Category Archives: food

Gift Inspiration: The Foodie One

09th November 2016
I think for most people one of the most integral parts of every festive season is the food. Even the people I know who ordinarily have little interest and view food merely as essential fuel get a little bit excited when the selection boxes hit the shelves. For those of us with serious foodies in our lives this is the perfect time of year to spoil them rotten with some luxurious and unusual treats and today I’m bringing you a selection of sweet (and savoury) little stocking filler ideas…I hope those around me are taking notes!
First up we have almost a rainbow of chocolate from Chocolate and Love* which Mae took an immediate interest in- she couldn’t even be distracted by a bag of dreamies! Chocolate and Love offers something more luxurious than your average chocolate bar, made with ethically sourced organic, high quality and fair trade ingredients. The bars come in seven different flavours which include coffee, mint, orange, sea salt and caramel as well as some varying degrees of darkness plain bars. Just how gorgeous is that packaging? You almost wouldn’t need to gift wrap these bars, just tie a stack together with some string. The mint 67% dark chocolate was my personal favourite and the coffee was a real winner with my best friend. You can pick these bars up in Sainsburys for £3.00 or look at their website for more stockists.
Next up we have a pyramid of pickles (and chutneys) from The English Provender Company* all of which would make a welcome addition to any festive buffet as much as they would make a spectacular gift nestled in to a foodie hamper. I was really excited by these as I’m a bit of a condiment queen and love loading up a festive leftovers salad or sandwich with as many kinds as I can get my hands on. The most intriguing of the selection I was sent was the Moroccan Spiced Chutney which would be simply amazing with a cous-cous and turkey based salad. The website suggests combining it with creme fraiche for a dip with a twist too, I’m so giving that a whirl! You’ll find The English Provender Company in all major supermarkets. I’m doing my best to save this selection for the festive period but I don’t know how long I’m going to last out!
I’ve been a fan of Nakd bars since they first hit supermarket shelves and the festive addition of a Christmas Pud bar has been a seasonal highlight for me for the last couple of years, despite really disliking actual Christmas Pudding. These bars are made from all natural ingredients with a festive kick and counts as one of your five a day! Stock up if you see these in store (or order yourself a case, which is my plan!). Perfect for stuffing in to stockings as an alternative to a chocolate orange too.
What are you food highlights of the festive season? I’m wondering how soon is too soon to start on the Stollen!

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Products in this post are PR samples.

Posted in christmas, food, gifts, review

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Baking with Macabella

04th November 2016
It probably hasn’t escaped anyone’s notice that baking is one of my hobbies and one of the only upsides of having been off of work for so long now is that I’ve been able to indulge my love of whipping up cakes and cookies for my friends and family. Over the last few months I’ve tried many a new recipe or ingredient and when Macabella got in touch asking if I’d like to try out their amazing sounding chocolate and macadamia spread and come up with some recipes using it I was ready for the challenge. I’ve actually been itching to try this spread since seeing my good friend Amy’s review of the crunchy variety so there was definitely excitement in the air when my goodies arrived.
Nestled in a swanky gold box were four jars of Macabella spread- two velvet ones and two of the crunch variety. After having a good old think about things I decided on baking two recipes using the products- one cookie and one cake.
For the cookies I used my tried and tested Rolo cookie cup recipe and followed the instructions up until the point where the biscuits came out of the oven. At that point instead of pressing rolos in to the still hot cookies I poked holes (using the end of a clean makeup brush for want of a better tool) and allowed the biscuits to cool slightly. I briefly considered using my thumb to make the indents but quickly dismissed that idea once I realised how stupid it would be to poke my own skin in to a red hot cookie! Whilst still warm I took teaspoons full of Macabella crunch and placed it inside the holes I had created…I found softening the spread for 15 seconds in the microwave made it easier to work with. As you can see, the end result is a lovely soft baked cookie that oozes chocolate-y macadamia goodness when you bite or cut in to it. These proved a massive hit with my Dad and his colleagues and took under an hour from start to finish to make.
For the cake I tried a new to me recipe that I modified by swapping the 100g of nutella for 100g of velvety smooth Macabella. This cake uses the all in one method so is really quick and simple to do and results in a wonderfully light but decadent sponge.

I filled the cake using the rest of a jar of Macabella crunch (make sure you do it whilst the cake is still warm) then topped it with Macabella velvet and a pot of chocolate curls. So simple and yet so effective and the true testament to what a wonderful cake you get when you use Macabella is how fast it disappeared when I dropped it in to work!

Neither of these recipes are complicated, nor do they take a long time to whip up and both were ultimately enhanced by the use of Macabella spreads and there is already demand for more!

Have you tried Macabella spread before? Either as a spread or in baking? What baked goods would you use it for? I strongly suggest you hot foot it to your nearest Sainsburys (the only UK stockist) and get some of this goodness for yourselves and get experimenting. Visit the Macabella website for more about the spread and for more recipe ideas.

