Pizza Perfection with Matthews Cotswold Flour's Special Pizza Flour

How to create pizza perfection with the dough experts at Matthews Cotswold Flour.

With in excess of 200 years of expertly milling flour in the Cotswolds, Matthews Cotswold Flour understands the right flour is absolutely vital if you want to create the ultimate pizza at home. 

It’s what makes Neapolitan crust bubble and char to perfection, Roman base crackle irresistibly thin, and deep-dish crust rise with enough structure to hold an abundance of delicious toppings.

When choosing the perfect pizza flour, Matthews Cotswold Flour believes there are four main points to look for: 

Protein content

Protein creates gluten, giving the dough its elasticity and structure. Higher protein (12-13%) is ideal for chewy, strong crusts like New York or deep-dish. Lower protein (around 11.5%) works best for thin and crispy Roman-style pizzas.

On the pack, protein will be listed in the nutritional information. Check for flours specifically labelled bread flour or pizza flour.

Finely milled texture

Fine milling means smoother dough that’s easier to stretch and shape. It also gives a better, crispier texture for thinner bases.

Look for keywords like Tipo 00 (Italian for extra-fine) or stoneground for artisan textures.

Matthews Cotswold Tipo 00 Flour is finely milled from durum wheat, creating a delightfully silky dough that’s easy to work with for Roman or Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Ash 

Ash content indicates mineral levels from the wheat grain. Lower ash (around 0.5%) makes for light, refined pizza bases, while higher ash (closer to 0.8%) adds richness and flavour. This is usually noted in artisan or Italian-style flours but is not always listed. Generally, Tipo 00 flours will have a lower ash content.

Matthews Cotswold Pizza Flour balances a moderate ash level for flavour and lightness - ideal for a crispy yet airy crust.

Water absorption

Flour with higher protein (such as 12-13%) absorbs more water, which makes a wetter dough. Wet doughs result in lighter, more airy crusts. Look for flours that can handle higher hydration, listed as strong or bread flours.

Matthews Cotswold Churchill Flour is great for high-hydration doughs like focaccia or sourdough pizza crusts, thanks to its strong gluten network.

Matthews Cotswold Flour’s Bakery Development Manager, Sophie Carey offers her top tips for creating different styles of pizza.

Neapolitan Pizza

What is it? Light, airy, with a crispy charred crust. 

Best flour to use: Cotswold Pizza Flour (12% protein)

Sophie’s top tips:

High heat is key. Bake at 250°C+ for those signature blistered edges.

Hydration is your friend. Aim for 65-70% water in your dough for an airy crumb. This flour’s balance of strength and elasticity makes stretching dough a breeze.

Minimal toppings: Stick to quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil to let the crust shine through.

Roman-Style Pizza

What is it? Thin, crispy - usually rectangular or square.

Best flour to use: Tipo 00 Flour (11.5% protein)

Sophie’s top tips:

Roll it thin. Roman pizza is all about the paper-thin base. Tipo 00's fine texture makes achieving this easy.

Don’t overload it. A lighter crust needs lighter toppings. Think prosciutto, rocket, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Bake until crisp: Get your pizza stone searingly hot in the hottest oven (220-240°C) for that perfect crunch.

Deep-Dish Pizza

What is it? Thick, buttery, and indulgent. It’s baked in a pan and stands around 3 inches tall.

Best flour to use: Churchill Flour (13% protein)

Sophie’s top tips:

Be generous with oil. Mix olive oil or butter to enrich your dough for a rich, tender crust.

Time for toppings. Churchill’s high protein content gives your dough the strength to support layers of toppings - cheese, sauce, meat, and more!

Lower and slower. Bake at 200°C for a longer time to ensure even cooking without burning the crust.

Matthews Cotswold Flour Churchill (1.5kg) is available at Tesco RRP £2.60 

Matthews Cotswold Flour Pizza Flour (1.5kg) is available at Waitrose £2.00

The Perfect Pizza Combination (RRP £34.15 from www.cotswoldflour.com)

Matthews Cotswold Flour’s special Pizza Project Box contains everything you will require to create your perfect your pizza dough. The box contains three different types of premium pizza flour and a copy of Scott Deley’s The Ooni Pizza Project. The book contains over 40 recipes to help you create delicious dough and mouth-watering pizzas.

