Winging their way to you: Sauce Shop Launches Nationwide Delivery Concept Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® in Partnership With Sessions

Sauce Shop, the popular and award-winning British craft sauce brand, has partnered with Sessions, the Growth Platform for original food brands, to launch an exclusive delivery concept, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop®. 

This innovative partnership marks Sauce Shop's first foray into delivery-only operations, strategically tapping into the growing UK foodservice delivery market.

Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® is set to debut on February 20th, available on leading delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The menu, exclusively designed around Sauce Shop's exceptional range of products, features crispy fried wings, buttermilk fried tenders, chicken burgers and more, all made using, or served with, Sauce Shop sauces, including the 3-star Great Taste Award-winning Buffalo Hot Sauce.

Inspired by Sauce Shop's triumphs in the foodservice sector, Tenders & Wings, available from over 50 dark kitchens across the nation, aspires to deliver an outstanding 20,000 meals every week by April. With an anticipated surge in user penetration in meal delivery, expected to surpass 33% by 2027 (Statista, 2022), it highlights a significant market potential for Sauce Shop's latest exciting venture.

After supplying the hospitality industry with sauces and seasonings for almost a decade, Sauce Shop has built a reputation for uncompromising quality and flavour. The range is produced without artificial preservatives or additives, delivering an authentic taste that resonates with chefs and culinary professional and foodies. The brand's mission, centred on making great tasting sauces accessible to all, aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of consumers in the dynamic meal delivery landscape.

“We're really thrilled to announce our new food delivery menu. Having been suppliers to the hospitality industry for the best part of a decade, it's genuinely exciting to introduce a food menu that embodies the essence of Sauce Shop. Knowing that our fans appreciate a good serving of fried chicken, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop is set to exceed their expectations” says Pam Digva, Co-Founder of Sauce Shop.

Dan Warne, Founder and CEO of Sessions said: "We have always believed in partnering with fresh talent, brands and creators to scale original food concepts, and our latest partnership with Sauce Shop® is a real testament to that.”

Sauce Shop is readily available at major retailers and local suppliers making it a convenient choice for chefs and establishments.

www.sauceshop.co

Coping With Food Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Dietary Restrictions

Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, requiring them to be vigilant about what they eat to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions. 

Whether you've or a family member, recently been diagnosed with a food allergy or have been living with one for years, understanding how to navigate dietary restrictions is crucial for maintaining good health and quality of life. In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies and essential tips for managing food allergies effectively.

Seek Professional Diagnosis and Guidance:

If you suspect you, or a family member, has a food allergy, seek professional medical advice. Allergists can conduct tests to identify specific allergens and provide personalised guidance on managing the condition.

Keep a food diary to track symptoms and potential triggers, which can help healthcare professionals make an accurate diagnosis.

Educate Yourself:

Learn to read food labels carefully to identify potential allergens. Manufacturers are required to list common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, on their labels.

Be aware of hidden sources of allergens, such as cross-contamination in shared cooking utensils or processing facilities.

Create a Safe Environment:

Communicate your food allergies to family, friends, coworkers, and restaurant staff to ensure they understand the seriousness of your condition.

Keep your home and work environments free from allergens by establishing designated safe zones and storing allergen-free foods separately from allergen-containing products.

Plan Meals Carefully:

Embrace home cooking as much as possible, allowing you to have complete control over ingredients and preparation methods.

When dining out, research restaurants in advance, and communicate your dietary needs to the staff. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate food allergies if given sufficient notice.

Have Emergency Preparedness:

Always carry emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen), in case of accidental exposure to allergens.

Educate friends, family, and caregivers on how to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including when to administer epinephrine.

Stay Positive and Proactive:

While living with food allergies can be challenging, maintaining a positive mindset is essential. Focus on the abundance of foods you can still enjoy rather than dwelling on restrictions.

Get involved in online support groups or local communities for individuals with food allergies. Sharing experiences and tips with others facing similar challenges can be incredibly empowering.

Living with food allergies requires diligence and careful planning, but it's entirely manageable with the right knowledge and support. By seeking professional guidance, educating yourself, creating a safe environment, planning meals carefully, preparing for emergencies, and staying positive, you can effectively navigate the complexities of food allergies and enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and with the right strategies in place, managing food allergies becomes second nature.

(Image courtesy of Brett Hondow from Pixabay)

The importance of good hygiene in the home kitchen

A clean domestic kitchen

Good hygiene in the home kitchen is crucial for several reasons:

Food Safety: Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper cleaning of kitchen surfaces, utensils, and equipment, help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses.

