Artisanal Italian food brand, Seggiano, has revealed five of its best alfresco-inspired eats – perfect for alfresco dining.

These unique recipes are guaranteed to make you the talk of the dinner party – while catering for flexitarians and vegetarians alike. 

Please see the recipes below and attached as well as high res imagery found here. 

• Pea, Asparagus and Artichoke tart 

• Green Pea Fusilli with Grilled Artichokes, Peas and Lemon Pangritata 

• Beetroot, Lentil and Feta Salad  

• Sweetcorn & Spinach Fritters 

• Gin Rose on the Rocks

Here are five alfresco inspired eats from Seggiano

 

With the British summer in full swing, what better way to celebrate our summer than with fresh foods and alfresco eats created by artisan Italian food experts Seggiano?

Whether you are looking for a cool summer salad to match those hearty-BBQ dishes, a delectable drink featuring seasonal summer fruits, or a tasty tart to share with friends, then they have it all covered. 

They’re taking seasonal and delicious produce to an entire new level with unique recipes which are guaranteed to make you the talk of the dinner parties, which cater for flexitarians and vegetarians alike. There are creative twists on fantastic salads, nutritious risotto dinners and delightfully indulgent platters to entertain guests over sun-filled weekend get-togethers. 

Pea, Asparagus and Artichoke tart

Difficulty: Medium

Cooking time: 50 mins

Serves: 8

Vegetarian

A Seggiano twist on the King’s coronation approved dish for the upcoming bank holiday – Britain’s much-loved quiche – this pea, asparagus and artichoke tart is a delicious option to wow guests at your street party, with the beautiful contrast between crunchy filo and soft, melt-in-the-mouth interior.

Ingredients Method

For the filling: 

• 6 eggs 

• 4 tbsp creme fraiche

• 2 tbsp Lunaio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

• 2 shallots, halved lengthwise and sliced 10g grated parmesan 

• 125g asparagus tips 

• 160g peas 

• 4 Seggiano artichoke hearts, drained and quartered*

For the tart case: 

• 250g pack filo 

• 30g buttermelted 

• 2 tbsp Lunaio Extra Virgin Olive Oil*

To serve: 

• Pea shoots 

• Lunaio Organic Lemon Oil

*Seggiano works best, but any high-quality alternative purchased from an independent retailer will suffice.

1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC and place a baking tray inside to heat up.

2. Whisk together the eggs and creme fraiche until smooth, season with salt and pepper then set aside.

3. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan then cook the shallots over a low heat, stirring often, until softened and golden. Set aside to cool.

4. Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus and peas in a pan of boiling water for 2-3 minutes then drain and tip into a bowl of iced water.

5. Now prepare the tart base. Stir together the melted butter and olive oil. Unwrap the filo pastry and lay between 2 damp tea towels to prevent it drying out as you work.

6. Brush a 20cm loose bottomed tin with the butter and oil mixture then lay a sheet of pastry into the tin, sticking it to the sides. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the whole surface, you can cover any gaps with the next sheet of pastry. Brush with more butter and oil then repeat the layers until you have used all of the pastry. Use scissors to trim the pastry into an even edge just above the tin. You may find it best to cut the pastry sheets in half to better fit your tin.

7. Stir the cooled shallots, peas and artichokes into the egg mixture then tip into the tart case. Lay the asparagus on top then sprinkle over the parmesan.

8. Slide the tin onto the hot baking tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is just set then leave to cool in the tin.

9. Serve with pea shoots and a drizzle of lemon oil.

Green Pea Fusilli with Grilled Artichokes, Peas and Lemon Pangritata

 

Difficulty: Easy

Cooking time: 20

Serves: 2

Vegetarian

A delicious, quick and protein-rich pasta dish with green pea fusilli and roasted artichokes, great as a sharing main for summer garden parties.

Ingredients Method

• 250g Seggiano Organic Green Pea Fusilli

• 200g frozen peas

• 380g artichoke hearts*, quartered and drained

• 60ml Lunaio Organic Lemon Oil

• 80g finely grated parmesan and extra to serve

• Pea shoots, to serve

• 15g butter

• 80g sourdough breadcrumbs

• 1 garlic clove

*Seggiano works best, but any high-quality alternative purchased from an independent retailer will suffice.

1. Heat half of the oil and all of the butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, until it becomes foamy. Add breadcrumbs and garlic and fry, stirring until golden and crispy. Season and set aside to cool.

2. Cook the fusilli pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions for al dente, adding the peas for the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain but reserve 250ml of cooking water. Return pasta and peas to the pan and place over a low heat.

3. Add the artichoke hearts, Parmesan, remaining lemon oil and pasta cooking water, season and toss to combine.

4. Divide the pasta between the 4 serving bowls, top with the Pangritata, pea shoots and finely grated Parmesan to taste.

Beetroot, Lentil and Feta Salad 

 

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking time: 45 minutes

• Serves: 2

• Vegetarian

This refreshing light lunch is a simple dish to prepare and a great way to keep calories low and increase your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients. It is also a great addition to an al fresco spread, giving colour and freshness to dinners or BBQs.

Ingredients Method

• 5 beetroots 

• 1 tbsp Seggiano white wine vinegar*

• 2 tbsp dried green lentils

• 1 tbsp red quinoa, or other grain of choice

• 1 tbsp plain yoghurt

• Dill leaves

• Thyme

• Feta

• Salt & pepper

• Lunaio Extra Virgin Olive Oil*

Seggiano works best, but any high- quality alternative purchased from an independent retailer will be fine

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/Gas 6

2. Place the beets in a baking dish, add 5mm of water, then cover with foil. Place in the oven and roast for about 45 minutes until tender. 

When they are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut into wedges. Alternatively, if you’re using pre-cooked beetroots simply cut into wedges and drizzle over some of our white wine vinegar for added flavour.

3. Cook the quinoa and lentils by bringing to the boil, covering, and reducing the heat. Simmer for 15 minutes, cover and place to one side.

4. Combine the beetroots, quinoa and lentils with our Seggiano white wine vinegar, dill, salt and some of our organic olive oil.

5. Spoon some yoghurt onto a plate, top with the beetroots lentils and quinoa. Top with feta and more dill.

Sweetcorn & Spinach Fritters

 

Difficulty: Easy

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Vegetarian

A healthy side dish to add intrigue to any buffet or dinner party with friends, these sweetcorn and spinach fritters are best accompanied by a zingy pesto dip to perfectly complement the spinach centre.

Ingredients Method

For the fritters:

• 100g spinach

• 250g sweetcorn (drained)

• 3 spring onions (finely sliced)

• 3 medium eggs

• 30ml milk

• 75g self-raising flour

• 50g cheddar cheese (grated)

• salt and pepper

• vegetable oil for frying

For the dip: 

• 200g plain greek yoghurt

• 60g Seggiano Raw Basil Pesto

• Salt and pepper to taste

Seggiano works best, but any high- quality alternative purchased from an independent retailer will be OK.

1. Wilt the spinach by placing the spinach in a large saucepan with a splash of water, cover with a lid and cook over a medium heat until wilted – it should only take a few minutes. Tip the wilted spinach into a colander or sieve and squeeze out as much excess water as you can.

2. Transfer the wilted spinach into a mixing bowl along with the sweetcorn and spring onions.

3. Whisk together the eggs and milk and pour over the vegetables and mix together. Sift in the flour and stir into the mixture along with the cheese and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, spoon heaped tablespoons of fritter mixture into the pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side.

5. Whilst the fritters are cooking, make the dip by mixing the yoghurt and pesto together and seasoning to taste.

Gin Rosé On The Rocks

Difficulty: Easy

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Serves: 1

This quick and easy cocktail recipe created by Seggiano and recipe developer Monica Patiño is bound to quench your thirst and refresh you pronto. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, use a sealable container like a mason jar!

