Zag, the vegan alcohol free refreshing drink

Zag is the vegan, alcohol free drink that is described as "refreshingly different."

It's a pale brew that you need to serve nicely chilled. But do be careful when you open it as it does contain a nice bit of fizz!

It's produced with kombucha, apple juice, some barley malt extract, some lemon juice, some lime juice, some green tea and some iso hop extract. There's also some hemp and some mint.

It's got a minty aroma to it and the taste is a well-balanced blend of all the ingredients. You can taste the mint, but it's not an overpowering minty taste and there's also the citrussy zest from the combined citrus fruit tastes of the lemon and the lime juice, but although there's that characteristic citrus tang, it doesn't appear to be too much, if you understand what I mean.

However, that's not all there is to this unique and refreshing drink. There's interesting taste undercurrents which is a combination of the kombucha, the hop extract, the hemp and the green tea, which is enlivened by the caramel sugar syrup.

Incidentally those who are watching their sugar and calorific intake will be interested to note that there are only 54 kcal per bottle and only 3.2g of sugar, too. And no artificial sweeteners, either!

If you are hosting a party for Veganuary then you really need a crate of Zag for your guests. 

You can learn more about Zag by visiting their website at https://zagdrinks.com/.

It's available direct from their website in bottles or cans.

12 x 330ml cans costs £17.75, 12 x 330ml bottles costs £17.49.

There's also a lower sugar version 12 x 330ml cans costs £17.75, whilst 12 x 330ml bottles costs £17.49.

However, the low sugar version (only 43kcal!) is on pre-order only at the moment, but all orders placed before 10th January will be shipped week commencing 10th January.

Vegan recipe kits available from Grubby for Veganuary

Grubby had a great plan. provide nutritious plant-based recipe kits to office workers and the like with nutritious, tasty meals they could cook for themselves confidant that there would be no meat products within the recipe.

The trial worked very well and all was set fair for the launch when that rolling disaster movie of a virus, COVID-19, came along.

How could Grubby survive the loss of its core market? 

Although still reeling from the body blow of COVID they came up with an excellent idea. With a team of dedicated volunteers Grubby turned its attention to giving back to the hardworking NHS staff. 

Following a highly successful JustGiving fundraising campaign, Grubby was able to raise enough funds to deliver over 1,000 meals to NHS hospitals. This very thoughtful gesture provided hungry and exhausted frontline NHS staff with some welcome tasty nutritional freshly cooked vegan food and really put Grubby on the vegan culinary map.

Grubby is the UKs first plant-based recipe kit catering concern and it now offers vegan recipe kits to everyone. In fact it's already delivered in excess of 15,000 meals. 

You don't even need to worry about the recycling or composting as the packaging is guaranteed to be 100% recyclable or compostable in 98% of instances.

All packaging is 100% recyclable or compostable in 98% of cases. And Grubby has garnered an Innovate UK grant for it's sustainable and ethical plans.

Martin Holden-White, Grubby's founder explained: "Being able to do something for our amazing NHS has felt really positive, and I hope this crisis will mean they get taken better care of in the future. Seeing all the positive feedback we received gave us the confidence to trial our service direct to doorsteps."

Originally Grubby delivered all their orders locally in the London area. This was because they relied on a two bicycle delivery team!

However, the company is confidant enough in its products that it now offers a nationwide distribution service.

How to order your Vegan recipe kits? Just visit https://grubby.co.uk/ and if you place your first order by Jan 31st there's a special discount!

Meals available for you to cook at home include Mushroom stroganoff and roasted roots, Harissa spiced courgette, Moroccan giant couscous, and a garlic tahini dressing and Beetroot risotto, toasted walnuts, fresh apple.

How much will they cost? The two recipe box weekly price will be £26.00. Full price details will be available on the website.

Bodyhero

Looking for a protein drink that is plant based, vegan friendly and which tastes good? Then you'll need to get some bodyhero protein drinks.

Bodyhero plan protein drink is aimed at vegans, though they are also great for all people who need a protein-packed drink with a great, Rich Chocolate flavour. It was also smooth and had a slight fruity taste to it, I thought.

The protein comes from the mighty pea, there are also dates, cocoa powder (in a reduced fat format) chicory root fibre, a dash of sea salt and some stevia to help balance the flavour, which it does very nicely. 

It's also idea for people who have a problem with lactose or for people who have diseases like coeliac disease as it is free from gluten and wheat.

The products is guaranteed to be free of GMs and it is produced exclusively in Britain.

Each 330ml drink has 20g of protein, 5g of fibre 5g of sugar and 151 calories, all in a delicious rich chocolate flavour.

