Warm up the colder evenings with Shwen Shwen Hot Sauces

With Shwen Shwen Sauces you can give a spicy boost to the autumn and colder evenings with some hot chilli sauces from Shwen Shwen.

They are the perfect accompaniment to fish and meat dishes. It's said that once you've tried them, you'll want to add them to very nearly everything!

The Shwen Shwen Hot Sauces are crafted in Kent by chef Maria Bradford. 

Having grown up in Sierra Leone, Maria takes flavour influences from her homeland and incorporates them into her private dining catering business and her range of products. With the heat of scotch bonnet chillies as a base, these sauces are sure to add fire and flavour to any dish.

Shwen Shwen Hot Sauces - £4.00 per 300g jar

Salone Spark - Fire and flavour dance together in this jar, paying homage to Sierra Leone's immensely loved ingredient: chillies.

Salone Fire - Fire and bite in one jar. Flavour that's seriously off the heat scale.

Chef's Tips

Maria recommends mixing her delicious hot sauces with mayo as a dip for chips or crudites, adding to grilled vegetables, spicing up a grilled cheese sandwich, or a versatile condiment for savoury foods.

For those who already have a taste for the hot stuff, a Chilli Sauce Gift Box is a sure way to their heart. Featuring a gorgeous gift box filled with 6 jars of the two best-selling chilli sauces, Salone Spark and Salone Fire.

For further information about the Shwen Shwen products visit www.shwenshwen.com or follow @shwenshwenbymaria

~

That's Books and Entertainment: Stepping Into My Shoes

That's Books and Entertainment: Stepping Into My Shoes: Stepping Into My Shoes is an truly amazing autobiographical book by businesswoman, entrepreneur and business coach by Dr Catherine A Baudino...

Babingtons Blends Forest Fruits Tea Is a Fantastic Immune Booster

Babingtons Blends Forest Fruits is a refreshing and healthy herbal tea blend, prepared by mixing strong, fruity flavours of apples, blackberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries together.

As Autumn comes ever closer and we need to keep our immune system tuned up, this speciality blend is perfectly balanced by the floral hints of elderflower and hibiscus, making it not too sweet.

Beneficial properties: refreshing, purifying and anti inflammatory, filled with antioxidants and helpful vitamins (A,B and C),

Since 1893, Babingtons Tea Rooms which sit at the foot of Rome's iconic Spanish Steps, has been serving fine teas to the world's most discerning tea connoisseurs. That's nearly 130 years of service, so far.

All Babingtons Blends teas are sustainably sourced, hand blended and are 100% natural with no artificial colourings or flavourings. All packaging is biodegradable.

Tea Formats

Pyramids (x 18) from £7.99, Pouches (Loose leaf) from £6.99, Caddies (Loose Leaf) from £11.99, Caddies (Tea Bags) from £12.99

www.babingtonsblends.com

That's Books and Entertainment: How to Live When You Could be Dead

That's Books and Entertainment: How to Live When You Could be Dead: How to Live When You Could be Dead is an amazing and very moving book by Deborah James. You should, Deborah asserts, live your life as if yo...

Organic September

Back in the mid 1970s I was a young foundry technician and an aspiring writer. 

I became interested in the idea of organic vegetable gardening so I requested a patch of unused land in my parent's back garden and decided to grow vegetables using organic fertiliser.

Organic fertilisers were not commonly available then, at least not in the small market town we lived in, but eventually I found a local hardware shop (managed by a very large cat who sat on the counter and who demanded fusses by way of payment) which was selling liquid organic seaweed-based fertiliser and I began to use that to fertilise the vegetables that I had planted. Beans and peas were amongst the two main crops that I first planted.

My mother was very encouraging but my father teased me in good fun about me being a hippy for growing crops organically. but after seeing how well the crops were doing and how good they tasted after they were harvested, he was brought round to the viewpoint that organic was better.

Now, 45 years later, we are participating in Organic September.

Organic fertilisers are now pretty mainstream and although the cat and her pet humans retired long ago, organic fertilisers are readily available, now. In fact the Maxicrop Seaweed fertiliser I used all those years ago is still available. You can buy it on Amazon and at garden centres or visit them at https://www.solabiol.com/en/maxicrop-uk.

But if you don't have the space, time or the ability to grow your own crops using organic methods, buying organic foods to eat is now even easier than it ever has ever been.

From large supermarket chains to speciality farm shops to corner and convenience shops, everyone seems to have some organic food and drinks that are on their shelves.

Organic milks, cheeses, meats, vegan alternatives, coffee, tea, beers, wines, spirits, confectionary, breakfast cereals, vegetables, breads etc, etc, all are available.

And many restaurants, pubs and hotels are striving to offer organic food and drink to their customers.

Over the next month That's Food and Drink, with the assistance of our friends in the organic food PR profession, will be featuring organic produce as part of Organic September. 

That's Food and Drink would like to thank Alexa at Pixabay for the image used to illustrate this feature.

