Wednesday, 30 August 2023

DukesHill Launches Exciting New Wild British Game Collection

With the shooting season for grouse now underway, Royal Warrant holder, artisan food producer and fine food supplier DukesHill has launched a wonderful and delicious new Wild British Game Collection. 

A rich and robust tasting Venison Wellington and a Three Bird Roast of pheasant, partridge and pigeon are just some of the highlights of the new range. 

Established in 1985 in the West of England rural county of Shropshire curing ham using time-honoured traditional techniques, DukesHill's reputation and range continues to grow with the introduction of the new Wild British Game Collection.  

Naturally lean, packed full of flavour and guaranteed to be 100% British, the new wild game is responsibly sourced from approved British estates who ensure all game is handled and cared for properly.

Following popular demand, DukesHill's new collection of British game has been introduced after becoming the most requested product category from its customers.

DukesHill is renowned for championing artisan producers whose skilled use of unique and traditional methods create outstanding food and flavours. With an true uncompromising commitment to sourcing and creating delicious British produce with the highest regard for animal welfare, DukesHill's new Wild British Game Collection carries the British Game Assurance (BGA) stamp, and offers the very best in quality, provenance and taste.

Louisa Clutterbuck, CEO of British Game Assurance and Eat Wild said: “Compared with traditional farmed meats, wild game is astonishingly versatile; the flavour profiles of one type of bird are completely different to another, giving you plenty of room to experiment in your kitchen. It's also lean, high in protein, and low in fat, thus making it a healthy alternative. 

"What's more it's supremely free range and has a lower carbon footprint than many other meats. DukesHill's new Wild British Game Collection celebrates all of this, and better still, all the meat within the collection is BGA-assured, meaning it's guaranteed to be high quality and sustainably sourced. 

"At BGA, we ensure that shoots across the country follow high welfare standards with our independently-audited Assurance Scheme, allowing a reliable and reassuring route for game meat to make its way into the market and onto our plates. We seal it with a BGA stamp of approval; the game equivalent of the Red Tractor stamp.”

Wild British Game Collection

Venison Loin Fillet - £28 (min 450g)

Sourced from approved British estates supporting the British Game Assurance scheme, DukesHill's wild Venison Loin Fillet is of the highest welfare standards. A tender and succulent fillet, it's versatile with a delicate flavour and is perfect for frying or roasting.

Venison Wellington - £38 (min 700g)  

A luxury twist on a classic British dish, this Venison Wellington makes for a delicious dinner centrepiece with a rich and robust game flavour. Tender British venison fillet is wrapped in mushroom duxelles and buttery crisp puff pastry. 

Venison Rolled Haunch Joint - £15 (min 500g) 

Cut from the top of the hind leg, DukesHill's tender and flavoursome Venison Rolled Haunch Joint is simple to cook and easy to carve and makes a great Sunday roast. 

Three Bird Game Roast - £65 (min 1.3kg) 

DukesHill's magnificent Three Bird Game Roast of pheasant breast is stuffed with both partridge and pigeon breast along with a pork, sage, and onion stuffing. It's topped with smoked streaky bacon and a rosemary sprig and carries the British Game Assurance stamp to ensure the provenance of this meat is of the highest regard for animal welfare.

Stuffed Pheasant - £22 (min 600g) 

A British seasonal speciality, this delicious Stuffed Pheasant is lean and rich in flavour. 

It is pointed out that all game from the collection may contain small fragments of shot although every effort is made to ensure that it is removed.

https://www.dukeshill.co.uk

Aldi's Fake-away range beats Nando's!

Clever shoppers who love Aldi's bargains now have even more reasons to shop at Aldi, as they can enjoy a full Nando’s inspired range of CHEEKY starters, mains, sides, and sauces including a Wing Roulette, Mighty Peas, Peri Peri Mayo and more from 5th September onwards.

Aldi has revealed a stupendous new peri-peri chicken range to rival juicy high street favourite Nando’s. 

