tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58290033507756037012024-02-02T11:45:43.366-08:00The Scoffing Cowa simple, honest, yet rather indulgent blogzine dedicated to one girl's passion for stuffing her face, whilst watching her waist.
A collection of rants, recipes, revelations and restaurant reviews, for those calorie conscious cosmopolitans, who simply want to have their (non-rice based) cake, and unashamedly eat it too.The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-41876079556333839152013-06-23T04:35:00.000-07:002013-06-23T06:59:51.910-07:00Recipe of the Moment: Kashk-e Bademjan (but not as you know it) Persian Lamb & Aubergine Stew.<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxLyTtVfyubnLeLJPgonXKbHb3BckrqlQCWN66eiGuiezLsThjrQCEa5YB2VKMk1bhZCdrT5vqVKFHhxkXSAZfdHsZDdzyeckn944Dv199Z9joIxgcxpIClHDW_aMkD0er3YtUYQKbhAu/s1600/DSC03932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxLyTtVfyubnLeLJPgonXKbHb3BckrqlQCWN66eiGuiezLsThjrQCEa5YB2VKMk1bhZCdrT5vqVKFHhxkXSAZfdHsZDdzyeckn944Dv199Z9joIxgcxpIClHDW_aMkD0er3YtUYQKbhAu/s320/DSC03932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The inspiration behind this
particular dish comes from the quintessentially Persian appetiser, Kashk-e
Bademjan.<br />
Made predominantly from mashed aubergines, garlic and 'kashk' (a kind of soured
cheese made from whey) this scrumptious dip is simply glorious when served
alongside warm flatbreads, and a scattering of walnuts and pomegranate.<br />
<br />
Discovered by Mr Cow and I during ‘date night’ at our local Persian restuarant
(kudos to Debsh in Nottingham) we have both become avid devotees of this
delightful </span><span style="font-family: "Coming Soon"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">hors d'oeuvre.<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
The problem with Kashk-e Bademjan however, (other than the inevitable arguments
caused by attempting to share it) is that it just doesn't last. And although I
have enjoyed many fantastic Persian entrees, I can't help but think that the
'support act' is better than the main event.<br />
<br />
With this in mind, I set about chartering somewhat unknown territories, and
began looking at ways to promote this traditional appetiser to centre stage.<br />
I was thinking lamb; I was thinking stew, <s>I was thinking gargantuan amounts
of flatbread, walnuts and cheese</s>... I was thinking hearty yet healthy. (What
was I thinking!!?)<br />
<br />
Before you read on, I have to disclaim the blatantly obvious... I know very
little about Persian cuisine (other than that I love stuffing my pie-hole with
it) and therefore cannot be held responsible for any discredit or offence this
creation may have, or may continue to cause, to any person at all affiliated
with Iran.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Persian Lamb & Aubergine Stew</span></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->450g
Lean Lamb Steaks (Leg is good)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->1kg (or
4 to 5) medium Aubergines <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->600g
Root Veg (Squash, Carrots, Sweet Potato etc)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->300g
Celery sticks<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->300g
roughly chopped Onion<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->4
cloves of garlic<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Large
handfuls of Mint, Coriander, and Parsley.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Salt /
Pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->1 tbsp
Advieh*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->2 tbsp
Olive Oil<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->300ml
Lamb stock<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the marinade:-<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Juice
of 1 Lemon<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->1 tbsp
Advieh*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->1 tbsp
dried Ghormeh Sabzi**<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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To Serve:-<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Kashk***
or Soured Cream<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Walnuts</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">Pomegrantes</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Preparation</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Chop your lamb into itty bitty pieces, then coat
with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for as long as possible… (within
reason of course)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peel the aubergines and slice lengthways. Stick
them in a colander and dowse with two generous
teaspoons of salt to draw out the water. If you can, place a heavy(ish) weight
on top; something like a pan lid is ideal. Leave them in this uncompromising
position for between 30 minutes to an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Once the aubergines are sufficiently dehydrated
(there has to be a more culinary term for this!) roughly chop and toss them in a
tablespoon of oil. Pop them on a baking sheet, and roast in a hot oven until
golden brownish. (I prefer them slightly chargrilled, as it gives the dish a sweeter
taste.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Whilst the aubergines are roasting…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large and pre-loved casserole
dish, and add the roughly chopped onion. Fry gently for a few minutes until
ever so slightly shimmery, then carefully remove and set aside around a third
of the mix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Chop a clove of garlic and add to the pan with the
remaining onions. Elegantly throw in your lamb (including the marinade) then give
everything a grand old mix. Stir Fry for around 10 minutes on a medium heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peel and chop whatever root veg you have chosen to
use (think ungainly bite-sized) and slice the celery sticks into quarters. When
the onion is almost translucent and the meat lightly browned, throw in the
veggies and a tablespoon or so of Advieh* spice mix. Add a good pinch of pepper, a pinch of salt,
and the lamb stock. Stir, replace the lid, and hold on a gentle simmer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Once the aubergines are cooked to your liking, remove
from the oven and pop them into a blender for mashing. Throw in the onion
alongside a generous sprig of mint, and the remaining garlic. Blitz into a
thick puree-esque porridge-y consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Tip the contents of the blender (minus blades of
course) into your casserole dish, and stir to combine. The dish should have a
thick curry like consistency once everything is nicely mixed – if it doesn’t,
add a little water. Pop the whole thing in the oven at 150 degrees-ish and slow
cook until the lamb is tender and the veggies are done (around 1 ½ - 2 hours should
do it.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Once cooked, roughly chop generous handfuls of
parsley, mint, and coriander (the holy trinity of Persian cuisine) and stir
through. Dish up and garnish with a scattering of walnuts, pomegranates, and a
sprig of mint if you like. Drizzle generously with Kashk*** (if you’ve been
able to get it – use sour cream if not) and serve. Goes great with warm
flatbreads, and a simple lemon salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Serves 4 hungry hippos as a main course, and
contains around 350 Calories per serving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">Nooshe jaan!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJljbpz_iKH_pgLHZJ0tjYVH7ttl_g76t0btCC_bTDXb7O0tPQOMGlsYaU9b46sPKte_HlaIdwJ4wJt8-FyEr-kZuLfD285ifk0IBpjO7unCoOQ54K8Je0Z1vO8RbGKJ0EZ8xvQj2RljAn/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: -1em; margin-right: 0em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJljbpz_iKH_pgLHZJ0tjYVH7ttl_g76t0btCC_bTDXb7O0tPQOMGlsYaU9b46sPKte_HlaIdwJ4wJt8-FyEr-kZuLfD285ifk0IBpjO7unCoOQ54K8Je0Z1vO8RbGKJ0EZ8xvQj2RljAn/s640/collage.jpg" title="Kashk-e Bademjan, but not as you know it. Persian Lamb and Aubergine Stew" width="513" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><b>The Scoffing Cow's Top Tips</b></span><br />
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My mother and Delia Smith (who I sometimes think are actually the same person)
always taught me to marinate my meat. Hence the lamb in this recipe was treated
to a good coating of Advieh*, dried ghormeh sabzi**, and lemon juice, and left
covered in the fridge overnight. Although I think this step adds flavour to the
overall dish, it doesn’t necessarily tenderise the meat, hence if you’re short
of time, just give it a good dry rub before searing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">*Advieh is a spice blend used in Persian cuisine,
not too dissimilar in use from Garam Masala or Ras-el Hanout. I picked up a
ready-made blend from my local ethnic market, but from what I understand, it’s
relatively simple to make yourself. The
Persian Kitchen has a recipe here -> <a href="http://persiankitchen.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/228/">http://persiankitchen.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/228/</a>
If you’re feeling lazy, a mix of nutmeg, cumin and cinnamon should suffice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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**Again purchased from my local, containing dried parsley,
coriander and fenugreek.<o:p></o:p><br />
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***Available in most middle eastern or north African grocery
stores, but still tricky to get hold of… <span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There are a number of good alternatives
which if we were making traditional Kashk-e Bademjan, I perhaps wouldn’t
advocate, but since we aren’t… try soured cream, or even crumbled feta blitzed
with a good helping of yoghurt.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-52859671331345405342012-04-08T06:00:00.001-07:002012-04-10T12:43:08.386-07:00This week I have mostly been scoffing…. YooMoo Frozen Yoghurt.<br />
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As the name of this article would cryptically suggest, this
week I have mostly been scoffing frozen yoghurt… or fro-yo as the kids call it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IO7WFo2id9k7rB_zcqODQ7JssTNsgsDqv39TvMlT87V5vHZVYe_xRhxzPJV7yvLIjD_houxXURT97sCVvtzluZHzVdS3LgS_82zC_5f3hU3aGRqw7RWPh9cStvkhfrGBF08bIARgCs_l/s1600/img_5181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IO7WFo2id9k7rB_zcqODQ7JssTNsgsDqv39TvMlT87V5vHZVYe_xRhxzPJV7yvLIjD_houxXURT97sCVvtzluZHzVdS3LgS_82zC_5f3hU3aGRqw7RWPh9cStvkhfrGBF08bIARgCs_l/s320/img_5181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Having been a household name in the U.S of A for well over a
decade, it’s surprising that this apparently virtuous commodity has taken so
long to hit the shores of Blightly. </div>
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But with stores and stands popping up all
over London, from shopping centres to train stations, it’s impossible to ignore
the sudden influx. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet for those of us living outside of the big smoke, it’s
fair to say that the fro-yo revolution has so far passed us by. (Heck, it’s
revolutionary enough in Nottingham to find a cappuccino, let alone a frozen
yoghurt bar!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqlxLPAEb20b9ArJyXpiUyYFIiF1bTS61fZjy4obS56zFNxIO6mM6YNG_04Z7dt3_RhiLzRTYu34xvpqpZLBntQmrwjQ5pytPwG-t342TQOhevO1s9WerMakgI-GfpI1joJ5QdFsp9Sv2/s1600/feature-image2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqlxLPAEb20b9ArJyXpiUyYFIiF1bTS61fZjy4obS56zFNxIO6mM6YNG_04Z7dt3_RhiLzRTYu34xvpqpZLBntQmrwjQ5pytPwG-t342TQOhevO1s9WerMakgI-GfpI1joJ5QdFsp9Sv2/s320/feature-image2.png" width="320" /></a>But with proprietors such as ‘YooMoo’ branching out into the
world of consumerism, I am pleased to announce (to anyone giving the tiniest of
tosses) an end to the frozen yoghurt drought. </div>
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Yes… you too can now get your
fro-yo fix just by popping down to your local Tesco.*</div>
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So how does it fair?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well since you (never) asked – pretty damn scrummy actually;
and despite being a firm advocate of Masters Ben and Jerry, (who have a permanent place in my heart, and my freezer) I could quite
easily become a fro-yo convert.<br />
With only 150 calories per 150ml pot (approximately) the frozen yoghurt movement hardly scratches the calorie bank, leaving my two favourite boys out in the cold... I mean warm... when it comes to sinless snacking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just one word of warning though… frozen yoghurt isn’t ice
cream. And those expecting nirvana of 'Cookie Dough' proportions will almost certainly be disappointed. Furthermore (and as daft as it sounds) if you don’t like yoghurt… you won’t like this.<i>
(Mr Cow; are you listening? You big dumb-dumb, you.)</i><o:p></o:p><br />
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YooMoo is available in a number of unique flavours as well
as the good old fashioned plain variety (my personal favourite) all of which
tried and tested by yours truly, and given the big hoofs up…. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The only exception… ‘devilmoo.’ There really is nothing
worse than ‘fake’ chocolate flavoured anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>*YooMoo is available at
all major supermarkets and not just Tesco. The Scoffing Cow is nowhere near important enough to be
affiliated with, or endorsed by anyone, anywhere.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-43507328352220585212012-01-04T13:44:00.000-08:002012-04-08T06:02:14.612-07:00Recipe of the Moment: Chilli, Cumin and Coriander Paneer<br />
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Over 98% of British Households buy and consume cheese on a
regular basis. We devour around 700,000 tonnes each year, produce 700 named
cheeses, and gorge on Cheddar more than any other variety.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But how many of us are still yet to sample the glory that is
Paneer?<o:p></o:p></div>
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‘Paneer’ you say, ‘what on earth is that?’<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well imaginary voice, I’m glad you asked. Do let me
enlighten you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most commonly used in South Asian cuisine, Paneer is an
unaged, non-melting curd cheese, made by curdling milk with lemon juice or any
other food acid. (Thanks Wiki). Because
of the way it is made, Paneer is often referred to as ‘Indian Cottage Cheese,’ (though
actually tastes nothing like) and thanks to the aforementioned non-meltiness, (a
technical term) is used as a meat alternative within curries, kebabs, and
salads.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(There… consider yourself enlightened.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a curry fan, I have to admit, I ADORE Paneer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only is it tasty and versatile, it is also an excellent
source of protein, providing vegetarian dishes with the nutrients and texture
meat typically provides. Nonetheless, as
with all cheese, Paneer is not particularly low in fats or calories; a notion I
find rather upsetting considering the quantities I wish to eat it in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In light of this overzealous penchant, over the past few
weeks, the Scoffing Cow laboratory has been deeply engrossed in this very
cheese, and the low fat manufacture of which.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My goal; to make a reduced calorie version of my much
revered Paneer, which does not compromise on taste, or require ‘unhealthy’
cooking methods to ensure palatability.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The result; Chilli, Cumin and Coriander Paneer, made with
just 1% fat, and containing less than 100 calories per serving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So how about it Scoffettes, why not <i>brie</i> adventurous and give it a go… it really is the <i>cheese</i> knees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Chilli,
Cumin and Coriander Paneer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Ingredients<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>8 pints 1% milk<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>1 tbsp cumin seed (preferably dry roasted under
the grill)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>1 lemon (juiced)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>2 tbsp dried chilli flakes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>2 – 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely
chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Large handful fresh coriander, very finely chopped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Pinch of Salt and Pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Equipment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Large Casserole or Stock Pot<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Muslin Cloth, or Cheese Cloth<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">©<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Colander<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Preparation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Pour milk into a large casserole pot, and then
