Wednesday, 16 February 2022

A Little Cup Tea Company

As part of our virtual tea festival, That's Food and Drink would like to introduce our readers to the teas that are supplied by the A Little Cup Tea Company.

The first tea we tried from their range was their Lemon Grey. It is a classical tea, Earl Grey, but with an extra special twist.

As well as the more usual natural Bergamot flavouring this blend contains Sri Lankan Black Tea, Rose Petals, Lemon Thyme and Rosemary.

The water temperature should be at boiling point and the recommended brewing time is three minutes.

Although this blend is suitable for drinking with or without milk I, a confirmed milk in my cup of tea person, really enjoyed it without milk. Which surprised both myself and my wife!

It delivers a delightfully refreshing cup of tea with a floral hint from the rose petals and a herbal undertone from the rosemary, with a zippy hint of lemon from the lemon thyme. However confirmed Earl Grey aficionados will appreciate the underpinning of the bergamot. 

You'll also be pleased to know that the tea bag, the pouches and the clear bags are entirely free of plastic and completely biodegradable. 

The next tea we tried in their range is the jauntily named Easy Feeler. A jaunty name but a tea that is clearly designed to help you relax.

It's described as a Sleep Tea Blend and believe us, it does work! The ingredients of this tea are Chamomile, Linden Blossom (which is from Lime trees), Cardamom, Apple Pieces, Rosehip, Hibiscus, Rose Petals, Orange Peel, Lavender and Natural Flavouring.

Brewing instruction are as for their Lemon Grey Tea, but they do specify no milk when you serve it.

The taste is a nifty blend of essences of floral and fruity flavours with a hint of lavender peeping through. 

Does it help relax you? Yes, it does. And you'll note that there is naturally no caffeine in this recipe. 

On the other hand, what if you need a bit of a boost for your day, a pick-me-up? Then there Yes Mate! energising blend of tea will really fit the bill.

It contains Ginger, Yerba Mate Tea, Apple Pieces, Rosehip, Lemongrass, Liquorice, Lemon Peel, Mallow Flowers, Orange Peel and Natural Flavouring.

Every one of the individual ingredients plays together very well and provides a delightfully fruity ensemble tea that really does give you a nifty boost whenever you need it.

Another caffeine free tea from their range is their Coco Chilli Mint. They describe it as a Warming Tea Blend, which it certainly is.

It contains Rooibos Tea, Peppermint, Coco Shells, Black Peppercorns, Red Peppercorns and just enough Chilli to give it an interesting kick. Plus some Natural Flavouring, too. 

In all it is a cornucopia of flavours, you can taste the rooibos, the peppermint, the chocolate, the peppercorns and the hint of chilli is making my tongue sing!

Other blends are available, plus check them out for special offerings, etc.

Who is behind A Little Cup? Meet George, who is not only an artist, but is also an expert and very creative tea blender.

George tells the story of how he started blending his own teas whilst he was an art student at university and providing them to other people. 

He reveals that he was troubled by loneliness at that time, but found that inviting people round for a cuppa was a great way of combating loneliness by meeting new people over a drink of tea.

George is a passionate believer in the efficacy of tea in bringing people together by the medium of tea.

George is also organising workshops that bring together tea blending and art. You can check out amazing examples of artwork inspired by tea on his website.

To learn more about ordering the tea please visit www.alittlecup.com.  


Sunday, 13 February 2022

Would you like to be featured on That's Food and Drink? It's easy!

Would you like to be featured on That's Food and Drink? It's easy!

If you produce or retail food and drink you need publicity. But you need the right kind of publicity.

Rather than shouting loudly, just quietly tell select people who will be interested in what you have to offer.

Readers of That's Food and Drink visit us because they want to learn about what food and drinks are available and they want new recipes to try out for themselves or with their family members and friends.

They also want to know about food supplements, too.

If you contact us, we'll be able to provide you with your own unique post on That's Food and Drink. Sometimes as part of a special feature or as an individual stand alone post. Whichever you prefer.

We don't charge for our services but if you can send us samples, these are always very gratefully received. 

To learn more please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.




Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl

With Bioglan Superfoods you can give the one you love a Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl

And not only is it a tasty treat that they'll really appreciate, it has the added benefit of being chock full of tasty Superfoods, too!