Launching on Tuesday 5th September, shoppers are certain to get peri hot under the collar as the selection includes everything from lemon and herb chicken thighs to scorchingly hot chicken breast sizzlers for the ultimate fake-away feast. What’s more, the range will be the first ever launch to trigger a full branded takeover of the fresh meat specials fixtures across all Aldi stores.

Aldi’s NEW Rooster’s Half Chicken Lemon and Herb (£3.99, 900g) is a deliciously, zesty dish featuring a succulent breast and leg marinated in a delightful and delicious blend of lemon, herbs, and spices. Also available in a medium heat setting(!) for those seeking a little bit more of a kick. What’s more, shoppers can save 54% compared to Nando’s prices.

Need to turn up the heat a little bit? Aldi will have you covered with a purse-friendly alternative to the popular Nando’s Butterfly Chicken. The NEW Chicken Breast Sizzlers (£3.69, 400g) come with a sizzling Hot Peri-Peri sauce. It's also available in lemon & herb recipe for those with more timid taste buds.

Or why not sink your gnashers into Aldi’s NEW Rooster’s Thigh Fillets Medium Peri Peri (£3.29, 360g)? It's an absolutely delectable combination of tender, juicy chicken thigh served with a special signature spice blend, packing just the right amount of heat to tickle your taste buds. Also available in Lemon & Herb, too.

Are you perhaps feeling braver? Well, why not walk into the wing of fire with the Wing Roulette (£4.99, 1.1kg), a lucky dip of marinated chicken wings with spice levels that vary from mild to insanely hot. Put your taste buds to the test and see if you can handle the heat!

Pair your choice of chicken with a massive host of sides inspired by Nando’s classics like: Spicy Rice (1.99, 300g), Mighty Peas (£1.99, 250g), Corn on the Cob (£1.99, 255g), Peri Peri Seasoned Fries (£1.49, 255g) and Rainbow Slaw (£0.79, 300g).

If that’s not saucy enough, try Aldi’s Peri Peri Mayo (£0.99, 170g) blending peri-peri chili spice and creamy mayonnaise, adding a vibrant and tangy kick to any dish.

But it doesn’t end there! Those looking for an alternative to meat, need look no further than Aldi, because Aldi has introduced its brand-new Plant Menu Peri Peri No Chicken (£1.99, 240g). Perfect for vegetarians, these plant-based alternatives will have even the biggest chicken fans guessing.

Aldi Rooster’s Breast Sizzlers, Peri Peri Seasoned Fries and Mighty Peas

£7.17

NANDO’S

Nando’s Meal Main with two sides (Butterfly Chicken with PERI-Salted Chips and Macho Peas

£14.20

SAVINGS: £7.03 (50%)

Aldi’s full NEW cheeky Nando’s inspired range includes:

Starters

Houmous with Peri Drizzle (99p, 150g)

Olives (£1.69, 120g)

Mains

Rooster’s Half Chicken Lemon and Herb/Medium Peri-Peri (£3.99, 900g)

Rooster’s Thigh Fillets Lemon and Herb/Medium Peri-Peri (£3.29, 360g)

Rooster’s Breast Sizzlers Lemon and Herb/Medium/Hot Peri-Peri (£3.69, 400g)

Rooster’s Wing Roulette (£4.99, 1.1kg)

Plant Menu Peri-Peri No Chicken (£1.99, 240g)

Sides

Spicy Rice (£1.99, 280g)

Mighty Peas (£1.99, 300g)

Spicy Corn on the Cob (£1.99, 255g)

Mini Garlic Bread (£1.29, 145g)

Peri Peri Seasoned Fries (£1.49, 255g)

Rainbow Slaw (£0.79, 180g)

Coleslaw (79p, 180g)

Sauces

Peri Peri Mayo (£0.99, 150g)

Aldi’s new fakeaway range will be available in store and via Click & Collect from Tuesday 5th September.

www.aldi.co.uk

Mr Lyan's Cocktails at Home by mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardan

Cocktails aren't just for fancy nights out!  In Mr Lyan's Cocktails at Home, award-winning and internationally famed and acclaimed mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, shares 69 delicious, easy to make, classic and innovative cocktails that can be made at home for every type of occasions, be they gatherings with friends and family, romantic evenings, birthdays, Christmas or New Year's Eve parties, or just relaxed post-work and weekend drinks with family and friends.

