Colmans Season and Shake

Fuss-free family feasts are in the bag as Colman’s launches a new, fool-proof way to cook chicken. Brand new Colman’s Season and Shake combines delicious seasoning with a revolutionary baking bag that allows you to cook an entire meal while sealing in the flavours of the herbs and spices to create an instant family hit.

I was sent these to try and I was very impressed, you get a bag its in the sachet.  I did not check and spent a few moments looking in the empty parcel. Chris suggested I read the packet!!

Its just so easy as the steps below show.

The flavours are so good, the chicken and vegetables were perfectly cooked at the end.  I was sent the Rustic you are given the suggestion of carrots and potatoes fresh green beans it has an almost smoky taste. I was surprised by how it all cooked well and noe of the ingredients were over or under cooked.

I totally forgot to take a picture we were so hungry, so a perfect excuse to try another variety.

I bought the Mediterranean Season and Shake and you are advised to try courgettes and tomatoes.

Again all was cooked together perfectly and we served it with roast potatoes.

I recommend these for a very easy mid week meal thats nutritious and seems like you have slaved for hours yet is simplicity on a plate.

Colman’s team of taste experts has created three delicious flavours - Rustic, Mediterranean and Paprika - so that busy mums can rustle up a variety of week-night favourites in just a few simple steps:

ü Step one – Place chopped chicken and vegetables into the special baking bag (you’ll find recommendations for vegetable combinations on the pack of the pack of the Mediterranean and Rustic variants)

ü Step two – Pour over the Season & Shake seasoning

ü Step three – Seal and shake the bag for a few seconds

ü Step four – Cook on an oven dish for 40-45 minutes – no mixing or stirring required!

ü Step five – The meal is ready to serve for the whole family to enjoy!

Celebrity chef Tony Tobin gives Colman’s new seasoning his seal of approval saying; “It can be tricky to cook well-seasoned, juicy chicken in the oven and marinating can be time-consuming and messy. Colman’s Season and Shake is great because the baking bag allows the food to cook in its own juices, which seals in the flavour.”

The cleverly designed Colman’s Season and Shake bag not only captures all the flavour but all the mess too, which means there is less washing up and more time to spend with the family.

Colman’s Season and Shake can be found in the dry sauces section of all major retailers from mid October 2010, with an RRP of £1.49.

Cooks&Co Pure Goose Fat for Ultimate Roasties

Well if you have missed all the buzz about Goose Fat for your roast potatoes, where have you been. Nigella caused a massive sales increase a few years ago when she swore by using it, supermarkets sold out. I know I was most disappointed not to try it.

Well its sold all year round now, I know last year I bought mine in October just to be stocked and ready, then we used it all up  by November because its just so marvellous.

I kid you not it makes roast potatoes become the star of the roast dinner.

I have just discussed my roasties in the Good Natured Splendid Spuds post, but here are my  tips again.

 Get the goose fat smokin!!

I heat mine in the oven then put onto a burner to keep it sizzling as I add the potatoes, works well with parsnips too.

Parboil good potatoes that are suitable for roast, drain then put on the hob with a lid and dry over a hot heat shaking the pan vigorously to get them roughed up. Then add a good spoon of seasoned flour or semolina (yes seriously) to coat them.

Shake them to coat and then tip carefully into the piping hot fat and dont touch them too much as they sizzle. Then straight into the oven on a good high heat we do ours at Gas Mark 7 for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Then eat they are gorgeous cold as well the goose fat gives them a real tastiness.

Exploding in popularity over recent years as the ultimate Christmas cooking companion, goose fat is a must have product for making extra delicious dishes this festive season. To help budding chefs and food lovers, fine food producer COOKS&CO has launched its new premium Pure Goose Fat, which will be hitting the shelves from October 2010. At £2.49 RSP for a 320g jar, COOKS&CO Pure Goose Fat is priced at £1 per jar lower than most other brands, making it an affordable addition to your Christmas shopping list.

Well known as the key to heavenly roast tatties, goose fat has a high burning point which results in crunchy, golden and richly flavoured potatoes. Best of all, goose fat also has a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids compared to other animal fats such as butter and lard – so you can add slightly more generous helpings without feeling too guilty!

All other root vegetables accompanying your main dish are delicious cooked this way too, especially parsnips. Don’t save it just for vegetables though, COOKS&CO Pure Goose Fat lends a lovely flavour to a whole host of festive treats and is especially handy for keeping turkey breast tender.

