Monday, 7 August 2023

Sharpham Cremet Cheese earns Top Rating in World's Largest Food and Drink Awards

Soft-cheese specialists, Devon's Sharpham Cheese, was recently awarded the heralded 3-stars in the Great Taste Awards, putting them in the top 2% of the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet. 

Revealed on Tuesday 1st August, their Cremet, handcrafted from goat's milk and cow's double cream, achieved 'exquisite' and 'extraordinary' in the judges' blind taste tests. Out of 14,195 entrants, only 248 received the coveted rating of 3-stars. 

The top rated products, which includes Sharpham Cremet, will now go on to be judged in the prestigious Great Taste Golden Forks awards. The Golden Forks and Supreme Champion will be announced at the ceremony and tasting on the 11th September.

Sharpham Cremet is a wonderful soft mould ripened cheese, made with goat's milk with added double cow's milk cream. There is nothing else like it produced in whole of the UK. 

Cremet has a creamy, mousse like texture when it's younger, but it deepens to a full, rich flavour with earthy undertones when it ripens.

This spectacular cheese, produced by the UKs  first B Corp cheesemakers, has already won a number of important and significant awards, including, Best Cheese Award and British Product of the Year, at the Great British Food Awards. 

The cheese category was judged by acclaimed chef Marcus Wareing who chose Sharpham Cremet as the winner. All winning products went on to be judged by a panel of tasters at Partridges. Partridges selected Cremet as the overall product of the year.

In 2023 alone, Cremet has also won a Gold Taste of the West Award, Gold at the Artisan Cheese Awards and Gold at Devon County Show.

Judges notes:

This is so rich and creamy, it feels ridiculously indulgent - but who doesn't need a bit of indulgence! This is a clever, expertly made soft cheese, in which you can really taste the goats cheese and the rich cream. The mould is minerally and flavourful, and the paste is so creamy that it melts in the mouth. One special aspect of this cheese is the peppery notes that come through right on the finish. This may be unique to this producer - congratulations on a very special cheese. 

This is a wonderful cheese. We loved the appearance - the enticing rind and pure white paste, the clean yet luscious creamy texture, the combination of dairy creaminess with the fresh lemon element from the goats cheese and the soft rind. Beautifully balanced and cleverly crafted.

A very well-constructed cheese. From the subtle hint of goat on the nose to the very well balanced length of flavour on the palate, it is really well done. Not a hint of ammonia to be found. The balance of goat and cow delivers an amazing creaminess. Silky smooth. Absolutely delicious. 

It's certainly an innovative and pleasing cheese. 

Said a 'delighted' Greg Parsons, who is co-owner of Sharpham Cheese: “Britain is renowned world-wide for producing some of the highest standard cheeses, so we're really very thrilled to see Cremet recognised as one of the nation's favourites."

He went on to add: "The awards are testament to the hard work that goes into our high quality products, from the farmers who supply our milk to the drivers who deliver it and everyone else in between. 

"Great Taste Awards are revered for their experienced and knowledgeable judges, so the award with such complimentary feedback is high praise indeed.”

Nicky Parsons, co-owner of Sharpham Cheese said: “Although originally created by Debbie Mumford, Peter Haworth and the cheese making team have not only continued the high quality standards but they've excelled to bring Sharpham their first ever Great Taste 3-stars.” 

This year, judging took place over 89 days in Dorset and London, with a panel of in excess of 500 judges putting the products to the test. The line-up saw food and drink products submitted from an extraordinary 109 different countries across the world. 

The Great Taste 3-star Sharpham Cremet costs £14.85 for 480g and is available from www.sharphamcheese.co.uk

That's Christmas: Over the next few months That's Christmas will com...

That's Christmas: Over the next few months That's Christmas will com...: Yes, over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation and we will be bringing our readers all the latest news on C...

Sunday, 6 August 2023

Fridge for our conservatory

My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a fridge or a cooler unit for use in our conservatory.