They are packed with all 9 essential amino acids and also BCAAs. Which are branched-chain amino acids.

They are designed to help you recover from exercise and exertion and to support muscle growth.

They are also Informed Sport & Vegan Society accredited.

But that's certainly not all. Bodyhero also produces a wide range of products including vegan protein powder and vegan protein bars.

You can buy them from their own online shop at https://bodyhero.com/.

What can you do with a Pot Noodle?

Well, what can you do with a Pot Noodle? Before I answer this question, please let me point out that this article isn't linked to the manufacturers of Pot Noodle.

What can you do with a Pot Noodle? Many things!

They are an ideal standby for lorry drivers, nurses, doctors, hospital porters, cleaners and other NHS workers who occupy shift-based roles.

They are also very helpful for students, for office workers, factory workers, security guards and any worker who doesn't have access to a canteen, or who is a long way from shops, cafes, etc, but who needs something tasty to tide them over. But who does have access to a kettle, even a 24v one.

And for the busy person who is at home, they can provide a nice and rather filling snack meal whilst they are busy doing the cleaning, the laundry, etc. Or even for those who are working from home.

There are a wide range of flavours: Bombay Bad Boy curry, Chow Mein, Chicken and Mushroom, Beef and Tomato, Original Curry, Sticky Rib, Korma and Sweet and Sour.

They all taste pretty darn good, too!

There are also original and King sizes, so you can go large if you want.

However, they have also branched out into Pasta Pots, which includes the following flavours: Carbonara, Bolognese, Tomatoey Mozzarella and Creamy Carbonara.

They also have Lost the Pot Noodles which is a packet of Pot Noodles that don't come in a pot.

However, as a long time lover of Pot Noodles there are other things that you can do with them. After you cook your Pot Noodle, transfer it into a bowl. Or eat it between bread as a Pot Noodle sandwich. Or add grated cheese and grill it?

You can also liven up your Pot Noodle by adding Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Cranberry Sauce, Curry Sauce, Hot Pepper Sauce or whatever else takes your fancy.

To learn more about one of the best exports from South Wales, please visit https://www.potnoodle.com/

Other flavours may be available from time-to-time, so do keep an eye open for these.

Some varieties are suitable for vegetarians, some for vegans. But Pot Noodle do suggest you check beforehand.

Hellman's Mayonnaise helps you take part in Veganuary

Whether you are a vegetarian, a vegan or someone who is interested to learn more about the vegan lifestyle, Hellmann's Mayonnaise will be able to help you learn whilst you feast.

How? Hellman's are putting their 108 year's of experience into producing some very tasty and tangy vegan friendly mayonnaises.

All ideal for helping to celebrate Veganuary (and beyond) with some vegan feasting.

What's available? There is Vegan Mayo, Vegan Garlic mayo, Vegan Chipotle Mayo and Vegan Mayo Baconnaise.

These are all most suitable for sandwiches, for dips, or with meat free burger and chips, fish free fish and chips (for that traditional continental version of fish and chips!) as an accompaniment for pizzas, for pies, or with a nice salad.

Or even mixed into mashed potatoes for that super creamy Hellman's experience, instead of butter, as a Vegan-friendly alternative. 

Or is that just me who does that? Please try that mashed potatoes with a twist idea next time you prepare them and let me know in the comments what you thought of that idea?

These new Hellmann's Mayonnaise flavours will be widely available either through some local convenience shops, your favourite supermarkets, health shops that sell foods and via online retailers.

Jars should cost £2.15, although individual retailers do have some discretion as to the price they will charge.

The Official Peaky Blinders Cookbook

Back in the year 2019, the inaugural episode of Peaky Blinders series five had 6.2 million viewers.

Next year in 2022, Peaky Blinders will air its sixth and final series 

And to commemorate this achievement is the first first official series cookbook. Owners of this book will be able to cook and eat just like the Shelby family and the other Peaky Blinders.

There are 50 tasty recipes, inspired by the iconic locations so beloved on the notorious gang, such as the the Garrison's Bar,  the Eden Club and Arrow House.

There are hearty, filling family meals, sandwiches, snacks and more besides. But there are posher meals, too, such as canapes lunches and dinners.

There are also nourishing meals like vegetable & barley soup with Alfie Solomons' soda bread, Grilled Oysters with parmesan crumb, Roast Rabbit with bacon and mushrooms in a whiskey sauce, flavourful Glazed celeriac steaks with breadcrumbs & herbs, a delicious Steak and ale pie, with a tasty mash, Butter and sage roast chicken with mushrooms & tarragon cream sauce, and Sloe Gin jelly with blackberries and cream.

