Time for another round up of tasty treats that have arrived at my Kitchen Table in May.
Marks and Spencer are a very British company and they have introduced the Tastes of the British Isles range to celebrate all that's great about British food. There are over 300 delicious new food and drink products including 21st century twists on UK classics the revival of historical dishes and some great nationwide exposure of regional favourites.
The selection of treats I received included lovely buttery Scottish All Butter Shortbread Rounds, and a very tasty Parkin Loaf with the proper texture of oatmeal. The Cucumber, Gin and Mint Relish is the perfect partner for salmon and you can snack on some West Country Cheddar, Chive and Caramelised Onion Jumbo Peanuts and Cashews or Free Range Chicken, Mustard and Worcester Sauce Crisps with your aperitif while you are waiting they are all totally delicious
However, as soon as I spied the Black Treacle and Porter Ale Sauce and Marinade in the parcel I knew I couldn't wait to use it. I knew I would love it and I was right. It's ideal for a quick marinade for any kind of meat. I marinaded some chicken breasts for a couple of hours, pan fried them to blacken the skin, then baked them in the oven for 20 minutes until cooked through and tender. The marinade added a delicious flavour, not too sweet. The chicken breasts were good served hot with some of the unused marinade heated and served as sauce. I also served the chicken cold with salad and it was equally good. With barbeque season upon us, this sauce would be ideal to pep up your barbie fare.
Scottish All Butter Shortbread Rounds £1.50 for 180g
Parkin Loaf £2.00 for 235g
West Country Cheddar, Chive and Caramelised Onion Jumbo Peanuts and Cashews - £3.50 for 200g
Cucumber, Gin and Mint Relish £2.00 for 195g
Free range Chicken Mustard and Worcester Sauce Hand Cooked Crisps £2.00 for 150g (not shown)
Back in 1897, Don Santiago Camacho Roman founded a family business in Seville to produce olive oils. As with all Spaniards, Don Santiago’s home in the sunny Andalucían region of Spain was never without the humble Spanish olive. It was his passion to share Spain’s most delicious olives with others, and so, in 1925, the Fragata Spanish Olive brand was brought to life.
More than 86 years on and Fragata Spanish olives are now sold across the world and remain a firm favourite and kitchen staple for millions of Spanish families.
Fragata Spanish Olives can be used in hundreds of different ways to create authentic Mediterranean dishes and mouthwatering tapas. What better way to create a unique culinary corner of Spain in your own home – go on, Savour the Flavour of Spain!
I'm a bit of an olive freak. I just love them in all their forms and I love to include them in my cooking. Fragata not only produce olives and olive oil, they have a wide range of products including Nonpareille capers and Pimiento Piquillo Peppers.
Fragata Pitted Green Olives (no price available)
Fragata Nonpareille Capers £3.69 (450g)
Fragata Extra Large Anchovy Stuffed Olives £1.55 (350g)
Fragata Pimiento Piquillo Peppers £2.05 (230g)
Karen from Lavender and Lovage and I had a great response to the Great British Rhubarb Recipe Round Up. There are many fabulous ways to cook and bake with rhubarb linked up, one of these was Rhubarb Crumb Bars from Sue at A View from Great Island and what a brilliant recipe it is. It's really simple to make and includes rolled oats, so good for you too.
I used Mornflake Organic Oats to make the Rhubarb Crumb Bars. I took these in to work and they were greatly appreciated, there were also a few requests for the recipe.
Mornflake is the longest established oat miller in the UK (the 8th oldest British company) and have been milling the finest quality British oats in the same family since 1675. They are proud to be one of the few major family owned businesses in Britain and produce a full range of award-winning oats, oatmeal, muesli and granola for all the family, including organic and gluten free. Check out the recipes on their website for some inspiration.
750 g Mornflake Organic Oats £1.99
1.5kg Mornflake Gold Scottish Jumbo Oats £2.55
800g Mornflake Oatbran £2.00
500g Mornflake Coarse Oatmeal 80p
Serenata Flowers don't just deliver beautiful bouquets of flowers, they also have a brilliant range of hampers full of delicious food and wine. If you are looking for a gift to send to a friend or family member, there are so many different types of hamper there is bound to be one that would be perfect.
I chose the Little Luxuries Gift Box which contains the following:
Cheese Board Chutney
Godminster- Vintage Organic Cheddar Cheese
Godminster- Water Biscuits with Rosemary
Handmade Chocolate Meringues
Luxury Organic Bombay Mix
Luxury Chocolate Coated Peanuts & Raisins
The Godminster Vintage Organic Cheddar was superb, beautifully sweet and smoky and the water biscuits were the ideal way to eat the cheese as the rosemary flavour is subtle and doesn't overpower it. The Bombay Mix and Chocolate covered peanuts and raisins make lovely snacks for all the family and I used the Handmade Chocolate Meringues in a yogurt and strawberry dessert, they just melted in your mouth.
The Little Luxuries Gift Box from Seranata Flowers costs £39.99 and delivery is included in the price.
I received these products to review, I did not receive payment for the reviews and all opinions are my own.