Monday, 22 January 2024

Easter Treats from DukesHill

Discerning foodies can celebrate Easter with artisan food producer and fine foods supplier DukesHill. In addition to their renowned hams which are cured using time honoured traditional techniques, DukesHill has also handpicked a selection of the finest artisan food from independent producers to enjoy this Easter, from a whole bone-in leg of lamb to a classic Simnel cake topped with sweet and nutty marzipan.

With an uncompromising commitment to sourcing and creating the very best British produce and having the highest regard for animal welfare, Royal Warrant Holder DukesHill's Easter collection is full of delicious food and flavours.

DukesHill's Easter Food Highlights

Half Boneless Apple & Sultana Glazed Easter Ham - DukesHill, prices from £77 and available in half ham (min 2kg) and whole ham (min 4.5kg) 

A limited edition for Easter, DukesHill's famous Wiltshire ham is topped with a sweetly spiced Bramley and Braeburn apple and sultana glaze, flavours reminiscent of hot cross buns. DukesHill's legendary Wiltshire Cure involves the hams spending almost a week maturing in their own-recipe brine to which a touch of unrefined brown sugar is added, giving a deliciously mild and subtly sweet flavour. 

The ham is then air dried for a further week to mature and remove excess moisture before being steam cooked for 12 hours, allowing the fat to render and soften creating a buttery texture. Once cooked the ham is hand-skinned and trimmed then coated in DukesHill's Apple & Sultana glaze before being finished off in the glazing oven. All DukesHill hams can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Whole Bone-In Leg of Lamb - DukesHill, £49.95 (min 2 kg)

DukesHill's whole bone-in leg of lamb is produced from the finest British lamb. Naturally reared, its succulent and delicious taste makes the perfect centrepiece for an Easter celebration.

Dressed Side of Oak Smoked Salmon - DukesHill, £47 (min 1kg)

A whole side of salmon is gently roasted and slowly oak smoked creating a mellow, smoky flavour. Dressed with full fat soft cheese, fragrant dill and king prawns, it's a stunning choice for a show-stopping centrepiece, starter or to include in an Easter afternoon tea. 

Mini Easter Banquet - DukesHill, £109 (10 items)

The Mini Easter banquet showcases some of DukesHill's much-loved artisan classics including a delicious award-winning trimmed rack of lamb, baked baby ham and sliced oak smoked salmon. There's also the full flavoured Isle of Mull cheddar, creamy Montagnolo Affine cheese with a lightly piquant flavour, Scottish oatcakes, cracked black pepper crackers, an indulgent sticky toffee pudding, Simnel loaf cake and a bottle of Tanners Cava Brut.

Easter Feast - DukesHill, £105 (8 items)

DukesHill's Easter Feast is a tasty box of quality produce which includes the famous midi boneless Wiltshire ham, unsmoked dry cured back bacon, traditional pork chipolatas, sliced oak smoked salmon, Isle of Mull Cheddar, an extra large pork pie, chocolate tiffin and a Simnel loaf cake.

Simnel Cake - DukesHill, £26.50 (6”, Ikg)

An Easter classic that's traditionally eaten to mark the end of Lent, DukesHill's pretty Simnel cake is a deliciously light fruit cake with an almond paste baked into the middle and decorated with marzipan balls.

Sarah's Pickled Oranges - DukesHill, £12.50 (Kilner Jar), £4.50 (Standard Jar)

A real treat for your tastebuds - if you haven't tasted DukesHill's pickled spiced oranges, you've been missing out! Originally created in the farmhouse kitchen of Sarah Hollingsworth, who established the DukesHill brand with her husband Neale, these piquant pickled oranges are mixed with a sprinkling of cloves, cinnamon and mace, and pair beautifully with ham and other cold cuts of meat.

The DukesHill Easter shop will open from 26th February at: dukeshill.co.uk 

Part-Time Baker - Simple Bakes Without the Stress by Florence Stanton

Forget having to spend hours in the kitchen following difficult, complicated instructions! 

