It’s nearly upon us!! The very special day for all of Wales, and Welsh folk across the world – St David’s Day! The 1st of March is a day for celebration of all things Welsh, so we’d like to wish you a very happy St David’s Day indeed.

What will you be doing to celebrate this most glorious of days? We’re sure you’ll be wearing a daffodil on your lapel? Maybe singing a verse or two from Hen Wlad fy Nhadau and hopefully watching Wales win the rugby at the weekend (what a great way to celebrate that would be!).

As well as the beautiful daffodil, the humble leek is also a national symbol of Wales. Legend has it that during a battle between an ancient king and his arch enemies the Saxons, St David himself told soldiers to wear leeks so that they would recognise their fellow fighters. Another tale tells of a bloody battle in the fourteenth century when the Prince of Wales defeated the French army on a field of leeks, and so as a testament to the Prince’s brave army, Welshmen began to wear leeks in their caps on St David’s Day.

So. in celebration of all things Welsh, and all things leeky, here’s our 10 best ideas for what to cook with your lovely leeks this Sunday. Remember that the best way to a Welsh persons’ heart is through their bellies!! Happy St David’s Day everyone!

• Leek and Potato soup – the old ones are the best. A classic but still loved across the country. And so easy!
• Chicken and Leek Pie – yum, that’s all. Add some tarragon for extra taste.
• Creamed Leeks – a favourite to have with a sunday dinner. Delicious!
• Leek Lasagna – when the famous Hairy Bikers embarked on their diet to shed pounds, they used flattened leeks instead of lasagna sheets to cut the calories of a normal lasagna. Clever!
• Clams with Leek – leeks go really well with delicate seafood flavours because they aren’t too overpowering. Try pairing leeks with clams, muscles or cockles for a great Welsh dish.
• Leek Risotto – a great one for the veggies because leeks go really well with risotto rice and some creamy cheese.
• Salmon and Leek pastry parcels – think salmon wellington, packed with leek. Yum!
• Leek and Bacon Tart – delicious smoked bacon nestled in a creamy, eggy duvet and peppered with softened buttery leeks. Tasty!
• Leek and Goat’s Cheese pasties – if we can borrow the lovely pasty from our Cornish friends for the day, and transform it into a Welsh delight. Use big leeks and local Welsh goats cheese inside golden and crispy pastry for lots of flavour.

Have a great St David’s Day whatever you get up to. And don’t forget, if all of the above seem like a little bit too much effort, then come down and join us for our brilliant Sunday lunch here at the Oakeley. See you then!