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Get truffling with your favourite meals!

Truffles are a sought-after ingredient amongst chefs and the foodie elite, but their cost is usually prohibitive for the average food budget. 

But! Be Truffle is on a mission to change this, by introducing its unique range of truffle-based products designed to appeal to a much wider audience, making it easy to add some truffle-tastic flavour to a widening range of dishes. 

Be Truffle differs from other truffle brands by offering a revolutionary 'truffle take' on traditional British favourites, injecting a dash of truffle into everyday sauces and condiments like mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce and mustard. 

Also, the collection includes an assortment of delicious innovative truffle infused sauces such as Truffle Teriyaki, Truffle Soy Sauce, Truffle Ponzu Sauce and the unique BeTruffle Sauce, alongside affordable traditional truffle products including truffle honey, olive oil, butter and salt. 

You can use them to add a burst of flavour to a whole host of meals from pasta and soups, to marinades, pizza toppings or even ice cream, Be Truffle is setting out to become the latest store cupboard essential!

 The ultimate umami fusion food, truffles sit well within a whole range of cuisines from Indian to Chinese, South East Asian to European, helping to transform a dish, whatever the cooking style.

Be Truffle sources its truffles from Italy and the impressive line-up ensures there's a product for every dining occasion, from pepping up a bowl of chips to adding a smattering of sophistication to an impromptu dinner party dish. 

The full Be Truffle range includes 32 perfectly prepared products: White Truffle Vinegar, Black Truffle Vinegar, White Truffle Dressing, Black Truffle Dressing, Black Truffle Maple Syrup, Truffle Ketchup, Truffle Mayonnaise, Truffle Honey Mustard, Sweet Truffle Chili, Truffle BBQ, Truffle & Black Garlic Aioli, Spicy Truffle Mayo, Truffle Porcini Cream, Truffle Cheese Cream, BeTruffle Sauce, Truffle Soy Sauce, Truffle Ponzu Sauce, Truffle Teriyaki Sauce, Black Sliced Truffle, Whole Black Truffle, Black Truffle Honey, White Truffle Honey, Black Truffle Powder, Black Truffle Sauce, White Truffle Sauce, White Truffle Coarse Salt, White Truffle Table Salt, Black Truffle Coarse Salt, Black Truffle Table Salt, White Truffle Olive Oil, Black Truffle Olive Oil and Black Truffle Butter.

The Be Truffle range starts at £2.50 and is available from the Be Truffle website. All products are Vegetarian Society approved. For more information about Be Truffle visit www.betruffle.com

That's Food and Drink believes that these products are a "must buy" addition to the Christmas condiments cupboard. 

Catering for a Vegan Christmas: Starters, Main Courses, and Desserts

Christmas is a time for family, friends, celebration, and, of course, indulgent feasting. 

With more people embracing plant-based lifestyles, it’s essential to ensure that vegans are catered for during the festive season. 

Whether you're a seasoned vegan yourself or simply hosting vegan guests, this guide will help you plan a delicious and inclusive Christmas menu. 

From starters to desserts, here's how to make your vegan Christmas a feast to remember.

Starters: Setting the Scene

A great Christmas meal begins with the perfect starter, and there are plenty of vegan options that are both satisfying and festive.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage Croutons A smooth, warming soup is ideal for starting the Christmas meal. Roasted butternut squash, blended with garlic, onions, and vegetable stock, creates a creamy and rich base. Add sage-infused croutons for a lovely herbaceous crunch.

Tip: Roast the squash with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of nutmeg to enhance its natural sweetness.

Vegan Pâté with Toasted Ciabatta For something a bit more indulgent, a mushroom and walnut pâté served with toasted ciabatta can impress even the most discerning guests. The earthy mushrooms, mixed with garlic, thyme, and a splash of brandy, create a deep, savoury flavour. Top with some tangy cornichons or pickled beetroot for contrast.

Christmas Bruschetta Topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil, bruschetta is a colourful and vibrant way to kick off the meal. You can also add a festive twist with pomegranate seeds or roasted red peppers for a splash of red.

Main Courses: The Showstopper

The centrepiece of your vegan Christmas meal needs to be hearty and satisfying. Here are some plant-based mains that will be a star attraction.

