Wine Cultural Centre to launch in Bordeaux

There are plans to launch a new, exciting state of the art, International Wine Cultural Centre in Bordeaux City Centre.

Designed by Parisian architect X-TU (www.x-tu.com) and London based museum and exhibition design agency, Casson Mann Limited (www.cassonmann.co.uk), the new visitor attraction will sit on the banks of the River Garonne when it opens in 2014.

In harmony with the evocative river, the building's curved design is reminiscent of wine flowing through stemmed glasses and also draws comparisons to a decanter. Environmentally sound, the structure will be constructed form wood and glass, themselves materials used in wine.

The city of Bordeaux is inextricably linked to its wine. With prestigious terroirs and famous châteaux, as well as négociants, oenologists and winegrowers with centuries of tradition behind them, Bordeaux has spread the science and love of wine around the world.

The region's wine roads have been travelled by connoisseurs from every continent, Bordeaux’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognises the city’s historic unity, and celebrations such as the Bordeaux Fête le Vin prove that this wine region knows how to have fun. Bordeaux is truly a cultural capital of wine.

But in the past the city has -inexplicably- lacked an emblematic location to reflect this reality. Now Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux and Minister of Foreign Affairs in France, supported by the wine industry, is working towards creating this new visitor attraction.

Described as ambitious, surprising and innovative, the future Wine Cultural Centre will be a major facility of international stature. Designed to offer visitors an entertaining voyage of discovery, the centre will include exhibitions on the regions of Bordeaux, the great terroirs of Bordeaux, as well as the history, lifestyle in modern society and much more.

When the futuristic Centre opens in 2014, 400,000 visitors are expected to pass through its doors each year.

www.centreculturelduvin.com/en/index.php

Would Your Dad Enjoy A Dram On Father's Day? Then buy him some of these!

When you want your Dad to know he is the best Dad ever, Father's Gold is the answer. This is a 700ml Cubana bottle of 10 year old Caol Ila 46% single malt whisky from Islay. This is one of Demijohn's most popular malts, with a peaty taste and a wonderful smoky hint at the finish which can be likened to burnt grass or smoked meats. Your father will love a dram of this after dinner. Priced at £69, this bottle can also have a great personal message added for free. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=GF0038DJL

If your father is more of a cheeky dad then Demijohn recommends their Bramble Scotch Whisky Liqueur. This deep red concoction of Scottish brambles (or blackberries) and Scotch Whisky has been voted amongst the top 100 liqueurs in the world with its rich, fruity taste. It is best drunk either after dinner or take in a hip flask when out walking or in need of a nip. At a very affordable price of £21.40 for this beautiful 500ml Antica it is bound to be a winner. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=GF0058DJL

For the hip, swash-buckling dad, then Spiced Rum Liqueur will go down a storm. As the basis for many cocktails, this clever blend of Demerara Rum from the Caribbean, caramel and spices, transports the drinker to palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear seas. Demijohn's latest cocktail, The Bloody Pirate, made from equal measures of Spiced Rum Liqueur and Raspberry Vodka, will give your Dad a Father's Day to remember. The Spiced Rum Liqueur is priced at £4.10/100ml. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=LQ0020DJL

Angus Ferguson from Demijohn says: "As a father myself I know how much I would appreciate receiving an interesting bottle of food or drink on Father's Day with my name on it. Our Father's Day gifts have been specially created to give your Dad something unusual and delicious, with the offer of a free message to add a personal touch if required."

The Father's Day presents are available online on www.demijohn.co.uk or from the shops in York, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Brighten Up The Barbecue With Redwood's Delicious Meat Free Treats for Veggies And Vegans

Make certain veggies and vegans don't get a raw deal this year! Just take a look at the host of tasty meat-free treats now on offer from ethical food firm Redwood.

From mouthwatering burgers and sausages to succulent chicken-style pieces and spicy Cheatin' Chorizo (EDITOR: My favourite!) multi award-winning Redwood produces a host of delicious meat-free foods that are great for barbecues.

Sure to prove a firm favourite this summer are Redwood's Vegideli gourmet meat-free quarter pounders - amazingly realistic 'burgers' naturally flavoured with traditional onion & seasonings.

Look out too for Redwood's award-winning Lincolnshire Style Sausages and tasty Vegideli Hotdogs, which have all the authentic taste and texture of a genuine pork Frankfurter yet are totally meat-free.

Perfect for kebabs are Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and also Cheatin' Chorizo, its spicy, meat-free version of the highly flavoured Spanish cured sausage.

"Vegetarians and vegans often get a raw deal when it comes to barbecues, so we've put together some quick and easy BBQ ideas that not only taste delicious but are ethical too," said Lee Rockingham of Redwood, which produces all its animal-free foods from 100% natural plant-based ingredients.

Here are a few tips:

• Redwood products are ready to eat so only need heating through
• Keep away from direct flame and very hot areas
• Use BBQ trays to protect the food

Recipe suggestions

'Chicken' & 'Chorizo' Parcel with Shallots, Asparagus and Baby Plum Tomatoes

Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of a square of tin foil. Sprinkle on one clove of chopped garlic. Chop two shallots and four baby plum tomatoes and add to the parcel. Add a handful of asparagus tips with one pack of Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and one pack of Cheatin' Chorizo Style Chunks. Fold the parcel over & cook for 5-6 minutes each side and season to taste.

'Chicken' Parcel with Baby Peppers, Onion, Chestnut Mushrooms and Sugar Snap Peas

Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of a square of tin foil. Add one chopped green pepper, one chopped onion, slice 3/4 mushrooms and a handful of sugar snap peas. Add Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and mix together with vegetables. Add a tablespoon of mango chutney over the top of the parcel before folding. Cook for 5/6 minutes each side and season to taste.

Sweet Potato and 'Chorizo' Parcel with Red Chillies and Green Peppers

Chop one sweet potato in half and slice thinly. Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of the parcel, sprinkle on one clove of chopped garlic and one chopped green pepper. Add the sweet potato slices and a packet of Cheatin' Chorizo Style Chunks. Add chopped red chillies to taste. Drizzle with plenty of oil again before folding. Cook for 10-12 minutes each side turning once half way through cooking. Season to taste.

Veggie Kebabs

Add a selection of your favourite vegetables as well as some of Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces or Lincolnshire Style Sausages to a kebab skewer. Brush with oil before applying a marinade or apple juice. Place the kebabs over a BBQ tray to keep them off direct heat. Whilst cooking frequently apply oil or marinade or spray with apple juice and turn to avoid burning. Delicious served with coriander chutney.

For more inspirational ideas for the summer barbecue season, including pepper & 'feta' parcels and hot & spicy sweet potatoes, visit www.redwoodfoods.co.uk. You'll find Redwood foods in good health food stores, including Holland and Barrett, selected supermarkets and at Redwood's online shop www.redwoodfoods.co.uk. Everything in the range is free from animal ingredients and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, casein, hydrogenated fats and GMOs.

(www.redwoodfoods.co.uk)

FACTFILE:
Owned by charity campaigner Heather Mills, Redwood is the leading supplier of vegan foods to the health trade and 100% British. Rated the UK's most ethical vegetarian foods supplier by The Ethical Company Organisation, Redwood produces more than 50 different foods under the Vegideli, Cheatin' and Cheezly brand names at its animal-free factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Everything in its range is made from 100% natural plant-based ingredients so free from animal products and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, hydrogenated fats and GMOs, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as those looking for healthier and more ethical lifestyles.