Contents: 3 x Cotswold Pizza Flour (1.5kg), 1 x Churchill Premium Strong White Flour (1.5kg), 1 X Canadian Great White Flour (1.5kg), The Ooni Pizza Project recipe book.

Matthews Cotswold Flour is committed to supporting regenerative food sources, developing an unparalleled range of top quality, award-winning, products and inspiring, educating and partnering with the nation’s artisan and home bakers. For more information visit www.cotswoldflour.com or follow @CotswoldFlour on Instagram or Facebook.

RECIPE: Chinese Spring Onion Pancakes from Matthews Cotswold Flour

Chinese Spring Onion Pancake Recipe

Ingredients: 

250g Matthews Regenerative All Purpose Flour (plus 2tbsp for the filling)

170g Water (hot, straight from a boiled kettle)

3tbsp Lard (or vegetable oil to make these vegan)

1tsp Salt 

½ tsp White Pepper

1tsp Chinese Five Spice

3-4 Spring Onions (finely sliced)

Vegetable Oil, for frying

A spokesman for Matthews Cotswold Flour told That's Food and Drink: "To help us celebrate Chinese New Year, our in-house pro baker (Sophie Carey) has shared this tasty Chinese style pancakes recipe! Brilliant with some crispy duck, filled with veg and/or meats and steamed or fried as dumplings, or just served with sauce for dipping!"  

Baker: Sophie Carey

Makes: 10-15 pancakes

Prep time: 25 minutes

Bake time: 6 minutes

Chinese Spring Onion Pancake Method:

In a bowl, mix together your flour and water with a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Wrap this in clingfilm and leave to rest on the counter for 15 minutes

Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a rectangle of 30cm x 40cm, or until it is about 2mm thick

In a small bowl, mix together the melted lard and flour with the spices and salt until they form a paste

Spread this paste evenly across the rolled out dough and sprinkle them with the spring onions

Starting at the top, roll the pastry up like you would a Swiss roll

Trim the ends and cut the log into rounds measuring about 5 or 6cm 

Place the rounds cut side up (so you can see the swirl of the pastry) and use a rolling pin to flatten these to the thickness of 1cm

Place a frying pan on a medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. Once hot, fry the pancakes for a few minutes on either side until golden brown

Serve hot - make sure to rip them apart to see how flaky they are! Enjoy with your favourite Chinese dishes or with chilli oil for dipping!

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The Safety and Efficacy of Vegan Collagen: What You Need to Know

Collagen has long been hailed as a cornerstone of beauty and wellness routines, credited with supporting skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality. 

Traditionally sourced from animal by-products like fish scales, cow hides, and pig skins, collagen has posed ethical and dietary challenges for those following a vegan lifestyle. 

Enter vegan collagen—a plant-based alternative that promises similar benefits without animal involvement. But how safe and effective is vegan collagen? Let’s get into the details.

What Is Vegan Collagen?

Unlike traditional collagen, which is directly extracted from animals, vegan collagen is typically made using a combination of plant-based ingredients and advanced scientific techniques. The most common method involves genetically modifying microbes, such as yeast or bacteria, to produce collagen. 

By introducing human genes into these microbes, they can be programmed to produce collagen that is bio-identical to the kind naturally found in the human body.

Other vegan collagen products are not true collagen but are instead blends of plant-based nutrients designed to support the body’s natural collagen production. These often include ingredients like vitamin C, silica, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Is Vegan Collagen Safe?

Vegan collagen is considered safe for consumption, provided it is produced under strict manufacturing standards. Here are some key points to consider:

No Animal Allergens: Since vegan collagen is not derived from animals, it eliminates the risk of allergens commonly associated with animal products.

Free from Contaminants: Ethical production processes ensure that vegan collagen is free from contaminants like heavy metals or hormones, which can sometimes be found in animal-sourced collagen.

Regulatory Oversight: In the UK and other regions, vegan collagen products must comply with food safety regulations, ensuring that they are safe for public consumption.

However, it’s always wise to purchase vegan collagen from reputable brands that conduct third-party testing and provide transparent labelling.