(Alexas_Fotos at Pixaby)

Standing Up for Insect Rights: Nature's Keyworkers Hold Miniature Protest at Organic Farm

Nature's keyworkers held a protest standing up for their insect rights at an organic farm in the North East today, marking the start of Organic September. 

Armed with some mini placards, they gathered at Bays Leap organic farm in Newcastle calling on the new Prime Minister to take action to save nature in their first 100 days in government.

Meanwhile, a Change.org petition launched for Organic September by the Organic Trade Board on behalf of insects is gaining momentum with over 500 signatures, giving wildlife such as earthworms, ladybirds and bees a voice for the first time.

The UK's organic industry is requesting the new PM commits to protecting wildlife in any policies - and represents the UK at the crucially important UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December.

Farmer Chris McDonald manages Bays Leap dairy farm, where the protest took place, which has been fully certified organic since 2018. Chris explained that his cows graze in the paddocks on forages such as herbal lays. Each year, he works with a local beekeeper to deploy bees onto the fields to help pollinate the flowers including red and white clover, lucerne and natural varieties.

He said: “The human race is here because of nature, let's work with it. We've tried fighting it before and it doesn't like it. If we want harmony, we need to give nature a chance. My forages work in harmony  with the pollinators - they're crucial in the balance of keeping my farm successful.”

The theme for this year's Organic September is “Nature would choose organic”. This reflects that if wildlife such as bees, earthworms and ladybirds had a voice, they would want more farming to be organic, reducing their exposure to chemical fertilisers and pesticides, helping to keep the delicate ecosystem in balance.

Not only are insects a vital part of a balanced ecosystem, providing food for other animals and recycling nutrients, they also play an essential role in our global food system. One in three mouthfuls of food depends on pollinators and without pollinators we wouldn't have potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, coffee, chocolate or cotton.

Cristina Dimetto, General Manager of the Organic Trade Board (OTB), said: “Organic farming works with nature, not against it, encouraging natural predators like ladybirds and pollinators like bees and butterflies rather than spraying harmful pesticides. As a result, on average, plant, insect and bird life is 50% more abundant on organic farms. There are up to seven times more wild bees in organic grain fields. So if nature did have a voice - it would choose organic. 

“If pesticides were substituted for more sustainable farming practices (like organic), this could slow or reverse the decline in insects. The hope is that even tiny insect-sized steps can make a big difference when it comes to keeping nature's crucial keyworkers thriving.”

For more information visit www.GoOrganicUK.com and to sign the petition head to https://www.change.org/NatureProtest

This post is brought to you at the That's Food and Drink Organic September campaign. Please look out for more features like this one. 

Fitbakes hits the sweet spot for supermarkets ahead of HFSS regulations

Fitbakes, which is one of the UKs top a low sugar indulgent cake brands, has scooped seven new listings at four different retailers ahead of government HFSS regulations, despite being beset by huge supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine.

The brand, launched by leading nutritionist Ella Rauen-Prestes from her own kitchen table in the Cotswolds in 2018, has three new listings in Waitrose, one new listing in Tesco, plus listings in Co-op Midcounties, Holland & Barrett and Selfridges. 

To celebrate these listings, Fitbakes is launching a brand new Birthday Cake flavour of cakes this month, September, which contains sprinkles made with natural ingredients and low sugar white chocolate.

Restrictions on the placement of HFSS products, a key component of the government’s commitment to reduce obesity, come into force next month, in October 2022. 

This will mean HFSS products cannot be placed in key locations in-store, like checkouts, store entrances and aisle ends, to try and cut impulse buys of unhealthy products.

Ella Rauen-Prestes, said: “Over the last few months, we found several supermarkets were keen to list our products, recognising Fitbakes ticks the boxes when it comes to providing indulgent healthier alternatives to consumers. 

"Whilst many big brands might not be ready for the new HFSS regulations, we’re proud Fitbakes has filled the gap in the market for cakes that are indulgent and delicious, yet which are naturally low in sugar and high in protein.”

All of this success comes despite a rocky few months for the company as it was troubled by supplier issues and even feeling the impact of the war in Ukraine.

Ella explained: “We usually buy protein powder for our cakes from Europe but back in April the shipment was in Ukraine and was bombed in Mariupol. The company then couldn’t supply us with any more protein powder so we had to change the recipe at the last minute to employ a different protein. This was tricky in itself as the new ingredient didn’t respond to using eggs quite as well as the original one.

“We have also been hit by the price rises in raw materials like wheat flour and sunflower oil, which then caused the cost of rapeseed oil, which we use, to increase. 

"However, we’ve managed to rise above these challenges and are proud to have these seven new listings in top supermarkets, giving more consumers access to healthy cakes and bars on the go.”

Fitbakes cakes have 95% less sugar, 40% less calories and 200% more protein than leading cake brands, and have no artificial sweeteners, flavourings or colourings. 

To learn more please visit https://www.fitbakes.co.uk. 