From al fresco drinks and cosy winter warmers (thinking Christmas here?) to Friday night crowd pleasers, Mr Lyan's Cocktails at Home features nine brand new recipes besides Ryan's expert advice on ingredients and techniques. Ryan perfects classics like the well-known Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, and experiments with exciting new flavours and interesting, intriguing combinations. 

The inspiring new recipes featured include Barley Champagne, Belle Ball, Cochin Cooler, Golden Cherry Fizz, Hot Cold Tea, Smoked Sbiten, Smoked Watermelon Shandy, Vermouth and Soda, and White Port and Tonic.

Chef René Redzepi of noma, says: “Ryan has a really superb sense for flavours and the alchemy of their combinations. Deliciousness is always at the forefront in Ryan's work, but more vitally, this book projects the significance of conviviality, the approachability of cocktails made and drunk at home, and the value of sharing time with loved ones over a delicious drink (or a meal).”

Ryan Chetiyawardana is considered to be cocktail royalty and his innovative expertise is in demand across the entire globe. 

He has award-winning bars in London, Amsterdam and Washington DC, and is a member, with fellow cocktail guru Lynette Marrero, of the highly prestigious MasterClass platform in which every presenter is at the top of their game.  

Ryan has earned many awards over the years including Tales of the Cocktail foundation's International Bartender of the Year, The World's Best Bar for London's Lyaness, and Best US Hotel Bar for Silver Lyan at the Riggs Hotel in Washington DC.  He also features in Spirit, the 2023 documentary film following three world class bartenders on what it takes to be the best of the best.

Mr Lyan's Cocktails at Home is released 21st September in the UK and Europe, with photography © Kim Lightbody.

The official book launch will be held at Lyaness, Bankside, London on Sunday 17th If you would like to attend please contact melody.odusanya@quarto.com

What are people saying about the book?

"This is a really useful companion for the home bartender." - Square Meal Lifestyle

"It's filled with his signature, innovative drinks but they're done in a way that makes them accessible to the home bartender. A must for any drinks enthusiast."  - Olive magazine

"Despite his highly technical and scientific approach to drinks, he aims to show that cocktails are easy to make and accessible." - Bar magazine

"Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends is a delight - great recipes, beautiful photographs, delicious illustrations and plenty of good chat... No home should be without it." - The Cocktail Lovers

"A treat for cocktail lovers - novice or otherwise. Foolproof recipes for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, warming punches, and modern batch cocktails to make ahead for parties. Cheers!" - The Sunday Telegraph

"The drinks are exciting but not pompous: when it comes to making excellence seem down to earth, Mr Lyan is the main man."  - Evening Standard

“Award-winning bartender Mr Lyan provides the perfect intro to cocktail making for those who aren't at one with their inner mixologist just yet.” - Marie Claire

"Pick just three cocktails from this book to make over and over again and you'll be top of the invite list." – ShortList

The book will be published by Quarto https://quarto.com

Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Poor summer brings about increased red wine sales, reports Waitrose

The old saying "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" seems to be holding true regarding wine sales, according to figures released from Waitrose.

Because the washout summer has made red wines the drink of choice, as sales soar for numerous countries including France and Chile.

A cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé is normally a summer staple but as we experienced the sixth wettest July on record, red wine and a cosy night in seem farm more appropriate, with the biggest increases seen in classic French fine red wine, especially with Burgundy leading the way (163%) and Chilean fine red wine, too.

Over the last month we saw temperatures of 14.9 degrees and this dip in temperature is reflected in customers drinking habits with red wine from all regions seeing an increase in sales in the past month.

 In comparison, in July 2022, temperatures soared as high as 40 degrees with searches for rosé wine and white wine up 30% and 47% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time this year. 