I especially like the idea of Marmalade bread-and-butter pudding with rum custard!

Combining stills from the series, with recipes and specially commissioned photography, this lavishly illustrated cookbook is a must have for both Peaky Blinders fans and keen cooks, and will take readers on a unique journey into the world of the Shelby's.

The book is published by Quarto and will be published on 08/03/2022 at £14.99 in hardback.

It will be available from Waterstone and other high street book retailers and from online retailers such as Amazon,  Books Etc and Bookshop.org.

Candy Kittens a sweet treat for Veganuary

You may already have tried Candy Kittens. If not, Veganuary will be the ideal time to try them as they have recently launched it’s Gourmies range.

You'll be pleased to know that Candy Kittens takes its responsibility to its consumers and the environment very seriously indeed. 

How does it do this? It sources good, honest ingredients and it steadfastly declines to use palm oil or animal gelatine in any of the products in its range.

Like all the candy products in the the entire range, the Gourmies recipe calls for the use of real fruit juices, contains no artificial colours or flavourings. It also has 100% recyclable packaging. 

The range irresistible gourmet gummies range - Gourmies (RRP £2 - 125g) - is available online at www.candykittens.co.uk and Ocado and in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Tesco shops.

Primula unveils first plant-based range

Primula, the world’s first and most favourite squeezy cheese brand, has revealed  its first entrant into the world of plant-based foods with the launch of market with Primula Perfectly Plant, in 2022.

The new variant, which comes with the is full endorsement by the Vegan society, is the only plant-based cheese alternative that's available in Primula's iconic easy-to-use tube format.

Perfectly Plant will be a great new product for vegan consumers (perhaps former Primula lovers?) as 7.2 million adults in the UK  (that's 14%) are now following a meat-free diet.

Lisa Thornton, Head of Marketing for Primula said: “Our loyal brand following since 1924 gives us the perfect heritage to launch into the dairy alternative market. 

"When tested 8 out of 10 people preferred Primula Perfectly Plant to other non-dairy cheese products on the market place, which gives Primula a real taste advantage. 

“It also offers an amazing taste experience for the growing number of flexitarians, identified as a key trend to watch for in 2022.”

Nicole Herbert, NPD Manager at Primula said: “Since 2020, 500,000 Brits have given up meat, and with younger generations significantly more likely to follow a meat free diet, a plant-based product was the obvious choice for us.

"We spent two years developing Primula Perfectly Plant to create the perfect recipe. We took the opportunity to work closely with vegan consumers to develop the flavour.

“This will be the UKs first vegan processed cheese alternative. What's more, it's sold in a fully recyclable tube. We're really keen for our customers to try it.”

The new launch comes only a little while after Primula unveiled a new sustainable packaging earlier this year, which means that the packaging is now fully recyclable. Its famous squeezy tubes previously featured an aluminium insert, but Primula has worked with their packaging suppliers to produce sleek new tubes which can be widely recycled up and down the country.

Primula Perfectly Plant will retail for around £1.60. For more information on Primula, visit www.primula.co.uk.

 

Nurishh Cheese

Nurishh is a new and tasty alternative to standard dairy-based cheeses that are dairy free so ideal for people who want to reduce or remove dairy products from their diet or who have an allergy to dairy products.

They are guaranteed to be free of animal products of any kind, so are an ideal food for vegans. And a great way of introducing yourself to Veganuary.

They have three great tasting cheese types Cheddar style, Provolone style and Mozzarella Style. They come in either shredded or sheet forms.

https://nurishhplantbased.com/

You can find out where to purchase them here https://nurishhplantbased.com/where-to-buy/

Please check out these recipes:-

Tasty No-Cheese Tarts

Ingredients

Takes 25 mins 

This recipe uses three varieties of alternative to cheese, but one variety of Nurishh will work just as well. 

1 pack Pidy Mini Crispy Iris Cups (or an ovenproof dish for a fondue) * 

½ onion 

1 small clove garlic 

30gr olive oil 

30gr plain white wheat flour* 

10gr agar-agar (if not using an egg) 

50gr aquafaba

150ml soy alternative to milk* 

70gr Nurishh Plant-Based Alternative to Camembert, rind removed 

50gr Nurishh Mozzarella Style Block, diced 

30gr Nurishh Cheddar & Mozzarella Style Grated Blend 

Salt & pepper 

Chives, chopped (optional) 

Method 

1. In a pot add the olive oil, the onion, and the garlic.

2. Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the flour and cook over a medium heat until the flour turns a light golden colour, and the raw flour smell has gone.

