With CASO Design NEW Ice Machines you get ice perfect ice in 12 minutes!

One thing you don't want if you are holding a party is to either have to got to a supermarket to get bags of extra ice which start to melt before you get home, or have to keep checking the ice tray in your freezer to see if there's any sign of freezing. 

And good luck with that!

However, you don't need to do either thankless task because NEW Clear Ice Advanced (£149.99) creates crystal-clear ice in just 12 minutes (or frosted in 8), with a 1.5L tank, self-cleaning function and the option to choose ice type. Ideal for cocktails, as clear ice melts more slowly and keeps drinks perfectly balanced.

NEW IceChef Pro (£179.99) – a high-performance option for serious hosts, producing ice in as little as six minutes and up to 500g per hour. Features a 2.2L tank, two cube sizes, LCD display and stainless-steel finish.

Available from casodesign.co.uk or via the That's Food and Drink Amazon-powered shop https://amzn.to/4cRh59U

Double Dutch Expands Premium Can Range With Bold New Design

The refreshed can lineup now includes, all in cases of 6 x 150ml cans) 

Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water 

Double Dutch Skinny Tonic Water 

Double Dutch Soda Water 

Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda 

Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon Soda

Double Dutch Ginger Ale 

Double Dutch Ginger Beer 

Double Dutch Double Lemon

Double Dutch Elderflower

This marks a significant evolution from the previous range, which included Tonic Water, Skinny Tonic, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate & Basil, and Cucumber & Watermelon. 

The new lineup introduces additional versatility with the inclusion of Soda Water and Ginger Ale, while also supporting a broader flavour portfolio across formats, including Elderflower and Double Lemon.

The new can design is a natural extension of Double Dutch's wider brand refresh, aligning with the elevated look and feel introduced in its 200ml glass bottles last year. 

The updated aesthetic is bold, vibrant and flavour-led, with a more refined, premium finish that better reflects the quality of the liquid inside.

Designed to invite discovery, the artwork features intricate details and subtle storytelling elements. Hidden within the designs are visual cues that reflect each flavour's origin and composition - from botanicals and citrus fruits to distillation references. 

A recurring elephant motif nods to the Indian origins of tonic water, adding a layer of heritage to the modern visual identity.

The result is a cohesive and distinctive brand world that stands out on shelf while sitting comfortably in premium bars and restaurants. Enhanced use of colour, clarity and detail ensures each variant is both recognisable and engaging, while maintaining the playful, contemporary spirit synonymous with Double Dutch.

Double Dutch Founder Raissa de Haas told That's Food and Drink: “The expansion of the can range is driven by increasing demand across both the on-trade and retail sectors. Cans offer greater flexibility for venues, airlines and at-home consumers alike, supporting single-serve mixed drinks, events, and premium ready-to-drink occasions.”

The new range will be available via Amazon, with listings expected to roll out imminently. You can purchase them through the That's Food and Drink Amazon-powered shop by following this link:- https://amzn.to/4mWyPW7

For more information, visit https://doubledutchdrinks.com 

Follow at @doubledutchdrinks

Easy Homemade Fudge Recipes You Can Make with Sugar, Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk

There's something wonderfully old-fashioned about homemade fudge.

 It feels like a proper treat, whether you are making it for a family gathering, a bake sale, Christmas gifts, or simply because you fancy something sweet with your afternoon tea.

The good news is fudge does not need to be complicated. With just a few cupboard staples like sugar, butter, condensed milk and evaporated milk, you can create rich, creamy fudge at home without needing specialist equipment.

Better still, once you master the basic method, you can experiment with endless flavours.

Here are some easy homemade fudge recipes that are perfect for beginners.

Classic Vanilla Fudge

This is the traditional crowd-pleaser, smooth, creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

397g tin condensed milk

150ml evaporated milk

450g caster sugar

100g unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Line a square baking tin with greaseproof paper.

Add the condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar and butter to a heavy-based saucepan.

Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted.

Bring to a gentle boil and continue stirring for around 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Beat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thicker.

Pour into the lined tin and leave to cool before chilling in the fridge.