The Efficacy of Vegan Collagen

The effectiveness of vegan collagen depends on whether you’re using lab-grown collagen or plant-based collagen boosters. Here’s a breakdown:

Lab-Grown Vegan Collagen: This bio-identical collagen is structurally the same as animal-derived collagen, meaning it can deliver similar benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints. However, this technology is still relatively new and not yet widely available.

Collagen-Boosting Supplements: These products support the body’s natural collagen production rather than providing collagen directly. Ingredients like vitamin C play a crucial role in collagen synthesis, while silica and amino acids provide the building blocks. While they don’t deliver collagen itself, they can help maintain healthy skin and connective tissues when used consistently.

Benefits of Vegan Collagen

Ethical and Sustainable: Vegan collagen production has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional collagen.

Suitable for All Diets: Ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions.

Customisable Formulas: Many vegan collagen products include additional nutrients for holistic wellness benefits.

Are There Any Downsides?

While vegan collagen offers many advantages, it’s worth noting a few limitations:

Availability: Lab-grown vegan collagen is still emerging and may not be as readily available or affordable as traditional collagen.

Efficacy of Boosters: Plant-based collagen boosters rely on your body’s ability to produce collagen, which naturally declines with age. Results may take longer to appear compared to direct collagen supplementation.

Final Thoughts

Vegan collagen represents an exciting innovation in the world of health and beauty. It offers a cruelty-free, sustainable alternative to traditional collagen while catering to the growing demand for plant-based solutions. Whether you choose lab-grown collagen or a collagen-boosting supplement, vegan collagen can be a safe and effective addition to your wellness routine.

As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. With the right product and consistent use, vegan collagen could be your next step towards glowing skin, healthy joints, and a clear conscience.

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This International Women's Day – Sunday, 8th March, Cramele Recas Celebrates Its Female Team

Cramele Recas, Romania's largest wine producer and exporter, proudly celebrates its incredible female team this International Women's Day.

From winemaking to laboratory innovation, these talented women are redefining what it means to succeed in an industry traditionally dominated by men. 

With 80% of its winemaking team composed of women, Cramele Recas stands as a beacon of inspiration and progress.

Meet the Team Behind the Wines

Nora Iriarte

With over two decades of experience in winemaking, Nora brings her deep expertise and passion to Cramele Recas. A veteran of the winery, she has been instrumental in crafting wines that have gained international acclaim. Nora's meticulous approach ensures that each bottle reflects the unique terroir and character of the 1,200-acre vineyard.

Elena Alejos

Elena joined Cramele Recas in 2020 with a remarkable career spanning more than 20 years in the wine industry. A Technical Director for Spanish vineyards early in her career, Elena has since worked internationally, lending her expertise to wineries in New Zealand and China. Her portfolio includes exceptional work across nearly all wine categories, from reds and whites to sparkling and fortified wines. Elena's contributions have been recognised with prestigious accolades, including two medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2012 and 2019.

Elvira Cox

Elvira Cox plays a pivotal role in introducing Cramele Recas wines to new audiences across the globe. As Export Director, she spearheads the winery's expansion into international markets, overseeing an ever-growing export operation. Thanks to Elvira's efforts, Cramele Recas wines are enjoyed in over 40 countries, strengthening the brand's reputation worldwide.

Cristina Handaric

Cristina Handaric ensures that every bottle of Cramele Recas wine meets the highest standards. As Head of Laboratory & Quality Control, she oversees meticulous testing and analysis at every stage of production, from fermentation to bottling. Her expertise guarantees consistency, precision, and excellence, allowing Cramele Recas wines to shine in competitive international markets.

Floarea Miron

Behind every successful operation is a skilled accountant, and Floarea Miron ensures Cramele Recas runs seamlessly. Her expertise in financial management keeps the winery's operations efficient, supporting the company's growth and helping it maintain its position as Romania's largest wine exporter.

A Vision for a Diverse Future

The winemaking team at Cramele Recas exemplifies the power of diversity in crafting exceptional wines. Each team member brings their own unique style, expertise, and perspective, creating a dynamic synergy that translates into the high-quality wines enjoyed worldwide.

“We're incredibly proud of our team and the strides they're making in reshaping what leadership looks like in winemaking,” says Founder, Philip Cox. “Their dedication and skill continue to drive Cramele Recas to new heights.”