Vegan Wellington A Christmas favourite, a vegan Wellington is a brilliant meat-free alternative. A filling of mushrooms, chestnuts, lentils, and spinach, wrapped in golden puff pastry, creates a stunning and rich main course. Serve with a rich vegan gravy, roasted vegetables, and crispy roast potatoes.

Tip: Brush the pastry with plant-based milk for that perfect golden finish.

Nut Roast The classic nut roast has had a bit of a renaissance in recent years. Made from a mixture of nuts, seeds, vegetables, and breadcrumbs, it’s packed with flavour and texture. Add cranberries and chestnuts to give it a festive touch, and serve with lashings of gravy.

Stuffed Squash For something a bit lighter but still impressive, try stuffing an acorn or butternut squash with quinoa, cranberries, and pecans. The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and the nutty quinoa, creating a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Desserts: The Sweet Finish

No Christmas feast is complete without a decadent dessert. Luckily, there are plenty of vegan options that will delight your guests.

Vegan Christmas Pudding Traditional Christmas pudding can easily be made vegan by swapping out the eggs and butter for plant-based alternatives. Packed with dried fruits, spices, and a dash of brandy, it’s just as rich and indulgent as the original. Serve with vegan custard or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Yule Log A vegan chocolate yule log is a great way to end the Christmas meal on a high note. A soft, moist chocolate sponge rolled around a luscious vegan buttercream, topped with dark chocolate ganache, is sure to please the chocoholics at the table.

Cranberry and Orange Tart For something a bit more refreshing, a cranberry and orange tart is a great option. The zesty orange pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the cranberries, all encased in a crisp pastry shell. Serve with a dollop of coconut cream for a lighter, fresher end to the meal.

Tips for Hosting Vegan Guests

Check Labels Carefully: Even foods that seem vegan may contain hidden animal products, like honey, beef gelatin, or dairy derivatives. Always check the ingredients list to ensure everything is plant-based.

Use Plant-Based Substitutes: Plant-based alternatives for milk, butter, cream, and even cheese are widely available. Use them to adapt traditional Christmas recipes into vegan-friendly versions.

Separate Cooking Spaces: If you’re preparing non-vegan dishes, try to keep cooking utensils and surfaces separate to avoid cross-contamination.

Get Creative with Ingredients: Seasonal vegetables, spices, and plant-based proteins offer endless opportunities to make your Christmas dinner both festive and delicious.

Conclusion

Catering for vegans at Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or tradition. By embracing plant-based ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a festive menu that everyone will enjoy. From hearty starters and show-stopping mains to indulgent desserts, your vegan Christmas feast will be a celebration of food, family, and compassion.

And don't forget, you need to make sure the drinks (both hot and cold) are vegan friendly, too! We're going to cover these in a subsequent blogpost. 

Happy Christmas, and enjoy your festive vegan creations!

And here is the link to the vegan-friendly cocktail recipes https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2024/09/mixing-fantastic-vegan-friendly.html

Why You Should Cover Your Christmas Turkey with Bacon Strips

As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to the most iconic meal of the year – Christmas dinner. 

A beautifully roasted turkey, surrounded by golden roast potatoes, brussels sprouts, and rich gravy, is the star of the show. 

However, achieving the perfect turkey can be a challenge. For some, dry turkey is the bane of Christmas Day, but there’s a simple solution to prevent it: covering your turkey with strips of bacon.

Here’s why you should add this delightful twist to your festive feast:

1. Keeps the Turkey Moist

Turkey breast, in particular, tends to dry out quickly during roasting due to its low-fat content. By layering your bird with bacon, you’re providing a natural bastion of fat. As the bacon cooks, its fat renders and drips down, basting the turkey throughout the roasting process. This keeps the meat juicy and prevents the dreaded dry turkey.

2. Adds Flavour

Bacon isn’t just about fat – it’s packed with flavour. Wrapping your turkey in smoky, salty bacon will infuse the bird with rich, savoury notes that complement its mild taste. The bacon fat melts and soaks into the skin, giving you an incredibly flavourful outer layer. Plus, the contrast between crispy bacon and tender turkey is a texture lover’s dream.

3. Enhances the Crispy Skin

Who doesn’t love a turkey with perfectly crispy skin? The bacon helps achieve that golden, crispy finish. As the bacon cooks and crisps up, it also encourages the turkey’s skin underneath to do the same. The result? A deeply satisfying crunch with each bite.

