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Munch Lunch & Dinner, Your New Kitchen Essential

Munch Lunch & Dinner will help you gain more confidence in the kitchen. It’s a new cook book that's packed with easy-to-follow, delicious meals. 

Discover how you can turn low-cost and easy to find ingredients into delicious and nutritious dishes.

We live in a world full of celebrity chefs, social media and aspirational cooking and it's all too easy to be overwhelmed by all the conflicting information that bombards us from all sides. 

One minute we're told to cook seasonably and shop locally and the next we're advised to hunt down unusual, exotic ingredients that probably go past their use by date before we ever need to use them again. 

But Munch Lunch & Dinner cuts through all this noise. Every single recipe uses ingredients that can be found in your store cupboard or a local supermarket. You won’t need any specialist equipment either, most of the recipes use only one saucepan. There are clear guides on how to shop and chop meat, fish and vegetables and how to substitute expensive ingredients without sacrificing taste. 

Munch CIC is passionate about fighting health inequalities, empowering communities, and helping individuals make healthy changes and learn about sustainable nutrition. The book was born out of Munch Community Cooking workshops and courses which they run to help people develop the skills and confidence they need to cook from scratch. 

Munch Lunch and Dinner was designed as a take home tool for the low income and disadvantaged groups they regularly work with. However, they realised many more people would benefit from their back-to-basics approach to home cooking and meal planning.

This cookbook is more than just recipes. It guides you through stocking your cupboards with versatile ingredients and batch cooking meals for future use. There are also tips for reducing waste and making your food go further by utilising leftovers. Throughout the book there is nutritional information and advice about eating sustainably including great ways to introduce more plants into your diet.

Mary Louise Needham-Carlton, is a Director of Munch CIC and author of Munch Lunch & Dinner. On releasing her first cookbook she said: “It’s really exciting to potentially be able help more people access good healthy food and learn about sustainable nutrition. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! We hope this book will be a useful guide for new cooks as well as a go-to for experienced cooks, for new ideas for quick mid-week meals. Plus, all profits help individuals and children at are Cooking Clubs learn valuable life skills, which is what we love more than anything here at Munch!”

The book is available to buy from the Munch website, munchcic.co.uk and online via Amazon. Priced at £21.99 hardback and £14.99 paperback. What’s more, the profit from every two books sold buys one space for someone to attend the Munch community cooking groups. These groups help children and individuals build a healthier relationship with food. Production of the book was supported by Winchester City Council.

Darts Farm Wins Local Hero Award at National Food & Travel Magazine Awards

Darts Farm is thrilled to announce that they have just won the Local Hero Award at the Food & Travel Magazine Awards.

Michael Dart, who runs Darts Farm alongside his brothers, James and Paul, comments: “We were over the moon to be nominated for two categories at these national awards, with The Farm Table up for Best Restaurant outside of London and Darts Farm as Local Hero. 

But, with such an outstanding shortlist, packed full of world-class chefs and establishments, we didn't dare to hope that we would really be in with a chance of winning. 

"When the winners were announced, we were blown away to receive the Local Hero Award. This award is a community-focused award that highlights regional companies who deserve national recognition for their contribution to the local scene, with Food & Travel Magazine describing Darts Farm as one of the best farm shops in the country.”

He continues: “Following our original nomination, the vote was then opened to the public and it was our fantastic customers that voted in their droves to make us winners of this coveted award. We can't thank them enough.”

Darts Farm, set just outside Exeter, overlooks the beautiful Clyst Valley. It has grown from humble beginnings, as a small pick your own business established in 1971 by Michael's father, into a unique, multi-award-winning destination, which still retains the working family farm at its heart. 

The food hall sells all of its home-grown produce alongside food and drink from incredible, passionate artisans. Much of this amazing produce also appears on the menus of their 3 restaurants onsite, with particular focus in their flagship restaurant, The Farm Table, which celebrates the simplicity of beautiful ingredients grown, reared, caught and crafted on their doorstep. What they cannot grow themselves on the farm, they source from their vibrant community of like-minded producers, farmers and fisherman who share their passion for flavour, seasonality and sustainable, traditional methods.

