Blog - Munchies and Munchkins

Back To Basics Part 1

April 1, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

I’m on a bit of a budgeting kick at the moment what with being on maternity leave and all so I’m trying out different supermarkets, using vouchers where I can and generally being a little more careful with my shopping.

I had a £15 off voucher for Sainsburys online delivery service so I decided to do my big monthly shop there this month and buy as many products as possible from their basic range:

The price of these products is cheaper by far than the branded options or the standard Sainsburys line and I was curious as to just how good they would be.

So in the first of two posts I will give you some feedback on what I think about the basic range.

Starting with the most important of course..

Biscuits

Since having Chloe I have a bit of thing for biscuits. I have re-established my relationship with tea ( decaf, milk and no sugar) and I do like to dunk a biscuit or two just after a feed. I can tell you now that these custard creams are the best I’ve tried. So far anyway. The bourbons are also pretty damn good and I haven’t opened the others yet. You get a variety pack containing 4 individually wrapped packs of biscuits (custard creams, bourbons,nice and shortcake) for £1 so 25p per pack which is just a bit of a bargain.

Whole Chicken

The chicken was fine, it wasn’t amazing and next time I would work harder at making the meat taste better. Either by slow cooking or basting regularly while roasting or soaking in a marinade overnight. It does taste fine but it wasn’t great which I kind of expected. It was only £2.86 and fed four of us plus leftovers for a sandwich for the OH the next day so how much do you expect for that price?

Pork Shoulder

I used my pork shoulder to make pulled pork – it was lovely. This involves rubbing in a mix of mustards, herbs and sugars and leaving overnight before cooking slowly for 8 hours. Not much difference to the more expensive piece that I normally buy.

Just prior to roasting:

Crisps

I bought a multipack of onion rings, cheese puffs and salt&vinegars sticks to take out on day trips/picnics etc for Izzy and us. These aren’t my crisps of choice – I’m more of a kettle chip fan but Izzy loved them and they aren’t bad at all for the price. My OH is partial to the onion rings.

Condiments

We bought mustard and salad cream. The mustard is great and we really like it. The salad cream isn’t brilliant as its slightly bitter compared to my usual brand but its absolutely fine and I would have no problems buying it again.

Breakfast Muffins & Scotch Pancakes

Both of these disappeared in days and were enjoyed by all of us. Plain, simple and just what you need the products to be.

Juice

The OJ is fine, didn’t notice any difference to my usual brand.

Tortilla chips

Perfectly decent tortilla chips. Lightly salted, delicious with dips and great smothered in passata and cheese in the oven.

Cornflakes

I bought these initially to make cornflake cakes with Izzy as my OH is quite fussy with cereal but he opened them before I had a chance to say and he’s enjoyed them – so much so that there are none left to make cakes 😉

Fabric conditioner

I was particularly impressed with the fabric conditioner – it only comes in one scent which is the only flaw as I do like a variety but in all other ways I was happy and felt it worked well. It didn’t aggravate my daughters sensitive skin at all either which can happen with cheap brands occasionally.

So far, so good. I look forward to telling you more about the rest of my shop next month.

* This is not a paid post and these items were paid for in full by myself.

Foodie Round Up – March

April 1, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

This month has been just a bit lovely when it comes to foodie goodies.

I’ve been sent quite a few lovely things to try out and I’ve bought some nice stuff myself too.

First up:

Metcalfes Skinny Topcorn:

I’ve recently become a member of the #topcorntribe which has to be one of the best tribes ever. Every month I will get a gift box of Topcorn to sample and tell you all about.. And it’s pretty amazing corn.

These are the flavours it contained:

There was more than one of each flavour but we may have ..ahem..eaten some rather quickly.

It feels like such an indulgent treat but they are really low in calories so you don’t feel guilty. I’ve developed a bit of a thing for the sweet n salt flavour. The chocolate crackle feels very naughty and the Wasabi has a lovely kick.

Next..