Widely recognised as one of the most innovative and inspirational vegetarian food companies in the UK, Redwood is renowned for being at the cutting edge of food manufacturing and exports to 18 countries worldwide.

Online retails codes site serves up newly-sourced deals to help people save money when eating out

Enjoy Italian and Spanish food throughout the rest of May and all of June and save money! How? Because DiscountVouchers.co.uk has announced some new deals that will help people save money at restaurant chains including Wildwood, Ask and La Tasca.

Since its launch Ask has become one of the country's top Italian eateries with branches throughout the land serving pizza and pasta to families and couples. The latest DiscountVouchers.co.uk deals introduced this week include new Ask Restaurant deals like 2 for the price of 1 on main courses to help people save money. Which is always a good thing!

Another popular diner to be saved at via DiscountVouchers.co.uk is Wildwood Restaurant. The restaurant is aimed at both couples and families and right now diners can log on to the DiscountVouchers.co.uk website and get hold of a free freshly-made Italian food starter with every main course.

Tapas and paella can also be enjoyed on a budget in May and June thanks to the new DiscountVouchers.co.uk dining out deals. A new choice of La Tasca vouchers is available on the money-saving website to help people enjoy 3 tapas for just £7 on Mondays or dinner for 2 for only £12 (subject to terms and conditions) at the popular Spanish restaurant.

Claire Hayes, spokeswoman for DiscountVouchers.co.uk, points out: “We're delighted to bring some new great value dining out deals to our site users right now. Leading name Mediterranean-themed restaurants like Ask, Wildwood and La Tasca are ideal places to go to enjoy a private, romantic meal or a group night out.”

DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers consumers money saving deals at major high street brands and specialist retailers, includingTesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Travelodge, First Choice, lastminute.com and Boden.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Encona perfect for your Barbecue

Encona is a range of cooking sauces and condiments with flavours from all over the world – Caribbean, Far East, Asia and the Americas.

Encona is the still the UK’s number 1 hot pepper sauce brand but has different heat levels to suit both chilli lovers and chilli novices! The range is wonderfully versatile – the perfect condiment for meat, chicken, fish, seafoods and vegetables, also drizzled into stir-fries, rice dishes, dips and salad dressings.

Great too as a marinade brushed onto food during grilling or barbecuing, stirred into soups and stews or simply as a delicious, everyday table sauces.

(EDITOR: I first came across Encona hot pepper sauce many years ago. It has been a long and fruitful relationship consisting of many meals shared with friends and family. To find out more about Encona and to see why it is so popular, visit www.enconasauces.co.uk)

“Captain Tiptoes and the Occasional Snack Company!”

Full of fun? Yes! Indeed! But Captain Tiptoes also has a serious pedigree. “When everyone else seems to be going down the health and nutrition route in a bid to attract consumers the tone can sometimes be a little preachy and pious.  

"We felt that something a tad leftfield and thoroughly buffoonish to make folk smile and relax is just the ticket right now – especially in this current climate.  Having said that, be under no illusions that we don’t take our food seriously.  We do. Everything we source, roast, puff and season inside the packs is as good as it can possibly be,” said Giles Henschel, newly moustached founder of Captain Tiptoes and award-winning Dorset food company Olives Et Al. 

Now Captain Tiptoes has joined the band and the new snacks need to be tasted – especially the *Wasabi Flaming Rice........phew!   Arriving perfectly preened and packaged for the very first performance are;

Irresistibly taut Cajun Spiced Nuts

Grippingly stout Fire Cracker Rice puffs    

Courageously pert Chilli Harissa Nuts

Undeniably crisp Salt & Pepper Nuts

Redoubtably firm Wasabi Flaming Rice Fire Balls

Who is Captain Tiptoes?  We know the Captain is always well buffed, snipped, clipped, neatly trimmed and eagerly wishes to present, for your delight and edification, a brand new range of snacks with a curious twist, a knowing smile and the occasional moustache. 

The journey never just ends at the bottom of the bag. Everyone’s invited to join the Captain’s Troop (or is it a troupe?) of Occasional Snacketeers with a dive-in-able website packed full of the Captain’s own inimitable style of lollygagging tomfoolery that’ll be right up your alley.  You can go on-line at www.captaintiptoes.com and ‘tache yourself up and then upload your photo. 

Let your imagination loose.  Expand your chest, blow out your cheeks, take a bag and join Captain Tiptoes on a journey into the land of buffoonish snacketeering.  

Retail price: £1.25 (big bag) £2.00 (bigger bag) as Captain Tiptoes has just arrived on the snack stage, look out for packs in good food shops, wine shops, cinemas, on aeroplanes, bars and other unusual places... 

Climb aboard, hold on tight, have a peek and a nibble.  Call Captain Tiptoes and his troop on 01258 474300 or email ahoy@captaintiptoes.com

Although Captain Tiptoes is chock full of fun and a fair share of buffoonery, it does have some very serious  credentials.  Captain Tiptoes’ snacks are the latest idea of artisan nut-roasters Olives Et Al in Dorset – known for winning awards for being olivey and saucy.  

Every ingredient in each Captain Tiptoes pack has been carefully and lovingly chosen for the best tasting results. Made with carefully sourced, all natural ingredients, which are then kiln-roasted with bags of know-how and more than a little secrecy at each stage of the roasting process - Captain Tiptoes may be the new moustache on everyone’s lips, but there are years of splendid snackage expertise up the Captain’s sleeve!

(*EDITOR: My wife is now a very firm convert to the Wasabi Flaming Rice Fire Balls. The only trouble is, I do not think that there will be any left from any packets we buy for our weekend barbecues!)

Olives Et Al at your Barbecue

Those really clever people at Olives Et Al have really done it, again! They have created some truly mouth-watering and ultimately scrummy dressings, dips and sauces and marinade that will help you to ensure that your guests will make your barbecue their favourite summer parties, ever!

You will find

Dressings – (lovely on salads, fishcakes, as marinades or for dipping into) – £4.00 each

Chilly Billy Jelly – (good with sausages, burgers and fish) – £3.50

Chillimole Sauce – (great with white meats to used as a marinade) - £4.00

Putney Sauce – (perfect for cheese, lamb chops or dipping into) – £4.00

Sticky Onion Marmalade – (a delicious savoury marmalade, great with sausages) – £6.00.

The only thing you need to add is the meat or the vegetables (don't forget the veggies amongst your friends!) and you will be set fair for some top fare!

Patak the Barbecue this summer

For many, the warmer weather can mean bucket loads of lacklustre salads and uninspired barbeque food; fortunately Patak’s has something a little different for you. They have developed a selection of new recipes to ensure everyone can get their fix of Indian flavor during the coming summer months:

Tandoori Chicken Naanchos

An Indian twist on nachos – brilliant for sharing with friends!

