Riso Gallo

If you like good Risotto rice, then you will absolutely adore Riso Gallo risotto rice which has been providing high quality, very tasty risotto rice since 1856.

They are guaranteed to be 100% Italian and of the best quality available.

What types of risotto rice are available? Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, Risotto with Saffron, Risotto with Tomato and Basil and Risotto and Vegetables in their 1856 range.

They all come in easy to store 250 gramme bags and have easy to follow cooking instructions and are absolutely delicious and make excellent accompaniments with vegetables and meats.  

These products will be excellent additions to your store cupboard and are wonderful to serve up with Italian meals.

To learn more, to find helpful advice, learn some fantastic recipes and to buy online visit them at https://www.risogallo.co.uk.

Incidentally, my favourite is the Porcini Mushrooms variety, but they are all really good rice dishes.

2,000 cheeses to try on your Witt's Pizza Oven for National Cheese Pizza Day!

Award-winning Scandinavian Witt’s Pizza Oven range has been wowing food reviewers and customers alike with its ultra-fast heating and rotating technology since its launch earlier this year. 

It really doesn’t get much better than bubbly, melty, cheesy goodness on fresh, homemade pizza dough. 

Whether you want to opt for a Smokey gouda, Gorgonzola, or a four-cheese special pizza, you should add a variety of cheeses to your pizza to celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day this Tuesday 5th September. (EDITOR: National Cheese Pizza Day? Wow!)

We've asked Geoff Johnson Witt Sales Director and Pizza Guru at Witt UK & Ireland for his comments: "It’s not all about Mozzarella! There are nearly 2,000 different classified cheeses all around the world, and a surprising number will work very well on your home-baked pizzas."

Her went on to say: "You can try mature or vintage Cheddar for a more tangy twist, goat cheese for a piquant creamy flavour, or chilli-enhanced cheeses for that extra pizzaz. 

"Pecorino-Romano sheep’s cheese is one of our favourites to give pizzas a salty bite, and for vegans, there's a growing range of fabulous animal-free cheeses with a range of flavours from milder to richer and smoky.

"The absolute joy of having your very own pizza oven is that you can experiment and having fun cooking with the family, so celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day this year by trying some of your favourite cheeses on delicious home-cooked pizza."

You can learn more and buy your Witt's pizza oven and accessories here https://www.wittpizza.com.

I have just had an idea: How about experimenting with turkey, roast potatoes (perhaps sliced?), traditional Christmas dinner vegetables and Christmas dinner herbs and spices, so that you can be ready to absolutely rock your friends and family members Christmas Day with a fantastic Christmas Dinner pizza?

That's Christmas: An advent calendar and more from Swizzels!

That's Christmas: An advent calendar and more from Swizzels!: Britain's favourite and iconic sweety maker, Swizzels, will be launching two new gift drum lines in time for Christmas 2023.  They’ll al...

Tinnitus. Are there foods and supplements that can help?

I suffer from Tinnitus. Probably due to working in a noisy environment when I worked in a foundry as a laboratory/foundry technician back in the 1970s.

At present, there are no drug therapies available, but there are some foods and supplements that are pointed to as being of help to alleviate at least the symptoms of the condition.

One organisation claiming to offer support for people with tinnitus alleges that no foods, vitamins or supplements can help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus saying "No research has been done to prove that this particular supplement, food or vitamin has any affect on tinnitus." 

Whilst that might be true, I think it's rather strange that the organisation hasn't actually decided to fund any research into these foods, vitamins or supplements by medical research teams. I'm sure hospitals with expertise on tinnitus and supplement or vitamin manufacturers would be more than willing to undertake such research.

Interestingly some qualified Medical Doctors do refer patients with tinnitus to a number of foods, vitamins and supplements which they say can help deal with tinnitus. They don't claim they will act as a cure, but they do point out that they can help alleviate the symptoms at least to an extent and in some people who suffer from tinnitus.

In his highly interesting and very readable blog Neil Sperling MD (who is a specialist in surgery for hearing restoration procedures) points to a number of foods, vitamins and supplements that can offer some relief for tinnitus sufferers:-

Vitamin B12

Bromelain

Potassium

Zinc

Folate

He also points out some foods that you should consider avoiding if you have tinnitus.

You can read his full and very interesting blog post on this subject here:- https://rb.gy/c0lac

There is more evidence on what foods you should consider avoiding here https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52444-Tinnitus-you-hear-what-you-eat

If you search Amazon you will find a variety of vitamins and supplements and patches that are claimed to be able to treat tinnitus. I am not providing any links to these as I haven't tried them yet so have no idea if they are effective. After I have my appointment with my tinnitus consultant I may well try some of those treatments in the future. 