4. Add the Nurishh Plant-Based Alternative to Camembert and whisk over medium heat until melted.

5. Gradually add the soy alternative to milk, whisking all the time to incorporate and create a smooth custard. 

6. Sprinkle over the agar-agar, add the aquafaba and cook for a final 3-5 minutes over a low heat, whisking occasionally. 

7. Season with the salt and pepper. 

8. Allow to cool slightly before adding to the Mini Crispy Iris Cups. 

9. Heat an oven to 180 degrees. 

10. Lay out the Mini Crispy Iris Cups on a baking sheet. 

11. Divide the diced Nurishh Mozzarella Style Block between the croustades. 

12. Fill to the brim with the alternative to cheese custard mix. 

13. Top with the Nurishh Cheddar & Mozzarella Style Grated Blend. 

14. Bake for 10-12 minutes. 

15. Allow the Mini Crispy Iris Cups to cool (they will feel soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up.) 

16. Top with chopped chives and serve.

Mac No Cheese

Ingredients

Serves 4

Takes 25 mins 

350gr spiral or other short vegan pasta* 

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped 

1 large onion, finely chopped 

500gr soy alternative to milk* 

65gr plain white wheat flour* 

80gr olive oil 

140gr Nurishh Plant-Based Alternative to Camembert, diced into small pieces to help melting 

100gr Nurishh Cheddar & Mozzarella Style Grated Blend 

100ml white wine* 

40gr breadcrumbs* 

3 sprigs of thyme (optional)

Method 

1. In a pot, add 65gr of the olive oil, the onion, 2 sprigs of thyme and the garlic. 

2. Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. 

3. Add the flour and cook over a medium heat until the flour turns a light golden colour, and the raw flour smell has gone. 

4. Add the white wine and cook for 3 minutes. 

5. Add the Nurishh Cheddar & Mozzarella Style Grated Blend and Nurishh Plant- Based Alternative to Camembert and whisk over medium heat until melted. 

6. Gradually add the soy alternative to milk in 5 stages whisking all the time to incorporate and create a smooth sauce. 

7. Season to taste and remove the thyme sprigs. 

8. Pick the leaves off the remaining thyme sprig and add to the crumbs. 

9. Mix the crumbs and the remaining oil. 

10. Toast until golden brown in a pan. 

11. Cook the macaroni or vegan pasta according to the instructions on the pack. 

12. Drain and add to the sauce and mix in a pan over a medium heat to coat the pasta. 

Plant-Based Pizza

Ingredients 

Serves 6 

Takes 2 hrs if making dough from scratch or 25 mins if using pre-made base 

For the tomato sauce 

1 tin tomatoes 

25ml sugar 

25ml balsamic vinegar* 

2 spring onions, sliced 

5gr dried oregano 

10ml sriracha 

2 cloves garlic, finely minced 

Salt & pepper 

For the focaccia 

500gr strong plain white flour* 

30ml olive oil (plus 15ml extra to oil the tins) 

330ml warm water 

20gr yeast (dried is fine) 

30gr semolina* 

8gr salt 

For the toppings 

1 Nurishh Plant-Based Alternative to Camembert, sliced 5mm thick, or torn 

10 basil leaves. Style Grated Blend

Season to taste. 

d with the breadcrumbs.

Method

1. Add all the ingredients to a pot. 

2. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon. 

3. Reduce by 1/3. 

4. Season to taste. 

5. You can choose to make the dough or use pitta breads or a pre-bought base/loaf as the base for the pizza. 

6. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. 

7. Add the yeast, oil, and water to a mixing bowl. 

8. Stir to dissolve the yeast. Don't worry if the oil is sitting on top of the liquid. 

9. Add the flour, semolina, and salt. 

10. Turn on the mixer, or knead by hand, until the dough is smooth, and all the ingredients are incorporated. 

11. Continue to knead for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. 

12. Place the dough on a baking tray and stretch out until about 1cm thick. 

13. Place in a warm place to prove until doubled in size. 

14. Use your fingers to make dimples, again, trying to keep in as much air as possible. 

15. Cover with the tomato sauce. 

16. Sprinkle over the basil, the Plant-Based Alternative to Camembert pieces and the Nurishh Cheddar & Mozzarella Style grated Blend. 