Chettinad Chicken Bites with Red Pepper Salsa

Perfect finger food, great for buffets and street parties

Balti Crab Cakes

Move away from the traditional (and boring) fish cakes with these lightly spiced crab cakes

BBQ’d Fish Kebabs

This light and delicately balanced dish is a real winner at barbeques

Halloumi Stuffed Red Peppers

An impressive, delicious and simple starter or side dish, the halloumi works fantastically when combined with the subtle spices

Lemon Rice

A refreshing accompaniment, excellent at buffets or served as a side at a barbeque

MEAT EATERS

Panfried Duck Breast with Cloves and Cinnamon

Impress at summer dinner parties with this succulent duck dish

Baked Chicken with Yoghurt Sauce

A relaxed and simple curry dish to warm the cockles during colder evenings (because the good weather in the UK rarely holds for long)

South Indian Lamb Cous Cous

Cous cous, commonly found in Moroccan or Mediterranean dishes, is delicious hot or cold!

Spicy Meat Balls in a Yoghurt Sauce

The spice of these meat balls is cooled perfectly by the subtle flavours of the yoghurt sauce

SEAFOOD

Steamed Fish Parcels

Keep it light during the summer months with delicately steamed fish parcels

VEGETARIAN

Channa Dhal

Dhal is a spicy stew-like meal made with lentils or chickpeas. This recipe is best served with chapattis and rice.

For further information on the Patak’s range visit www.pataks.com

Make sure your guests feel good at your barbecue

Spreading 4 times more feelgoodness this summer, The Feel Good Drinks Co is launching a  NEW 275ml party pack in supermarkets across the UK.  As BBQ’s, picnics and outdoor lunches fill the warm summer air, there is no better way to relax and unwind than with a delicious Feel Good Drink, and now there is an exciting NEW flavour to try too!

Offering a super alternative to alcohol as a simply a delicious and refreshing soft drink to share with friends and family, the new 4 pack is available in two ‘Feel Good’ flavours; new and refreshing Cranberry & Pomegranate & the classic Orange & Mango that will really get your taste buds going.

The new pack provides a healthy alternative to other soft drinks because unlike some of its competitors, Feel Good Drinks are made with 100% natural ingredients, have no added sugar and better still, provide 1 of your 5 a day in every bottle. 

Steve Cooper, the co-founder and Marketing Director with Feel Good Drinks said:  “This is a major new launch for our business as customers and consumers are looking for a more refreshing, healthier alternative.  More people than ever before are aware of the amount of sugar added to some juice drinks; we don’t add any sugar to our drinks and furthermore each bottle provides 1 of your 5 a day.”  So if you are looking for a healthy juice drink that is sure to quench your thirst, you can find the new party pack in Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s.”

Whilst you are grabbing a 4 pack or two, don’t forget the gorgeous 750ml gently sparkling range from Feel Good Drinks; a tasty treat for summer parties that will be sure to impress your friends!  Available in 5 flavours; Raspberry & Passion Fruit, Cranberry & Lime, Orange & Passion Fruit, Cloudy Lemon and White Grape & Peach, the 750ml range is available nationwide in Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and other supermarkets. 

As the smells and sounds of BBQs, festivals, and picnics begin to fill the air again, it’s time to start feeling good as summer is just around the corner!  Toast the great British Summer with the deliciously fruity Feel Good Drinks range; made with 100% natural ingredients, no added sugar, and providing 1 of your 5 a day!

Why not quench your thirst with a delicious bottle of 400ml fruit juice drink, available in a lightweight 100% recyclable plastic bottle; convenient and easy to enjoy on-the-go!  These are available in 3 gorgeous flavours: Cloudy Lemon, Apple & Blueberry, and Orange & Mango. 

If you’re getting together with friends then Feel Good offer their range of sparkling juice drinks in chic 750ml glass bottles. Perfect if you opt for an alcohol free evening or prefer a more refreshing tipple to enjoy in the summer sun. What’s more, all Feel Good Drinks are packed full of natural fruity goodness and have absolutely no added sugar.  These are available in five gently sparkling flavours including Raspberry & Passion Fruit, White Grape & Peach, and Cranberry & Lime. 

Feel Good also have a range of juice drinks in cartons which are perfect for thirsty kids, providing a tasty way to 1 of their 5 a day.  Available in Orange, Pineapple & Banana, or Blackcurrant, Apple & Grape, Feel Good Kids drinks are made with juice and a little water and don’t have any added sugar or artificial nasties. Easily stored - pop them into your bag for a picnic or special day out for 100% natural fruity goodness!

(EDITOR: Don't get dehydrated during your barbecue. Sometimes, people feel ill after a barbecue. They blame the food or the fact that they consumed too much alcohol, and whilst both those factors can take their toll, it's possible that they allowed themselves to become too dehydrated by the hot summer sun!

So, wear a hat, spend time in the shade, wear suncreams, etc., and ensure you have plenty to eat and to drink, but do watch your alcohol intake. Feeel Good Fruit Drinks are ideal to help to keep yourself safely and properly hydrated and feeling well.)

Visit www.feelgooddrinks.co.uk or the doodling website www.feelgooddoodle.co.uk to get your creative juices flowing!

Some things just go together. Seriously Good.

The Gordon Ramsay recipes use the Seriously Good sauce range which are Comic Relief’s only source of fun raising all year round. There is quite the selection of dishes suitable for entertaining this summer.

Rice Salad

Serves 8-10, as a light lunch

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes, plus 10 minutes resting

¼ jar Seriously Good Butter Chicken sauce

3 x 250g packets steamed basmati rice

200g Greek yoghurt

zest and juice of 1 lime

200g vine cherry or baby plum tomatoes, halved

150g sugar snap peas, cut into thin strips

100g button mushrooms, thinly sliced

10g mint, chopped

10g parsley, chopped

Prepare the rice according to pack instructions. Allow to cool.

Mix the Seriously Good Butter Chicken sauce with the yoghurt and lime juice and zest.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir well before spooning onto a serving dish and serve with the rice.

Tip: for a heartier meal, grill 250g sirloin or rump steak, slice and add to the salad

Paprika Pork Chops with a Spicy Red Pepper Marinade

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes plus marinating

Cooking time: 20 minutes

1 jar Seriously Good Spicy Red Pepper & Italian Sausage sauce

½ tsp hot smoked paprika

½ tsp ground cumin   

½ tsp ground coriander

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 pork loin chops on the bone, 250-300g each

2 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pour the jar of Seriously Good Spicy Red Pepper & Italian Sausage sauce into a wide dish and mix with the paprika, cumin and coriander. Trim the excess fat from the pork and lay in the baking dish, turning to coat in the marinade. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.

When you are ready to start grilling, scrape the excess marinade from the pork into a small pan. Pour the rest of the marinade from the dish into the pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes and then remove from the heat.

Brush the pork all over with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and season generously. Grill the pork for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting with the marinade towards the end of cooking, until the pork feels firm but springy to the touch. Leave the pork to rest on a warm plate for 5 minutes. Serve with a little of the remaining marinade brushed over.

Serve with sweet potato wedges and green vegetables or salad on the side.

How do you start your barbecue? Safely, that's how! With the Zippo Flex Neck Lighter for BBQs!

The Zippo Flexible Neck Lighter (£14.00) is a great accessory for lighting campfires and BBQs. With its flexible nozzle it can access difficult-to-reach areas without burning your fingers. The flame is wind resistant and the flexible neck allows you to light a fire no matter how tricky it might seem – ensuring smiles all summer round. The added advantage of the child friendly safety switch, makes the ‘Flex Neck’ a great choice this summer.