For more tips and festive recipes visit

 http://www.cooksandco.co.uk/

DEBBIE & ANDREW’S SAUSAGES WITH A CHRISTMAS CONSCIENCE

I am a die hard Debbie and Andrew's sausage fan, so this is an easy and very pleasurable review.

Sausages are our family's favourite food, Paige said it is the one food she would never give up.

I was brought up on very nasty cheap sausages, so vile that  I used to try to sneak them to my dog under the table and one day it was as if he was saying "These sausages are not fit for a dog" and he walked out and dropped it into the middle of the floor and walked off in disgust!

I was sent to my room and after that my Mum gave up with the sausages.

It was many years before I would even eat one and then at a food fayre I tried a premium farm sausage and realised what I had been missing.

I only will buy a good, tasty, high meat content sausage. Debbie and Andrew's tick all the boxes. I have nibbled on them at many a BBC Good Food Show, they went from a small stand to this year a large display and are so popular.

So I am delighted they have produced a Christmas range, my favourite part of a Christmas dinner is roast potatoes and sausages wrapped in bacon. Debbie and Andrew's Christmas Cocktail Sausages deserve a tasting without the bacon though. Just as they are plump meaty little sausages, perfect for Christmas buffets parties and snacks to keep the chef going in the kitchen (thats me by the way!!)

Not forgetting another staple of a festive buffet, Debbie and Andrew's Christmas sausage meat just  perfect as a Christmas dinner accompaniment.

I love  Debbie and Andrew's sausages, can you tell?

Christmas isn’t Christmas without something sausagey to keep the turkey company but, after all the effort finding the right turkey, sussing the food miles of the sprouts and buying local spuds, make sure the sausages also make the grade. With the UK set to eat over 80 million sausages this festive season, Debbie & Andrew's award-winning and ethically-sourced sausages make it easy to shop with a conscience. This year they’ve introduced two delicious limited editions - Christmas Cocktail Sausages and Christmas Sausage Meat - to make life even easier.

Debbie and Andrew Keeble, the Yorkshire farmers behind the range, have used their trademark sausage recipe of carefully minced, lean British pork shoulder, a handful of breadcrumbs and a little seasoning, to create the two tasty, perfect partners to Christmas lunch. The new additions reflect the couple's passion for good quality meat and the best British ingredients that have put their farmers’ market recipes firmly on the map. Both will be available exclusively in larger Asda stores from the end of November.

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL SAUSAGES (400g) Try these mini versions of Debbie & Andrew’s best-selling Perfect Pork sausages to give a tiny twist on the Christmas dinner favourite. They make perfect party food or bite-sized pigs in blankets.

CHRISTMAS SAUSAGE MEAT (454g) No Christmas lunch is complete without a spoonful or two of deliciously hot and crispy sausage meat. Debbie & Andrew’s fresh pork sausage meat is seasoned with leek, onion and subtle spices. Cook whole or roll into balls and serve on the side with the turkey, or try it with a nice slice of Boxing Day bubble & squeak.

Debbie and Andrew make their sausages with pork shoulder exclusively, which makes their sausages leaner than most but still perfectly balanced and full of flavour. With over 20 years of pig industry experience between them, the farmers-turned-producers are passionate about sustainable British pork sourcing and work closely with a small network of British farms to source their high welfare and directly traceable pork.

Their brilliantly simple recipes don’t overpower the lovely flavour of the meat, lose surprisingly little fat during cooking and never contain artificial colours or flavours.

In addition to the new Christmas lines, Debbie & Andrew’s makes six delicious sausage varieties, including their hugely popular Harrogate 97% pork sausages which are gluten-free and which were recently voted the ‘most sainted sausage in sausage land’ by top restaurant and food critic, Jay Rayner.

Debbie & Andrew’s Christmas Sausage Meat and Christmas Cocktail Sausages cost £3 per pack or £5 for two packs. For more information on Debbie & Andrew’s visit http://www.debbieandandrews.co.uk/.

Closed WIN Shloer and Make Christmas Sparkle Giveaway #16 Ends 17/12

Christmas is the time of year to enjoy delicious food and drink. Add Shloer to your Christmas shopping list so that whether you’re entertaining friends and family at home, hosting a ‘Sunday Social’, or going to someone else’s festivities you can share some sparkle.

The natural wine alternative

Shloer uses only the best ingredients to create a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling drink. All varieties make a tasty grape-based alternative to wine, suitable for all the family - especially those who don’t want to indulge in alcohol while enjoying the festive season’s social circuit. Shloer contains no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavours and is available from all major supermarkets.