4. Adds a Touch of Luxury

Bacon-wrapped turkey isn’t just practical; it also elevates the dish, giving it a bit of gourmet flair. It looks impressive on the table and can make your Christmas dinner feel that little bit more indulgent. After all, if you’re going to roast a turkey once a year, why not go all out?

5. Acts as a Shield

The turkey’s breast is prone to overcooking before the legs are done. By covering the bird with bacon, you’re essentially giving the breast an added layer of protection. This shield helps regulate the cooking process, ensuring the turkey cooks evenly. If the bacon gets too crispy before the bird is fully cooked, you can simply remove the bacon strips towards the end of the roasting time and let the turkey finish cooking uncovered.

6. A Versatile Addition

Covering your turkey with bacon also opens up plenty of room for creativity. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme beneath the bacon for an extra infusion of flavour, or brush the bacon with honey or maple syrup for a sweet, glazed finish. You can even use different types of bacon – smoked, unsmoked, or streaky – depending on your personal preference.

7. A Crowd Pleaser

Let’s face it: everyone loves bacon. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the addition of bacon to your Christmas turkey is bound to be a hit. Once the bird is carved, the crispy bacon strips can be served alongside the turkey or even crumbled over the stuffing or brussels sprouts for added flavour. It’s a festive win-win.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a surefire way to enhance your Christmas turkey, covering it with strips of bacon is a no-brainer. Not only will it keep the meat moist and full of flavour, but it will also give your festive feast that extra touch of luxury. So, this Christmas, don’t just settle for a traditional roast turkey – wrap it in bacon and enjoy a truly decadent and delicious centrepiece for your holiday meal.

Happy roasting, and Merry Christmas!

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The Next Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival: A Celebration of British Brewing

If you’re a fan of real ale, there’s one event that is likely already on your radar – the Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival. As one of the largest pub chains in the UK, Wetherspoon has made it a tradition to celebrate British brewing by hosting this highly anticipated festival. 

Whether you’re a seasoned real ale enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of craft beer, this event promises to have something for everyone.

What to Expect at the Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival

Wetherspoon's real ale festivals are known for offering an impressive selection of beers from across the UK, showcasing the work of small and independent breweries as well as established names. The upcoming festival is expected to continue this tradition, featuring a diverse range of ales that highlight the variety and innovation present in the British brewing scene.

From classic bitters and golden ales to porters, stouts, and seasonal brews, the festival’s menu will cater to all tastes. Expect beers with rich, malty notes, hoppy flavours, and unique experimental twists. Wetherspoon pubs also work hard to source international ales, so you’ll likely see guest appearances from breweries overseas, giving the festival a global edge.

A Showcase of Independent Breweries

One of the most exciting aspects of the Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival is its support for independent breweries. The festival provides a platform for smaller brewers to reach a wider audience, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for beer lovers to sample some truly unique ales that aren’t always available in every pub.

For those who are keen to support local brewers, this is an ideal chance to taste regional specialties and discover new favourites. Many breweries take the opportunity to create limited edition ales specifically for the festival, making the experience even more exclusive.

Affordable Prices

Wetherspoon is known for offering some of the most affordable pints on the high street, and the festival will be no exception. You’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of quality ales at wallet-friendly prices. This makes it the perfect time to try something new without breaking the bank. In fact, Wetherspoon prices for the festival ales are even lower than usual at £1.79 a pint. (Check for details)

Tasting Notes and Recommendations

During the festival, you’ll find tasting notes and information provided for each beer. This is particularly helpful for those who may not be familiar with the various styles of ale on offer. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or dark and complex, these notes will guide you towards the beers best suited to your palate.

In addition to the tasting notes, many Wetherspoon pubs offer ‘thirds’ – smaller measures of beer that allow you to sample several ales without committing to a full pint. It’s a great way to experience a broad selection and find the ones you enjoy most.

A Social Experience

Beyond the beers themselves, the Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival is a social occasion. It’s a chance to gather with friends, family, or fellow ale enthusiasts to share in the joy of good conversation over excellent drinks. The relaxed atmosphere of Wetherspoon pubs makes for the perfect backdrop to enjoy a few pints, whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor.

When and Where

The Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival typically takes place twice a year, in the spring and autumn, across all Wetherspoon pubs in the UK. With over 800 locations, you’re never too far from the action. Keep an eye out for announcements from your local pub regarding the specific dates and the ales they’ll be featuring. The next festival runs from Wednesday 9 October to Sunday 20 October inclusive.

