there's help on the way....

Chocolate Festival at the Southbank Centre

There are few things more delicious than chocolate, especially when the weather still leaves a lot to be desired. And this year, London's Southbank Centre is putting on a Chocolate Festival just in time for Easter.

Bookmark the last weekend in March if you're a chocoholic and can make it to London....

Or console yourself with these tasty Easter Chocolates from Master Chocolatiers Charbonnel et Walket if you cannot.