17. Bake at 200 degrees for 20-25 mins until golden brown. 

18. Check the base to ensure it is cooked and crispy. 

No Cheesecake

Ingredients

Serves 6

Takes 1 hour 

For the mousse 

100gr Nurishh Mozzarella Style Block, diced 

250ml vegan alternative to cream* 

50gr sugar 

2 limes, juice, and zest 

Salt 

For the ginger crumb 

120g plain white wheat flour* 

40gr caster sugar 

5gr cornflour 

5ml vanilla extract 

40gr plant-based alternative to butter or margarine* 

40gr extra virgin olive oil 

10gr ginger powder 

For the mango coulis 

1 medium ripe mango 

30gr sugar 

1/2 lime, juice, and zest ice up and enjoy! 

Method

1. Place 50ml of the vegan alternative to cream, the sugar, and the diced Nurishh Mozzarella Style Block in a pot. 

2. Melt over a low heat until smooth. 

3. Allow to cool. 

4. Whip the cream to a soft peak. 

5. Add the juice, 3/4 of the zest and salt to the alternative to cheese mix and fold in the cream. 

6. Place in a piping bag or container and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. 

7. These also make great cookies so feel free to shape some into discs. 

8. Heat the oven to 170 degrees. 

9. Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth dough. 

10. Wrap and chill for 30 mins in the fridge. 

11. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment. 

12. Place the crumble on the tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly golden in colour. 

13. Take out and allow to cool. 

14. Break into a crumble to serve. 

15. Peel the mango. 

16. Finely dice half of the mango. 

17. Coarsely chop the other half and add to a blender. 

18. Add the sugar and lime juice and blend. 

19. Mix the diced mango, puree and the lime zest and reserve. 

20. Divide your crumble between 6 serving bowls. 

21. Pipe or spoon over the mousse. 

Top with the coulis and the remaining lime zest. 

UPDATE: My wife and I really love the Mozzarella style cheese. "Tastes just like the real thing!" said my wife. And I agree. 

Sushi Daily launches Korean hot food range

International sushi franchise Sushi Daily is launching a Korean-inspired range of hot foods including a partnership with The Vegetarian Butcher.

It delivers comforting foods like spicy chicken kimchi noodles and bulgogi veggie bibimbap, bringing another highly sought-after cuisine to selected counters within Waitrose and Asda stores all over the country.

Please keep an eye out for the Korean hot food range as it is set to launch launches in the stores on Monday 10 January and also includes spicy chicken bibimbap and bulgogi veggie kimchi noodles, satisfying the nation’s hunger for Korean cuisine.

Bibimbap, is one of the better-known and well-loved Korean comfort foods, is a one-bowl-wonder of rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, guaranteed to warm you up on a cold day.

Bulgogi, or Korean barbecue, is one of the undoubtedly classical Korean dishes, which can trace its history back about 2,000. Whilst kimchi is a traditional side dish featuring salted and fermented vegetables.

Spicy chicken bibimbap comprises rice with tender spicy chicken topped with green onions and sesame seeds, served with a delicious mixture of spinach, kimchi, pickled carrots, spicy sriracha sauce and sesame beansprouts. Or for Veganuary you can plump for bulgogi veggie bibimbap which featuring delicious bulgogi plant-based 'beef' from The Vegetarian Butcher.

Traditional spicy chicken kimchi noodles feature tender, spicy chicken on kimchi noodles with sesame beansprouts, topped with green onions and sesame seeds, while the bulgogi kimchi noodles feature bulgogi plant-based 'beef' from The Vegetarian Butcher.

If you haven't heard of The Vegetarian Butcher, they create delicious meat substitutes which are made by meat lovers, for meat lovers. Its mission is to replicate the moreish taste and texture of meat.

Sushi Daily Managing Director, Ian Roberts, said: “We’re very excited about partnering with The Vegetarian Butcher and being able to deliver these sensational dishes to our customers as the trend for Korean food sweeps our nation."

He went on to add: “These dishes are the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter’s day and will give people the chance to try out this restaurant trend in their own homes, when they want a treat for lunch or dinner.

“As the cold weather sets in, it’s time to try something a little different and enjoy these classic Korean winter warmers, especially as they are packed with protein and vegetables.

“We’re always on the hunt for exciting new dishes to brighten up our customers’ food shop and we're sure these will be very popular."

Prices are from £7.75 for a spicy chicken bibimbap, £7.90 for spicy chicken kimchi noodles, £8.00 for bulgogi veggie bibimbap and £8.10 for bulgogi veggie kimchi noodles.

All the products are freshly handmade by artisans at Sushi Daily’s open kitchens and must be heated up at home.

Sushi Daily has over 100 counters in the UK and has recently launched Click and Collect services at some selected Waitrose and Asda stores. For more information, please visit www.sushidaily.com.