Some vitamin and supplement providers do sell products that could help tinnitus sufferers so just Google them and see what comes up.

(Image used courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

Co-op to serve-up new-look store in North Camp, Farnborough

Shoppers who live in the vicinity of North Camp, Farnborough who are keen on saving money in a co-operative sense will be pleased by the news that the Co-op is launching a new, improved co-operative convenience store next Monday, 4 September to serve the community of North Camp, Farnborough and the surrounding areas. 

This is after a month-long programme of works and improvements to bring about the improvements. 

The new-look store which is almost 2,800 sq ft in size, is located in Queens Road, North Camp and it will provide over 20 local jobs and will be open between 6am-11pm daily.

North Camp’s Co-op will include hot food an in-store bakery and a Costa coffee dispenser, plus a free-to-use ATM which is installed as part of the Co-Op's aim to provide access to cash in all communities it serves, plus an Amazon parcel collection services and, the online delivery of groceries through Deliveroo and Uber Eats for added ease, speed and convenience.

The store also has an improved back-of-shop storage facility to further enhance the range, choice and availability of all its fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade goods; flowers; chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from, vegan and plant-based products – including Co-op’s exclusive vegan range, GRO. (EDITOR: Even though I'm not a vegan nor even a vegetarian I absolutely love the GRO Onion Bhaji & Mango Chutney Sandwich!) 

Last month, August, the Co-op announced its biggest ever single investment in pricing of £70 million, as it extends its ‘member-only’ pricing across everyday essentials, launching with a list of almost 200 fixed lines including milk, eggs and bread. The move also includes retail price reductions on over 600 lines.

A funding boost is also provided locally via the Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of Co-op unlocks additional value with personalised offers and Member pricing benefits. Also, Members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance, with Co-op giving the same amount to local causes and, community organisations. So, yes, Co-op Members really can make a difference simply by shopping at Co-op.

Said Irfan Hameed, who is the Co-op Store Manager: “It's very exciting and gratifying to be re-launching North Camp’s Co-op. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life here and, we are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new, improved store. We've worked hard to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently, with a focus on delivering member-value so the people who own our business, our members themselves, benefit every time they shop in their local Co-op.”

Did you know that The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, and alongside Food, Co-op operates Funeralcare; Insurance and Legal Services. Its Members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation, and enjoy a wide number of benefits including member-only pricing across everyday essentials?

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership

(EDITOR: I'm just chomping my way through some crisps from our nearest Co-op!)

Asda celebrates a landmark birthday by giving £15m away to customers

Asda has just announced it's going to give away a cool £15m to customers throughout the month of September to mark the first birthday of its hugely popular Asda Rewards loyalty app.

Asda's launched a super and exciting new ‘Spin the Wheel’ game in its Rewards app giving customers a guaranteed Cashpot bonus every time they ‘spin’ during this month, September.

To win their share of the £15m up for grabs, customers only need to spend £5 or more in-store or online, scan their Rewards app and give the wheel a spin. Depending on where the wheel lands, 50p, £1, £5 or £100 will be added to their Cashpots.

The £15m Spin the Wheel bonus is the single biggest giveaway since Asda Rewards launched exactly one year ago. 

Over seven million customers have used the app since its  launch and they've have earned over £200m in their Cashpots, which they can use to reduce their grocery bills.

To celebrate Asda Rewards’ first birthday, from Thursday 21st September to Monday 24th September, Asda will also have a physical version of Spin the Wheel game at fifteen of its stores, including Watford, Derby and Pudsey.

Customers shopping at one of these stores can actually play the physical version of the game and will be in with a chance of winning merchandise and a range of Asda products.

Mark Baxter, who is Senior Director for Loyalty at Asda, said: “We launched Asda Rewards last year to reward customers for the simple act of shopping with us at Asda. Since then, over 7m customers have been earning pounds by buying star products and completing missions.

“At Asda, we're always exploring for  new ways to give back to our customers via our Asda Rewards, so obviously really thrilled to be celebrating its first birthday by rewarding our customers with a guaranteed Cashpot bonus throughout the month of September.”

Rewards provides customers with the opportunity to earn pounds, rather than points, each time they purchase certain products or complete Milestone Missions. (EDITOR: That makes it sound kind of glamorous, like a James Bond assignment!)   

New Asda Rewards users can also be able to take advantage of the First Scan Bonus, until Saturday 30th September.

Customers who download Asda Rewards, sign up for an account, and scan the app before 30th September will receive £5 in their Cashpot, too!

To get started on Rewards, customers need to download the Asda Rewards app and log in with - or create - an Asda Groceries account.

Terms and conditions for ‘Spin the Wheel’ and a full list of products excluded from Asda Rewards can be found on Asda's website - Asda.com.

