munchiesandmunchkins, Author at Munchies and Munchkins

Hotel Chocolat Beer, Gin & Cocktails – Review

June 25, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

You would be forgiven for thinking that Hotel Chocolat just make chocolates.

That’s definitely not the case. They also do a pretty amazing selection of oils, pestos, vinegars and boooooze.

I was recently sent some of their cocoa beer, cocoa gin and mojito chocs to sample and review…it’s a hard job but someone’s got to do it ..right?

So let’s start with the Gin ..just because that’s a very good place to start.

What do Hotel Chocolat have to say about it?

A classically cool and crisp English dry gin infused with the flavours of our Rabot Estate in Saint Lucia – lemon zests, juniper, coriander, mineola and angelica, with peppery notes of roasted cocoa shells and the rich creaminess of crushed macadamia nuts.

And what did we think?

For me the overriding flavour was citrus when mixed with the tonic water.This is not a bad thing as I love citrus flavours. I found that I could taste more cocoa when I tasted it neat. We both enjoyed and it was fresh and crisp.

Next onto the chocolates.. Mojito chocolates to be precise.

These are divine. I’ve had liqueurs before and flavoured chocolates plenty of times but these are just perfect. They taste so rum like that it almost feels like you are having a very sweet, indulgent drink with a bite of delightful chocolate. So so good.

Next up is the beer..

What do Hotel Chocolat have to say about it?

Our distinctive, English, small-batch beer, brewed with traditional Fuggles hops and the warming flavour of cocoa shells to create a complex, rounded ale of real character, with pleasing savoury bitterness and notes of tobacco, cocoa and coffee. Our cocoa shells are left over from making chocolate, but they’re just too good to throw away

And what do we think?

I’m not much of a beer drinker so I totally left this up to Andrew and he really enjoyed. He has just recently discovered the joys of coffee and said he definitely picked up the coffee and cocoa notes which made it a little bit different to a normal bottle of beer.

So overall a very pleasant trio of goodies. Not just chocolate in the Hotel Chocolat selection.

* we were sent these items for the purpose of the review.

Reasons To Visit The BBC Good Food Show. 11-20

June 24, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Sorry for the delay in writing the second part of my series about the BBC Good Food Show bit I’ve just returned from a week away in Kent and various parts of London. It’s been a chaotic month but the BBC Good Food show was definitely a major highlight. I am already counting down the months until the winter shows.

Without further ado let’s dive into reasons 11-20 of why you should visit the BBC GFS.

11. There is a good chance you will meet a celeb chef. If you are a little bit in love Mary Berry .. or the silver fox aka Paul Hollywood then your dreams could come true:

12. You get to try before you buy. On pretty much anything. There are samples galore and it’s rude to say no so maybe skip breakfast before you go – ooh that rhymed.

13. Even more cooking demos. It’s not just the Supertheatre you need to visit to see your favourite chefs in action but also the Belling Live and Summer kitchen too. Chefs this year included: Greg Wallace, Lisa Faulkner and Shelina Permaloo amongst others.

14. You will see products you have never heard of before.. Like strawberry mint from Urban Herbs or honey beer from Hiver. This could also be your only chance to buy them, for example Urban Herbs only do collection rather than delivery so if you don’t live to near them then the Good Food Show is your only place to stock up ..and you need Urban Herbs in your life.

15. Gadgets galore. You know all those must have gadgets you just NEED..well you can see them in action and try dishes that have been created my chefs demoing them. Vitamix, Braun, Morphy Richards and Kenwood are just a few of the brands at the show. I heart my Vitamix.

16. Cocktails at Home Masterclass – a new addition to the show and a very exciting one. Learn how to make three cocktails under the watchful tutoring of cocktail gurus Tom Soden & Frankie Campopiano and learn all about essential cocktail kit and ingredients.