In Part-Time Baker, each recipe is clearly labelled with 'Hands-on time' and 'Total time' to make it crystal clear exactly how much effort you'll need to put in. 

Many of the bakes can be prepped in just 10 minutes and there are plenty of cheats and tips for impressive results. There's no need for you to own loads of obscure baking equipment and all the recipes can be scaled up for sharing or scaled down for enjoying by yourself.

Delicious, speedy baking recipes for every occasion – morning, noon and late-night snack, including:

• Cheat's Almond Croissants

• 3-Ingredient Chocolate Twists

• Speedy Sesame Bagels

• Spiced Ginger Traybake

• Vegan No-Bake Chocolate and Pistachio Bars

• Spring Green, Pesto and Courgette Flower Tart

• Mini Pina Colada Loaf Cakes

• Sugar Cinnamon Popovers with Warm Honey

• Espresso Martini Cake

• Molten Caramel Brownie Skillet

Part-time Baker is all about reducing the hours you need to spend in the kitchen, giving you more time to enjoy the tasty results. 

Whether you're new to baking or managing a busy schedule, you'll find realistic recipes that look good and taste fantastic.

Florence Stanton started her own online baking social media account @Tasting.Thyme in Aberdeen, Scotland in 2021. She now has over 120k followers, and every day she celebrates self-love through good food and good vibes with zero mention of calories. It showcases easy, approachable, and delicious bakes, both sweet and savoury, that show you don't need fancy training, a huge kitchen or every tool to create truly wonderful food.

The photography is by Majaja Smend.

Share the Love, Deliciously, This Mother's Day With Bonne Maman

Enjoy these new Mother’s Day recipes and limited-edition Crêpe Pan gift.

You can spend precious time making and baking as a family this Mother’s Day with an extra special selection of Bonne Maman recipes for Sunday 10th March, featuring a selection of delicious Conserves plus indulgent Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. 

Plus, for a limited time only, a thoughtful foodie gift that the whole family is sure to love…  an adorable, heart-shaped crêpe pan, made exclusively for Bonne Maman in France, is available to purchase in Sainsbury’s Home Departments and Argos stores throughout the month of February. 

Heart-shaped Financiers with Bonne Maman Strawberry Conserve: A classic French recipe combining quality butter, flour, icing sugar, ground almonds and egg whites, simply combined and baked to perfection. Once cooled, a small hole is made and generously filled with glossy red Strawberry Conserve and a sprinkling of pistachios for an extra special Mother’s Day treat! Little ones can experiment with all different colours and flavours of Bonne Maman Conserves, to create the perfect and delightfully fun dessert.

Mother’s Day Shortbreads: Easy to make with little ones, this classic shortbread recipe is sure to be a big hit with all the family. Using a heart-shaped cutter, stamp out half of the biscuits to make the tops, revealing your favourite jewel-bright Bonne Maman Conserve middle layer – et voila… perfect little biscuits, made with love.

Mother’s Day Cupcakes: These soft and fluffy red cupcakes have a delicious Black Cherry Conserve centre, topped with irresistible butter cream icing and heart-shaped sponge cut out. The sweet little cakes can be made with any fruity Bonne Maman Conserve – simply pick your mother’s favourite filling!

Hazelnut Chocolate Tarts with Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: These delectable little cocoa shells (made as six small tartlets or one large tart) are generously filled with an indulgent Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread ganache, lovingly sprinkled with pralines then topped with a sweet chocolate disk, complete with heart-shaped cut-outs and dusted with cocoa powder.

The perfect foodie gift this Mother’s Day.

To help spread deliciousness in a truly heartfelt way this Mother’s Day, Bonne Maman has introduced an adorable, limited edition, heart-shaped crêpe pan. Beautifully decorated, the 25cm non-stick Bonne Maman crêpe pans will be available from 1st February, for a four-week period, while stocks last, from Home Departments in Sainsbury’s plus Argos stores nationwide at rrp £19.00. Perfect for families who love to cook or for serving up a delicious celebratory crêpe breakfast, spread with everyone’s personal Conserve favourites – creating special moments with loved ones! 