Ingredients Method

• 1 tsp Seggiano Organic Rosé Balsamic Vinegar

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz Campari Bitter

• 1 diced grapefruit

• 4 crushed juniper berries

• 8 ice cubes

• 1 fresh sprig of oregano or rosemary (optional)

Seggiano works best, but any high-quality alternative purchased from an independent retailer will suffice.

1. Place 4 ice cubes in a cocktail shaker with all the ingredients

2. Beat 10 to 15 times very hard and strain into a glass with the other 4 ice cubes

3. Decorate with a grapefruit slice, the fresh oregano sprig or rosemary and serve

https://seggiano.com.

Frantoio Franci launches brand new organic olive oil

Frantoio Franci Delicate Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml (2022/2023 harvest) is a brand new addition to the Franci organic selection. 

It's a delightfully tasty light fruity extra virgin olive oil, with ripe vegetal notes of tomato and artichoke leaf. 

It offers a sweet taste with a touch of mild bitterness and spiciness and is in good harmony. 

It's recommended for employment in soups, vegetables purées, salads, raw and cooked vegetables which have delicate flavours and in fish and meat dishes.

It is produced by Frantoio Franci, one of Italy’s most renowned olive oil producers. 

The farm, which is based near Montalcino in Montenero d’Orcia is currently managed by Giorgio Franci, who has taken over running the business from his father, Fernando. 

Incidentally, the olive mill quickly became famed through its flagship Villa Magra Grand Cru, which has long been regarded as the pioneer on the segment of olive oils of the highest qualities.

www.artisanoliveoilcompany.com

Limoncello di Capri

I first became aware of  Limoncello di Capri at a high end genuine Italian restaurant in London a while back and it's truly a stunningly good drink.

Limoncello di Capri is distributed in the UK by Mangrove Global.  

Legendary leading Italian drinks company Molinari has recently taken the step to relaunched its world-renowned liqueur, Limoncello di Capri, with a bold new look.

Molinari’s Limoncello di Capri is sitting in a class of its own and this is due entirely to the fact that they only employ authentically sourced ingredients. 

The liqueur is made from 100% Sorrento, ‘I.G.P’ lemons, this is a special type of fruit that is specific to the region which gives the drink its utterly outstanding, delicious flavour. 

The process of making it has remained unchanged throughout the years and the production of the liqueur takes place only on the Gulf of Sorrento itself , so it's a truly genuine taste of the Sorrento Coast. 

Originally designed as a post-meal digestif, this adaptable drink is now enjoying a renaissance amongst all types of drinkers with a variety of different serving suggestions. Though it's still a crackingly good post-meal digestif!

The first signature serve makes for the perfect aperitivo, the Limoncello Spritz, which includes 50ml of Limoncello di Capri, 75ml of prosecco, and 25ml of soda (over ice, naturally!) accompanied by a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon as a garnish. Or you can mix 50ml of Limoncello di Capri with 100ml of tonic water and pour over ice, if you'd prefer.

ABV: 30%|50cl

£14.50 from Majestic.

https://www.majestic.co.uk/spirits/limoncello-di-capri-50cl-49460

Heinz is launching a new Culinary Tomatoes range, celebrating its iconic sun-ripened tomatoes

Absolutely ideal for both scratch cooks and those who are requiring a bit of a culinary helping hand, this absolutely new range from Heinz brings its passion for the finest of tomatoes straight into their kitchens, opening up its most loved ingredient in ways never before seen.

From finely chopped tomatoes to pizzas, curries and chilli tomato bases, the new range will help cooks create and whip up a vast array of world cuisines at home, with tomato inspiration that goes beyond just Italian dishes.  

Introducing Heinz’s Culinary Tomatoes range: opening up Heinz’s tomatoes to everyone. 

Using only the finest Heinz tomatoes, these are all sun-ripened and grown in Italy for truly unparalleled flavour, the brand-new range includes chopped and peeled tomatoes, a classic pizza sauce and tomato puree, as well as a range of tomato bases for cooking sauces (passata, chilli, curry and frito), helping cooks to dish up a range of cuisines from around the world with convenience.  

With recent research highlighting that seven out of the UK’s top 10 favourite dishes are tomato based, the new range will allow cooks to give their best-loved meals – from a pizza Margherita to shakshuka or chicken bhuna - a uniquely Heinz twist.  

Caio Fontenele, Heinz New Ventures Director said: “We’re really delighted to give Heinz tomato lovers even more access to our finest tomatoes, while offering real inspirations to all cooks to create new and delicious recipes in their kitchens."

He went on to say: “We’ve developed our brand new tomato collection to offer something for everyone, regardless of the level of their cookery skills. 

“For those who love cooking from scratch, we have our delicious Heinz tomatoes in peeled, chopped or puréed formats. And for those who require an extra culinary hand and want to skip the basic preparation stages, we have our tasty, ready-to-use tomato based cooking sauces, too.

“Our Heinz Passatas are perfect for creating classic pizzas and pastas, while our Chilli and Curry bases will help home cooks to explore cuisines, beyond Italian . We also have our signature Heinz Tomato Frito, containing fresh garlic and onions, cooked in olive oil to extract the best flavour, and already a success in other European countries”. 

Discussing Heinz’s tomato history, Caio went on to say: “When it comes to tomatoes, it really just has to be Heinz. Ever since Henry J. Heinz first grew the seeds for the tomatoes that would become a staple in Heinz products all over the world, from our iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup, to our new Heinz Pasta Sauces, we’ve been truly in love with our tomatoes. 

“Our Heinz tomato masters’ obsession with quality and agricultural excellence inspired us to offer our tomatoes directly to customers, allowing everyone the chance to create their own pizzas or tomato curries with the unmistakable taste of Heinz”. 

Of the launch, Gary King, Global Agricultural Developer at Heinz, said: “As one of many Heinz Tomato Masters around the world, I’ve had a lifelong passion and dedication for our tomatoes, always searching for new ways to further improve their quality.

“Heinz’s tomatoes are truly, incredibly unique. They are one of the most viscous tomatoes in the world, giving them their delicious, rich, thick, unmistakeable Heinz flavour. We’ve always grown our tomatoes using traditional methods and we’re as passionate about doing this today as we were back when it all began in 1869. As we say at Heinz, our tomatoes are grown, not made”. 

The launch of the Culinary Tomatoes range is part of Kraft Heinz’s larger transformation to bring insight-driven innovation to consumers faster than ever before and grow its taste elevation platform around the world. 

The full new Heinz Culinary Tomatoes range includes: 

●          Heinz Chopped Tomatoes (400g) – RRP £1.25 

●          Heinz Chopped Tomatoes multipack (4x 400g) – RRP £4.75 

●          Heinz Peeled Tomatoes (400g) – RRP £1.25 

●          Heinz Classic Pizza Sauce (400g) – RRP £1.75 

●          Heinz Classic Passata (500g) – RRP £1.75 

●          Heinz Passata with Basil (500g) – RRP £1.75 

●          Heinz Curry Tomato Base (500g) – RRP £1.75 

●          Heinz Chilli Tomato Base (500g) – RRP £1.75 

●          Heinz Double Concentrated Tomato Puree (130g) – RRP £1.40 

●          Heinz Frito Tomato Base (500g) – RRP £1.75 (available in August) 

●          Heinz Finely Chopped Tomatoes (400g) – RRP £1.25 (available in August) 

Of course, the entire range has absolutely no added preservatives, additives, or sugar. 

The new Heinz Culinary Tomatoes range is available now from ASDA stores all over the country, expanding to other retailers later this year. Prices will be at the sole discretion of the retailer. 

For more information, visit www.heinz.co.uk/heinz-tomato-products 

Making the 2000 Year Old "Pizza" from Pompeii

 

I subscribe to the YouTube channel of Max Miller and I was so impressed by his video of making a pizza style meal form 2,000 years ago that I decided to share it with you.

You can follow Max here:- https://www.youtube.com/@TastingHistory.

Sustainable strawberries pollinated by AI influenced hover-flies

Strawberries and cream are synonymous with the Wimbledon tennis fortnight, running this year from 3rd-16th July. UK agtech startup Olombria is partnering with the UK’s largest fruit growers to ensure the volume and traditional quality of fruits are preserved as the industry experiences many pressures.