Bahlsens Pick Up biscuits

I’ve reviewed theses on the blog already so I won’t go on but they are devilishly moreish.

Jordans Country Crisp – strawberry

I was sent these to create a recipe out of but I’m ashamed to say they didn’t last long enough.. Myself, my OH and Izzy devoured theses in a matter of days and they are sweet and crunchy and well just really good.

I am however planning to buy more this week and I’m thinking.. Flapjacks?

Degustabox

I will be reviewing this later in the week so I won’t spoil it but so far it gets a big thumps up. Milkshake..chocolate tea and nachos.. What’s not to love?

Schwartz

We have been sent a lovely pile of goodies from Schwartz and I’ve been loving trying them out. I’ve never been disappointed in a Scwartz product and I find them excellent value for money too. We also got some extras in our Degustabox so that’s a bonus!

I think I’ve been a little bit spoilt this month.. What will next month bring?

* Products have been gifted in exchange for a review.

Meeting With The Munch Brunch

March 31, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Myself and Chloe went on an exciting trip to London last week. My mum joined us for the ride and it was really nice to get away and see some of the sights.

Chloe snoozed for most of our walk.

We were invited by Lindam Munchkin for a launch event in a fabulous little spot called The White Space in Leicester Sq. The event was a brunch hence the hashtag #munchbrunch.

The table was laid out with some fabulous Munchkin dining kit and there were Lindam gates up to keep the little ones in and Lindam nightlight owls to light the way.. They are massively cute by the way.

The event was a bit different to any of the blogger events I’ve attended so far, it was really relaxed and informal. All of the products were displayed around the room for us to have a play with and we spent most of the time chatting.

I met some really lovely bloggers and the PR ladies as well as the staff from Lindam Munchkin and it as great to put faces to names. Chloe spent 90% of the time beaming at everyone – one fellow blogger commented afterwards that she was like an advert for happiness – how lovely is that?

Interested in the ducks..

Which are clever ducks by the way.. They can tell you if the bath water is too hot:

Smiling up at Nana on the train ride home..

Thanks to Lindam Munchkin for inviting us to this lovely brunch, we all enjoyed and Izzy was thrilled with her goodies when I returned. She hasn’t let go of her little owl much and she is loving her new Minnie Mouse plates and cups.

Izzy and her “I LOVE MY NEW PLATE” face..

We are looking forward to trying out lots of Munchkin and Lindam products over the next 12 months and letting you know what we think as well as keeping you up to date with their latest news.

Bahlsen Pick Up Biscuits Review & Giveaway

March 31, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 42 Comments

Last week I was lucky enough to receive some pretty lovely parcels in the post. One of which contained these:

I opened this parcel after a day in London on trains and tubes. I was worn out and in dire need of chocolate and a cup of tea.

This met all my needs for chocolate and a biscuit. You have a thick hunk of delicious chocolate in the middle sandwiched by two crispy and tasty biscuits. Therefore no chocolate melted over yours (or your toddlers) hands if you can’t eat it all in 15 seconds – which I totally can by the way.

They are wrapped individually so stay fresh if you need to keep one in the changing bag and one or two by the side of your bed – I am breastfeeding after all so snacks close at hand are essential.

I’ve shared some of these with the pickiest biscuit eaters you could find – my Dad who will only eat certain brands and my toddler who thinks nothing of spitting them right out at my feet if they aren’t up to her standards. Everybody gives these a big thumbs up and there is certainly one from me too.

You could win yourself a whole case of these treats by entering my competition – a whole case! That’s 14 packets don’t you know.. Or 70 bars.. Drool.

Follow @BahlsenPICKUP on Twitter

Silent Sunday

March 30, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

A Mothers Day Main from Tate&Lyle – Glazed Chicken

March 29, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Balsamic-Sugar Glazed Chicken

This balsamic and sugar glaze keeps well in the fridge and is a useful addition to have to drizzle over roasted vegetables – be they English roots or a Mediterranean medley of peppers, courgettes and onions.