There are also thousands of these gorgeous special edition pans to be won courtesy of Bonne Maman - just look out for the entry stickers on the brand’s iconic red gingham lids across all stores.

For further information, tips and recipes visit www.bonnemaman.co.uk, like on Facebook @BonneMamanUK and follow on Instagram @bonnemaman_uk.

Small Essex Brownie Producer, Brownie Things LTD, Partners with Valet Seller LLC to Expand into the US Market

This US expansion heralds a new era for Brownie Things LTD, delivering our artisanal excellence to American shores," said Martins Strals for the company.

Brownie Things LTD, famed for its artisanal brownies and blondies, has announced a strategic expansion into the USA, partnering with Valet Seller LLC. 

This move not only marks a significant stride in the company's global reach but also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products worldwide.

Established by Martins Strals and Luke Goold, Brownie Things LTD has become a hallmark of excellence in the gourmet baked goods sector. The founders' dedication to using only the finest of available ingredients, like premium butter and premium chocolate, and avoiding any substitutes such as margarine or palm oils, has been the cornerstone of their success. This ethos of uncompromising quality has garnered the company critical acclaim, including being named 'Baked Goods Delivery Business of the Year 2023.'

"Our mission at Brownie Things LTD transcends making delectable brownies; it's about bringing a piece of culinary art to every table, in every corner of the world," explained Martins Strals. 

"Our partnership with Valet Seller LLC is a vital part of this mission, ensuring our products reach our customers in the US with the same freshness and quality that defines us."

Valet Seller LLC, a distinguished name in distribution and fulfillment, will be instrumental in managing Brownie Things LTD's operations within North America. This collaboration is a testament to the company's dedication to maintaining quality at every stage – from creation to delivery. The partnership facilitates the company's entry into prominent US online marketplaces, including walmart.com and amazon.com, with plans to extend to Kroger and its family stores.

The decision to partner with Valet Seller LLC is rooted in a shared ethos of excellence and customer satisfaction. "We understand that the journey of our products from our ovens to our customers' homes is crucial. Valet Seller LLC shares our vision of upholding the highest standards in every aspect of this journey, making them the ideal partner for our expansion," Luke Goold added.

FACTFILE:

Founded by Martins Strals and Luke Goold, Brownie Things LTD is a UK-based leader in gourmet brownies and blondies, recognised for its commitment to using real, high-quality ingredients. With accolades such as 'Baked Goods Delivery Business of the Year 2023,' the company is poised to make a significant impact in the global market, starting with its expansion into the USA and Europe.

To learn more please visit https://www.browniethings.uk

COSORI unveils its revolutionary 8.5L Dual Zone Air Fryer that redefines the home cooking experience

With eight one-touch cooking functions and two independent zones, users can cook different types of food simultaneously with ease. So this means no queuing up of foods that need different cooking time? Wow! Please tell me more! 

COSORI, which is a world leading innovator in kitchen appliances, has announced the introduction of its latest truly innovative culinary masterpiece, the COSORI Dual Zone 8.5L Air Fryer. 

With two 4.25L baskets, eight cooking functions and best-in-class time-saving capabilities, the new launch from COSORI provides unparalleled efficiency, convenience and healthier cooking for all. The COSORI Dual Zone is now available to purchase from Amazon UK, with a remarkably keen RRP of £199.99.

With a really huge 8.5L capacity comprised of two 4.25L baskets, the air fryer caters to the needs of a busy, bustling family, with the efficiency and versatility required to prepare an entire meal with multiple dishes/components simultaneously. 

The dual-zone design not only enables seamless multitasking, but also provides an effortless way to monitor the cooking process, ensuring that each dish is cooked to absolute perfection.

The COSORI Dual Basket Air Fryer boasts eight one-touch cooking functions including air fry, roast, grill, reheat, bake, dehydrate and more besides. 

With two completely independent zones and clear viewing windows, the air fryer's clever design allows users to customise their cooking settings for different foods at the same time and keep an eye on the foods while they cook.