Cut into squares and try not to eat it all at once.

Chocolate Fudge

Perfect for chocoholics and ideal for gifting.

Ingredients

397g tin condensed milk

150ml evaporated milk

450g soft brown sugar

100g butter

200g milk chocolate

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Method

Follow the same process as the vanilla fudge recipe, but stir in the chocolate and cocoa powder once removed from the heat. Mix until smooth before pouring into the tin.

This version feels wonderfully indulgent and disappears very quickly.

Salted Caramel Fudge

A modern favourite with that sweet-and-salty magic.

Ingredients

397g tin condensed milk

150ml evaporated milk

450g light brown sugar

100g butter

2 tablespoons caramel sauce

1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Method

Make the fudge as above, stirring in the caramel sauce and sea salt at the end. Sprinkle a few extra salt flakes on top before chilling for extra flair.

It looks fancy but is surprisingly simple.

Coffee Fudge

Ideal for grown-up tastes and excellent with a strong cup of tea.

Ingredients

397g condensed milk

150ml evaporated milk

450g caster sugar

100g butter

2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water

Method

Add the dissolved coffee once the mixture comes off the heat, stir well, then pour into the tin.

This one is particularly good for autumn afternoons and rainy Sundays.

A Few Helpful Fudge Tips

Good fudge is all about patience.

Use a heavy-based pan to prevent burning, stir regularly, and do not rush the boiling stage. If you have a sugar thermometer, aim for around 116°C (soft ball stage), but if not, careful observation works perfectly well.

Also, do not skip lining the tin unless you enjoy chiselling fudge out with industrial tools.

Why Homemade Fudge Is Always Worth It

Shop-bought fudge can sometimes be lovely, but homemade fudge has charm. It tastes fresher, you can customise it however you like, and it makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Think birthdays, Christmas, etc.

Add chopped nuts, crushed biscuits, dried fruit, marshmallows, or even a splash of Baileys at Christmas for something extra special.

Once you start making fudge, it becomes dangerously easy to justify “just one more batch.”

And honestly, that is a risk worth taking.

NEW GreenPan Frost Soft Serve & Frozen Drinks Maker

This clever countertop essential transforms fresh ingredients into indulgent desserts and cooling drinks in just 30 minutes, no pre-freezing of bowls cluttering you freezer required!

 Whether it’s a rich vanilla ice cream, a vibrant mango sorbet, a thick banana milkshake, a zesty lemon sorbet, a healthy protein packed smoothie or a zingy frozen margarita-style slushie, the possibilities are genuinely limitless.

With intuitive controls and a streamlined design, the GreenPan Frost makes it easy to switch between creamy and icy textures. 

Just add your selected ingredients, choose your setting, and let the machine do the work. No complicated prep, no lengthy waiting and no freezer required.

Features at a glance:

Large Double-Insulated 1.87L Transparent Mixing Bowl 

Built-in Cooling-Compressor. A quiet, integrated cooling system keeps ingredients cold for hours with no need for separate containers or the freezer.

Six Versatile Modes - Easy to read screen makes it simple to choose from slushie (alcoholic or otherwise), soft ice scream, spiked slushie, sorbet, milkshake and extrude / clean

Seven Texture Settings - From soft and creamy to delightfully firm and thick

Easy Self-Cleaning Mode 

RRP £399, in Cream and Anthracite, available from Very (cream only), Curry's and via the That's Food and Drink Amazon-powered online shop:- https://amzn.to/420uyXX.

We feel this is another wonderful Christmas gift for the foodies in your life.

Tormek. Bringing a Touch of Swedish Sharpness to Your Kitchen

For effortless, cutting-edge sharpness at home.

Tormek brings over 50 years of expertise in tool sharpening for woodworkers and more than 35 years in knife sharpening for commercial kitchens. 

The sleek, Scandinavian design of the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener for the home comes fully assembled, featuring a diamond grinding wheel, composite honing wheel, patented angle guide which allows you to choose any angle between 8 - 22 degrees per side and a powder-coated zinc body in New Swedish Red.