Fruit farming has many modern challenges, and the need to control pests and enhance pollination of berry flowers is a constant management challenge. In the past, bees have been strong allies in the pollination of fruit, but bees are in jeopardy, and their numbers are diminishing fast. 

New farming techniques beyond open fields utilising poly-tunnels and closed environments used in vertical farming techniques create challenging environments for hive-based bees to operate in, and their stress can also increase stinging hazards for farm workers. Consequently, bees are no longer the ‘top seeds’ in the pollination game.

Instead, Olombria raises a combination species of hoverflies (natural bee-mimics that don’t sting) with larvae that are voracious consumers of aphid pests. 

When given the right coaching, these fast-flying hive-less insects are better performers in modern farming pollination situations, so Olombria uses advanced AI vision systems and natural semiochemical lures to encourage the hoverflies to the right part of the crop at the right time. The result is strawberry fruit yields that are 20% heavier and raspberries that are 56% heavier - and aphid outbreaks are brought under control within the optimal timeframe.

Olombria's Integrated Pest and Pollination Management (IPPM) approach both eliminates the continuous threat of aphid infestations and enhances pollination in the changing environments of modern farming. 

As chemical pest control options become more restricted, farms are turning to biocontrols to seek and destroy bugs that weaken the plants and deform their leaves but putting these controls in the right place is something Olombria’s AI vision systems are trained for. The same system ensures that hoverfly adults get busy pollinating the plants when the bloom is right, using lures to increase their activity and targeting them in the correct area.

Just as Hawk-Eye gives the tennis Umpire unambiguous play information, Olombria also provides Berry Gardens growers with valuable enhanced data on the condition of their plants at every stage of their maturity, whilst Olombria’s systems use that data to adapt to deliver the best IPPM results for the crop.

Tashia Tucker, who is the CEO and Founder of Olombria said, “We are delighted to work closely with progressive organisations such as Berry Gardens to show how nature can be empowered by new technology to help enhance natural growing environments without the use of chemical sprays and to deliver the best fruit possible. 

"Our combination of skills in AI, semiochemical lures, and insect rearing and release, places us in a unique position to support growers around the world.”

As we prepare for exciting battles on the Wimbledon courts, spare a thought for the battles in the berry fields of the UK, where insects compete to bring you the perfect tennis accompaniment. It’s game, set and match to the hoverflies.

(Image courtesy of Fonthip Ward from Pixabay)

Time to party with Double Dutch

With Google searches for summer party ideas up by 22%, Double Dutch has created a party pack for larger get-togethers, smaller gatherings and everything in between.

2023 is set to be the year of summertime get-togethers, thanks to the glorious weather predictions for what some are saying will be the hottest year on record, the producers of award-winning premium tonic and mixers Double Dutch, are set to be a part of your party, no matter the time, occasion or location with the launch of its exciting and utterly brandnew party packs.

With searches for summer parties already up 22% versus 2022 and the #SummerVibes hashtag on TikTok continuing to increase in popularity, Double Dutch wants to double expectations of every get-together and help create the ultimate party for everyone to enjoy, to make summer 2023 the best ever.

Double Dutch co-founders, Joyce and Raissa de Haas are known for bringing the party to any day of the week, adding personality to drinks with Double Dutch's wide range of unexpected dual-flavoured mixers. 

The Ultimate Party Starter Pack contains all the ingredients required to create the perfect summer serves, -Cucumber Cooler pairs Masons Original Gin and the fresh fruity flavourful Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon mixer, whilst the Pink Paloma pairs the intensely rich, sweet and citrusy Pink Grapefruit Soda and El Rayo Tequila which complement each other perfectly. 

Get the party started with The Ultimate Party Starter Pack

There's no need to wait for the big occasions to get that party feeling going!. As searches for at-home parties increase by nearly a third (29%) month on month, just add Double Dutch to reinvent hosting friends and family with The Ultimate Party Starter Pack.

Containing all the essential ingredients to host a party for up to 24 very lucky people, each pack contains full-sized bottles of El Rayo Tequila and Masons Original Gin, alongside a case of Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon and Pink Grapefruit Soda, plus cups, cocktail garnishes, recipe cards, biodegradable face glitter and confetti cannons. 

The Ultimate Party Starter Pack will feature products worth in excess of £150, and is on sale for £94.99, available from the Double Dutch website: https://doubledutchdrinks.com. (Which seems like a real bargain to us at That's Food and Drink!)

For those just looking for the perfect mixer to pair with the spirits, try the Summer Party Mixer Pack by Double Dutch which contains x5 Cucumber & Watermelon mixers and x5 Pink Grapefruit Sodas for £20.15, available from the Double Dutch website.  

What does The Ultimate Party Pack contain?: 

x1 case (24 200ml bottles) Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon mixer 

x1 case (24 200ml bottles) Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda 

x1 70cl bottle of El Rayo Tequila 

x1 70cl Masons Original Gin 

x24 Premium double walled Double Dutch paper cups

x24 wooden stirrers

x24 cocktail sticks for garnish

x1 recipe card

x4 confetti cannons

Face glitter (for up to 24 people) 

If you want to stock Double Dutch, email sales@doubledutchdrinks.com.

(The image used is courtesy of Ferla Paolo Photography)

Fallowfields restaurant Unveils 'Jewels of the English Sun' Set Menu

A leading and innovative Cornish restaurant is aiming to keep things fresh for summer with its latest menu update which is  called 'Jewels of the English Sun' which launched earlier this week.

Fallowfields, located within the Housel Bay hotel on the Lizard Peninsula, has updated its tasting menu with an assortment of summer-inspired dishes aimed at giving its guests and diners a taste of some of the best the season has on offer.

Commenting on the menu, Head Chef Joseph Fallowfield said: “At Fallowfields, we focus on delivering the best locally-sourced seasonal dishes which means regular menu updates are required as we chop and change the ingredients we use as the seasons develop and change.

“Now we're full swing into the sunny months, we felt that we wanted the menu to showcase a selection of ingredients that range from beloved summer favourites to some unique flavour options exclusive to our location. Our goal is to leave diners yearning for just one more bite!"

He went on to say: “We create our dishes from the ground up, focusing closely on several key ingredients; with this approach, nothing beats fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.”

The 'Jewels of the English Sun' tasting menu features a variety of dishes, examples of which include:

Miniature sea lettuce loaf with whipped dulce butter

Cornish mozzarella with heritage tomato, thyme, peach sorbet and peach ash

Lobster & prawn bisque with carrot, ginger, Fowey mussels and saffron

Cucumber tart with berries, pistachio macaroon and basil

Joseph added: “The reception we've had from diners at Fallowfields continues to blow us away. We're in an isolated location on the very tip of the coast and to see increasing numbers who are making their way down just to try our food is really fantastic for us.”

The new menu joins another recent change to the hotel's food offering, Seafood Sundays, which swaps out the more usual traditional Sunday roast for something a little more coastal-inspired with a selection of lobster and seafood dishes taking the spotlight.

The full tasting menu is £65 per person or £110 with paired wines. The short tasting menu is £45 per person or £70 with paired wines.

Fallowfields is open from Wednesday to Saturday evenings with bookings available from 6pm – 8.30pm.

The 'Jewels of the English Sun' tasting menu is available now at Fallowfields. Reservations can be made online via https://www.houselbay.com/eat-drink.

Double Dutch Launches New Elderflower Tonic

The amazing producers of Award-Winning Tonics & Mixers has launched its new Elderflower Tonic to be stocked in on-trade.

Double Dutch, the award-winning producer of premium tonics and mixers, has announced it's to  launch a brand-new Elderflower Tonic Water later this month. 

This latest offering will expand their core range, which already features an impressive selection of 13 tonics and mixers.

The award-winning Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water forms the basis of the Elderflower Tonic Water which is then blended with intensely aromatic elderflower to create a truly super delicious and versatile mixer.

