munchiesandmunchkins, Author at Munchies and Munchkins

Christmas Drinks Guide 2015

December 13, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Party season is very much upon us, office parties have commenced and soon family and friends will be joining up all over to celebrate and toast to Christmas. This is my round up of drinks for Christmas dinners, family parties and New Years Eve glitzy dos.

Starting with the non alcoholic drinks:

J20 have a new range of flavours which are perfectly festive including Midnight Amber (orange, lemon and winter spice) and Midnight Forest (cherry,chocolate and orange):

Echo Falls have an alcohol free sparkling infusion which would be great for guests who don’t want to drink alcohol or are driving yet still want a glass of something sparkly:

James White juices offer something a little different. We love this Lemon Refresher:

QCumber – a cucumber flavoured drink which just happens to go perfectly with Gin.

Moving onto the definitely not suitable for under 18’s drinks..

Starting with Gin. I’ve never managed to get my head around the idea of Gin. It always had an odd sharp almost bitter taste and I really did not enjoy it. It turned out I was drinking the wrong stuff.. Oh and using the wrong mixers because good Gin is really good. Here are two that I rate:

Rock Rose Gin:

Tanqueray Gin:

Blue Nun wine would look pretty on a Christmas table:

Drinks that would also make great gifts:

Demijohn is a liquid deli, doesn’t that sound incredible? I tried some of their chocolate rum liqueur which is just a little bit special!

Raisthorpe Manor have a selection of mini bottles which would make great stocking fillers, we love their Toffee Vodka and the Damson Port:

We like to have something with a little fizz and sparkle for our Christmas dinner table and why not??

Asda have fabulous Prosecco and Champagne offers including this Pierre Darcy champagne reduced from £18.00 to just £10.00

Cuvée Barcelona Cava:

Iceland Prosecco is currently just £5 so go grab some before it disappears:

And drinks need to be served with extras at Christmas..luckily Opies have all the accompaniments you need to make your cocktail or drinks extra special from preserved lemon slices to cocktail cherries and gherkins.

*Some of these items were gifted.

After Eight Blended Cocktail

December 11, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 5 Comments

The first time I made this cocktail was about 10 years ago, I loved it and my brother had a taste and loved it too. I next made it as a larger serving decanted into a bottle for him as a Christmas gift. Since then I’ve made it sporadically over the years but this is the first time I’ve shared it on here. There aren’t any fancy ingredients but the combination of chocolate, mint, kahlua and Irish cream leads to a silky, indulgent and perfectly festive drink. This would be great on Christmas Eve whilst wrapping presents or even in place of a dessert on Christmas Day – for the adults only of course!

A powerful blender is handy here although not essential but you won’t get such a silky smooth finish without it.

You will need:

200ml of semi skimmed milk
100ml of Irish Cream
75ml of Kahlua
3tbsp of good quality cocoa powder
1 tsp of Peppermint extract
6 After Eight thins
1 handful of ice

Place all of your ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add more peppermint if you need it ( it should be minty enough ). Decorate the inside of your glasses with some chocolate sauce/syrup before pouring your mixture in. Dust with cocoa powder. Serve immediately. There “should” be enough for 4 servings.

It’s the perfect festive drink, you can also make it in advance if you know you have guests arriving and chill in the refrigerator – just be sure to give it a good mix through again before serving.

Enjoy!

* Please be sure to drink responsibly. It’s easy to get carried away especially in the festive season.

Take Us To The Beach

December 8, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

This week I picked up some passport forms for Chloe. Izzy had her first passport at around 5 months and poor Chloe well she’s just turned 2 and still hasn’t got one. I think the thought of taking two little ones abroad is a bit scarier than just one but we are planning for a holiday next Spring.

We are thinking of Portugal, it’s always been one of our favourite places to visit and a perfect first trip for us as a family of four. The weather in springtime is mild and warm without being overly hot for the little ones and there are an abundance of family hotels that you can book via the British Airways site. The food in Portugal is delicious and varied and it has good surf which is always essential for Andrew!