Providing the ultimate convenience and saving home cooks time, the unique SYNC FINISH function revolutionises meal preparation and offers home chefs and those new to the arts of kitchen crafts versatile, easy and healthy way to prepare foods using any method required. 

The SYNC COOK function further streamlines the process by effortlessly matching time and programme settings in both drawers with just one touch – an ideal solution for family dinners, gatherings and dinner parties, too.

Embracing a commitment to healthier cooking, the COSORI Dual Basket Air Fryer empowers users to create delicious, crispy meals using 85% less oil, taking a step towards a healthier lifestyle without compromising on great tastes.

Once finished eating, cleaning up after culinary adventures has never been easier, as the air fryer is fully equipped with dishwasher-safe accessories and non-stick baskets that ensure quick washing up and effortless maintenance.

The COSORI Dual Zone is now available to purchase from Amazon UK, with an RRP of £199.99.

FACTFILE: Launched in 2016, COSORI offers award-winning products with advanced smart technology that equip users to enjoy wholesome, homemade food. 

The brand's collection of innovative kitchen appliances focuses on helping individuals and families achieve really restaurant-quality foods and an overall improved lifestyle. 

As part of the VeSync family of brands, COSORI has received global recognition for its award-winning, innovative designs, and has garnered millions of satisfied customers worldwide. Awards include Newsweek America's Best Home and Garden Brands 2022, iF Design Award, German Innovation Award, and more. To learn more, visit COSORI.COM

Where to eat for Veganuary 2024

700,000 people signed up for Veganuary 2023, so get ready for even more plant-based power in 2024! We’ve rounded up some of the best offerings - from spectacular five-course and seven-course vegan tasting menus to plant-based Asian dishes that are just bursting with flavour.

LONDON

Miznon London - Magic Mushroom Pita

The cult classic Mediterranean street food havens in Soho and Notting Hill have just the thing this Veganuary – a Magic Mushroom Pita, containing superfood Lions Mane in the recipe. Known for alleviating mild symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as promoting healthy energy levels and combating fatigue, Lions Mane is the perfect option for anyone experiencing back-to-work jitters or a post-Christmas slump. For Veganuary, replace the sour cream in the Magic Mushroom Pita with tahini for a vegan treat.

⭐️Prices start from £5.

📍 Soho – 8 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HW | Notting Hill – 14 Elgin Crescent, W11 2HX

https://www.miznon.co.uk/

Lilienblum - Mediterranean Plant-Based Delights

East London Mediterranean restaurant, Lilienblum, is set to transform Veganuary into a carnival of vibrant flavours. Vegan-friendly creations include the Eggplant Lines with smoked aubergine and tahini, Leek Sashimi and sister restaurant Miznon’s much-loved whole roasted cauliflower. Pair your Veganuary delights with Lilienblum's exclusive Dry January hand-crafted sodas, featuring exciting flavours like Apricot & Rose and Mango & Honey, or ask the Lilienblum bartenders to add a shot of your favourite tipple transforming the sodas into contemporary cocktails.

⭐️Prices start from £8.

📍 8 City Road, ECY1 2BJ

https://www.lilienblum.co.uk/


The Cinnamon Collection – Fragrant Indian Vegan Dishes

Enjoy spice-infused plant-based menus at Executive Chef Vivek Singh’s restaurants: The Cinnamon Club (Westminster), Cinnamon Bazaar (Covent Garden), Cinnamon Kitchen City and Battersea. Indulge in a range of Indian plates full of flavour and goodness with choices such as green pea kachori chaat; grilled pink aubergine with tamarind sauce; and a date and ginger pancake with coconut lime sorbet.

⭐️Prices start from £35pp.