Serves: 6
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 1hour 40 minutes

for the stuffing
1 medium onion, peeled & finely chopped
25g (1oz) butter
40g (1½oz) fresh breadcrumbs
125g (4½oz) cream cheese
1 heaped tbsp chopped tarragon
2 heaped tbsp chopped parsley, plus extra for serving
1 lemon, zested
salt & freshly ground black pepper

for the chicken & vegetables
1.6k (3½lb) chicken
3 tbsp olive oil
3 medium red onions, peeled, root discarded & thickly sliced across into 3
3 medium onions, peeled, root discarded & thickly sliced across into 3

for the glaze
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 rounded tbsp Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Light Muscovado Sugar
salt & freshly ground black pepper

You will also need a piping bag with a 4cm (½”) plain wide nozzle and some kitchen string for trussing the chicken.

Gently fry the onion for the stuffing in a small pan with the butter over a low heat for about 10-12 minutes until softened. Tip into a bowl to cool, then add the breadcrumbs, cream cheese, tarragon, parsley and lemon zest. Season well with salt and pepper and transfer to the piping bag.

Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan200°, 425°F, Gas 7.

Put the chicken on a board, cut the string to untruss it. Then, at the neck end carefully push your fingers from side to side to loosen the skin from the bird to make a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to split the skin, or the stuffing will ooze out. If you do, just stitch it up with a needle and thread, remembering to remove it later. Carefully pipe the stuffing between the breast and the skin, patting it down so that it is evenly distributed. Re-truss the chicken with a new length of string. Transfer the chicken to a large roasting tin, drizzle over 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, season and cover with foil.

Roast the chicken on the middle shelf of the oven for 1 hour, basting with the juices once or twice.

Meanwhile, combine the balsamic vinegar and Tate & Lyle Light Muscovado Sugar together in a small pan over a low heat, stir to dissolve and then simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.

Rub the onions with the rest of the oil, keeping them together in their slices, and season.

Remove the foil from the chicken, arrange the onions around the bird and cook for another 20 minutes, turning them halfway. Brush the chicken with the balsamic glaze, drizzle the rest over the onions and roast for a final 10 minutes until the chicken is glazed and bronzed, and the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a fine skewer. The onions should be tender and nicely caramelised. Remove them to a plate to keep warm whilst you rest the chicken for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Carve, scatter with a little parsley and serve with all the pan juices.

Camp Bestival.. Food Festival?

March 28, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Just when you thought Camp Bestival couldn’t get any better. It does. Oh it does.

THE FEAST COLLECTIVE

FOOD ADVENTURES IN A FIELD

FEATURING
A GIRL CALLED JACK / MARTIN MORALES / THE CAKE SHOP BAKERY / ROLA WALA / CRAYFISH BOB / SMALL BATCH COFFEE / BREDDOS / WHOLEFOOD HEAVEN / KNACKERED MOTHERS WINE CLUB & MANY MORE STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED

PLUS
THE FARMERS’ MARKET
DELICIOUS LOCAL FOODS!

AND DON’T MISS
FOOD FORTNIGHT
BRINGING CULINARY COOL TO YOU

www.campbestival.net

That’s right. Camp Bestival which has always been an awesome festival for foodie delights has now taken it up a notch with a celebration of all that is great about the British food movement – The Feast Collective

It will be in a prime front of castle spot so you can eat AND still watch all the main stage acts. You can catch demos from people like Jack Monroe – I’m personally thrilled about this- and awesome food and mixologists. I’ll probably be telling you a lot more about the foodie aspect in my next Camp Bestival post next month but for now I just wanted to share this news with you.

A Battery Powered Life – Energizer Batteries Shop

March 26, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 3 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Where would we be without batteries? At 3am when only Ewan The Dream Sheep will settle my baby. At 5pm when I put Chloe in her swing just so I can have 20 minutes hands free to make food. At 7pm when I need to pump milk and don’t want to be stuck next to the plug socket.