The latest flavour's tasting notes include delicate, lemony hints with a welcome bitter finish. Soft and rounded with a uniquely fragrant, fresh and fruity finish and an aroma of orchard sweetness. The refreshing serve is best paired with floral gins, vodka or prosecco and champagne.  

The drinks in the Double Dutch range are both lively mixers to enhance any spirit and refreshing as a soft drink on their very own. All flavours are created via the process of molecular gastronomy, which results in unique, counter-intuitive, yet utterly delicious flavour combinations.

As champions of the unexpected, Double Dutch is always looking for new ways to experiment and double down on flavour. Its dedication to delivering exceptional taste experiences has made the products a favourite among bartenders, where they appreciate the ease and impact of the creations. Double Dutch's products are not only quick to prepare but also effortlessly leave a lasting impression on discerning palates.

Says Raissa de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch: “We've been observing a market demand for a lighter, more floral tonic. There is increasing interest in natural and botanical-based products, with more health-conscious consumers looking for beverages which are created with real, high-quality ingredients. So to us, a fresh Double Dutch Elderflower Tonic Water seemed the perfect way to hit this market demand, providing bartenders with an essential high quality floral mixer.”

Double Dutch is the official tonic partner at Soho House, and is also stocked in Club Soda, the hub of mindful drinking. 

https://doubledutchdrinks.com.

Costa Coffee welcomes customers with new, exciting Warrington Drive Thru

The UKs Favourite Coffee Shop, Costa Coffee, is thrilled to have opened a new, modern Drive Thru store in Warrington, based at Fortress Boulevard, Burtonwood and Westbrook, WA5 3ZT. 

The new store, which opened on May 13th, offers customers a bright, modern, and uplifting environment, perfect for those morning meet ups or afternoon escapes. Fresh features can be found throughout, including digital menu boards and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas for those sitting in, whilst an efficient Drive-Thru lane awaits for anyone on the go. 

There’s even a new ‘Rinse & Refill’ station so visitors will be able to top up water bottles and clean out reusable cups at no cost. But even better, Costa Club App members, are able to earn an extra ‘Green bean’ when purchasing a drink using reusable cups, meaning they're one step closer to receiving a free drink! Or, for the perfect birthday celebrations, App members can also receive a free slice of cake on their birthday. There are truly amazing offers and rewards all year round! 

Local customers have already been stopping by to enjoy their favourite drinks, perfectly crafted by nine newly recruited and keen team members. And, as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect chance to try some of Costa Coffee’s Summer menu additions, from the new Refreshers range, to one of the new flavourful Pizzettas. 

Jude Brackstone, who is Regional Operations Director at Costa Coffee, says: “It’s really, incredibly exciting to have opened our bright new Drive-Thru here in Warrington. Our amazing team are enjoying meeting the local community and welcoming new Costa customers for a delicious Flat White in-store, or an indulgent Frappé that’s ideal for their journey!” 

The store team are also already busy playing their part in the local community by participating in the Chatty Café scheme, which designates a ‘Chatter and Natter’ table in-store on a weekly-basis, so customers can meet new faces and enjoy conversations with one another. 

Not only that, some of the team from the new Drive Thru were due to undertake a gruelling challenge to raise money for the Costa Foundation by climbing Mount Snowdon on 11th July. The Costa Foundation exists to help improve the life chances of boys and girls in coffee growing communities around the world by providing them with access to a safe and quality education. To date, the Costa Foundation has helped build over 100 schools and educated over 100,00 children. The team can’t wait to share stories with their new customers when they get back. 

The Fortress Boulevard, Warrington store is open from 6am-8pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am-7pm on Sunday, and is available for orders via Click and Collect. To find your nearest Costa Coffee store, click here: https://www.costa.co.uk/locations/store-locator/map  

Sainsbury’s Nectar Prices now offers savings on meat, fish and poultry

Nectar customers can now get even more great value as Sainsbury's has rolled out Nectar Prices across meat, fish and poultry for the first time. Nectar Prices now offers more choice than ever as customers can access discounts on around 3500 products when shopping in Sainsbury’s supermarkets or online.

From now on, Nectar Prices will be available on a variety of popular Sainsbury’s meat, fish and poultry items like Sainsbury’s So Organic lamb mince (usually £5.25, Nectar Price £3.50), Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference cod fillets (usually £5.50, Nectar Price £4.95) and by Sainsbury’s southern fried chicken breast steaks (usually £3.55, Nectar Price £2.75).

The change means over 18 million Nectar customers can choose from an even larger range of discounted products, helping them save money each time they shop with Sainsbury’s. Through Nectar Prices, shoppers can benefit from discounts of, on average, £14.32 and expect to enjoy savings on favourite brands such as Fridge Raiders chicken bites (usually £2.80, Nectar Price £2.00), Peperami Original (usually £2.80, Nectar Price £2.25), Richmond pork sausages (usually £3.25, Nectar Price £2.25) and Gressingham aromatic duck (usually £8.00, Nectar Price £6.25).

This expansion of Nectar Prices means Nectar users can make great savings in a wide range of categories. These include health and beauty, confectionary and snacking, beers, wines and spirits, household, baby and pet and food cupboard items, dairy and bakery, fresh produce and ready meals, and now also meat, fish and poultry.

Already a Nectar customer? All existing Nectar customers need do to benefit from Nectar Prices is scan their app or swipe their card at the checkouts to save. Customers shopping online will have their discounts applied automatically but only if their Nectar and Sainsbury’s accounts are linked.

Want to become a Nectar customer? Shoppers can sign up to Nectar Prices by joining on the Nectar app, online at www.nectar.com, or by picking up a Nectar card in store.

Sustainable and Creative Deli, Sabzi, Reveals Plans to Open Two New Cornish Locations

Famed Cornish Deli and Kitchen, Sabzi, known for its innovative and very tasty daily menus showcasing simple and affordable ingredients, will open two new locations in Padstow and Nansledan this summer.

With a focus on quality, humble ingredients, making great food accessible, and promoting Cornish employment, Sabzi's expansion will positively impact both locals and tourists.

Sabzi, which currently has sites in Truro and Falmouth, was founded by chef Kate Attlee.

“At Sabzi, we believe quality ingredients and affordability should go hand in hand,” said Kate.

“We are very excited to bring our concept of innovative, daily-changing dishes to Padstow and Nansledan, celebrating the art of creativity and seasonality with our food. By championing sustainable practices and creating employment opportunities for the local community, we aim to make Sabzi a cornerstone of the ever-growing South West food scene.”

Renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and picturesque harbour, Padstow welcomes Sabzi to its extensive food and drink landscape. 

Nestled in the very heart of the town, the new deli is on Duke Street, and is due to open on August First, will offer a fresh and totally unique array of budget-friendly, healthy, and delicious food options made with quality, seasonal produce.

Visitors can expect a daily-changing menu of takeaway and dine-in dishes that showcase Sabzi's creativity and commitment to getting the most flavour from every ingredient.

Kate went on to say: “Padstow is a town dominated by fantastic, and extremely well-known, male chefs. As a mixed race woman who grew up in Cornwall, trained at Michelin Star level in service, honed my chefing skills on Masterchef and has now opened my own food business, I take great pride in helping to diversify the culinary landscape. Sabzi's journey is not about competing, but rather adding a unique flavour to this vibrant town as well as encouraging other female chefs to challenge the status quo.”

The Nansledan development, located on the outskirts of Newquay, provides an ideal setting for Sabzi's fourth establishment, opening in September. Known for its sustainable practices and community-focused ethos, Nansledan aligns perfectly with the deli's core values. 

The Nansledan location will offer eat-in and takeaway options at an everyday price point without compromising on either quality or flavour. Customers can look forward to a variety of creative dishes, plus a vibrant restaurant that will surely act as a vibrant, lively hub within the community.

Sabzi takes great pride in supporting the local community by providing progressive employment opportunities. With the opening of the new locations, Sabzi will be creating new job opportunities for Cornish residents, as well as promoting from within and encouraging long term careers within the hospitality industry.