Jamie Matthewson, who is the Wine Buying Manager at Waitrose, said: “Our customers usually love a chilled glass of rosé in the summer and who can blame them? It’s a shame it's not had its moment in the sun this year but it has been great for red wine, whether you want to enjoy a chilled summer red, or really want to hunker down and enjoy a Malbec or a Merlot. Personally, I love a glass of red whatever the season!”

He went on to say: "Our customers are prepared just in case the sun decides to make an appearance, opting for red wine that can also be chilled with sales of Santa Tresa Frappato up 86% year on year. 

"An elegant Sicilian red, which is full of delicious summer fruit flavours and can be enjoyed slightly chilled, perhaps served with grilled tuna. 

"Cocktails are also on the menu with searches for the red wine based summer cocktail Sangria up 47% compared to the same time last year on Waitrose.com.

For those who prefer a spirit as a tipple the preference has been more for a warming autumnal drink, with sales of spiced rum, single malts and cognac are up. Old fashioned season has also come early with recipe searches for the classic cocktail up 292% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time last year.

Argentina Fine Red Wine +90%

Australia Red Wine +24%

Australia Fine Red Wine +19%

Bag In Box Red +23.4%

Burgundy Red wine +163%

Chile Fine Red Wine +206%

Germany Fine Red Wine +68%

Germany Red Wine +56%

Italian Red Wine +29%

Loire Red Wine +30%

France Fine Red Wine +270%

Rhone +30%

South African Fine Red Wine 68%

Spain Red Wine + 45.4%

USA Fine Red Wine +73%

Until today, Tuesday 29th August, Waitrose is offering 25% off all wine and Champagne priced between £5 and £100, when purchasing any six or more bottles. The offer is available when shopping in branch, on Waitrosecellar.com, or online at Waitrose.com with a grocery delivery.

When taking advantage of the 25% offer on Waitrosecellar.com, customers are able to mix their own case with their favourite wines and Champagnes. With over 1000 wines to choose from on the Waitrose Cellar website, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Cases can include six or more bottles of the same trusty favourite, or a mixed selection of something new - creating your own bespoke case of wine has never been easier.

Calling all Wilko staff! Aldi wants to have a word with you about a job

The Aldi supermarket chain has issued a call to all Wilko staff impacted by the collapse of their former employer to get in touch with Aldi as there are over 6,000 jobs currently available across its UK stores.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket, which recently announced the creation of 800 jobs in new stores over the next coming months, has revealed that it is also recruiting for a large volume of other store roles across the UK to support its continued expansion.

Aldi hopes to offer these long-term retail roles to people who are losing their jobs as a result of the Wilko downturn, or other store staff cutbacks, with a range of Aldi positions available from Store Assistants and Caretakers all the way to Store Managers.

Kelly Stokes, Aldi's Recruitment Director said: “We continue to welcome more and more customers to Aldi stores on a weekly basis, so we're working very hard to meet the huge demand for our unbeatable value prices.

“This means we need to find thousands of new Aldi colleagues to support this growth, which will hopefully be of interest to those who have recently lost out due to closures elsewhere, such as at Wilko."

Aldi colleagues are the best-paid in the UK supermarket sector. Store Assistants receive starting pay of £11.40 per hour, whilst those based in London receive £12.85 per hour. And Aldi is the only supermarket to pay for breaks which can be worth up to £972 a year.

For more information or to apply for a job, visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk

www.aldi.co.uk

Aldi reduces plastic wrapping on minced beef

Aldi has announced it is trialling the sale of vacuum and flow-wrap packed beef mince to cut the amount of plastic packaging it users by up to 73%.

As well as significantly reducing plastic use, the changes are expected to increase the shelf life of minced beef, keeping products fresher for longer, without impacting either quality or taste.

The trials are taking place to see which packaging customers prefer alongside looking at how the supermarket can further reduce plastic waste in the future.

The aim of the trial is to understand which packaging customers prefer alongside helping Aldi the further cut plastic waste.

The new packaging removes the need for paper linings and no carbon dioxide is used in production, delivering further environmental benefits without impacting the quality or taste of the product.

In fact, the new packaging is expected to increase the shelf life of minced beef by keeping it fresher for longer.