The tone brings a distinctly national character to the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener. Inspired by the classic red cottages with white trim that define the Scandinavian landscape, this colourway highlights Tormek’s roots in a way that feels both familiar and unmistakably Swedish. 

The warm, matte red finish is complemented by a light birch handle, echoing the natural materials and bright wood details found in traditional Swedish craftsmanship. 

The result is a sharpener that blends precision engineering with cultural heritage, a design expression that stands out on the countertop while staying true to our history.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect knife sharpener for yourself or on the hunt for the ideal gift for a foodie friend or family member, the Tormek T-1 transforms meal prep:

• For anyone who cooks - whether slicing and dicing vegetables and fruit, or carving the Sunday roast, sharp knives make all the difference

• Faster, safer prep - glide through piles of veg with razor-sharp ease. The sharper the knife, the safer it is. If you’re having to press down hard onto a vegetable with a blunt knife there’s increased risk of the blade slipping and causing injury

• Flawless presentation - neatly slice garnishes to add flair to a multitude of dishes

• No more squashed tomatoes, torn herbs or tears - only clean, precise cuts

AND

• No more tears - cutting onions with a dull knife will have you crying harder than when you first watched

Good Will Hunting. A sharp knife minimises the tear-inducing compounds, making onion slicing in your kitchen a far happier experience

Manufactured in Lindesberg, Sweden, the Tormek T-1 comes with an 8-year warranty. Store it safely in a dry place and enjoy consistently sharp knives for years to come.

The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener in NEW SWEDISH RED, RRP £342, is available from shop.tormek.co.uk.

You can also buy Tormek products at the That's Food and Drink online shop, here https://amzn.to/41XwjoU We believe this would make an excellent Christmas present for the cooks and chefs in your family.

@tormek_culinary | #tormek

St George’s Day celebrations rise 46% as pubs lead revival

161 events listed for 2026, with London leading the rankings and campaigners renewing calls for a bank holiday.

St George’s Day celebrations in England have risen by 46% year on year, with 161 events listed for 2026 compared with 110 in 2025, according to figures from StGeorgesHoliday.com.

The biggest driver of growth is the English pub, with 64 pub and bar events making it the largest single category of celebration. 

Festivals are the second most common event type with 31 listings, followed by 23 Morris dancing events, showing a mix of traditional and modern ways of marking England’s national day.

The figures also show strong regional momentum. Greater London leads the country with 29 events, followed by Essex with 13 and Kent with 12.

While most events are concentrated around 23 April, the data suggests St George’s Day is increasingly becoming a wider celebration period, with events taking place across the surrounding week and weekend.

Graham Smith, Chairman of St George’s Holiday told That's Food and Drink: “More people than ever want to celebrate living in England with a positive, inclusive and shared experience. 

"The growth in local events shows St George’s Day matters to people. Now it’s time to make 23 April an official bank holiday in England.”

St George’s Holiday says its long-term ambition is to grow the number of celebrations to 500 nationwide, meaning there would be an average of one St George’s Day event within six miles of everyone in England.

The group is also promoting Shakespeare Shout, a simple, low-cost community competition inviting towns and councils to perform a line from Shakespeare as part of their local celebrations.

By the numbers

161 listed events in 2026

110 listed events in 2025

46% year-on-year increase

64 pub/bar events

31 festivals

23 Morris dancing events

29 events in Greater London

Costa Goes Purple: What Is Ube and Can You Use It at Home?

If you have spotted a bright purple drink or dessert on the menu at Costa Coffee recently, you may have found yourself asking one simple question: what exactly is ube?

It sounds trendy, looks Instagram-friendly, and has quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in cafés and dessert bars. 

But ube is far from new. In fact, it has been a much-loved staple in Filipino cooking for generations.

Now, with major chains like Costa Coffee embracing it, ube is having a very colourful moment in the UK.

So, What Is Ube?

Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. It is often confused with purple sweet potato, but the flavour is quite different.

Ube has a naturally sweet, slightly nutty, vanilla-like taste with hints of pistachio and white chocolate. Its vivid purple colour makes it instantly recognisable and extremely popular in desserts and drinks.

