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Introducing Bonne Maman Petits Muffins

Specialist French brand Bonne Maman is introducing two delicious new treats to its cakes & biscuits range with its Petits Muffins.

You can Choose from flavourful, aromatic Petits Muffins Vanille, containing genuine natural vanilla from Madagascar, or Petit Muffins Chocolat – made with 14% chocolate to deliver a rich and satisfying chocolatey experience. 

Each tempting little muffin is a soft, fluffy and tasty morsel, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. 

With 17 moreish little muffins per bag, they are perfect for sharing with friends at home and also provide a great little after school or college snack.

Containing no artificial colours or flavours, the Petits Muffins are available now in 235g bags of 17 at Tesco Stores, Waitrose & Partners plus online at Ocado at RRP £2.50.

A Call to Manufacturers: Ensuring Packaging Accessibility for People with Arthritis and Other Conditions

Image courtesy Clker-Free-Vector-Images Pixabay

The genesis of this blogpost? I was opening a ridiculously wide jar of drinking chocolate when my arthritic thumb went into spasm and I then had to spend the best part of an hour cleaning up chocolate powder in the middle of the night in our kitchen. 

And I thought "Why don't they design jars and bottles for people with arthritis?" And then I thought: "I'll write a blogpost about this!"

 

For millions of people, the act of opening a food jar, a supplement bottle, or even a blister pack of medicine is something done without a second thought. 

But for those living with arthritis, joint pain, reduced grip strength, or other physical conditions, this simple task can be a frustrating, painful, and even impossible challenge.

It’s high time that manufacturers in the food, supplement, and pharmaceutical industries make accessibility a priority when designing their packaging.

The Everyday Struggle of Difficult Packaging

Imagine needing to take your medication but being unable to access it because the packaging is too stiff or fiddly. For individuals with arthritis, limited mobility, or neurological conditions, this isn't just an inconvenience—it's a real barrier to maintaining their health and independence. 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, millions of people in the UK alone live with arthritis or related conditions that affect their hands and joints, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like twisting off a jar lid or pushing a tablet out of a blister pack.

It's not just arthritis sufferers who struggle with packaging. Older adults, those with disabilities, or even people recovering from injuries can also find modern packaging designs nearly impossible to handle. The issue isn't limited to medication either—food items, dietary supplements, and everyday household products are often packaged in a way that assumes everyone has the same level of physical ability. The reality is that we live in a world where one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work.

Why Accessible Packaging Matters

The consequences of inaccessible packaging can go beyond mere inconvenience:

Health Risks: If people cannot open their medication packaging promptly, they may miss doses or take incorrect amounts, which could exacerbate their condition. In an emergency, inaccessible packaging could have serious consequences.

Nutritional Impact: Struggling to open jars, cans, or containers of food can discourage individuals from choosing nutritious options, pushing them towards easier but often less healthy alternatives.

Psychological Toll: Being unable to perform simple tasks like opening a bottle can have a negative impact on self-esteem and independence, especially for older adults who may already be feeling vulnerable.

What Needs to Change: A Call to Action for Manufacturers

It's time for manufacturers to put accessibility at the forefront of their packaging design. Here are some practical solutions that can make a world of difference:

Ergonomically Designed Lids and Caps: Replace hard-to-grip, twist-off lids with options that require less force to open. Consider implementing features like larger grips, flip-tops, or squeeze mechanisms that are easier for those with limited hand strength.

Easy-Open Seals: Many jars and containers have seals that require considerable force to break. Instead, manufacturers could use pull-tab designs that are easier to grasp and tear, similar to how some soup cans now include pull tabs instead of traditional can openers.

Blister Pack Innovations: Medicine blister packs often require significant force to push out a tablet. Including perforations or textured surfaces that aid grip, or creating pull-out pouches, could simplify this process.

Clear Labelling for Accessibility: Packaging should include clear instructions that are easy to read, with contrasting colours for those with vision impairments. Including tactile cues, such as raised symbols, can also help those with limited vision.

User Testing with Diverse Groups: Involving people with arthritis, reduced mobility, or other conditions in the testing phase can lead to designs that truly work for everyone. Collecting feedback from real users ensures that manufacturers understand the practical challenges faced by their consumers.

The Business Case for Inclusive Packaging

While it’s clear that accessibility is an ethical imperative, it’s also a smart business move. The population is ageing, and people are living longer with chronic conditions. By 2030, nearly a quarter of the UK’s population will be over 65, with many experiencing conditions like arthritis. Brands that prioritise accessible packaging can tap into this significant market, enhancing their reputation and loyalty among older adults, caregivers, and those with disabilities.