At anytime of day when Izzy absolutely NEEDS her torch. We need them.

They can get expensive though and buying cheap only means they last half the time. Keeping an eye out for good ones that are on offer or buy one get one free has become a habit of mine.

On the weekend I did my online shop with Sainsburys – I never do a main shop instore with Sainsburys as my local shop is too small but I do like to use them for my online shops. This week I shopped online mainly because I had a £15 off voucher but also because the Energizer batteries I needed to power up the Dream Sheep were 2 for 1.

Typically when my shop arrived substitutions had been made and the batteries had been replaced with another set within the same brand but not in the 2 for 1. Grrr. It does frustrate me when this happens.

As soon as Izzy saw the packs – she does like to help me put away the shopping- she shouted yay batteries for my torch.

You see I may tell a little white lie every now and again. If I’m a bit fed up of her playing with something I may say its run out of batteries..even if it doesn’t contain them. Bad mammy but I’m pretty sure we all do it.

We had planned an adventure. A walk out to the local forest when it started to get dark for fun with our torches and to try to find some owls..she’s an owl fanatic but once again Pox hit our household ( this time with Chloe) so instead we used out batteries for something which we all need every now and again. And that was to replace the batteries in this..

I try to avoid too much screen time for Izzy but on days when one of the girls are unwell it can be a real sanity saver.

We made up lots of snacks and settled in for a day of Peppa Pig and Iggle Piggle!

What do you use batteries for that you really couldn’t do without? Favourite children’s toys? Do you ever make up that something has run out of battery?

Mothers Day Wishes with Johnsons

March 26, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

The makers of JOHNSON’S® Baby are asking mums to share their ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wishes’ on their Facebook page, and are offering them the chance to download a special note that they can share with their family ahead of the big day. The JOHNSON’S® Baby brand knows that mums cherish special moments with their children, and the ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wish’ will help them to create a new memory they will remember for years to come.

A spokesperson for the JOHNSON’S® Baby brand said: “Mum’s are known for their selfless nature, so it’s no surprise that they aren’t looking for pricey presents to make them happy on Mother’s Day. What they really want is to create another moment that they can treasure forever, one that only a child can give. By making the effort to spend time together, or by getting the kids to make mum a card, it’s really easy to not only put a big smile on her face, but also show her just how much she means to everyone.”

The new survey, which has been commissioned by the brand to help make ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wishes’ come true, has produced a list of the top 10 things that will make mums happy this Mother’s Day.

1. A Bunch of flowers

2. A hug from their children

3. A box of chocolates

4. Having lunch together as a family

5. A handmade card

6.More time together as a family

7.Relaxing bath products

8. A bottle of my favourite perfume

9. A book

10. Breakfast in bed

For me everything on the top 10 list sounds fab.

One of my personal wishes as a mum is for an hour long soak in the bath with bubbles in the bath and a glass of bubbles in my hand.

What would you like?

Share your own Memorable Mother’s Day Wish’ by visiting the JOHNSON’S® Baby Facebook page www.facebook.com/JohnsonsBabyUkIre.

I Heart Cookbooks – Marshmallows Made Marvellous Parragon Book Review

March 25, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

The tagline of the book is ‘Anyone can make these’ and I have to agree because I made these on a day where I was existing on about 2 hours sleep with a newborn and a toddler demanding attention.

Homemade pillows of sugar – doesn’t that sound delightful?

This book has over 30 recipes ranging from a vanilla to fancy mojito or amaretto crunch flavours.

We decided to master the basics first with the vanilla marshmallow recipe.

It’s a really straightforward recipe to follow and we ended up with some gorgeously gooey vanilla marshmallows:

Next up we want to try the cookies and cream marshmallows. I will let you know how we get on.

Recommend this book to anyone who has a sweet tooth and likes to get creative in the kitchen, could make some wonderful gift wrapped sweetie presents.

* I received this book as part of the Parragon Book Buddy scheme.

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