A CHARITY cookbook launched to raise money for the local NHS has proved a tasty success.

The Tivyside recently reported how Dafydd Davies, of Dewi James a’i Gwmni in Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn, wanted to do something to say thank you to local health workers in the Hywel Dda area.

So he put together ‘Chefs in Isolation’, a cookbook featuring family recipes from the butchers’ shop and recipes from chefs at restaurants and cafés supplied with their meat.

And the book has certainly proved popular.

The first print run of 250 books is nearly sold out and £1,500 has already been raised for Hywel Dda Health Charities.

Butcher Dafydd, 32, hopes they can carry on selling copies of the cookbook and fundraising until Christmas, and a second print run may well be on the cards.

“The book is filled with recipes from ourselves and our wonderful catering customers who have been so kind in sharing their recipes and wisdom with us,” said Dafydd

“There are easy-to-make recipes, up to much more complicated ones by top local chefs. They have been giving away some real trade secrets.

“From our family, there’s mum’s recipe for KFC Fakeaway, so you can make KFC at home; my uncle Dilwyn’s roast shoulder of lamb with his own stuffing; and my tomahawk steak dish. We also have staff member Stu Swanton’s recipe for the chicken, bacon and leek pie that is sold in the shop.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved and everyone who has bought the book.

“We hope to raise even more money for the local NHS before we bring sales to an end in the new year.”

Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, Nicola Llewelyn, said the charity cookbook was a fantastic idea.

“We are always amazed at how many great fundraising ideas are thought up by people to raise money for our local NHS patients and staff.

“Our thanks to Dafydd and everyone else at the butchers’ for all the hard work with this.”

The book costs £14.99, with free postage and packing – and at least £5 of that is going to charity. You can order it online at https://dewijamesbutchers.co.uk/the-extras/chefs-in-isolation-charity-cook-book

Alternatively, you can pick a copy up from the Dewi James butchers’ shops in Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn; Awen Teifi bookshop in Cardigan; Penrallt Hotel in Aberporth ; or at Siop Cynwyl Elfed.