Michael adds: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for Darts Farm and a real testament to our brilliant, passionate team. It is also recognition of the world-class, local artisan producers whose wares we sell in our shop and use in our restaurants. We like to think that it is a feather in the cap for Devon as a foodie destination too.”

Food and Travel magazine is the world's leading gastronomic travel title, with an amazing 25 year heritage of writing for those who love foodie adventures, discovering the best ingredients, dishes and flavours and trying new, exciting restaurants. 

Darts Farm is open 8am-7pm, Monday to Saturday and 9.30am-4.30pm on Sunday.

For further information on Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Facebook and Instagram.  

That's Christmas: That's Food and Drink: Refuge Manx Rum is announce...

That's Christmas: That's Food and Drink: Refuge Manx Rum is announce...: That's Food and Drink: Refuge Manx Rum is announced by Fynoderee Distillery : The Fynoderee Distillery is pleased to be able to announce...

Refuge Manx Rum is announced by Fynoderee Distillery

The Fynoderee Distillery is pleased to be able to announce details of Refuge Manx Rum, the second premium spirit to be launched as part of its Coastal Collection of Spirits range, the distillery’s fundraising partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which also aims to shine a light on the Manx origins of the charity. 

The barrel-aged Refuge Manx Rum will be a limited-edition organic spirit launching in 2024 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). 

Living up to its name, this very special rum is currently securely locked away in the iconic Tower of Refuge and will mature in the monument for over a year before being released for sale towards the end of next year, 2024.

It will have a very special journey for a very special cargo, electric tram, horse tram and tractor! The Fynoderee team felt the rum’s journey to the tower deserved a very special send-off from the distillery, which is based next door to the Manx Electric Railway station in Ramsey. 

They were able to utilise and promote the Isle of Man’s unique Victorian transport network to navigate the challenging task of transporting their rum to the Tower. Barrels were loaded onto the Manx Electric Railway’s Goods Wagon (previously not used for several decades) to Derby Castle Station in Douglas. They were then loaded onto a horse tram pulled by “Torrin” the Clydesdale Trammer who pulled the cargo along the promenade to the War Memorial in Douglas. 

Sent to the Tower?

Exploiting the last Equinox low tide of the year, the rum was then loaded onto a trailer and towed along the causeway to the Tower by tractor where it will rest, maturing in first-fill oak Bourbon casks and absorbing the unique atmosphere of the Manx stone-built tower and the mineral rich salinity of the sea air. 

Refuge Manx Rum will be available to purchase from the distillery’s website with a proportion of the sales revenue being donated directly to the ENLI charity. Also, and That's Food and Drink really approves of this idea, two bottles will be donated to every one of the 238 lifeboat stations in the British Isles, to be auctioned to generate further much-needed funds for the RNLI life-saving endeavours in its very special 200th year. 

The Refuge Manx Rum film 

And the Fynoderee team have produced a special short film which tells the story behind Manx Refuge Rum including its relationship with the RNLI and its journey to the Tower of Refuge. 

The film was premiered at Media Isle of Man’s Awards for Excellence on Thursday 16 November 2023 and can now also be viewed on the Distillery’s website at www.fynoderee.com/RNLI200

Anyone wishing to continue following the journey of Refuge Manx Rum, including release information, and to find out more about Fynoderee’s Coastal Collection of Spirits, can sign up to receive updates at https://fynoderee.com/pages/signup 

Paul Kerruish, co-founder of The Fynoderee Distillery said: "When we were considering how we could make this Rum extra special, we were struck by the idea of taking it out to the Tower of Refuge to barrel age. It feels somewhat surreal now to think that we actually did it!"