For a first flight for a small child Portugal isn’t too much of a stretch but inevitably they will still get bored so planning ahead is essential, there are some great tips from Dr Vivian Hill on the BA site to make your trip as stress free as possible including bringing out different toys wrapped as presents at different points of your journey. Find the rest of the tips here

So back to the planning – we have just realised that Andrew has an expired passport so that needs rectifying before we book anything! So between his and Chloe’s that’s about an extra £200 to budget in. Hmmm.

When we plan a holiday we always get costs for the flights, hotel and any airport transfers and car hire we require before we consider booking so we know exactly how much we have to spend and luckily BA make this really easy as you can do it all through them. On top of that you can also book pre flight airport hotels which would be ideal if you had an early morning flight and didn’t want to be rushing with little ones.

I really like that with BA if you can’t afford to pay the full amount straight away you can instead pay a deposit and then the remaining amount closer to the time or pay a fee to hold your booking. If you are unsure about any of the options available you can also speak to one of their customer service advisers who are happy to help with any questions.

Once Christmas is out of the way I’m looking forward to having a holiday booked and ready to get excited about! Days of exploring all that Portugal has to offer, enjoying some Piriton Piri chicken and long glasses of sangria overlooking the waves. Bliss. Ah yes and the two small children of course but with the endless beaches and a million fun things for us to do I’m sure we will all have a fabulous time!

* I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Research Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity.

Food Blogger Of The Fortnight – Rough Measures

December 7, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

It’s that time again..time to meet another of my favourite UK food bloggers. This time we are chatting with Sus Davy of the Rough Measures blog.

I first discovered this blog about 8 months ago and it’s one that I really enjoy visiting. Sus lives on a canal boat near Bath and creates all of her recipes in a teeny tiny kitchen yet her results are fantastic. Her healthy yet delicious dishes always catch my eye. You can find recipes for mains such as Jerk Sweet Potato Stew alongside sweet treats like Lemon and Rosemary Donuts. We attended an event together a few months ago and I’m pleased to report she is as lovely in person as she comes across in her posts. With that it’s over to Sus…

Name of blog: ROUGH MEASURES

I hit a bit of a rut in September 2014 and was feeling a little bit lost. I started Rough Measures as a project to give me something to focus on, to give myself some purpose. Not only did it give me a portal to find my voice, it has taught me that food really does nourish the soul and mind. I am proof that you can eat yourself happy, from the joy of creating wholesome meals, to the goodness you are providing your body.

Your most popular recipe:

My Good Morning Granola recipe has proven to be the most popular!

Your personal favourite recipe:

My favourite recipe from the blog are my Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Bars – a total experiment as I tried to create a healthier version of my favourite childhood treat – the tiffin!

Where else can we find you?

www.facebook.com/roughmeasures
www.twitter.com/roughmeasuresuk
www.instagram.com/roughmeasures
www.pinterest.com/roughmeasures

Christmas Gift Ideas For Women

December 6, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I know that most men say women are impossible to buy for. Get us something too frivolous and they may say why did you waste your money? Something too sensible .. Where is the romance??

Here are a collection of ideas for all of the females in your life.

First up for the woman who says she doesn’t need anything. A day or a night away, we all need a break. Men and women. Do it in style at The Celtic Manor with a spa break.

This may sound boring but I always love new pyjamas for Christmas. I’ve been window shopping and these gorgeous ones from M & S have caught my eye. Not entirely sure they would look as good on me but aren’t they lovely?

I love OPI nail polish and these miniatures are adorable and really pretty colours. Check out this OPI Nail Polish Gift Set:

How about some French patisserie themed bath goodies? These Cafe De Bain Toiletries are delectable, my favourite is the cherry and almond bath creme:

Eden Project Online Store have some great gifts, I love this Rose, Freesia and Geranium Bath Soak as well as Hasslachers Drinking Chocolate Bar which is 100% natural and soo delicious:

Daniele Ryman Massage Candle. I was sent this a few months ago and I’ve really enjoyed lighting it while I relax in the bath then using the oil after I get out. It made my skin feel soft and smells incredible.

