Monday, 16 September 2024
That's Christmas: How to Create a Cosy, Homemade Crafty Christmas
That's Christmas: How to Create a Cosy, Homemade Crafty Christmas: As the festive season approaches, many of us feel the urge to make our homes sparkle with holiday cheer. But rather than relying solely on s...
Flourless Cake and Biscuit Recipes
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Flourless cakes and biscuits are not only easy to make, but they also offer a rich, satisfying flavour that even the most indulgent desserts can’t rival.
Whether you’re gluten intolerant or simply exploring alternative baking, these flourless recipes are sure to become a favourite in your kitchen.
Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake
This cake is decadently rich and moist, with a delicate almond flavour that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Ingredients:
200g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
150g unsalted butter
150g ground almonds
150g caster sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a 20cm round cake tin, lining the base with baking parchment.
Melt the chocolate and butter together over a bain-marie (a bowl placed over simmering water), stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick.
Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the yolk mixture, followed by the ground almonds.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three stages.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cake has set but still has a slight wobble in the centre.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin, then turn out onto a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
This cake is delicious on its own or paired with fresh berries and a dollop of cream.
Coconut Macaroons (Biscuits)
These delightful coconut biscuits are wonderfully chewy on the inside with a crisp exterior, making them the perfect snack to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
200g desiccated coconut
150g caster sugar
2 large egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
100g dark chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
Method:
Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and egg whites.
Mix until the ingredients come together to form a sticky dough.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or mounds and place them onto the baking tray, spacing them a few centimetres apart.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the macaroons are golden around the edges.
Allow the macaroons to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you’d like, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled macaroons for an extra indulgent touch.
Peanut Butter Cookies
These three-ingredient biscuits are incredibly simple yet unbelievably tasty. The natural oils in the peanut butter create a soft, chewy texture that makes them hard to resist.
Ingredients:
200g smooth peanut butter (or crunchy if you prefer)
150g soft brown sugar
1 large egg
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until fully combined.
Scoop tablespoons of the dough and place them onto the baking tray. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or fork to create a pattern on the top.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
These peanut butter cookies are perfect for a quick treat and go wonderfully with a glass of milk or a strong cuppa.
Flourless Lemon Almond Cake
For a lighter cake, this lemon almond recipe offers a bright and zesty flavour that’s perfect for afternoon tea.
Ingredients:
200g ground almonds
150g caster sugar
4 large eggs, separated
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan) and grease a 20cm round cake tin, lining the base with baking parchment.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
Gently fold in the ground almonds.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Carefully fold the egg whites into the almond mixture in stages, being careful not to knock out too much air.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin, then transfer to a serving plate and dust with icing sugar.
Final Thoughts
Flourless baking is easier than you might think, and these recipes prove that you don’t need flour to create beautiful cakes and biscuits. Whether you're craving something rich like a flourless chocolate almond cake or a quick peanut butter biscuit, there's a flourless option for everyone.
Happy flourless baking!
Why Visiting Charity Shops to Donate or Buy Items is a Positive Action
Whether you’re donating pre-loved items or buying something unique, visiting charity shops can have far-reaching benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment.
Here’s why it’s such a positive action.
1. Supporting a Good Cause
One of the most significant reasons to visit a charity shop is to support the cause it represents. Every purchase and donation helps fund vital services, whether it’s medical research, homelessness relief, or animal welfare. By choosing to shop or donate to charity shops, you’re contributing directly to the sustainability of these charities, ensuring they can continue their important work in society.
2. Promoting Sustainability
Charity shops play an essential role in promoting sustainable living. When you donate items, you’re giving them a new lease of life rather than contributing to landfill waste. This act of recycling helps reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing new goods. Similarly, buying second-hand reduces the demand for fast fashion and new consumer goods, which are major contributors to environmental degradation. Every item you buy in a charity shop is one less item that needs to be produced, saving energy and resources.