Pets: Don't allow pets to play on food preparation areas. And if they do, carefully and kindly remove them and clean the area thoroughly. 

Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Proper hygiene reduces the risk of cross-contamination, where harmful bacteria from raw foods, such as meat and poultry, are transferred to ready-to-eat foods, leading to foodborne illnesses. Separate cutting boards, utensils, and storage areas for raw and cooked foods can help prevent cross-contamination.

Prolonged Food Freshness: Keeping the kitchen clean and free from spills, crumbs, and food residues can deter pests like insects and rodents that are attracted to food scraps. Proper storage and handling of perishable foods also help prevent spoilage and extend their shelf life.

Health of Household Members: Maintaining good hygiene in the kitchen contributes to the overall health and well-being of household members by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and other infections.

Positive Cooking Environment: A clean and organised kitchen is more inviting and conducive to cooking. It can also inspire creativity and enjoyment in meal preparation.

Role Modelling: Practicing good hygiene in the kitchen sets a positive example for other household members, especially children, who can learn important habits and skills for safe food handling and preparation.

Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to hygiene practices in the home kitchen ensures compliance with food safety regulations and standards, which are essential for public health and safety.

In summary, good hygiene in the home kitchen is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, maintaining food freshness, promoting the health of household members, creating a positive cooking environment, and complying with food safety regulations.

Hot drink lovers, Just Spices has you (or your drinks) covered

Just Spices make a promise to home cooks all over the UK: They say they can help change the way you cook. 

How do they do this? By offering home cooks like you and us at That's Food and Drink a delicious range of spice blends, gift sets, starter packs and for those who are strapped for time (it happens to the best of us!) some organic pasta sauces and organic ready meals that you can cook in three minutes.

However, what That's Food and Drink is bringing to your attention is another absolutely beautiful idea from Just Spices, is Coffee Kiss which is perfectly delicious when mixed into coffee, sprinkled over a frothy cappuccino or added to a cosy cup of hot chocolate.

When you visit their website https://www.justspices.co.uk you'll most likely spend at least an hour checking out everything from spice for your oats, sandwich seasoning, vegetable seasoning, ground meat seasoning, herb dip seasoning, avocado topping and much more besides.  

Your Mum can be a home Barista this Mother's Day, but with a bit of a twister, thanks to Sweet Freedom

Sweet Freedom has a fantastic offer for all you home baristas and your mothers for Mother's Day, or Mothering Sunday. 

Their Barista Coffee Bundle will be a fantastic and very welcome gift for all the coffee loving mums out there! 

As well as the bundle they sell them individually in 250ml premium glass bottles or 1 litre plastic bottles. The coffee syrups are also fantastic in hot choc, frappes and matcha.

There's a special new limited edition Barista Bundle, only 10 available, Sweet Freedom.

It contains no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners

All the ingredients are natural, the sweetness only comes from apple and carob.

No potassium sorbate or citric acid (which many existing coffee syrups contain, incidentally)

Nut free… even HAZELNUT! And vegan friendly.

And the HAZELNUT has a very prestigious Great Taste Award.

Flavours are Vanilla, Hazelnut and Caramel. 

https://sweetfreedom.co.uk/collections/barista-collection/products/new-barista-bundle

The usual price is £30.00 but by using the above link you'll be able to make your purchase for a very friendly £19.99. (But shhhh! Your mom doesn't need to know that!)

That's Health: Cultivate Wellness: Grow Your Own Medicinal Garden

That's Health: Cultivate Wellness: Grow Your Own Medicinal Garden: In today's fast-paced, over-excited world, where stress and ailments often take centrestage, the idea of cultivating one's own medic...

That's Gardening: Cultivating Green: Sustainable Gardening Practices...

That's Gardening: Cultivating Green: Sustainable Gardening Practices...: As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to escalate, many individuals are looking for ways to minimise th...

Molecular Gastronomy: Playing with Science in the Kitchen

In recent years, there has been a culinary revolution brewing in kitchens around the world. 

It's a movement that blurs the lines between science and cooking, transforming traditional dishes into innovative creations that tantalize not only the taste buds but also the imagination. 

This culinary phenomenon is known as molecular gastronomy, a discipline that explores the science behind food and uses unconventional techniques to create extraordinary dining experiences. 

Let's delve into this captivating world where chefs are like mad scientists, experimenting with ingredients, textures, and flavors to push the boundaries of gastronomy.