Additionally, inclusive packaging design is not just good for individuals with specific conditions—it benefits everyone. Who hasn’t struggled to open a stubborn jar or bottle at some point? When packaging is easier to open, it’s a win for consumers of all ages and abilities.

Conclusion: Making Accessibility the New Norm

The ability to open a jar of food, access a vitamin supplement, or take necessary medication should not be a privilege reserved for those with full physical strength. It’s time for manufacturers to recognise the diverse needs of their consumers and design packaging that is truly accessible.

By making these changes, companies can demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately make their products more appealing to a broader market. Let’s call on manufacturers to put people first and design packaging that empowers everyone to live independently and healthily. The future should be one where no one is left struggling with packaging that puts barriers between them and their wellbeing.

Now is the time for manufacturers to step up—because accessibility is not just an option; it’s a responsibility.

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Breathing New Life into Ordinary Recipes: Creative Twists to Make Your Meals Exciting

Cooking at home often means falling back on a roster of tried-and-tested dishes: a classic pasta bake, a staple curry, a dependable roast.

While there's nothing wrong with turning to these old favourites, it’s easy to fall into a culinary rut. 

The truth is, with a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can transform your everyday recipes into something new and exciting, turning even the most ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

In this post, we'll explore ways to give your go-to recipes a fresh twist, helping you rediscover the joy of cooking and impress your family or friends along the way.

Whether it’s by experimenting with new ingredients, adding unexpected flavours, or exploring techniques from different cuisines, there are countless ways to elevate your meals. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Change or swap Ingredients for a New Perspective

One of the simplest ways to reinvent a familiar recipe is to swap out some of its main ingredients. Think of this as an exercise in culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Try alternative grains: If your favourite stir-fry is usually served over white rice, switch to quinoa, bulgur, or pearl barley for a nutty texture and additional nutrients. For pasta dishes, why not try spiralised courgettes or sweet potato noodles for a lighter, fresher feel?

Experiment with proteins: If you always use chicken in your curries, try substituting it with prawns, tofu, or even jackfruit for a different texture. The same applies to shepherd's pie—switching minced lamb for lentils or mushrooms can create a hearty yet plant-based version.

Play with herbs and spices: Adding a dash of sumac to your roast vegetables, sprinkling za’atar over your avocado toast, or infusing your stews with warming cinnamon and star anise can introduce entirely new flavour profiles. Spices can take your meal from familiar to fantastic with just a pinch.

2. Embrace Fusion Flavours for a World of Inspiration

Why stick to a single cuisine when you can combine the best of multiple worlds? Fusion cooking allows you to blend flavours and techniques from different traditions, resulting in an exciting hybrid dish. Here are some fusion ideas to try:

Mexican-Italian mashup: Make a lasagne with a twist by using tortillas instead of pasta sheets and adding layers of spicy black beans, salsa, and jalapeños.

Asian-Mediterranean fusion: Give your classic Greek salad a flavour boost by drizzling it with a miso-ginger dressing instead of the usual olive oil and lemon.

British-Indian comfort food: Add a teaspoon of garam masala and a splash of coconut milk to your traditional cottage pie filling to bring a gentle curry warmth to the dish.

3. Play with Textures for Added Excitement

Texture can be just as important as taste when it comes to enjoying a meal. If you’ve got a dish you’ve made a hundred times, consider ways to change up its texture:

Add a crunch: Top creamy soups with toasted nuts, crispy bacon bits, or a scattering of crispy chickpeas. For pasta dishes, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before serving for a delightful crunch.

Go creamy: If your stir-fry or salad feels a bit one-note, try adding a dollop of creamy tahini sauce, yoghurt, or an avocado dressing for extra richness.

Layer the textures: In dishes like casseroles or gratins, adding a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, a topping of crispy panko breadcrumbs, or even caramelised onions can elevate the dish's overall texture and flavour.

4. Elevate with Garnishes and Finishing Touches

Never underestimate the power of a garnish. It's the final touch that can transform a dish from good to great, adding both flavour and visual appeal:

Fresh herbs: Finely chopped basil, coriander, or mint can instantly lift a dish, adding a burst of freshness. Consider using herb oils for drizzling as well.

Citrus zest: Grating a bit of lemon or lime zest over roasted vegetables, pasta, or risotto adds brightness and an unexpected zing.

Flavoured oils: Finish off your dishes with a drizzle of chilli oil, truffle oil, or even garlic-infused olive oil for a boost of aroma and depth of flavour.

