Summer has shown us its face, but as I write this it’s cool and raining. I’m sure sunny days are on their way again, but either way, here are some lovely products for you to enjoy.
A Fine Ferment
First of all, I’ve been enjoying some award-winning fermented, unpasteurised, live ferments, made with only natural ingredients.
They are from The Cultured Collective and are really delicious.
This Fennel Apple and Dill Sauerkraut (£4.50/235g) is particularly good in a cheese sandwich and the Original Kimchi (£4.75/250g) is a tasty addition to so many meals.
The founder, Nicola Peters, started selling from a stall in London markets and the brand has since grown with listings in Ocado, Sainsburys, Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic and many independent stores across the UK. “Fermented foods have played a big part in my own health journey, and I’m delighted that our biggest listings to-date will result in many more people incorporating fermented foods into their diet.” she says.
There are a number of different flavours so check Sainsburys and Ocado for these particular two, but there are others as well to try.
Porky Crisps
I’ve discovered a deliciously porcine new flavour of rather splendid crisps: seasoned crisp aficionados Made for Drink have joined forces with iconic pork scratchings purveyor Mr Trotter.
The result is a great sidekick for any beer, cold white wine or G&T.
Various flavours from Made for Drink are already available at Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon, but for this one, you’ll have to trust me and buy online from madefordrink.com.
Little Tarts!
For a sweet snack that might be small in size, but is really big on flavour and deliciousness, check out the new Bonne Maman Tartelettes: crispy mini tarts, filled with tasty fruit or caramel compote.
Available in three varieties – zesty Citron, fruity Framboise and indulgent Chocolate Caramel – they offer an easy little moment of pleasure – perfect with a morning cup of coffee, teatime break, or in a packed lunch.
Made using the finest ingredients, Tartelettes are crafted from a traditional French recipe, giving a crisp pastry base, and they’re individually wrapped.
Available in packs of nine from Sainsbury’s stores and online from Ocado at £2.00rrp.
Oh So Veggie
I’m always keen to eat more vegetables, but not ultra processed food, so when I had the chance to try new Veg’chop, I jumped at it.
It’s from Oh So Wholesome – a brand helping us eat more plants, in easy ways.
Made only from real, wholefoods, it contains 10 plants in every bite, from ingredients we know, and with no hidden nasties. Not only is it a low ultra-processed food, but it’s super high in protein and fibre, and an easy ingredient for so many dishes.
Just launched in two tasty flavours: Original and Mexican, Veg’chop is packed with pulses, seeds and vegetables, delivering a rich, savoury taste with a slightly nutty flavour at its core.
It’s a super versatile ingredient that can be chopped into curries, stirred through sauces, added to pasta sauces or pizza and served in salads and sandwiches.
£3 for a 250g pack it’s available from Tesco.
Ready to Drink Bureau
If, like me, you’re a fan of a good cocktail, but rarely summon up the energy to make one, these ready to drink cans from The Drinks Bureau offer seriously tasty cocktails in cans and party boxes.
Made with premium ingredients – vegan and allergen free – the award-winning cocktails taste like bar-made drinks – without the faff! RTD 150ml 10% abv cans, retail at £15 for a 4-pack.
Available in Spicy Margarita, Passionfruit Martini and Espresso Martini, each also comes as a party box of 10 servings retailing at £30 each.
The latest additions to the collection are no & low alcoholic cans: Shirley Temple – a non-alcoholic treat and Dirty Shirley – 5% abv. The Drinks Bureau, Notonthehighstreet.com and Amazon.
Uncommonly Good English Wines
Having pioneered sparkling wines in cans, first launched in 2018, The Uncommon’s first ever still wine collection – a white and rosé affectionately known as Clarence and Penelope – is now available nationwide via Ocado.
Made in Kent, using the very finest English grapes, carefully crafted and overflowing with local character, these wines are perfect for spontaneous sunshine moments.
Clarence is a crisp Pinot Blanc & Bacchus at 11% ABV, fresh with a burst of elderflower and a glint of gooseberry. Penelope is a pale English Rosé Pinot Noir also at 11%. It’s dry, fruity and packed with notes of strawberry and a hint of raspberry.
With sustainability at its core, The Uncommon’s vineyard is regeneratively farmed and its range of easy-drinking English wines have the lowest carbon footprint of any wine in the country.
All served in attractively illustrated, and very classy, recyclable aluminium cans.
£5.95 per 250ml can at ocado.com Also available in 4 x 250ml (£26) and 8 x 250ml (£48) on wearetheuncommon.co.uk
Still Codorniu – Still Great
I know we tend to think of Cava when we see the name Codorniu, and the history of Codorníu is closely linked to the production of cava, but the company has also been involved in the production of still wines for many years.
In fact, the Codorníu family has been producing still wines in Spain since the 16th Century, long before the first bottle of cava was produced.
Perfect for those chillier days that we are still having, despite the recent heatwave, this organic Tempranillo from Codorníu showcases fresh aromas of red berries, subtle cocoa, and spicy notes from oak aging. Its balanced profile and smooth finish make it an excellent match for tapas, pasta dishes, or perhaps a steak, hopefully cooked on that barbecue!
Codorníu Tempranillo Organic Red – £10.50 from Ocado
A Sparkling Float
And finally, when the sun has got its hat on, how about this idea: a sparkling rosé float? Take a glass of this rather wonderful Louis Couturier Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé (£10 Tesco). The wine has delicate bubbles and aromas of red fruits, and is delicious on its own of course. For a change, try serving it in a chilled flute with a spoonful of frozen sorbet. Strawberry sorbet is recommended as it will bring out the citrus notes… resulting in a delicious sparkling float.
Cheers.