throw in the garlic, chilli, roasted cumin seeds, along with a decent pinch of
salt and pepper. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Heat pan gently continually stirring, until the
milk starts to bubble and come to a boil.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Reduce heat and add lemon juice little by
little, continuing to stir. After a minute or so, the milk should start to
curdle; if it doesn’t, add a drop more lemon juice and increase the temperature
slightly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Once the milk has curdled, and the curds and
whey have separated, remove from heat, and add the coriander leaves. Leave to
rest for ten minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Line a large colander with cheesecloth or
muslin, and lay over the sink. Carefully pour the mixture into the cloth, discarding
the whey and catching the curd.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Lift the cloth away from the colander, and bring
the sides into the middle. Twist the ends together so that the curd is forced
into a ball. Continue to twist until all excess whey is squeezed out of the
cloth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Lay the clothed curd on a chopping board, and
place a heavy pot / board on top. Leave to dry for a couple of hours, and when
cool, transfer to Clingfilm and refrigerate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Gloat – you just made your own cheese man!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Serves 4 (makes around
400 grams)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Takes around 30 minutes to prepare, plus cooling/setting
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Approximately 100 calories per serving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBO8NlhwXbEZ_niI5EoB08_Sq_hjSlRZsoOGSoAfpeDDNxe7ShIsbmp5y3Ixz_FbGpBNTX3WnBNVqmx3o3pYje6Ovt51_GHzMtJZOXoLHwAj84lCL7A2E6dvMEZEfal-WlJNesK6Wy_yL/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: -1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBO8NlhwXbEZ_niI5EoB08_Sq_hjSlRZsoOGSoAfpeDDNxe7ShIsbmp5y3Ixz_FbGpBNTX3WnBNVqmx3o3pYje6Ovt51_GHzMtJZOXoLHwAj84lCL7A2E6dvMEZEfal-WlJNesK6Wy_yL/s640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>The Scoffing Cow’s
Top Tips</b></div>
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Low fat Paneer can be dull – without the fat content of
heavy milk, there is the risk of creating something which resembles overcooked
tofu. Sounds yummy right!?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Avoid this unappealing scenario by seasoning generously… add
more chilli, cumin, garlic, pepper… you can throw in just about anything. Just
be careful not to add ‘acidic’ ingredients whilst the milk is heating – this may
affect the curdling process and leave you with dry or crumbly cheese. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, don’t underestimate the ‘Twist and Squeeze.’ You may
be tempted to assume that it’s all in the bag once the cooking part is over,
but alas, the straining / setting process is the crux of kick-ass Paneer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t let the curd sit for too long once you’ve strained it –
this will give it a crumbly rather than creamy texture, and may lead to it
falling apart when cooked. Once you’ve drained away the whey (try saying that
after a few!) wrap your little Paneer parcel up tight, and squeeze out as much
liquid as you can… just be careful, cause it will still be extremely hot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paneer is always best served the following day, and cubes
easily with a sharp knife.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally..Fry it, grill it, or roast it in the oven. Serve it with
curry, veggie kebabs, salads or risotto – just be adventurous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-84280252197540440272011-11-22T14:52:00.000-08:002012-04-08T06:02:38.506-07:00RIP Microwave Meal; all aboard the 'Lunch Pot' bandwagon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqNotCgX-I1JeazP9z6tzLlVsd7CIiDzGWvKmsBgulelA5on02l1VGRltBWHEt_XoaYQGuhWoXZqb2cDKb2lYRZ8aGJMsA7Ep4GTIFQWX-TzIfsG4VR5JdfWaYekBttD9wIs2gLuCPHCH/s1600/microwave-oven-old-school1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqNotCgX-I1JeazP9z6tzLlVsd7CIiDzGWvKmsBgulelA5on02l1VGRltBWHEt_XoaYQGuhWoXZqb2cDKb2lYRZ8aGJMsA7Ep4GTIFQWX-TzIfsG4VR5JdfWaYekBttD9wIs2gLuCPHCH/s320/microwave-oven-old-school1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Packed lunches. Erh. What a chore!<br />
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Even for someone who loves eating as much as yours truly, the thought of assembling sandwiches, chopping fruit, and rifling through Tupperware after a gruelling day at the office, fills me with unquantifiable dread.</div>
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In light of this irrational loathing, I’m always looking for an out. But despite the abundance of aisles devoted to microwave meals, pre-packed sarnies, or ironically coined ‘pasta salads,’ most foods of convenience within our supermarkets, are also foods of additives, fats and incredulous calorie counts.</div>
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As a result of this realisation, an insalubrious obsession with the ‘micro-lunch’ has worked its way onto my radar, and scouring supermarket shelves for healthy, expedient yet stimulating luncheons, a standing item on my weekly agenda.</div>
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In light of this irrational hobby, I have been privy to observing a number of emerging trends in the ready-meal market; (sweet Jesus, what’s happened to me!?) and interestingly (or not) I have noted a sudden insurgence of microwave meals masquerading behind a much less stigmatic title.<br />
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Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce to you - the ‘Lunch Pot;’ a vegetable-centric one-pot meal, purporting to provide healthy, fresh and nutritious food of convenience, in a handy little tub.<br />
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No typical meat and two veg variations here, no school dinner-esk trays dividing potato gloop from gelatinous stew in sight. Just well-presented and eye-catchingly colourful chillies, curries, and casseroles - free from soggy cardboard sleeves and ‘piercable’ film lids. <br />
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But where an earth did the Lunch Pot come from, and who’s driving this long awaited bandwagon? <br />
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Oh who cares… let’s see how the main contenders fair…. It’s scoffing time!</div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><u>Innocent 'Veg Pot'</u></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Ah Innocent. Saintly food, at sinful prices. You gotta love the dichotomy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmR6uZSbhKeBjeaH-wA17oL96tuwELPk-n7MnED4o-0o6f8ZQFpSjO3K5fz20GENlz3Bnevxl6V3AeFZYFgncJTBGjwWfEdfTqpfZ62wAeI4lE8VrOTzcJ5BBPg6l3JtFYcM7rxfMFlPxK/s1600/innocent+veg+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmR6uZSbhKeBjeaH-wA17oL96tuwELPk-n7MnED4o-0o6f8ZQFpSjO3K5fz20GENlz3Bnevxl6V3AeFZYFgncJTBGjwWfEdfTqpfZ62wAeI4lE8VrOTzcJ5BBPg6l3JtFYcM7rxfMFlPxK/s200/innocent+veg+pot.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Unsurprisingly Innocent’s latest innovation, ‘Veg Pots,’ create no exception to this paradox, and despite offering a wide variety of beautifully presented, innovatively flavoured lunches, do so at characteristically ugly prices.<br />
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But alas, if you’re willing to fork out (get it?) £3.79 for just one Veggie Tuppa, I wager you will not be disappointed.<br />
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Having sampled Roasted Aubergine Moussaka and Bombay Butternut, I am for once, without further critique.
Perfectly portioned, defiantly flavoured, and exquisitely convenient to prepare; these babies were the talk of the office come lunch time and yours truly the envy of them all.
Hmmm, delicious, nutritious and a status symbol to boot... Perhaps £3.79 is pretty reasonable after all.</div>
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<b><u>Tesco's 'Veg + Meat Pot'</u></b><br />
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Although spookily similar in appearance to the Innocent ‘Veg Pot,’ (did someone say lawsuit?) Tesco seem to have capitalised on the former’s omission, in providing the ready-meal-monger with an omnivorous selection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIBojTurY9xSW914sBkbuhQEl_pqh7j_Fpwkw_Sq7GegkpQYntGO7DhdF3NOdupDZZF2yMTcjGouKMAQnb0fuh4B6TNQwVHAMMmvoupFHlaE2OvHirXj_h3SaF3Y-Ax7kAgt-wPzZCne6/s1600/tesco+meat+veg+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIBojTurY9xSW914sBkbuhQEl_pqh7j_Fpwkw_Sq7GegkpQYntGO7DhdF3NOdupDZZF2yMTcjGouKMAQnb0fuh4B6TNQwVHAMMmvoupFHlaE2OvHirXj_h3SaF3Y-Ax7kAgt-wPzZCne6/s1600/tesco+meat+veg+pot.jpg" /></a></div>
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From Spicy Meatball Chilli to Smokey Chicken and Prawn Gumbo, Tesco’s ‘Meat and Veg Pots’ will appeal not only to the meat-loving luncher, but also to the more frugal amongst us.<br />
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Yes… I agree, £3 still seems like a fair whack for a microwave meal, but alas we forget – this is no ordinary microwave meal… this is a lunch… which you just so happen to microwave.<br />
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Sarcasm aside, Tesco’s offerings were comparably portioned and equally as convenient as the Innocent pots (somewhat expected since the manufacture was most likely the same.)<br />
Nonetheless in terms of taste, they fell just shy of the mark; and although both the Thai Curry and Gumbo options were pretty darn good, I couldn’t help but feel like I was sampling a knocked off imitation.<br />
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Although the ingredients tasted fresh, and the meat retained its juiciness, the sauce just seemed a little too over-kill for my liking, and lacked the subtlety of the Innocent Veg Pots.<br />
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Good try Tesco… maybe next time you should go the whole hog… you’re rich enough to withstand the litigation after all!</div>
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<b><u>Sainsburys 'Lunch Pot'</u></b></div>
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Despite having a reputation for being a slightly more upmarket proprietor, Sainsbury’s lunch pots look remarkably plain in comparison to the other potty partakers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHGmTRsbDj1STfs9ZFwtrwNP8T7S6bRTY3nx2sZDHR1cPMyDCKDN2wXiuXGCCojzIIcx1wnEz4zbbYeBLQBuBhaPmj3w8BtzB6ZX-3pevFngNPVFITBeCSf3VZYbBi4fZaLd5TYbh6hfh/s1600/sainsburys+lunch+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHGmTRsbDj1STfs9ZFwtrwNP8T7S6bRTY3nx2sZDHR1cPMyDCKDN2wXiuXGCCojzIIcx1wnEz4zbbYeBLQBuBhaPmj3w8BtzB6ZX-3pevFngNPVFITBeCSf3VZYbBi4fZaLd5TYbh6hfh/s200/sainsburys+lunch+pot.jpg" width="200" /></a>No over-the-top descriptive, no eye-catching packaging, and no gimmick… I know what you’re thinking; no appeal right? Well actually, that’s where you’re… spot on. And if it hadn’t have been for this particular blog, I certainly wouldn’t have looked twice at their Smokey Bean Chilli, Chow Mein, or Chickpea and Spinach pots.</div>
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Nonetheless, the proof is of course in the pudding, and as the old adage goes, you should never judge a book by its cover.<br />
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Or perhaps you should – since actually, the Chicken Chow Mein tasted even worse than it looked, and felt more like a Pot Noodle than a Lunch Pot (minus the calories and the iconic little sachet of weird tasting ketchup).<br />
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I suppose the Smokey Bean Chilli wasn’t too bad – however I’m guessing that by this point my taste buds had gone into ‘shock’ and activated their auto-shutdown defence mechanism.<br />
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Epic Fail Mr S. Epic fail.<br />
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<b><u>Weight Watchers 'Ideal Lunch' Pots</u></b></div>
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OMG Weight Watchers… WTF??? I’m so gob smacked I’ve resorted to text speak!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvKx3G5PQ2VUln1LuTvrqbhB4XuFS2mkiOHk0XXXmSWkq3oBwEYLo3WCfFdYI2Pu27TTkFQUCcDRVbQ46qEEUAvp5S2uFa7URG_sw_RcgWhv_a1ee6W4F2VJe9V21KTjZwqqwsAxYzRbU/s1600/weight+watchers+lunch-pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvKx3G5PQ2VUln1LuTvrqbhB4XuFS2mkiOHk0XXXmSWkq3oBwEYLo3WCfFdYI2Pu27TTkFQUCcDRVbQ46qEEUAvp5S2uFa7URG_sw_RcgWhv_a1ee6W4F2VJe9V21KTjZwqqwsAxYzRbU/s200/weight+watchers+lunch-pot.jpg" width="200" /></a>Perhaps it’s my fault; perhaps I’m just being greedy? Perhaps I missed the small print on the pack reading ‘not suitable for anyone with any form of appetite whatsoever.’</div>
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Or perhaps I’m being sarcastic, and am shocked and appalled at your lunch pots, daring to stake claim to being anything other than a four spooned snack.</div>
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Okay. So in terms of taste – I really can’t complain – and the Chicken and Butternut Curry was simply delightful, as was the Penne Meatball. </div>
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But seriously, you’re supposed to be setting the standard here, and encouraging ‘dieters’ to lunch like malnutritioned squirrels, is really unacceptable.</div>
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Enough said Weight Watchers. Red Card for you.</div>
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<b><u>The Scoffing Cow, she say....</u></b></div>
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Well done Innocent; hand's down winner. There really is (as of yet) no real comparison to your veracious 'Veg Pots,'<br />
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But you know, I have to admit... this pill is kind of hard to swallow, since I had vowed never to 'talk' to Innocent ever again.<br />
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At University, we were for a time, the best of friends.<br />
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I, the perpetually hungover student, struggling to stomach solids prior to the second instalment of Neighbours, and it, the reasonably priced liquid breakfast, providing convenience, sustenance and 3 of your 5 a day, in one pleasurable glug.<br />
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But as the country’s fascination with fruit smoothies escalated beyond all reasonable expectations, so did the price of my daily staple. As a result, I did what every sensible 20 year old might have done in a similar state of financial disarray… skipped breakfast.</div>
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Several Two years later on, I have of course matured, and no longer consider a weekly food budget of £7.50 a sustainable amount.<br />
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In light of this new found maturity, it is with great pleasure that I reunite with a much loved friend, and feel able to hand Innocent the revered (or soon to be) Lunch Pot of the year award.<br />
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Yes, yes.. they’re still expensive and indeed £3.79 for a ‘Tuppa’ of veg, is just shy of daylight robbery. Nonetheless, with cheaper alternatives sacrificing either taste, portion size, or both, in my eye there really is little comparison to be had.</div>
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Well done Innocent…. And sorry for that whole ‘hate mail’ episode. I had a lot of time on my hands.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-20750443406444598762011-09-29T15:36:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:24:45.074-07:00No-Nonsense Nutrition and Gimmick Free Grazing at Healthy Supplies...<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGnq-Nv9ybafjVDqVBKuBJnFNflbPPB8UeaV5VxevMUW0107MGKWOdFND4Nha_2liVtVws6OJuLRalhWVZQNj6i7rftwOuXnI0ROYuRzJjczBlIhtmsBDiw0KCfIK2XvLQ0RNWsFj-DJj/s1600/grazevshealthysupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGnq-Nv9ybafjVDqVBKuBJnFNflbPPB8UeaV5VxevMUW0107MGKWOdFND4Nha_2liVtVws6OJuLRalhWVZQNj6i7rftwOuXnI0ROYuRzJjczBlIhtmsBDiw0KCfIK2XvLQ0RNWsFj-DJj/s1600/grazevshealthysupplies.jpg" /></a>A few weeks ago I blogged about Graze; an online pay-as-you-go snackery, purporting to provide healthy eating by post. </div><br />
<div>Much to the dismay of some readers (I didn’t actually think I had any!) my review was if anything, a little derogatory. <br />
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘gimmick factor,’ akin to the Graze experience; the cutesy packaging, and the rating based selection process, I was shocked to learn that my ‘nutritious’ yet petit nibble box was in fact laden with more calories than your average Burger King Combo. <br />
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Yes, yes... I know it’s not the same... the saturated fats in a Whopper meal are certainly incomparable to a punnet of fennel seeds, but still, hardly what you’d expect from a supplier of self proclaimed health foods is it? <br />
