3 minute read
Foodie News
LICK YOUR LIPS
Spoil your mum in the comfort of her own home with a box of the most delicious treats. Home made on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon using the very best British ingredients and presented in 100% recyclable packaging, The Happy Mother's Day Message Box (£35) from www.flapjackery.co.uk is the perfect way to spoil her. It has a centre piece plaque emblazoned with 'Mother's Day' surrounded by eight half pieces of flapjack and includes a combination of Ruby Millionaire, Raspberry and White Chocolate, Ginger & Dark Chocolate, Cherry Bakewell, Golden Salted Caramel, Double chocolate Brownie, Lemon Drizzle and Clotted Cream.
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BIG TASTE IN SMALL MEASURES
More than ever, people are prioritising their health and taking a closer look at what they are eating and drinking. Inginious (£26) was created with exactly that in mind and reduces both your alcohol and calorie intake, and all without compromising on flavour. Packed full of carefully chosen botanicals including the classic gin botanical juniper, and a citrus blend of lemongrass, grapefruit and lime to ensure a delicate but recognisable gin flavour. For those thinking of taking a lighter approach this year but not wanting to cut it out completely, Inginious Gin is the one for you. Available online at
www.Inginious-Gin.co.uk DRINK UP THOSE VITAMINS
To give yourself that much needed hydration whilst on the go, The Benefit Brand’s 100% natural flavoured water is the perfect choice, especially with the warmer summer months in sight! Available in perfectly portable cans that are perfect for picnics or drinking on the go, Benefit Water is a delicious range of caffeine, sugar and sweetener free sparkling waters that could be your thirst quencher of choice this spring/summer. Available in three flsvours - Sparkling Lemon & Elderflower, Sparkling Apple with Natural Fibre and Sparkling Mango & Coconut all available from Amazon and www.thebenefitbrand.com for a RRP £1.29 per 250ml can.
SWEETIES HAS LAUNCHED
The capital’s most talked about hotel, The Standard, London, have launched Sweeties, a new 10th floor cocktail bar and late-night spot. Sweeties offer a menu of naturally mood-boosting cocktails created by The Standard in collaboration with award-winning mixologists, Jack Sotti and Todd Austin. Ochre velvet sofas, ruched leather banquettes, mirrored tables, and a six-foot antique phallic sculpture set the tone for this intimate new destination: new wave glamour meets glorious misbehaviour. Sweeties will be open from 5pm on Wednesday to Saturday each week. The venue has room for 80 (seated) to 150 (standing). Reservations are recommended and can be made at
www.standardhotels.com/london/features/sweeties
Ingredients
250g large pasta shells 1 head of broccoli 1 tbsp of oil 2 finely sliced red onions 2 crushed garlic cloves 1 tbsp tomato purée 200ml red wine 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes ½ bunch of torn fresh basil 240g pack of peppered smoked mackerel fillets ½ bunch of basil 100ml light crème fraîche 50g grated mature cheddar
Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta shells for 2 minutes less than the pack instructions. Add the head of broccoli, sliced into florets, for the last 2 minutes of the cooking time, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, heat a glug of oil and fry the red onions for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato purée, fry for a few minutes, then add the red wine. Bubble for 2 minutes, then add the chopped tomatoes and basil. Cook for 10 minutes, then season. Remove the skin from a the mackerel fillets and break up into bite-size pieces. Stir into the pan with the remaining basil and light crème fraîche. Spoon into a 2 litre baking dish (or keep in the pan if it’s ovenproof) and top with grated mature cheddar. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and piping hot throughout.