For more information, visit www.sabzideli.co.uk.

Trussell Trust releases food bank figures

New annual figures from the Trussell Trust show nearly 3 million (2,986,203) food parcels were distributed, that's more than ever before and over a million of the parcels were provided for children.

The number of parcels provided between April 2022 – March 2023 is more than double the amount distributed by food banks in the same period five years previously.

The Trussell Trust has issued a call for a stronger social security system that ensures families can at least cover life’s essentials, such as food, heating, and clothing.

New figures released by the Trussell Trust reveal almost 3 million (2,986,203) emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship between April 2022 and March 2023, with over a million of these parcels provided for children.

This is the most parcels food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network have ever distributed in a single year and represents a staggering 37% increase compared to last year.  

The annual statistics also show an increasing number of people are struggling to afford the essentials, over 760,000 people used a food bank in the Trussell Trust network for the first time. This is more than the population of Sheffield and a 38% increase in people who have needed support for the first time, compared to the same period last year.  

The levels of need were particularly acute in the winter, and December 2022 was the busiest month on record for the network, with a parcel being distributed by staff and volunteers across the country every eight seconds.   

 Brian Thomas, Chief Executive at South Tyneside Foodbank, said: “We are experiencing an unprecedented rise in the number of people coming to the food bank, particularly employed people who are no longer able to balance a low income against rising living costs. 

"We’re also seeing a really high number of families needing support as people struggle to afford the essentials. Food donation levels are not keeping up with the significant increase in need and this is putting us under a lot of strain, it’s a real pressure cooker situation for food banks.”  

Speaking about the rising need for emergency food, Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust, pointed out: “These new statistics are extremely concerning and show an increasing number of people are being left with no option but to turn to charitable, volunteer-run organisations to get by and this is not right.

The continued increase in parcel numbers over the last five years indicates it's ongoing low levels of income and a social security system that isn’t fit for purpose that are forcing more people to need food banks, rather than just the recent cost of living crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Food banks were created to provide short-term support to people in an emergency, they are not a lasting solution to hunger and poverty, and over three quarters of the UK population agree with us that they should not need to exist.  

“The staff and volunteers in our network work tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available, but the current situation is not one they can solve alone. 

“For too long people have been going without because social security payments don't reflect life’s essential costs and people are being pushed deeper into hardship as a result. If we are to stop this continued growth and end the need for food banks then the UK government must ensure that the standard allowance of Universal Credit is always enough to cover essential costs.” 

John, 35, has had to use a food bank when he lost his home and his job and became homeless, said: “When I was homeless, food banks saved me. They provided me with food, shower gels and other necessities I couldn’t afford. But it also gave me somewhere to go for a chat or to see someone. The kindness I was shown there, has stuck with me.  

“I currently volunteer at my local food bank as a trustee, and I help run the food bank. I work three days a week.

“I wanted to pass on the kindness I was first shown when I needed a food bank. My experience has helped me to be better equipped to understand the tough situations some people are in when they need our food bank, and I can show empathy and understanding. But ultimately, food banks shouldn’t be needed in the first place, everyone should be able to afford to buy their own food and afford the essentials.” 

The Trussell Trust’s long-term goal to end the need for food banks is one that the general public agrees with. Polling by YouGov on behalf of the Trussell Trust suggests that the public are increasingly concerned with issues related to poverty and hunger in the UK.

The majority of the UK public (77%) thinks that food banks should not be needed in the UK, with a strong majority agreeing (93%) that everyone should be able to buy enough food for themselves and their family.  

To help ensure that everyone has the income they need to afford the essentials, the Trussell Trust is calling for the UK government to act now to strengthen our social security system.  

The charity has joined with Joseph Rowntree Foundation in urging the UK government to embed in law an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ that would make sure Universal Credit payments always, at a minimum, provide enough to the cover cost of essentials such as food, utilities and vital household goods. 

Research by the charities reveals the £85 weekly Universal Credit standard allowance is at least £35 less than the weekly cost of essential items for a single person, contributing to hundreds of thousands of people being forced to use food banks because they can’t make ends meet.  

 The Essentials Guarantee would be enshrined in law and set regularly, based on an independent recommendation, and would be the first time since the welfare state was created that social security rates were based on what people need, and how much those things actually cost.

The charities calculated that a list of essential items including water bills, gas and electric, travel expenses, food items such as bread, rice and vegetables, and hygiene and cleaning products like toothpaste and washing up liquid currently costs approximately £120 per week for a single person. 

https://www.trusselltrust.org

Pizza lover travels 6,000 miles to get pizza perfection

Witt’s Pizza Oven range has been wowing pizza-aficionados all over the world since its launch earlier this year.

But one pizza enthusiast certainly went more than the extra mile to get his hands on a pizza the action.

Alejandro Lead is from Mexico and loves nothing more than to make tasty homemade pizzas for his family and friends and was seeking for the ultimate oven to deliver hot, crispy pizzas every time.

After researching brands online, Alejandro settled on the Witt ETNA Rotante, know for its unique rotating pizza stone which ensures 360 degrees of perfectly cooked toppings and crispy crusts, all in under a minute.

However, there was only one problem, the oven isn’t yet available in Mexico. But! Alejandro wasn’t going to let this stop him on his quest for the ultimate, perfect pizza, and so he embarked on a remarkable journey with his son Junior, to Germany to purchase his dream oven.

Two flights, two train journeys, and 24 hours later, Alejandro, who shares his pizza creations on Instagram @pizzacasadileo, became the proud owner of a Witt ETNA Rotante.

Now he's back home in Mexico, Alejandro is working his magic to create delicious pizzas and says: “We really enjoy making pizzas and I knew I wanted to have the best oven out there, no matter how far I had to travel to get it!

“The Rotante heats up so quickly and the electric motor and rotating stone makes cooking so easy, delivering perfectly cooked pizza every time!”

Cathrine Orloff Risum, Product Manager Outdoor, at Witt said: “It’s incredible a man literally on the other side of the world is reaching out to Witt in Denmark in his search for the perfect pizza oven. That’s what we call a real pizza love story!”

Capable of accommodating pizzas up to a family feast friendly 16inches (40.5cm), the Witt Etna Rotante is perfect for pizza parties, chefs, and pizza-aficionados alike and has already taken Europe by storm.

Already available in Harrods, Selfridges, UK independent retailers, selected garden centres and Witt’s Amazon Store, the Witt Etna Rotante is available now, priced at around £699.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Witt-Rotante-Degrees-Rotating-Prepares/dp/B0BJW5WFBT

Cornish Clifftop Hotel Launches Special Summer Package Offer

The boutique Housel Bay hotel is dramatically perched on the cliff's edge on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. And it's is now offering its Taste of the Season package during the summer months due to exceptional demand.

The Taste of the Season package, which skilfully combines a three-night stay at the hotel with an expertly curated bounty of local, seasonal food and delectable drinks at the hotel's on-site restaurants, has previously run throughout spring, autumn, and winter. 

The latest offer named 'Taste of the Summer' is the first time the package is now available throughout the months of July, August and September.

General Manager, Alfred Mesropians said: “A stay at Housel Bay is all about slowing down and taking time to unwind and get back to nature, something our fantastic location on the coast makes very easy for our guests.

“We are very fortunate that our location shines no matter which season we're in, but summer is a particularly special time as guests can make the most of walking the South West Coast Path or swimming in the sea at Housel Bay, both at the bottom of our garden, or a peaceful yoga session in our new yoga studio.”

In an isolated position on the southernmost tip of the UK, Housel Bay hotel is surrounded by nature and sits mere metres from the wild Lizard coastline and secluded Housel Bay beach.

Commenting on the Fallowfields tasting menu included in the package, Head Chef Joseph Fallowfield said: “I'm delighted to include our brand new summer tasting menu, Jewels of the English Sun, in the package which will give guests a fantastic opportunity to experience the amazing local produce we have in Cornwall, as well as some unique combinations that they might never may have tried before.