📍 London - The Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Bazaar, Cinnamon Kitchen City and Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea

https://www.thecinnamoncollection.com/


Ormer Mayfair by Sofian – 5 Course Vegan Menu for £79pp (Four AA Rosette Restaurant)

Serving only the finest British produce with seasonally changing dishes, experience a spectacular five-course vegan tasting menu at the four AA Rosette restaurant, Ormer Mayfair by Sofian. Inventive dishes include soy pickled turnip with sesame, kombu and spiced nage; Jerusalem artichoke velouté served with pickled trompettes; and a dark chocolate mousse with chocolate sorbet. To make your January evening that extra bit special, opt for the expertly curated wine pairings for an additional £79pp.

⭐️Prices start from £79pp; available 6pm-9pm Tuesday- Saturday.

📍Flemings Mayfair, 7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH

https://www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk/fine-dining-london/ormer-mayfair-restaurant


BÕKAN – Sky-High Seven-Course Vegan Tasting Menu

Indulge in plant-based perfection with Executive Chef Robert Manea’s seven-course vegan tasting menu (£99pp) at Bōkan 37 - London’s top destination for sky-high dining. Showcasing vegan produce at its best, the vibrant menu offers picture-perfect plates, including borlotti beans and leek confit; sea broth, seaweed spaghetti and tofu; beetroot zeppole with pomegranate; finishing with an indulgent blackcurrant, Timur pepper and chocolate tart with ice cream.

⭐️ £99 per person with additional £79 for wine pairing; available Tuesday – Saturday.

📍 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP

www.bokanlondon.co.uk


Drake & Morgan – Plant-Based Dishes plus Vegan Stracciatella Cheese

There’s a whole host of plant-based dishes available at Drake & Morgan’s bars and restaurants across London (and in Manchester). A must try is the Superstraccia & Vegan ‘Nduja Tortellini with creamy vegan stracciatella cheese and vegan ‘ndjua, pumpkin velouté, baby spinach and seeds. There’s also a fragrant Goan Tofu Curry with basmati rice and flatbreads.

⭐️Vegan dishes start from £8.75.

📍 Available in all Drake & Morgan venues from January

www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk 


HERTFORDSHIRE

Omboo, Sopwell House – Plant-Based Asian Flavours

Serving up mouthfuls of fragrant Asian flavours, enjoy a selection of colourful plant-based sharing plates at Omboo, located in the gorgeous countryside hotel, Sopwell House. Inspired by the spice routes of Asia and the Far East, dishes include green papaya and crushed cucumber salads, asparagus rolls, with a mango and kaffir lime tapioca pudding to conclude.

⭐️ Vegan dishes start from £8

📍 Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ

https://www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/omboo-dining/

Sunday, 21 January 2024

Honestly Tasty produce honestly tasty vegan delights

Honestly Tasty (https://honestlytasty.co.uk), is an innovative company that makes plant-based cheeses for people who love cheese.

They have several delicious products available, alongside their Bestsellers bundle includes Honestly Tasty Shamembert, Blue, Bree and an Honestly Tasty gourmay style Garlic & Herb alongside a special, seasonal treat - https://honestlytasty.co.uk/products/vegan-cheese-best-sellers-bundle 

Honestly Tasty was founded back in 2018 by Michael Moore.

When Michael’s veganism crashed into his love of cheese, he decided to begin experimenting with plant-based recipes until he developed an award-winning recipe for Honestly Tasty Vegan Blue Cheese. It was too good not to share, so he closed the door on the world of corporate banking and founded Honestly Tasty.

Later joined by his sister Beth, the London based company grew from strength to strength - and now offer a range of authentic cheese alternatives that are filled with flavour. The recipes use only the very finest of ingredients all of which  are carefully chosen selected ingredients. Honestly Tasty brings together fresh thinking with traditional cheese-making techniques.    

Winner of multiple Awards, including the Plant Based Expo cheese Alternative category, Honestly Tasty is in business to create food for thought.

Its mission is to continue to produce plant-based cheeses so delicious they will be capable of altering  our perceptionsd and behaviour around cheese, making a difference to protect the planet and also animal welfare.

Honestly Tasty has always been at the forefront of environmental responsibility, and this commitment has only grown stronger over time. 

From the very early days its ethos has been to create planet-friendly products that not only meet the highest quality standards but also leave a minimal carbon footprint, too.

