food
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

#Win Dr Oetker Baking Goodies #Competition

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I love spending time in the kitchen with my monkeys, baking cakes or trying out new recipes.
 
If you like to bake with your little one then I have a lovely competition for you.
 

Enter below to win a selection of Dr Oetker Baking Goodies. All you need to do is ANSWER THE QUESTION by commenting on the blog below.

Q. What do you like to make or bake?

All entrants who leave a blog post will be entered into the draw. More ways to get extra entries will become available once a blog comment has been made.

GOOD LUCK
 
 
Dr Oetker baking Goodies  
 
for more competitions visit my competitions page HERE or Loquax
 
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Back To School Meals with Birds Eye

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Last week we have been trying out some Back To Meals thanks to Birds Eye.
 
Birds Eye recently enlisted a panel of mini-chefs aged between 7-12 years to develop a range of delicious kids approved recipes and we gave a few a go.
 
We are not the greatest chefs and I often read recipes and think wow - that looks amazing but I know it wouldn't be if I gave it a go.
 
These recipes looked good and easy to make and I know my monkeys would enjoy them because its what we eat.
 
First we created
 
WAFFLE NACHOS
 
Pre heat the oven and cook Birds Eye mini potato waffles (4 per person) as per instructions on back of packaging
 
Heat baked beans as directed
 
Place shredded lettuce on a plate and top with waffle, beans and salsa
 
Sprinkle grated cheese on top
 
Place under the grill until cheese is nicely melted.
 
**********
 
Chicken Finger Pizza
(we substituted fish fingers for chicken fingers) 
 
Cook Birds Eye Chicken fingers (2 per person), Birds Eye Fresh Supersweet sweetcorn and Birds Eye field fresh Garden Peas as per instructions on packaging.
 
Spread tomato sauce ( tinned chopped tomatoes or a tomato puree) over a naan bread and scatter peas and sweetcorn over the top.
 
Chop Chicken Fingers and place onto naan bread - scatter a little grated cheese to finish
 
Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 200 degrees.
 
**********
 
We haven't tried this one yet - but really looking forward to it.
 
Chicken Dipper Fajitas
 
Pre heat oven and cook Birds Eye Crispy Chicken Dippers ( 4 per person) as per instructions on packaging
 
Finely slice onions and peppers
 
Fry the onions and peppers with a dash of oil and a pinch of seasoning
 
Heat tortilla wraps as directed
 
Dollop tomato salsa onto your wraps, add the peppers, onions and dippers
 
Wrap up tight, cut in half and enjoy
 
**********
 
We are big fans of Birds Eye anyway and we do buy lots of Birds Eye products but it was nice to use them as ingredients to create some teatime meals. 
 
My favourite was the waffle nacho's they were so yummy. Daddy, big and little J enjoyed the chicken finger pizza. It was strange putting tomato puree on a naan bread but somehow it worked.
 
For more yummy recipe ideas visit Birds Eye Website HERE
 
 
*we were provided with birds eye vouchers to buy ingredients to create the birds eye recipes. recipes above belong to the mini chefs who created them - all photos above are our own* 
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Breakfast With belVita #MorningWin

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Daddy has never been a breakfast eater but since I found belVita breakfast biscuits he will always make sure he grabs a pack. He will either sit down with a cup of tea or eat them on the go. We all like them but me and big J will have variety during the week, cereal or toast but for Daddy if there is no belVita he has no breakfast.
 
This week we were sent some belvita crunchy biscuits in three new flavours to try. Apricot, hazelnut and chocolate chip. Belvita crunchy are different to the biscuits we usually buy. They are thicker and there is only three biscuits per pack instead of the usually four. 
 
There are a few flavours Daddy already likes, cocoa, milk and cereal or honey and nut. I like the fruits of the forest or fruit and fibre. We tend to stock up when they are on offer in the supermarket. 
 
So it was time to give them a try, Daddy tried Hazelnut, I tried Apricot and Big J tried the chocolate chip.
 
I have to say the flavours were very tasty and the thickness of the new biscuits made me feel fuller just after two biscuits. They are harder than the normal belVita but I usually dip then in my cup of tea anyway.
 
One of the reasons we like belvita so much is that they slowly release carbohydrates over 4 hours. I never want to have a mid morning snack after I have ate the biscuits. I am full till lunch.
 
The new belVita crunchy also kept me full even though there are only three biscuits in the pack. If you see above the 3 biscuits are about the same in thickness as four of the regular belVita biscuits.
 
Like I said before we are a big fan of belvita and it was nice to try out new flavours. I would definitely add the crunchy versions to my shopping list but I would buy if on offer like I do now with the normal versions.
 
*This post is an entry for #MorningWin linky challenge sponsored by belVita Breakfast, Learn more at Belvita UK*
 
*we received the new flavours to try*
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Italian Meals from Aldi

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Today we went on a shopping spree in Aldi specifically looking for some ideas for Italian meals. As you may remember I have reviewed some of Aldi's tipples in the past (which you can read HERE) and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality for the price.
 