3. Affordable Shopping
Charity shops offer high-quality goods at a fraction of the cost compared to high street retailers. Whether it’s clothing, books, homeware, or furniture, there’s always something for everyone, and often you can find excellent bargains or rare, one-of-a-kind items. For those on a budget or looking to save money, charity shops provide a wonderful alternative to conventional retail.
4. Fostering a Sense of Community
Charity shops are often staffed by volunteers who are passionate about the cause they support. By visiting these shops, you’re contributing to the sense of community they create. You might strike up a conversation with a staff member or fellow shopper, learn more about local issues, or even get involved yourself as a volunteer. It’s a space where people can connect and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
5. Decluttering with Purpose
Donating to charity shops provides a meaningful way to declutter your home. Instead of throwing away clothes or items you no longer use, you can pass them on to someone who might need them. It’s a win-win situation – you get to tidy up your living space, and the charity shop gets more stock to sell, helping them raise more funds. This process of giving makes decluttering not just a chore, but an act of generosity and goodwill.
6. Encouraging Mindful Consumption
Shopping in charity shops can lead to more mindful consumption. Unlike fast fashion or large retailers, where items are often bought impulsively, charity shop purchases tend to be more considered. You may spend time searching for the perfect item, and when you find something, it feels like a treasure rather than just another purchase. This shift in mindset helps reduce overconsumption, encouraging people to buy what they need and appreciate the value of second-hand goods.
7. A Unique Shopping Experience
Charity shops offer an eclectic and ever-changing range of products. You never know what you might find – from vintage clothing to rare books or even antiques. This element of surprise makes charity shopping an exciting and enjoyable experience. It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy the thrill of discovering something unique, often at a fraction of its original price.
My wife and I have often found brand new kitchen and cookery items all at a fraction of the original price. And some charity shops help the local economy by offering seed, produce and food swaps.
And new or used items found within a local charity shop can make for excellent Christmas presents.
8. Encouraging Local Economies
Many charity shops are independently run, supporting both local causes and employment in their communities. When you shop or donate to a local charity shop, you're helping create jobs, offering work experience opportunities, and supporting small-scale businesses that partner with these organisations. This helps stimulate local economies, ensuring that money is reinvested into the community rather than being funnelled into large corporations.
Conclusion
Visiting charity shops, whether to donate or buy, is not just an act of kindness or a smart shopping choice—it’s a way to contribute positively to society. It supports important charitable causes, promotes sustainability, encourages mindful consumption, and fosters a sense of community. Next time you’re decluttering or looking for something new, consider your local charity shop—it’s a small action that can have a big impact.
How diet and supplements can help master excessive sweating
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While medical treatments are often necessary for severe cases, there are certain herbs, minerals, and supplements that are believed to help reduce excessive sweating.
However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedy, especially if you have underlying conditions. Here's a list of some potential options:
Herbs:
Sage
Sage tea or supplements are often recommended for reducing sweat production, as sage contains tannic acid, which has astringent properties that may help reduce sweating.
Witch Hazel
Often used topically, witch hazel contains tannins that can tighten the skin and reduce sweat production. It's typically applied to the skin in the form of wipes or lotions.
Schisandra
This herb, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is thought to help with stress-related sweating and improve adrenal function, which may reduce sweating overall.
Black Cohosh
Sometimes used to manage menopausal symptoms, black cohosh may also help regulate body temperature and sweating, particularly in women experiencing hot flashes.
Chamomile
Known for its calming properties, chamomile may reduce anxiety-related sweating. It can be consumed as tea or used topically as a wash.
Minerals:
Magnesium
A deficiency in magnesium has been linked to excessive sweating. Taking magnesium supplements or consuming magnesium-rich foods (e.g., spinach, almonds, avocados) may help reduce sweat production.
Zinc
Zinc plays a role in regulating the body’s sweat glands. A zinc deficiency can contribute to excessive sweating, so supplementation may help, especially if a deficiency is identified.
Food Supplements:
Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins are important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Excessive sweating can sometimes be linked to stress, and B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, may help manage stress and reduce sweating.
