Hello everyone!
Caroline Oldham
So it is Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day tomorrow are you all prepared? I have some great tips for pancakes, if you are gluten free, dairy free, don't worry there is plenty of ways to compromise and still be included in Pancake Day.
I like to mix my toppings up but I shall share some of my favourites with you, maple syrup and fresh berries and then I love coconut sugar and freshly squeezed lemon. Both options are vegan, paleo, dairy free and gluten free. Here is my best pancake recipe: http://blog.biteappy.com/blog/pancake-day/
My product of the week comes from Essy & Bella Chocolate was founded by Amy Granger in August 2013. The driving force in getting to where she is today has without a doubt been being able to provide her girls with safe treats. They all have a milk allergy and between them also have a soya allergy, histamine allergy and gluten sensitivity. Amy herself is a vegan but also has milk intolerance, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and now a wheat allergy.
It was toward the end of her maternity leave with her second daughter that she set up the business. Amy has now grown the business enough to be able to move into their own dedicated dairy and gluten free factory, which they have done this month, which we think it s a massive achievement seeing as they have 3 children, Essy, Bella and Cecily. One of my favourites is the dairy free chocolate with raspberries, a delicious 60% dark chocolate which is infused with raspberry oil and crushed raspberries for a wonderful burst if tangy flavour. This chocolate is also gluten free, vegan and vegetarian. It isn't a bitter chocolate and the raspberries really compliment it.
Restaurant Hangout of the Week
A friend of mine from Winchester suggested we meet half way for some lunch! So I stumbled across The Shoe Inn in Exton, I rang up prior and to my delight they actually try to make their whole blackboard gluten free as they have a lot of demand for it. Perfect! I asked about my dairy and they assured me, I would be well taken care of and I have to say I was. The pub is set in a beautiful little village called Exton, it is hidden away and it was a real gem, the beer garden overlooks gorgeous scenery and a beautiful stream.
I ordered the Falafel Burger without the bun, and they were unsure of the sweet potato fries as they weren't labeled so gave me normal ones which was great to know, they were really on top of their ingredients and knew exactly what was in there food, really filled me with confidence! I was so excited about the burger I didn't even get a photo so will have to go back! Highly recommend if you are in this part of the country.
Top tip of the Week
If you are a meat lover, then here is my top tip for your steak, add a mixture of rapeseed or groundnut oil and dairy free butter or ghee into the pan and fry it until cooked to your liking. This will give your steak so much flavour and will also make it really juicy.
Until next time.
Tagged in Caroline Oldham