It has long been used in traditional Filipino treats such as ube halaya (a sweet jam), cakes, pastries, ice cream, milkshakes, and breads like ensaymada.

Unlike some food crazes that are all style and no substance, ube genuinely tastes as good as it looks.

Why Is Costa Using It?

Coffee chains are always looking for the next seasonal flavour trend, and ube ticks every box.

It is visually striking, naturally sweet, and offers something different from the usual caramel, vanilla, and pumpkin spice rotation. It also appeals to younger customers who enjoy trying new flavours and sharing eye-catching drinks on social media.

Purple lattes and iced ube drinks are especially popular because they stand out instantly in a crowded coffee market.

For Costa, it is a smart move. For customers, it is a chance to try something a little different without needing a passport to Manila.

It also tastes delicious!

Can You Use Ube at Home?

Absolutely, and it is easier than many people think.

You can buy ube in several forms:

ube extract

ube jam (ube halaya)

frozen grated ube

ube powder

fresh purple yam (less common in the UK)

Ube extract is often the easiest starting point for home bakers, especially for cakes, cheesecakes, pancakes, frostings, and milkshakes.

Ube jam is perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or stirring into porridge for something a bit different.

Even a simple ube latte can be made at home by mixing ube powder or jam with warm milk and a little sweetener.

Where Can You Buy It?

You are most likely to find ube products in Asian supermarkets, Filipino grocery stores, or online through retailers such as Amazon and specialist food shops.

Stores like Wing Yip and independent world food shops often stock ube products, particularly in larger UK cities.

Look carefully at labels, as some products are sold as purple yam flavouring rather than pure ube.

Should You Try It?

If you enjoy sweet, creamy flavours and like trying something beyond the usual coffee-shop choices, ube is definitely worth exploring.

It is fun, versatile, and surprisingly easy to use at home.

And let’s be honest, anything that makes your latte look like it belongs in a fairy tale probably deserves at least one try. 

Purple drinks may come and go, but ube looks like it is here to stay.

Readers of That's Food and Drink can also buy Ube products through our Amazon-powered shop, the link to Ube products is here:- https://amzn.to/4tsgF0B

Great British Beef Week: Celebrating British Beef on the Table

Great British Beef Week is the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the nation’s best-loved ingredients, quality British beef. 

Whether it is a slow-cooked Sunday roast, a rich steak and ale pie, a sizzling burger on the barbecue, or a comforting cottage pie, British beef remains at the heart of so many classic meals across the UK.

More than just a reason to enjoy a good roast dinner, Great British Beef Week is also about recognising the hard work of British farmers and the importance of supporting local food production.

Why British Beef Matters

British beef farming is built on high welfare standards, strong environmental regulations, and generations of farming knowledge. Across the countryside, farmers work year-round to produce quality beef while caring for the land, managing grasslands, and supporting rural communities.

Buying British means supporting those farmers directly. It helps keep money in the local economy, reduces food miles compared to imported alternatives, and gives shoppers confidence in traceability and standards.

Look for the Red Tractor logo or clear country-of-origin labelling when shopping to make sure you are choosing genuine British beef.

Affordable Ways to Enjoy Beef

There is sometimes a misconception that beef is always expensive, but many of the most flavourful cuts are also the most budget-friendly.

Minced beef is incredibly versatile for spaghetti Bolognese, chilli, burgers, lasagne, and cottage pie. Shin, brisket, and chuck are ideal for slow cooking and deliver rich flavour without the premium price of steaks.

Even leftovers can go a long way. Sunday roast beef can become Monday’s sandwiches, Tuesday’s stir fry, or a hearty beef and vegetable soup.

Smart cooking makes good ingredients stretch further.

Classic British Favourites

Some dishes simply define comfort food in Britain.

A proper roast beef dinner with Yorkshire puddings and rich gravy is hard to beat. Steak and kidney pudding remains a pub classic. Cottage pie is a family staple, while a steak sandwich done properly can rival any takeaway lunch.