Don’t Miss Out

Whether you’re a real ale connoisseur or just curious about what the festival has to offer, the Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who enjoys quality British beer. With its diverse selection, affordable prices, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the craft of brewing and discover new favourites. There's ales from all over the world and vegan options, too.

Mark your calendars, and get ready to raise a glass to British ale!

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/beer-festival

Why Restaurants, Pubs, and Eateries Should Avoid Loud Background Music

In recent years, loud background music has become a common feature in many restaurants, pubs, and eateries. 

While some believe it creates a lively atmosphere, there are numerous reasons why this trend can have a negative impact on the dining experience. Here’s why these establishments should rethink the volume of their background music:

1. Conversation Becomes Impossible

One of the primary reasons people visit restaurants and pubs is to enjoy time with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it’s a casual meal or a more formal gathering, conversations are a central part of the experience. 

Loud background music can make it difficult, if not impossible, to engage in meaningful conversation. Diners find themselves raising their voices to be heard, leading to discomfort, frustration, and even a strained atmosphere. When conversation becomes a struggle, the enjoyment of the meal or drink can significantly diminish.

2. It Detracts From the Dining Experience

For many, dining out is more than just eating; it’s an experience. People want to appreciate the flavours, aromas, and textures of their food in a relaxed setting. Loud music often distracts from this, making it harder to focus on the culinary journey. Research has shown that loud noise can interfere with our ability to properly taste food, as it desensitises our perception of flavours. This means that what could have been an extraordinary meal may be reduced to something forgettable simply because the music drowned out the finer details of the dining experience.

3. Stress and Discomfort for Patrons

High noise levels, including loud music, can lead to increased stress and anxiety. What should be a relaxing evening out can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience when the environment feels chaotic. For patrons who are sensitive to noise or suffer from hearing impairments, the stress can be even more pronounced, making them less likely to return. A calm and inviting atmosphere, with music at a moderate volume, fosters comfort and encourages customers to stay longer and spend more time enjoying their meal or drink.

4. Impacts Staff Performance

It’s not just customers who suffer from loud background music – staff are affected too. In a busy restaurant or pub, clear communication is essential. If staff members have to shout orders to each other over blaring music, mistakes are more likely to happen, whether it’s incorrect orders or miscommunication about customer needs. Additionally, the noise can contribute to fatigue and stress among employees, ultimately impacting their performance and mood. A calmer, quieter atmosphere allows staff to work more efficiently and maintain a pleasant demeanour towards customers.

5. Alienating a Segment of Customers

Loud music may appeal to a younger, more energetic crowd, but it can alienate other demographics. Families with young children, older patrons, or people looking for a quiet, relaxed evening out are unlikely to return if they are overwhelmed by excessive noise. A balance between atmosphere and comfort is crucial to ensuring that a wide range of customers feel welcome and at ease in the establishment. Failing to strike that balance can drive away customers who value a more peaceful environment.

6. Legal and Health Implications

While this may be less commonly discussed, noise levels in public spaces can sometimes border on the illegal. Excessive noise may contravene local regulations, particularly if it disturbs neighbouring businesses or residential areas. Additionally, exposure to prolonged loud music can lead to hearing damage, both for staff and regular patrons. By keeping background music at a reasonable level, restaurants and pubs can help protect their staff from potential long-term health risks while adhering to local noise ordinances. It can also adversely impact people who are on the Autistic Spectrum, those suffering from Tinnitus,  etc.

7. Encourages Longer Stays and Repeat Business

A comfortable atmosphere invites patrons to stay longer and enjoy more of what the restaurant or pub has to offer. When background music is loud, people are often eager to leave quickly after eating or drinking, which can reduce the overall time spent in the establishment and lower sales. On the other hand, when the environment is conducive to conversation and relaxation, customers are more likely to order additional items like desserts, drinks, or coffee, boosting revenue. Satisfied customers also become repeat customers, returning time and again to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

While background music can certainly enhance the ambiance of a restaurant, pub, or eatery, it’s essential that it complements rather than overpowers the dining experience. Loud music disrupts conversation, detracts from the enjoyment of food, and can create an atmosphere of stress and discomfort. By keeping music at a moderate volume, establishments can ensure a more pleasant and welcoming environment for all patrons, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.