TiNDLE increases product range

Today, TiNDLE has announced the expansion of the availability of its plant-based chicken in restaurants across the UK, thus increasing chef and operator access to its flagship product with its brand-new, pre-breaded TiNDLE nuggets and patties. 

This includes prominent eateries and chains which are committed to offering a wider range of plant-based and sustainable menu items, like Clean Kitchen, The Queen Inn,  BIRD Fried Chicken & Waffles, Sides by The Sidemen, Hub Box, Miss Millie's, BBar London and several of D&D London group's popular establishments as well as some of Hilton Hotels' most iconic sites.

TiNDLE is the first chicken product made from plants specially created with chefs in mind and by chefs. It's a versatile, easy-to-work-with product delivering the unmistakable taste and aroma of chicken. 

It's ideal for cooking across a wide range of global cuisines, TiNDLE comes in a raw form that can be easily moulded and designed to fit in any menu. 

From this August, chefs and operators can order TiNDLE as pre-formed breaded nuggets and patties, boasting the same flavour and experience as before, while being designed for maximum convenience. 

Using feedback from hundreds of chefs and consumers from around the globe on what was their favourite TiNDLE attribute, the nuggets and patties were developed through an open innovation process to ensure the best version was produced. 

In order to create the unique chicken surface appearance loved by consumers, the company's world-class R&D team leveraged 3D scanning and printing technology to design the patty shape.

In the spring, TiNDLE successfully launched into a handful of London's top eateries and restaurant groups, such as BrewDog, Paternoster Chophouse, City Spice, sketch London, Let's Do Maki and more. 

TiNDLE has continued to impress restaurant goers with its taste and versatility and, in under four months, it's tripled its restaurant count due to the recent commitment of new partners in the food and hospitality industry who are turning to plant-based offerings as a core part of their menus and long-term F&B programmes that emphasise sustainability.

Plant-based pioneers Mikey Pearce and Verity Bowditch founded Clean Kitchen with the mission to make plant-based food widely available and accessible to the masses. 

Known for their 100% plant-based take on traditional comfort foods, Clean Kitchen offers convenient, fast and healthy grab-and-go items at their highly-frequented locations throughout central London. Clean Kitchen now offers TiNDLE in two of their signature burgers, including the Truffle Mayo, a TiNDLE patty served with truffle mayo inside a brioche burger bun and Chick'n Mayo, a TiNDLE fillet served inside a brioche burger bun, as well as TiNDLE nuggets.

In Wales, The Queen Inn, a family-owned pub, and sought-after destination for traditional pub dishes that diners know and love, but now produced entirely from plant-based ingredients. TiNDLE is featured on The Queen Inn's menu, which is committed to offering sustainable options, as three brand-new dishes: Hunter's Ch*cken, an entree of TiNDLE wrapped in plant-based bacon and smothered with BBQ sauce and plant-based cheese, served with chips and salad; Frickin' Ch*cken Burger, an original creation of a TiNDLE patty topped with jalapenos, garlic mayo and cheese, alongside chips and coleslaw; and The Ultimate Burger, a double-hitter combination of both a TiNDLE patty and plant-based beef burger patty, alongside plant-based bacon and cheese.

Two iconic fried chicken spots, BIRD Fried Chicken & Waffles and Sides, a food brand from YouTube collective The Sidemen, recently brought on TiNDLE as their featured plant-based chicken. At BIRD, the chicken and waffle experts serve the TiNDLE Burger in a vegan potato bun packed with cauliflower bites, lettuce, vegan mayo and barbecue sauce, topped off with a stack of BIRD coated onion rings. 

BIRD is also serving TiNDLE nuggets as part of its kids menu. Sides will be offering The Vegan Chikn Burger and Vegan Naked Chikn Tenders at its Reef vegan kitchens, available on Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat from its sites in Boxpark Wembley, Twickenham, Canary Wharf, Kentish Town and Crouch End.

Following the success of TiNDLE's launch at D&D London group's Paternoster Chophouse, the group now features TiNDLE on the menu at some of its most well-patronised establishments, including New Street Grill, Fish Market and Old Bengal Bar, TiNDLE will be offered as two featured sandwiches, including a plant-based “fish” burger, made with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato and, of course, a side of thick chips and the crispy TiNDLE chicken burger, served with a house relish and triple-cooked chips.

 BBar London's TiNDLE Chicken Bao Buns with Sriracha Mayonnaise have been a hit with customers who can now order the mouthwatering Bao Buns as their staple bar snack.

Additional new partners adding TiNDLE to their menus this summer include UK chains, like popular waterside bar and restaurant group Hub Box that will offer TiNDLE as the featured plant-based chicken option at their 11 locations in the West Country and established Miss Millie's awesome chicken  in September with 11 locations in London and the South – where TiNDLE will be served across their menu of signature burgers and nuggets and as TiNDLE nuggets on the Kids Menu.

“We've seen incredible enthusiasm for TiNDLE from UK consumers over the last four months and are thrilled to be able to offer a wider variety of new TiNDLE offerings,” says Andre Menezes, CEO and Co-Founder of Next Gen Foods, the company behind TiNDLE. “It's an honour to be able to work closely with not only some of the nation's great culinary minds, but also partners who equally share our passion in making plant-based chicken and other sustainable foods more widely available, and drive impactful change to help fix our broken food system and reduce our reliance on animal-based products.”

TiNDLE is the first product by Next Gen Foods, a Singapore-based food tech company that is developing and commercialising innovative and sustainable foods. Next Gen Foods was founded in 2020 by Brazilian-born poultry exporter and food industry veteran Andre Menezes, and German native Timo Recker, whose family business made schnitzel and other meat products for three generations. After initially meeting, they decided to work on products that reduce humanity's reliance on animal agriculture.

On average, chicken made from plants requires less land, less water, and produces less CO₂ than chicken from birds. Based on a 2020 Blue Horizon report, choosing plant-based chicken over avian meat uses 82% less water, 74% less land and 88% less greenhouse gas emissions.

In a little more than a year since its launch, TiNDLE has grown from being served in a handful of Singapore-based locations to being offered in close to 1,000 restaurants across the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, as well as the United States, Asia and Middle East.

The company plans to continue its expansion throughout the UK, including entering into retail early next year. To find the closest restaurant serving TiNDLE, visit https://tindle.com/find/.

To learn more about using TiNDLE in your eatery, please visit https://tindle.com.

Finlays' New UK Cold Brew Extraction Plant is a major Opportunity for Major Brands

Global cold brew coffee pioneer Finlays has set a target date to open its new multi-million-pound facility which will specialise in producing delicious cold brewed coffee. 

Opening this autumn in Hull, East Yorkshire, the facility will produce pure cold brewed coffee for a wide range of branded and own-label suppliers in the UK and European grocery and hospitality sectors. 

Finlays is a leader in the global independent B2B supplier of tea, coffee and botanicals, and the world's biggest cold brew coffee provider by volume.

Cold brew is a rapidly growing sector which is expected to reach a category value of €90mn in Europe by 2025 after a period of high growth, +51% between 2017-21. Cold brew is also a major driver of innovation, accounting for more than 10% of RTD/iced coffee launches in the last five years.

The new cold brew coffee site is being built next to Finlays' tea decaffeination facility in Hull and close to its tea and coffee facility in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The new facility will focus on supplying big beverage brand owners with a full cold brew coffee solution, including ready-to-drink and bag-in-box formats. 

Andrew Martin, Group Head of Business Development at Finlays says: “While cold brew is already extremely popular in the US and Japan, the market is emerging in the UK and Europe. Looking at the forecast growth for this sector, there's a massive chance for brands to lead in this space in both retail and Out of Home. Our new facility will help these brands tap into the exciting cold brew market.”

Cold brew is a key trend among young consumers with 80% of Millennials finding cold brew appealing, and 40% of Gen Z consumers preferring their coffee in chilled ready-to-drink formats.

Cold brew is also a significant value driver as figures show it achieves a significant premium compared to hot brew products – 89% of cold brew drinkers are willing to pay a premium for this type of beverage.

Andrew continues: “Cold brew is seen as a more premium alternative to traditional iced coffee. Cold brew is made by slowly steeping coffee in ambient temperature water to extract the best flavours from the beans, creating a full-bodied, richer flavour that is less acidic and bitter than hot brew coffees. Its complex flavour profile and natural smoothness also means it offers a rich sensory experience without the need for any additional ingredients.