The Ambrette’s Dev Biswal launches Indian own-brand Premier marinades for fine Indian dining

Dev Biswal, the chef-patron of The Ambrette Michelin-listed fine Indian dining venue, has launched his own brand ‘Biswal’s Premier’ marinades.

There are three products in the range, for chicken, lamb and fish.

The marinades, as used in the award-winning restaurant in the Kent coastal resort of Margate, have been introduced as a response to customers asking the secret to The Ambrette’s distinctive style and flavours, so they can try them at home. Formerly known as ‘The Indian Princess’ and rebranded to distance itself from traditional high street curry houses, The Ambrette does not serve curry. Many of the dishes are only lightly spiced to enhance the natural flavours of the food.

Biswal is critical of “the fast-food mentality” of some Indian establishments “stuck in a 1940s time bubble”, who pre cook meat, then fry in a sauce to order, without giving the ingredients time to absorb flavours from the herbs and spices.

“My vision is to bring cultures together by introducing new food habits,” commented Biswal who has an ambition to transform how Britons perceived Indian food, “I believe food like art and music is a major catalyst in improving relationships amongst people across borders.

“Artists and musicians are worshipped as cultural brand ambassadors, whereas chefs are not,” he said.

Marinating fish and meat is a typically eastern concept in home cooking. Conversely, Biswal employs western cooking styles and poaching in some dishes.

Whilst, according to Biswal, lamb should be marinated for at least 4 hours, whereas fish should be marinade for the maximum of an hour. The 250ml jars contain instructions to apply at room temperature and leave to stand in the fridge.

Biswal’s Premier Marinade for Lamb contains a unique blend of mustard oil, ginger, garlic, pickle, salt, garam masala, red chilli, turmeric, fenugreek, pineapple and coriander

The Premier Marinade for Chicken is a blend of fresh coriander, fresh mint, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, mustard oil, green chilli, roasted gram flour, salt, garam masala, turmeric, black salt and soft cheese. It is also ideal for use with left over Christmas turkey.

The Premier Marinade for Fish, which can be used for white varieties or oily species such as mackerel or salmon, is comprised of a secret recipe of mustard oil, turmeric, coriander seeds, onion seeds, fennel seeds, carom seeds, fenugreek, lemon juice, salt, sugar, black pepper, asafoetida and curry leaves.

Dev recently returned from a gruelling 21-tour of India to Mumbai, Gujarat and the Mecca of Indian food lovers, Hyderabad where he researched the local food scene ranging from street food to the many fine dining restaurants catering for the burgeoning middles classes and super rich. He also collected ingredients unknown to the UK market such as dried lichens and exotic wild plants.

The marinades were trialled at the recent Broadstairs Food Festival, where Dev gave masterclass cookery demonstrations, and they sold out.

The 250ml jars cost £3.99 and are sufficient for 4 servings and keep for 2-4 weeks once opened. Biswal’s Premier Marinades are available direct from The Ambrette for delivery nationwide plus local farm shops and specialist outlets like Eddie Gilbert’s wet fish shop in Ramsgate.

FACTFILE:

Dev Biswal grew up in Calcutta. He trained at the Dubai Sheraton, before moving to London, aged 26 in 2003 for spells at Mangoes and Eriki. Biswal is also a director of Quex Park, with responsibility for catering. Quex House in 1800 acres of countryside in Birchington is home to the Powell-Cotton Museum with the Hannah Suite banqueting hall. www.quexpark.co.uk

The Ambrette Restaurant, 44 King Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1QE
E: info@theambrette.co.uk T: 01843 231504 W: www.theambrette.co.uk

www.biswalfoods.com

(EDITOR: This sounds like real Indian home cooking and will make the ideal addition to your barbecue. And to any meal, in fact. My wife's family originated in India, but in a part of Indian where chillies are almost never used, if at all. The recipes that passed down through her family are based on other herbs and spices with ginger used to add heat, rather than chillies.

When we tried the Biswal range my wife said: "This takes me back. It is as if I am eating a meal prepared by my father, they are that good! This is what most Indian families eat at home. They never eat curries!"

She was also sorry that we live nowhere near Margate, a fact I had to agree with!) 

Gluten-free Breadsticks for your Barbecues

Now everyone can enjoy the barbecue season as special diets are no longer going to get in the way, and it's all thanks to the launch of DS-gluten free (Dietary Specials) Breadsticks.

Made especially for coeliacs, people who have an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, the new Italian savoury treat goes well with any dips.

The DS-gluten free Breadsticks are the latest addition to the growing and popualr DS-gluten free savoury snack range, and are available from Asda stores throughout the UK . 

 Michelle Shinn, who is the Retail Brand Manager with Dr. Schär UK, said:  “With garden parties set to take place across the country this summer, these Breadsticks will make a perfect accompaniment to delicious dips and salads.

“The DS-gluten free Breadsticks are made in Italy with an authentic Italian recipe. We are looking forward to hearing our customers’ comments about what they think – we are sure they will love them.”

DS-gluten free Breadsticks can be bought at selected Asda stores across the UK and should cost £2.79 for 150g.

For details about the DS-gluten free range of gluten and wheat free products visit www.dsglutenfree.co.uk

For National Barbecue Week. Stella Artois Cidre

Cider lovers will have a new tipple to look forward to this barbecue season as Stella Artois unveils its latest innovation - the new, mouth-watering Stella Artois Cidre.

Stella Artois Cidre is a premium-crafted, Belgian cider made from hand-picked apples which are bursting with flavour. They are fermented in Belgium and imported to the UK – giving Stella Artois Cidre a crisp and refreshing taste.

Available in ASDA and Tesco from now, before rolling out nationwide in May, Stella Artois Cidre will be served chilled over ice in its own, unique chalice glass in bars across the UK, providing the customer with a vibrant, medium-bodied drink which is clean and thirst-quenching on the palate.

Inspired by more than 600 years of brewing tradition and famous for delivering a premium and unique Belgian taste experience, Stella Artois is uniquely positioned to launch the refreshingly different Stella Artois Cidre, which reflects the brand’s premium nature, quality, craft and heritage.

James Watson, Marketing Director at Stella Artois points out: “Stella Artois Cidre will broaden the Stella Artois superior drinking experience and meet the different needs of our discerning clientele, yet retaining all the elegance and sophistication of Stella Artois. This is another demonstration of our commitment to innovation and investment in Stella Artois – including the launch of Stella Artois Black and Stella Artois 4 per cent – the most successful alcohol launch in the last ten years.”

For more information visit www.stellaartois.co.uk/cidre

Do not forget the barbecue deserts! Carnation shows us how!

With all the meat to cook, the salads, dips and savoury snacks to prepare, it is all too easy to forget that those with a sweet tooth might feel a bit marginalised and forgotten about at the barbecue. But there's no fear of that happening if you follow these recipes, very helpfully created in the kitchens of Carnation Milk!

Low Fat Strawberry Cheesecake Pots

Recipe

Serves 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Chilling time: 1 hour

Recipe

85g (3oz) light digestive biscuits

150g tub 0%fat Greek yogurt

150g (5½oz) extra light cream cheese

200g (7oz) Carnation Condensed Milk Light

Zest and juice 1 lemon                                                                                                                                                   

250g (9oz) fresh strawberries

3tbsp strawberry jam

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1.    Crumble 75g (3oz) light digestive biscuits into a bowl, not too fine.  Divide the crumbs between 6 wine glasses or small tumblers. 

