News
Sugar tax and offers ban 'would work'
Is the sugar tax going to happen? Public Health England has at long last published the report into tackling childhood obesity with their findings recommending the tax, along with reducing the advertising of sugary products to children and cracking down on supermarkets' sneaky special offers on sweet foods. Apparently David Cameron is not keen, we will see.
Trick or treat? New report ranks children's food in popular casual dining chains
A few months back I pointed to an article asking people to sign up for a lunch out with their kids in the name of researching children's menus. Those parents have now reported back and here are their findings. Jamie's Italian scores top marks whilst Burger King is the big baddie at the bottom. The campaign looks to have improved the standard of kids' menus in many of the big chains, especially Prezzo who jumped a fat 13 places from last year.
Observer Food Monthly Awards 2015: the winners - in pictures
Big date in the culinary calendar and a great chance to pick up on the latest trends in the tasty world of food. There are awards for best cookbook, blog, restaurant, cheap eat, producer and lots more. Look at the winners here and scroll down to the bottom to click through for more info on them all. Brilliant news for The Clink who won Best Ethical Restaurant, very well deserved.
Mapping the price of a pint: where to find the cheapest and most expensive pint in the UK
If you're fond of a cheeky beer or two, have a look at this breakdown of the cheapest and most pricey places in the UK and Europe to enjoy one. Average price in the UK is now £3.46. Yikes. And 72p for a pint in the Czech Republic?! No wonder Prague is overflowing with stag dos.
Almond milk: quite good for you – very bad for the planet
Sometimes it really does feel like there isn't anything we can eat or drink without some negative health or environmental impact. Almond milk vs cows' milk..the battlelines are drawn.
Local News
Leamington Food Assembly Launch Party
This is an exciting one for Warwickshire peeps. For sometime I have admired Food Assembly from afar and now Leamington is getting its very own Assembly from 10 November. The basic premise: you order bits and bobs from local food businesses online then head along to the Assembly every Tuesday at the White Horse to pick up your goods and have a chat with the suppliers. You're supporting local businesses by buying directly from them and get to meet new people at the same time, tick tick tick. Free to join so no excuses...
Recipes
How to cook perfect barbecue ribs
Ribs are a dish I've eaten at restaurants a few times but not made at home so last week I got my rack out for saucing up. Ha. The sauce is pretty crazy, there's Marmite and stuff but don't let that put you off if you're a hater as it's well balanced with sweet and salty elements. General barbecue smokiness level is high. I reckon the ribs could have done with another 30-45 mins to make them uber tender but depends on your rack. Very simple method, just a long marinade and cooking time but you can chill for those hours so no problemo. Super tasty served with sweetcorn cob-style.
Thai pumpkin soup
Yeaaaah it's autumn time which means the pumpkins and squashes are aplenty, one of my favourite vegetables. This is a beautiful soup: smooth textured with roasted squash and coco milk, heat from Thai curry paste and strong zippy zap from the lime juice. Warming and flipping delicious.
Food for Thought
Why wholegrain is healthy
Many of you will know that wholegrain is considered to be healthy, a slice of wholemeal bread is better for you than a white slice right, but why is that? This article breaks down the details and gives a whole load of recipe ideas from bircher muesli to superfood salad with quinoa and sweet potato (pic looks amazing) to crunchy fish.
Hello, it's me. Sadly there have been no burger trials this week but my figure is extremely thankful so swings and roundabouts. Instead there has been fish and quinoa and avocados #ontrend