“Cold brew is also a natural source of caffeine making it a great alternative to normally sugary energy drinks, most of which contain synthetic caffeine.”

Finlays new facility will produce pure cold brew coffee solutions, starting with high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee beans that are freshly roasted at its roastery in nearby Pontefract. 

Finlays will be able to create tailored blends which are steeped in ambient temperature filtered water in a reduced oxygen environment. The cold brew is triple filtered and gently extracted using a bespoke, gravity fed extraction technology that involves no heat or pressure. 

This gentle process will preserve the character and full-bodied flavour of the coffee and achieve consistency. Though some manufacturers may use heat to improve yields, or even add soluble coffee to achieve higher concentrations, Finlays promises to only offer “pure” cold brew to achieve less acidity, smoothness and richer flavour. 

Packaging formats will be flexible to suit a variety of customer needs while also maintaining Finlays' commitment to sustainable sourcing. 

For details visit https://www.finlays.net/product-solution/cold-brew-coffee-europe/

 

Celebrate International Beer Day with Bier Company

Friday, August Fifth is a very important day in the calendar of beer lovers all over the world as it is International Beer Day.

From the IPAs of California, to the lagers of Canada to the stouts of Ireland to the old ales of Britain, the wheat beers of Germany, the pale ales of Australia, everyone who likes drinking beer can raise a glass to other beer drinkers all over the world!

Helping beer fanatics in the UK celebrate this truly momentous moment in beer history is Bier Company.

Bier Company was launched by university mates. Stefan White and Tom Renshaw.

What exactly is Bier Company? It's a leading online beer retailer that stocks the finest independent craft beers from breweries all over the UK, plus there are always some new and exclusive brews, which it cleverly pairs with its signature own-brand Bier Nuts and Bier Crisps.

Bier Company has gone from strength-to-strength in a record-breaking time, generating £10million in revenue in just two years, with sales skyrocketing following the release of its fantastic gifting boxes range.

Now a firm favourite in the seasonal gifting market, Bier Company has launched its Bier Club subscription service and the chaps behind it have their sights set on global domination, launching in Europe and the USA during this year.

Said Stefan "Stefan said: “For us, beer is life, and so we absolutely love uniting with people across the world to celebrate something we are so passionate about. Beer brought Tom and I together and now it’s how we make our living. We are incredibly lucky to be able to do what we do.

“International Beer Day is a fantastic day to meet up with your friends and family, try out new beers from across the world, and take a moment to raise a glass to one of Britain’s favourite drinks. Cheers!”

Bier Company's popularity skyrocketed in 2020, and since then Stefan and Tom have released a swathe of successful gifting products like the Bier Champions Euro Lager Box, Oktoberfest special edition box, and a huge Christmas advent calendar, with many more exciting new designs to launch later this year.

To place your orders please visit https://biercompany.co.uk/

'Pimp Up Your Picnic' This Summer With Crabbie's Ginger Beer

Crabbie's is taking a new, fresh look at al fresco eating and drinking this August with a new collaboration celebrating the refreshing flavours of its legendary Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

The iconic drink has teamed up with popular food and drink blogger Pippa Perriam, @eatinburgh, to give the Classic British Picnic a modern makeover, asking Pippa to share her top tips and inside knowledge of Britain's eating hot spots to help Brits move away from the soggy sandwich and flask of yesteryear.

From clever styling and eco picnicware to easy recipes and stunning locations, the partnership will be supported by a digital campaign packed with content from the collaboration – all inspired by Crabbie's flavourful ginger beer range.

Lashings of ginger beer have long been deemed the perfect accompaniment to a summer picnic and with Crabbie's, drinkers get all the refreshment and flavour – but with a grown-up dash of alcohol. Its range of Original, Rhubarb, Raspberry and Strawberry and Lime ginger beers are delicious served straight from the bottle or over ice with a slice of lime, whilst their new Original Alcohol Free beer offers an option for those looking for low or no alcohol options.

Pippa's tips for thinking outside the (picnic) box!

Head to the Coast – why not enjoy some world class seafood which we're so blessed with here in the UK. Some of my favourite seaside seafood shacks across the country are – Crail Crab Shack (as featured on my social posts), Riley's Fish Shack in North Shields and Sole Bay in Southwold Suffolk. Either enjoyed sat on a pier or on a beach with sandy toes. And don't forget some throw blankets, to wrap around your shoulders at sundown – bliss.

Savour Street Food – the UK's street food scene is fantastic and you can find markets in most major cities – The Pitt in Edinburgh, The Big Feed in Glasgow and Bristol's weekly market at St Nicholas' Market are some of my favourites. Grab a dish to takeaway and enjoy in your favourite city spot and save on the cooking.

Go global – when it comes to picnic food, the world is your oyster. Consider hosting a themed picnic with a spread inspired by your favourite holiday destination. Some Spanish picnic tapas, a Mexican feast, or even some delicious local fayre to offer a taste of your hometown, this works especially well if you are hosting for friends from outside the area. Another option is to host a colour themed picnic, each person brings a dish of their selected colour (matching outfits of course encouraged!)

Set the mood – create a picnic playlist on your ipad – think relaxing Ibiza sunshine vibes, or a festival playlist to remember great times. You could even ask friends to suggest their favourite summer anthem in advance to create a talking point on the day.

Perfect your presentation – because not all picnicware is created equal! When it comes to what to sit on, often a water-resistant underside is a must! However, preventing soggy bottoms aside, it's worth going a little 'extra' for a beautiful boho vibe. Think pretty quilts, blankets or mats that you have at home, if you don't want to get these dirty, drape them over your waterproof rug. If you are driving to your spot, then why not bring some striking scatter cushions for people to lounge on, think colour, comfort and creativity! And if you are going 'all out' two wooden pallets stacked together, covered with a lovely tablecloth or scarf make a stunning picnic table. Don't forget to add some handpicked flowers in a pretty pot in the middle.

Pair with care – matching your food and drink is a great touch to really pack in the flavour. One of my favourite picnic recipes that work so well with the Crabbie's Ginger Beer range is as follows:

Three Cheese Garlic Twists

A great way to use up cheese at the back of your fridge. I've suggested Cheddar, Parmesan and Gruyere here but feel free to mix it up with whatever you have to hand. I'd recommend keeping a block of puff pastry in the freezer for occasions like this, so not even a trip to the supermarket is needed! Served up with a spicy Crabbie's Ginger Beer to cut through the decadent cheese makes for a great pairing.

Ingredients

1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry

4 handfuls of grated cheese (I suggest Cheddar, Parmesan and Gruyere)

1 beaten egg

3 tbsp butter, melted

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Method

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees

Open out your puff pastry and press in the cheese using a rolling pin

Fold your pastry in half and roll to thickness of a £1 coin

Brush with an egg, then cut the cheesy pastry into 10 strips and twist

Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown

When your twists are nearly ready mix your melted butter with crushed garlic (if you have any fresh parsley to hand, adding a little bit of finely chopped parsley here would add a lovely pop of green)

Brush with your garlic butter when fresh out of the oven, leave to cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!

Rachel Adams, Global Marketing Manager, Crabbie's Ginger Beer says: “Crabbie's has become a real staple for people looking to enjoy a refreshing drink in the sunshine, so our new picnic campaign really plays into that. It's great to partner with Pippa who, like Crabbie's, hails from Edinburgh and is also a real pioneer when it comes to offering the lowdown on how to enjoy the best food and drink when out and about.”

#crabbiespimpedpicnics   Visit: www.crabbiesgingerbeer.com

Pippa Perriam has been posting about her food recommendations online for the past seven years. Having originally trained professionally at the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, Pippa then started her Instagram page, Eatinburgh, to share her favourite restaurant across Edinburgh. After joining TikTok in 2020, Pippa now posts online to an audience of over 75,000, expanding her recommendations to locations across the UK and sharing the occasional recipe idea along the way too.

Always happy to help promote a fellow Blogger! Visit Pippa here https://www.instagram.com/pippaperriam/?hl=en

Wrights Launches New Ready Meals & Vegan Savoury Pastry Range Into Foodservice

Cheshire-based food manufacturing experts the Wright Food Group is launching its latest Wrights branded vegan savoury pastry range and a new line of core ready meals into foodservice.