2.    Place 200g (7oz) Carnation Condensed Milk Light (half a can) into a bowl and add the zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1tsp vanilla extract (optional).  Stir together until the mixture has thickened.

3.    Whisk 150g (5½oz) extra light cream cheese and 150g tub 0%fat Greek yogurt in a small bowl until smooth then fold into the thickened condensed milk, don’t over beat.  Spoon the creamy mixture over the biscuits.  Chill for at least 30minutes to 1 hour.

4.    Chop 250g (9oz) fresh strawberries, mix with 3tbsp strawberry jam and top the cheesecakes with the fruit to serve.

Or how about this gorgeous recipe?

Lime and Coconut Cake

Recipe:

Serves 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Baking time: 55-65 minutes

Cake:

175g (6oz) butter, softened

3 large eggs, beaten

250g (7oz) Carnation Condensed Milk

55g (2oz) desiccated coconut

finely grated zest and juice 1 lime

175g (6oz) self-raising flour

1tsp baking powder

Icing:

100g (3½oz) icing sugar

Long strands lime zest and juice 1 lime

Method

1.    Preheat the oven to 170°C, (150°C for fan ovens), Gas Mark 3.

2.    Grease and base line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with baking parchment.

3.    Place all the cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat using an electric hand whisk until just smooth and pale. Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for 55-65 minutes until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the cake.  If the top becomes too brown near the end of the cooking time, cover with a piece of parchment.  Leave the cake to cool slightly then remove from the tin and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

4.    For the icing – simply mix the lime juice into the icing sugar until you have a thick pouring consistency – drizzle over the cake and finish with strands of lime zest.

Cooks tip

Using Carnation Condensed Milk will help the creaming process, combining the eggs, flour and butter for a super smooth batter and a moist sponge finish.

Further tips

For a super fresh taste – microwave a slice of cake for 10 seconds to have that warm from the oven effect!

If you have any cake left over make an exotic simple trifle – lay pieces of the cake at the bottom of a dish and sprinkle over some orange juice or sherry, top with tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple, then top with Greek yogurt sweetened with condensed milk and finish with some toasted desiccated coconut.

Warburtons should be a part of your summer barbecues

Summer is on the doorstep so to speak and it’s time to get the barbecue equipment cleaned up and ready for use.

And what's better is that Warburtons has launched a new range of Burger Buns and Sliced Hot Dog Rolls that will make eating outside easier and tastier. And safer, too! No juggling hot meat and bread as you trying to cut the bap or roll open!

The new Hot Dog Rolls are easy to hold and fill, as they are uniquely sliced from the top rather than down the side. As no barbecue is complete without burgers, please do not forget to buy some Warburtons new Burger Buns. Topped with delicious sesame seeds they are perfect for the summer barbecue.

Richard Hayes, the marketing director at Warburtons, says: “Whether you’re having friends over for a barbecue or a family picnic, Warburtons new Hot Dog Rolls and Burger Buns are the perfect accompaniment for al fresco eating, with the quality, freshness and taste you would expect from Britain’s favourite baker!’

Both products will be available in Asda, Co-op, Sainsburys and Tesco stores across the country from April, priced at £1.15 for a six pack. 

And Warbourtons have asked That's Food and Drink to share this recipe with you!

The Red, White and Blue Burger

Try this great British twist on the classic American burger this summer:

Serves six

Ingredients

1kg lean beef mince

1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped
100g (3½oz) blue cheese, crumbled
Mayonnaise and tomato ketchup
Olive oil, to drizzle
Warburtons Sesame Seeded Burger Buns

Method

To prepare the burgers, put the mince, red onion and blue cheese into a large bowl

Mix until well combined, using your hands. Break off 1/6 of the mixture, shape into a ball and fry in an oiled pan until cooked.
Cover the bowl with clingfilm and chill for a few hours. Preheat a griddle pan or heat up the barbecue. Wet your hands and shape the burgers into 6 neat patties. Brush or drizzle the patties with a little olive oil and cook for approximately 7-10 minutes or until cooked, turning them over halfway through cooking.
To serve, sandwich the burger patties between the Warburtons Sesame Seeded Burger Buns with some salad leaves and sliced tomato, and add a dollop of mayonnaise and ketchup to complete your red, white and blue Burger.

FACTFILE

Warburtons is the UK's top independent baker and was established in a grocery shop in Bolton in 1876 by Thomas and Ellen Warburton. Today the business is actively run by the fifth generation of the Warburton family – Brett, Jonathan and Ross
Warburtons is the second biggest grocery brand in the UK. Source: The Grocer Magazine, Nielson Britain's 100 Biggest Grocery Brands, March 2011
With fourteen bakeries and thirteen depots around the UK, the company serves customers from the Scottish Islands & Highlands in the North to Southampton in the South

 Warburtons produces over two million loaves, rolls and crumpets every day and in the UK we eat the equivalent of nine million large loaves of bread on a daily basis Statistics provided by the Federation of Bakers
For local stockists please call the Warburtons Freephone Customer Careline on 0800 243 684.

bottlegreen creates ideal drinks for a summer's barbecue

The salad is ready, the meat is sizzling on the barbecue and the drinks... now, there's another subject, right there! Lager and some nice real ales, of course, there will be some wines and perhaps some colas too, but why not add something a little different to your drinks selection at your next barbecue? How about making it a bottlegreen barbecue?

And there's even more reasons for getting some bottlegreen in, now! Because bottlegreen's newest floavour, their green tea and elderflower presse, is the perfect accompaniment to a summer BBQ, with its unusual yet eminently refreshing flavour and their strawberry and elderflower cordial with its quintessentially British flavours are great for creating cool, long drinks in the garden.

And please do not forget, bottlegreen drinks cordials and presses are also great ingredients' for cocktails and BBQ recipes, too!

Make it the best barbecue ever!

That's Food and Drink have some recommendations for you:-

unearthed® have three new olive selections including Almond Stuffed Olives with Smoked Paprika. These Spanish olives are stuffed with a whole almond for a satisfying crunch, then dressed in smoked paprika to add a touch of heat.  These olives are a perfect accompaniment to a barbeque. Unearthed® have also brought out aFrench Olive Mix and Green Olives with Pesto and Pine Nuts.

Unearthed® also have two new cheeses, Greek Goat’s Milk Balls with Mint (£2.39, 100g), based on Labneh, a staple of the Middle Eastern diet, but with a Greek twist. With a mild flavour, the cheese is made from goat’s yoghurt, then subtly flavoured with mint, delicious mixed in a tomato salad. Unearthed®’s new Diced Greek Feta with Herbs (£2.49,150g) has a burst of fresh flavours  and fragrant additions of oregano, coriander, rosemary, thyme and cloves and goes really well mixed with olives or in a salad.

And Donald Russell, the gourmet online Butcher, have also come up with some sizzling treats for summer. www.donaldrussell.com

BBQ Mini Selection
Donald's mini-steaks cook in a flash, but stay tender and juicy - even on the bbq.