17. MasterChef Street Food visited the BBC Good Food Show Summer with their wonderfully converted double-decker Routemaster bus, with delicious street food cooked by MasterChef Champion Mat Follas (Champion 2009) and Jackie Kearney (Finalist 2011).
Dishes included a Smoky Chicken Burger, Singapore Scallops (Queenie scallops and Crab Bisque with Rice Noodles), Banh Mi Buddha Sandwich, and two delicious ice creams: Lavender & Lemon and Walnut & Miso.

18. Back to the celeb chef thing. If you are a cookbook addict ( like me ) you can get your cookbook fix and even get them signed by numerous chefs at signing sessions throughout the day. Here is Michel Roux Jr at a show last year:

19. Gifts. You can buy some really lovely presents at the show. Things that people are not always able to buy in the shops. Stock up!

20. Wine tasting Masterclass hosted by Sue Atkins – what a way to end up my 20 reasons to go. Wine. I don’t really need to go into much detail do I?

New to the selection of BBC Good Food shows is the Cakes and Bakes show which will be held in London this October. Find out more here: www.bbcgoodfoodbakesandcakesshow.com Mary Berry will be appearing every day and as we are now good friends* ( May be a slight exaggeration) then I urge you to go see her.

* I am part of the Official BBC Good Food Show Blogger Panel and as such receive tickets to the show for the purpose of the review.

Plum Baby Little Yums Review

June 24, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

We were recently sent a box of Little Yums goodies from Plum Baby for Chloe to try as part of her weaning journey.

We received the apple, kale and spinach flavour:

And the pumpkin and banana flavour:

It took a while for Chloe to get to grips with them as she has only just begun having finger foods but once she did she really loved them. They are the perfect size for her to hold onto and gnaw. Perfect for teething babies.

Here is what Plum have to say about them:

Little Yums are light, delicious wafers made with the nutritious ancient grain buckwheat, plus fruit and veggies. They’re the perfect first snack for little teethers: the wafer dissolves easily in your baby’s mouth and is easy to hold, which encourages self-feeding. The unique fruit and vegetable combinations we’ve created are designed to delight tiny taste buds with the natural flavours of our delicious and nutritious ingredients. Allergy advice: Contains MILK. May contain traces of: gluten (wheat) and soy

• Certified organic, no genetically modified ingredients
• No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
• No added sugar or salt
• No mess or worry; dissolves in baby’s mouth
• Made with 100% BPA-free packaging

The flavours are very mild, in fact I nibbled one of the apple ones and you can certainly tell that it’s apple but not that it also contains kale and spinach – baby bonus.

My toddler has also enjoyed munching on these although she definitely has a preference for the pumpkin and banana.

Chloe enjoying a nibble whilst on the train to Bristol:

These are perfect snacks for journeys or camping holidays as you don’t need to keep them cool and they aren’t too messy.

* As stated these were sent to us free of charge for the purpose of this review.

Summer Smoothie – Cherry, Apple, Orange, Ginger and SPINACH

June 23, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 3 Comments

I make smoothies quite a lot. Usually to use up the odds and ends in our fridge or fruit/veg bowls but sometimes just because I need a boost.

Today I felt like I needed something really healthy but tasty and refreshing in the crazy heat we have had in South Wales.

Last year I was really lucky to win a Vitamix machine at the Britmums Live 2013 conference and a year on we still use it ALL the time.

I can get most veggies/fruits into my child. In fact her favourite things to eat are usually peppers, tomatoes, carrots, blueberries and olives. Spinach is something I still have to sneak in. I add the frozen blocks of it to curries, pasta sauces, soups and smoothies and you can’t even notice it…especially when you add a ginger zing.

Summer Smoothie

You will need:

3 apples – any kind
1/2 a punnet of cherries ( I used Picota as they are delicious)
2 cubes of frozen ginger or about an inch of fresh
1 tray of ice cubes
1 block of frozen spinach
1 orange ( not pictured as I threw it in last minute)

Depending on what blender you are using you should be able to just remove the orange peel and cherry stones and toss everything else in. I quartered my apples and removed the cores. Blend until smooth and check – you may want to add more ice depending on how thick you like it.