The vegan range includes a Vegan Peppered Steak Slice, a Vegan Steak Pie, Vegan Chicken and Mushroom Pie, a Vegan Pasty and a Vegan 6 inch Sausage Roll, complementing the brand's existing vegan offering and wider savoury range. 

Wrights' new line of ready meals include a Meatball Marinara, Mac and Cheese, a Chicken Jalfrezi and a Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagne, adding to the current range of Wrights ready meals.

Commercial director Helen Bowyer said: “As one of the UK's leading specialist food manufacturers, we supply a wide range of savoury pastries and ready meals to many of the UK's foodservice distributors, top restaurant brands and independent bakers. 

"For 96 years we have offered consistently high quality foods to consumers alongside that all-important convenience and choice for caterers.

“We are constantly evolving all of our ranges and for 2022 have prioritised the development and launch of an extended vegan offering for consumers looking for more plant-based out-of-home choices. 

"We've developed vegan alternatives to our most popular fillings which are encased within our signature golden pastry and make a perfect complement to our meat-based savoury lines.”

The Wrights Food Group's £30million manufacturing facility in Crewe, Cheshire, produces over 3,000,000 savoury products every week including gastro pub pies and ready meals for both the hospitality and retail sectors. 

The Group operates with a team of 600 employees over two sites in Crewe and includes 15 North West high street stores, too.

Helen added: “Our focus in recent months has been on perfecting plant-based products and increasing our ready meal range. With the Wrights heritage founded on pastry-based foods and providing quality, hearty meals for hospitality, we're confident our existing loyal and new foodservice customers will welcome the addition of choice and quality in the convenience and the plant-based arenas.”

For more information on the new Wrights vegan savoury pastry range and core ready meal range, contact sales@wrightsfg.com.

You can also visit their website at http://www.wrightsfoodgroup.com/.

 

Mainbrace Rum Sponsors Race for Carrick Fleet at Falmouth Sailing Week 2022

Top Cornish spirits brand, Mainbrace, has announced a special partnership with the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association (PoFSA), the non-profit organisation responsible for organising, running, and promoting sailing in Falmouth waters.

The partnership will involve the sponsorship of the “Mainbrace Rum Race” for the Carrick Fleet, which will take place during Falmouth Sailing Week on Wednesday 10th August 2022 from 11am onwards. 

After the race, there will be a prize giving on Thursday 11th August, where Mainbrace will be awarding the winners with their rum and gin products, as well as other branded items.

This is a truly a natural partnership, as Mainbrace's name is inspired by the naval term to “splice the mainbrace”, which embodies the spirit of courage, teamwork, and friendship at sea.

In the days of sail, the main mast was steadied with a thick rope called the mainbrace. If it was cut by enemy fire, a brave team of naval ratings (sailors) had to splice the rope back together in the heat of a battle to save the ship. As a reward for successfully achieving this herculean task the captain would order the ship's pusser (purser) to issue a double ration of rum to the team of ratings as a toast to victory.

To 'splice the mainbrace' inevitably became a naval euphemism for an important celebration and was always accompanied with the toast 'The King – God Bless Him' or 'The Queen – God Bless Her.' Mainbrace therefore embodies the spirit of celebrating a victory, no matter how big or small, while continuing to pay homage to Royal Navy traditions and the spirit of the sea.

To “splice the mainbrace” to the upcoming races, a Mainbrace Rum Bar will be set up on Saturday 6th August, where the Mainbrace team will be offering complimentary rum cocktails to special guests.

Richard Haigh, Co-Founder of Mainbrace Rum, said: "We're really pleased to be sponsoring the Mainbrace Rum Race for the Carrick Fleet during Falmouth Sailing Week for the second year running. We're very much looking forward to splicing the mainbrace with everyone taking part, and wish everyone the best of luck!”

To purchase your own bottles, please visit  https://www.mainbracerum.com/shop.    

And checkout their spiffing Cornish gin, too!

Enjoy the rest of Summer with Chefs for Foodies' BBQ Boxes

With folks in Britain getting ready to enjoy even more heat waves throughout the month of August, it's the perfect opportunity to impress your friends and grab yourself a chefs for foodies BBQ box prepared by top chefs - including some with a Michelin star!

Chefs for foodies has got together with the barbecue experts at LANDMANN to create a range of delicious grills featuring high quality ingredients that have been expertly sourced and carefully measured. Perfect for those who want to take their BBQing skills to the next level with colourful and creative dishes that are genuinely chef-level quality.

The boxes are delivered direct to your door so you have everything you'll require to make showstopping feasts for friends and family quickly and easily.

There's a huge range of grills to choose from including Wagyu Burgers and Spatchcocked Poussin by “butcher to the stars”, C Lidgate, Beef Flank with Salsa Verde and Grilled Vegetables by Masterchef's Sofia Gallo and Sarson Prawns by Michelin Star Chef Rohit Ghai.

Vegetarian or vegan guests won't feel left out, because the BBQ Vegan Kebab and Cherry Tomato Pizza box by pizza master and owner of Yard Sale Pizza Ricardo Arias will be superb. 

The recipe boxes come with a detailed digital method card and a bespoke video tutorial from the chefs for foodies chefs. You also have the chance to book a live interactive class with one of the chefs through the LANDMANN Academy to really boost your barbecuing skills and deliver the perfectly plated dish.

James Garth Hill, Director, said: “Born out of the pandemic to support chefs who were unable to get their food in front of diners and the rising trend for cooking at home, chefs for foodies provides foodies an opportunity to engage professional chefs and learn how to cook some of their delicious signature dishes, learn new skills and cook a perfectly plated dish with the very best ingredients, expertly sourced and carefully measured, weighed, packed and delivered directly to their door.

“With the temperatures set to rise yet again, these boxes take the stress out of hosting a barbecue gathering with friends and family over the summer months.”

The BBQ boxes can be ordered via the chefs for foodies website at https://chefsforfoodies.com/pages/landmann-bbq-kits#choose

The prices range from £19 for two for the BBQ Vegan Kebab and Cherry Tomato Pizza box up to £78 for four people for the Japanese Boss BBQ Box.

New from BrewDog Distilling a nifty new vodka

Those wonderful folks at BrewDog Distilling Co have announced the launch of Candy Kittens Vodka: Raspberry & Guava (40%), the second collaboration with the gourmet sweet brand which follows the amazing success of the Candy Kittens BrewDog Beer and marking the 10th anniversary of Candy Kittens. 

Using a grain to glass approach, BrewDog Distilling Co uses triple bubble distillation for four days, then the crystal clear spirit vapour climbs a purification column so high that, BrewDog Distilling Co actually needed had to rebuild their roof around it! 

The liquid is then infused with ripe, fruity British raspberries and tropical guava that combine nicely with strawberry and pear flavours for a delicious sipping vodka!

How should you serve it, apart from neat?

Suggested Serve is:

Candy Kittens Cosmo

40ml BrewDog Distilling Co's Candy Kittens Vodka

20ml Cointreau or peach liqueur 

10ml Fresh lime juice

20ml Cranberry juice

20ml Guava juice 

Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled Martini glass, garnish with a Candy Kitten.

BrewDog Distilling Co's Candy Kittens Vodka: Raspberry & Guava will be available from www.BrewDog.com and Sainsbury's for £20.

@BrewDogDistillingCo

@CandyKittens

Ahmad Tea and Galerie du Thé celebrate winning 18 stars

Ahmad Tea and its sub-brand Galerie du Thé are delighted to announce they have been named among the top food and drink producers globally this year, picking up an impressive 18 stars in the 2022 Great Taste Awards. 

This year, over 14,000 products were entered into the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme and each of the products were put through a rigorous blind tasting process.

Galerie du Thé won a 3-star award for its Luyeh Red tea, a red oolong from Taiwan and 2-gold stars each for its Darjeeling First Flush and Dragon Pearl Tea. Ahmad Tea and Galerie du Thé won 6 and 5 gold stars each respectively for their high-quality teas.

 Ahmad Tea won stars for its classic English Breakfast and English Tea No.1  blends, its newly launched Kew Gardens Elegant Earl Grey and Garden Afternoon  as well as Black Tea from its new decaf range.

“At Ahmad Tea, we pride ourselves on our commitment and 100% focus on producing the highest quality teas and we’re thrilled to have won so many stars from the Great Taste Awards in 2022. Our aim is to inspire the love of tea and we hope these awards will encourage more food and drink lovers to discover the wonderful taste and aroma of premium teas," said Saleh Afshar, Head of Tea Department.