A flavour for everyone

Shloer is available in White Grape, Red Grape, Rose, Apple and White Grape, White Grape, Raspberry and Cranberry Grape and Elderflower - RRP £1.97



SHLOER GIVEAWAY



Now onto the giveaway. Three lucky blog readers will be sipping Shloer and not just 1 bottle but each will win 4 bottles.  *Flavours may vary or be the same variety*

Compulsory  Follow and tell me what you love to eat or drink at Christmas. Mine is sausage wrapped in bacon and yummy roast potatoes. Christmas pudding, mince pies...... I think I better stop.

(Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect.)

Leave a contact email or twitter.

Bonus Entry if you want ta second chance to win, comment on another of my posts and tell me which one.

Winners will be randomly drawn on 17th December, prizes may not be with you in time for Christmas

UK only

My other Giveaways
Win a  Gtech Cordless Power   HERE
Win a Riesenthel Hanging washbag HERE

CLOSED Win Gtech Power Sweeper Giveaway # 15 Ends 16/12

As I said in my original review I will do anything to make my life easier, I think most of us do, Gtech certainly have made it easier for me with the Cordless Power Sweeper I was sent back in September to review

Read all about it here

Do you find dragging your vacuum up the stairs a struggle? Do you get tied up in all the cables whilst cleaning the floors? And do you wish you could clean messy floors in a matter of minutes?

If the answer is yes, then the Gtech Power Sweeper is for you - the Cordless Power Sweeper from Gtech is the smart solution for cleaning floors in your home quickly and easily!

More efficient than a vacuum cleaner, the sweeper picks up everything from stubborn pet hairs to food spills, but at just 1.6kg, it weighs less than traditional machines and doesn’t have any bags and attachments.

What’s more, the Power Sweeper saves on bills too - it costs just 1p to charge three times over!

 

Now if you want to win one of these

 

 

then I am going to ask for a favour Gtech have kindly offered this Power Sweeper worth £49.95 as a prize, in exchange they need a quick moment of your time with a fast clicks survey, that's all!!

 

Gtech are interested in gauging people’s attitude towards sweepers.

 

The survey is at http://www.gtechonline.co.uk/ and you can click through from the button in the bottom right hand corner of the page. Seriously under 30 seconds.

 Open to Google Friends Connect followers only

 

Compulsory entry -  Visit the survey  do a few clicks , then come back here and tell me in comments below which of the survey questions you most want addressed by Gtech.  

Bonus entry if you comment on another of my posts (not giveaways)

 

***Time for the rules***

 

Please read what you have to do!!!!

Recent giveaways are still getting anonymous comments, you cannot win if  you have not left a contact.

SHLOER GIVEAWAY HERE
Win a Riesenthel Hanging washbag HERE

UK only

Be a follower on Google Friends Connect

Go to Gtech's survey then comment please.

Ends 16th December

GOOD LUCK

Galloway Lodge Preserves

I have enjoyed the lead up to Christmas, as I mentioned before I have tried Christmas puds, chocolates and savory snacks to let you know about the goodies out there.

One such company that have been providing goodies for all seasons is Galloway Lodge Preserves.

Galloway Lodge Preserves are a family run company in Gatehouse-of-Fleet in the heart of Galloway, devoted to making delicious marmalade's, jams, chutneys, jellies and mustard for over 30 years.

I had a look around their site and their reputation is good, they have won Great Taste Awards again this year, so before I even open the jar I know I am going to be happy.

They have some lovely Christmas products and I seriously recommend you try them with your dinner or give them as gifts.

First up, the Mulled Cranberry Chutney, this is all the Christmas tastes you want with a slice of cold turkey, a good cheddar and crusty bread. I love the orange flavour that is present too.

This is the perfect accompaniment for spicing up a sarnie of slice of cheese.

So good I am buying for presents as well.

This is a lovely jelly perfect for Christmas day the added port gives a deep flavour, I cannot wait to eat with turkey but as Galloway Lodge mention, it would be just as good with Ham.

This has to be my favourite, its the perfect pickle for all the cheese you might want to be consuming, fab again in a ham or turkey sandwich. This is so tasty, tomatoes, onions and apple. Galloway call this the Little Black Dress of Chutneys, perfect for all occasions.

If I keep eating it I won't be even getting in a "big black dress", its that good.

Galloway Lodge Preserves make the perfect accompaniment throughout the festive season. Offering a wide range of jams, marmalade's, chutneys, jellies, mustard and chillis, they use only the best quality fruit.