I was hoping I would be as happy with the Italian range as I was with their beers, wines and spirits. 
 
I asked big J to choose some products from the range so we could make some nice meals for the upcoming week.
 
Big J loves his pasta and will have it mixed with bolognese sauce, tuna or chicken and sweetcorn.  I usually make a big pan of pasta and he will eat it that night warm and then he will take it to school the next day in his packed lunch cold. 
 
So the first two items he put it the trolley was pasta, Fusilli and Penne. He likes fusilli with tuna and penne with chicken and sweetcorn. I'm not too fussed which type of pasta goes with what really to me it all tastes the same. 
 
Then we got some spaghetti and a bolognese sauce. I bought two jars of sauce because I don't like it when it's dry. 
 
Big J noticed a reasonably sized margherita pizza in the chilled section and asked could we also get that with some garlic breads. 
 
So we put them in the trolley and he then saw a large lasagne. As you may have read in previous blog posts I like to make a Quorn lasagne but as treat I said he could also add it to the trolley.
 
Just as we were leaving the chilled section he put in some fresh tortellini filled with tomato and basil. 
 
So that was our shopping done for now until on the way towards the till big J noticed some Italian style grated cheese so that was added too. I was really happy with the variety available and it was really reasonably priced too.
 
So I was looking forward to making some yummy Italian themed dinners this week. 
 
So far we have tried the pizza, garlic breads, Lasagne and the pasta. We have also used the grated cheese on top.
 
The pizza is delicious. There is a pizza restaurant in Disneyland Paris called The Outpost and if you have been and love the pizzas then you will love Aldi's. It tastes just the same but its not in the shape of Mickey Mouse. haha.
 
Overall I was really impressed with the quality for the price. Everything in the photo above was bought at the same time and came to just over £10.
 
To view each weeks special offers available at Aldi visit the website HERE
 
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Naanster - Indian On The Go

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I am not a huge fan of microwave meals or snacks. I used to buy them but since being on maternity I have had the time to prepare and cook meals from scratch. 
Now I'm back at work it really is more convenient sometimes to throw something in the microwave. If you have to make four dinners for four people all eating at different times due to after school clubs or work it can make it just that bit easier.
 
Sometimes big J doesn't feel like a big dinner and will just want a snack. This week he tried Naansters.
Naansters come in a choice of four flavours
chicken tikka, 
vegetable tikka, 
balti chicken
beef madras.
 
Each naanster is a light fluffy naan bread with the choice of flavour inside, pilau rice and mango chutney.
You pierce the packaging and pop it in the microwave as it comes for 90 seconds.
I have to admit it did smell nice and big J was looking forward to giving it a go. He loves his food and is always happy to try foods he's not tasted before.
When it came out the microwave it was very very hot, it is recommended to leave for one minute but I left it for five. I also opened it up to take a peek inside.
Big J tried the vegetable tikka and he did enjoy it. He said it was very tasty. I was impressed the naan bread didn't go hard in the microwave but I would have liked to see a bit more filling inside. I think there was one very small piece of broccoli and one very small piece of cauliflower. There was quite a lot of rice. I am hoping the meat versions will have more in than the vegetable one.
 Each pack is 185g and the nutritional information below is per 100g
212kcals
4.2g fat
0.9 sat fat
I think they are great for a snack and big J is looking forward to trying the other flavours which we will do over the weeks. 
You can visit the Naansters twitter page for more information or where to buy.

*we were sent a selection of Naansters to try in return for a honest review*
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#WIN A PRIVATE TAPAS COOKERY CLASS FOR TWO WITH JOSE PIZARRO!

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Olive it! is a culinary concept that aims to bring a sparkle to traditional olives by incorporating them into your cooking in new and exciting ways! There’s no limit to your imagination and to help you bring this olive ‘explosion’ to life we are offering you the chance to win a once in a lifetime olive cooking course with celebrated Spanish chef, Jose Pizarro.
 
On Friday 3rd October at 12-3.30pm, you and one guest will experience hands-on tuition in an atmospheric and professional cook school in the heart of Clerkenwell, London, at the Food at 52 Cookery School.
 
In this exciting cooking course you will be inspired to get creative in the kitchen and learn how to make a selection of delicious tapas with the ‘master of tapas’ himself.
 
Jose Pizarro will take you on a culinary journey where you can explore the exciting flavours of the Mediterranean and learn how to make a selection of beautiful and mouth-watering dishes that will impress friends and family.
 
Take a look at the website for recipe inspiration.
 
Olives are an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. Versatile and full of flavour, olives also have important nutritional properties and the black variety are rich in iron and vitamin E. What’s not to love? This tapas cookery class with Jose Pizarro is a perfect way to experiment with flavours of the Mediterranean and will leave you fully equipped to host your own tapas party! Each session ends with a mouth watering feast of all the food prepared, accompanied by some carefully selected wines.
 