To learn more please visit https://www.ahmadtea.com/

Have a Vegan Merry Christmas With Cocoba Chocolate!

Cocoba, the Kentish chocolate company justifiably famed for their irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched their Vegan Christmas range for Christmas 2022.

Having committed to the continuous growth of their vegan product range, they have consistently received well-deserved praise for producing 'the best vegan chocolate available'.

And now that Christmas is underway in their chocolate kitchen, Cocoba is concentrating on making their biggest range of vegan gifts yet to ensure Christmas magic is accessible to everyone in the form of delicious chocolate treats! 

With a variety of Vegan Christmas Gift Sets available, containing their best loved dairy-free treats, plus a selection of Vegan Stocking Fillers, Cocoba's Christmas range will certainly spread smiles all-round this year.

Vegan Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombes from £10.95

Nothing gives you the Christmas feeling quite like a cosy mug of hot chocolate on a chilly Winter's night. So, what better way to shake off the chills than with a hot chocolate bombe?

Cocoba's award-winning Vegan Hot Chocolate Bombe Christmas Cracker makes an ideal gift for vegetarians, vegans, and dark chocolate lovers alike. Made from 55% dark Belgian chocolate and loaded with sweet, vegan-friendly marshmallows, it makes a heavenly hot chocolate to curl up with in the evening.

And for the younger chocoholics, Cocoba's festive hot chocolate range includes vegan milk and white hot chocolate bombes in the shape of three merry friends. Cocoba's trio of Vegan Christmas Character Hot Chocolate Bombes includes a vegan milk chocolate Santa and Reindeer, plus a vegan white chocolate Snowman – all filled to the brim with micro marshmallows to make a creamy and delicious hot chocolate with the addition of a heated milk alternative poured over the top (plant-based and nut milks work great!).

Starting from £10.95 for a set of three hot chocolate bombes, these vegan-friendly treats are an ideal solution for stocking fillers this Christmas. 

Vegan Christmas Hot Chocolate Spoons and Tree Hangers, from £3.95

Vegan Hot Chocolate Spoons are a great way to bring an element of creativity and joy to any festive celebration.

Cocoba's selection of Christmas hot chocolate stirrers include a jolly Vegan Christmas Santa Hot Chocolate Spoon, made from silky smooth vegan 'milk' chocolate and topped with a vegan white chocolate Santa Claus.

Also, they've introduced a delightfully packaged trio of Vegan Hot Chocolate Spoons with Marshmallows – including Milk, Dark, and Salted Caramel (EDITOR: Yum!) flavoured spoons, each topped with a sprinkle of marshmallows, and all of which are completely suitable for those with a vegan or vegetarian diet!  

Looking for something to decorate the tree with too? Look no further!

Cocoba's complete range of magical treats also includes Vegan Tree Hangers to add a touch of festive fun whilst you deck the halls. Featuring a vegan 'white' chocolate Santa Claus embedded in a disc of thick 'milk' chocolate that's been topped with a helping of sprinkles, it's certainly going to be a job to refrain from eating it straight away!

Nevertheless, at only £3.95 per tree hanger, these vegan-friendly decorations are a great way to glam up the tree with a treat that's great for everyone to enjoy at Christmas time.

Vegan Christmas Chocolate Bar Set, £9.95

New this Christmas, Cocoba's Vegan Christmas Chocolate Bar Set makes a sweet gift to slip underneath the tree. Piped and decorated by hand, one with chocolate drizzle and the other with rainbow candy beans, this tasty duo features two family-friendly chocolate bars in the shape of a gingerbread man and a Christmas tree. Made especially for vegan and dairy free diets, this vegan chocolate bar set is ideal for gifting to little chocoholics or as a sharing treat for the whole family to enjoy together, retailing at £9.95 per set.

Vegan Christmas Baubles, £4.95

Epitomising the Christmas spirit, Cocoba's range of Christmas chocolate gifts features baubles which don't only look great on the tree, but also look great in a hamper and taste even better too! Made from a perfect sphere of velvety 'milk' chocolate, these vegan-friendly baubles are expertly spun to create a thick shell of chocolate which evenly encompasses a fluffy marshmallow centre. They're then thoughtfully wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon, reading for hanging on the branches of the Christmas tree, or popping into a stocking for someone to enjoy.

Vegan Christmas Gift Sets starting from £14.95

For wow-factor gifts that include a mesmerising variety of treats to light up the eyes of any recipient on Christmas morning, Cocoba has it all wrapped up with a collection of beautiful Christmas Vegan Gift Sets.

Starting from as little as £14.95 for a complete hamper of vegan-friendly chocolate gifts, Cocoba's Vegan Christmas Gift Sets have everything you can think of to keep a chocoholic sweet. From their bestselling vegan hot chocolate bombes, complete with a made-to-measure Cocoba hot chocolate mug, to fun festive treats to enjoy alongside your favourite Christmas films. With each product made without any compromise in flavour using their highly praised vegan chocolate recipe, Cocoba's Vegan Christmas Gift Sets are the perfect gifting solution for loved ones with vegan and dairy-free diets.

 Cocoba's founder, Darren, is from Australia where he grew up sharing delicious hot chocolates with his grandfather that he carefully made, not from powder, but using real, premium chocolate.

When Darren came to the UK, he could not find a chocolate drink that matched the one from his childhood, so he decided to create it.

Cocoba launched with a test pop-up kiosk in Brent Cross Shopping Centre in 2012, and following its success, opened a café in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent in 2013. Here, they use slowly melted Belgian chocolate as the basis of all their hot and iced chocolate drinks.

The café didn't just see success in drinking chocolate and chocolate desserts, but also created demand for the chocolate bars and make-at-home hot chocolates, which they made and packed behind the counter.

Today, the same love and care his grandfather put in to his hot chocolate can be found in every one of Cocoba's chocolate products, including Belgian chocolate bars and lollipops, hot chocolate spoons, flakes and hot chocolate bombes, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and 'milk' chocolate too. All these products are handmade, packed and dispatched from Kent, and sent all over the country, to farm shops and delis, to larger retailers, and international distributors too.

Cocoba's Vegan Christmas Range is available from 15th September at www.CocobaChocolate.com as well as independent farm shops, proper delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more.

Rock Rose gins

In today's post I am reporting on two gins from Scotland's Rock Rose Gin Company.

The first is Scottish Botanicals Gin.

I like this gin as it has a nicely balanced range of tastes. 

It's a delightfully smooth gin with the classical tang of juniper berries, but there's so much more to this gin, which is the result of many experimental batches. 

There's a nice hint of citrus with other fruity notes underpinning this gin. There was something I could not identify that gave a little bit of extra fruitiness to this gin. I think that will be the sea buckthorn. 

Next I move on to the Rock Rose Gin Citrus Coastal Edition.

Wow! What a neat treat! This is like no other gin that I have tried.

The bouquet is not juniper, it has a good, warming citrus aroma and it has a good, warming citrus taste to it, also.

It's described as an experimental gin (there most experimental to date, apparently) and the distillation process includes a range of specially selected ingredients including locally foraged kelp from Shore Seaweed and liquorice salt from the Hebridean Mustard Company.

After the citrus flavour, there's a definite very pleasing aftertaste, but I'm not sure that I can identify it, but you'll know it when you try it.

Both of these gins are ideal neat (I prefer mine with ice, my wife prefers hers without ice) and they are both perfect for use with premium mixers and tonics.

My wife's gin and orange recipe (which reverses the more normal ratio, so you get far more gin than you are probably used to!) is ideal for both of these gins, but they are also superb with some real Indian Tonic Water.

A 41.5% Alc Vol. - 700ml bottle costs £35.00, but you can receive fairly generous discounts for regular orders.

Learn more at https://www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk/

Vada Pow "Packs a Powerful Punch"

Yes, indeed, Vada Pow does pack a powerful punch. But it's not overly so, so they are enjoyable by all.

What is Vada Pow? It's an producer of award-winning Bombay Indian street food, but with an Irish twist. 

Naveen Bachani is a man on a mission. Well, several missions, it seems to me! He has brought traditional Indian street food snacks to Ireland the the rest of the British Isles and is working hard to make plant-based, nutritional meals available using all natural ingredients. And all with the backing of Enterprise Ireland.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to try Croquette Tika Masala and Spiced Potato Cakes. For which we offer our sincere thanks to Naveen.