Calcium
Calcium supplements may help regulate body temperature and reduce sweating, especially in cases related to menopause or hormonal imbalances.
Wheatgrass
Known for its high chlorophyll content, wheatgrass is believed to help neutralise acids in the body and reduce excessive sweating. It's available as a juice, powder, or capsule.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea contains antioxidants and astringent properties that may help reduce sweating when taken internally or applied topically.
L-Glutamine
This amino acid may help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for excessive sweating. It supports overall nervous system function, potentially minimising episodes of sweat.
Evening Primrose Oil
Often used for hormonal balance, evening primrose oil may help alleviate excessive sweating caused by hormonal changes, such as during menopause.
Final Thoughts:
While these herbs, minerals, and supplements may help manage excessive sweating, it's important to remember that individual results may vary. Addressing the root cause of hyperhidrosis, whether it’s hormonal imbalance, stress, or a medical condition, is key to long-term management. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they’re appropriate for your situation.
Black Gold XO Cafe Tequila. "It's utterly delicious!"
The launch arrives to fill premium coffee liqueur shaped hole left by Patron XO Café being discontinued from sale in the UK.
It's a sumptuous blend of the finest quality coffee combined with the smoothest tequila.
It's already available to purchase online at a price to match Patron XO Café.
A spokesperson told That's Food and Drink: "It's a new premium Coffee Tequila brand, Black Gold XO Café, which has been launched in a bid to fill the unfortunate void left by the discontinuation of the much-loved Patron XO Café in the UK."
Already available online at an RRP of £30, Black Gold XO Café is really the perfect blend and smoothest iteration of two of the world’s most beloved beverages, coffee, and tequila.
Crafted to a unique recipe with meticulous attention to detail, this luxurious coffee tequila is genuinely silky smooth, rich, and full-bodied, with a subtle hint of roasted coffee beans and a warm, lingering tequila finish.
Although the Bacardi-owned Patron XO Café was discontinued in 2021 and reintroduced in the US earlier this month, UK consumers continue to express their undoubted disappointment for its discontinuation, with the alcohol giant’s social media pages regularly flooded with outcry and calls for its return to the UK market.
However! Bacardi’s loss is clearly Black Gold XO Café’s gain, offering up a similar flavour profile, the same luxury experience, and all at the same price point as Patron XO Café before its discontinuation, Black Gold XO Café is offering consumers the chance to reconnect with their favourite tequila experience, both at the bar and at home.
Soft launched to mixologists earlier this year, the reaction from those making the best cocktails is the business has been absolutely massive, with the initial small batch run rather quickly sold out.
Black Gold XO Café is already an award-winning brand, having won gold at the 2024 Tequila & Mezcal Masters.
The completely unbranded liquid was submitted to the awards ahead of its market launch and was judged purely on its taste, and to great, widespread acclaim.
Said Nic Ponticakis, who has the unenviable position of being Brand Manager for Black Gold XO Café: “We're obviously thrilled to be reacquainting coffee tequila fans with their favourite liqueur.
“You just have to look online to witness that consumers are continuing to crave this flavour combination but are yet to have their needs fully met.
"With social media posts and petitions demanding ‘Bring back Café Patron’ we know there remains a gap in the UK coffee tequila market that needs filling, and with Black Gold XO Café, we're really confident that we've done it.
“With the continuing undoubted popularity of coffee-based cocktails, such as the iconic Espresso Martini, it was vital we created a coffee tequila that would be incredibly delicious both on its own, or as part of a cocktail creation. With its elegant packaging and luxuriously smooth taste profile, Black Gold XO Cafe is the perfect choice for both scenarios.
“We can’t wait to see consumers around the UK elevating their moments of joy with Black Gold XO Café!”
In addition to its stunning aesthetic and flavour profile, Black Gold XO Café also has a number of sustainability credentials, such as including the use of post-consumer recycled glass for its bottles, a biodegradable closure, and a stopper also made from recycled materials.