One of Australia's greatest exports (in my opinion!) Bioglan Superfoods have been working very hard hard, harvesting the world's top quality ingredients, to make better tasting healthy products to ensure everyone can get the necessary vitamins, minerals and superfoods into their diets.

Bioglan Superfoods have also developed some tasty recipes that are quick and easy to make, all with added superfoods to give you an extra health benefit.

Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl. With Superberries

What could be better than presenting your Love with A porridge bowl filled with love and all good things? 

This Valentine’s Day Porridge Bowl with Superberries was made by one of Bioglan Superfoods ambassadors, SpamellaB. It's a gorgeously pretty pink porridge with a fantastic topping of crunchy granola, berries, jam, and little white chocolate hearts.

Serves 1

10 Minutes

Ingredients

50g oats

3 tsp Bioglan Superfoods Superberries 

300ml milk of choice

2 tbsp maple syrup

Top with

Frozen berries

Reduced sugar jam

White chocolate hearts

Granola

Method

1. Cook the oats in a pan with the milk for 5 minutes until thickened, then remove from the heat and stir in the berries powder and maple syrup.

2. Spoon out into a bowl then add your toppings. Enjoy!

You can find a whole host of other recipe ideas at  https://bioglansuperfoods.co.uk/.

Range available at Holland & Barrett, Amazon, Boots and Ocado.

RRP Superfood Powders: £9.99 for 70g Superberries, Green Boost, Supergreens or the Cacao Boost. £12.99 for 100g Super Protein or Beauty Protein. £12.99 for 70g Digestive Boost.

RRP for the Superfood capsules: £14.99- £16.99 for 60 capsules.

That's Food and Drink would liker to thank Bioglan for asking us to share this recipe with our readers.

We'd also like to thank SpamellaB for creating this recipe and for allowing us to use their image to illustrate this blog post.

 


Friday, 11 February 2022

The Sound of Tea set to infuse the UK this summer

Yorkshire-based arts organisation Manasamitra is returning to the stage this summer after a year of cancellations due to the pandemic. 

The Sound of Tea, which is a multi-sensory celebration of the tradition of tea across a range of different cultures and incorporates musical performance and digital technology, creating a unique performance each time.

The Sound of Tea, will be performed exclusively at York’s National Centre for Early Music on 17th June, incorporating live music mixes with specially designed lighting and soundscapes, participatory tea rituals and cutting-edge digital technology, which is employed to capture and reflect audience responses in real-time. 

Creator and musician Supriya Nagarajan uses her experience of the condition synaesthesia to examine and explore the interplay between sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch. 

The Sound of Tea will also feature a number of unique interactive digital tables, which have been designed and developed by Professor Mick Grierson from the University of Arts London (UAL). 

This technology will enable the audience to influence the performance, resulting in a bespoke performance each and every time. 

The Manasamitra team have developed the show with the assistance from tea consultant Beverley Wainwright, alongside actress and cultural educator Fenfen Huang who will undertake a demonstration of a tea ceremony as an integral part of the performance. 

The show premiered in London in early 2020, but due to the pandemic restrictions the remainder of the tour had to be postponed.

Clearly excited to get back on the stage, Supriya said: “Our team is incredibly happy to be able to bring The Sound of Tea to a live audience again after such a lengthy postponement. 

“The last year was incredibly difficult for musicians and performers so we are really excited to be able to return to the stage and interact with audiences in a live capacity. Despite the recent challenges, I'm immensely proud of the industry’s resilience and determination, it truly has shone through during the pandemic.

“While a lot can be achieved via online platforms, nothing will ever compare to the experience of attending or performing in a live show. The energy and atmosphere simply cannot be replicated online or  digitally.

“The whole team worked very hard to bring this project to life in a fully immersive way to capture the story of tea and its role in different cultures, as well as exploring the fascinating phenomenon of synaesthesia. 

“Individuals who experience synaesthesia may see sounds or hear colours, providing a multi-sensory experience. The Sound of Tea will embody that harmonious relationship between the senses, shared with a general audience.” 

Supriya will take centre stage for The Sound of Tea alongside Duncan Chapman on flugle horn, electronica and digital management, James Cave on piano, Marc Layton-Bennett on percussion and Fenfen Huang as dancer and tea celebrant.

Belgium-based flutist, Karin de Fleyt is unfortunately unable to join the team in person due to the continuing travel restrictions, but her music will still be incorporated into the performance.