Grass-fed naturally reared beef and lamb

Freedom Food accredited pork

Convenient sized portions

Box contains:
4 Beef Mini Steaks, in pack of 4 (minimum pack weight 200g)
4 Lamb Mini Steaks, in pack of 4 (minimum pack weight 140g)
4 Pork Mini Steaks, in pack of 4 (minimum pack weight 200g)
8 Mini Gourmet Steak Burgers, in packs of 4 (pack weight 180g)
8 Mini Lamb Burgers, in packs of 4 (pack weight 180g)
8 Mini Pork Burgers, in packs of 4 (pack weight 180g)
8 Premium Pork Sausages, in packs of 4 (ave. pack weight 280g
Servings:  8-10

Or why not try

Classic BBQ Selection
The perfect mix for entertaining indoors or out.
They have paired up their succulent Sirloin Steaks, matured on the bone in the traditional way, with our popular Classic and Mini 100% Steak Burgers, perfect cooked medium rare to ensure the flavoursome juices don’t dry out. And to celebrate the change of season, they’ve added some of their delicious Pork Sausages. They do not add any seasoning to our burgers, but they’ve included a jar of their new THE Perfect Seasoning, the perfect partner for all of their steaks, sausages and burgers.

Top quality grass-fed, fully matured beef

Freedom Food accredited pork

Unique seasoning mix which is exclusive to their customers

Box contains:
2 Sirloin Steaks (individually packed, pack weight 210g)
8 Mini Steak Burgers (in packs of 4, min weight 180g)
8 Classic Steak Burgers (in packs of 4, min pack weight 480g)
8 Pork Sausages (in packs of 4, min pack weight 280g)
1 Jar THE Perfect Seasoning, 110g
Servings:  16-18

We would like to recommend a selection of products from Tracklements, an award winning chutney and relish making company.

Firstly, their trio of fresh salsas make the perfect accompaniment to a barbecue.

Secondly, their classic range of barbecue condiments, including Fruity Brown Sauce (Great Taste Awards-Silver) and their Ketchup, (Taste of the West Awards- Silver) made with the best, ripe Italian tomatoes, make a great addition to any barbecue.

Baked Salmon for your barbecue with Loseley Summer Meadow Butter

Whilst meat is a treat for the barbecue, it might be time to try some fish, instead, as a tasty alternative. And with the help of Loseley butter and this simple yet great recipe, you could well find it much easier than you might have thought possible!

Baked Salmon is a lovely barbecue alternative on a Summer’s day.  Loseley have created an easy recipe using their Loseley Summer Meadow Butter.

This delicious Loseley Butter is spreadable straight from the fridge and yet has all the creamy taste of traditional butter making it incredibly versatile.

So as it spreads straight from the fridge it is great for making garlic butter for delicious garlic bread or herb butters to smear inside fish parcels. If not using Salmon simply mix the butter with plenty of fresh, chopped herbs (fennel, dill, mint and oregano - make some shallow slashes on the sides of whole fish such as bream, trout or bass- and then fill the fish cavity and slashes with the butter. Pop the fish into an 'envelope' of tightly sealed silver foil and put on a really hot barbecue. Cook each side for a few minutes and viola, one perfectly prepared, delicious fish -- and no smelly pans to clean up afterwards!

Ingredients for Baked Salmon

4 salmon fillets

1 carrot

1 lemon

1 leek

50g Loseley Summer Meadow Butter

Salt and ground black pepper

Method for Baked Salmon

Cut leek and carrot into thin strips.

Put half of the Loseley butter into a bowl and stir until soft. Grate half a teaspoon of lemon rind and add to a teaspoon of squeezed lemon juice and mix with salt, pepper and butter. Rinse fillets under cold water and cover each with a square of kitchen foil. Put a teaspoon of lemon juice and carrot and leek strips over each fillet. Put some of the lemon butter on top. Wrap each fillet in its foil parcel. Put the parcels on the BBQ for 15-20mins. Set each fillet on a warm plate and spoon the vegetables and juices over them. Serve with Northern Irish baby potatoes or a fresh salad.

Loseley Summer Meadow Butter is packed in a 250grm tub and costs £1.29p.

Loseley Chilled Foods are available from the chilled cabinet of local independent grocers, Morrisons, Waitrose and Iceland. (EDITOR: And often, our fridge at home!)

Visit www.loseley.com  for more information.

Blue Diamond. You and your guests will go nuts for these

Blue Diamond are the Rolls Royce of the almond world. Blue Diamond is the California-based nut producer which is the world’s largest almond company.

They have been creating great tasting almonds for well in excess of 100 years. Their nuts are perfect for enjoying with a drink at a BBQ in the sun, as they are perfect for sharing with friends and family as everyone waits for the food to be barbecued.

But Blue Diamond almonds are even more suitable for your barbecue as Blue Diamond is a company that, even after over 100 years, refuses to rest on its laurels! For the clever chefs at their research kitchens have come up with a new and very tasty flavour, Blue Diaomn Spicy BBQ flavour almonds!

This exciting new recipe is already proving to be a hit and are described as “really delicious.”

So for a nutty and nutritious addition to your next barbecue and all subsequent barbecues, add Blue Diamond to your shopping list.

Tabasco® Chipotle Pepper Sauce

Since I first found a bottle of the extremely tasty and extremely versatile Tabasco® in a local delicatessen shop in the 1970s, I have made it a practice to always kept some Tabasco® sauces at home.

And now, Tabasco® has added something else to their already fine range of sauces. Tabasco® Chipotle Pepper Sauce.

What, you might be wondering, is Chipotle? I am glad you asked me that! Since the time of the Aztecs, the Chipotle pepper (pronounced chee-POHT-lay) has been prized for its dark and smoky flavour. Vine-ripened and slow-smoked to perfection over a slow fire, this pepper produces a thick-bodied sauce ideally balanced in heat and flavour.

It is made from select smoked red jalapeño peppers and has a smooth, rich smoky flavour. It's Tabasco®’s first pepper sauce that you can sprinkle on like a condiment, or really pour on like a steak sauce or marinade!

You can dash it on drop-by-drop, but you can also use a generous amount to marinate chicken, steak, pork and more - because it's not just about adding heat, it's more about adding great a great smoky flavour. It's not too hot, but also, it is not too mild, so the result is a smoky, flavourful sauce that's the perfect sauce for marinating and barbecuing to your heart's content.

But do be aware that with Tabasco® Chipotle Pepper Sauce, buying one bottle probably will not be enough and you do not want to let your barbecue guests down, do you? So my suggestion? Get at least a couple of bottles in.

DipNation How to make your BBQ a special occasion

DipNation are a mouth-watering range of dips with a difference to tempt the taste buds of the nation. Not only are the dips fantastic with your usual chips and crudités, DipNation Chunky Dips work really well within recipes.  Not only do they help create delicious dishes, but they reduce much of the usually required preparation due to their ingredients.

Launched by Jeremy and Juliet Williams, and Juliet’s brother Patrick Gilmour, DipNation and its range of ‘Classic Dips’ was launched in the June of 2009. 

Inspired by the variety of dips that were available overseas and somewhat bored by the lack of choice for we foodies in the UK, Jeremy and Juliet thought they would try and have a go at filling what they identified as a niche, here. 

Patrick, with his background as a skilled chef, created some really scrumptious recipes designed to appeal to UK consumers.  The Chunky Dip range brings tantalising flavours to home entertaining and are perfect for bbqs, dinner parties, picnic occasions and buffets.

A new proposition to the UK market, the Dips introduced a unique and imaginative mix of ingredients which proved to be an instant hit with food lovers in the UK.

Having built up a strong customer base of local Farm Shops and Delicatessens in Fife and its surrounding areas, DipNation’s Dips are now supplied to independent stores throughout the entire UK.

Committed to producing high quality products that are fresh and flavorsome DipNation are always looking for new products. They have recently added a new line of ‘chunky dips’ to their range.

Chunky Dips

Filled to the brim with chunky ingredients these dips are made with a base of crushed cashews and real Parmesan shavings.  Combined with an imaginative mix of ingredients to infuse the flavour, these dips are a taste revelation.  There are no artificial flavourings or colourings added. They only believe in using the purest of ingredients that are designed to compliment and inspire. The chunky dips retail at around £2.60 and have a shelf life of 9-12 days.

Classic Dips

Bursting with delicious, fresh ingredients, these dips recreate authentic middle-eastern recipes that are tantalising and bursting with flavours.  Prepared in simple, yet imaginative ways, they are packed full of natural goodness and contain large amounts of protein, dietary fibre, vitamins and iron. And, as with the rest of the range, there are no artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives.  Healthy AND tasty. Could there be better? No! The classic dips retail at around £1.99 and have a shelf life of 5 days.

To find out more, visit www.dipnation.co.uk.

Andalusian wraps with Spicy Prawns

A fun BBQ idea this dish in ready in minutes and makes the most of the seasonal, fresh Andalusian produce by keeping all the ingredients crunchy and vibrant, prawns griddled on the BBQ give the dish a unique smokey flavour.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

400 g small prawns (ready to cook, without head and shell)

1-2 small red chillies

1 red pepper (ca. 250 g), deseeded and chopped into strips

2 tbsp olive oil

150 g full-fat cream cheese

Salt and pepper

150 g lettuce, chopped

125 g cucumber, peeled and sliced

4 Tortilla wraps (ca. 40 g each)

1.        Brush the prawns, chillies and peppers lightly with olive oil, then put them on the BBQ, leaving them to grill for 3 minutes. Chop the chilli. Transfer to a bowl and add 90 g of the cream cheese, season with salt and pepper and leave to cool.

2.        Take 4 lettuce leaves. Spread the flatbread with the rest of the cream cheese, fill it with one lettuce leaf, then add some of the prawns, peppers and chilli. Add cucumbers and chopped salad for a crunchy finish. Wrap the flatbread to serve.

Andalusian Chargrilled Watermelon Salad

With Andalusian watermelons now filling the stores, here is a completely different, delicious and traditional barbeque idea from that sunny Spanish region.  Perfect for the whole family the watermelon can either be fried on the stove or griddled in a pan over the Barbie.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

15 min prep, 4 min cooking time

 400g cherry tomatoes (quartered)

200g watercress

Tbsp pickled capers

Tbsp finely chopped shallots

4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp Sherry vinegar (substitute - red wine vinegar)

A little olive oil for the griddle

4 slices of watermelon (roughly 2cm thick)

A handful of basil leaves

1. Mix the cherry tomatoes, shallots and capers together with 4 tbsp of olive oil and a tbsp of sherry vinegar, season with salt and pepper

2. Take the rind off the watermelon slices and cut into rectangles, approximately 10cm x 5cm. Remove seeds if desired.

3. Heat a griddle pan (alternatively use a frying pan) until hot or place the watermelon directly on your BBQ, brush with a little olive oil and grill the watermelon slices for 2 minutes on each side until grill marks appear or browned. Season with a little salt.

4. Divide the watercress between 4 plates, place a watermelon slice on each, spoon the cherry tomato mix over each slice. Garnish with torn basil leaves.

For more information please visit www.andalusianfreshproduce.co.uk

Onion and Cheese Soda Bread

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 large onion, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

450g/1lb plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

150g/6oz Gruyere cheese, grated

300ml yoghurt

3 tbsp water

2 tbsp sundried tomatoes, chopped

Method

1) Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/gas mark 7

2) Heat the oil in a frying pan & gently fry the onions until translucent, about 10 minutes.

3) Mix the flour and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl; add the cheese, onions and sundried tomatoes.

4) Mix the yoghurt & water together then stir into the flour. Mix with a spoon until it comes together to form a soft dough.

5) Turn onto a floured surface, knead until it form smooth dough & shape into a 20cm round. Place onto a baking sheet & mark out 6 wedges with a knife. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If it isn't ready after this time, turn it upside down on the baking sheet and bake for a few minutes more.

6) Serve warm with grilled bacon, tomatoes & onion relish.

(EDITOR: That's food and Drink would like to thank British Onions for their help in creating this article)

Summer Sizzler BBQ Recipes Round Up

With National BBQ Week now just a few days away (May 30 – June 5th 2011), it’s time to for people across the UK to fire up the grill (once again) and celebrate the official start of summer with a good old fashioned BBQ. But when it comes to what to throw on the ‘barbie’, with this delicious round up of unusual and innovative BBQ recipes and salads, boring bangers and burgers will be a thing of the past.

 

Just follow these links for some fantastic foodie feasts!

 

Lamb & Sweetfire® Beetroot Burgers with Feta – Wow guests with these delicious lamb burgers – the beetroot makes them a great colour and they literally melt in the middle thanks to the feta surprise.

 

Venison Burger with Blue Cheese and Crispy Shallots – a down right decadent burger topped off with blue cheese

 

Gizzi Erskine’s BBQ Rib eye with Grilled British Asparagus, Teriyaki and Togerashi – Bring a bit of sophistication to your BBQ fayre with this delicious spicy beef recipe

Char-grilled asparagus and spring vegetables with bbq lamb and pots of mint hollandaise – Slam on the lamb and savour the flavour of summer with this seasonal recipe featuring British asparagus

 

Pink Lady® Apple and BBQ Pork Kebabs - These succulent skewers are ideal for the barbie, so once the sun shines get cooking! Coated in a tangy mango and tomato glaze, all that’s needed is a few flatbreads and shredded leaves to finish the meal.

 

Oriental Lamb, Shallot and Citrus Kebabs with Soy and Honey Dipping Sauce – bring a taste of the orient into your British BBQ with this lamb kebab recipe

 

Broad bean and sundried tomato salad with BBQ lamb – this healthy BBQ recipe couples a fresh and crunchy broad bean salad with succulent lamb cutlets

 

Salads and sides

 

Make your BBQ an altogether more sophisticated event with this selection of delicious summer salads, perfect for providing a fresh take on this year’s BBQ.

 

Barbequed British Asparagus Dipped In Oozing Camembert - This is a French inspired idea that is a great side for a meat filled meal.

 

Summer Salad of Grilled Tenderstem®, Peaches & Goats’ Cheese - This simple salad is bursting with freshness and flavour. When it’s hot outside try using a barbeque instead of a griddle for a perfect alfresco dish!

