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Food and drink news
Some old favourites appear on our latest page, plus new discoveries including a wonderful gourmet box from Tio Pepe and vitality in a box!
The rest aren't a patch on Patchwork!
Those of you who've been reading this page for a while may remember that I am a huge fan of Patchwork Foods' wonderful pates. Well, now they've surpassed themselves with limited-edition summer pates: Summer Trout (left) with sunblush tomatoes, olives and capers; Venison & Penderyn Whiskey and Chicken Liver and Godminster Elderflower Vodka. As always, the quality and flavour are second to none; available from delis or online at www.patchwork-pate.co.uk
Barbecue meats online
Another of my favourite suppliers is Broad Stripe Butchers, recently been given prominence by Jason Atherton who insisted on using its Casterbridge beef in The Great British Menu. He certainly knows his stuff as their barbecue box for 6 is certainly worth buying: 500g 'tulip' chicken wings; 680g Lincolnshire sausages; 6 x pave rump steaks (142g pack); 6 gourmet steak burgers, all for just £25.03. Go on, treat yourself! Visit www.broadstripebutchers.co.uk for details.
A remedy for the 21st century?
I'm brimming with vigour (and have lost half a stone) thanks to a one-hour Vitality MOT at Neal's Yard Remedies. After defining your type (shoot, root, flower or seed) you receive dietary and lifestyle advice, as well as NYR products to enhance vitality. Having been scoffing seeds and eating protein with every meal, I can honestly say I feel fantastic! Visit your local branch for details or do the questionnaire at http://vitality.nealsyardremedies.com/index.php
The spice is right
Ready-blended spice kits seem to be all the rage this year and one of our favourites is Spice N Tice, which offers kits of dried spices. Our favourites were Tandoori Salmon (which would work really well on the barbecue) and Lamb Rogan Josh, where the spices added a great depth of flavour. From £1.99; available from independent shops and www.spicentice.com
Waste less food!
Each person throws away £420 worth of fresh food every year, which is why a Fresh Pod should be compulsory for every household! With its bright green plastic holder, it keeps fruit and veg fresh for up to four times longer in your fridge or fruit bowl - my pak choi has never looked perkier. Apparently the natural, recyclable sachet in the pod absorbs ethylene, the gas that causes fruit and veg to rot. £12.99 for a year's supply from www.freshpod.co.uk
Gourmet products in a box
Lovers of Tio Pepe sherry and Spanish gourmet foods will be logging on to www.tiopepe.co.uk to buy this box (£45 plus £12 delivery). Packed with top-notch goodies including Tio Pepe fino, chorizo, salted almonds, olives, wild boar prosciutto, smoked salmon, manchego, artichokes, smoked anchovies etc, it's every gourmet's idea of heaven.
Instant success
I don't usually drink instant coffee but, dear reader, in the interests of research and intrigued by Cafedirect's bold statement that they will give you your money back if you're not satisfied, I tried their new 'best-ever Classic Blend'. You know what? It's more than passable and has a good aroma and full-bodied flavour. Best of all, though, as well as meeting the minimum Fairtrade standards, Cafédirect also reinvests 60% of its profits back into growers' businesses. From £2.85 for 100g at leading supermarkets.
Hot stuff...
Delia used Tracklements' Chilli Jam in her book How to Cheat at Cooking, pairing it with scrumptious fried squid. A must for the summer table, it would also partner cheeses, charcuterie and grilled fish and seafood really well. An excellent product with a real chilli kick combined with the texture of jam. £3.15 for 225g. See www.tracklements.co.uk for details.