“The Fallowfields tasting menu changes every six weeks, so each Taste of the Season package will include a different menu which is specifically tailored to that season to enable guests to capture the true essence of each season.”

The Taste of Summer package is running from now until September 20, 2023. Prices start from £428 for a single guest and £610 for two guests, sharing.

Guests staying at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis can treat themselves to the long or short version of the Jewels of the English Sun tasting menu with or without paired wines at the hotel's two-rosette restaurant, Fallowfields, as it extends its opening hours to include Wednesdays throughout the summer months. Dishes include Cornish mozzarella with heritage tomato, thyme, peach sorbet and peach ash, and lobster and prawn bisque with carrot, ginger, Fowey mussels and saffron.

The hotel is also currently running its seafood-themed Sunday lunch menu, appropriately named 'Seafood Sundays', consisting of a local Cadgwith lobster and a variety of other seafood dishes, sides and desserts.

For more information on Housel Bay Hotel's Taste of the Summer package please visit https://www.houselbay.com/events/taste-the-season.

Teachers Will absolutely adore Flapjackery's 'Thank You' Flapjacks

Wondering what to buy your children's teachers as a thank you gift at the end of term?

Then Flapjackery has your back! Order their teachers a box of absolutely delicious handmade gluten free flapjacks, created with the very best of British ingredients and topped off with some utterly fabulous and decadent flavours.

These wonderful Devonshire-made delectable oaty treats are delivered direct to your door in specially designed recyclable boxes and come in a range of mouth-watering flavours, with one flapjack inscribed with those all important words 'Thank You' in white chocolate to make this gift just that little bit more special. You can also add a free personalised message to each box to show your appreciation even more.

Thank You Message Box

3 Giant Flapjacks £15

Millionaires Message Plaque with 2 additional flapjacks (equivalent to 6 giant flapjacks)  £25

Millionaires Message Plaque with 2 additional flapjacks (equivalent to 12 giant flapjacks) £48

The flapjacks are individually wrapped and come in recyclable boxes, with a minimum shelf life of two weeks. Fresh fruit and baked topped flapjacks have a shelf life of 2 - 3 weeks. Fudge and chocolate topped flapjacks have an 8 week shelf life.

Order your teacher's flapjacks now from www.flapjackery.co.uk.

Who is behind Flapjackery?

Carol Myott, 62 and Sally Jenkin, 59 launched luxury flapjack business Flapjackery, with a current turnover of £2m+, in 2015 having met at a farmers' market in Tavistock west Devon where they both baked cakes to sell.

Carol had retired to Devon having run a print business, Sally was selling communications for old people before working in her local fudge shop.

 They shared a passion for home cooking with quality British ingredients, so one day Carol came up with the idea of making flapjacks.

They made a few samples and took then to Tavistock for people to try out, and after a few tweaks, started baking like mad for their own stall, and the idea of Flapjackery was born. A fortnightly pitch at Exeter University Farmers' Market followed and then they started to attend other events.

But they realised they couldn't possibly keep going in their own kitchens, so found an empty unit on an industrial estate in Tavistock which already had a purpose built kitchen. 

They went from local farmers' markets to massive venues like Birmingham's NEC, where they admit they got a few funny looks from people as if to say: “what are those two old ducks doing?” 

In 2018 they opened their first shop in Tavistock, and then with the core market of selling at big shows gone as a result of the pandemic, they remodelled their business to focus on online and retail.

In 2021 they opened shops in Wells and Minehead, in 2022 they opened shops in Plymouth, St Ives and Bath and in 2023 they have opened a shop in Fowey.

Carol and Sally are proof age is no barrier when it comes to creating a great business especially when there's a decadent, delicious treat at its heart! 

More delicious and special hot sauces from Tracklements

Building on the success of the wildly popular Fresh Chilli Jam the latest, steamy offerings from Tracklements are the following:-

Tracklements Rocket Hot Sauce

Made with a fiery combination of Bird’s Eye and Scotch Bonnet chillies, this vegan potent potion is a shot of molten lava for burgers, tacos, pizzas, curries, falafels and fajitas. It’s superlatively moreish on pretty much everything.

Tracklements Sriracha Chilli Sauce

Not all sriracha sauces are made equal! Tracklements take whole fresno chillies (for a fruitier flavour), chop and ferment them on site to make the base for their Sriracha which is what sets it apart from the competition. Made to a traditional recipe, a dash of fish sauce is added for an authentic tongue-tingling tang and intense heat.

Splash on to cheese on toast, egg fried rice, corn fritters, pho, spring rolls, meat, fish or mix into mayo for a delicious chippy dip. There’s nothing that can’t be brought to life with this sauce, the zhushing up possibilities are endless!

Tracklements Smokin’ Chipotle Sauce

This smokin’ hot sauce made with red chillies (for poke), smoked Chipotle chillies (for smokiness) and Scotch Bonnet chillies (just for fun!) tastes sweet, smoky and spicey. Barbecues will wonder what they’ve been missing.

It makes meats sizzle with suspense, veg explode with va-va -oom and tofu tingle with joy.

Add to pulled pork, hot dawgs, veg kebabs and jackfruit in any form. It’s also utterly fabulous with the quick and easy traditional Mexican brunch favourite - huevos rancheros – fried eggs, served on corn chips and smothered with warm, spicey salsa. Si por favor!

Tracklements Rocket Hot Sauce, Tracklements Sriracha Chilli Sauce and Tracklements Smokin’ Chipotle Sauce RRP £3.50 for 150ml each are available individually from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk. But it’s well worth buying all three to have in easy reach to deliver a quick flavour packed punch to make a myriad of every day dishes, dressings, dips and marinades go from fine to fabulous, in just a few shakes!

Back in 1970, William Tullberg made the first British wholegrain mustard. 50 years on William’s son, Guy, carries on his legacy. However, that one mustard has matured into eight varieties and over 40 award-winning chutneys, relishes and sauces.

A store cupboard hero for both celebrity chefs and home cooks, the range is still handmade in the green heart of Wiltshire, abiding to traditional recipes, with an underpinning principle to buy the best quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible to ensure the products taste as good as, if not better than, homemade.

B Corp accredited Tracklements believe in business as a force for good, protecting the environment as they go.

They’re committed to make the most planet-friendly condiments you can buy minimising their environmental footprint through using recyclable packaging, their own water treatment facility, and over 10,000 square feet of solar panels, supplemented by 100% renewable electricity generated by wind and/or hydro assets. And they don’t shy away from wonky veg either!

www.tracklements.co.uk.

Good news for fans of Morrisons' Savers range. They're to be stocked in its convenience stores

From today, Morrisons is to introducing a range of entry level products into its convenience stores across the UK. And it's thought this is a first in Britain. 

The Savers products will be available in over 500 Morrisons Daily stores and will be exactly the same prices as in Morrisons supermarkets. 

The roll-out commences with 10 products including washing up liquid, toilet rolls and sausages followed by a further 30 products over the coming weeks. The extra  items will include key essentials like eggs, ham, juice, butter, cheese and mince meat.

Morrisons is also reducing the prices of 18 high-volume products in its Morrisons Daily stores from today including both 2 and 4 pint milk, bread and tomatoes. 

Morrisons acquired the McColl’s convenience business from administration in May 2022 and has so far converted some 500 into Morrisons Daily stores.  On conversion, the instore prices have been reduced by about 12% as the stores adopt the entire Morrisons convenience range.   

David Potts, who is the Morrisons CEO, said: “Inflation is stubbornly high and the cost of living shows no signs of reducing. Speaking plainly, the reason convenience stores don’t stock entry price point products is because they make very little, if any, money and don't fit with the significantly higher cost structure of convenience stores.  But customers, especially those who live in areas without easy access to supermarkets, have told us how much they'd appreciate it during these difficult times, so we're doing it.”

He went on to say: “Our Savers range is incredibly popular in our supermarkets and offers outstanding value and good quality. Recent research shows Savers is the UK’s fastest growing value range and we are proud to be the first major UK supermarket to introduce some key products from the range into convenience stores all over the country.     