He went on to say: "Every time we look out towards the Tower, often watching the waves crashing over the top, we think of our rum nestling safely inside. We're eager to find out how the unique maritime atmosphere of the tower impacts and enhances the flavours within our rum made from ‘scratch’ here on the Isle of Man and we will be undertaking progress visits to “dip” the casks and monitor how the spirit develops. 

"As many locally know, the Tower was commissioned by Sir William Hillary, founder of the RNLI, and therefore couldn't be more apt. But we knew there'd be hurdles to overcome logistically! The journey to date has been a real community effort and we're extremely grateful for the special permissions granted to us by HM Customs and Excise and the Department of Infrastructure to make the project become reality. 

"Within the film you will see many of those who helped us on the day, especially the team at Isle of Man Transport. Being able to use our heritage railways to transport the barrels provided a nostalgic nod the Island’s uniqueness that we're always so proud to promote. 

"Ultimately, we hope that this very special rum will generate a significant amount for the RNLI and provide the perfect ‘Manx-made tot’ for everyone who wishes to salute all those brave RNLI crew members past and present who have saved lives at sea over the generations."

Tiffany Kerruish, co-founder of  The Fynoderee Distillery added: "As a distillery it's always our aim to celebrate and promote Manx culture and heritage through the storytelling of our products. To be able to do so with products that will generate funds for such a beloved charity is a real privilege for us and we are so excited to work with the RNLI and in collaboration with local organisations like Manx National Heritage to keep the spotlight firmly on the Island and our five lifeboat stations operating around our coastline throughout the 200 year commemorations. 

"While we all wait patiently for “Refuge Manx Rum” to be ready, we hope that supporters of the charity and local Manx producers will continue to enjoy our ‘Fynoderee Manx Dry Gin – RNLI Edition” a classic gin packed with aromatic juniper and incorporating a nod to its maritime heritage with a touch sugar kelp. The gin is proving to be a very popular part of our range with buyers from the Island and further afield and we think it makes the perfect present for Christmas!"

Limoncello Di Capri's New Cream Liqueur Hits the Lips of UK Lemon Lovers

Lemon lovers take note!

A delicious new Limoncello di Capri Cream Liqueur has just been launched in the UK, which is guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds. 

Launched by well known and popular Italians spirit producer Molinari, Limoncello Di Capri Cream is a smooth, silky cream liqueur that balances the quintessential tartness of lemons with a warming, creamy texture. 

With the popularity of cream liqueurs ever-increasing and people indulging in new drinks over the festive season - this is the must-have bottle to keep on your home bar.

Limoncello Di Capri original and cream liqueurs carry with them the provenance of being made on the Amalfi Coast, from the protected Sorrento Lemons – the ingredient that gives the tipple its distinctly zingy flavour! Upon your first sip of Limoncello Di Capri Cream, you'll taste the iconic zest of lemon, accompanied by the sweetness of the delicate cream – an incredibly moreish combination.

Nick Gillett, MD of the liqueur's distributer Mangrove Global said: Here in the UK we love cream liqueur, especially in the colder months where we get a little more indulgent in our drinking habits. So, Limoncello Di Capri Cream is hitting our shelves at exactly the right time.

“With the rise in home entertaining and even cocktail making, it's a bottle that can be enjoyed neat or mixed into adventurous new cocktails to level up your serve.”

Combining the lightness of summer with the warm indulgence of the colder months, the spirit is a great option all year round.  The signature serve for Limoncello Di Capri Cream is simply poured neat, over ice, but this flexible 19% ABV liqueur lends itself well to a variety of cocktails and is even a delicious addition when splashed into your favourite fruity pudding recipes.

Richard Glover, Area Export Manager for Molinari said: “Here in the UK we love Italian spirits and liqueurs. And this love affair will undoubtedly continue when customers take their first sip of Limoncello Di Capri Cream.