Cheese: Adding grated cheese to a homemade soup recipe can really help pick it up a notch

5. Rethink Presentation for a Restaurant-Worthy Finish

Sometimes, it’s not about the ingredients or techniques but how you present the dish. A few tweaks to plating can make your everyday recipes feel gourmet:

Use different serving vessels: Serve soups in a hollowed-out bread bowl, layer desserts in mason jars, or present salads on a wooden board for a more rustic feel.

Embrace the art of plating: Take cues from fine dining by arranging your ingredients thoughtfully. Swirl sauces, stack components, and use garnishes to add colour contrast.

Incorporate edible flowers or microgreens: These can make even the simplest dishes look special. Try adding a few to your next salad, pasta, or dessert for that “wow” factor.

6. Explore Seasonal and Local Produce

Lastly, focusing on seasonal ingredients is an excellent way to breathe new life into old recipes. Seasonal produce is often fresher, more flavourful, and more sustainable:

Autumn inspiration: Use butternut squash, chestnuts, and figs to create comforting, hearty dishes with a touch of sweetness.

Summer flavours: Brighten up your salads with juicy tomatoes, fresh berries, and fragrant herbs like basil and mint.

Winter warmers: Incorporate earthy root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and celeriac into your roasts and stews for a rich, comforting meal.

Conclusion: Rediscover the Joy of Cooking

Taking ordinary recipes and making them new again is not just about breaking out of a routine—it’s about rediscovering the joy of cooking. It’s a way to see your kitchen not as a place of duty but as a playground for creativity. By experimenting with ingredients, playing with textures, or embracing bold new flavours, you can transform your everyday dishes into exciting meals that delight the senses.

So, the next time you reach for that familiar recipe, pause for a moment and think: how can I make this dish something extraordinary today? You'll be surprised at how a little imagination can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Happy inventive cooking!

James May - Launches California Dreamgin' - a Vegan Gin Made With Mushrooms & Patchouli

James May has spent a considerable amount of time in California, driving around in fast cars, mostly at other people's expense  (note: see the opening credits of 'The Holy Trinity' the first episode of The Grand Tour). 

Now he's been back for a different reason: “Selling my Gin of the People to the Land of the Free.” 

Inspired by the Californian's laid-back lifestyle, sunny climate and the fact that Californians seem to drink more of his gin than anyone else, James decided to work with Hugh at Downton Distillery to create a brand new flavour to add to the James Gin collection.

California Dreamgin' - distilled with mushroom and patchouli can be perfectly paired with tonic, a slice of counterculture, and a dash of peace and love.

It joins a range that includes Asian Parsnip, American Mustard and London Drizzle, (inspired by the smell of rain on London pavements.) However, this is the first time one of James' creations has been officially certified vegan.

As James explains: "California Dreamgin' is a compassionate, plant-based product certified by the Vegan Society and it's based on mushrooms, since mushrooms are a vital source of protein for those who have recognised that meat is murder. However, it should not be used as a dietary supplement or part of a balanced programme of food intake. It's more of a gin, man.”

Initially created as a bit of fun and to stand on the back bar of the pub he co-owns in Wiltshire, James Gin's batches consistently sell out on www.jamesgin.com, serving online customers in over 40 countries, worldwide.

 The range is now also available through selected retailers, pubs and bars in the UK and the US. 

James May's Planet Gin YouTube Channel now has over 300k subscribers and the brand's social media channels have attracted over 7 million followers. 

James May goes on to say: “This gin is a bit of thank you - it celebrates California's role in the establishment of the hippie movement while allowing us to create a very clever joke out of nothing more than an apostrophe.”

Hugh Anderson - the remarkable astute Distiller at Downtown Distillery adds: “This is a true umami gin using girolle mushrooms to provide a light fruity, yet peppery note with a hint of apricot, paired with the delicate earthy woody notes of patchouli which lingers at the back of the mouth. Oregano enhances these savoury, herbaceous notes whilst balancing out the citrusy notes from the coriander and lemon peel.”

Even before its official global launch, California Dreamgin' has been awarded a silver medal in the prestigious Spirits Business Autumn Blind Tasting Awards.

Suggested serve: 50ml California Dreamgin' over ice, topped with premium soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice.

We think this will make a food Christmas gift for the vegan gin lovers in your life. And might also be something you need for your Christmas drinks cabinet.

https://www.instagram.com/jamesmaygin                                   

www.jamesgin.com 

https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMayDrinks 

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