NICE Wine Are Hoping to Bring Some Wine Cheer to London

NICE wine (www.nice-drinks.co.uk) are hoping to bring some cheer to London tomorrow, they will be sending out the NICE Club Dance Mob on Thursday, 1st September to give away £10,000 worth of wine at five locations around London. 

Led by comedian, Katerina Robinson AKA London's answer to Samantha Jones, the dancers and Katerina will be donning NICE wine's classic uniform, the pink jumpsuit, they'll be dancing their way around Leicester Square (11:30am), Oxford Circus (12pm) (near big Topshop, RIP), St Paul's Cathedral (1:30pm), Stratford Westfield (4:30pm) and Liverpool Street (6pm). 

Look out for the signature pink outfits, pink NICE megaphone, playing some classic disco songs, and some very nice comments coming your way. Scan the NICE QR code for a free delivery of a box of three cans of red, white and rosé NICE wine, if you enjoy the wine, you'll also receive 25% your first order. A teaser of the

The London-based start-up makes great tasting wine from wineries they love. The female-led team is innovating with formats, hoping to make wine more inclusive and less intimidating. Whether you're after a perfectly portioned canned wine for the train even a stocking filler, or boxed wine for your summer celebrations or Christmas parties, they make it for whenever you want it.

THE WINES

NICE Sauvignon Blanc (11.5% ABV)

o   Dry, crisp, with a wink of peach: a classic French white from the Cotes de Gascogne region

NICE Pale Rosé (12% ABV) 

o   A crisp, dry and proudly pale rosé from just outside Montpellier

NICE Malbec (13.5% ABV)

o   Juicy, darkly fruity and smoothly Argentinian, this medium bodied wine hails from Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes

WINE, IN A CAN

NICE are now putting their favourite Sauvignon Blanc, Pale Rosé and Argentinian Malbec in 250ml cans (RRP £3). Each of the wines is vegan and the cans are light, fast-chilling and 100% recyclable, forever. Prefer to shop indie? NICE is the fastest growing canned wine brand in the UK and the largest independent brand in still canned wine, find it at over 4000 outlets around the country. 

NICE BOXED WINE

Find the NICE trio in a new Boxed Wine format (RRP £21.50); equal to three bottles, nine cans, or 18 small glasses of wine, which lasts longer in a box (as it won't oxidise and go iffy) staying fresh for six weeks after opening. The box and bag are fully recyclable, so pop it in the recycling and give it the chance of a brand-new life.

Find NICE at Sainsbury's, Ocado, Amazon and WHSmith, as well as sports stadiums, music venues, airlines, theatres, cinemas, and restaurants. 

Smart Mums go to Iceland to buy Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Cones

If you are a lover of Lotus Biscoff ice cream sticks, get ready to indulge in a brand-new crunchy, caramelised frozen treat with the launch of Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Cones!

Reaching Iceland stores across the country from today, 31st August, the new cones (4x115ml) combine real dairy ice cream with swirls of yummy Lotus Biscoff spread and a generous topping of crushed Lotus Biscoff biscuits. 

A gourmet coating of real and utterly delicious Belgian chocolate puts the finishing touch to the crunchy wafer cone.

This latest ice cream masterpiece provides the perfect fusion of flavours synonymous with the famous little red biscuist in a refreshing new cornet format that has been adored by the nation for years.

The latest launch will add to Lotus’ growing selection of frozen treats which also include Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Cake (650ml), Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Tubs (460ml), Lotus Biscoff Mini Ice Cream Tubs (4x80ml), Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Sticks (3x90ml), Lotus Biscoff Mini Ice Cream Sticks (6x60ml), Lotus Biscoff White Ice Cream Sticks (3x90ml) and Lotus Biscoff Mini Mix Ice Cream Sticks (6x60ml).

EDITOR: I think I feel a visit to Iceland coming on!

Gary Barlow Organic Wine

 

As well as being a popular singer and song writer, Gary Barlow OBE is also very heavily and personally involved in creating Gary Barlow Organic Wine.

Gary is so passionate and confidant about his wines that he has proudly given it his own name. 

The Gary Barlow Organic Red Wine is priced at £7.99 and is currently on offer, so do look out for that. 

The wine is produced in Spain, a country that is very close to Gary’s heart and he has chosen the Castilla region to source the grapes for his 100% organic debut wine offering. 

The grapes are sourced from small holdings all over the Castilla region,  where vines are older (30 years or so) and produce a small volume of expressive juice. 

This means that the resultant wines are character-filled, but of equal importance this move by Gary ensures that the owners of these small holdings have a livelihood to look forward to. And it's one they are totally reliant on.

It's an organic red blend from Spain’s Central Castille. It's a juicy, unoaked wine, which has aromas of red wild berries with hints of chocolate and of rosemary. 

Would make an ideal accompaniment to Garlic & Oregano Roast Lamb pair with a Chorizo and chickpea stew.

The label is specially designed to mark Gary's award-winning 33 year musical career.

To learn more visit https://garybarlowwines.com.

Other organic wines are available with in store or from Gary's own site.

Also, available from http://www.thebottleclub.com.