News
Britain's best fish and chip shops revealed
This time last year I posted a link to the 2016 award winners and it is one of the most clicked links I've ever written about. You're obviously big into your fish and chips! Spoiler alert! There is a new winner this year. Find out who won this prestigious accolade and if any of the regional winners are on your doorstep.
Is chlorinated chicken about to hit our shelves after new US trade deal?
Yes, you read that right. Sounds tasty, yeah? Jokes aside, this, and other food issues, could be a real problem if we strike a new trade deal with the US. Their food standards are pretty lax compared to ours so click through to find out what you might have to look out for.
All change in the aisles to entice us to eat more veg
Sainsbury's is consulting with a team of scientists to work out how it can help customers eat more veggie food and lay off the meat occasionally. Have a look at what changes you might see on the supermarket shelves.
Reviews
Hold The Beef: 10 of the UK’s best meat-free burgers
If you're a veggie, vegan, or just want to eat less meat, then check out these tasty burgers. You've got the usual bean burgers and meaty portabello mushrooms, but there's also some more unusual offerings - The Fritter looks delicious, as does the The Pulled Mooshie which contains jackfruit that apparently tastes just like pulled pork.
Local News
BeerTorrent
If you know someone who loves beer and fancies having a go at making their own, send them this link. Based in Leamington Spa, this little shop will teach you all the tricks for making the perfect brew, and look after your concoction while it ferments in their kitted-out cellar. My other half made a Purity-style Ubu and Sierra Nevada pale ale replica - both were really good, surprisingly good actually! If you're in the Warwickshire area, this could make the perfect birthday or Valentine's gift for any wannabe brewer.
Recipes
Spiced veggie shepherd’s pie
I love this pie; it's warming, really substantial, healthy AND tastes amazing. Plus it's a great meal to prepare in advance if you've got people coming round for dinner as it will sit happily in the fridge overnight. I think the sundried tomato paste is essential as it adds that extra something that really takes the dish to the next level of tastiness. Make sure you check the seasoning as well, I always add half a teaspoon of sugar with a can of tomatoes, and a good pinch of salt. I didn't use a full pack of feta, about 100-120g was great for me.
How to cook perfect banana bread
Do you ever throw away bananas because they've gone all black and squishy? Don't waste them! Give them new life in a banana bread. Over ripe fruits are essential for this as they give a natural sweetness. I've followed a lot of banana bread recipes and this is definitely the best yet. The texture is just right: soft but you can still slice it, and the taste is spot on. I think the salt really balances the sugar flavour, three quarters of a teaspoon was good for me. If you have old bananas but no time to cook this up, put them in the freezer, and defrost them when you're ready for baking. Excuse the crap picture, it disappeared very quickly at work.
Food for Thought
How to choose olive oil
If you're into your olive oil and love nothing more than a drizzle over a dish of pasta or creating a dip for some chewy ciabatta, then have a read of this article. Who knew there was so much to the oil making process? As the author mentions, it's kinda like picking a good wine.
I've realised that (unintentionally) this week's edition is quite veg-heavy which is no bad thing. A lot of people, including me, are trying to eat less meat so expect to see lots more vegetable-inspired dishes coming up in restaurants. I recently watched Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary, Before The Flood, which touches on the environmental impact of eating red meat. If you have chance, watch this film. It should be shown in every school, such an important message on climate change. P.S. I spotted some CHEESE hot cross buns in M&S this week!? Has anyone tried them?