London launch for cookbook

Shetland Food and Cooking by Marian Armitage.

Shetland born teacher and cookery writer Marian Armitage will be hosting the London launch of her cookbook Shetland Food and Cooking on Friday.

The new book was revealed two weeks ago at Shetland Food Fair, where it was well received and where Armitage gave a demonstration of one of the recipes, Valhalla Beef Casserole.

Born in Lerwick and brought up in Shetland, Armitage has lived in London for nearly 30 years, during which time she taught food and nutrition in schools.

At Friday’s launch at Kew Bridge, Brentford, she will be introducing a new audience to the delights of Shetland traditional fare.

Her book features favourites such as sassermaet clatch, rhubarb chutney and tattie soup with reestit mutton, and there will be a chance to sample some typical Shetland products. These will include Shetland lamb, bannocks, her own gravadlax with dill mustard sauce and smoked mackerel pate, all washed down with a glass of Shetland beer.

It will be a real Shetland occasion, with live fiddle music from Helena Hafsteinsdottir.

And if anyone is inspired to try the recipes, a range of Shetland products will be on sale in the venue, Hammond’s Butchers and Deli in Kew Bridge Road.

Recently retired, Armitage said of her book, which also includes contemporary recipes such as Armenian lamb, bobotie, ceviche and beremeal flat bread: “It has enabled me to extend the experience of teaching food and cooking to a wider audience. Although it is about promoting all the wonderful food that is grown, caught and reared in Shetland, it is quite possible to make the recipes successfully from local shops, markets and supermarkets.”

Armitage will be signing books at the food tasting from 4pm to 8pm. Her book is also available at The Shetland Times bookshop.