The Croquette Tika Masalas are a delicious blend of traditional masala spice and special herbs and spices. Although it does contain some chilli it's not ridiculously hot so is, to my mind, more in keeping with what is really sold as Bombay (Mumbai) street foods and not what passes for ridiculously over hot "curry dishes" in the British Isles. they went very well with a scratch curry that I put together. It was my turn to cook tea that evening!

We also tried the potato cakes and really liked them a great deal. We found them ideal for serving with a nice salad, paneer or perhaps between bread rolls and being some proper street food! I appreciated the turmeric and the fresh herbs contained in these delicious spiced potato cakes.

Naveen tells us that he chose the name Vada Pow as it means "Patty in a Bun" in Bombay slang. "It's a hat tip to the veggie burger sandwich meal that's a quick grab-and-go mainstay of Bombay Street Food culture."

Interesting! Because I now more about my wife's family recipes passed down through the generations!

The meals can be microwaved or cooked in an oven, it really is up to you.

You can learn more at www.vadapow.com.   

How to buy? There's next day delivery in the Dublin area, please check for delivery and purchase options elsewhere. 

If you want to find out about retailing call them on +353(0)838085792 or email 

naveenbachani@vadapow.com.

 

Enjoy tea with a sparkle

Saicho, the prestigious single-origin sparkling tea brand, offers tea drinkers a refined, elegant selection of premium cold-brewed teas, all ideal for the warmer weather this summertime. 

With four exquisite flavours, Saicho brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Perfect for pairing dinners, aperitifs or to celebrate with a toast on a sparkling note, Saicho is the creation of native Hong Kong person, Natalie, and her partner, Charlie Winkworth-Smith. 

The effervescent tea brand was first launched in the UK. The inspiration was Natalie's exposure to two well-established tea cultures, Saicho offers a unique, refreshing beverage ideal for those seeking to drink less alcohol while still enjoying the occasion and quality of a fine wine. 

Each tea has been selected from specific Asian regions, carefully harvested to create varying acidities, sweetness and mouthfeel that complement certain food types. 

The masterful process of each Saicho tea starts with brewing the tea leaves at a low temperature for 24 hours. This is to extract the delicate aromatics without over-extracting bitter and astringent compounds, which produces a clean, crisp and complex flavour profile. The drinks are then delicately sparkled to enhance the natural aromatics of the tea.

Boasting a collection of cold-brewed sparkling teas masterfully crafted to be as nuanced as the finest champagne wines, Saicho's creations are specifically made to share with loved ones. From weddings to graduations, birthdays and anniversaries, Saicho delivers bespoke quality and ceremony to elevate any celebration. 

Scented with jasmine blossoms, the delicate Saicho Jasmine has a bright floral aroma and notes of apple sherbert, lychee and vanilla, making it a refreshing aperitif. Cheers alongside brunch style egg dishes, summer salads or spicy sales, salty and crispy barbecued pork, spicy chicken wings or desserts. 

Saicho Darjeeling, called the Champagne of tea, is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas in Darjeeling, India, at nearly 6560 feet ASL.

Harvested in the summertime to develop its unique Darjeeling flavour, the tea has notes of wood spice, nectarine and muscatel and has a subtle astringency. Enjoy alongside full flavoured dishes including grilled chicken, roasted tomatoes, chocolate, or summer asparagus salads. For a picnic, a classic Quiche Lorraine or a refreshing Tomato pie pairs perfectly with this drink.

With a deep umami character and notes of nori seaweed, roasted hazelnut and woody smoke, the complex and IWSC No/Low Gold Medal winning Saicho Hojicha boasts dry and woody tannins which deliver a memorable flavour. Originating in Kyoto in the 1920s as a way of utilising leftover leaves, stems, stalks and twigs, Hojicha is a roasted green tea from Japan. Hojicha is best enjoyed alongside complex flavours including sushi, smoked ricotta, barbecued vegetables, caviar, smoked fish, serrano ham, mushroom risotto or duck. 

Named after one of China's most well-known myths about the legendary Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Eight Immortals, the first of Saicho's Rare Tea Collection, is a rare Dan Cong tea cultivar from Guangdong province, China. With a subtle savouriness and lightly tannic finish, the Eight Immortals tea has notes of ginger, mango, tangerine and melon.

From birthdays to hen parties, weddings and celebratory drinks, Saicho offers the versatility and quality to make any special moment memorable in 200ml and 750ml bottles. Elegantly designed with exquisite 750ml bottle gift boxes, Saicho makes for an ideal gift to commemorate important milestones or to add a touch of luxury to your next gathering.

Where to enjoy Saicho Chances are if you live in London, Saicho is just stocked round the corner from you! With new stockists joining every month, Saicho strives to serve award-winning sparkling tea at all your favorite hotels, bars and restaurants. With hotter weather, longer days and brighter smiles, we want to highlight some popular spots to enjoy Saicho this summer!

Online Orders Per Flavour (Retail prices)

200ml bottle (Jasmine, Darjeeling, Hojicha) for £4.99 GBP

750ml bottle (Jasmine, Darjeeling, Hojicha) for £17.45 GBP

750ml bottle of Eight Immortals for £32.99 GBP

You can order them here https://www.saichodrinks.com/

Fit for Summer: Your Essential Vitamins and Supplements

The days are longer, the nights shorter, the weather warmer and travel, social gatherings and get togethers are back on. 

With the Great British Summer (and the occasional heatwave!) in operation, you really should stay on top of your wellbeing by ensuring you add these essential vitamins to your diet or routine. 

The Wicked Gummy Co has compiled a list of the top vitamins to keep you energised, healthy and happy during the warmer months - as an added bonus, we've created a cheat sheet which shares the best Wicked Gummy Co gummies to get your daily dose

The Vitamins you need this summer are:-

Vitamin C - Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant found in everything from oranges to leafy greens and even potatoes, too. It plays a direct role in collagen production, neurotransmitter function, and overall immune health. Summer brings with it many opportunities for social mingling, often leading to cases of the common cold or sinus infections. Vitamin C will help keep you fit and fighting throughout the balmy nights.  

Vitamin E - This is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods such as eggs, meat, and tofu. It is also found in most fruits and vegetables, too. In the body, Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping the liver to clear free radicals and toxins. 

Free radicals, cells that contain too many electrons, can genetically damage your body and have been linked to many diseases as well as traditional signs of aging. Primarily, Vitamin E protects skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It may lessen the likelihood of skin damage severe enough to cause cancer. It can also help with faster recovery from sunburn - crucial when travelling to sunnier climes.

Vitamin A - Vitamin A is critically important in the human body; in fact, it forms the entire basis of vision in humans and most animals. Most people get plenty of Vitamin A from meats, fish, carrots, sweet potatoes, and green leafy vegetables. However, it is possible to be deficient either mildly or severely. Mild deficiencies often manifest as vision problems, including difficulty seeing at night and difficulty reading. Taking Vitamin A in summer may prevent vision damage from the sun, but it can also help you to see more clearly and brightly.

In addition B-Vitamins (for energy), potassium and magnesium (essential electrolytes) and Vitamin K (critical in the production of red blood cells) are good options to stay healthy, hydrated and revived. 

The Best Wicked Gummy Co gummies for summer. 