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In light of this shocking discovery, I began pondering as to whether Graze had missed a trick, and to whether there were more calorie friendly ways of obtaining similar products, through the convenience of mail order. <br />
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After a quick ‘Google’ session, (one of my favourite past-times) I hit on a website for the rather aptly named ‘Healthy Supplies,’ an online health food store ran with a passion for non-nonsense, tasty yet affordable and healthy snacks. </div><div>Being a cheeky as well as greedy bovine, I dropped them an email asking if they were willing to take part in a little comparative study. <br />
To my surprise, within hours of my forthright proposition, the lovely Brendan Fernandes, one half of the founding couple, enthusiastically sent his reply. </div><div>Like me, Brendan appreciated the ‘gimmick factor’ behind Graze, but was sceptical about their credibility as providers of genuinely healthy food. <br />
As a result, (and of course uninfluenced by my shamefully angling email) he offered to send me a few of his favourite nibbles which he felt not only rivalled Graze on the taste test, but also outshone them in terms of nutrition, quantity and price. <br />
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Needless to say, I all but bit his hand off, and relished the opportunity to pit Graze and its trendy yet compelling marketing, against a more down to earth, and grassroots competitor. <br />
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So, in the words of John Anderson, ‘Contenders... Ready!?’ <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Saturday morning wouldn’t be the same without a pyjama clad dash down the street, in pursuit of the postman. <br />
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After knowing one another for about 3 years, I have learnt the he has no patience. He on the other hand, has learnt that I know no shame, particularly when it comes to taking delivery of a goody laden box of delights, courtesy of online health food store, Healthy Supplies. <br />
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As I push my way past a yawning semi naked Mr Cow (not the prettiest of sights at the best of times) I plonk the substantially sized box on the table, rip open the lid in cavewoman-like fashion and distribute the contents. <br />
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No tiny punnets; no cutsey packaging or delicately chosen product names. There aren’t any personalised inserts or explanations as to how a particular seed combo will increase my office productivity, or how a portion of goji berries will help me stave off fatigue. <br />
Just health food, plain and simple; stripped bare of gimmick or overly decorative arrangement, and sweetened only by the practical addition of a couple of keep fresh food clips. <br />
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‘What’s all this then?’ Asks a perplexed Mr Cow and I continue to leaf through my delivery. <br />
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‘Breakfast.’ I reply. <br />
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<u><b>Snapz Vegetable Chips – Paprika Carrot and Crunchy Beetroot</b></u><br />
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Most of us by now will be familiar with concept of vegetable crisps; whether avid weight watchers or not, they’re hardly a new innovation. <br />
What most people neglect to realise however, is that although deliciously moreish, the majority of products bearing this tag are not particularly good for us. After all, a parsnip fried to within an inch of its life in vegetable oil, isn’t really much more saintly than a potato receiving similar treatment.* </div><div><br />
</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Nonetheless, according to Snapz, their chips are different; and as you’d expect from any chip synonymous with healthy eating, are baked as opposed to fried. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVK3nIeaJCWjnzlrxdfy867szTwuoMa8nlpfQ9hf_i8IZFOZFDmZx9FU5crIHHicgwCiyC-DRUTcvxbewgsetkMRweQdwtJ1nkDd1lD83HsJ1sQyGnrVQ6bchUp6_YNXFf-sZSjcsyTILW/s1600/Snapzchips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVK3nIeaJCWjnzlrxdfy867szTwuoMa8nlpfQ9hf_i8IZFOZFDmZx9FU5crIHHicgwCiyC-DRUTcvxbewgsetkMRweQdwtJ1nkDd1lD83HsJ1sQyGnrVQ6bchUp6_YNXFf-sZSjcsyTILW/s320/Snapzchips.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Made from entirely natural ingredients, each serving of Snapz chips are low in fat, low in calories, and commendably even qualify as a portion of your ‘5-a-day.’ <br />
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So… what’s the catch? They taste like cardboard right? <br />
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Well actually no, not in the slightest; they taste like vegetables – and providing that this is a quality that appeals its consumer, serve as an incredibly enjoyable snack. <br />
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I won’t pretend that these chips are revolutionary or life changing, because they’re really not. They don’t look, taste or smell anything like the real thing, or for that matter, the majority of mainstream ‘Vegetable Crisps’ available in our supermarkets. <br />
That being said, Snapz don’t purport to; and instead claim only to provide wholesome, baked, crunchy vegetables, cooked in a way which accentuates natural flavours, without exaggerating calorie content; a stake they triumphantly achieve. <br />
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With subtle seasonings, adequate quantities and a mere 74 calories a pack, they may not lead their consumers to a lifetime of Walker’s abstinence, but they certainly provide an enjoyable and unique alternative. <br />
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Hoofs up. <br />
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* See Tyrells Parnip Crisps…. They actually contain more saturated fat than their regular potato chips! <br />
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<b><u>Sun Dried Banana Chips</u></b> <br />
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One of my main gripes about Graze was the cheeky addition of chocolate coatings, meringue pieces, or honey glazings to their otherwise healthy products. <br />
Whilst I won't pretend that chocolate offends me, or that sugar is the root of all evil, the over-reliant use of it within Graze’s nibble boxes did indeed have dramatic effect on both the calorie and sugar content of each punnet. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S5gMCF0HChwxhsNxNxy-jPcs8-si5UNAnP_MWiOaof7lJbqmXcv0NCij7_Ih3G0RiQam1SOvNbvnywdbEMSZbGnDXXKMe2uhqabwHtSEkgZMFlOEpA6InV-30R2k6CxyAOt46RlWAvSn/s1600/sundriedbananachips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S5gMCF0HChwxhsNxNxy-jPcs8-si5UNAnP_MWiOaof7lJbqmXcv0NCij7_Ih3G0RiQam1SOvNbvnywdbEMSZbGnDXXKMe2uhqabwHtSEkgZMFlOEpA6InV-30R2k6CxyAOt46RlWAvSn/s320/sundriedbananachips.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>In light of this, it was refreshing to receive a more unadorned fruit snack, stripped bare of additional sweeteners, and consisting of simply one sole ingredient; banana. <br />
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Ripened and sun-dried in Uganda, these organic and chewy banana chips by Tropical Wholefoods, deliver on taste, consistency, and freshness. <br />
Unlike many of the freeze dried banana offerings available in most supermarkets, these snacks are so overwhelmingly bursting with favour, that it would seem sacrilegious to scatter them over muesli, or loose them in a bowlful of porridge; let alone coat them in dark chocolate. <br />
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Containing all the health benefits, vitamins and nutrition akin to the good old herbaceous plant (yes I mean banana but I’ve said it so many times already), the credentials of these babies are unquestionable. <br />
Delicious, filling and with an incredible natural sweetness, my only gripe is that these chips are so good, portion control is damn near impossible. <br />
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Just watch out for potassium poisoning; I hear it’s brutal. <br />
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</div><div><b><u>Nakd Raw Fruit and Nut Bars </u></b><br />
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Cereal and snack bars have had a reasonably hard time as of late. <br />
With so many purporting to qualify as healthy snacks or breakfast replacements, yet later being exposed with high sugar and calorie contents, most health conscious shoppers tend to be a little dubious. <br />
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So what about Nakd’s Raw Fruit and Nut Bars? </div><div>Well the name isn’t too enamouring granted. But you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and once you sample either the Cashew Cookie or Cocoa Delight, you’ll soon be back tracking and wondering why you’d never heard of these before. <br />
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</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYU14Vh3zc3gSS76vizF7vj_CcTmuL8TaGox7XNFt7RKeTwS48JA3S9JJanT3HHVfQugXS_X5JHNQcrXnNDvHXuYj7OCdfGhaN1XB6TcTO-sHO8W79wveGpzRhoV4gGMWiQEdGZj1NYj4/s1600/nakd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYU14Vh3zc3gSS76vizF7vj_CcTmuL8TaGox7XNFt7RKeTwS48JA3S9JJanT3HHVfQugXS_X5JHNQcrXnNDvHXuYj7OCdfGhaN1XB6TcTO-sHO8W79wveGpzRhoV4gGMWiQEdGZj1NYj4/s320/nakd.JPG" width="320" /></a>Gluten, wheat and dairy free, the Nakd range taste like no other snack or cereal bar I have ever been fortunate enough to sample. <br />
Moist, sweet and almost brownie like in texture, you would never imagine that each bar is made solely from fruits and nuts, contain no more than 145 calories a portion, and are cooked… well they’re not cooked… they’re raw silly. <br />
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With a sense of naughtiness akin to eating a slice of cake or bar of chocolate, despite the fact that each serving actually contains one whole portion of fruit, you almost want to run a bath, poor yourself a glass of wine, and play the music from the ‘Flake’ commercial as you indulge. </div><div>As an advocate of a balanced review I have to add that unfortunately Mr Cow did not share my sentiments, nor understand my desire to be ‘alone’ with my Cashew Cookie bar. <br />
Nonetheless, since I appeared to have developed an unfounded infatuation with the former, I did not object to his unfounded opinion, and was happy that the miniscule piece I offered him, was both his first and last. </div><div><br />
Silly Mr Cow. <br />
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<b><u>Clear Springs Organic Fruit Puree</u></b><br />
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Its 3.00pm; two whole hours since lunchtime, and you’re beginning to get peckish. The vending machine outside your office door is starting to call to you, and those stale cream cakes someone brought in last week are suddenly regaining appeal. <br />
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But don’t worry, you have reserves. You clever thing you, you have copious amounts of healthy snacks in your top drawer, on hand for this very occasion. </div><div>So what will it be…. </div><div>Rivita? </div><div>Snack-a-jacks? </div><div>A tub of fruit puree? <br />
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Yes. Indeed. Not the typical food type you would perhaps associate with snacking, and when pitted against a chocolate éclair or kitkat chunky, it’s appeal doesn’t fair so well. <br />
Nonetheless, after sampling a tub of Apple and Mango puree by Clear Springs, I may have to rethink my office stash. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCbFQkoMdmSjxnEJtg2QLaJQArBfEnytcO9wCwUJYLf8MiL4bIVf2exSG-JyW4T4tRGjVuKf-jMaSu5niOGX1vPl0M_EeTw7TGOYWNPhUBjzjDjmY-q7tdDEmmwWBCmLkmoNDF9j_6xZz/s1600/clearspringsfruitpuree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCbFQkoMdmSjxnEJtg2QLaJQArBfEnytcO9wCwUJYLf8MiL4bIVf2exSG-JyW4T4tRGjVuKf-jMaSu5niOGX1vPl0M_EeTw7TGOYWNPhUBjzjDjmY-q7tdDEmmwWBCmLkmoNDF9j_6xZz/s320/clearspringsfruitpuree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Available in handy little sealed pots, these 60 calorie snacks are perfect to have in reserve. Each tub is long life, keeping for anywhere up to a year, and as you’d expect by now for a product revered by ‘Healthy Supplies,’ contain a one of your ‘5-a-day.’ <br />
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Okay, so the puree itself doesn’t look too attractive, and for the more superficial amongst us (I’m including myself here) this may have some bearing. But if you can overcome this minor setback, you will find each portion sweet, filling and deliciously tasty. <br />
Sure you may get some odd looks from your co-workers as you seemingly chow down on a pot of baby food, but who cares what they think…. Right? </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWndJ5SBLG5OWWLoHN1fCnWf5pPCPnkXtCeQtxuOKzOJzjIO4ybvXSaJ7H09izECJBrqM2xlINGZkleD5kqA3FTdX9yBzOrbi1TxXvRXHrF26GqNScfEH8WbcrsYKnfljPedbOXmOGejJ/s1600/dividercowcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWndJ5SBLG5OWWLoHN1fCnWf5pPCPnkXtCeQtxuOKzOJzjIO4ybvXSaJ7H09izECJBrqM2xlINGZkleD5kqA3FTdX9yBzOrbi1TxXvRXHrF26GqNScfEH8WbcrsYKnfljPedbOXmOGejJ/s320/dividercowcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I’d be lying if I said that a part of me hadn’t enjoyed signing up to Graze – the mini handbag sized punnets labelled with cutsey dessert-esk names, the personalised insert explaining what was in my box and why – for a minute I too was nearly blinded by its marketing.<br />
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But let’s face it, when stripped away of all it’s flashy gimmick, there’s not much left other than a handful of sugar coated raisins, and an invite to express any disdain by way of their online rating system. <br />
For a company whose tag line is ‘Nature Delivered,’ I find this rather ironic; in reality, there’s very little natural about Graze or the products they provide. <br />
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In contrast, Healthy Supplies offer a much more organic service to those who are willing to forgo the aforementioned trimmings. <br />
The products on offer are vast, and since the consumer buys in more reasonable quantities, much more affordable. <br />
The food is simple, exceedingly natural and rustically delicious; and although fruit puree’s and vegetable crisps won’t be to everyone’s taste, they are undeniably healthy. <br />
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So there’s no flashy website, no graphs correlating sugar levels to brain activity, or pie charts pitting pre-packed sandwiches against raw almonds. But in reality, do we really need all that information anyway? Surely those landing on a ‘healthy eating’ website, need no more persuasion than that which has led them there in the first place. <br />
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Of course for some, Graze will retain its appeal; and as a well rounded individual, I (reluctantly) respect those who are willing to pay that little bit more, for an awful lot less. But one thing’s for sure, next time this cow feels like a graze, I’ll be making my own nibble box, from my very own stash of healthy supplies. <br />
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<a href="http://www.healthysupplies.co.uk/">http://www.healthysupplies.co.uk</a> (Tell ‘em the Cow sent you ;-)) <br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. Due to increase in demand, Healthy Supplies are currently unable to take orders for Nakd’s Cashew Cookie Bars. All stock has been reserved by a Miss S Cow.</span></i><br />
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</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-58238775772566534872011-08-18T13:58:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:27:11.934-07:00Vegetable Cupcakes; a mis-cabbage of justice?<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last week I learned of a Ms Harry Eastwood; a healthy living advocate and cake fanatic, committed to a new-fangled merriment between baking and vegetables. Needless to say I was intrigued, if not somewhat sceptical.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnZn4W5R22MHeTo_4fdLQSwyygsNLxg6k4Mkdg46SXz6-7AvvpdwwF4AyX_LlNpdSCONxPNBR1XNXJlY_-Re8sgbllgejfbihS8Gi__pdlnsaWVMXXmpNHRsZukV1qL6IWYJ6216URq_C/s1600/red+velvet+chocolate+heartache+vegetable+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnZn4W5R22MHeTo_4fdLQSwyygsNLxg6k4Mkdg46SXz6-7AvvpdwwF4AyX_LlNpdSCONxPNBR1XNXJlY_-Re8sgbllgejfbihS8Gi__pdlnsaWVMXXmpNHRsZukV1qL6IWYJ6216URq_C/s1600/red+velvet+chocolate+heartache+vegetable+basket.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With no mention of utterly butterly, xylitol or the dreaded one cal cooking sprays, ‘Red Velvet Chocolate Heartache’ (Eastwood’s latest cookery book) proposes imaginative cooking methods and substitutions, in order to produce great-tasting and healthier cakes with completely natural ingredients. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">How is this possible you may ask? Well simple; by ‘borrowing’ structures from vegetables of course.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Nope. Not a typo… that’s really how she does it. By categorising vegetables in terms of textures, flavour and water content, Eastwood has cleverly (and rather scientifically) made her replacements by removing offending staples, and matching recipes to veggies, deemed to offer similar qualities.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