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Posted in baking, food, recipes, review

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The October (2016) Degustabox and £7.00 discount!

27th October 2016
I was taken by surprise last week when I had an e-mail informing me my latest Degustabox had been dispatched. It’s time playing tricks on me again as it feels like only a week had passed since my September one arrived. No complaints though, who’s going to turn down a food packed box of goodness turning up at their door?
The October box was packed full of Autumnal treats and although I feel I say this most months now this is 100% the best box Degusta have sent out in a while in terms of suiting my personal tastes at least. Curious to find out what was inside? Just keep reading…
First up we have Beloved Date fruit hearts (RRP 75p per pack). I’ve tried these before and loved them. Made from 100% cold pressed dates and a hint of natural flavouring these are a delicious way to get one of your five a day and great for a mid-afternoon energy boost. They are also gluten free and suitable for vegans and the orange ones are especially good!
Only a few weeks ago I would have turned my nose up at pasta and sauce as it was something anorexia convinced me I couldn’t eat. Thankfully I’m coming on leaps and bounds and have been experimenting with some truly delicious home made pasta dishes. It was with genuine excitement that I unpacked the Heinz kid’s dry pasta shapes and pasta sauce…the pasta made with 50% whole wheat is super cute and perfect served piping hot with a dollop of the smooth tomato sauce. I’m making up for lost time and eating as much pasta as possible right now! (RRP £1.19 for the pasta and £1.55 for the sauce)
Oddly chocolate has never really been a “fear food” for me and as much as I appreciate a decent dark chocolate I also freely admit to loving the white stuff too. Hershey’s cookies ‘n’ creme is a particular favourite and this king size bar (RRP £1) is perfect for sharing- or not as the case may be.

I’m rubbish at drinking enough water although it’s something I’m trying to change so these little portable squashes from Robinsons (RRP £2.49) are ideal for me as I can easily pick up a bottle of water when I am out and about and add some of this making it less of an accessory bottle and more something that’ll do my body some good! There’s no more than 3 calories per serving too so ideal for anyone watching their weight.

I’ve tried JimJams 83% less sugar milk chocolate spread before and loved it. Is there anything more comforting than a hot cup of tea coupled with toast and chocolate spread on a cold Autumn evening? Nope, not in my eyes! Thankfully for my teeth this has a lot less sugar than my usual spread of choice…try it on crumpets and you won’t look back! (RRP £2.59). Another chocolate treat came in the form of Pitch Choco Bar (RRP £1.40). These are brand new and proving extremely popular in France- essentially a brioche roll with a bar of solid milk chocolate in the middle these just beg to be a part of an indulgent weekend breakfast.
There were two products in the box which I haven’t actually tried yet and these were a Levi Roots smokey BBQ coat ‘n cook sauce (RRP £1.00) and some fusion noodles from Maggi (RRP £1.39 each). I’m leaving these for someone else in the house to try as neither are really my thing- let me know if you’d like individual reviews of these at a later date.
One of my favourite things about this time of year is the return of soup weather. I’ve become a big fan of these high protein soups from I AM SOUPER (RRP £1.49 each). Both are full of flavour as well as having the added punch of a protein boost to keep you fuller for longer. The pulled pork and jalapeños was a particular favourite and I’ll be keeping an eye out in the supermarkets for the rest of the range.
I’ve reviewed Yushoi Snapea rice sticks (RRP £1.99) before on the blog and they’ve featured regularly in my cupboards ever since. Although the concept of green pea based snacks seemed odd you just have to trust me when I say these are highly addictive and utterly delicious.
If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £7.00 off of your first box (making it just £5.99!) by entering the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought of them.

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Posted in food, review, snacking

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Gin & Elderflower treats from Holly’s Lollies- with a discount for you too!

12th October 2016
I love gin and I love sweets so when an opportunity that combined the two came my way excited was an understatement! In this post, and for the next couple of months I have teamed up with Holly’s Lollies to review some of her seriously tempting treats AND offer some exclusive discounts and surprises for you too.

Holly’s Lollies is the brainchild of Holly Brook, a 24 year old psychology graduate. What initially began as a summer holiday hobby soon became a full time job- in 2015, bored with office life Holly quit her job and began her confectionary business full time. At the time of conception Holly’s Lollies are the only handmade sweets made with real alcohol.

Every product is hand made with real alcohol- when a bundle of Gin and Elderflower goods arrived at my door I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

Everything looks almost too good to eat doesn’t it? These are hands down the prettiest sweets I’ve come across. Obviously looks aren’t everything though and the real question is how do they taste? Well…

There is certainly a taste of summer about these goods, the lollipops especially bring back memories of sunny days with an ice cold g&t (and to further that experience you could dip a lolly in to an ice cold g&t). These are delicate and delicious- a real grown up twist on a childhood favourite.