Hair, Skin & Nails - Say hello to shinier hair, glowing skin and stronger nails this summer! 60 beauty gummies containing a whopping dose of biotin as well as a potent vitamin and mineral blend for all round health and wellbeing. Biotin benefits the growth and strengthening of the hair, skin and nails, which can absorb some damage from direct sun exposure. Vitamin C helps with collagen formation. Vitamin E protects the cells from oxidative stress. Zinc works to protect the hair. Folate contributes to amino acid synthesis. Biotin benefits the growth and strengthening of the hair, skin and nails. 60 for £14.99 at https://wickedgummyco.com/collections/beauty/products/hair-skin-nails 

Multivitamin - Stay strong this summer with Wicked Gummy Co's Multivitamin. Contains Vitamin A for healthy vision, Vitamin C & Selenium to bolster the immune system. Vitamin B6 fights tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin E to  protect the cells from oxidative stress. Biotin strengthens the hair, skin and nails. 60 at £14.99 at https://wickedgummyco.com/collections/sleep/products/multivitamin 

Peaceful Zzzzz - more hours of sunlight might be cause for excitement, but the shorter nights (alongside the heat) can also lead to difficulty sleeping - and nothing impacts your energy levels as much as sleep. For a brighter, more energised summer, try Peaceful Zzzzz. Our unique blend of amino acids, vitamins and botanicals combine to produce serotonin, a chemical messenger that sends signals between your nerve cells. An increase in serotonin levels can fight against depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain and other health problems. 5-HTP promotes the production of serotonin which tells your body it's time to sleep. L-Theanine is an amino acid that promotes calmness. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in mood regulation. Botanicals help you to sleep. 60 gummies for £23.99 at https://wickedgummyco.com/collections/sleep/products/peaceful-zzzzz 

CBD - 60 of the finest quality CBD gummies with a unique vitamin and mineral blend combining the natural anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabidiol (20mg per serving) with other ingredients to fight tiredness and fatigue, reduce stress and anxiety and bolster the immune system. Vitamins B6, B12 & C help to reduce tiredness and fatigue and bolster the immune system. Zinc is important for healthy hair, skin and nails. Vitamins C, E and Zinc contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Vitamins B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and vitamin C contribute to psychological function. Vitamin B6, B12, niacin, biotin and vitamin C contribute to a healthy nervous system. Vitamin D3 is integral to the optimal functioning of the immune system, as well as healthy bones and muscles. 60 gummies for £29.99 at https://wickedgummyco.com/products/cbd-gummy 

This blog post was prepared by The Wicked Gummy Company and shared by That's Food and Drink with our readers.

 

Aimia Foods Mix Things Up With New Mixed Berry Moosebreak

Top UK food and drink experts, Aimia Foods, are pleased to announce they are adding a brand-new Moosebreak flavour to the mix – Mixed Berry.

Joining flavours Strawberry and Chocolate, Mixed Berry Moosebreak is a naturally sweet and fruity flavour which was carefully developed, planned and taste-tested by primary-school aged children.

It is a part of the Made Easy Range. And Mixed Berry Moosebreak has specifically developed for public sector environments, letting caterers offer a delicious yet simple dessert option as part of their menu, but at the same time providing puddings that contain all the nutritional goodness of fresh skimmed milk.

Once water is added to the Moosebreak mix, it can be whisked up to create a light and fluffy mousse in a matter of a few minutes.

Karen Green, who is the head of marketing at Aimia Foods, tells us how Mixed Berry Moosebreak can also be used to create a whole menu of desserts: “Not only does Moosebreak work ideally as a stand-alone mousse, it also lends itself well as an ingredient for creating a number of different dessert types: From tempting mixed berry cheesecakes to fruity trifles, the options are fruitful with Moosebreak!"

As with all products in the Made Easy Range, Mixed Berry Moosebreak contains no artificial colours, flavours, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or hydrogenated fats and has an exceptional low cost per serving.

For more information on Mixed Berry Moosebreak, or any other products supplied by Aimia Foods, please visit https://www.aimiafoods.com/

Felippo Berio introduces new fantastic vegan pesto range

Filippo Berio has been the UK's favourite olive oil brand for over four decades. It's now decided to expand its popular pesto sauce range with two new vegan varieties, Basil Vegan Pesto and Sundried Tomato Vegan Pesto. 

These pestos are produced with the finest available ingredients including Filippo Berio Olive Oil, fresh Lugurian Basil and the finest Sundried Tomatoes.

They are both dairy and gluten free, plus certified by the Vegan Society, so they don't compromise on flavour.

Benchmarking tests compared the Filippo Berio Basil Vegan Pesto against Sacla which showed that Filippo Berio was the clear favourite. When asked which they preferred, over three in four people chose Filippo Berio, many commenting their products had both a superior taste and texture.

Filippo Berio UK's MD, Walter Zanré, said: “These vegan pestos really tick all the boxes when it comes to flavour, so they're the perfect store cupboard essential for anyone who's vegan or looking to reduce their dairy intake. We spent a lot of time in our kitchen developing the recipe to get the taste just right - so anyone who already loves our Filippo Berio pesto can be confident it is equally delicious.”

According to the latest YouGov data, vegans account for 6% of the British population. Flexitarians, who are actively trying to reduce consumption of meat, form 13% of the UK's population.

The plant-based food category has seen huge growth in recent years, it's currently worth £1.2billion each year in the UK, with 6.6 million households buying vegan products beyond Veganuary.

Both the Basil Vegan Pesto and Sundried Tomato Vegan Pesto are priced at £2.75 for a 190g glass jar, and are available from www.FilippoBerio.co.uk.

Seggiano Launches New, All Natural, Vegan Panettone for Christmas

There's a growing demand for vegan products. And leading Italian food specialist has decided to step up to the (food) plate by launching an all-natural, artisan panettone which is totally vegan, enabling retailers to offer all of their customers a slice of traditional Italian cake this Christmas.

Last year Vegan Society research confirmed that in excess of 26% of Brits opted for vegan choices at Christmas. 

With vegan sales expectations even higher for this Christmas, the new Seggiano Vegan Panettone is perfect for diners and foodies who are seeking alternatives which can be enjoyed by everyone inclusively, at this important annual season of gatherings with friends and loved ones. 

They are delicious for vegans and non-vegans alike, Seggiano Vegan Panettone is baked in small batches by award-winning panettone master baker Beniamino in his small Italian family bakery. 

It's baked without industrial emulsifiers, stabilisers, binders or preservatives, thus setting it apart from almost every other vegan cake on the market. 

Beniamino has skilfully created this vegan panettone recipe using cocoa butter, candied fruit paste, natural vanilla, linseed flour and turmeric to add fragrance, moisture and colour to the dough, which is naturally leavened using the bakery's 33-year old mother yeast. 

The result is a  pleasingly delicious, light and aromatic authentic panettone absolutely perfect for plant-based diets - but without compromise on taste or the exceptional quality which Seggiano food lovers expect.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to offer a panettone that everyone can enjoy this Christmas,” says David Harrison, co-founder of Seggiano. “This is a delicious recipe that's lovingly made using the authentic artisan techniques and clean ingredients that are the hallmark of any product in the Seggiano portfolio. 

"Besides being free from industrial additives, preservatives and emulsifiers, the recipe features sulphite-free candied fruits and healthy high oleic oil to deliver a superior quality panettone with unrivalled taste in the vegan cake category.”

Italian Panettone has been a popular choice with UK consumers at Christmas, for many years not only as a wonderful addition to the Christmas table, but also as the perfect gourmet gift, offered at a price point that is accessible to most shoppers. 

The new Vegan Panettone will be available from https://seggiano.com this Christmas, RRP £16.75 for 500g. 

All gifts are available to pre-order direct from Seggiano.com for home delivery in the UK & NI from 1st October 2022, with deliveries running right up until Christmas Eve. Last orders for delivery before Christmas Day to be placed on 16th December 2022. 

Scottish Botanicals bringing the botanicals of Scotland to a glass near you!

Scottish Botanicals from Dunnett Bay Distillery bringing the botanicals of Scotland to a glass near you!

Their experts have developed a well-deserved reputation for blending and crafting some of the finest botanically-based distilled spirits that are available on the market, today.

Let's take a look at Holy Grass Scottish Vodka, first.

It has a clean aroma and the taste in the mouth is exquisite. There are some very exciting Scottish botanicals therein. Can I taste vanilla? I think I can and there's also various hints of herbs and spices, too.

Holy Grass that gives it's name is a plant that is unique to Scotland and it's that which gives the Holy Grass Vodka the distinct vanilla taste! 

There's also, to my mind, a distinct and delicious cinnamon apple after taste which makes this one of the most pleasant vodkas I have tasted in a long time.

It's 41.5% Alc Vol. - 700ml and a bottle costs £34.00.

https://www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk/

London Smoke & Cure Launches Limited Edition Products for Festive Feasting and Christmas Gifting

The fantastic artisanal geniuses at London Smoke & Cure have announced their product range for Christmas  2022 and they are promising some exciting new flavours as part of their offering.

This year, the team have been getting creative in their south London smokery and will be adding some festive spices to their award-winning bacon. There'll be a Limited Edition Spiced Orange Bacon, priced at £5.95 for a 170g pack and a Limited Edition Stilton and Walnut Salami, -priced at £4.95. 

The Spiced Orange bacon will take Christmas breakfast or brunch to a whole new level whilst the salami is the perfect addition to any festive cheese and charcuterie board.

London Smoke & Cure is also stocking a fantastic range of Christmas gift boxes, too!