So, to the all important question… does it work?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Can courgettes and aubergines really form part of a baker’s repertoire, or has Eastwood lost the (vegetable) plot?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
As the old adage goes, the proof is in the pudding, and since this weekend my schedule is pathetically vacant, I thought I’d road test some of Harry’s veggie delights.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
With cake decorating kit at the ready, (yes even skinny girls bake) and with butters and self raising flours firmly out of view, The Scoffing Cow turned her manicured hoofs to Cupcakes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
Scoffettes, for your viewing pleasure, I proudly present to you (my attempt at recreating) four alternative cupcakes recipes, courtesy of ‘Red Velvet Chocolate Heartache.’<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cupcake Chaos</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">In all honesty, once you’ve made one batch of cupcakes from ‘Red Velvet Chocolate Heartache,’ you’ve made them all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">That’s no reflection on the variants in flavour you understand, but the fact that they all share the same core components… <br />
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100 grams or so of vegetable, 50 grams-ish of sugar, the same again of ground almonds, a couple of spoons of rice flour and a medium egg.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once you have these staples in your cupboard, you need only a few essences, spices, or zests, and the world is your oyster… or your cupcake anyway.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The four recipes I had selected to recreate on this (usually peaceful) Sunday afternoon, were no exception to this equation, and utilised either courgette or butternut squash as their key vegetable ‘structure.’</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since I anticipated that producing four batches of cupcakes in one afternoon was probably a tad ambitious, this was out of sheer damage limitation and convenience, rather than by luck or chance.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other than that, the chosen four all had a certain sex appeal to my taste buds; Ginger Millies, (I love Ginger) Pistachio Pops, (I love Pistachio) Chocolate Full Stops (who doesn’t love chocolate) and White Rabbits (hmmm, I can’t answer that.)</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He who fails to plan, plans to fail</b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">It’s true that I usually get into a bit of a mess when I bake; I tweak ingredients, miss steps, and leave floury chaos wherever I go. But since this variety of experimentation was uncharted territory for me, (and any other sane individual) I decided to make extra effort to abide stringently to Harry’s recipes, as well as actually planning ahead.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Sitting down with my copy of ‘Red Velvet’ and a big steaming cuppa, I flicked through the quaintly illustrated book, establishing measurements, cooking times and most importantly, direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">After learning of the apparent simplicity of each recipe (a skill which required overlooking the author’s excessive use of sickeningly sweet similes and kitsch metaphors) and feeling somewhat atypical after perusing such delicately worded directions, I was inspired to take the unusual step of weighing out each ingredient in advance. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Not wanting to jeopardise its freshness, or damage my reputation as the world’s messiest cook, I decided to leave the vegetable preparation until later on; (perhaps the Scoffing Pig would have been a more accurate pseudonym?) </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Surrounded by little ramekins of sugars and almonds, Pyrex dishes and cracked eggs, I felt refreshingly equipped; if not a little like Delia Smith from one of her early cookery shows.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">After procrastinating slightly, re-enacting clichéd and inaccurate ‘Delia-isms’ to an uninterested Mr Cow, I was ready to begin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ready, steady, bake…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">In order to save my few followers from the monotony of reading four extremely similar accounts of cupcake making, I shall for once skip to the chase; they were all delightfully easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">As promised, each stage of the preparation was uncomplicated; no sieving, egg separating, folding or heavy beating required - the most taxing of all steps was actually in the vegetable preparation itself. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Although both Pistachio Pops and White Rabbits called for grated courgette (which quite frankly almost dissolves against a grater like butter on hot toast) both the Ginger and Chocolate creations called for a little more muscle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNs_AtPtyZM5spKn0_cf9B1qfiGjevDqQFOIJkbahNsgwJFZRXdEWWXIuI84SZQY9eZ2GEKXdeHkLF5NQZS_SNeR56Sx7f8sYCo-Pk9TCmMpVVbAIhjC-Z0TkpxyGJPOYkC6DqhzRCwgS/s1600/cupcake+collage+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNs_AtPtyZM5spKn0_cf9B1qfiGjevDqQFOIJkbahNsgwJFZRXdEWWXIuI84SZQY9eZ2GEKXdeHkLF5NQZS_SNeR56Sx7f8sYCo-Pk9TCmMpVVbAIhjC-Z0TkpxyGJPOYkC6DqhzRCwgS/s1600/cupcake+collage+31.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As anyone who is familiar with the bulbous butternut will tell you, the pesky things are enough of a chore to chop, let alone grate – hence for those looking to try their hands at the latter two recipes, I’d recommend you skip the gym the day before, else ensure you’ve had a good dose of spinach for breakfast.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As my ingredients were combined, and added vegetables cleverly disguised by means of food paste (okay, I used colouring… who has food paste???) I was contented if not a little surprised to see a convincing cake mixture forming before my eyes.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There was no resistance from the squash, no quarrels from the courgette; the sugars and egg glistened appealingly, and my mouth was almost at watering point.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Resisting the urge to insert an oversized ‘tasting spoon’ into the glossy batter, once the ingredients were folded, it was simply a case of portion control and presentation. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Easy right? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well sure, but be warned; carefully dolloping perfectly measured and accounted for mixture into 24 itty-bitty miniature cupcake cases is no mean feat; times that by four, and you’ll quickly lose the will to live. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Nonetheless, I’m not sure Harry envisaged that her recipes were to be recreated in unison, and certainly not undertaken by those with an attention span comparable to that of a 3 year old child, high on blue Smarties. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In light of my self inflicted torture, I think I’ll forgive the tediousness of this task; and although I did cut a considerable corner with the last batch by making 6 supersized Ginger Millies as opposed to 24, got through the fiddlyness relatively unscathed. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once in the oven, each tray was blasted for about 15 minutes whilst I prepared the icing. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Although not an overly experienced baker, even I found this task a doddle; icing sugar, extract, colouring and water – perhaps not the most promising of ingredients for a revolutionary topping, but hey, the woman designed cakes from vegetables; surely we can forgive her traditionalism on the icing front.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once the cakes had cooked, each tray was lifted and left to rest.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Though it makes for lacklustre reading, all four batches of vegetable delights cooked well, with no major catastrophes. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">If I’m being picky, my chocolate creations looked a little misshapen, whereas the Pistachio Pops seemed a spot sunk in the centre. In hindsight however, I’d be tempted to attribute this to a lack of finesse in the divvying up stage in of the former, and a stingy dose of baking powder in the latter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Always the critic.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The eye eats first…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">When it comes to cakes, Eastwood is all about the aesthetics; and every recipe had distinct (yet incredibly nauseating) instruction on exactly how to make each nibble look ‘darling.’</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">When I was a young calf, I loved cake decorating. As a kid, there were no inhibitions, no strive for perfectionism, and most importantly, no concept of the mess creative license generates.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Nowadays however, it’s just not as fun; and although I got to play with food colourings, devour copious amounts of excess icing, and position my atrociously expensive cake decorations like works of modern art – boy… was it hard work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">After I’d finished my masterpieces, and snapped them for your viewing pleasure (and by that I mean for you to poke fun at) I stood back from the bomb site from which they had risen, wondering how such delicate little morsels had survived <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Hiroshima</place></city>, and how I had managed to create such chaos despite extraordinary preparation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Why doesn’t Nigella ever get this dirty? … </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>(I mean in the kitchen of course… little minx.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVzME6NYSgYuV0CO7qVO8qzsEv1_MekAPjnPKW82EFNCbAIV-FUGnwEcY888w1ET9V1CjX-nPEpJEnvkmEXQPVBh1actzujbCfO5ZyyiLmJo16FF1ek-NmEyy3JelnMl7evcjWyg3XoPB/s1600/cupcake+iced1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVzME6NYSgYuV0CO7qVO8qzsEv1_MekAPjnPKW82EFNCbAIV-FUGnwEcY888w1ET9V1CjX-nPEpJEnvkmEXQPVBh1actzujbCfO5ZyyiLmJo16FF1ek-NmEyy3JelnMl7evcjWyg3XoPB/s1600/cupcake+iced1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The proof is in the <s>pudding</s> ridiculously small cupcakes…</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Two hours of extreme baking later, it was taste testing time, and Mr. Cow was summoned to my domain (aka the kitchen) to cast his vote.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">‘Mmmmm,’ he enthused as he munched a supersized Millie; ‘They’re really nice.’</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Although a pretty un-profound review, I (unusually) mirrored my partner’s sentiments precisely. Each cake was indeed palatable, and tasted exactly how you would expect a homemade cupcake to taste. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Although after hours of labour I’d ordinarily be hankering for a much more rousing result and reaction, I had to put this accomplishment into context – these cakes contained no butter, hardly any flour, a fraction of the sugar, and tasted… well… like cake.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">When it comes to food, I’m a typical girlie girl. Chocolate, cream, pastries and cakes; </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">I sometimes wonder whether there is anything in life more sensuous (sorry Mr Cow) or more perfect.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">For that reason, my infatuation has led me to the belief that when it comes to cake, there just isn’t room for any genuinely low fat alternatives.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">It’s not that I haven’t tried – It’s not that I’m adverse to the odd skinny muffin or Splenda type sugar substitute; it’s just that they so very rarely resemble the products which they allude to be. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">As a result, consumers are frequently left disappointed, still craving their gooey, sweet fix, and struggling to suppress their urge to splurge.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">So how do Ms Eastwood’s offerings differ from those low fat cake impostors which have led to my firm belief?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Well, admirably actually.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Okay. So these won’t be the best cupcakes you have ever tasted, but eating one of these beauties is certainly no chore, and at 50 calories a piece, are definitely cost effective on the health front.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Furthermore, they live up to their name, and should work to satisfy all but the most extreme of cravings. After all, these cupcakes taste like cake; not like splenda, not like margarine, and most importantly, not like a vegetable.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">“So can you taste the courgette in that one?” I asked Mr Cow as he devoured his second Pistachio Pop.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">“What???????”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">…. Exactly. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-33087036705136246752011-07-28T09:13:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:28:32.367-07:00Restaurant Review: Ping Pong Dim Sum. "Chinese Jim... But Not As We Know It"Last weekend, an uncharacteristically romantic Mr Cow, treated me to a surprise break in our nation’s capital. Not one to waste an opportunity to Scoff, I insisted that whilst there, we donned our critical caps and resumed the hunt for the ultimate in ‘dining out, without filling out.’ <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Although Nottingham holds the crown as the UK’s most restaurant dense city, it hardly sits on a par with London in terms of health fads and cosmopolitanisms. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Having heard so much in recent weeks about the Chinese low-fat delicacy, <strong>Dim Sum</strong>, I decided that this was the ideal opportunity to give it the 'Scoffing Cow' treatment.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65biVbMKnZ3E-6rrh7yWzVt3TxXYEiDxsgS4BXPCIcIU9LRt1NNwZOYlPPoS7_tDV2NNF2sIn6nNL9KYTrymY7_CVgVo3vOYo_cmWa-DQ0KUtAoiYARrk6s6p9a3FnrsoRDKQIl3eoSTu/s1600/dimsum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65biVbMKnZ3E-6rrh7yWzVt3TxXYEiDxsgS4BXPCIcIU9LRt1NNwZOYlPPoS7_tDV2NNF2sIn6nNL9KYTrymY7_CVgVo3vOYo_cmWa-DQ0KUtAoiYARrk6s6p9a3FnrsoRDKQIl3eoSTu/s320/dimsum1.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Despite originating in China, the term ‘Dim Sum’ is actually Cantonese, and used to refer to any Chinese dish which is served in small and individual portions. </div>Like Tapas and Meze, the Dim Sum label is used rather loosely. Nonetheless, from a healthy eating perspective, it is the frequency of steaming and griddling in its preparation, which has served to propel it as a favourite amongst dieters.<br />
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</div>As an avid advocate of the Spanish and Greek counterparts, I was giddy to see what all the fuss was about, and after a quick Google, set my targets on the London Dim Sum chain, <strong>'Ping Pong'</strong>. <br />
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Not only did this place specialise in the very food I was hankering after; it also advertised a dedicated ‘Healthy Fix’ Menu. Bingo. (Or is that Ping Pong?) <br />
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Once again baffling my loyal companion with a promise of Chinese food and plentiful ball sports (!), we trotted off to Soho in order to see what all the fuss was about. <br />
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<a name='more'></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Lilly; font-size: 10pt;">Restaurant Review – Ping Pong Dim Sum – 45 Great Marlborough Street, Soho, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">London</place></city> - 020 7851 6969</span></b> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With subtle neon lighting, plasma screen facades, and chilled out house music pumping through the speakers, Ping Pong Dim Sum is anything but quintessentially Chinese. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">More like a late lounge than a restaurant, Ping Pong seems a lot like one of those shamelessly trendy venues, serving to arouse a sense of inadequacy amongst its more insecure proprietors (me!) and convincing the remainder to recklessly part with money which they probably haven’t got.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFU2zN-GhM6A-ZYHIegTxr28_WQNGJ6knqMJ6CplIx3ZjsFhAwYHYG1yzIlREE5B3B7R87CU0pbqM_RDHtbY5wYExL6MOFQA6XlQIYiQexGWFgYgcCP3XMSzO_8GLjGD1yS1T8YCQwp4X/s1600/pingpong+exterior3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFU2zN-GhM6A-ZYHIegTxr28_WQNGJ6knqMJ6CplIx3ZjsFhAwYHYG1yzIlREE5B3B7R87CU0pbqM_RDHtbY5wYExL6MOFQA6XlQIYiQexGWFgYgcCP3XMSzO_8GLjGD1yS1T8YCQwp4X/s1600/pingpong+exterior3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ping Ping Dim Sum, Great Marlborough Street, Soho.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The building itself is two storey, with the majority of seating housed in the upstairs portion of the structure; which by the way, is dark enough to bring an ugly date, without itching for the bill.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ironically, Mr Cow and I were not afforded such a fitting luxury; and upon being seated, found ourselves slap bang in the middle of a brightly lit walk way, balancing upon a balcony table sandwiched between several other diners.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">‘Here are your menus guys,’ chipped a young eager server as she popped two cards onto our place mats. </div></div>(Oh, the youth of today… when exactly did we all become guys?)<br />