The vacuum packaging trial has gone live across select stores in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire. (EDITOR: That's us covered, then!)

The flow-wrap trial will be rolled out in the same areas later in the year during November.

Luke Emery, who holds the role of Aldi's Plastics and Packaging Director, said: “At Aldi we're constantly reviewing ways to become more eco-friendly and reduce plastic use wherever possible.

“These trials promise a range of environmental benefits without impact on quality and it could lead to significant reductions in plastic, food miles and food waste if rolled out across all our stores.”

The move follows Aldi’s switch to colourless milk caps across all of its 990 UK stores in a bid to improve the recyclability of the bottles.

The roll out will mean a further 200 tonnes of High-Density Polythene (rHDPE) in the bottle tops can be reused to create new milk bottles. 

New deal for parents from Asda

With just a week to go before most kids head back to school, Asda has introduced a new ‘Back to School bonus’ on its Rewards app.

Customers will get 10% back on school uniforms and a £2 Cashpot giveaway when they spend £10 on other back-to-school essentials like stationary, lunch boxes and drink bottles.

Asda has launched the offer after new research showed many families are struggling with school uniform costs due to ongoing financial pressures caused by the current situation.

A quarter (25%) of Asda customers surveyed said they'd be forced buy less school uniforms this year compared on years, while 42% said they'd do their best to try to make old uniforms last as long as they could before replacing them.

To make the back-to-school shop more affordable, customers can take advantage of the following Asda Rewards offers:

10% back in their Cashpots on all school uniform clothing, footwear and accessories with no minimum spend required, until Sunday 10th September 

A £2 cashpot boost when they spend £10 on other back-to-school essentials such as stationary, until Sunday 3rd September.  

New Asda Rewards customers who download and scan the app for the first time will get £5 in their Cashpot, until midnight on Sunday 30th September. 

Additionally, Asda is also offering 10% off all schoolwear online via its George website until Monday 11th September.

Asda also has a 100-day guarantee on school uniforms, meaning that if for any reason a customer is not satisfied with their school uniform, they can simply return it within 100 days with proof of purchase for an exchange or refund.

Scott MacRae, who is Senior Buying Manager for Schoolwear at George, said: “With only a week until schools return, we're aware our customers will be focusing on ensuring their children are kitted out for the new school year. We appreciate this can be stressful, especially for our large families, so we want to help budgets stretch further with our back-to-school offers across our website and Asda Rewards.”

Asda’s latest Income Tracker reveals family disposable income remains firmly below the levels experienced prior to the cost-of-living crisis, down by £25.99 per week for the average household compared against July 2021.

The tracker also reveals those aged 30-49, are feeling the pinch the most as their spending on essentials, such as food, housing costs and utility bills, was 9.4% higher in July compared to a year earlier.

(EDITOR: But remember when you take your children to Asda to buy uniforms, school supplies, etc, Asda is still offering special meal deals in the Asda cafés, so you can feed them, too!)

www.asda.com

That's Home and Household: Allergic Rhinitis is a year round problem. But hel...

That's Home and Household: Allergic Rhinitis is a year round problem. But hel...: Fortunately, air purifiers made by Blueair can help. They are suitable for the home, or the office and they help improve indoor air quality ...

Stanislav Kondrashov Publishes the History of Chocolate

Chocolate enthusiasts and history aficionados alike are in for a real treat with the publication of the article "The Surprising History of Chocolate" by Stanislav Kondrashov. The article takes readers on an enticing and evocative journey through the captivating evolution of one of the world's most beloved treats.

In "The Surprising History of Chocolate," Stanislav Kondrashov unveils chocolate's rich and varied history, from its beginnings in Mesoamerica to its global status as a symbol of indulgence. 

The article guides readers through each pivotal historical era, shedding light on the remarkable transformations chocolate has undergone.

Kondrashov expertly navigates the narrative, allowing readers to savour the fascinating details of chocolate's origins as a form of currency among the Aztecs. 

Who would have thought that cocoa beans were once used to buy turkeys? The article then takes readers on a voyage through ancient Mayan rituals, where chocolate was revered as a bitter, frothy beverage enjoyed by the very elite of Mayan society.

As the article continues, the story of how chocolate underwent a metamorphosis upon its arrival in Europe unravels. 

The infusion of sugar into the bitter concoction marked a significant turning point, leading to the creation of the sweet treat that we adore today. 

The Spaniards' secrecy surrounding chocolate and its eventual popularity among the European elite added layers of intrigue to its history.

The Industrial Revolution's impact on chocolate production is another captivating chapter in the article. Stanislav highlights how innovations like the conching machine democratised access to smooth, creamy chocolate, paving the way for household names like Milton Hershey, Cadbury, and Nestlé to shape the modern chocolate industry.

The article culminates in a celebration of chocolate's global significance. He showcases the myriad ways in which cultures worldwide have embraced and transformed chocolate into a universal symbol of love and comfort. 

From luxurious Belgian truffles to spicy Mexican hot chocolate and creamy Swiss milk chocolate bars, the diversity of chocolate's forms mirrors the diversity of human indulgence.

"Chocolate's journey through time and across continents is a testament to its enduring allure," says Kondrashov. "Every bite encapsulates centuries of history, innovation, and passion, making it a treat that truly transcends borders."

"The Surprising History of Chocolate" by Stanislav Kondrashov is a mouth-watering exploration of a timeless delight. Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur or simply curious about the origins of your favourite treat, this article promises to enchant and educate readers of all backgrounds.

https://stanislavkondrashov.com

(Image courtesy of Stanislav Kondrashov.)

Sustainable & Healthy Cuisine and Live Music Unite in a Virtual Culinary Spectacle

EcoHarmony Eats & Beats - UK series will be launched on September 13, 2023

In an era where memorable experiences are becoming a rare commodity, a ground-breaking event is poised to take centre stage. 

"EcoHarmony Eats & Beats - UK" a sensational blend of sustainable and healthy cuisine paired with captivating live music, is set to delight audiences and awaken their senses.

It's important to know that EcoHarmony Eats & Beats isn't just an event; it's a harmonious convergence of culinary artistry and musical magic. This unique experience unfolds in the comfort of your home through a virtual platform, every Wednesday night at 7 PM (UK time).

A Culinary Journey: At the heart of EcoHarmony Eats & Beats is a deep appreciation for sustainable and healthy cuisine. Every week, a renowned chef or sustainable cooking expert will lead a live cooking session that guides participants in crafting eco-conscious culinary masterpieces. 

Subscribers don their aprons and cook along, creating delicious and planet-friendly dishes whilst learning from the best in the field.

The Musical Interlude: Following the cooking session, it's time for the musical interlude. A talented musician will take the virtual stage, infusing the evening with soul-soothing melodies. As subscribers savour the meal they've prepared, they're serenaded with live music, elevating the sensory experience to incredible new heights.

Why EcoHarmony Eats & Beats is a Must-Experience Event:

Eco-Friendly Fare: Learning how to prepare sustainable dishes that are kind to the planet.

Healthy Living: Exploring the secrets of crafting nutritious, delicious meals.

Musical Bliss: Immersing yourself in live music that stirs the soul.

Community Connection: Joining a vibrant community of like-minded food and music enthusiasts.

Convenience: Experiencing it all from the comfort of your own home.

Special Early Bird Offer: For a limited time, subscribers can access this unparalleled experience at an early bird price of just 15 euros for the first month (it's regularly 50 euros). The event subscription includes weekly sessions, making it an incredible value.

Become Part of the EcoHarmony Community: EcoHarmony Eats & Beats isn't just an event; it's a movement. A movement toward sustainable living, healthier choices, and the joy of culinary exploration.

Join them for an unforgettable journey that will tantalise your taste buds, uplift your spirit, and foster connections within their eco-conscious community.

3FRuum is a dynamic creator platform that brings together talent from various fields to create captivating content and unique experiences. EcoHarmony Eats & Beats is just one example of our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with our audience.

https://www.3fruum.com/stories/conversation-sustainable_cooking-ei20acq33s