Tickets are available now via the National Centre for Early Music: www.ncem.co.uk/events/sound-of-tea


Beware of online Valentine's Day Scams!

 That's Food and Drink has been publishing posts about the finer things of Valentine's Day. But there are some nasty people out there just itching to scam unsuspecting folks, especially on Valentine's Day.

So please do not fall victim to scammers.


This information has been supplied by KIS Bridging Loans and is used with their kind permission. 

https://www.kisbridgingloans.co.uk/guide-to-fraud-prevention/

Women in Food Hamper

In celebration of International Women's Day, the folks at Macknade have put together a fantastic hamper designed to showcase some of the dedicated, hard-working, passionate women who create fantastic food and drink products.

It'll be a great gift for the strong and inspirational women in our own lives. It's available to order online and can be delivered nationwide.

The cost is £60.

Which women are included and what are their products included in the hamper?

Quinta da Mariposa, Dão Branco Wine - led by oenologist Lúcia Freitas

Choc Affair, Dark Chocolate - founded by Linda Barrie

Brindisa, Salted Marcona Almonds - from Founder & Owner, Monika Linton

Goupie, Ginger Vegan Chocolates - founded by Janet Simpson, with all recipes developed by her mother

Teastones Peace Mother Tea - led by Owner & Tea Connoisseur, Sev Michaels

Fudge Kitchen Rocksalt Peanut Brittle - led by Managing Director, Sian Holt

Benchmark Brewery, Pale Ale - from female Brewer, Amelia

Kent Crisps, Oyster & Vinegar - from Owner, Laura Bounds MBE

How can you order this gift hamper? Just click here:- 

https://macknade.com/products/women-in-food-hamper

Monday, 7 February 2022

The Sound of Tea

The Manasamitra band, with FenFen Huang 
Manasamitra is a Yorkshire-based arts organisation, which has brought to fruition a truly stunning and fully immersive musical performance which is based around the themes of tea and of tea ceremonies.

It is called The Sound of Tea and it is a multi-sensory celebration of the varied traditions of tea across differing cultures.

It skilfully incorporates musical performances and digital technology, creating a unique performance each and every time.

The Sound of Tea incorporates live musical events that are combined with specially designed lighting and soundscapes, participatory tea rituals and cutting-edge digital technology, which is employed to capture and reflect the responses of the audience in real-time.

Supriya Nagarajan
Creator and musician Supriya Nagarajan uses her experience of synaesthesia to explore the interplay between sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch. 

The Sound of Tea also features a number of unique interactive digital tables, developed by Professor Mick Grierson from the University of Arts London (UAL). This technology will allow audience members to influence the performance. Of course, this means that each and every performance is totally unique resulting in a bespoke performance every time.

In more recent times the Manasamitra team has carefully adapted the show into a corporate experience day, which is an immersive, mindful experience for the corporate workplace.

A spokesperson said: "Teams and work colleagues have been physically separated for many months as a result of the pandemic and as we return to workspaces and new ways of working, it is vital team members and colleagues are able reconnect and rebuild."

They went on to point out: "Not only has the time apart altered the dynamic of many groups, but there may also be new staff members or elements of restructuring that will benefit from shared experiences.

"Team building is a vital component of any workplace, helping boost productivity and improve morale.

"After the turmoil of the couple of years, a focus on wellbeing is needed to help individuals readjust to group situations and make a smooth return to the workplace. And what better way than with tea and with The Sound of Tea?"

For details please visit https://www.manasamitra.com/our-work/the-sound-of-tea/the-sound-of-tea-corporate-experience-days/

The images used are courtesy of Duncan Lomax.

That's Food and Drink Tea Festival


That's Food and Drink is running a Tea Festival over the next several weeks.

There will be stories about tea and the myths and legends that have grown up around tea drinking all over the world.

Plus, of course, with the help and assistance of many of the friends of That's Food and Drink we will be tasting and sampling different teas and letting you know what our opinions are.

As far as tea types we will be looking at loose leaf teas, teas in paper bags, teas in special cloth bags, herbal teas and more besides.

So if you like tea, or need to buy some tea for a special gift for a confirmed tea lover in your life (a collection of different teas might make an unusual and romantic Valentine's Day gift, perhaps?) then please watch this space!


We offer our thanks to Viren Kumar and Pixabay for allowing us to use the video to illustrate this posting.