There is also growing interest in regional recipes like Lancashire hotpot variations using beef, old-fashioned beef cobbler, and slow-cooked casseroles packed with root vegetables.

Sometimes the best meals are the simplest.

Supporting Local Butchers

Great British Beef Week is also a good reminder to visit your local butcher. Independent butchers often offer excellent advice on cuts, cooking times, and ways to make the most of your budget.

They may also stock local farm produce you simply will not find in the supermarket.

A good butcher can introduce you to cuts you may have overlooked and help you cook with more confidence.

A Week Worth Celebrating

Food tastes better when there is a story behind it, and British beef carries plenty of one – from the farm fields to the family table.

Great British Beef Week is not just about eating steak. It is about celebrating British farming, making thoughtful food choices, and enjoying honest, hearty cooking that brings people together.

So whether it is burgers on Friday night, cottage pie on Sunday, or a proper roast with all the trimmings, this is the week to put British beef proudly on the menu.

How to Party at Home on Bank Holidays (Without the Stress or the £200 Bar Tab)

Bank Holidays are a glorious British invention. A bonus day off, a valid excuse for snacks before noon, and the perfect opportunity to turn your home into party central without battling for a taxi at midnight.

Forget overpriced drinks, packed pubs, and standing awkwardly near the toilets because there’s nowhere else to stand. 

Hosting a Bank Holiday get-together at home can be cheaper, more relaxed, and far more fun, provided you do it properly.

Here’s how to throw a brilliant Bank Holiday home party without losing your sanity.

Start With the Right Vibe

Not every Bank Holiday gathering needs to be a full-scale “someone has definitely fallen into the flowerbed” event.

Decide early what sort of gathering you want:

Garden barbecue

Lazy afternoon drinks

Eurovision-style themed chaos

Family lunch with suspiciously competitive board games

Cocktail night with friends

“Bring your own bottle and bad decisions” evening

Knowing the vibe helps with everything else, from food to music to whether you need paper napkins or emergency stain remover.

Food: Keep It Easy

This is not the day to attempt a twelve-course tasting menu.

People want relaxed, easy food they can grab while talking. Think:

Sausage rolls

Crisps and dips

Loaded nachos

Pasta salad

Burgers and barbecue bits

Traybake puddings

Cheeseboards that make you look more organised than you are

Bank Holiday hosting is about abundance, not perfection.

Nobody has ever complained about too many mini sausages.

Drinks Station = Instant Upgrade

Create a self-serve drinks area.

It sounds fancy, but really it means putting bottles, glasses, ice and mixers in one place so people stop asking where the tonic is every six minutes.

You can do:

Pimms station

Prosecco corner

Beer bucket with ice

DIY cocktail table

Tea and coffee setup for the sensible guests

This makes your party feel intentional rather than accidental.

Playlist Matters More Than You Think

Silence is awkward.

A badly chosen playlist is worse.

Prepare music in advance. Start relaxed, then build the energy as the evening goes on. Avoid putting one guest in charge unless you want the entire night soundtracked by obscure progressive jazz-folk from 1974. But not too loud, okay?

Be brave. Be organised.

Lighting Changes Everything

Fairy lights are basically emotional support decorations.

Candles, lanterns, garden lights, and soft indoor lighting instantly make things feel warm and festive. Bright overhead kitchen lighting makes everyone feel like they’re waiting for a dentist appointment.

Dim accordingly.

Have a Weather Backup Plan

This is Britain.

Your “sunny garden gathering” may become “twelve people hiding under a gazebo while someone rescues the burgers.”

Plan for rain.

Borrow chairs, clear indoor space, and accept that British Bank Holiday weather enjoys chaos.

Don’t Try to Be Perfect

People are there to enjoy themselves, not inspect your skirting boards.

They will remember good laughs, strong cocktails, and excellent pudding, not whether your cushions matched.

Relax. Sit down occasionally. Eat your own food.

That is surprisingly important.

The Secret Ingredient: Simplicity

The best home parties are rarely the fanciest ones.

They are the ones where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and slightly disappointed when they have to leave.