"As a winemaker, I've learned that every bottle tells a story—not just of the land it comes from, but of the people who craft it. At Cramele Recas, our team's strength lies in its diversity, and I'm proud to stand alongside so many talented women reshaping the face of winemaking. This International Women's Day, we celebrate not only how far we've come but also the endless possibilities ahead for women in this industry." – Nora Iriarte, Winemaker

As International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality, Cramele Recas remains committed to fostering inclusivity and paving the way for more women to thrive in the wine industry.

Emily Crisps Launches New Sriracha Flavour Set to Satisfy Your Taste Buds and Boost Your Libido This Valentine's Day

Emily Crisps are set to spice up your 2025 with the launch of their new Sriracha flavoured Seaweed Crisps just in time for Valentine's Day. 

Already on sale, theypromise to be bold on taste and satisfying to crunch. 

Of course, there are no artificial colourings or flavours, this latest addition to the best selling Emily Seaweed Crisp range is sure to give you all the heat, and at less than 100 calories per bag, so zero guilt. 

With the Asian taste trend showing no sign of slowing down, 2025 is predicted to be the biggest year yet for Asian flavours. 

An 8.9% boost is expected in the category with Sriracha continuing to top the taste bud charts making this new flavour an absolute must have. 

Available in 18g and 50g packs and priced at £1.10 and £2 respectively,  Emily Sriracha Crisps will be available nationwide so no one misses out and will join the current line up of Sea Salt, Salt & Vinegar and Cheese flavours which are currently available across multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op, Holland & Barrett, Abel & Cole, Ocado and Amazon. 

The aphrodisiac boost you need this Valentine's, Sriracha is made up of key ingredients that can enhance bodily sensations and blood flow. The spicy flavour of Sriracha comes from capsaicin which is known to enhance bodily sensations, another key ingredient is garlic which can improve blood circulation. With hot sauces known to boost endorphins and dopamine -  courtesy of Emily's Sriracha Crisps a sensational Valentine's awaits. 

Low on calories, high in fibre and taste, free of nasties and brimming with libido -  like all the best relationships, Emily's Sriracha Crisps gives without wanting anything in return - just love. 

Level Up With Gordon Ramsay in London

Next month Gordon Ramsay Restaurants is taking London's restaurant and bar scene to new levels with the opening of five stunning culinary and libationary experiences. 

The city's iconic skyline will welcome 2025's most exciting new dining destinations at the impressive 22 Bishopsgate, which is London's tallest office building.

With three new restaurants, a must-visit bar and a Gordon Ramsay x Hexclad academy, prepare to be wowed with breathtaking, unparalleled views of the London skyline. 

Opening 3rd February 2025, 22 Bishopsgate will usher in a new era to London's iconic skyline and epicurean experiences.

Guests are invited to create lasting memories over exceptional fare and an exciting drinks menu, delivered by a talented team of front-of-house staff and an unmatched chef brigade, all while gazing down at London landmarks including Tower Bridge, The Shard and St Paul's Cathedral.

At level 60, Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, will become the capital's highest restaurant, offering an Asian-inspired menu with unparalleled 360' views of the city and beyond. The space boasts a main dining room spanning window to window, a private dining room looking towards Alexandra Palace for elevated parties as well as a up-close sushi bar for a true experience.

With a dedicated, bar area and top-tier DJs, Lucky Cat is destined to be the coolest drinks destination in the city for an afternoon tipple, pre-dinner drink or late night drinks.

Extending to the 61st floor with a world-class, expertly crafted cocktail menu with Lucky Cat classics, stunning interiors and views like no other, the Lucky Cat Terrace will be the capital's must-visit drinks destination. 

It will be the highest rooftop bar in Europe and will open with a retractable roof, so in summer guests can experience the fresh air at 61 floors up!

Level 60 will also feature an exceptional 12-seat Chef's Table 'Restaurant Gordon Ramsay - High'. This descends from Gordon Ramsay's flagship Chelsea restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and will inherit the legacy of the iconic establishment, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and its 22nd year maintaining three Michelin stars.

Below on level 59, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar by Gordon Ramsay will serve its signature dishes, cocktails, and a new afternoon tea experience.

Finally, the Gordon Ramsay x Hexclad Academy, will also be established at 22 Bishopsgate, where culinary enthusiasts can hone their skills in everything from pasta making to mixology, and of course perfecting the classic beef Wellington. 

The Gordon Ramsay x Heclad academy not only is the perfect place for a social adventure with friends, but a unmatched team building or corporate experience for all businesses, for 22 Bishopsgate's city-based neighbours and beyond. 

Say Cheese to Love! Valentine's Day Survey Reveals British Devotion to European Dairy Delights

A recent Valentine's survey commissioned by our friends at the CNIEL and conducted on their behalf by Opinium, reveals some interesting facts, not least about our love for cheese.

According to the survey, chocolate remains the preferred Valentine's gift for 20% of those who celebrate Valentine's Day, compared to 14% who prefer flowers. 

The adage, 'Food is the way to the heart,' rings especially true for men, with nearly half (47%) desiring a gift of food or wine for Valentine's Day, compared to 28% of women.

When it comes to the perfect Valentine's date, 56% of those who celebrate would choose a meal in a good restaurant. Watching a film with a box of chocolates or taking a picturesque walk are joint second choices, each appealing to 35% of respondents. Meanwhile, 20% of Valentine's Day fans would enjoy going to a show or comedy.

The survey also revealed that over a third of the UK population shares a passion for cheese. It certainly has a place in our hearts and fridges: more than three-quarters (78%) of respondents stated they have at least one cheese in the fridge, with 59% enjoying a wide variety of cheeses - such as Brie, Camembert and Morbier.

Passion for cheese is particularly strong among younger people, with 44% of those aged 18-34 expressingtheir love for it, compared to 30% of those aged 55 and over. Regional differences also emerge, with 48% of Londoners and 44% of respondents in Yorkshire and Humberside passionate about cheese, compared to just 22% in Southampton. 

Beyond Valentine's Day, in excess of half (52%) of respondents agree that sharing a cheeseboard with loved ones is a fantastic way to enjoy an evening.

This Valentine's Day, let cheese be the way to your loved one's heart! A wide variety of European cheeses will seduce even the most delicate palates and allow you to innovate and surprise. If you are planning to share a cheeseboard for Valentine's Day or for date nights throughout the year, here are some top tips.

1/ Before serving the cheeses, let them stand for at least an hour and a half at room temperature so that they develop their full aromas fully.

2/ Offer a diverse choice of cheeses that complement each other in terms of taste and texture. At a minimum, make sure you have at least one soft, hard and blue cheese but to really impress five is the magic number.

3/ Provide a knife for each cheese to avoid cross contamination of flavours and leave enough space between the cheeses to allow for guests to cut and remove their cheese easily.

4/ Place the cheeses from the mildest to the strongest in a clockwise direction; this helps people to taste in the best sensory order.

5/ Dried fruit, fresh fruit, fruit jellies, seeds, aromatic herbs and edible flowers all add interesting colour, flavours and textures to your cheeseboard - let your creativity flow.

For a mild cheese that brings something decadent to the board, try a Brillat-Savarin, a triple cream cheese that melts in the mouth and leaves a rich buttery and sweet flavour. Another delicious mild cheese that you can find in a wide variety of shops is Doux de Montagne - a light, cheese dotted with small holes with mild, fruity, buttery and herbal flavours. Both cheeses pair well with a glass of Champagne.

If you are more traditional, why not go for Neufchâtel, a pretty heart-shaped cheese is a perfect option. Its white, slightly fluffy rind and lightly salted, creamy pastry with a milky taste will melt your partner's heart.

Whilst cheddar remains the UK's favourite cheese, Comté PDO is France's most popular hard cheese. It is sweet, slightly nutty and becomes harder with deeper flavours as it matures.

With their blue green mould and strong, salty flavours, even some cheese lovers can be hesitant when it comes to blue cheeses. For a gentler introduction, Fourme d'Ambert is mild with a velvety texture and subtle flavours. Food really is the way to anyone's heart.

For more information, visit: www.dairy-products-from-france.com/cheese

That's Food and Drink would like to thank ther CNIEL, (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Economie Laitière) for their help in preparing this blogpost. 

Will my wife and I be sharing sharing a Valentine's Day cheeseboard? Bien sûr!