Each brand they work with shares similar values and believes in the power of conscious consumer choices to shape a better future for our planet.

Giving back is a core ideology with Honestly Tasty too. They currently donate 2% of all revenue to charity, including a 1% contribution to the Dean Farm Trust (https://deanfarmtrust.org.uk), a community-run animal sanctuary near Chepstow in Wales. 

Honestly Tasty is available to buy online at honestlytasty.co.uk and via leading stockists around the UK including selected M&S stores and Ocado. 

You’ll find their cheese on the menu in Michelin star restaurants like Pied E Terre and on pizzas in much-loved restaurants like Purezza. 

Most recently, Honestly Tasty started producing cheese for 650 Holland & Barrett stores - now available in store, under the H&B label. 

LIzi's vegan-friendly recipes

Lizi's have a range of vegan-friendly recipes including mains, desserts and sides.

That's Food and Drink are pleased that Lizi's have asked us to share these with you, our readers, as part of our Veganuary feature.



Pea, spinach and asparagus risotto with a granola crunch

Recipe created in partnership with nutritionist Lily Soutter

This satisfying risotto is full of delicious greens. Despite being a vegetarian dish, this tasty recipe provides a good dose of protein with the addition of peas and Lizi’s high protein granola topping.

The wholegrain risotto rice is a rich source of fibre and slow-release energy and the addition of asparagus and spinach provides key nutrients such as magnesium, folate and vitamin K. This refreshing risotto is completely vegan, so can really be enjoyed by all!

INGREDIENTS FOR THE RISOTTO

150g whole grain risotto rice (or white rice for quicker cook time)

90g frozen garden peas

50g defrosted garden peas pureed

1 small onion

1 vegetable stock cube

1 tbsp olive oil 

30g spinach

90g asparagus, sliced

2 handfuls of Lizi’s High Protein Granola

1 garlic clove 

100g green pesto

METHOD TO SERVE 2

    1. On a medium heat on the hob, add the olive oil to a medium saucepan and heat. Whilst that heats up, dice onion and garlic finely, and cook in the pan.

    2. Add risotto rice to the same pan and stir, coating with the oil. Crumble in a vegetable stock cube and pour in some boiling water to cover the rice. Simmer and stir continuously for 40-45 minutes. If using white risotto rice, cook as per instructions on the packet as this will be quicker. Keep adding water until rice is cooked; yet the water is absorbed. For the last 6 minutes of cooking time, add the asparagus and 90g frozen peas. 

    3. Whilst the rice is cooking, blend 50g defrosted garden peas, spinach, 70g green pesto with a splash of water, salt and pepper. Blend until a puree texture.

    4. Once the water has mostly absorbed with the rice, stir in the blended pea puree and warm for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    5. Serve in two bowls, each topped with 1 tbsp pesto swirled over and a sprinkle of Lizi’s High Protein Granola. 


Healthy Twist Mac & Cheese

Who doesn’t love a little comfort food in the winter? This mac and cheese ticks all the boxes, as it’s delicious yet also comes with a healthy twist. The addition of butternut squash, combined with the silken tofu and a touch of nutritional yeast, makes the lovely smooth, silky, yet cheesy sauce which is low in saturated fat. 

This dish is also packed with fibre, with the use of wholegrain fusilli, and a crispy breadcrumb granola topping. A great way to sneak in more veggies to your diet and is suitable for vegans.

INGREDIENTS 

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

1 white onion (roughly diced)

2 garlic cloves (crushed)

1 orange pepper (sliced)

200g butternut squash (cubed)

220g wholewheat fusilli pasta

Pinch of nutmeg

120g silken tofu

200ml milk (dairy-free if required)

1 tablespoon of plain flour

15g nutritional yeast

40g grated cheese (dairy-free if required)

1/2 slice of wholemeal bread

2 tablespoons of Lizi’s Original Granola (blended into large crumbs)

METHOD TO SERVE 3

    1. Using a medium heat, boil a pan of water on the hob, adding the butternut squash cubes. Boil for 15 minutes.

    2. Whilst that cooks, in a separate saucepan, boil water and add in the pasta. Cook until the pasta is cooked. 

    3. Whilst the pasta and squash cook, heat another pan on a medium heat and add the oil and onion. Cook for a few minutes before adding the sliced pepper and garlic.