To keep up to date with the Olive it! campaign visit Olive It or follow on Twitter @Oliveit_UK and like on Facebook OliveitUK.
 
 
#WIN A PRIVATE TAPAS COOKERY CLASS FOR TWO WITH JOSE PIZARRO!  
 
 
TERMS
Competition closes Sunday 28th September at 12am
winners will be emailed before 12pm on Monday 29th September
2 lucky winners will both receive a pair of tickets for the private tapas cookery class for two with Jose Pizarro.
 Due to the event being on 3rd October winners will need to respond as soon as possible to my winning email.
I will pass on all details of winners to the company representing this event
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
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Scrumptious September DegustaBox Delivery

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This months Degustabox delivery arrived this week and it is my favourite so far. It contains some brands I am familiar with but different products I hadn't bought before.
This months box contains
 
Berry White - Fruit Drink
 
I personally haven't heard of Berry White fruit drink before. We were sent Peach and Goji Berry. Its one of your five a day and big J took this to school with him to enjoy during lunch. He liked it and said it was very fruity but he would have preferred it to be cold. It had gone warm in his school bag.
 
Lindt Hello - Just For You Hearts
 
These went down very well. Who doesn't like chocolate? Lindt is a favourite of mine but I always think of it as a 'treat' chocolate rather than a eat when you want chocolate.
 
The little tin was filled will 10 chocolate hearts and they were pure heaven.
 
Caribbean Twist - Strawberry Daiquiri
 
I have seen this in the shops but I have never tried it. Its a pre prepared cocktail drink that brings the Caribbean to you. It looks yummy and I'm looking forward to trying this at the weekend.
 
Fever Tree - Tonic Water and Ginger Beer
 
Fever Tree is a brand I have never heard of before and Tonic water and Ginger Beer isn't something I would choose to drink although Big J loves tonic water, so he gave this a go. He wasn't overly keen of the after taste but he drank it anyway.
 
Mexican Dave's - Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips

We have had these Mexican Dave's Tortilla Chips before in Degustabox and we were sent Nacho Cheese last time. They were lovely but not as nice as these. Daddy loves them and I will let you know he has scoffed the whole bag. Now the big question is where on earth do you find them? We have looked in all the major supermarkets and cannot find them. If someone knows please do tell us.
 
Brioche Pasquier - Pain Au Lait and Croissants Au Buerre
 
I buy a lot of Brioche Pasquier products but I have never bought these two. We usually buy the pain au chocolate or other varieties. These are really tasty and I love how fresh they always are.
These went down well at breakfast time and I will be adding these to my weekly shopping list.
 
Cawston Press - Kids Blends

Again I had never heard of this brand until we received a drink a few months ago in Degustabox. Big J loved this and its made with 40% water so its quite light and there is no added sugar.
 
Schwartz - Flavour Shots
 
These aren't for us but I can always find someone who will give them a go. We have had them in Degustabox before and this month was Mexican Fajitas and Spanish Paprika Chicken.
 
Something new this month was Degustabox Fridge. It was an envelope that contained a voucher to claim a free product from the supermarket
 
If you are new to my blog and you haven't heard of Degustabox before you can visit the website HERE and you can order your Degustabox for just £9.99 by using my special £3 discount code at checkout RQ59X
 
 
*we were sent degustabox in return for a honest opinion*
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Little Dish Meal for Little J

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Little J has a big appetite and up to now he has eaten everything we have put in front of him. I haven't found anything that he doesn't like yet.
 
little dish meal
 Little J has been trying Little Dish meals and today he tried the Cottage Pie with Seven Veg.
Minced British beef in a tasty tomato and seven veg sauce, topped with potato and veg mash.
 
Heating instructions say it is best to be heated from chilled in the oven but I did it in the microwave.
 
It was ready in 5 and a half minutes. Actual cooking time is just 2 and half minutes,1 minute stand in between cooking and 2 minutes stand after cooking.
 
little dish meal
After it had cooked and I opened it I thought it didn't look much and there seemed to be very little mash on top. It was really hot so I let it stand for a further minute or two before I popped it on the plate.

little dish meal
When I put it on the plate it looked more appetising than before and it did smell nice.

boy eating with a spoon
Little J enjoys feeding himself and he was able to with this because the mash is quite thick and stayed on the spoon as he lifted it to his mouth

boy eating with a spoon
The cottage pie with seven veg is suitable from 1 year old. The 200g portion is 2 of 5 a day, low salt (0.4g) and contains 183kcal. I was happy to see the salt content as I know microwave meals can be pumped with salt and sugar to add flavour.

It is suitable for home freezing and can be cooked from frozen too.

After he's finished we always have messy dishes but luckily we can pop them straight in the dishwasher. It's always important to remember to deodorize your dishwasher using a dishwasher deodorizer.

I will definitely try a few more of the dishes available. They are handy to have in when you need to make a quick meal, even cooking in the oven is just 25 mins.


When we purchased from the supermarket there were a few more dishes to choose from but there are 13 in total and can be viewed online at Little Dish
 
 
 
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