Joy The Store have a wide selection of gifts such as this Ring for Prosecco bell Do you know a Prosecco lover? Make them feel like they are being waited on with this cute bell.

Łuxury bath products from Noble Isle – they have a wide variety of sets to suit different budgets and tastes including this one:

A twist on the traditional cracker with these Bath Fizzer Crackers

I know this is a picnic blanket but I am already looking forward to spring yet the colours of this traditional blanket from Edinburgh Wool Mill are almost festive.

If all else fails an Amazon voucher is always handy.

Oh and I wouldn’t mind a trip to a warm beach with a piña colada in my hand..well a girl can dream hey?

* Some items have been gifted to me whilst others are items I want or already have!

We Should Cocoa Chocolate Challenge – Christmas Theme December 2015

December 1, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 5 Comments

This month I’ve kindly been asked by Choclette from Tin & Thyme to host her popular We Should Cocoa Challenge. If you aren’t familiar with the challenge here’s a little info about it:

You can use any sort of chocolate or cocoa substance but you must include the special ingredient or theme selected by the host – this month it is CHRISTMAS!! It can be anything you like, a cake or a sweet, a pudding or a savoury dish.

Perhaps you are planning a stunning Chocolate Cake as a centrepiece on your dinner table or maybe you will be making chocolate gifts to give as Christmas presents? Like these Bounty bites:

If you use anyone else’s recipe please link to or mention the source.

Check out last months challenge round up which was Banana themed here.

There are a few simple rules:

1.Post your recipe on your blog with some photos if you can. Please ensure you have permission to use photos that are not your own.
2. Mention “We Should Cocoa” in your post and link back to Tin and Thyme and myself Munchies & Munchkins.
3.Only one entry per challenge please and please post in the relevant month.
4.Entry is usually via linky.
5.Entries should be submitted no later than midnight of the 25th of the month.
6.The round up of entries will be posted on this blog on or before the last day of the month.
7.The new challenge will be posted on the 1st of the month.
8.Please use the #weshouldcocoa hashtag on Twitter and I will retweet from my account @writingforfun
9.Feel free to add your entry to the We Should Cocoa group board on Pinterest. If you are not already a member and would like to join, please ask Choclette via Tin & Thyme.
10.By linking up you are giving consent for your image to be included in the monthly round up as well as possibly being shared on social media channels such as Twitter and Pinterest.

If you are interested in guest hosting We Should Cocoa, please get in touch with Choclette via Tin & Thyme.

I look forward to reading all of your posts.

Well That’s Just Brilliant.

November 29, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 6 Comments

It’s 11.45pm on a Saturday night and I’m sat here back aching, eyes are worn and trying to unwind after a long week. I’ve just finished cleaning my kitchen, sorting laundry and other bits and bobs. I should have done this a lot earlier in the day but I didn’t and now I’m tired, tired but happy.

Today seems to be THE day for people discussing or complaining about Christmas decorations. I’m not sure why it hit everyone on the last Saturday of November but everywhere I’ve seen moans and posts asking why on earth people have their decs up??? Family members have been discussing it..friends I’ve met and it’s ALL over social media. If it was September I would almost understand but it’s December on Tuesday!

Let me tell you a story…

Way back in the day when I was young enough to be impressed by Santa and wowed by a tinkling bell in the distance we put our decorations up on the 1st December. It was one of the most exciting days of the year for me and my siblings. We didn’t do anything spectacular on that day, we pulled the boxes down from the attic..reminisced over handmade Christmas baubles and possibly cracked open the first box of Christmas treats. What I really remember is how happy and loved I felt. I knew it was the start of a really fun and exciting time. I knew I would be surrounded by the ones I love and see others who only seem to appear during holidays. The lights didn’t fade for us as children and we still bemoaned the day that the last bit of tinsel was packed away in January. How the house looked bare without it. It seemed colder, darker.