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‘Have you guys been to Ping Pong before?’<br />
‘No.’<br />
‘Well guys, let me explain how it works.’<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">(Great, here we go; the condensing yet mandatory narration of the self explanatory.) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Essentially Ping Pong works a little like ordering a hotel breakfast; you pick which extortionately priced item you wish to purchase, pop a cross in the designated box, and slowly die inside at the money you’ve just agreed to part with in exchange for a soggy croissant. </div><br />
As Miss Preppy departed, I Skimmed down the thin menu card eager to learn exactly what a Dim Sum meal would consist of.<br />
With around 60 dishes to choose from, I was undeniably spoilt for choice – we were informed that around 3 plates would be an adequate amount for each person, and had I not already selected my food prior to this visit, would have felt like a kid in a candy shop.<br />
Flipping over to the ‘set menus’ side of the card, I eagerly sought out the much revered ‘Healthy Fix,’ excited to see what my 500 calorie feast would consist of.<br />
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But alas, it was no where to be found.<br />
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Beckoning our super friendly waitress back to the table, (I mean bar stool) I politely enquired as to its whereabouts.<br />
‘Oh yeah,’ she recalled. ‘I think that was a limited edition thing; sorry guys.’<br />
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Ugggrh.<br />
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After opting for the Vegetarian Extravaganza set meal (yes I know, hardly a modest sounding quantity, but the waitress seemed to think it similar) my companion and I sat patiently in expectancy of our first Dim Sum experience.<br />
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Our meal was to begin with a portion of spicy Chinese nuts as a pre-dinner nibble. This was to be followed by the main attraction consisting of baked vegetable puffs, an assortment of steamed and griddled dumplings, not to mention coconut rice, spring rolls, and an extra side of veg.<br />
There was dessert too… god bless our bellies. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As ravenous and as impatient as always, a couple of minutes after ordering Mr Cow and I engaged in lookout duty, anticipating the arrival of our pre-dinner nuts. <br />
Sat like well behaved Meerkats perched upon barstools, we searched the faces of each passing waitress and strained our necks in that ‘we’re missing something’ kind of manner.<br />
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After 30 or so minutes, our chipper waitress returned galloping gaily, laden with baskets, bowls, and plates, clumsily proceeding to pile them in front of us along the thin plinth.<br />
‘Okay guys, you’re all set.’ She said giddily, attempting to arrange the dishes into some kind of order and rectify her sloppiness. ‘Give me a yell when you’d like your desserts’ she added before scampering off.<br />
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Examining the copious amount of food that had unsurreptitiously been dumped under our noses, we began to lift the wicker lids and prod our chopsticks into the contents.<br />
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Despite being offered a fleeting and mumbled description of each dish as it juggled its way onto our place mats, we were still perplexed as to exactly what was what.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What we deduced to be the dumplings, whether griddled or steamed, looked extraordinarily similar, though admittedly sported slight variation in colour. </div>Unfortunately, when given the all important taste test our confusion was not lessened; the only flavour I could detect was of overcooked blandness. <br />
With distinctive yet stomach churning gelatinous consistency, each one was about as edible as a rubber sole. Chewy, soggy and limp; if these dumplings had been made fresh to order as opposed to being reheated in a microwave, our waitress was clearly the Pope, and Ping Pong the Vatican.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ62uTUarNjdKk4w5Za4LbPwsFKyaq6kNsHFXR-wJp9iE_pe2Czgln-oiYRxC1Wd89jrakn6c2gESQRMSt6S3DRt9suhUtXSVbzxxxSzxYfK7-IoLcyvxc48A1NMv2vCp5HrUuMoJQYz0z/s1600/Dim-sumchops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ62uTUarNjdKk4w5Za4LbPwsFKyaq6kNsHFXR-wJp9iE_pe2Czgln-oiYRxC1Wd89jrakn6c2gESQRMSt6S3DRt9suhUtXSVbzxxxSzxYfK7-IoLcyvxc48A1NMv2vCp5HrUuMoJQYz0z/s1600/Dim-sumchops.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take note Ping Pong - how dumplings are supposed to look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fearing vomit induction, we quickly pushed the dumplings to one side and moved on to the selection of spring rolls.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As before, Mr Cow and I struggled to differentiate; and argued whilst we ate over who had mango tofu and who had sweet and sour.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As we continued, we agreed that this detail was irrelevant since each roll was equally as disappointing, and tasted much akin to a frozen party snack assortment box, purchased from Asda.</div><br />
The steamed vegetables and coconut rice which accompanied our meal were on the other hand reasonably palatable. Although I still predicted that they too had been subject to the microwave treatment, both were flavoursome and partially redeemed the aforementioned catastrophes. <br />
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Unfortunately however as we sampled the final dish, honey glazed vegetable puffs (which incidentally Mr Cow believed to be the dessert) we were brought back down to earth with epic propulsion. Was I in a Dim Sum restaurant, or a dimly lit corner of Greggs?<br />
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As Mr Cow and I continued to poke at the remaining food items, still fascinated by the ungodly consistency of a greenish dumpling, we heard a familiar voice from behind. <br />
‘Okay guys,’ the waitress chirped, ‘and here are your spicy nuts’ pushing a bowl of pecans between the two of us. As she turned on her heels and vanished back into the darkness, we were left to sardonically muse over the punctuality of our PRE dinner nibbles (which by the by, were probably the nicest component of Ping Pong’s ‘Extravaganza.’)<br />
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Despite feeling slightly ill from the main course, lessened not by our conversation which had likened a mushroom dumpling to a sheep’s brain, we signalled for dessert.<br />
After being joined on the plinth by several other couples who were quite clearly fascinated by our dinning experience, we decided to ask that our sweets be accompanied by the bill.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes passed before two plates and yet another basket was carelessly dropped in front of us. <br />
Much to the satisfaction of our intrigued neighbours, I dramatically lifted the lid revealing a white glue-like blob with a dark brown trickle oozing from its summit. <br />
This, I deduced, was the Valrhona chocolate bun with coconut puree, and to its left, a modest pile of white and black rice and mango syrup.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As we bravely devoured, both dishes were uninspiring and lacked any real taste or requisite sweetness. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Valrhona reminded me of overcooked marshmallow wrapped in edible cake decorating paper, filled with Mr Whippy-esk Chocolate sauce.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Meanwhile, the rice was grainy and nowhere near rich enough, or creamy enough to constitute dessert.</div><br />
After a couple more excruciating mouthfuls (out of sheer politeness of course) we pushed our puds aside, promptly settled the bill, and hastily said our goodbyes to the world’s most annoying waitress.<br />
<br />
Stepping out into the streets of Soho, we both agreed to forgo the obligatory night cap, in favour of some herbal tea back in the comforts of our hotel room.<br />
I couldn’t be sure whether it was the food, or Mr Cow’s inappropriate ‘dumpling’ analogies that had served to upset me, but nonetheless, my overworked stomachs (yes, all three of them) were far from content with Ping Pong, and unsurprisingly, neither was I.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2hs4We9W7nYzRSybSfWMjdqLVE1Kt5S7qhd7A5mS2N4h7kEXh2Ol9gIN5UrckT7kPnavuxuwEyNqVibTAE2NgJ_nUpo2qxyHZyVSpzX8qiTgFDjaINycnMXoRbEP8H_gjVJ0fIuip34M/s1600/pingpongrating+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2hs4We9W7nYzRSybSfWMjdqLVE1Kt5S7qhd7A5mS2N4h7kEXh2Ol9gIN5UrckT7kPnavuxuwEyNqVibTAE2NgJ_nUpo2qxyHZyVSpzX8qiTgFDjaINycnMXoRbEP8H_gjVJ0fIuip34M/s1600/pingpongrating+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Okay, so I have to fess – this experience was hardly the epitome of low-fat indulgence I was hankering for; the ‘Healthy Fix’ purported to come in at under 500 calories – I doubt that any set menu proceeded by the word ‘extravaganza’ mirrored such an accomplishment. <br />
<br />
That being said, having selected a feast which was concocted with no limitation on calories or fats, shouldn’t my expectations of Ping Pong been even higher?<br />
With no reliance on steaming, or griddling (techniques which can so frequently result in bland food) shouldn’t there have at least been one redeeming dish on the menu, laden with calories yet full of taste?<br />
<br />
I may be a health junkie; and yes, not often do I partake in deep fried spring rolls or puff pastry parcels. Nonetheless, I can still tell bad ‘unhealthy’ food from the good, and for me, this experience undoubtedly fell into the former.<br />
<br />
If this is what traditional Dim Sum is all about, I’m certainly no convert - bring back the prawn crackers and deep fried banana I say; at least these indulgencies are worth their weight in calories.<br />
<br />
Boo Ping Pong, boo indeed. You made two greedy cows tremendously disgruntled that night, and furthermore, gave one a very odd phobia about any form of dumpling for the foreseeable future.<br />
<br />
My beef stew beseeches you! <br />
<br />
(If you’re still not deterred, check out their website, and visit a <a href="http://www.pingpongdimsum.com/">Ping Pong Dim Sum</a> near you… you have been warned.)<br />
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N.B The photo’s used in this blog entry are for illustration only and do not belong to me or The Scoffing Cow ©. (My pathetic camera phone could not cope with Ping Pong’s atmospheric lighting, so thanks to those I have 'borrowed' from on this occasion)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-65478821604304584772011-06-22T08:31:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:29:48.977-07:00Graze.com: Does Nature Deliver? The Scoffing Cow InvestigatesTraffic. Urgh. Don’t these people know what they’re standing in the way of?<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It’s Monday morning and as per usual, I’m surrounded by exhaust fumes, becoming increasingly more agitated during the laborious journey to work, after two glorious days of freedom.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucPupFb_yC7a_oN8psjggXeXFqJzYpPiO2azQ5sc8eMUHU_QJXvKSJ6bbb1pjbk27fuVKXDIRUtEI1DLUsPs9SSSLc7mkvp06ogd-esaoksRaL0ARTr90hkArPcVnh-QbTPXxXjDM7TPi/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucPupFb_yC7a_oN8psjggXeXFqJzYpPiO2azQ5sc8eMUHU_QJXvKSJ6bbb1pjbk27fuVKXDIRUtEI1DLUsPs9SSSLc7mkvp06ogd-esaoksRaL0ARTr90hkArPcVnh-QbTPXxXjDM7TPi/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This morning however, I’m even more frustrated; the much anticipated free nibble box (courtesy of Graze) is due to land on my desk this very day, and if Royal Mail have upheld their end of the bargain, is already sat patiently awaiting my arrival.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I push open the office door, and chunter the obligatory ‘mornings’ to my more punctual colleagues, I spy the little brown box nestled amongst my in-tray.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Quietly ‘eeeping’ to myself, I quickly discard my handbag, throw aside my coat, and rip open the parcel.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, Nature Delivered sure looks delightful. Four fist sized little punnets of yummy looking treats, sit quaintly inside a colourfully decorated box. A personalised insert provides corresponding key nutritionals, as well as use-by dates, and the main ingredients.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The first thing that strikes me, aside from the aesthetically pleasing presentation, is the apparent lack of variety within my box. Despite the website boasting deli topped focaccia breads, marinated olives, and tasty flapjacks, I don’t seem to have any of these.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hiding my disappointment, and consoling myself in the knowledge that flapjacks and focaccia are for the main, pretty naughty nibbles, I tear open the first punnet, switch on my computer (having realised that I am actually supposed to be work) and delve straight in. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><strong><u> Milkshake Mix</u></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH5h82DUog7eG189qZC4eZ1amXGJedA4aE2zL6ImhjxiWwN5v7nNcasRSDponioH49aizyaduOdpY6tQ7exk7YyfKybhNFwp-f-sGINR3EKYxWkikmoZy4bg069LEFRjb7jhB9l1IAJkQ/s1600/milkshake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH5h82DUog7eG189qZC4eZ1amXGJedA4aE2zL6ImhjxiWwN5v7nNcasRSDponioH49aizyaduOdpY6tQ7exk7YyfKybhNFwp-f-sGINR3EKYxWkikmoZy4bg069LEFRjb7jhB9l1IAJkQ/s320/milkshake1.jpg" width="256" /></a>An uninspiring concoction of limp banana coins, bitter strawberries and white chocolate disks.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As you can probably tell, in my humble opinion, this punnet was nothing but an epic fail; its contents resembling a milkshake with the same authenticity in which Pizza Hut mirrors Italian cuisine.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sure it sounds appetising enough, and it is the only nibble of the bunch to contain a whole portion of your 5-a-day, but the above descriptives really do say it all.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You’d think that the calamitous fruit would perhaps be salvageable with the addition of the chocolate, but in all honesty, is more like something you might find in a ‘Hello Kitty’ advent calendar (minus the cuteness of course.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In addition to this, at a significant 141 calories for such a measly handful, this example of nature delivered, certainly does nothing to lessen the appeal of the biscuit tin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqX82CKNKXrzrC9wkRv0QWlnLEXNg2_q9I5BGELHuVR-fuGOitVPsNt-N6WMCstsg2G3mdjur1ZBhiOvM67OCcGOJHdf-KuNTJMQsbIpSQf-1i_inY4D2akQqi4OjHYyyzBLlHPFhgqzx/s1600/lemon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqX82CKNKXrzrC9wkRv0QWlnLEXNg2_q9I5BGELHuVR-fuGOitVPsNt-N6WMCstsg2G3mdjur1ZBhiOvM67OCcGOJHdf-KuNTJMQsbIpSQf-1i_inY4D2akQqi4OjHYyyzBLlHPFhgqzx/s320/lemon1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Lemon Meringue Pie</u></strong></div><br />
One word… YUM.<br />
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Lemon infused raisins, yoghurt covered peanuts, and ever so cute little droplets of crunchy meringue.<br />
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Okay, so at 169 calories, this punnet of ‘health’ is even more laden with sugars than the milkshake massacre, but unlike the latter, actually feels as though it’s worth it.<br />
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The raisins are soft, the peanuts creamy, and the meringues perfectly balanced with the requisite crisp-to-chew ratios.<br />
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The flavours of the three components are complementary and work well with one another, and I suppose that when combined in one mouthful, do sort of resemble a lemon meringue. (Albeit a slightly stingy one, without any pastry or gooey lemony goodness).<br />
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That's a point... I wonder how big a piece of actual pie I could eat for the same calories? Probably a good half I'd imagine.<br />