“The warming citrus and sweet, rich cream are perfectly suited for day or night tipples and promise to transport you to Italy's dramatic Southern coastline.  Equally as delicious as the original Limoncello di Capri, this is a new way for customers to enjoy the sun-fuelled, pleasure filled flavour of Southern Italy. It's set to become a household favourite.”

Limoncello Di Capri Cream, 50cl, 19% ABV, is now available at Amazon at £16.00.

https://www.mangroveuk.com

Our pizza secrets revealed!

A new nationwide poll reveals we Brits have developed a taste for top-notch pizza toppings with pizza customisation at home sweeping across the nation and giving rise to a new breed of pizza “super toppers." Plus, our top pizza toppings uncovered.

Every year, the UK sees a massive £5 billion spent on pizzas, and while 80% of these are typically purchased from restaurants and takeaways, the landscape is evolving. This shift has led to a growing appetite for homemade pizzas and shop-bought alternatives that can be personalised and enjoyed in the comfort of one's own home.

Cooks&Co, the award-winning range of exciting store cupboard ingredients, is at the forefront of this pizza revolution, witnessing first-hand the surging demand for its quality ingredients as pizza toppings. 

Its Green Frenk Chillies is now the no.1 best seller and its Sweety Drop Peppers has entered the top 10 best sellers list, too. In response, 

the brand recently conducted an extensive nationwide study to dig deeper into the pizza-topping preferences of Brits, revealing a nation of astute pizza enthusiasts who relish the chance to become culinary pizza artistes, experimenting with a diverse range of favourite toppings and flavours.

DIY Pizza Customisation Sweeps the Nation and gives rise to Super Toppers

On average, pizza-loving Brits across the UK tastefully embellish their pizzas with just under 3 distinct toppings. However, there's an extraordinary league of pizza enthusiasts, 2.7 million strong, known as the "super toppers," who take culinary creativity to new heights by piling on an impressive 6 or more toppings.

The art of pizza customisation isn’t just reserved for home-made pizzas either, nearly half (47%) of Brits admit to pimping up their shop-bought pizzas with extra toppings.

Surprisingly, almost a fifth (19%) of Brits admit to going one step beyond and stripping away toppings from store-bought pizzas and replacing them with their own favourites. The 25-34 age group takes the reins in this picky topping transformation, with a third (33%) of them doing it. Northern Ireland residents proudly claim the title of champions in the customisation arena, with a quarter (25%) confessing to taking part in this flavourful makeover.

Beloved Ingredients, Taste Divisions and Trending Ingredients

In the world of pizza toppings, the preferences are absolutely clear. The top five favourites include extra cheese, shredded or chopped chicken, pepperoni, onions, and mushrooms. Conversely, the list of least-liked toppings comprises figs, jackfruit, aubergine, broccoli, artichoke, and seafood. The ever-controversial pineapple is still a topic of fierce debate, with almost half (48%) embracing its sweet tang, just over 2 in 5 (43%) staunchly refusing it, and 1 in 12 (9%) remaining undecided.

The popularity of pizza toppings like sweet peppers, chillies/jalapeños, and sundried tomatoes, mirrors broader culinary trends. These flavours offer bold, unique taste experiences, aligning with the growing interest in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, where these ingredients frequently shine forth.

 Paired with other ingredients they help elevate pizzas to new heights of flavour and excitement, making them increasingly popular among pizza enthusiasts in the UK.

Said Katie Atkin, Brand Manager, Cooks&Co: "In Britain, we're a nation of pizza lovers who value quality ingredients and enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavours. The findings shed light on the ever-evolving world of pizza, where customisation knows no bounds, and the quest for the perfect slice is a culinary adventure in itself.

“Our commitment to providing premium ingredients for the pizza-loving community and other dishes aligns perfectly with the creativity and passion we see in Brits' pizza-making endeavours and we're thrilled to be part of this flavourful journey.”

For more information on Cooks&Co's premium ingredients, please visit their website https://cooksandco.co.uk