Black Gold XO Café is available to purchase via Amazon https://amzn.to/3xqlaAN and ClicknDrink https://clickndrink.co.uk/black-gold-coffee-tequila-70cl with an ABV of 34% and in a 70cl bottle format.
You can follow the brand on Instagram here:
Are you a retailer or a cocktail bar or hotelier wanting to discuss stocking Black Gold XO Café? Then you can contact LWC Drinks https://www.lwc-drinks.co.uk
We believe that Black Gold XO Café will be an ideal addition to your Christmas and New Year drink's cabinet, so may be suggest you buy in your stocks early to avoid the rush?
Wednesday, 11 September 2024
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NaturesPlus will help you through the winter months
Available from Amazon
For good, effective winter immune support, NaturesPlus Immune Support Tablets offer a powerful blend of essential nutrients and herbs. This formula includes zinc, copper, and vitamins A, C, and D to boost your immune system and protect against winter bugs. Enhanced with Maitake mushroom, Andrographis, arabinogalactans, astragalus root, and olive leaf extract, it can help strengthen your defences and fight off seasonal colds.
Designed for daily use, this supplement helps maintain your immune health throughout the colder months and can be increased if needed. It works well on its own or alongside other products from the NaturesPlus Immune range, making it an excellent addition to your winter wellness routine.
Elements Supreme Microbiom (RRP £35.99/ 28 capsules)
Available from lmnts.eu and Amazon
During winter, many of us find ourselves on antibiotics to treat various bacterial infections, from ear and sinus infections to other health concerns. It's crucial to protect our gut health during this time, as antibiotic use can disrupt the balance of our microbiome. This imbalance can lead to a range of issues, including a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
Supreme Microbiom from Elements is specially designed to support gut health during antibiotic use. Each dose contains a dosage of 100 Billion CFU friendly bacteria, while also having a diverse formula that includes 14 strains of live cultures, which include strains that have been proven to be antibiotic-resistant. The gastro-resistant capsule ensures these probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the intestines effectively, providing essential support to help maintain and replenish your gut health and overall immunity.
NaturesPlus Vitamin D3 1000 IU/Vitamin K2 (RRP £13.95/ 90 capsules)
Available from Amazon
Taking NaturesPlus Vitamin D3 1000 IU/Vitamin K2 during the winter is particularly beneficial due to the limited sunlight exposure many people experience during this season. Vitamin D3 is essential for maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system, and enhancing mood. In the winter, when daylight hours are shorter and people spend more time indoors, natural vitamin D synthesis through sunlight decreases, making supplementation important to prevent deficiencies and maintain overall health.
The inclusion of Vitamin K2 in this supplement is also vital, as it works synergistically with Vitamin D3 to support bone health and cardiovascular function. Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption, but without sufficient Vitamin K2, calcium may be deposited in the arteries instead of the bones, leading to potential health issues.
By combining these two vitamins, NaturesPlus Vitamin D3/Vitamin K2 helps ensure that calcium is properly utilized in the body, promoting strong bones and a healthy heart, which is particularly important during the winter months when the risk of deficiency increases.
To learn more and to place your orders please visit https://naturesplus.co.uk.
We at That's Food and Drink believe these would make lovely and thoughtful stocking fillers for those you love and care about this Christmas.
Want to know the best places to eat? Eat Drink Meet lists the UKs best brunch spots
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The best restaurants and pubs for brunch (breakfast and lunch!) in the UK have bee.n revealed by Eat Drink Meet, a special website dedicated to help visitors discover nearby pubs, bars, and restaurants using unique filtering options.
Eat Drink Meet offers you more than other websites, as it has options to filter to venues with brunch, afternoon tea, ‘pubs with a view’, ‘gastro pubs’, and even discover local establishments hosting pub quizzes and live music nights. It’s ideal for finding spots near you, that you might not have previously been aware of.