The Festive Feast is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to try great quality British produce and includes Sashimi-Grade Smoked Salmon (200g), Air-Dried Lonza (50g), Air-Dried Coppa (50g), Air-Dried Saucisson (150g), Air-Dried Snack Salamis (100g) and Air-dried Bresaola, all presented in a stylish box and priced at £39.95

For the ultimate gift for lovers of the cured and smoked, the 'Christmas Gets Smokey' hamper contains items from across the London Smoke & Cure's award winning range. 'Christmas Gets Smokey' is available for £79.50.

London Smoke & Cure's ever popular British Cheese Selection box, features five different award-winning cheeses and crackers produced from small businesses and dairies. The box is priced at £39.50.

For a sense of luxury, London Smoke & Cure has brought together its Good Housekeeping Taste Test winning sashimi-grade smoked salmon with Besserat de Bellefon champagne. The gifts are priced at £75.00 for a 70cl bottle of Besserat de Bellefon Blue Brut NV champagne and half a side of salmon and £99.00 for a whole side of Salmon and 70cl bottle of Besserat de Bellefon Blue Brut NV champagne.

London Smoke & Cure sources the highest quality, highest welfare produce possible and takes big steps to manage the business sustainably. Its acclaimed range includes Great Taste Award-winning sashimi-grade smoked salmon, 28-dry aged bacon, coppa, chorizo and nduja and air-dried Bresaola - all are packed with big, natural flavours and crafted with expertise and passion.

Christmas orders must be made by Wednesday 16th December for delivery on 22nd December or collection on 23rd December but to avoid disappointment, please order as early as possible.

Gift vouchers from £20 are also available and more details on all the products can be found on the website and are available for nationwide delivery https://www.londonsmokeandcure.co.uk.

(Editor: This looks very good. Though the cheese selection box is more my kind of thing, though the Spiced Orange Bacon sounds delicious, too!)

Superzeros Breakfast cereal. The way healthy way forward

Most of us eat breakfast cereals. We try to convince ourselves that they are OK and good for us. But they usually aren't. They are often heavy on carbs and heavy on sugar, but low on protein.  

If only there was a make of breakfast cereal that was light on carbs, light on sugar and high on protein. Wouldn't you be wanting to try them for you and your family?

Those fantastically healthy breakfast cereals are here in the form of Superzeros! 

The vast majority of traditional breakfast cereals are heavy on the carbs, heavy on the sugar and have a minimal amount of protein.

But Superzeros are the exact opposite. They have a nominal amount of sugar and 10g of protein and per serving, Superzeros are looking good for those of us who want to fuel ourselves for the day ahead.

They are nut free, gluten free, high in fibre and come in some fun and delightful flavours. I love the Choco chocolate flavour but really go for the apple and cinnamon flavour which is even more delicious.

They are shaped into delightfully crunchy small balls they go really well with whatever milk you prefer, including oat, almond, dairy, goat, soya, etc. 

They looks set to be an appealing option for those that of us who are looking to better fuel themselves in the morning.

Ideal for those of us who want to cut down on the risk of gluten (though they point out they are made in a bakery that does use gluten in some other products) and also need to increase carb intake and cut back on the carbs.

To learn more please visit https://super-zeros.com/.

Two boxes will cost £12.99, three cost £18.99 and four £23.99. Though if you subscribe you can save money.

Some summer sips with Santa Ana Gin cocktails

As we move slowly through our British summer months and with some hotter weather expected soon, Santa Ana Gin has some perfect cocktail ideas to help you cool off.

A fantastic beach BBQ? Something major in your back garden suggestions for your seasonal celebrations. Whatever the opportunity, Santa Ana's ideal for your cocktails.

Here are some summer Cocktail suggestions from Santa Ana:

The French 75

Originally known as the 75, this Harry McElhone classic first appeared around World War I in Paris at the New York Bar. The combination of ingredients was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun, giving this cocktail its famed name.

Ingredients

45ml Santa Ana Gin

25ml Lemon Juice

20ml Simple Syrup

Champagne

The Gin & Tonic

As the band warms up, slide into the mood with the signature Santa Ana Gin &  Tonic. Tall, crisp, and refreshing, this classic combination perfectly highlights the Philippine floral and citrus notes of Santa Ana Gin.

Ingredients

30ml Santa Ana Gin

Fentiman's Naturally Light Tonic Water

Santa Ana is available to buy at Master of Malt RRP - £29.90.

Have a fine foodie summer with Produced in Kent

You can celebrate summertime by making the most of the great Kentish summer produce. 

The quintessential Kentish fruit, cherries, can be found across the county right now. Why not try an irresistible cruffin filled with crème patisserie topped with a rich cherry compote from Gilda Bakery which is near Canterbury? 

Or fill your home with a glorious rainbow of seasonal and sustainable flowers from Blooming Green, open every Saturday for Pick Your Own until the end of October.

Produced in Kent have curated a collection of easy, tasty recipes from local producers using the best of the season.  Here are a few that will bring a taste of the Kentish summer to your table:

Summer Salads

In this recipe from The Corner House the sweet flavours of the colourful tomatoes are paired in a dish with a light and creamy goat's curd, while the dressing elevates the flavours to new heights.

Recipe: Heritage Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

Serves 4

400g Heritage tomatoes, assorted colours, shapes and sizes – Macknade have a vast range at this time of year

2 banana shallots, finely diced

3 sprigs tarragon, picked and chopped

50ml rapeseed oil – try locally made Kentish Oils

Squeeze of lemon juice

250g goat's curd or soft goat's cheese from Cheesemakers of Canterbury

Pinch of caster sugar

Handful of small salad leaves such as frisée or pea shoots

Salt and pepper

Method:

Slice your tomatoes in creative ways to make the plate look pretty and interesting

Place the tomatoes in a mixing bowl and add the shallots, tarragon, rapeseed oil, a pinch of salt and pepper and a pinch of caster sugar

Mix gently and taste. Arrange on a plate.

Toss and coat a few salad leaves with the leftover dressing in the bowl, scatter over the tomatoes and place a dessert spoon of goat's curd on top

Firing up the BBQ

Summer is BBQ season and Karimix are raising the 'sausage in a bun' bar to new levels with some Argentinian flavour inspiration. In South America foodies go nuts for 'Choripan', literally combining Chorizo Sausage 'Chori' and 'Pan'... Spanish for bread.

Recipe: Argentinian Choripan Recipe from Karimix

Ingredients:

Serves 3-4

1 x Pack Spicy Cooking Chorizo Sausages, skin removed

3 x Red Peppers, finely sliced

½ White Onion, finely diced

4tbsps Karimix Chimichurri Sauce – available from online from Karimix

1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1-2 tbsp Rapeseed Oil – try the Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil from Pure Kent

3-4 Buns or Ciabatta bread cut into pieces

Method

Light the BBQ so it has time to get to optimal cooking state.

Finely slice the red peppers and fry them in a pan with the rapeseed oil until they are soft and slightly caramelised on the edges.

Mix 4 tbsps. of Chimichurri sauce with 1 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and set to one side.

Finely dice the white onion.

The skins on the chorizo sausages come off easily, just make a light cut down one side of them and peel the skin away.

The sausages are cooked whole to begin with, then removed from the heat and butterfly cut (just cut down one side to open the sausage up) exposing the centre. Put them back on the heat to crisp the middle.

Whilst the sausages are cooking, toast the bread.

To build the Choripan, start by piling in the fried red peppers, place 1-1½ sausages on top (depending on the size of your bun), drizzle over some chimichurri sauce and scatter in some of the diced white onions. Whack on the other half of the bun and devour...

Relaxing Afternoon Tea

The fields of Lavender at Castle Farm are awash with purple right now, enjoy this seasonal flower (known for its calming properties) and delicate flavour in this shortbread recipe.

Recipe: Castle Farm Lavender Shortbread

Ingredients:

200g plain white flour

Pinch of fine sea salt

40g ground rice flour

75g caster sugar (plus extra for decorating)

5-10 drops Castle Farm HOT Lavender Essence

One heaped teaspoon of Castle Farm Culinary Lavender Flowers

175g unsalted butter, from a chilled 250g block

Method:

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and stir in the ground rice flour and sugar

Take your butter from the fridge, and while your bowl is on the weighing scales, grate in 175g of butter from the block.

Sprinkle in the Lavender flowers, and the drops of HOT Lavender Essence.