    4. Preheat the oven to 180c. Once the butternut squash is cooked and drained add it to a blender along with the nutmeg, silken tofu, milk, flour and 10g of the nutritional yeast.

    5. When smooth, add to the pepper mixture along with the cooked pasta. Combine all three and pour into an ovenproof dish.

    6. Combine the breadcrumbs and granola crumbs with the remaining nutritional yeast and sprinkle on top. Do the same with the cheese and then place into the oven for 20 minutes. Enjoy!


For those with a sweet tooth, why not try this recipe?

Chocolate Mousse with Granola

So simple to make, this chocolate mousse is gorgeously indulgent. After one spoonful, you will wonder why you haven’t been making this for years. Perfect for a romantic pudding but it also keeps brilliantly in the fridge so you can reach for it when you need a fantastic chocolate fix!

INGREDIENTS 

2 x 400ml tins of full fat coconut milk (these need to be left overnight in the fridge)

2 tablespoons of icing sugar, sifted.

50g dark chocolate, melted (use vegan if you prefer)

50g dark chocolate, coarsely grated.

80g Lizi’s Indulgent Moments Caramelised Croquant 

METHOD

    1. Chill the tins of coconut milk in the fridge overnight.

    2. With the hob on a medium heat, place the heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Be careful that the water doesn’t boil and avoid over stirring. If easier, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl in 30-second bursts in the microwave and stir.

    3. Put the melted chocolate on one side to cool.

    4. Open the tins of coconut milk at the bottom and pour into a large jug. You just need the cream.

    5. Scrape the thick coconut cream into a large mixing bowl. Add in the icing sugar and whisk until light and fluffy. (Use an electric whisk if you have one to hand.)

    6. Spoon a small amount of the whipped coconut cream into a cup and place to one side.

    7. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped coconut cream.

    8. Gently fold three quarters of the grated chocolate into the mixture.

    9. Place a generous layer of Lizi’s Indulgent Moments Caramelised Croquant into the bottom of six little jam jars or glasses.

    10. Spoon the chocolate mousse on top of the granola and smooth a little.

    11. Place some of the coconut cream on top (from the cup that you put to the side) and decorate with the rest of the chocolate grating and chocolate granola. Enjoy!

Lizi’s Breakfast Range is available from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, Asda, Morrisons, Whole Foods, Co-Op, Booths and all good health stores. 

The granola range includes: Digestive Health, Low Sugar, Low Sugar Maple & Pecan, High Protein, Gluten Free, Organic, Original, Belgian Chocolate, Treacle and Pecan, Passionfruit and Pistachio, Mango and Macadamia, Pink Apple and Cinnamon. Lizi’s has also launched Lizi’s Adventurers Granola Crispies for kids, available in Banana and Strawberry flavours.

The Lizi’s Super Muesli range includes: Glow, Focus, Boost and Cleanse.

https://www.lizis.co.uk

Celebrity Chef Aldo Zilli becomes face of British tequila brand Mis Amigos as Essex firm strives to capture vast international market

British tequila brand Mis Amigos has announced that celebrity Chef Aldo Zilli is now their brand ambassador as they embark on a bold plan to put their bottles in the hands of mixologists behind cocktail bars all over the globe.

With annual UK sales of £500,000, the company has registered a division in the EU to sell more easily to its 27 member states and it will begin trading in 20 US states by the end of next year, where it already has orders to ship 140,000 litres (12 forty-foot containers!) in 2024.

The Essex-based firm is also in negotiations with distributors in China, Peru, Chile, and Japan to sell its drinks, with one Chinese customer placing an initial order of close to a hundred thousand bottles.