With venues all over the UK on its database, Eat Drink Meet has ranked the best brunch spots in key cities all over the UK to help the public find the ideal place to visit for something to eat.
10. The Barge Inn, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Serving both local folks and narrow users from the adjacent Grand Union Canal since the 19th century, The Barge Inn is a gem. It offers a superb selection of brunch options. Choices include a full cooked breakfast to Eggs Florentine, and all are available throughout the morning at weekends.
9. The Bull’s Head, Shenstone, Staffordshire
The Bull’s Head in Shenstone, which is near the cathedral city of near Lichfield, offers a unique blend of town and country. It boasts a well-stocked bar and everything from buttermilk pancakes to fresh avocado on offer on its menu, it offers a wonderful mix of brunch options for all the family to enjoy.
8. The Hawes Inn, South Queensferry, West Lothian
An inspiration for a Robert Louis Stevenson novel, The Hawes Inn in South Queensferry is a charming country pub serving a wide range of classic and seasonal dishes. It's famed for its delicious brunch. With breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and well-kept gardens, it's a stunning spot that travellers in the area should seek out.
7. Fairfield Arms, Audenshaw, Greater Manchester
Once a private house The Fairfield Arms in Audenshaw in Greater Manchester is a stunning red-brick Victorian building where brunch is served every weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Alongside a range of classic adult options, there’s also children's portions, too.
6. The King’s Head, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire
An ideal venue for history lovers, The King’s Head in Wellesbourne shouldn't be missed. Built in the 1600s, during the English Civil War it served as a hospital and during WW2 it hosted RAF pilots and other military personnel. It boasts cosy indoor seating and a smart and tidy garden and a mouth-watering menu for all meals – including brunch options.
5. The Fitzwilliam Arms, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
The Fitzwilliam Arms, safe in the heart of Marholm village, which is not far from Peterborough, is a charming countryside inn that offers a perfect place to sit back and relax ofr a while. Surrounded by historic buildings owned by the Fitzwilliam family, the thatched-roofed pub has a carefully crafted brunch menu boasting everything from the classic full English to a more modern favourite, smashed avocado on a toasted artisan bloomer.
4. The Rose and Crown, Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Dating back to 1786, The Rose and Crown is a gorgeous setting for your brunch. Historically having served as a very busy coaching inn, the pub now takes pride in serving the best meal of the day. Brunch! Offering a varied selection, you'll be able to opt for hot drinks and fresh juices to complement whatever you choose knowing that the local chefs have designed the menu to ultimate perfection.
3. Browns, Stone, Staffordshire
It has a spacious outdoor terrace and a carefully hand-crafted cocktails menu, Browns in Stone offers a great spot to catch up and brunch with your friends or family members. The menu features delights like lobster benedict and smoked salmon but also classical options like eggs and pancakes. At the weekends why not enjoy their a bottomless brunch option served until 2pm.
2. The Cadland, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Nottingham's The Cadland offers a relaxing atmosphere for your brunching. It boasts a spacious beer garden, perfect if you happen to visit on a dry or, even better, a sunny day, but it also has comfortable indoor spaces to catch up with friends and family while enjoying a delightful range of classic brunch options.
1. Browns, Liverpool, Merseyside
For locals and tourists alike, Browns in Liverpool is a go-to destination for a delightful brunch. Situated close to Liverpool One, the Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool, the historic docks, several underground railway stations (and my Liverpool office!) it's the ideal spot to fuel your body before a day of exploring all that Liverpool has to offer. With a brilliantly boozy range of hand-crafted cocktails and a well-stocked bar, there is also a bottomless brunch option for those who feel like they want to indulge a little bit.
To learn more or to explore your own area visit https://www.eatdrinkmeet.co.uk
That's Christmas: Buy special handcrafted wooden gifts from Stephen ...
That's Christmas: Buy special handcrafted wooden gifts from Stephen ...: Leah, a very good friend of That's Christmas, has asked us to promote her Dad's business and we are pleased and proud to be able to...
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