Their Mulled Cranberry Chutney and their Cranberry & Port Jelly are two all time favourite Christmas products. Their Seville Marmalade is perfect for making Duck a l'Orange and all of their chutneys can accompany cheese and biscuits as well as all of your left-overs.

 

For the festive season they sell 100 gram jars of some of their most loved products including their Raspberry Jam, Heather Honey Marmalade, Bramley Apple Chutney and their very own trademark chutney - Poacher’s Pickle, all of which make the perfect stocking filler and can be gift wrapped in packs of three and retail at £5.99.

 

Contact - 01557 814 007

 

www.gallowaylodge.co.uk

NEW COVENT GARDEN A VERY SPECIAL FESTIVE SOUP OF THE MONTH

I am thoroughly impressed with New Covent Garden Food Company's Soup of the Month, I wait to see what it will be and I have tried Witches Brew in October for Halloween here , last month was a sunny Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato here.

This month I have to admit I was expecting a festive recipe, Turkey maybe, Cranberry?

But I am most impressed when the flavour of the soup may not be what you would term festive but the carton sales certainly will be festive. The funds will be going to our older generation.

My Grandma is 91 this month and fed me soup as a child, her speciality was chicken broth. She now is pretty frail and she actually eats NCG rather than makes her own.  I buy her the cream of chicken her favourite.

This month I will proudly be dipping my bread into the Smoky Bacon, Vintage Cheddar and Winter Greens and supporting The Sally Army in their work.

Oh and by the way the soup is just so good. For an Irish girl this is proper fare, bacon, cabbage and cheese, the staples of an Irish pot. I was expecting a different look to the soup, its a creamy blend reminds me of potato and leek in colour and texture.
The smoky taste of the bacon really adds to the warming feel. There is a light leek taste and the vintage cheese flavour just makes this a new favourite.
I know I know, I  keep saying it.
  I am going to miss this soup at the end of December.

NCG create ‘Smoked Bacon, Vintage Cheddar & Winter Greens’, a deliciously warming December Soup of the Month (SoM) in support of The Salvation Army

This winter, New Covent Garden Food Co. (NCG) will be working with The Salvation Army to help our nation’s older generation to receive essential care when they most need it, as well as retain their independence, by creating a very special December SoM - Smoked Bacon, Vintage Cheddar & Winter Greens, in support of the charity, and the work of its Older People’s Services.

With NCG’s and The Salvation Army’s partnership now in its third consecutive year, the fresh soup maker’s chefs have been hard at work, creating Smoked Bacon, Vintage Cheddar & Winter Greens - a mouth-wateringly tasty Soup of the Month for December. This warming, fresh soup includes, smoked bacon, vintage cheddar cheese, chunky Maris Piper potatoes, and sliced winter greens - providing the perfect hearty winter recipe to keep you feeling warm and satisfied during the chilly festive period.

New Covent Garden Food Co.’s Nick Munby, comments, “Every carton that we sell of our December Soup of the Month will be helping to fund The Salvation Army’s Older People’s Services, which offer invaluable support and companionship to older people. Their services include; visiting the housebound, running Day Centres and Lunch Clubs and providing older people with fresh and nutritious meals, sharing our belief here at NCG that fresh food is an essential part of a healthy and nutritious diet.”

 

“The Salvation Army’s Older People’s Services also aim to make later-life a time of fulfillment and enrichment. A fantastic case-in-point of the work they do is 86 year old Eileen Godsave, the lady who provided us with the beautiful painting, which we’re featuring on the front of this year’s soup carton. Eileen lost interest in life after a long time living alone, but after moving to a TSA care home, she was re-inspired to paint after being supported by the charity’s Older People’s Services and is now, by allowing us to showcase her wonderful artwork, helping us to raise funds to help continue that work.”

Smoked Bacon, Vintage Cheddar & Winter Greens will be available in supermarkets and independent retailers nationwide throughout the whole of December priced from £1.99.

As with all New Covent Garden Food Co. soups, Smoked Bacon, Vintage Cheddar & Winter Greens contains no additives or preservatives, flavourings, colourings or modified starch of any kind. All of the fresh soups in the range also feature the government approved FSA traffic light labelling system for the identified categories of fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, making it easier for consumers to see what they’re getting.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and registered charity working in 121 countries worldwide and is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. Registered charity numbers England and Wales 214779, 215174 and in Scotland SC009359, SC037691, and Republic of Ireland CHY6399. For more information visit the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk

Available in all major retailers during December priced around £1.99.