Mis Amigos flavoured tequila is the product of eighty years of cocktail mixing experience by brothers Simon and Rupert Duke. They were less than happy with the products already on the market, the mixologist duo set about designing their own super-premium range, from behind the bar of their family’s Essex restaurant.

Three years later the recipes were perfected and the Dukes were ready and eager to share their creations with British drinkers and the world's drinkers, exporting their range of cream and flavoured tequilas, plus three premium vodka and gin lines, to Europe, Asia and the United States. 

Aldo Zilli said: “When I met the Mis Amigos guys and they showed me what they had created I could immediately see lots of different ways to use it in my cooking, and that it would be a great addition to Casa Zilli.

“Tequila is such a unique and subtle spirit that combines beautifully with chocolate, and the coffee flavour makes the best tiramisu and espresso martinis, and I can’t wait to make summer desserts with the strawberry flavour.

“I love the product, so I was honoured when they asked me to join the Mis Amigos family as their brand ambassador.”

Already 120,000 litres of Mis Amigos tequila have been shipped to Miami, most of which was loaded aboard cruise liners bound for the Caribbean, and Mexico which is the spiritual home of the blue agave plant from which tequila is made.

Since breaking into the US market, the Mis Amigos team have turned their focus towards Asia with CEO Gina Duke taking the family’s tequila to major international trade shows in Mumbai and Shanghai.  As a result, the first consignment of Mis Amigos is already being drunk in India, and it's hoped last month’s trip to Shanghai will see the Chinese market open up in 2024.

Gina said: “We are very much a family firm with old-fashioned family values and it’s very important to us who we work with.  When we met Aldo we knew instantly he understood us and would be the perfect brand ambassador for us.

“We are small and based in Essex in an industry dominated by some very huge players and brands.  But what we have is a unique blend of extremely high-quality ingredients, a ‘can do’ spirit and the belief our drinks are the best in the world.

“Last month I attended a trade show in Shanghai and already I have a headache because the Chinese want 70,000 litres of our premium gin!” 

The Mis Amigos range contains chocolate and strawberry cream tequilas, plus chocolate, coffee and chocolate and lime flavours.  The range also includes ‘88’ brand vodka and gin, and Jillion’s gin, named after the Duke family’s Aunt, who worked as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during WW2.

Mis Amigos, 88, and Jillion’s gin are available in the UK at: www.gi-spiritgroup.co.uk or you can sample the pure Mis Amigos experience at La Quinta, in Benfleet, Essex, where Simon or Rupert will happily mix you a cocktail.  

Incidentally, they have three of their flavoured tequila's (chocolate, coffee, and chocolate and lime) that are vegan, as well as the vodka and gin, too.

Enjoy Vegan Offerings at DUNKIN’ UK

Special for Veganuary, DUNKIN’ UK has announced a lineup of vegan friendly donuts that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Original Glazed – All Vegan: A classic reborn, now completely plant-powered. It's the OG glaze with a compassionate twist. RRP: £2.35 

Boston Crème - All Vegan: Dive into a sea of creamy bliss without a drop of dairy. This Boston Crème, a UK favourite, is flavour-packed adding layers of decadence! RRP: £2.35 

Strawberry Rainbow - All Vegan: Experience a pop of strawberry goodness in every bite without compromising your vegan values. RRP: £2.35 

DUNKIN’ will be helping you put the win back winter and soften any blows your wallet suffered this holiday season with some great deals! 

And until January 31st, enjoy £2 Small Espresso Beverages, made with the 100% Arabica Beans All day, Everyday. Whether you're a Latte lover, Cappuccino connoisseur, Americano aficionado, Flat White fanatic, or Macchiato maniac—DUNKIN’ has your back, hot or iced.

Have the best of both worlds with DUNKIN’ UK’s All day, Everyday Combo Deal from just £3.90 in London for a small espresso beverage and any donut - £3.50 outside of London. 

Bulk Donut Deals including Buy 5 Get 1 Free, Buy 9 Get 3 Free, Buy 14 Get 10 Free across all varieties.

Find your nearest DUNKIN’ store here https://dunkin.co.uk/store-locator.