It’s really fruity and delicious and it just feels healthy which is a bonus.

This made 2 adult glasses, 1 small toddler serving and enough to freeze in a lolly mould.

Ok so it doesn’t look incredibly pretty but it tastes good so does it matter?

I’ll let you know how the lolly turns out.

The Sous Vide Supreme – Gadget or Home Kitchen Essential?

June 18, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

We have had our Sous Vide for about 2 months now so I feel I’m at a point where I can give you a fairly honest and thorough review of it.

The question in the blog title will hopefully have grabbed your attention.

I will tell you that before my SV arrived and perhaps even for the first few days I was very much in the gadget camp. Now I’m firmly in the home kitchen essential one.

I suppose I couldn’t tell you that it is absolutely essential for you to have one. After all you can cook everything you would cook in it in the oven or on the hob/BBQ or even your microwave instead. Instead I will tell you what I use it for and how much time/effort it saves.

I won’t write a list because I use it for nearly everything these days so the list could go on a bit.

Easy Meal Prep

I buy chicken breasts in bulk from my butcher then separate into vac bags ( normally about 3 in each) I add a dry rub or some simple seasoning, seal and cook in bulk using the rack. I turn it on leave it for a set amount of time and when it’s cooked I will open one bag up to use for that evenings meal and quick chill the other bags to freeze or refrigerate depending on my meal plan that week. So there in 5 minutes of prep is ALL my poultry cooked for that week.

Weaning foods

I cook veggies such as sweet potatoes and fruits like apples and pears for my weaning baby. Cooking in the sous vide gets them perfectly cooked and soft but none of the precious vitamins escape. Sometime I purée them other times I just squish the bag to mush it up before opening.

Stocks For Soups and Stews

Whenever you cook meat in the sous vide you get the most beautiful stock from the juices, I have added it to soups, stews, casseroles and pies with delicious results. Also the meat is perfectly moist and tender meaning you don’t need to add as much sauce to your dishes so less calories too.

BBQ delights

I’ve made the most stupendous ribs in the SV. Seriously they are incredible. One of the best things I’ve ever cooked. My dad ( who doesn’t like ribs) hasn’t stopped talking about them for a month. I’m perfecting my recipe at the moment but will share it very very soon.

It may seem like an expensive bit of kit to add to your kitchen but if you love really good food you will never look back. It has transformed our meals.
It saves me time and I don’t feel like I constantly have to check my dishes to ensure they haven’t dried out or overcooked so I spend that extra time on the important things like playing with my children.. Or drinking tea. I know the meat will taste amazing even if I use a less expensive cut and that is a huge plus for me. It’s also a big guilt reliever for someone (like me) who doesn’t always find time to cook the perfect meal for her children knowing that their veggies are packed with nutrients and nothing has drifted away in a pan of water.

I believe your initial outlay for the price of a machine will repay itself easily over the years.

So maybe you wouldn’t consider it an essential ( although I certainly do) but it’s definitely not a gadget or a fad. In fact in ten years I expect more and more home kitchens to have one.

One of the most recent dishes I’ve made using my SV is an utterly perfect roast beef..just look at the juices. Gravy was delicious.

Visit the Sous Vide Supreme site to find out more.

* I was given a Sous Vide Supreme and Vacuum sealer for the purpose of a review.

I’m Going To Britmums Live 2014

June 18, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

You should now have read my previous post introducing my Britmums Live Sponsors but if you haven’t click here and read all about the lovely MamaBabyBliss and Treasured brands who are very kindly sponsoring me.

Name: Becky

Blog: Munchies and Munchkins

Twitter ID: @writingforfun

Height: 5′ 5..ish.

Hair: shoulder length dark brown.. Could be wildly curly or straight depending on how much sleep I get the night before.

Eyes: hazel..green kinda colour.

Is this your first blogging conference? No, it’s my second BML and I’ve also attended Blogcamp.