 

Jo Pratt’s Barbequed Tenderstem®, Melted Goats Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing Croutons - Don’t just save the barbeque for burgers and sausages – this exceptionally flavoursome recipe is a brilliant barbequed starter or side dish. You could even serve it as a main dish for vegetarians

 

Hot Smoked Salmon Salad with Sugar Snaps – this refreshing summer salad features crunchy sugar snap peas alongside succulent hot smoked salmon.

Radish Garden Salad – a classic salad, delicious with beef dishes

 

Spiced roasted shallot salad with Bulgur wheat, aubergine, raisins & a chilli and tomato dressing – spice up your plate with this tasty bulgur wheat salad, great served with great with BBQ meats, chicken and fish

 

Relishes and dips

 

Beetroot & Butterbean Hummus – Add a bit of colour to the BBQ spread with this healthy beetroot dip

 

Runner Bean Coleslaw

 

Radish Coleslaw – ideal for serving with salads, the addition of radishes means this coleslaw packs a punch

 

Radish & Beetroot Chutney - Great with cheese, cold meats, on a baked potato or with sausages

 

Dessert

 

Sweet Eve Strawberry and Vanilla Brown Sugar Toasted Brioche Sandwich - Top the ultimate BBQ feast off with this sumptuous desert featuring rich buttery BBQ toasted brioche used to sandwich ripe Sweet Eve strawberries and vanilla infused sugar.

 

That's Food and Drink would like to Thank the following for their great help in putting this article together:-

UK Shallots - www.ukshallot.com

Tenderstem® broccoli – www.tenderstem.co.uk

British Asparagus – www.british-asparagus.co.uk

Love Beetroot – www.lovebeetroot.co.uk  

Love Radish – www.loveradish.co.uk

Pink Lady® - www.pinkladyapples.co.uk

British Beans and Peas – www.tastesofsummer.co.uk

Sweet Eve Strawberries - www.sweetevestrawberry.co.uk

Badger Golden Champion. Makes your barbecue the perfect Summer meal

The award-winning beer, Golden Champion is another stunning beer from Badger ales. And it really is the perfect accompaniment when you are eating al fresco or barbecuing this summer.

Its light, refreshing character is distinguished by its subtle elderflower notes which create a soft, floral thirst-quenching fruitiness.

As well-known beer journalist and blogger Pete Brown writes, “Flavoured beer doesn’t always have to mean fruit beer. Golden Champion is delicately imbued with elderflower; enough to add a distinctive taste, but not enough to become cloying or overpowering. This crisp, clean ale comes with a hint of perfumed floral character that seems to hover just above the tongue, perfectly evoking late summer evenings.  Probably the best barbecue beer in the world.”

“If you’re looking for a beer to sip on a warm summer evening or one to put some life into your BBQ, Golden Champion will make an ideal companion all summer long as this golden ale has a clean delicate, crisp depth of flavour – perfect when served chilled.” adds Toby Heasman, Head Brewer at Hall & Woodhouse. 

“The water used in all Badger ales is Dorset Spring water that has been naturally filtered for up to a century through the Cretaceous chalk downs and drawn up 120 feet from the Brewery’s own wells.  The heritage of the Hall & Woodhouse yeast dates back to 1934 and our then Head Brewer, John Elliot Douglas. From this date it has been nurtured by our brewers. Despite being 75 years old and having completed over 15,000 brews it is still growing and fermenting as well as ever.

“We use only the very best raw, natural ingredients to brew our premium ales, which are created from recipes that have been passed from generation to generation.  We are proud of our history and provenance in Dorset and both are fundamental to the fine quality of each one of our premium ales,” concludes Toby. 

Golden Champion (5% ABV) is available in 500ml bottles nationally from ASDA, Morrisons and Waitrose and online at www.badgerdirect.com.  It has a RRP of £1.75 per bottle.

FACTFILE:

Hall & Woodhouse, based in Blandford St. Mary, Dorset is the largest family brewer of packaged premium ales in the UK.  Under its award-winning brand name of Badger, Hall & Woodhouse brews some of the Country’s most distinctive bottled ales and has twice been awarded World Champion Beer with Tanglefoot and Badger First Gold at the International Brewing Industry Awards and has a record five Tesco Drinks Awards under its belt.  Badger bottled ales have grown 11 fold in the last decade and boast 9% market share of bottled ales in Multiple Grocers; more than double the market share in 2000. 

(EDITOR: All Badger Ales are distinguished by one fact. They all taste very, very good! Trust me, I am a drinker!)

COOKS&CO can be at your barbecue with restaurant-quality foods!

Fine food company, COOKS&CO have the perfect range for BBQs this summer. Using only the finest quality ingredients from producers around the world, COOKS&CO ensures that time-poor food lovers can prepare stunning, restaurant-quality anti-pasti at home at an affordable price.

The below products are a selection taken from the range - perfect for any barbecue, picnic or party that you have coming up. If you would like to receive some samples please do let me know.

For full details on the range please see www.cooksandco.co.uk

NEW COOKS&CO Roasted Red Peppers

These red peppers are grown under the Mediterranean sun until perfectly ripe.  They are deliciously succulent, with an intense, sweet flavour.  

A convenient replacement to fresh peppers that can be used in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, quiches, casseroles and on pizzas.  Or simply serve them as part of an antipasti or mezze platter.

Available at Ocado, Tesco

RRP  for a 460g jar is £2.39

COOKS&CO Green Olives with Sun-dried Tomatoes

Plump, juicy Halkadiki olives hand-stuffed with sweet,
flavoursome sun-dried tomatoes.

Add to pasta, salads or enjoy on their own.


COOKS&CO Green Olives are also available with Jalapenos peppers, Feta Cheese and Blue Cheese

Available at Morrisons, Booths, Musgraves and Asda COOKS&CO Green Olives with Sun-dried Tomatoes

Plump, juicy Halkadiki olives hand-stuffed with sweet,
flavoursome sun-dried tomatoes.

Add to pasta, salads or enjoy on their own.

COOKS&CO Green Olives are also available with Jalapenos peppers, Feta Cheese and Blue Cheese

Available at Morrisons, Booths, Musgraves and Asda

RRP for a 290g jar is £2.99

COOKS&CO Stuffed Vine Leaves

These divine stuffed vine leaves are made to a traditional Greek recipe using mint & dill, resulting in a fantastic combination of Mediterranean tastes and texture.

Great as an appetiser or as part of an antipasti selection.

Available at Tesco, Asda and  Ocado

RRP for a 380g can is £2.25

COOKS&CO Red Chillies

Selected with care, these fine chillies will add a ‘kick’ to salads, kebabs, pizzas, sandwiches, stir-fries and a variety of meat and fish dishes.  

Perfect for Mexican-style recipes and particularly good in salsas, dips and dressings.

COOKS&CO Green Chillies

These green chillies are hot and gutsy! Use them instead of fresh chillies for Indian and Thai curries, Tex Mex recipes and stir fries.

They are a great addition to pizzas, marinades and dips.

Available at Asda and Ocado

RRP for a 300g jar is £1.49

COOKS&CO Red Pepper with Feta Cheese

Stuffed with delicious creamy Feta cheese, these peppers are slightly piquant and melt in the mouth.

Excellent as an appetiser or indulgent snack.

Available at Tesco, Morrisons, Somerfield, Co Op and Ocado

RRP for a 290g jar is £2.99