The humbugs are incredible. As a fan of the humble mint humbug I wasn’t too sure what one could expect from a gin and elderflower take on tradition. Get past the lurid yet some how enticing green colour of the sweet and you have the sharp tang of gin balanced beautifully with delicate elderflower. These would make for a wonderful gift for any gin lover…the trouble being I’m finding it hard to imagine purchasing a jar then being able to part with them!

Finally we have the giant lollipop and I’m going to confess I haven’t tasted this one yet as I just can’t bear to break the perfect swirl (but it’s ok, there is a 12 month shelf life- I have plenty of time!) Apparently these would be great for a wedding and I shall certainly bear that in mind should I ever getting married. In the mean time I just want these scattered around the house, one glance at it in it’s bright green glory and there’s an instant smile on my face!

I know quite a few of my readers are also big fans of gin so it is with great delight that I am able to offer up my readers a 20% discount off of all GIN products until the 31st of October. Simply enter the code DaisyChainGin at the checkout.

Prices (pre-discount) are: £3.50 for the giant lollipop, £6.50 for a jar of humbugs and £6.50 for 5 x lollipops.

Let me know if you treat yourself, I’d love to know what your take on these are. And watch this space for more alcoholic sweets and treats soon!

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Posted in brands I love, food, gifts, review

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The September 2016 Degustabox and Discount

07th October 2016
Yep, it’s Degustabox time again! You know you’re getting old when things like this seem to come around faster and faster each month. The September box was for me at least one of the best I can recall for a while and I was excited to get stuck in to trying everything.
I thought I’d start off with the drinks as usually they are my least favourite part of the monthly box as I’m just not a drinks person (unless it’s tea, I want all the tea!) The two cans are from Cape Drinks and are a sparkling blend of rooibos tea and fruit juices with added vitamins. Made from all natural ingredients and with no refined sugar even I couldn’t find reason not to give these a try, both flavours are delicious but the peach and lychee was my favourite purely for being so unique. RRP £1.59 each.
Chia seeds have been trendy for a while now so it was inevitable at some point I was going to end up trying them. I have an aversion to certain textures and I’m afraid to say that despite my best efforts these rendered both sachets inedible to me, I did try, I promise and I wish I loved them because they are packed full of omega 3, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, all of which I could do with a boost of! RRP £1.00 each.
Beans, beans good for the heart…I LOVE beans so I was pretty excited to find this three pack of Borlotti beans from Cirio nestled inside this month’s box. I’ve been eating this mixed in with ratatouille and popped on top of a jacket potato for a quick and tasty evening meal and I plan to keep a supply in my cupboard at all times. The tins are the perfect size and I’m going to try and make some beany soups now the weather is turning cooler. RRP £1.89 for a pack of three.
I’m not gluten free but I’m all for a quick and easy meal so this Mrs Crimble’s fusilli was greeted with enthusiasm by me! This is essentially a gluten free version of the student staple pasta ‘n sauce and made for a super speedy and delicious meal one evening. I love anything with mushrooms and this creamy mushroom sachet of goodness is a winner in my books. RRP £1.99.
Jelly, who doesn’t love jelly? These pots of sugar free wibbly wobbly fun from Hartley’s are great for lunch boxes or as a post dinner snack for those watching their weight. Personally I think they are vastly improved with the addition of custard and sprinkles but that’s just me. RRP 50p per pot.
I’m no stranger to Metcalfe’s snacks but I was yet to come across their popcorn thins. These are light, crispy and oh so addictive. A pack of two is perfect for a portable snack…and for portion control if you find them as moor-ish as I did! I also really enjoyed the Get Fruity bar, I’ve tried these before but the pineapple, coconut and lime was a new flavour to me and hands down my favourite to date. Another perfectly portable snack and brilliant for lunch boxes too. RRP £1.00 per product.
Say Yes to No Bread Chips are brand new and exclusive to Waitrose. These are free from artificial nasties, empty promises and fake advertising. They are also addictively delicious in my eyes, a big YES to these little beauties. I have a bit less enthusiasm for the Miso Tasty Miso Soup but that’s personal taste for you, I’m sure fans of Miso will love these! RRP £1.49 for the chips, £3.65 for the Miso.
Finally comes the Teisseire Sirop which reminds me of something I used to drink as a child. My water intake is appalling in general so I’ve been using this to flavour a bottle of the good stuff each morning to try and encourage myself to drink it. It works- cranberry and raspberry are such a winning combination and with zero sugar there’s no need to worry about my teeth being wrecked in the process. RRP £2.99
If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £7.00 off of your first box by entering the code BLDEG15 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand one and off over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.

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Posted in food, review

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