“The 500 stores that will stock the range are mostly wholly-owned Morrisons stores but a number of franchise partners have kindly agreed to stock Savers products.  I want to thank those partners for agreeing to this move and to acknowledge they're doing so because they want to play their full part in helping people through this current cost of living crisis.” 

Morrisons has recently relaunched its Savers range and added 56 new lines and redesigned its packaging to help customers enjoy good quality foods at affordable prices. A total of 217 products are now included in the Morrisons Savers range including everything from cupboard essentials like bread and rice to freezer fillers likes chicken fillets and mince.  

morrisons.com

Aldi announces big change to its Super 6 Fruit and Veg Range

The Aldi supermarket chain has recently announced a change to its Super 6 promotion scheme which will impact all stores across the UK over the next several weeks.

What's now Britain’s fourth largest supermarket will be renaming its Super 6 to Super 7, with a proportion of profits from the seventh item in the range being donated to its charity partner, the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Super 7 range now includes a little gem lettuce and once purchased, 7p from every pack will go towards supporting the charity.

Every day in the UK, approximately seven teenagers and young adults are diagnosed with cancer. Aldi is aiming to raise awareness of this with its Super 7, while also helping raise funds to support those affected.

The Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses and Youth Support Co-ordinators to help get young people through cancer. However, there are still many other young people who need dedicated care, and in the current climate fundraising is more important than ever before.

The supermarket is also selling new reusable shopping bags as a Specialbuy to raise even more funds for the charity, which have been designed by a young person who has been supported by Teenage Cancer Trust.

Liz Fox, whop is the Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Teenage Cancer Trust does such a vital job of caring for young people affected by cancer, and our new Super 7 campaign aims to raise awareness of all that they do.

“Without donations they won’t be able to make a difference to so many young lives, and we are incredibly grateful to our colleagues and customers for helping us in our fundraising efforts so far for Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Aldi has raised over £8 million for Teenage Cancer Trust since partnering with the charity in 2017 and is now well on its way to hitting its target of raising £10 million by 2027.

www.aldi.co.uk.

How to super boost your instant noodles, and soup in a mug

Sometimes instant noodle style products and soup in a mug just do not do it for you any longer. So, what to do to boost them up?

You can make them in bowls rather than mugs. Also, if you want a different, new combination flavour of soup you can try mixing two or more instant soup blends together. Chicken plus vegetable, beef plus mushroom, etc, etc. Obviously you'll need to add more water. Also, try adding pepper for a peppery hit. You can also stir in milk, cream, olive oil, vinegar, etc.

As for instant noodle style dishes you can add a teaspoonful of curry powder, or perhaps a teaspoonful of gravy powder which will not only add a different flavour to the noodle dish and also thicken it up a little bit, too. There are a variety of instant gravy flavours available that you can experiment with. Vegetable, Chicken, beef, turkey, for example. You can also add olive oil, butter, vegetable oil, etc, to the noodle mix. Italian seasoning and tomato puree is also a good idea, plus whatever other herbs or spices you have in your spice rack or cupboard.

You can consider adding Chives, Parsley, Basil, Mint, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Oregano, Dill, Lime leaves, Coriander, Lemongrass, Tarragon, Black pepper, Grated cheese, Stock cubes (various types/tastes), Curry powder.

You might like to try others? Go for it!

This type of "cooking" isn't high cuisine, obviously, but it'll be fun to experiment in your own kitchen.

(Image courtesy of Bluebird Provisions from Pixabay)

Recycling food containers and related items. Why is it so difficult?

We are all, by-and-large, better than ever before about recycling our household waste. But why is it so difficult to recycle many items, especially food-related items?

The following, in general, cannot, as yet, be recycled:-

Grease- or Oil-Soaked Cardboard. (Even vegetable oils)

Lids and caps from many bottles.

Ceramic or Oven-Safe Serving Pieces.

Styrofoam or Polystyrene Containers.

Plastic Utensils.

Plastic Bags and Plastic Wrap. (Although these can be recycled at some supermarkets, but not at home, for some reason.)

Waxed Paper and Cartons.

Bubble wrap, in some areas.

This BBC link explains in more detail. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220525-what-can-and-cant-be-recycled.

The problem is that in order to know what plastics can or cannot be recycled ( PETE/PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS and other plastics) it seems you require a BSc degree in plastics technology and recycling.

Why can't the authorities just take all waste and then have trained workers sort them out and identify what can and cannot be recycled at a central recycling/waste depot? Too expensive? But if recycling and our environment is really as important as the government and local authorities and green pressure groups claim, surely it would be worth paying more money to address the issues of proper recycling?

As it is at our homes we have food recycling bins, green bins, bins for paper (separate bins for card in some areas) bins for plastics and glass and general recycling, containers for batteries, etc, all of which take up room in people's gardens, yards, patios, garages, pathways, etc.

So we can have up to six or seven different boxes, bags, bins for recycling at our properties.

The following site also has some useful information https://wrap.org.uk.

(Image courtesy Image by S K from Pixabay)

Clearspring Pledges 30k of Free Plant-Based Meals to Mark 30th Anniversary

Leading Japanese and organic fine foods specialist Clearspring is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has teamed up with their long-term partner, plant-based community cookery school and food charity Made In Hackney, to donate 30,000 free plant-based meals to communities who are in need. 

Made in Hackney, which are celebrating their own 10th anniversary, will work with Clearspring to donate products and cooked meals to families and individuals who have emergency support needs.

Sarah Bentley, founder of Made in Hackney said: "Made In Hackney and Clearspring believe everyone should have access to high quality, healthy food that's good for people and the planet. Clearspring have supported our community cookery classes, meal service and fundraising activities with their incredible products for many years. 

"We're really pleased and delighted to partner with them now to provide 30,000 free plant-based meals to households with food support needs as part of Clearspring's 30-year anniversary."

Maria Dawson, who's the MD at Clearspring commented: “Reaching 30 years as an independent family business is a really great achievement to celebrate. We wanted to use this opportunity to make a concerted effort to give back to the community with our pledge to donate 30,000 free plant-based meals.” 

Alongside the food donation pledge, Clearspring will also be fundraising throughout the year to support the important work Made in Hackney is doing. Clearspring will also partner with other organisations including City Harvest, who help to distribute food to over 350 local charities offering food support to local communities.

Maria Dawson went on to say: “We also wanted to say thank you to everyone who's helped us reach this 30-year milestone. Thank you to the brilliant Clearspring team, the fantastic organic and Demeter certified farmers and artisan food producers, the committed wholesalers and retailers who stock our products and the loyal shoppers who choose to add Clearspring to their baskets every day. 

"Please know that your continued support is helping us realise our dream to create a more sustainable future and is enabling us to work and play to convert one more acre back to organic each day.”

Clearspring was founded in 1993 by award-winning organic Japanese and plant-based foods pioneer Christopher Dawson. Originally from New Zealand, he came to London to study organic and biodynamic farming and subsequently set-up and ran his own health food shop, East West Natural Foods, in London back in 1977.

Christopher decided to move to Japan in the 1980s to further his understanding of organic agriculture and made the country his home for the next 18 years, working with local artisanal producers to convert and comply with international organic standards. Clearspring was created as a way to help the producers he worked with share their unique traditional and organic products with a global audience.

From humble beginnings offering Organic Japanese Miso Soups, Teas and Tamari, Clearspring now offers a vast range of over 300 products across 30 categories, including Japanese specialities, Tofu, Seasonings, as well as European cold pressed oils, vinegars, snacks, purees, pasta and pasta sauces. All Clearspring products are plant-based, refined sugar free and made without the use of artificial additives or ingredients. Clearspring is available in over 60 countries around the world.

 You can find out more about the fundraising and food donation campaign by visiting https://www.clearspring.co.uk/blogs/news.

Own pet birds? Then you should not buy any non-stick items for your home

If you own pet birds you should resist buying non-stick items for your home.

