News
Why Amazon Fresh is not the future of food shopping
Grrr talk about having a finger in every single pie you could possibly poke. The corporate giant is moving into the food market with the UK launch of Amazon Fresh in September; on offer will be a similar service to the supermarkets with quick home deliveries and a wide product range. Hubbub is a food business in the same vein in that it delivers shopping to you but differs as it works with local businesses to bring you a selection of the best goods from butchers, greengrocers and other little indies. Here Hubbub's founder, Marisa Leaf, voices her opinions on Amazon's new project.
Cutting food waste by a quarter would mean enough for everyone, says UN
Yes, another article on food waste but this one is pretty shocking - 'If the amount of food wasted around the world were reduced by just 25% there would be enough food to feed all the people who are malnourished.' For a breakdown of the facts in an infographic style thing, look here and answer me this - who is throwing out all the melons?!
Coca-Cola Funds Scientists Who Shift Blame for Obesity Away From Bad Diets
Call me a big fat cynic but does it not seem like Coca-Cola are s****ing themselves a little bit over the proposed sugar tax and falling sales, and have decided to drop to new lows by paying scientists to say '..there’s really virtually no compelling evidence that..'eating too much fast food and sugary drinks cause obesity, it's lack of exercise that's the problem. What a freaking joke, do these people have no morals whatsoever?
Eat Yourself Better
I like this. Brazilian chef, Alex Atala, shares his ideas on how restaurants and chefs can make people think differently about the food they are eating and create more positive, healthier (for us and the environment) trends with their influence. He wants to open our minds to questions such as 'if you buy chicken legs what happens to the rest of the bird?' and 'how can you convince people to eat more anchovies and mackerel instead of the ubiquitous salmon and tuna?' Thought provoking article.
Local News
Leamington Spa Food and Drink Festival
This is one of my foodie highlights of the year, I'm already getting ridiculously excited at the thought of ALL THAT FANTASTIC FOOD five minutes from my house. For the first time the festival will be hosting the Leamington Bake Off so if you're a keen baker then get involved as you could win an afternoon in the Sweet As kitchen, dinner at Queans or an afternoon tea at Restaurant 23 - all amazing prizes. Food-wise, I'll be heading for Habaneros for brilliant burritos, Afias for freshly fried spicy samosas, Kuskus Foods for the best falafels ever (see pic), Ross and Ross for their slow roasted lamb and salsa verde baps, Sweet As for the ultimate brownies, The Rustic Food Company for South African meats and fab chutneys, and a load of other stalls. Too many to mention, although I will give a final shout out to The Jabberwocky who make the best gourmet toasties around, some of which will be made by my fair hands as I'll be working with them on the Sunday! Oh and the event is free, no entry fee = happy times and happier people.
Recipes
Warm avocado salad with spicy chorizo
For the nights when you want a quick meal that is full of flavour and simple to make, try this salad. Your mouth will be met with crunchy fried croutons, spicy chorizo, smooth and creamy avocado and sweet tomatoes with a syrupy balsamic glaze. It's one of those dishes I've made again and again, also brilliant as a starter for a dinner party. If you've got tomatoes and lettuce growing in your garden this is a new way to jazz them up.
Sweet potato salad
I'm getting in another salad before the summer is officially over, just in case the weather rallies to allow us a final BBQ before autumn properly sets in. Again this is super easy to put together and makes a great change to the heavy mayo-laden potato salads. The dressing brings a bit of sharpness from the vinegar, savoury tang from the shallots and spring onions and a lovely mellow sweetness from the honey.
Food for Thought
Fishy Food Face
If you have kids who are fussy eaters, take a look at this link for inspiration on how to make mealtimes more fun. This dad has managed to get his child to eat squid, scallops and shrimps - more than a lot of adults will try!
Retro entertaining advice we should all heed
If you regularly have friends and family round for food or would like to, read this article for three inspiring tips from ladies who knew how to throw a proper good party.
Fast forward 11 days and we'll be in September, but hush with those sad summer blues I keep hearing, the ninth month will bring us beautiful red and orange leaves, heaps of apples for crumbles and pies, some fresh autumnal sunshine and on cooler nights a good excuse to cosy up with hot chocolate and a good old box set.