The Science Behind Molecular Gastronomy:

At its core, molecular gastronomy is about understanding the chemical and physical processes that occur during cooking and how they can be manipulated to achieve specific culinary outcomes. It draws upon principles from physics, chemistry, and even biology to dissect the intricacies of food and cooking. From the precise temperatures required for sous vide cooking to the emulsification of fats in sauces, every aspect of cooking is scrutinized and optimized to enhance flavors, textures, and presentations.

Experimental Techniques:

What sets molecular gastronomy apart from traditional cooking is its repertoire of experimental techniques. These techniques include spherification, gelification, foams, and encapsulation, among others. Spherification, for example, involves transforming liquid ingredients into spheres with a thin membrane, creating bursts of flavor when bitten into. Gelification allows chefs to turn liquids into gels or jellies, opening up endless possibilities for playful presentations. Foams add lightness and texture to dishes, while encapsulation involves trapping liquids inside edible membranes, creating delightful flavor explosions.

Creative Applications:

In the hands of skilled chefs, molecular gastronomy transcends mere culinary experimentation and becomes a form of edible art. Dishes are transformed into visually stunning creations that challenge our preconceptions of food. Imagine a deconstructed dessert featuring spheres of fruit juice, a cloud of aromatic foam, and delicate sugar sculptures. Or a savory dish where every component is meticulously crafted to deliver a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Molecular gastronomy allows chefs to unleash their creativity and imagination, resulting in dining experiences that are as visually captivating as they are delicious.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Despite its allure, molecular gastronomy has not been without its critics. Some argue that it prioritizes style over substance, focusing more on spectacle than on the fundamental pleasures of eating. Others raise concerns about the use of synthetic additives and chemicals in the pursuit of culinary innovation. Additionally, the specialized equipment and ingredients required for molecular gastronomy can be prohibitively expensive, limiting its accessibility to home cooks and smaller restaurants.

The Future of Molecular Gastronomy:

Despite these challenges, molecular gastronomy continues to evolve and captivate food enthusiasts around the world. Chefs are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, experimenting with new techniques and ingredients to create ever more inventive dishes. As technology advances and our understanding of food science deepens, the potential for culinary innovation seems limitless. Whether you're a professional chef or an adventurous home cook, molecular gastronomy offers a thrilling journey into the intersection of science and gastronomy, where the only limit is your imagination.

Molecular gastronomy represents a revolution in the culinary world, where chefs are like modern-day alchemists, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary creations through the power of science and imagination. 

While it may not be without its controversies, there's no denying the excitement and creativity it brings to the kitchen. So next time you're in the mood for a culinary adventure, why not don your lab coat and experiment with some molecular gastronomy techniques? Who knows what delicious discoveries await!

The Art of Sushi Rolling: Create Your Own Masterpieces at Home

Sushi, with its delicate flavours and intricate presentations, has captured the hearts and palates of people worldwide outside its native Japan.

Beyond its culinary appeal, sushi is also an art form, requiring precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of balance. 

While dining at a sushi restaurant is an experience in itself, there's something uniquely satisfying about crafting your own sushi masterpieces at home. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the art of sushi rolling, offering tips, techniques, and inspiration to help you elevate your homemade sushi game.

Understanding the Basics:

Before diving into the world of sushi rolling, it's essential to understand the fundamental components of this iconic dish. Sushi typically consists of vinegared rice (sushi rice) combined with a variety of ingredients such as raw fish (sashimi), vegetables, and sometimes even fruits, all wrapped in seaweed (nori). The key to great sushi lies in the quality of ingredients, the texture of the rice, and the skillful assembly of each roll.

Tools of the Trade:

To create sushi at home, you'll need a few essential tools. These include a bamboo sushi mat (makisu) for rolling, a sharp knife for slicing, and a rice paddle for handling the sushi rice. Additionally, having high-quality nori sheets, fresh fish or other fillings, sushi rice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce on hand will ensure that your homemade sushi tastes as delicious as it looks.

Perfecting the Rice:

Sushi rice is the foundation of any good sushi roll, and mastering its preparation is crucial. Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch, then cook it according to the cooking instructions. Once cooked, gently fold in seasoned rice vinegar to give the rice its signature tangy flavour. Be sure to let the rice cool to room temperature before using it in your sushi rolls to prevent it from becoming too sticky or too mushy.

Getting Creative:

One of the joys of making sushi at home is the freedom to experiment with different flavour combinations and presentations. While traditional sushi rolls often feature ingredients such as salmon, tuna, cucumber, and avocado, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Consider incorporating unique ingredients like mango, spicy mayo, tempura shrimp, or even unconventional proteins such as cooked chicken, beef or tofu. The possibilities are endless, so why not allow your creativity to run wild?