Last week we passed a few houses nearby that were all lit up and Izzy just looked and smiled, then on the weekend we had a family break away with all of my siblings, my parents and all Izzy and Chloe’s cousins. It was a real festive occasion, we even had a Christmas dinner with crackers. We arrived home and it felt like December 25th was a million miles away.

So this morning we got up and decided to get up into the attic ( well Andrew did.. I would but..spiders. ) and spent a few hours with the girls just pulling them all apart and marvelling at the shiny, tinkly treasure chest.

This evening we put up the tree and we all decorated it together. Christmas music played, our home was warm and full of laughter.

*For the effect of extra warmth turn in Fireplace in your home if you have Netflix on your telly – a log crackling fireplace takes over your screen..it’s awesome.*

At one point Izzy stopped, looked up at the tree proudly and said “Well that’s just brilliant”.

My list of chores continued to pile up as we all revelled in Christmas warmth. Chloe doesn’t quite understand the decorate the whole tree aspect and instead chose to decorate one branch..but what a pretty branch it is.

Our tree won’t be the most stylish, we really have let the children do their bit and I’m trying to stop myself doing any adjusting now they are in bed. But it’s definitely fun..maybe shabby chic??

The faces we saw tonight of glee and surprise may not have still been there if we had left it another 3 weeks with them seeing a tree here and lights there with every shop or home we walked into.

I think what I’m trying to say here is that I understand that some people don’t want decorations up early, some people may not want them at all and for others it may be against their beliefs. But don’t put a dampener on it for others. We all have our reasons for doing or not doing it.

Mine is this. Christmas is magical. It doesn’t heal wounds but it almost caresses them. It can make bigger problems seem smaller and in most cases you spend more time with the people you love. Christmas should never be about just that one morning scrabbling for presents under the tree.

Our world is full of sadness and trouble. For us and the majority of you reading this blog we are lucky. We don’t live on the streets or in a refugee camp, cold and afraid for our lives. We don’t have to worry about where the next meal will come from, even if we aren’t rich ..for most of us the cupboards are still full.

I’m sure we have all shed tears over the past year for every country being affected by terrorism, by war or by poverty. Paris brought it to the forefronts of most of our minds and perhaps felt more real due to our proximity to France.

Every day a terrible event will happen in another country, to another person. Yes we need to help and we can’t bury out heads in the sands which is why I urge you to do what you can in your area. Give food/clothes bundle to volunteers heading to refugee camps or help the homeless in your area or just give money to a local charity or church who know what to do if you feel lost and unsure how to help.

And celebrate. Don’t stop living or enjoying.

I don’t know about you but I just want to soak in every minute of this warm Christmas bubble before I walk back into our wonderful yet terrible real world.

A Foodies Christmas Gift Guide

November 26, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Do you have someone in your life that is a little food obsessed? Here is a great round up of gifts which are just perfect for Foodies.

A delightful Christmas Hamper from Greys Fine Foods:

For budding cooks or people with a busy lifestyle who still want to create fresh, healthy meals each night why not send them the gift of a Marley Spoon recipe and ingredient box?

Or a subscription to a Baking Club? I love the look of this iced cinnamon bun kit:

Of The Earth Superfoods: This hot chocolate tin looks attractive and the hot chocolate inside is thick and creamy!

Peters Yard have a a selection of crispbreads and crackers which would be great to pop in a hamper:

Smorgasbord is a board game just for foodies:

Brabantia tasty tools include Cookie Cutter Sets
Pastry Brushes, Baking Spatulas, Corkscrews and much more – all under £10 and in bright, attractive colours.