Hmmm, this is turning into a 'no brainer' isn't it?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq_4tGx_ie33bweZCGLjWd0ygYvTgBzjtuvf3TZJDarU8CT1QR-9s99gE3LZwc5zWAT-u2TzzrYEvWaHv32OfT22o0bdksimRcL_v-tkJsnVHOWWYZ6pgQ3h2v7jAYhNnZ34NV6DSrLtC/s1600/bento1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq_4tGx_ie33bweZCGLjWd0ygYvTgBzjtuvf3TZJDarU8CT1QR-9s99gE3LZwc5zWAT-u2TzzrYEvWaHv32OfT22o0bdksimRcL_v-tkJsnVHOWWYZ6pgQ3h2v7jAYhNnZ34NV6DSrLtC/s320/bento1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><strong><u>Bento Mix</u></strong><br />
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Well done Graze; well done indeed. With jumbo chilli maize, satay broad beans, and Wasabi coated peas, this punnet had me salivating before I’d even started.<br />
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As a huge fan of all things spice, there was barely room to disappoint here; crunchy, flavoursome, and with an all mighty kick of heat, I could have quite happily munched on these all day long.<br />
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But alas, and in-keeping with Graze’s other offerings, these spicy nibbles were just too calorific for my liking to qualify as a healthy snack (141 Calories). Okay, the cals are hardly insurmountable for those watching what they eat, but when considering the small portion size, I’m not sure I could justify subbing two of my alpen light bars, in favour of the more-ish Bento Mix.<br />
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Perhaps it would sit more happily as an accompanying bar snack to a nice glass of rioja, but as health food… hmmm I’m just not sold.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjamXKxXJz5uCURDNdMnL27QoLoLudU0vKmHaKnGIUA6XEm8Cp6jRn46OGqHA1ZbIQ2n7tOlFNZcI8ftgJv9TRJEERuPAJRKPEaYNNz04yvnLj0EajQrMH8ppDaAGgE7UkaLg63jWcJzm/s1600/fennel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjamXKxXJz5uCURDNdMnL27QoLoLudU0vKmHaKnGIUA6XEm8Cp6jRn46OGqHA1ZbIQ2n7tOlFNZcI8ftgJv9TRJEERuPAJRKPEaYNNz04yvnLj0EajQrMH8ppDaAGgE7UkaLg63jWcJzm/s320/fennel1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><strong><u>Fennel and Caraway Seeds</u></strong><br />
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They sure don’t look like anything special, but this seed mix is in fact a pretty decent graze.<br />
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With all the aromatic flavourings of the two key ingredients, plus the added textural bonus of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, this offering is paradoxically rustic yet innovative at the same time.<br />
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Despite this kudos however, I longed for a nicely dressed rocket salad to accompany it; call me a Neanderthal, but even in the midst of my most saintly health kicks, seed mixes have always felt too akin to rabbit food to enjoy alone.<br />
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Again, with a substantially high calorie content of 174 (the highest of the lot in fact), I wouldn’t be first in line to make this nibble a habit. Nonetheless it was significantly more filling than the other 3 snacks, which according to Graze, is the aim of the game…. <br />
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You know, I was never any good at sports.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJJk_zW2k7WQEDaLQsIh_XB6rSs48SsgoJqYYNExgWk-0oAcKZd8F9EbzD_XzQTB0lDxe5lkmvtSJYRlBT6jfC3_OT2oJwxKmINzJLbXk591h7uB7kYN2hReQ_xpsrGpIOitGjYUCcxeA/s1600/dividercowcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJJk_zW2k7WQEDaLQsIh_XB6rSs48SsgoJqYYNExgWk-0oAcKZd8F9EbzD_XzQTB0lDxe5lkmvtSJYRlBT6jfC3_OT2oJwxKmINzJLbXk591h7uB7kYN2hReQ_xpsrGpIOitGjYUCcxeA/s320/dividercowcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After all is said and done, I’m not sure I’d be looking to relive my Graze experience any time soon.<br />
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Taste wise, I was pretty chuffed, but as I conveyed above (in my typically tactful and subtle manner) the calorie content of my so called ‘health foods,’ just didn’t cut the mustard with me.<br />
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Graze suggest that one of their nibble boxes will get you through the day with significantly more energy and vigour than the standard working lunch.<br />
In light of the fact that I ate all four punnets in addition to a hearty breakfast, and still felt the need to polish off a colossally generous stuffed pitta, I’m not sure I’d agree.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Perhaps the question should be as to whether those who are already eating sensibly, would in fact be doing themselves more harm than good by subscribing to the (admittedly charming) online snackery.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">By my calculations, my nibble box set me back by over 600 calories – considering that last month I more or less consumed an entire three course meal at Pizza Express for the same amount, Graze could certainly do with some severe refinements in order attract the likes of the Cow and other health savvy eaters, on a pay per punnet basis.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thanks for the trial Graze, but you really are in danger of defying mo-town adages with this one; don’t you know? The best things in life are free.</div><br />
Silly.<br />
<br />
(P.S For any Scoffer (or indeed Grazer) who would like to try their own free Graze Nibble Box, simply enter HR5CJ8W upon registration, or click the link below….)<br />
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<a href="http://www.graze.com/p/HR5CJ8W">http://www.graze.com/p/HR5CJ8W</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4HcBcRQcflndVnfuv8bYkEOrPeKVwryVoOszlEm4y7SiVnly2z7_GOYgJrCSbBSc-gH2n0OmH1_qciGZc-jzlFoi1CqMVTugtz6ipE5Ynm1_X-V3ZfKhttnFc3IbNxQ_DdY3B15AOu9q/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4HcBcRQcflndVnfuv8bYkEOrPeKVwryVoOszlEm4y7SiVnly2z7_GOYgJrCSbBSc-gH2n0OmH1_qciGZc-jzlFoi1CqMVTugtz6ipE5Ynm1_X-V3ZfKhttnFc3IbNxQ_DdY3B15AOu9q/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-70904276774570854102011-06-01T13:28:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:30:46.383-07:00Mail Order Health Food, Whatever Next!It would certainly be a rather sweeping generalisation, to assume that all ‘foodies’ are frivolous; nonetheless the world of gastronomy does not come cheap, and those who wish to embroil themselves in its delights, are often prepared to pay the price.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But alas, not this Cow; you see in my opinion, half the satisfaction of discovering new and innovative gourmet experiences balances on the bargain. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And for the Scoffing Cow, there is no better bargain, than one that is completely and utterly, categorically free.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc42aKWmFPsxp3xKqtYLCgyuzJrJ8Wu2Iq4D3ibOVCYgvQUxspPawnvoxmdiEYWxHnKqmKeSB0VlegSDO4WOfeNfgDYdLKe2r4ya5jEbnis9kDVVY-ET3gGjl8-yeAaExfDUBhHytQhH7/s1600/box.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc42aKWmFPsxp3xKqtYLCgyuzJrJ8Wu2Iq4D3ibOVCYgvQUxspPawnvoxmdiEYWxHnKqmKeSB0VlegSDO4WOfeNfgDYdLKe2r4ya5jEbnis9kDVVY-ET3gGjl8-yeAaExfDUBhHytQhH7/s320/box.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So when I stumbled across a ‘no strings’ trial at the newly established online snackery, <a href="http://www.graze.com/">Graze.com</a>, I couldn’t resist; and before I knew it, had provided my details, created an unimaginative user ID, and was eagerly perusing their selection of delights.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a name='more'></a>Graze, whose tag line is ‘nature delivered,’ quite simply offer healthy eating by post.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t be alarmed, Gillian McKeith isn’t about to be pushed through your letter box; Graze is all about sending you healthy and nutritious nibbles, as often as you like, and exactly when you like.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Devised by the same brain power behind ‘Lovefilm,’ the company works on pretty much the same premise; you browse through their goodies (all 130 of them), rank how much you would like to try each one, and await delivery. Simples.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With a huge variety of healthy and nutritious snacks, (and a couple of less saintly sweet treats) Graze provide a variety of customisable ‘nibble boxes’ supposedly filled with slow releasing natural foods designed to boost immunity and keep blood sugar high. As a result, consumers are less likely to reach for those 3 o’clock Hob-Nobs, or wilt into their office chairs like unenthused teenagers.</div><br />
So, with the first box free, and the second half price, after rating a few products on their website as instructed, I arranged for my first order to be delivered straight to my desk.<br />
<br />
With my opening nibble box due for arrival first thing tomorrow, I have to admit, the thought of the Monday morning commute to work, has become much more appealing.<br />
<br />
Knowing me, I will probably spend the first hour of my incredibly hectic working day cooing over the contents, neglecting the ringing of my phone or the pinging of emails, in favouring of scoffing, and, well…scoffing.<br />
But alas, if my nibbles really are as effective as Graze would have me believe, my increased afternoon productivity will surely counter a pretty slack and distracted morning… at least that’s what I’ll tell my boss!<br />
<br />
It’s pathetic that I’m so excited about this I know. But really; free, delicious and healthy? The words ‘too good’ and ‘true’ unavoidably spring to mind.<br />
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Perhaps I’m being cynical? Not like me is it?<br />
<br />
(That was a rhetorical question.)<br />
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Watch this space folks; <a href="http://thescoffingcow.blogspot.com/2011/02/graze-nature-delivered-scoffing-cow-she.html">review</a> to follow.<br />
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(P.S For any Scoffer (or indeed Grazer) who would like to try their own free Graze Nibble Box, simply enter HR5CJ8W upon registration, or click the link below….)<br />
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<a href="http://www.graze.com/p/HR5CJ8W">http://www.graze.com/p/HR5CJ8W</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4HcBcRQcflndVnfuv8bYkEOrPeKVwryVoOszlEm4y7SiVnly2z7_GOYgJrCSbBSc-gH2n0OmH1_qciGZc-jzlFoi1CqMVTugtz6ipE5Ynm1_X-V3ZfKhttnFc3IbNxQ_DdY3B15AOu9q/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4HcBcRQcflndVnfuv8bYkEOrPeKVwryVoOszlEm4y7SiVnly2z7_GOYgJrCSbBSc-gH2n0OmH1_qciGZc-jzlFoi1CqMVTugtz6ipE5Ynm1_X-V3ZfKhttnFc3IbNxQ_DdY3B15AOu9q/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-80856677000153982982011-05-16T04:15:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:31:32.777-07:00Restaurant Review: Pizza Express The Leggera Pizza… Holeyer Than Thou???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen_HXzGDpcEOng58Pv7QdavsdrhKAI2AnHE10zKt5EpuXA37pGezmh42zu4sAyEIzdXRSU1zsTTN8z88VTkjNhLuK1EGfJiMFddsPgsPtCzM4_cWCJa1iwOHKvSTBV3bXF4LMKgXjiUwk/s1600/pizza_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen_HXzGDpcEOng58Pv7QdavsdrhKAI2AnHE10zKt5EpuXA37pGezmh42zu4sAyEIzdXRSU1zsTTN8z88VTkjNhLuK1EGfJiMFddsPgsPtCzM4_cWCJa1iwOHKvSTBV3bXF4LMKgXjiUwk/s320/pizza_3.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>Few words strike fear into the hearts of calorie counters and weight watchers as comparably as the word ‘Pizza.’<br />
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With gargantuan amounts of melted mozzarella, fat laden meats, and bursting stuffed crusts, this iconic Italian staple is certainly no friend to those looking to shed a few pounds.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Of course over the years, the much loved pizza pie has been subjected to many a healthy living makeover. The more adventurous amongst us, will perhaps advocate tortilla based incarnations, topping deficit veggie delights, or even cheese free alternatives (which I personally feel should be criminalised.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But whilst these innovations are all well and good in the comforts of the homestead, out and about in the real world, you’re as likely to find a pizzeria serving pitta bases, as you are flying pigs.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In light of this reality, the Scoffing Cow was shocked to learn in recent weeks, that a renowned restaurant chain specialising in Pizza had taken significant steps to appeal to the diet conscious proprietor. Indeed, the <strong>Pizza Express</strong> franchise, had not only become one of the country’s first few restaurants to publicize their nutritional values, but had also admirably launched a Weight Watchers endorsed range of pizzas; the <strong>Leggera</strong>. Better yet, there was no mention of eradicating the cheese!<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Lilly; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Restaurant Review – Pizza Express - 24-26 Goose Gate, <place w:st="on">Nottingham</place> - 0115 912 7888</span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
I should probably have anticipated the shocked expression on my long suffering partner’s face last Thursday evening,, when I told him that I wanted to go out for Pizza.</div><br />
After bringing him back to consciousness with copious amounts of smelling salts, and reassuring him that there was absolutely no catch (no polenta and blueberry crusts, no pumpkin volute) we gaily slapped on our glad rags, and trotted off into Nottingham’s city centre.<br />
Situated in the ‘it’s so trendy cos it’s retro,’ localities of Hockley, Pizza Express on Goosegate literally sticks out like a shimmering neon thumb.<br />
Sandwiched between vintage clothing boutiques, vinyl record stores, and a ridiculously large Sex Shop (whoops!) the restaurant itself forms part of an old town-house style building. From the outside, the room is as spacious and well lit as any other of its chain gang contemporaries, but from within, the sparse furnishings and uniquely high ceilings counter any warmth commonly associated with traditional pizzerias.<br />
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Once seated in the restaurant by a rather polite young waiter (whom Mr Cow was convinced sported a ‘fake’ Italian accent) we were liberated of our jackets, and presented with the menu.<br />
After skimming the huge A3 sized card, (which I skilfully used to frustrate my partner’s extremely vocal objection to eating ‘healthy’ pizza) we placed our order with another sickeningly young and attractive, yet apathetic waitress, for both starters and mains from the Leggera range.<br />
Since in my eyes, no meal is complete without wine, I pushed the boat out even further and ordered me and my sulking partner a bottle of the low cal red wine.<br />
<br />
As our server moved off in sloth like fashion, we were presented with our drinks by the ‘pseudo Italian’, who had admirably taken the initiative to prepare our liquid refreshment whilst his colleague contemplated the meaning of life.<br />
As I took a sip of wine, I remembered why I had avoided 'healthier' vino for such a long time; it’s repulsive. <br />
Mr Cow assured me through gritted teeth, that we wouldn’t make this oversight for the third time.<br />
<br />
After only a couple more minutes, the waitress reappeared with our starter.<br />
‘Bread?’ she worryingly questioned as she dropped down the Crostini Al Pomadoro.<br />
Hmmm, Ciabatta, santos tomatoes, garlic, rocket, grana padano and balsamic syrup. What an articulate and descriptive young lady, I thought, Pizza Express should hang on to this hard hitting saleswoman for sure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclNMb3A5InNsFDzcdOcGPZMXU6Hc2Feczb-1r9dQd1vZ7_j48J5NU-p70IC2gLtLZJ25jlNppc61wu5GOQp1swroGB2Oio6iPW3w1HLTo0yPYLNkweJyrh9ElikeXOJHR7582BIxF9mUJ/s1600/IMG_1815a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclNMb3A5InNsFDzcdOcGPZMXU6Hc2Feczb-1r9dQd1vZ7_j48J5NU-p70IC2gLtLZJ25jlNppc61wu5GOQp1swroGB2Oio6iPW3w1HLTo0yPYLNkweJyrh9ElikeXOJHR7582BIxF9mUJ/s320/IMG_1815a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nonetheless, as we eagerly tucked in, I was pleasantly surprised. The tomatoes were fresh, and the ciabatta perfectly toasted. The parmesan, rocket and syrup combo added a subtle yet much needed sweetness to the dish, whilst providing an authentically rustic Italian bite.<br />
Since we were sharing (much to my partner’s dismay) our starter had evaporated in seconds, yet despite this, it was adequate to keep the hunger pangs at bay for the next few minutes at least.<br />
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A short time passed, during which we occupied ourselves with providing a running commentary on the perplexed expressions our server continued to sport as she undoubtedly wished her night away (I was a student once, I know the look.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Om2EvfJNjA_Jd9EOendBjF8wudQaMIFzUImji5txChUiKJLgSZC7wRcfH09z97SXqeF1n3KdYow9CW1HajnqHDkosV9LTlhg_BetfuE05JR02e5Tb9qC3wzJfd8E5uWFd3ujDuZXaZao/s1600/Leggera-Margherita-_797581a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Om2EvfJNjA_Jd9EOendBjF8wudQaMIFzUImji5txChUiKJLgSZC7wRcfH09z97SXqeF1n3KdYow9CW1HajnqHDkosV9LTlhg_BetfuE05JR02e5Tb9qC3wzJfd8E5uWFd3ujDuZXaZao/s320/Leggera-Margherita-_797581a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ten minutes or so later, our waitress returned, delivering my 500 calorie Contadina Leggera Pizza (Chicken, Spinach, Peppers, Mozzarella and Tabasco) to my placemat. <br />