Work it all quickly into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Press the mix into a 20cm square baking tin and level the top

Chill in the fridge for about an hour.

Then, heat the oven to 140'C fan (160'C/gas 3).

Bake the shortbread for 40 minutes until light golden.

Remove from the oven and prick all over with a fork, then mark into 20 pieces, cutting right through to the bottom of the tin.

Dust caster sugar all over the top and leave the shortbread to cool before removing from the tin.

Then sit back and enjoy with a relaxing cup of tea!

Not in the mood for cooking? From wine tastings, music and foodie festivals, Produced in Kent have bags of inspiration on things to do, where to eat & how to treat yourself this summer, check out Produced in Kent's Summer Guide.

For more information visit https://www.producedinkent.co.uk/.

 

A new way to buy us a coffee!

My wife and I run That's Food and Drink from our home.

We do it mainly because we are both writers and we like what we do. We are also passionate about food. My wife's mother was a cordon bleu qualified chef and ran her own specialist catering business for many years.

And my father was an army chef trained to B1 and B2 levels. The equivalent to advance City and Guilds 153 at that time. He was usually the chef for the officer's mess. So we were both brought up with food.

As you will appreciate it's not cheap to operate our food blog and I recently found a way to encourage our readers to Buy Us a Coffee using this link and following the instructions   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/martinschoX.

Thank you!

C4 Energy Drinks

There are "energy drinks" then there are C4 Energy Drinks.

You can trust me, you will not have had an energy drink like C4 Energy Drink before.

If your idea of an energy drink is something that has a weird, chemically, slightly disgusting sets your teeth on edge taste and bright "makes you question what you are putting in your body" colours, then I have a pretty good idea that I could name at least one of several energy drinks you will have sampled in the past.

But those "energy drinks" are the past. Because the future of real, honest to goodness (with myself adding emphasis to the word goodness) energy drinks is C4 Energy Drinks.

There's no colouring, artificial or otherwise. It's clear! Wow! How neat is that? There are no unpleasant artificial or the weaselly faux "nature identical" flavourings.

Only natural flavourings in this bad boy! Nope, the term bad boy cannot be used in relation to C4 Energy Drinks. Because in my opinion, C4 is a good boy, through-and-through.

What else is in it? There's also water, a moderate amount of carbonation, a bit of malic and citric acid, a touch of L-Arginine (sounds exciting, but it's merely a valuable amino acid that helps the body build protein) a bit of taurine (also an useful amino acid, which is vital in several of the body's metabolic processes, plus known as an antioxidant) some Betaine (another nifty and important amino acid) and some no sugar sweeteners, being sucralose and Steviol.

Factor in the Niacin and Vitamin B12 and a smidgen of caffeine and you'll know that C4 Energy Drinks are the real deal.

Each can contains 500ml of drink, so they'll quench your thirst, too. 

What do they taste like? Cosmic Rainbow tastes to me like a nice summer's afternoon, maybe add a chunk or two of ice? Orange Slice tastes of freshly sliced oranges (duh!) and Twisted Limeade tastes, well, like a rather nice limeade drink with a twist.

I have been feeling under the weather of late (long COVID, nasty and very, very boring!) and I have to say that C4 Energy Drinks have been a really nice pick-me-up. My degree is in writing and journalism, not medicine so I have no scientific basis for saying this but I can only go by my feelings and I know they made me feel better.

They are available via Holland and Barrett either in branch or online 12 cans cost  £26.99. You can also order them via Amazon at £20.00 for 12. They are also available through other retailers.

Flavours available include Cosmic Rainbow, Orange Slice, Twisted Limeade and Frozen Bombsicle.

You'll be able to learn more at https://cellucor.com/pages/c4-energy

The Story of Real Vanilla from Charlotte White

Charlotte White

Charlotte White will be the host and curator of the Cake & Desserts Theatre at the Foodies Festival - a celebration that will bring together the biggest names in food, drink and music.

Held over three days from 5 - 7 August 2022 at Inverleith Park in Arboretum Place, Foodies Festival is a star-studded event centred around the best food and drink, which offers visitors the chance to broaden their palates, watch culinary masterclasses from TV chefs, enjoy street food whilst drinks flow, along with live music from some great acts.

Sponsored by LittlePod vanilla, the Cake & Desserts Theatre has a full schedule of live demonstrations set to thrill baking fans. Bringing her passion for real vanilla to life on stage, Charlotte White from Restoration Cake is a remarkable host and worth seeking out at the Foodies Festival.

Not only is she a creative baker who has appeared on shows like ITVs Lorraine, she is also a well respected historian. “I've always been interested in the world of King Charles II and the people who inhabited it,” she reveals. 

Regularly contributing to Inside History Magazine and history podcast History Hack, she obviously enjoys talking and writing about 17th century history and classic Hollywood.

Believing cakes should tantalise and tease the taste buds, Charlotte White has published two cake decorating recipe books in her unique show stopping style - Burlesque Baking and Deliciously Decorated. As a LittlePod ambassador for the use of real vanilla, Charlotte demonstrates creative baking and cake decorating skills at Foodies Festivals across the nation.

“I am host and curator of the Cake & Desserts Theatre at the Foodies Festival - and I get to travel the UK presenting live cookery demonstrations, interviewing chefs - and all whilst wearing heels!” she laughs. 

With both her historian and chef hats on, Charlotte really does know her stuff when it comes to the story of vanilla and is highly aware of the fact that 97 percent of all the items sold as 'vanilla flavoured' do not contain a single genuine molecule gleaned from the pod of this much celebrated tropical flower.

“I find that fact extraordinary and it is something that drew me to Janet Sawyer [LittlePod's MD] and her company. LittlePod is doing so much to get real vanilla being used once again around the globe,” she says. “I first came across Janet and LittlePod a decade ago - and I fell in love with what Janet was trying to do in promoting the use of real vanilla. 

“So that is what I do - I take the LittlePod products around the country to festivals and demonstrations and put them in front of people who love food with a great story. It's a privilege to be able to tell the world about real vanilla - and in that way I see myself more as an evangelist than a saleswoman. I'm not there to sell, but explain why. And I tell people that what's important is to spend money on real quality vanilla. Which sounds like a tough message to deliver when everything is getting more and more expensive - but the truth is that this is a win-win situation. 

“Real vanilla is so amazingly delicious and, added to that, when you are buying the LittlePod products you are sourcing your ingredients responsibly and sustainably. Yes, it's true that in the past vanilla was not a very ethical product - so when you get someone like Janet working with real vanilla farmers and knowing them individually by name, then you know the product is the real deal.”

Delving into her favourite world of culinary history, Charlotte admits that vanilla was once a product that seemed to signal the unadventurous and mundane. “I remember a time when vanilla flavour was basically regarded as the most boring thing you could order - probably because it was an industrial product that had nothing to do with an orchid growing in a tropical rainforest. 

“But when you taste the real thing, it is anything but boring! And at the moment, that is the message I'm taking around the country,” says Charlotte, who describes herself as a 'travelling showgirl chef'.

So what's her favourite thing to make when she's showing people the deliciousness of real vanilla? 

“I've been making an amazing tiramisu,” she smiles, describing a rather complex but fabulous vanilla-cocoa-and-coffee flavoured version of the classic Italian dish. “It's a plant-based tiramisu, so a bit different. There's no egg or butter, so the vanilla sings through because nothing competes with it. It also features in the cream - it's a kind of Chantilly cream and you have the flecks of vanilla sitting alongside coffee and cocoa - two crops which of course grow in close association with vanilla. I love it because I agree with that old adage in food which says: what grows together goes together…”

“So much of what I do is about stories from the past,” adds Charlotte. “The nostalgia thing comes from my love of old Hollywood movies. I loved them so much I ended up with a film degree. I am also an historian - my business Restoration Cake is named after Charles II. So, working with LittlePod fits in nicely - because the history of vanilla is absolutely fascinating when you start looking into it.

“Elizabeth I, for example, was obsessed with vanilla - and the moment she tasted it she immediately demanded that it should be in everything she ate! Which was a very expensive demand, when you think of what it took back then to bring vanilla from the Tropics. It must have been like putting gold leaf on everything!

“Few other ingredients have such stories,” mused Charlotte. “And I love being able to tell people about them in my role with LittlePod as an ambassador for real vanilla.” 

https://www.littlepod.co.uk/

https://foodiesfestival.com/