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DabbaDrop food delivery service hires KF COMMS to reach even more customers

KF COMMS is thrilled to be working with DabbaDrop, which is the UK's first plastic-free takeaway service on a mission to reclaim mealtimes.

Launched in 2018, DabbaDrop was the brainchild of Mumbai-born Anshu Ahuja and New Zealander Renee Williams.

Why did they launch DabbaDrop? Too many years of unfulfilling takeaways made with low-quality ingredients, offering minimal vegetarian options and leaving the customers with excessive plastic waste to dispose of.

As these two time poor mums started looking for a better alternative, DabbaDrop was born. What began life as an East London only neighbourhood delivery service, DabbaDrop now covers London zones 1-3 and has delivered in excess of 200,000 delicious, homemade meals, with zero waste and zero emissions.

Inspired by Dabbawalas born in Mumbai in the late 1800s (dabba meaning 'box' in Hindi), DabbaDrop gets its name from the steel boxes which have kept cities fed for over a hundred years. 

It began as a stacked dinner delivered by bike or railway train to neighbourhood workers who would enjoy their meal from top drawer to bottom and give back the containers on the delivery person's return journey.  (As an aside, my wife's father who was of Indian heritage used Dabbas! What a small world!) 

Along with the reusable steel dabba's that reduce environmental impact by being sterilised, refilled and reused, DabbaDrop's innovative pre-ordering system also means minimal food waste as they know exactly how many to make. 

Deliveries are then made using only eco-friendly methods like as pedal cycles, e-bikes, and zero-emission vehicles. 

To date, 404,584 plastic containers have been saved from being used; 3,200kg less food wasted and 25,478kg of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided. That's the same amount as flying from London to New York  26 times!

Reclaiming mealtimes

With a mission to reclaim mealtimes, DabbaDrop's subscription means customers can opt for a once a week or once a fortnight delivery, taking the hassle out of meal planning and a promise to put the joy back into takeaways. 

With community and nourishing food at its core, customers are taken on a culinary journey across South Asia and beyond, through a set menu of hearty family recipes that are deep in flavour and full of goodness - and all cooked from scratch using the freshest ingredients. 

As busy mothers, Anshu and Renee know the value of connecting over a meal. By leaving DabbaDrop to do the legwork at least once a week, means friends and family can use the time they would usually spend scrolling for a delivery to instead reconnect over food that's beautiful, soul-lifting - and convenient.

Next  week (2-4th Oct) DabbaDrop will be serving a brand new menu from Kerala

This October half term DabbaDrop are offering a Buy ONE Dabba, get another HALF PRICE promotion.

https://dabbadrop.co.uk

Sainsbury's gets even saucier with Sauce Shop®

Sauce Shop®, the prestigious and award-winning condiments brand known for its experimental and flavour-infused sauces, is pleased to launch its newest innovation: Miso Teriyaki BBQ Sauce. 

This unique fusion combines all the best bits of a classic BBQ sauce and pairs them with much loved Japanese-inspired flavours and is now available at Sainsbury's stores nationwide RRP £2.80.

Tapping into the growing East meets West food scene, this Japanese inspired saucy delight brings the two sides of the globe together making the new Sauce Shop® Miso Teriyaki BBQ Sauce as trendy as it is tasty. 

Sainsbury's shoppers are expected to be stocking their cupboards as it promises to be a popular addition to every kitchen, perfect for grilling, glazing, marinating or simply adding a burst of flavour to everyday dishes.

It's a careful blend of sweet, savoury, and umami notes, combining the umami richness of miso with the smoky depth of traditional barbecue. Designed to lift everyday meals, this versatile sauce pairs with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats and vegetables to stir-fries and burgers.

"We're excited to introduce our new Miso Teriyaki BBQ sauce exclusively to Sainsbury's customers, who we are aware are often on the lookout for new, exciting flavours. We know this combination of flavours works really well and will be perfect for anyone looking to incorporate Asian fusion flavours into their cooking with minimal efforts,” points out Pam Digva, Co-Founder of Sauce Shop®.

Product Highlights:

Tasting notes: Sweet tomato, sesame, red miso, providing a strong umami profile.

Uses: Marinating, dipping and drizzling.

Availability: Available from the 29th of September 2024 in Sainsbury's stores nationwide and online.

Packaging: 320g recyclable squeezy bottle.

RRP: £2.80.

Available online and in 300+ Sainsbury's stores across the country from this weekend.

For more tasty updates, follow Sauce Shop on social media @sauce_shop or visit https://www.sauceshop.co

That's Food and Drink believes this new sauce will be a welcome addition to the condiment shelf of anyone trying to magic up a real, but different treat, this Christmas.

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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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