Why? Because non-stick cookware and some other items are usually coated with a chemical known as polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE), the most popular brand of which is Teflon. 

"Teflon toxicity" which is usually quickly fatal to pet birds and occurs when Teflon coated products overheat. However, other household products that are frequently coated with PTFE include air fryers, oven units, frying pans, drip pans, heat lamp covers, irons, and ironing board covers, etc. Although cookware and associated kitchen items are more often to blame as they are more likely to overheat.

Teflon toxicity acts quickly and is deadly to birds. Very, very few birds survive this deadly scourge and the best way to deal with it is to make sure that your house is free of all PTFE coated items.

My wife and I would love to own an air fryer for our kitchen, but as they all contain at least some PTFE components we have decided that we will not be buying an air fryer as we love our pet bird and value her much higher than being able to use an air fryer. 

We have also made certain our bakeware like biscuit/cookie sheets, cupcake sheets, cake tins, frying pans, pans, saucepans, bread tins, cooking pots, roasting pans, egg poaching pans and other kitchen items such as non-stick coated appliances,  such as ovens, grill plates, electric pans, space heaters and drip trays are all non-PTFE.

https://www.teflon.com/en/consumers/teflon-coatings-cookware-bakeware/safety/bird-safety

https://birdtricksstore.com/blogs/birdtricks-blog/non-stick-cookware-kills-another-parrot

(Image courtesy of Gabriel Vera from Pixabay)

Incidentally I'm dubious of using PTFE items even if people don't have pet birds.

Waitrose Cooking Report Released

The Waitrose new ‘Cooking Report’ on the nation’s cooking habits published has found we’re a nation of quietly confident cooks with more than one third (35%) rating themselves as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent cooks’, and a more modest 45% rate themselves as ‘fairly good cooks’.  

One third of UK adults polled would go so far as to say they’re better cooks than their parents but despite this high level of confidence more than one in four UK adults have never boiled an egg and don’t know how to, fewer than a fifth (18%) have made a salad dressing and only 45% of those surveyed have baked a Victoria sponge cake.

Cost of living impact

Nearly two-fifths of UK adults wish they could spend more time in the kitchen than they do at the moment. 

The greatest motivation for cooking is to be healthy followed by the enjoyment of tasting new flavours and recipes. The cost of living crisis has added an additional incentive to cook with one third of UK adults cooking because it ‘helps them stick to a budget and save money’.

Due to financial pressures one in five say they’re entertaining more at home at present. Four in 10 are happy to choose cheaper cuts of meat and more affordable ingredients to economise when they are entertaining. 

One in eight say they’re prepared to economise during the week so they can spend more on their guests, and 7% are happy to ask friends to bring a dish or course. 

Kitchen gadgets we can't live without

Airfryers have become firm favourites in many kitchens this year. However, it’s the humble microwave that has emerged top of a list of 24 kitchen gadgets that most adults said they couldn’t live without.

Nearly three times as many people said they couldn’t live without their microwave as feel the same about air fryers (32% and 12% respectively); though they’re both energy saving appliances compared to more traditional ovens.  

Searches for ‘microwave meals’ on waitrose.com are up 71% and sales of microwaves are up 13% at John Lewis (compared to the same time last year).

Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets we couldn’t live without (people were asked which single gadget they couldn’t live without):

Microwave

Air fryer

Slow cooker

Coffee Machine

Food mixer

Food processor

Blender

Electric whisk

Hand blender

Rice cooker

Martyn Lee, who is the Waitrose Executive Chef said: “Food is a daily joy and the cost of living crisis has hastened a change in how we cook. 

“For too long we’ve been looking down on microwaves. You can do so much more in them than just heat a cup of coffee. I make a great sponge in mine. I think it’s time to remember the enjoyment we get from the anticipation of their pinging.

“When you reheat a stew, or a slice of lasagne in your microwave after the flavours have had time to develop, you enjoy what’s known as the 6th taste sensation  ‘kokumi’, which is lesser know than the other five tastes - sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami.”

Kitchen confessions

Martyn Lee continued; “Whether you’re a whizz in the kitchen or not, our research found that sometimes we all make mistakes.”

Nearly half (46%) divulged that they often get distracted and let pans boil over and nearly two-fifths (38%) revealed they have burnt something so badly the smoke alarm went off. More than a quarter (27%) have put too much salt in something and 23% have undercooked or overcooked a dish so it’s inedible. 

Even the most confident cooks aren’t immune to the odd kitchen slip up – a quarter of those who rated their skills as ‘excellent’ admit to having left a bottle of wine or Champagne in their freezer and ‘forgotten about it until it exploded’, while around a fifth (18%) have failed to remember they've cooked something in the microwave and found it the next day. 

Mishaps aside, we also like to bend the rules: 46% ignore the sell-by dates on the packet, 38% use the ‘five-second rule’ for picking up food that has dropped on the floor, choosing to believe that food is less likely to get contaminated and therefore ‘safe’ to eat, while 16% are happy to scrape the mould off food to ‘eat or cook with it’.

Entertaining

Entertaining has become a more relaxed affair with over a third (34%) thinking that the term ‘dinner party is old fashioned, and 29% always want their gathering to feel ‘effortlessly casual’. A priority for half (49%) of cooks surveyed is for the food to be quick and easy to cook.  It’s no longer the norm to serve a formal plated starter as only a third (35%) of respondents say they ‘sometimes’ serve them. Instead of individual plated-up food, one in 10  like to serve charcuterie boards or buffet-style or Middle Eastern mezze-style dishes for guests to serve themselves.

Martyn Lee said; “We’re wanting to spend more time with our guests rather than with our backs turned at the stove, so food that keeps conversations flowing is key.”

Guests giving a compliment on the food is seen as the greatest sign of a successful get together, and one in ten hosts would be delighted if their guests thanked them on social media posting a photograph of the food. 

While we’re mostly fairly confident cooks the most popular way to share photos of food we’ve cooked, or eaten is privately via Whatsapp.  

Cooking Inspiration

For inspiration we’re most likely to turn to the internet and the explosion of recipes and technique tutorials available. One third get their ideas on what to cook from TV programmes and 5% have turned to Chat GPT for recipe inspiration. The average person owns just eight cookery books, though 7% own 20, or more. 

https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/lookbook/waitrose?type=Report

Aldi named cheapest supermarket for thirteenth month in a row

New research from consumer group Which? has found Aldi to be the UK’s cheapest supermarket for the thirteenth consecutive month.

It's revealed that shoppers can save a significant sum of £16.55 compared to the most expensive supermarket, for the same basket of items.

As UK families continue to try and keep household costs down, Aldi shoppers can be confident they’re getting great quality products at the best possible price as the supermarket is named the cheapest in the UK – for the thirteenth month in a row!

Consumer group Which? conducted its monthly Cheapest Supermarket price comparison, looking at the cost of a basket of items, including groceries and household essentials.

The latest research shows in June Aldi was a huge £16.55 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose, for an equivalent basket of items. 

Which? also revealed Aldi to be £7.42 cheaper than Tesco and £10.73 cheaper than Morrisons.

The full results are below: 

Retailer Average basket price 

Aldi         £75.25

Lidl         £77.18

Asda £82.55

Tesco £82.67

Sainsbury’s £83.46

Morrisons £85.98

Ocado     £89.20

Waitrose    £91.80

Julie Ashfield, MD of Buying at Aldi, said: “We know it’s a difficult time for many people and we’re proud to have been consistently named as the UK’s cheapest supermarket. In the face of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, we continue to support our customers when it matters most.”

The news comes as Aldi announces the return of its popular school uniform bundle. Available in stores only from 6th July, Aldi’s school uniform bundle includes two polo shirts, one sweatshirt, and a choice of trousers or a pleated skirt, all for just £5. With a huge six-month satisfaction guarantee, Aldi are also introducing a price match guarantee for their school uniform bundle allowing shoppers to purchase the school uniform at the lowest price.

T&C apply.