Cadburys choc gifts as always have a massive range of festive treats. From mini Christmas figures to the traditional large Chocolate Father Christmas, Oreo balls and selection boxes. There is something for everyone:

Costa coffee – I love when Costa bring out their Christmas flavours with my absolute favourite being the Blackforest Hot Chocolate. These also have these adorable ceramic travel cups:

Choc On Choc – These chocolates will look exactly like the most popular biscuits. My Dad is a huge biscuit fan so he really enjoyed trying these.

Beanies coffee – Beanies have lots of different flavours to offer this Christmas including Irish Cream in cute little jars:

Cherizena Christmas coffee blend – festive coffee is a perfect treat for coffee lovers:

Baru – I was first introduced to Baru products at the BBC Good Food Show last year. Once I tasted their chocolate covered salted caramel marshmallows I was in love. Since then I’ve tried a variety of the other products including their Spicy Chai Latte which I just love.

Try a different stocking filler with these Liberation Nuts:

*Some of these products were gifted to us for the purpose of this guide.

Baked Pulpetti – A Maltese Recipe

November 25, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 6 Comments

I’ve never been to Malta although it is one of the places on my to visit list. It looks like an idyllic holiday destination as well as being rich in history and culture – a perfect mix in my opinion and the warm weather is appealing too. You can find out more about holidays to Malta here.

I was challenged by Expedia to take part in their World On A Plate challenge to create a Maltese recipe. I’m always interested in trying and experimenting with new dishes so this was a fun opportunity for me.

Pulpetti is a traditional Maltese recipe and I’ve made a few adaptations to make it my own.

It’s best described as meat patties ( slightly flatter than meatballs ) using beef or pork mince or a combination of the two with a rich herby flavour. I’ve discovered that some people use corned beef – I may try that next!

Some traditional recipes use Parsley but I used a combination of Sage and Rosemary from my herb garden.

My Pulpetti were more meatball shaped than patties but they were extremely tasty all the same. I used three methods to cook the Pulpetti, baked, slow cooked and shallow fried.

Baked Pulpetti:

You will need:

For the patties:

750g High Quality Minced Beef ( I used 10% fat )
2 eggs ( beaten)
2 garlic cloves finely diced or a tbsp of garlic purée
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 slices of slightly stale bread
90g Grated Parmesan
A handful of sage and rosemary leaves roughly chopped
Pinch of seasalt and cracked black pepper

For the sauce:

1 400g carton of chopped tomatoes with chilli ( or plain chopped tomatoes with a finely diced chilli)
1 tsp of brown sugar

Preheat your oven to 180c.

In a large bowl mix together your beef, eggs, Parmesan and olive oil. In a blender whizz your bread into fine breadcrumbs along with herbs, salt and pepper. Add this dry mixture to the wet and using your hands mix thoroughly.

Using 1/3 of the meat mixture roll into small balls ( you can flatten them slightly if you like). Heat 2 tbsp of Olive oil in a large pan and brown your balls on all sides.

Add your brown sugar to your tomatoes and pour into an ovenproof dish, add your meatballs and bake for 40 minutes.

Pre baking:

Serve with the side of your choice, they go well with rice or in flatbreads.

Slow Cooker Method:

As above for the ingredients, use 1/3 of the mixture and form into balls, sear on all sides in a large pan before adding to the slow cooker with sauce and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Serve as above. Tastes even better the following day.

Shallow frying method:

As above for the ingredients, use 1/3 of the mixture and form into balls.
Add 1 cup of Olive oil to a large pan and heat until bubbling. Carefully add your meatballs and fry until cooked throughout.

Serve in wraps or flatbreads with some yogurt and mint sauce or hot chilli sauce. Delicious.

The precooked meatballs/patties can also be frozen to use at a later date.

*This post is part of the #worldonaplate challenge with Expedia and I was compensated for my time and ingredients.

Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts – Part Two

November 23, 2015 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 8 Comments

Last month I shared some of my favourite edible Christmas gift ideas and now I’m back for part two.

I love making Christmas gifts for people and the look on their faces as they receive and enjoy them. My personal favourite is fudge but here are lots of other ideas:

Spiced Apple & Rosehip Jelly: