Midweek meals

FOODIE CORNER

The products, books, ideas and people that are shaking up the food scene this month

NICHOLLS, SUPER FOODISTA

A TIE K

‘Autumn is always an exciting time for foodies as the harvest introduces new flavours and ideas for heartier meals’

Oodles for noodles

Ramen producer Kabuto has gone 100 per cent vegetarian, taking out the chunks of chicken and beef, using animal-free flavourings instead. The Asian-inspired pots, that contain only natural ingredients, come in 100 per cent recyclable packaging and are perfect for those looking for a quick lunch solution (£1.65 from all major retailers). kabutonoodles.com DASH OF GREEN

Add a little zing to your drinks with the new Lime & Mint flavour from Bottlegreen. Perfect to pep up still or sparkling water, or as a fruity addition to a mojito – simply shake together with rum and raspberries, top with soda and pour over ice. The new Lime & Mint flavour joins the established Bottlegreen stable of Elderflower, Ginger & Lemongrass and Pomegranate & Elderflower. Available from major supermarkets, RRP £3.75

THRIFTY CHEF

As part of our mission to find ways to make the most of every meal, we asked Luisa Coates of thermometers brand, Thermapen, for advice on how to correctly cool and reheat leftovers so that we can all get involved in batch cooking safely. ‘Cooling leftovers should be done within three-to-four hours,’ says Luisa. ‘Remove food from hot dishes and put it into containers. Cover and let it cool down to room temperature (20°C) and store leftovers in your fridge for no more than two days. Reheated food should be warmed until it reaches and maintains 70°C or above for two minutes,’ Luisa advises. ‘The food should be piping hot throughout. Use a Thermapen thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature of your leftovers.’

Fridge Raiders has launched two meat-free flavours called Tasty Bites to join its stable of chicken-based snacks. Swapping out chicken for fava bean, Fridge Raiders says the two new products, Slow Roasted and Katsu, are the tastiest, ‘non-chicken snack in the world’. High in protein and fibre and designed for a slow energy release, pop them in the fridge for snacky moments. Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons; RRP £1 (45g) and RRP £1.30 (65g).

A little bite

DARK ’N’ DREAMY

For the first time in 10 years Maltesers has had a makeover with a new dark chocolate option. There are three bags to enjoy: treat (£1.19), regular-size (66p) and super-size (£2.79). The new choccy balls have 30 per cent less sugar than regular Maltesers with 65 per cent cocoa content. Available from retailers nationwide.

NEW BOOK

Snack sensational

If you’re a fan of small plates and vegetarian food, then former Great British Bake Off contestant, Urvashi Roe, has released a book you’ll love. Titled Biting Biting: Snacking Gujarati-style, the book is a collection of delicious Gujarati-inspired snacks. Featuring recipes that can be made from cupboard essentials, the book celebrates food to welcome friends and family, such as spicy stir-fried cashews, onion fritters and rice flour dumplings.

Biting Biting: Snacking Gujarati-style (Kitchen Press, £17.60) is released on 1st September.

Take it easy with Slow

GIZZI ERSKINE

Every month we turn the spotlight on one of our favourite foodies

Food writer, presenter and innovator of the pop-up food scene, Gizzi is a whirlwind of culinary inspiration, having written several books including Slow, Restore and Healthy Appetite. Gizzi loves a collab and recently hosted a cooking class, ‘Plantstronomy’, with meat-alternative brand, Eatplanted at Leiths Cookery School, where Gizzi cut her teeth as a young, aspiring chef. During the event, Gizzi created plantbased versions of dishes, such as Thai mock crispy duck and watermelon salad.

Whether it’s collabs, books, demos or hosting her podcast @sexliesdmslides, keep your eyes on Gizzi’s next move.

Sustain with Restore

Feel great with Healthy Appetite

TAKE YOUR PICK

Vegan homemade brownie delivery company Cake or Death has had a subscription upgrade that allows you to choose which flavours go in the box. Sign up for a Build A Box subscription and you can change flavours while saving 15 per cent compared to one-off purchases. There’s plenty of choice with combos, such as Sea Salt and Peanut Chocolate cookie, as well as classic flavourings, including Biscoff, Oreo, Nutella-style hazelnut and Candied Orange. Prices start at £15; cakeordeath.co.uk.

Spice of life

Drink me Chai has relaunched with a new barista recipe and recyclable metal tin. Enjoy Spiced, Vanilla and Vegan. RRP £2.80 from all major supermarkets.

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