(Image courtesy Tumisu from Pixabay)

Did you know you can now do your Morrisons shop on Amazon?

Yes, it's true. Though you will need to check for availability in your area.

Amazon Prime members in select areas/cities have delivery options available at no extra cost to them.

Just be mindful that minimum order values do apply and that extra service fees could appertain to some delivery windows.

You can opt for a wide selection of tempting grocery items and these include freshly picked goods from Morrisons - Market Street (EDITOR I love the Morrisons Market Street concept which reflects on the history of William Morrison, the founder of the company who began life as a humble and hardworking street market trader) and the rich and bold flavours with The Best range, Free From and V Taste catering for your dietary needs plus unmissable special offers, too!

Once you have filled your virtual supermarket trolley make you way to the virtual checkout and explore what delivery slots are available to you. 

They can offer same-day delivery windows for up to 24 hours in advance, though this does depend on several factors including your address/postcode and availability of your chosen delivery times/slots.

Just check them out here:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/fmc/m/30001562?almBrandId=TW9ycmlzb25z&ref=morri_dsk_sn_aboutMorris

M&S launches legal challenge against Marble Arch decision

Sacha Berendji who is Operations Director at M&S said: "Today we have launched a legal challenge against the government’s decision to reject our Marble Arch store proposal.

"We have taken this action because we believe the Secretary of State wrongly interpreted and applied planning policy, to justify his rejection of our scheme on grounds of heritage and environmental concerns.

"We find it hugely disappointing that after two years of support and approvals at every stage, we've been forced to take legal action to overcome a misguided agenda against our scheme, and we will be challenging this to the fullest extent possible."

Aldi cuts prices of fruit and veg

Already the UKs cheapest supermarket, Aldi has cut the prices on a range of fruit and veg products.

This week, shoppers can enjoy even cheaper prices on items such as strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes and spinach. 

Fruit and veg items in Aldi’s Everyday Essentials range are included in this latest price drop, which has seen items fall by an average of about 9%.

The move is the latest of in excess of 100 price cuts Aldi has introduced over the past two months.

Julie Ashfield, who is Aldi's MD of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “Every week we're working very hard to make new savings to pass on to our customers and help ensure we always offer them the lowest grocery prices we possibly can.

“We know shoppers are having to make difficult choices at the moment, so we at Aldi are doing what we can to offer the lowest prices possible. That’s why shoppers continue to switch to Aldi from every other supermarket.” 

Consumer group Which? named Aldi as the UK’s cheapest supermarket in July for the 14th consecutive month. On a basket of goods, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket at £71.22, which was £16.02 lower than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose.

Back to school: Tasty lunchbox fillers for under £2

Making the back-to-school shop more affordable, Asda has lunchbox filler options for under £2.

From tasty sandwich fillings to snackable light bites to keep energy levels up, Asda’s fresh and delicious options are nutritious and affordable, without any compromise on taste, too.

Starting with the staple sandwich, shoppers can bag a loaf of Just Essentials Whole Meal Bread for just 45p or Asda Soft White Medium Bread for 75p. Paired with any of the mix and match cooked sliced meats, and on a 2 for £3.50 offer, shoppers can tailor their tastes to create something affordable and flavoursome.

The 2 for £3.50 offer has in excess of 20 options; including customer favourites Asda Oven Baked Dry Cured Ham (£2.25), Asda Sliced Chargrill Style Chicken Breast (£2.25) and Asda Wafer Thin Honey Roast Turkey Slices (£2.15). With this breadth of options shoppers can always try something new, keeping kids excited about what’s for their lunch.

Perfect size for a lunchbox and to keep energy levels high between lessons or-after school clubs, Asda has a 3 for £1.20 offer on packs of fruit, including ASDA Grapes (50p), ASDA Crisp and Juicy Watermelon Slices (50p) and ASDA Crisp and Juicy Apple Slices (50p).

For cheese lovers, Asda has nifty offers on Mini Babybel Light Cheese Snack (£1.50 for pack of six) and Dairylea Cheese Triangles (£1.25 for pack of eight). For the savoury snackers, the ASDA Southern Fried Chicken Bites (89p) and ASDA Caramel Rice Cakes (£1.10) are the perfect pick-me-up.

No lunchbox is complete without a sweet treat and there are plenty of fruity options available, including Hartley's Strawberry Flavour Jelly Pots (£2 for pack of six) and Soreen Strawberry Lunchbox Loaves Snack Bars (£1.75 for five).

With many of the lunchbox filers being included in Asda’s recent price drop of over 400 products, Asda’s offers mean the back-to-school shop doesn’t have to break the bank. Shoppers can shop the full range of Back to School supplies here https://groceries.asda.com/cat/back-to-school/1215685931218

www.asda.com