Mastering the Roll:

Rolling sushi may seem a daunting task at first, but with a bit of practice, you'll soon get the hang of it. Start by placing a sheet of nori on your bamboo mat, then spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a small border along the edges. 

Next, add your desired fillings in a neat row along the bottom edge of the nori. Using the bamboo mat to help guide you, roll the sushi tightly away from you, applying gentle pressure to ensure a snug seal. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces, wiping the blade clean between cuts for a clean presentation.

Presentation is the Key:

They say we eat with our eyes first, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to sushi. Take the time to arrange your sushi rolls on a beautiful platter, garnishing them with sesame seeds, thinly sliced vegetables, or drizzles of sauces for an added touch of elegance. Not only will your sushi look visually stunning, but it will also enhance the overall dining experience, too.

Creating sushi at home is not just about preparing a meal; it's about embracing a centuries-old tradition and expressing your culinary creativity. By mastering the art of sushi rolling, you'll not only impress your friends and family but also gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind this beloved dish. 

So, don your apron, sharpen your knives, and get ready to roll your way to sushi perfection. Happy rolling!

(Image courtesy of Bernadette Wurzinger from Pixabay)

The Fascinating History of Chocolate: From Ancient Times to Modern Delights

Chocolate, the word itself evokes images of indulgence, pleasure, and temptation. But beyond its rich flavour and velvety texture lies a history as rich and varied as the treat itself. From its humble beginnings in ancient Mesoamerica to its global dominance as a beloved confection, the story of chocolate is one of intrigue, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Ancient Beginnings:

The history of chocolate begins over 3,000 years ago in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The ancient Mesoamericans, including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations, were among the first to cultivate the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) and harness its beans for culinary and ceremonial purposes.

For these ancient civilisations, chocolate held immense cultural and spiritual significance. Cacao beans were used as currency, consumed in sacred rituals, and brewed into a bitter beverage known as "xocolātl" by the Aztecs, meaning "bitter water." This beverage, often flavoured with spices like chili and vanilla, was reserved for royalty, warriors, and religious ceremonies.

European Exploration and Innovation:

Chocolate remained relatively unknown to the rest of the world until the arrival of Spanish explorers in the New World during the 16th century. It was the Spanish conquistadors who first encountered the indigenous peoples' chocolate preparations and brought cacao beans back to Europe.

Initially, chocolate was met with skepticism in Europe, but it quickly gained popularity among the elite classes. Spanish monks began sweetening the bitter beverage with sugar, and soon chocolate houses began to spring up across Europe, offering chocolate drinks alongside coffee and tea.

In the 19th century, technological advancements revolutionised the entire chocolate industry. The invention of the cocoa press and other innovative concepts by Dutch chemist and chocolate maker Coenraad van Houten in 1828 allowed for the extraction of cocoa butter from cacao beans, resulting in the creation of cocoa powder. This innovation paved the way for the production of solid chocolate bars, making chocolate more accessible to the general populace.

Modernisation and Globalisation:

As chocolate production became more industrialised, its popularity soared, and new varieties and flavours emerged. Companies like Cadbury, Nestlé, and Hershey played significant roles in shaping the modern chocolate industry, introducing milk chocolate, chocolate sweets and candies, and innovative packaging techniques.

Today, chocolate is enjoyed worldwide in countless forms, from artisanal truffles to mass-produced chocolate bars. It has become synonymous with celebrations, romance, and comfort, transcending cultural boundaries and socioeconomic divides alike.

However, the chocolate industry is not without its controversies. Issues such as child labour, deforestation, and sustainability continue to plague the cocoa supply chain, prompting calls for greater transparency and ethical sourcing practices.

Looking Ahead:

As we continue to savour and enjoy the delights of chocolate, it's vital to reflect on its complex history and the challenges facing the industry today. By supporting ethical and sustainable chocolate producers, consumers can help ensure that the tradition of chocolate-making endures for generations to come.

In conclusion, the history of chocolate is a testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and cultural exchange. From its ancient origins in the rainforests of Mesoamerica to its modern incarnation as a global indulgence, chocolate remains one of the world's most beloved treats, captivating hearts and taste buds alike.

So, the next time you enjoy a piece of chocolate or a chocolate drink, take a moment to savour not just its delicious flavour but also the centuries of history and tradition that have gone into its creation. After all, chocolate isn't just a sweet indulgence, it's a window into our shared past and a celebration of the rich tapestry of human experience.