Not a huge fridge, but a small to medium sized fridge that would be able to house snacks, some bottles of white and sparkling wine and also some cans and bottles of beer.

We are at the moment looking at several manufacturers and examining a number of buying options.

Should we go with Amazon, or Currys? Or perhaps check out several local high street retailers?

After all, we got a very good deal on a turntable free Sharp microwave/convection oven from a local family-owned business, so I think as trip into town over the next several days sounds like an excellent idea. 

If we go ahead with the purchase, I'll let you know how it goes.

(Image courtesy of tookapic from Pixabay)

Would you like to visit a farm?

Would you like to visit a farm? If you did, you would be able to learn more about where the food you cook and eat comes from.

And many farmers would love for you to visit their farms either in person or virtually.

LEAF (Linking Environmental And Farming) is all about brining this kind of meeting about.

LEAF have recently held an LEAF Open Farm Sunday and you will be able to have at look at their 2023 Feedback Scrapbook which details and demonstrates some of the marvellous feedback they received from both visitors and also from farmers, showing the good, positive impact of LEAF Open Farm Sunday, which took place on Sunday 11th June 2023. https://issuu.com/linking-environment-and-farming/docs/lofs_2023_feedback_scrapbook?fr=sNDk5MjYzNTEzNjU

However for people who cannot get to a farm you can also enjoy virtual farm visits and, if you are a farmer, you can learn how you can open your own farm to visitors (either in person or virtually) at the link here https://farmsunday.org/online-farm-sunday

You can get in touch with LEAF here:-

Phone:

024 7641 3911

Email:

lofs@leaf.eco 

Address:

LEAF, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG.


(Image courtesy of Goran Horvat from Pixabay)

Aldi has healthy snack ideas for your summer holidays!

No summer holidays car journey is complete without some serious snacking opportunities and Aldi’s Organic Mamia range is perfect for those on-the-go bites. 

For a sweet flapjack style treat, shoppers can pick up the Oaty Bars for just £1.95 (6 pack) with a choice of Strawberry and Apple, Banana, and Carrot Cake flavours. And as there are absolutely no added salt or preservatives, these tasty bars will go down a real treat.

For a crisp style snack without added preservatives, parents can pick up the Tomato Wheels (20g, 55p) and Carrot Puffs (20g, 55p). These are more than ideal for a quick bite.

These organic snacks will make for happy tummies. Don’t forget to keep your children (and yourselves!) hydrated on long journeys without any added sugar with Aldi’s Sun Quench Fruity Blasts (8x200ml, £1.59).

Clean and Clear

Car rides can quickly get messy and when toilet stops are few and far between, parents can prepare with Aldi’s Mamia essentials. For young ones still potty training, no travel bag is complete without the award winning Mamia Ultra Fit Nappies (sizes 4-6+, from £2.99).  Or, for when sticky hands go wandering over windows, be sure to pick up the Mamia Baby Wipes (65p per pack).With 60 wipes per pack, these fragrance-free wipes are formulated for even the most sensitive of skin.

Aldi’s Travelling Checklist:

Travel Magnetic Scribbler, £6.99

Licensed Bumper Stationery Wallet, £4.49

Oaty Bars, £1.95

Tomato Wheels, 55p

Carrot Puffs, 55p

Sun Quench Fruity Blasts (8x200ml, £1.59)

Mamia Ultra Fit Nappies (sizes 4-6+, from £2.99)

Mamia Baby Wipes (65p per pack)

TOTAL: £19.76

 Aldi’s Licensed Products are available in store from 27th July, but shoppers will need to be quick as with all Specialbuys once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Saturday, 5 August 2023

Sainsbury’s brings more shopping choice to Wapping with exciting new local store

Sainsbury’s has launched its newest store with the opening of Sainsbury’s Wapping Lane Local in Tower Hamlets, London. 

Open from 7am to 11pm seven days a week, the 1,658 sq. ft store has created new jobs for local people and supporting regeneration in the neighbourhood, whilst providing a much-needed boost to retail options for local people.

Customers now have the opportunity to sample Sainsbury’s latest convenience range, from fresh fruit and veg, healthy snacks and food-to-go to sweet, savoury and frozen staples. 

They'll also be able to choose from an absolutely delicious selection of freshly baked bread and pastries every day, plus pick up Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing products ordered online via the in-store Click and Collect service. (EDITOR: I love my Tu jacket!)

Conveniently located on the corner of Wapping Lane and Green Bank, it's a mere two minutes’ walk from Wapping Rail Station.

Sainsbury’s new store is located on the ground floor of a former office building, the upper floors of which have been converted into a suite of luxury apartments by Malins Group. 

The two companies have worked closely together to ensure, like the flats above it, the new Local has been sensitively designed to stay in keeping with the local area. This included updating some of the external elements originally proposed in response to community feedback.

The colleagues making up the new store team will play an active role in the local community whilst also participating in Sainsbury’s national charitable programmes and initiatives. 

For example, through Sainsbury’s partnership with Neighbourly, the new Local will work with local food donation partners to help ensure any surplus food items from the store will go to those who need it most.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property Director, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to welcome Sainsbury’s Wapping Lane Local to our estate this week. We’ve recognised the very real chance a new convenience store would represent for the local community in Wapping for some time now and we’ve really pulled out all the stops to bring our plans to life, making the most of an unique space in a fantastic redevelopment project. We’re delighted with the result and we think our customers will be too."

Jamie Buckland, Sainsbury’s Wapping Lane Local Store Manager, went on to say: “I felt privileged to join members of my team to cut the ribbon on our brand new store this week and we were thrilled to see a queue of customers patiently waiting outside before we opened. We know our neighbours have been looking forward to our arrival and we're really pleased to be able to welcome them for the first time today.”

Lauren Atkins, MD with The Malins Group, said: “It’s always a privilege to repurpose underutilised spaces and transform them into vibrant new ones. 

"The benefits of permitted development are clear at Green Bank Lofts, where the collaborative efforts of The Malins Group and Sainsbury’s have enabled a speedy transition from unused office building to 18 apartments and thriving retail space.”

Shoppers a-dough Asda's Affordable Viral Cake Shop Donuts

Social media users are raving about Asda’s affordable Cake Shop donuts, with users tagging friends and family members, sharing their excitement online. 

With a baker's dozen (13!) of utterly delicious flavours to choose from, prices start at just £1.20 for one or shoppers can mix and match, cheaper than the high-street leading donut shop.

Available in selected stores and rolling out to more, so please watch out for them.

Since the donut displays arrived in selected Asda stores, with more stores landing them later in the month, the donuts have taken centre stage on social media with countless likes, comments, shares and users tagging their friends and family members in excitement. Others have been highlighting just affordable they are, too!

Flavours include Birthday Cake Filled Donut, Rocky Road Filled Donut and Jaffa Chocolate Filled Donut and cost just £1.20 for one or mix and match any 3 for £2.50 or 6 for £4.50, the deal is a no-brainer for any true donut lovers. Social media users have been saying: “looks good and much cheaper than a Krispy Kreme,” and others saying they look nicer than the leading donut shops offering too.

Others said: “omg doughnut heaven 🍩” whilst another exclaimed: “Wow, these donuts sound like a game changer!... And at these prices, how could anyone resist a box of six? Count me in! 🍩” Others said: “Gonna be our new obsession,” “Doughnut queens unite” and “i need to try them all!”

Shoppers can’t wait to try them , with countless users tagging their friends across social media posts: “look at this! 😍 need to try them xx” and asking loved ones: “can we go to Asa plz xx”

What’s more, social media users have taken to celebrating special occasions like birthdays and weddings with donuts rather than 'ordinary' cakes. Some are even saying the Cake Shop donuts would be perfect to use for donut walls at parties.