Are you attending both days? Yes. Although how long I stay each day depends on how well Chloe plays along as she is attending with me as she cannot bear to be parted from my boobs.

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2014?

Catching up with blogging friends, staying at the home of the very lovely Franglaise Mummy and meeting people who I’ve only ever met in Twitter life. I want to squeeze some babies and bloggers ( you know who you are ) eat cake and chat with some brands and PRs both new and ones I have a relationship with already.

What are you wearing? Last year I was really worried about what to wear but this year not so much. Mainly as I cannot remember what anyone wore last year apart from the ones who wore ridiculously cute babies on their chests. I will either be wearing jeans and a fat face shirt/vest or a maxi dress/skirt. I will be opting for comfort rather than cool and definitely flats over heels. My best accessory will be Chloe.

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2014? Ideas of how to improve my blog and help it grow. So much has happened for me blog wise in the last year but I know I can do more.

Do you have any tips to pass on to others who may not have been before?

Try not to be too nervous. The very beginning part is the worst as there is a sea of bloggers so arrange to meet or go to a pre meet up. I will be at All Bar One from 12.45pm, meet me if you like. After that it’s easy peasy.

Ooh and this is me.. And Chloe:

Please come and say hello. I’m nowhere near as confident in real life as I am on here and if you read my blog then I love you already.

See you by the cake table.

Pimms Summer Tarts

June 15, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 7 Comments

I first created this recipe a few months ago they were delicious and so perfect for an afternoon tea or garden picnic. I made them again last week and yes..just as good! For those of you that missed it last month here’s the recipe, updated ever so slightly:

Pimms Summer Tart

You will need:

8 cooled shortcrust pastry tart shells ( shop bought or home made is fine)
8 Strawberries
Pimms – 3 capfuls
1 heaped tbsp Icing sugar
300ml Double or whipping cream
3 tbsp Caster sugar
Orange zest
Blueberries/strawberries and Greek basil to garnish

Whizz your strawberries, 1 capful of Pimms and icing sugar up in a blender or Vitamix and set aside. Whip your double cream, remaining Pimms, caster sugar and orange zest until soft peaks form.

Layer each tart with some strawberry/Pimms mixture followed by a dollop of cream, some berries and basil leaves. Chill or devour immediately.

Reasons To Visit The BBC Good Food Show 1-10

June 13, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I attended the BBC Good Show yesterday as part of my new role as an Official Blogger… It’s a hard life but someone has to do it right?

There are so many different foods to try, demos to watch and areas of the show to visit that I thought it would be an idea to write a series of blog posts telling you just why you should visit – that’s if you need a bigger reason than the fact that it’s a show ALL about food. Please note these are in no particular order 😉

1. The Supertheatre

If like me you are a (huge) fan of cookery shows and dream of cooking with/meeting or just watching your favourite chefs then the Supertheatre is where you need to go.

During the Summer show currently on at the NEC Birmingham which ends Sunday 15th June 2014 the marvellous Marcus Bean is hosting the Supertheatre sessions and these are just some of the chefs you can get fairly up close and personal with:

Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Gennaro Contaldo, Antonio Carluccio, James Martin, Tom Kerridge, Glynn Purnell and MasterChef judge John Torode

2. The Preservation Society

At the show you will find some totally amazing producers that you won’t find in your local supermarket and on this list I will share some of my favourites. Starting with The Preservation Society they make all sorts of wonderful pickles, chutneys and jams. My favourites are the strawberry and raspberry sirops to add to dishes, drizzle over salads or add to prosecco. We also love the candied jalapeños. Crunchy n hot! Find them on stand F184.

3. Ocelot Chocolate

This is new discovery for me. One I am so glad I made. We bought some bee pollen and mango dark chocolate which is bliss for your mouth. The packaging is delightful, even the chocolate itself is pretty and would make a lovely gift.