That’s the real Bank Holiday win.

Good food, good company, and not having to queue for a loo in a pub where someone is shouting about football.

Honestly, that sounds like luxury.

25 Delicious Savoury and Sweet Ways to Serve Rice Cakes. And Rice Cakes Are Ideal For Your Parrot, Too!

Rice cakes have had a bit of an unfair reputation over the years. Too often they are seen as the “diet food” of the snack world, dry, dull, and only eaten by people pretending they don’t want biscuits.

But rice cakes deserve better.

They are light, crunchy, endlessly versatile, and the perfect blank canvas for both sweet and savoury toppings. 

Whether you want a quick breakfast, a speedy lunch, a post-work snack, or even a surprisingly satisfying dessert, rice cakes can step up beautifully.

They are also budget-friendly, easy to store, and ideal for using up leftovers in the fridge. A forgotten avocado, half a tub of hummus, or that last spoonful of peanut butter can all find a happy home on a rice cake.

Here are 25 delicious ways to serve rice cakes that prove they are far more exciting than their reputation suggests.

Savoury Rice Cake Ideas

1. Avocado and Chilli Flakes

A classic for good reason. Smash ripe avocado onto a rice cake, season with sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chilli flakes.

Simple and excellent.

2. Hummus and Cucumber

Spread generously with hummus and top with thin cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.

3. Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon

A little luxury on a rice cake. Add cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

4. Peanut Butter and Sriracha

Trust the process. The creamy peanut butter and spicy kick work brilliantly together.

5. Egg Mayo and Cress

Perfect for lunch and much lighter than traditional sandwiches.

6. Tuna and Sweetcorn

A classic jacket potato filling that works surprisingly well here, too.

7. Cottage Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes

Fresh, high-protein, and ideal for a quick healthy snack.

8. Pesto and Mozzarella

Top with sliced mozzarella and a little cracked pepper for an Italian-inspired bite.

9. Guacamole and Salsa

Like tiny crunchy nachos, but less messy.

10. Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Unexpectedly festive and dangerously easy to keep making. And eating!

11. Chicken and Sweet Chilli Sauce

Great for using up leftover roast chicken.

12. Marmite and Butter

Bold, salty, and definitely not for everyone.

Choose your side carefully.

13. Houmous and Roasted Peppers

Sweet roasted peppers add colour and serious flavour.

14. Prawn and Marie Rose Sauce

Retro? Yes. Delicious? Also yes.

15. Cheese and Pickle

Like a pub lunch, but crunchier.

Sweet Rice Cake Ideas

16. Peanut Butter and Banana

The king of sweet rice cake toppings.

Reliable, filling, and genuinely tasty.

17. Greek Yoghurt and Honey

A lovely breakfast option with a little drizzle of honey.

18. Chocolate Spread and Strawberries

This feels slightly rebellious for something served on a rice cake.

19. Almond Butter and Blueberries

Fresh, fruity, and a little more sophisticated.

20. Cream Cheese and Jam

Like a shortcut cheesecake situation.

21. Apple Slices and Cinnamon

Crunch on crunch, with a lovely warming flavour.

22. Ricotta and Fresh Figs

Perfect if you want something that feels a bit fancy.

23. Biscoff Spread

Let us all be honest here. this is what many rice cakes were always destined for.

24. Mascarpone and Berries

Dessert disguised as a snack.

Very clever.

25. Honey, Banana and Crushed Walnuts

Sweet, crunchy, and excellent with a cup of tea.

Final Rice Cake Thoughts

Rice cakes are not boring.

They are simply waiting for better PR.

Whether you love sweet toppings, savoury combinations, or somewhere gloriously in between, rice cakes are one of the easiest ways to create quick, satisfying snacks without much effort.

They may never replace proper toast, and they are unlikely to challenge the mighty crisp sandwich for national importance, but they absolutely deserve a place in the kitchen cupboard.

And frankly, once you have tried one loaded with brie and cranberry sauce, there may be no going back.

And it's not only humans that like rice cakes. Our African Grey loves them. Though we do make sure to only provide her with salt free rice cakes.