Thursday, 3 February 2022

Bring Appleton Rum to Valentine's Day

When I mentioned, in passing, to a friend that I had a bottle of Appleton Estate's 8 Year Reserve Rum, he a became quite animated. He said: "Wow! Jamaican rum has the reputation of producing some of the best Caribbean rum available. And Appleton Estate's Rum is the best of the best!"

And, of course, he was absolutely right!

The Appleton Estate's 8 Year Reserve Rum is a special rum carefully crafted for a very special occasion, the 250th anniversary of the founding of Appleton Estate in 1749, created by Master Rum Blender Joy Spence. Interestingly Joy was the first woman to hold the title of Master Blender. In recognition the government of Jamaica bestowed on Joy the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD) for her service to industry.

Appleton Estate's 8 Year Reserve Rum is blended to include specially selected pot-still rum stocks from their inventory of aged rums.

This is not the strongest rum available, it's 43% alc/vol, but then this has been carefully crafted to provide a well-balanced and delicious rum, which is designed to provide a modicum of strength with a Zenith of taste.

The bouquet is inviting with a hint of cane sugar and the taste is deliciously warming and so very, very smooth.

By itself, or on the rocks, or with some high quality mixers. After all there's no point in skimping on mixers if you have a very high quality rum such as Appleton Estate's 8 Year Reserve, is there?

But what about cocktails? Here Appleton Estate's 8 Year Reserve really comes into its own. From simple cocktails using Cola, to more advanced cocktails, you will be in for a real treat.

My wife introduced me to a recipe that was a favourite of her brother. Rum and Cider.

The recipe calls for two thirds cider and one third rum, although, of course, you can adjust that to suit your own taste.

Obviously, only high quality cider should every be used and in this instance we used some Brothers Toffee Apple Cider which proved to be an admirable choice.

A 70cl bottle should cost about £25 to £30 or you can buy it in some restaurants, hotels and pubs. For example Wetherspoon pubs stock Appleton Estate's rum as part of their Rum Shack offering.

Or you can stay at home, create a Valentine's Day feast and finish the evening in style with Appleton Estate's 8 Year Reserve Rum!

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

Glebe Farm for truly oaty oat drinks

Rebecca & Phil Rayner
In the fields of rural Cambridgeshire brother and sister farming due Phil and Rebecca Rayner are not just championing good, high quality home grown British products, they are getting down to it in the fields of their family farm, Glebe Farm, and not only growing oat crops they are also milling the oats and also 'milking' them, too. 

And what's more, the oats they produce are gluten free, too. So they're ideal for people who are coeliacs.

Phil and Rebecca have turned their hands to producing a pair of utterly delicious and incredibly smooth oat drinks.

There's the Creamy and Enriched variety, which has added calcium and vitamins so is ideal for breakfast cereals, a nice cold drink, creating some awesome smoothies or replacing dairy milk in cooking and baking.

There's also the Barista blend which is carefully designed to be a super addition to your coffee (fresh or instant) for helping you produce top tasting cappuccinos and lattes. As a confirmed hot chocolate lover, I think that I'll be trying Glebe Farm Barista blend in my hot chocolate! Will it be good for tea? Let's find out together, OK?

They also sell oat granolas, too. Actually, Glebe Farm oat granola served with Glebe Farm Pure Oaty? That sounds like a real winner to me!

They also sell Soya, Almond and Coconut drinks, too.

Check out their website for some recipe ideas, too.

As an ageing hippy(!) I've long been interested in ecology and self-sufficiency since the early 1970s actually, so it was with considerable pleasure I found out that Phil and Rebecca are confirmed sustainable farmers and that Glebe Farm uses solar power and biomass boilers and only uses locally grown oats, thus helping keep food miles to a minimum.  

Where can you buy Glebe Farm products? On Amazon, from Central England Co-operative Stores, Booths Grocers and all Holland and Barret Stores.

And Glebe Farm’s gluten free bread and rolls can be found in all National Trust Cafes.

Or you can buy it directly from their online farm shop at https://www.glebefarmfoods.co.uk/shop/.

If you are interested in learning about stocking Glebe Farm Products, using them in your baked goods or in your café, restaurant or catering business you can visit them at https://www.glebefarmfoods.co.uk/trade/ or call them on +44 (0) 1487 773282 during office hours.