4. Cornish Charcuterie

As part of the blogger panel I was lucky enough to sample the goods from Cornish Charcuterie one of this years Bursary winners and also listen to them explain how they started up and why they do what they do – I loved how passionate they are about what they do. I had to head over to their stall afterwards to buy some goodies to take home. My tip is buy the seaweed and cider salami – you won’t be disappointed. Veggie? Try the mushroom pate.

5.Great British Sauce Co

Sublime sauces from the Great British Sauce co. I’ve been really enjoying their brown sauce at home for a few weeks and considering I don’t normally like brown sauce at all that’s quite a statement. They have a fabulous range so go see them at stand F234.

6.Malaysia Kitchen

Malaysia Kitchen are new exhibitors promoting the experience of Malaysian cuisine in the UK so go along to stand F626 and soak it all up.

7.Lurpaks Cooks Range

Go check out the awesome new range of cooks products from Lurpak and see some demos at their super cool kitchen on stand F682. I love the clarified butter and cooking mist.

8. Swifts Bakery

I challenge you to go to this stall and walk away empty handed. The bread looks, smells and more importantly tastes incredible. Go ..eat. Stand F141.

9. The Garlic Farm

We love garlic. Doesn’t everyone? You can buy all sorts of garlic here from smoked to elephant and the absolutely amazing black garlic. Stand F330.

10. Thunder Toffee Vodka

This is more than a bit awesome, go try a perfectly chilled sample and try to stop yourself going back for more.

If you decide to go to the show and want to save yourself some cash on your tickets use this discount code:MM20 when buying tickets in advance.

Look out for part two with reasons to visit 11-20 🙂

* I received free tickets to the show as part of my role as the blogger panel.

Lamaze Cuddle Up Koala Review

June 9, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

We love Lamaze toys. Chloe had several as gifts for Christmas from friends and family and they have been played with over and over again.

We were sent this gorgeous Cuddle Up Koala for Chloe to review:

Cuddle n Squeak Koalas

· Enjoy some post’n’play, placing baby out and in Mum’s arms
· Baby Koala is also a squeaker toy, with a leaf teether for baby to chew on.
· Lots of bright colours and interesting textures and crinkle for baby to explore

She loved it. Izzy also loved it and decided it was half her toy, giving Chloe the smaller Koala to play with. This is where it all went wrong because do you think we can find Mammy koala anywhere ? No. She has vanished. Luckily Chloe loves the baby Koala and has spent many happy hours chewing on the attached teether or squeaking its belly.

It’s been on train rides, to the park and it’s really handy as it’s so small.

We are still hoping Mammy bear will show her face sometime soon.

A bit about Lamaze:

Lamaze toys are developed around the Lamaze Infant Development System which consists of three developmental themes:
Awakening the senses from birth to 24 months,
Exploring and experimenting from 6 to 24 months and Moving and doing from 9 to 24 months.
All Lamaze toys are designed to help baby explore and learn about their world.

Keeping a baby entertained isn’t easy, in fact they get bored very easily so toys with different textures and noises are great. I highly recommend Lamaze and I know we will continue to use their products.

Please visit the Lamaze site to check out their other products.

The Happiest Baby On The Block

June 9, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

I can’t believe Chloe was born OVER 6 months ago. It truly is frightening how fast the time is going with our second ( and last ) baby. I thought it would only be right to share with you some photos of our happy, smiley and of course cute little girl.

She is such a happy and contented baby, everyone comments on her calm and peaceful nature and she will smile at anyone. Anyone at all. She’s not picky although her biggest ones are reserved for mam, dad and most of all Izzy. She adores her big sis and she is always giggling at something she has done. Of course she has her off days and when teething she can turn into a monster but it’s always short lived thankfully and nine times out of ten she is like a ball of sunshine. It’s really not easy being a parent and especially not a parent of two small ones but when you get smiles and cuddles it definitely helps.

Let’s start at the beginning..

Even when she isn’t actually smiling her eyes twinkle at me as if she is enjoying a little private joke. We can’t get enough of her.

Have to savour these moments before in a blink of an eye she’s a sullen teen. Aarrgghhhhh.

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