Even more social media love for the scrummy donuts can be found here - https://www.shooglebox.com/shared-stack/Eb71MEz9FqmKpihRCnTJ/stack/1EqQAf408bd9L0xj37AN/floated

Available in selected Asda stores now, further rollouts soon. DO-NUT miss out on these!

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Friday, 4 August 2023

SHORE celebrates awards

SHORE the Scottish Seaweed Company proudly announces not one but two awards at this year’s Great Taste awards, the largest and most trusted food & drink accreditation scheme in the entire UK. 

Widely regarded as the UK’s most reputable food and drink scheme, The Great Taste Awards are a highly regarded benchmark for fine food and drink, one that's dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the food world. So it's with considerable pride that SHORE has been honoured with a total of three stars at this year’s awards.

The company’s accolades include a much coveted two-star award for their newly launched Chilli Ramen Broth, and a one-star rating for their already popular Peking Duck Seaweed Chips.

Joining the ranks of the company’s previous Great Taste winner, Sweet Sriracha Seaweed Chips, these awards further solidify SHORE’s continuous commitment to turning sustainable, local Scottish seaweed into better-for-you products that never compromise on taste. Ever!

The team are especially proud of their newly launched Chilli Ramen Broth, an innovative, plant-based Asian-themed liquid Broth crafted from all-natural ingredients, including their very own Scottish seaweed. 

It offers a healthier, more convenient way to enjoy a high-quality ramen experience at home. The judges were effusive in their praise, stating: “This is umami in a glass. An enticing, wholesome aromatic broth – umami, salty and chilli, all well balanced. A light and fresh instant ramen.”

This success marks the second triumph for their new Ramen Broths, with the Miso Ramen winning Gold at the Free From Food Awards earlier in the year.

“We're really delighted by this double win at the Great Taste Awards,” said Keith Paterson, head of SHORE. “It's a great endorsement of the quality of the SHORE products we offer, and all the hard work from the team that has gone into creating them.”

SHORE’s Ramen Broths can be found in independent stores up and down the country and online at Amazon. Their Peking Duck Seaweed Chips can also be purchased in hundreds independent stores across the country as well as selected Coops in Scotland, Holland & Barrett and Booths nationwide.

https://www.shoreseaweed.com


Top Tasting Food and Drink Products from the South East Revealed for Great Taste 2023!

Thousands of artisan food and drink producers from around the world discovered if any of their products have achieved a distinguished 1-, 2- or 3-star from Great Taste - the world's largest food and drink accreditation scheme based entirely on taste.

Across 89 judging days in Dorset and London, a group of over 500 judges conducted comprehensive blind taste tests on 14,195 entries which were submitted from a staggering 109 different countries. Each producer will also receive invaluable feedback on their submissions from an array of food experts.

Products from the South East have won not one, but an impressive 745 awards. 548 x 1-stars, 182 x 2-stars and an impressive x 15 3-stars have been scooped including the following:

Great Taste 3-star – Chestnut Smoked Coppa from Tempus Foods(only 1.8% of entries received a 3-star – “extraordinarily tasty food & drink”)

Great Taste 2-star – AmaZing Zari single variety apple juice from Charrington Fruit Farms (only 11% of entries received a 2-star – “above and beyond delicious”)

Great Taste 1-star – Sliced smoked duck breast from The Weald Smokery (28.8% of entries received a 1-star – “food & drink that delivers fantastic flavour”)

said John Farrand, MD at the Guild of Fine Food: “A huge congratulations to the producers from the South East who have been warded  Great Taste stars for 2023 with their outstanding food and drink.

“Every year, we welcome new and established producers making fantastic products around the world and this year has been no exception. The breadth and quality of food and drink has been outstanding, and we wish everyone who entered huge success and hope they find the feedback from our expert judging panel beneficial as they continue in their onward journey.”

Visit – https://gff.co.uk/