As we had already established through the accurate menu description (and of course I had already ascertained through Google) the Leggera Pizza is somewhat heartless. By this I do not make any aspersions as to the actual pizza itself, but am in fact referring to the fact that each is served sans centre. The Leggera is the pizza with a hole.<br />
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As I inspected my main course, the unavoidable sense of disappointment one feels upon ordering a coreless pizza was drastically alleviated. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A pleasantly sized green salad, surrounded by a heavily topped golden crust, took the place of the missing dough.<br />
The pizza itself was sophistically presented, resting on a wooden board complete with miniature cutter.<br />
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After gleaming smugly at Mr Cow in the ‘I told you so manner’ I have refined so expertly, I immediately plunged my fork into the green salad and took a nibble. The fresh cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette hustled between the mixed leafs set the Leggera off to a fantastic start. The flavours were distinguishable but not intrusive; not indicative of a desire to overcompensate for the lack of pizza, nor compete as the central component of the dish.<br />
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Cutting into the surrounding rim of heavily topped dough using my avant-garde and tres chic pizza cutter, I was again impressed with the offering.<br />
The thin crust dough was flavoursome, springy and well… doughy; the spinach and peppers complemented each other nicely, and the chicken was soft, succulent and juicy.<br />
The Tabasco gave the Contadina a powerful kick, without drowning out the accompanying ingredients, and as a spice junkie, worked to win over an exceedingly hard to please cow.<br />
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Meanwhile my previously reluctant partner inhaled his ‘Gustosa’ (Prosciutto cotto, portobello mushrooms, yellow peppers and thyme) with glee. His only complaint after finishing in well under 5 minutes flat, was of course, that there wasn’t enough. (Erh, men!)<br />
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With still room for more, we nodded eagerly for the dessert menu, and in keeping with the theme of the evening both ordered a ‘Sotto Zero,’ a low-fat frozen yoghurt with blackcurrants and a chocolate straw.<br />
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Upon arrival we once again tucked in, but in contrast to the previous two courses, felt relatively unmoved.<br />
Yes, the portion was ample, but the yoghurt was far too brittle and lacked the prerequisite sweetness for a dessert. The ‘straw’ on the other hand was a big hit, and as per usual for a night out with the cows, caused contention due to my poor table etiquette and Monsieur Cow’s penchant for chocolate.<br />
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After a quick coffee, (and an awful mishap involving a misappropriated bottle of Tabasco) we journeyed back to our pasture for a night cap, feeling full, oddly virtuous, and undeniably holy (Get it? Snarf, Snarf!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1etkqkgOTpxROHXSL1cig5SMtfn54Qc9a7jyWuRloEQ5LeJNHVPZIGuu79EPBMXEkIy3lIe59sOBtRgYfDyhzRthOQrSN5UGKGUcMQc1IcfZb9eAQJAPdSl877ctKSCCnT2tEs1XH127/s1600/restaurant+rating+pizza2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1etkqkgOTpxROHXSL1cig5SMtfn54Qc9a7jyWuRloEQ5LeJNHVPZIGuu79EPBMXEkIy3lIe59sOBtRgYfDyhzRthOQrSN5UGKGUcMQc1IcfZb9eAQJAPdSl877ctKSCCnT2tEs1XH127/s1600/restaurant+rating+pizza2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
All in all, the Pizza Express Leggera range, gets the hoof’s up.<br />
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Perhaps a few tweaks are warranted in order to bring the drink and sweet selection up to the standard exhibited by the entrée’s, but hey, kudos for even attempting to revamp each course selection.<br />
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I’m still not a chain restaurant convert; the ambience was hardly that of a secluded and intimate evening (Yes, Yes, I know it’s just Pizza, but for gods sake, It’s Italian! ) and the service was far from enthusiastic. <br />
Nonetheless, I will most definitely be returning to Pizza Express in the near future, if only to steal their miniature tabascos (That’s not a confession… honest.) and poke fun at the sleep walking waitress. <br />
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(For a full run down of the Legerra range, and accompanying nutritional value, visit the Pizza Express link by clicking <a href="http://www.pizzaexpress.com/our-food/leggera.aspx">here</a>.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s400/signature3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-51753394542194767042011-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:002011-10-11T04:32:21.897-07:00Recipe of the Moment: Apple & Cinnamon Sugar Snap Porridge<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For those of you who follow the musings of the Scoffing Cow on a regular basis, you may have realised by now, that I undeniably hold a particular penchant for porridge (and alliteration too it would seem.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XwRiuUhjgiD9eaPEnT2fSkR1VyhdleHqER3zjha4m92eyvkyYpQJVAlcw5DQ1rFaxMwrism_XkQXX9VgjtyoqdLR0PLrXYeSbpgpIcWM1ULBgmr9faq57XCWRN9cwXDpw0W4fuMpVsz3/s1600/DSC01289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XwRiuUhjgiD9eaPEnT2fSkR1VyhdleHqER3zjha4m92eyvkyYpQJVAlcw5DQ1rFaxMwrism_XkQXX9VgjtyoqdLR0PLrXYeSbpgpIcWM1ULBgmr9faq57XCWRN9cwXDpw0W4fuMpVsz3/s320/DSC01289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yes indeed, I am a porridge whore. And sadly, would be content beginning each and every day with a steaming great big bowl of oats for all of eternity.</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
But alas, that doesn’t mean that I’m averse to variation, and in fact, often treat porridge creation as if I were preparing an a la carte meal. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You see, a sprinkling of sugar or a dollop of jam will get you so far, but really, with such a versatile substance, porridge can be so much more. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t worry, I’m not about to get all ‘Heston’ on you; snails and camel ears have no place in my breakfast routine, but you’d be surprised how sexy porridge can actually be, with just a few little tweaks here and there.</div><br />
So why not get a little creative…<br />
<br />
Grated nutmeg and a swirl of honey; maple syrup with ground ginger; apple sauce with powdered cinnamon; the possibilities are unashamedly endless. And provided we maintain a little self control when adding any of the above accoutrement, you're porridge will remain a healthy and nutritious breakfast, with significantly more pizazz.<br />
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Still not convinced? Well let me see if I can change your mind with the Scoffing Cow's very own recipe, for Sugar Snap Porridge.<br />
This recipe works with about any flavour or spice creation you can fathom, and adds an indulgent and sophisticated addition to even the most simple concotions. (Okay perhaps not sophisticated, it is still porridge for gods sake.)<br />
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Try it, and let me know what you think....<br />
Unless you don't like it of course... in which case, ignorance is bliss.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Apple & Cinnamon Sugar Snap Porridge</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 Sachet of Oat so Simple porridge or about 40g of porridge oats.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">180ml of Semi-Skimmed, or 1% milk.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 heaped tsp of powdered cinnamon.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1 tbsp of apple sauce.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">15g of golden caster sugar, or 3 tsps. (Superfine Sugar)</span></strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><strong></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Small saucepan</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ovenproof bowl</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 17pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">©<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Grill (or blowtorch if you know what you’re doing, and have adequate supervision of course!)</span></strong><b></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong>Preparation</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.7pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.7pt; text-indent: -22.7pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Add porridge oats to a pan and mix in the cinnamon. Add milk, apple sauce, and heat slowly on the hob stirring continually.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.7pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.7pt; text-indent: -22.7pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When porridge has reached desired thickness, remove from heat. If too thick, add a little more milk or water and keep on the hob until the consistency is right for you. (I like mine to be textured, but fairly runny.)</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.7pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.7pt; text-indent: -22.7pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Empty the porridge into an ovenproof bowl and stir well to ensure that the bowl’s sides are slightly coated. Place under the grill on a low heat until the surface has set slightly and then leave to cool for at least 5 minutes.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.7pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.7pt; text-indent: -22.7pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Dust the porridge evenly with caster sugar, ensuring that the surface is completely covered and that the sides are coated.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.7pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.7pt; text-indent: -22.7pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Return the bowl to a hot grill and check after around 1-2 minutes of cooking. The lid should be a very light golden brown, and quickly turn solid when removed from the heat (give it a tap). If it doesn’t, pop it back under for another minute or until this effect is achieved.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 22.7pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.7pt; text-indent: -22.7pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Leave to cool for a further 2 minutes, and then devour.</span></strong><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Serves 1</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Takes about 15 minutes in total, including cooling.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">275 calories per serving, made with Golden Syrup Oat So Simple and 1% milk.</span></strong></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong>The Scoffing Cow’s Top Tips</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Don’t rush the initial grill. The reason behind this step is to give the sugar something to rest on; almost a film. If the surface isn’t hardened, the sugar will dissolve straight into the oats and the lid won’t anywhere near as crunchy.</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you overcook the porridge at this stage, and the surface catches under the heat, you can always give the bowl a stir and have another shot at it.</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 2.85pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ensure you allow the surface to cool between grilling. If you don’t, the final product won’t have that crucial ‘crunch.’</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When heating the caster sugar in step 5, don’t be tempted to over cook. Perfect crunch relies on the sugar granules not completely caramelising – you should still be able to see the grains if you look closely, and the colour will be a very light golden brown.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The 'solidifying' won't occur straight away, and the sugar needs to oxidise away from the heat in order to get really hard (Heston eat your heart out!) and crystallise. If you tap it with a spoon and it makes a lovely hollow clunk, you're all set.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Yes, this maybe a little OTT, but have a look at one I made earlier...</span></strong></div><br />
<strong></strong><img src="http://www.blogger.com/video-thumbnail.g?contentId=6fcbd5fbc2ac83cb&zx=xqsmjuvb684" /> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></strong></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">If the sugar is overcooked, it will be a lot darker in colour since it has fully caramelised. Whilst this works nicely on a crème brulee, because the oats are still hot in this recipe, the caramel won’t become cold enough to set and the syrup is likely to be reabsorbed into the porridge itself.<br />
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Finally, don’t be tempted to substitute the sugar with sweetener… it just won’t work, and quite frankly, defeats the purpose of the whole thing. Yes I know 15 grams seems like a lot for one person, but with a breakfast as sinless as porridge, even the most cautious of cows has significant room to manoeuvre.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-68724244316369611162011-03-12T09:25:00.000-08:002011-10-11T04:32:57.115-07:00The Perfect Porridge Pilgrimage; The Scoffing Cow takes to the streets.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In my last blog, I rather virtuously pledged to scour the globe (well… <st1:place w:st="on">Nottingham</st1:place> at least) for eateries offering a healthy, nutritional and hearty start to the day, in the form of the latest brekky on the block, porridge</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Although my follow up is slightly tardy… (turns out that porridge hunting is not a valid excuse for arriving at work an hour late) I can finally bring to you…reader… the fruits of my labour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTj4IXtYRmPTuqGNtmOkvM67VjoPC756dHMjdeobiJn87mKk9p5owa_HGoGKkrTFIZ83GL9Vkz_uGGkfOQsdHdDbWk4MgV7UzQvhdtaZKHRiQ4hFNlu7ql1V1w3jwm7moLJjVWglxNlIm/s1600/porridgevendors1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTj4IXtYRmPTuqGNtmOkvM67VjoPC756dHMjdeobiJn87mKk9p5owa_HGoGKkrTFIZ83GL9Vkz_uGGkfOQsdHdDbWk4MgV7UzQvhdtaZKHRiQ4hFNlu7ql1V1w3jwm7moLJjVWglxNlIm/s1600/porridgevendors1.jpg" /></a></div>Rated, slated, and berated; Pret A Manger, Starbucks, McDonalds and Le Pain Quotidien square up in the battle of the breakfasts.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div><a name='more'></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Day 1 </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pret A Manger - </span></b><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">High Street</span></b></st1:address></st1:street><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, </span></b><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nottingham</span></b></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As self proclaimed advocates of healthy eating, and pioneers of nutritional labelling, it was with relative ease that I located my first victim venue, in the form of Pret A Manger.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">With 3 varieties to choose from, plain, honey, or very berry compote, Pret serve British Jumbo Oats daily until 10:30am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9poYzyh5tnBP-IRvl5ZjZIHWZnI8CP-GjscZRd48f7eiQ3_NI6cKiT7gnOJyXW94dyV6vLzF_Tas9r2072N90X3I0PuPLWztT3Uot8cOpSdCp_q91vfd2kdlC9c89NVqyxutVr7TebvI-/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9poYzyh5tnBP-IRvl5ZjZIHWZnI8CP-GjscZRd48f7eiQ3_NI6cKiT7gnOJyXW94dyV6vLzF_Tas9r2072N90X3I0PuPLWztT3Uot8cOpSdCp_q91vfd2kdlC9c89NVqyxutVr7TebvI-/s400/IMG_0488.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Priced at a reasonable £1.99 a pot, I opted for a portion with a generous dollop of nectar, (and generous it certainly was) in order to claim one of lifes rare, guitless sugar highs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before I am perhaps unfairly critical, I must explain that in my opinion, optimum porridge consistency is on the scale of things, pretty runny. Since Pret make theirs using jumbo oats in order to ‘up’ the texture ante, I was probably never going to be blown away. However, even when taking personal preference out the melting pot, I couldn’t help but feel that Pret had missed the mark.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Creamy, though it was, and plentifully sweet due to addition of honey, this concoction was just a little too Muller Rice for my liking. To top it off, the porridge was sort of luke warm (who the hell is Luke?) which unfortunately did little to shake the comparison from my mind. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pret's Porridge with Honey</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Calorie Count: 307 <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Price: £1.99<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Scoffometer: (3 out of 5) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpQ5soB4idNKq6ZJF2wOs4a37iUxIUhYVieOzgSDPAbzdxp2w0Zb1sg4AlYJ30FLph0lRZUBgVjhu_pvCOjfH-UWXr0wfdCeN2kYZru2TTFCC9Tt1LoVin0qIKdeY00xwU10qbghf4JO-/s1600/3outof5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpQ5soB4idNKq6ZJF2wOs4a37iUxIUhYVieOzgSDPAbzdxp2w0Zb1sg4AlYJ30FLph0lRZUBgVjhu_pvCOjfH-UWXr0wfdCeN2kYZru2TTFCC9Tt1LoVin0qIKdeY00xwU10qbghf4JO-/s1600/3outof5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 2 </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Starbucks - </span></b><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Upper Parliament St</span></b></st1:address></st1:street><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, </span></b><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nottingham</span></b></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite offering their ‘Perfect Porridge’ with pretty much whatever milk derivative you can think of, Starbucks limit it’s customers to only one flavour of their warm oats… plain.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, so you do get a little sachet of dried fruit to sprinkle on top, but still, this offering is pretty uninspiring for those looking for something a cut above in the porridge stakes.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwDBXR0DL8perIZ68cHSOGNgFdmkA0WrQ6E7JtArSJH-EXpMiF4NO-4onDfS_6t5sEj1KSwQu0qTw3OXhfOphO4TRLeifpBqQgMqC4O2nyeyrbzvdIv4vV9D2cDR7y83rJKWEOtoBYnw7/s1600/starbucksporridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwDBXR0DL8perIZ68cHSOGNgFdmkA0WrQ6E7JtArSJH-EXpMiF4NO-4onDfS_6t5sEj1KSwQu0qTw3OXhfOphO4TRLeifpBqQgMqC4O2nyeyrbzvdIv4vV9D2cDR7y83rJKWEOtoBYnw7/s400/starbucksporridge.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite this, the texture was creamy, smooth, though perhaps a little too runny. The fruit addition did provide a slight bite and extremely subtle sweetness, and without sounding too much like Goldilocks, the temperature was just right.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nonetheless, without that all important taste factor, Starbucks failed to deliver; and at a whopping £3.50 for the privilege, ‘Perfect Porridge’ does nothing to shake the chain’s reputation as being overrated and overpriced.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps I could have forgiven the extortionate rate and bland confection, if I had not expected my breakfast to live up to its immodest name. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Listen up Starbucks, re-advertise….‘Seemingly Average Porridge,’ or perhaps even ‘Velvety Smooth Gruel,’ will go down so much better with your clientele.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Starbucks' Perfect Porridge with Dried Fruits</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Calorie Count: 320 (made up with semi-skimmed milk)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Price: £3.50<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Scoffometer: (2 out of 5)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOtNdxohe2Rz6X5dMJeXb4ml4uOpLYT0_NWr1yNEXz9yZTz-8SfOIy8IwrkHkCstMnaV6NJykP2DPjPPSW7bqnhojmXHcRVV-jdFavGULGT5PM3aNcJQpDnuipvND2LZ00Elk5yUxhmuU/s1600/2outof5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOtNdxohe2Rz6X5dMJeXb4ml4uOpLYT0_NWr1yNEXz9yZTz-8SfOIy8IwrkHkCstMnaV6NJykP2DPjPPSW7bqnhojmXHcRVV-jdFavGULGT5PM3aNcJQpDnuipvND2LZ00Elk5yUxhmuU/s1600/2outof5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOtNdxohe2Rz6X5dMJeXb4ml4uOpLYT0_NWr1yNEXz9yZTz-8SfOIy8IwrkHkCstMnaV6NJykP2DPjPPSW7bqnhojmXHcRVV-jdFavGULGT5PM3aNcJQpDnuipvND2LZ00Elk5yUxhmuU/s1600/2outof5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 3 </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">McDonalds – Angel Row, </span></b><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nottingham</span></b></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">McDonalds you say, McDonalds? Yes you read right.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a ‘Scoffing Cow’ feature on the world’s most infamous burger joint, but hey, who would have funked it, Maccy D’s do McPorridge…. Or more specifically, Quaker do Porridge.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIo9iy0kym3_StYFQKUmGuUph9RApOJFD7Ypepc6eQLElVMkPxFEgKLWC5_SDnH1UO-nd4RudaB5DRoOJBhRMMDxZaJ95FTrlJn_eubzw2hYZsZexx5Y2bHCwCYNtmdXqOt1JYUGSkZWa/s1600/mcdonaldsporridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIo9iy0kym3_StYFQKUmGuUph9RApOJFD7Ypepc6eQLElVMkPxFEgKLWC5_SDnH1UO-nd4RudaB5DRoOJBhRMMDxZaJ95FTrlJn_eubzw2hYZsZexx5Y2bHCwCYNtmdXqOt1JYUGSkZWa/s400/mcdonaldsporridge.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Available before 10:30am as part of the chain’s breakfast menu, a cup of oats courtesy of Monsieur Ronald will set you back a meager 95p.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Served with jam, syrup, or just by itself, Oats So Simple awaits customers daring to stray from the likes of the illustrious Sausage and Egg McMuffin. However judging by the look on the server’s face when placing my order, this eventuality occurs few and far between.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Warm, creamy and deliciously sweet thanks to the ample dollop of strawberry jam, McDonald’s healthy breakfast surpassed expectations. The texture was firm yet smooth, and despite tasting adequately milky, managed to retain the comforting earthy oat taste.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There’s no boast of finest farmed oats, slow cooking or ancient spurtles with McDonald’s porridge, but perhaps by opting for the ‘play safe’ and allowing Quaker to do the hard work, Ronald has successfully added another string to his bow.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Quaker Oat So Simple (@ McDonalds) with Strawberry Jam</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Calorie Count: 246<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Price: 95p<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Scoffometer: (4 out of 5)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlyStrCofD_9fjwffijNiCPULe5h9FHZ-IPzfv8WT3hurXyPvWD6QG8yNMgfxUZrdQPgjG2iNI9HyFPWBXba95k8NcF9RFwuiyI0MScWf_ydMbg4OdfhMyzEDyhyphenhyphenXXxnK9fQG_YeaWXh2/s1600/4outof5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlyStrCofD_9fjwffijNiCPULe5h9FHZ-IPzfv8WT3hurXyPvWD6QG8yNMgfxUZrdQPgjG2iNI9HyFPWBXba95k8NcF9RFwuiyI0MScWf_ydMbg4OdfhMyzEDyhyphenhyphenXXxnK9fQG_YeaWXh2/s1600/4outof5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 4 </b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Le Pain Quotidien - St Pancras International,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">London</span></st1:place></st1:city></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, I cheated… St Pancras is not in <st1:place w:st="on">Nottingham</st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nonetheless, it was day 4 of the pilgrimage, and since work had cruelly dispatched me to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> on an incredibly boring business trip, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to re-fuel, and indulge in some pre-meeting porridge.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVXCDnGtA_OwCs8bbA73uy4MOtnlWJiQbnpUgUT6AxbtKobM9_QWTwzgB7nM8b2ADWI8jjdqNPAr3Nxyy_dx1RvIgcVeSBkry2ZZti_1ht2pXvN8j5BQylceJ8Dpf9TdTRMDlEz_YeKTA/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVXCDnGtA_OwCs8bbA73uy4MOtnlWJiQbnpUgUT6AxbtKobM9_QWTwzgB7nM8b2ADWI8jjdqNPAr3Nxyy_dx1RvIgcVeSBkry2ZZti_1ht2pXvN8j5BQylceJ8Dpf9TdTRMDlEz_YeKTA/s400/IMG_0652.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unlike Pret, Starbucks and McDonalds, Le Pain Quotidien delivers their breakfast menu until a more lenient, 12:30pm.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Again in contrast to the aforementioned venues, customers of this established <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> chain are offered a much more refined dining experience, complete with metal cutlery, ceramic mugs, and table service.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately however, Le Pain also offers a grossly elevated price for these privileges, with their standard Organic Porridge with Honey, coming in at an astronomical £4.40.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fancy some added banana or stewed fruit? Mmmm, me too – but be prepared to pay for it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite this however, once presented with my extortionately <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> weighted bowl of oats, all disgruntlement was eradicated.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The portion size was gargantuan; the oats were unbelievably creamy and brimming with texture, whereas the lashings of runny honey provided a subtle yet penetrative sweetness from top to bottom.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Okay… I’m gushing slightly I know, but seriously, if Carlsberg made porridge….<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, does Le Pain Quotidien get top marks? Well almost.... but here’s the catch… the calories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">You see, with added banana and a dose of honey, my 'healthy' breakfast set me back more calories than a Big Mac.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, so I realise that my organic oats are still far superior in terms of overall health benefit, but 555 calories for porridge? Seriously?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Le Pain Quotidien’s Organic Porridge with Honey and Banana</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Calorie Count: 555<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Price: £5.40<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Scoffometer: (3 out of 5)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpQ5soB4idNKq6ZJF2wOs4a37iUxIUhYVieOzgSDPAbzdxp2w0Zb1sg4AlYJ30FLph0lRZUBgVjhu_pvCOjfH-UWXr0wfdCeN2kYZru2TTFCC9Tt1LoVin0qIKdeY00xwU10qbghf4JO-/s1600/3outof5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpQ5soB4idNKq6ZJF2wOs4a37iUxIUhYVieOzgSDPAbzdxp2w0Zb1sg4AlYJ30FLph0lRZUBgVjhu_pvCOjfH-UWXr0wfdCeN2kYZru2TTFCC9Tt1LoVin0qIKdeY00xwU10qbghf4JO-/s1600/3outof5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWndJ5SBLG5OWWLoHN1fCnWf5pPCPnkXtCeQtxuOKzOJzjIO4ybvXSaJ7H09izECJBrqM2xlINGZkleD5kqA3FTdX9yBzOrbi1TxXvRXHrF26GqNScfEH8WbcrsYKnfljPedbOXmOGejJ/s1600/dividercowcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWndJ5SBLG5OWWLoHN1fCnWf5pPCPnkXtCeQtxuOKzOJzjIO4ybvXSaJ7H09izECJBrqM2xlINGZkleD5kqA3FTdX9yBzOrbi1TxXvRXHrF26GqNScfEH8WbcrsYKnfljPedbOXmOGejJ/s320/dividercowcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>So</b></span>, there we have it; McDonalds comes up trumps. A rather surprising result admittedly, but in my humble opinion, a much deserved and refreshing victory for one of the world's most renowned burger joints.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can probably gather, there is no doubt in my mind that when it comes to taste and indulgence, Le Pain reigns supreme. However, once cost and calories are brought into the equation, as a weight watching penny pincher, it’s hard to argue its case.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The health conscious amongst us may indeed scoff at the thought of obtaining a healthy and nutritious breakfast from the home of the Chicken McNugget, but when it comes to porridge on the hoof, I for one will be dinning with the clown.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bravo McDonalds. I'm Lovin' It!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>P.S</b><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>For those who are interested, a lovely chap called Lukas at Le Pain Quotidien was more than happy to provide me with the following info.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>These values aren’t currently available on their website, so for all you Scoffettes dwelling anywhere near the Big Smoke, I hope this helps.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Porridge plain (no honey) 440 kcal<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Porridge with honey + 35 kcal<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Porridge honey and banana + 115 kcal<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Porridge with stewed fruit + 92 (comes without honey) kcal<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>(According to Lukas, the calorie content is currently created using internet provided nutrition values. However full nutritional information as well as a “traffic light” system are to be introduced within the next couple of months, and will hopefully be up and running by Autumn 2011.)</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWzm_Ij1se1c8LXQnfY0DWVsozfeJQ60qSMN31kvPSE9zVc36JLz6bEPCmQWIp6Yib-1KZKH_mw3jUnsfYAMTjp5bcWU2tFM5kq9Fpek1VsadAvLmZgshEG5OdsoyIq0Fq7Puwb7gcf_E/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br />
</i></div>The Scoffing Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09749851232066151347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-49320082795974690482011-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:002011-10-11T04:33:50.140-07:00Breakfast on the Hoof<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHXhU7aCf7rqTfS3viB7P11UJRj24vRQTUrQf78UJWWUgvvFBbVZrafdj6t0c_V1lMNFn3PILaeIGqJILlV84tO4mz0fq4mF3R9_78JuGgE40GZUG7FYqFs2rW69FILJ3s8Ke-p7ApHv6/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHXhU7aCf7rqTfS3viB7P11UJRj24vRQTUrQf78UJWWUgvvFBbVZrafdj6t0c_V1lMNFn3PILaeIGqJILlV84tO4mz0fq4mF3R9_78JuGgE40GZUG7FYqFs2rW69FILJ3s8Ke-p7ApHv6/s320/breakfast.jpg" width="192" /></a>Bacon, eggs, sausage and fried bread; four of the most renowned and revered components of the traditional English breakfast. With derivatives boasting black pudding, baked beans, potatoes and tomato, it’s pretty clear that that the concept of eating breakfast like a king, was devised by an Englishman. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
The notoriety of the ‘Full English’ is undisputedly epic.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
One need only take a stroll down the local high street, past any early doors pub, café, or suitably coined ‘Greasy Spoon,’ to fully fathom the extent of its popularity. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And despite an ever increasing awareness regarding the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol heavy foods, business in the cooked breakfast trade is positively booming.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But what about us weight watchers? What about those who wish to shy away from the institution of the ‘fry-up,’ and preserve the sanctity of their coronary arteries for at least one more day?</div><br />
<a name='more'></a>Well never fear. Here in England we serve a variety of suitable alternatives to the full English, and as an indiscriminate democracy, we strive to cater for those with all manners of taste. <br />
Indeed, many of the aforementioned eateries will gladly take one or more cooked breakfast items of your choosing, carefully place it (complete with congealed lard) between two thickly buttered slices of bread, and smoother with sugar rich condiments. Voila.<br />
<br />
So perhaps I exaggerate the situation slightly, and of course it is possible to indulge on the odd bacon sarnie without breaking the calorie bank. Yet how many of us have actively searched for a more conventionally healthy breakfast with any degree of success? How many of us have walked past our local café, and been presented with a chalkboard boasting a ten item fruit salad?<br />
<br />
Thought not.<br />
<br />
Yes readers, as sad as it may be, when it comes to breakfast on the hoof, yoghurts and mueslis are no where to be seen, and even a bowl of cornflakes would seem to be as rare as ant truffles. <br />
<br />
At least that’s what I thought.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I read an interesting article about Porridge (no kidding, it was actually interesting.) The article spoke about the resurgence in popularity of this rather old-fashioned breakfast item, and the keen uptake among coffee house proprietors, to offer the hearty, healthy, and fuel laden substance to its customers.<br />
With this in mind, I embarked upon a little research; and to my surprise, found that several well known coffee shop and café chains, had added a range of porridge to their early morning breakfast menus.<br />
<br />
After recovering from the shock and humiliation of not being aware of this fact beforehand, I decided that this discovery was worthy of further investigation.<br />
<br />
So, over the next week or so, your self proclaimed Scoffing Cow will forgo her usual morning routine. Instead I will attempt the previously daunting concept of breakfast on the hoof, or more specifically, porridge on the hoof, and strive to sample some of the varieties on offer.<br />
At the end of the week, I will diligently report back with my findings, in order to suggest whether us calorie counters are finally safe to leave the house in the morning, on an empty stomach, without risking a sausage sandwich slip-up or bacon bap blunder.<br />
<br />
Of course porridge isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so for those adverse to its majesty, you may wish to look away now… or at least, within a week’s time.<br />
Meanwhile for those of you with a greater appreciation, or at least a willingness to give it a go, watch this space.<br />
<br />
… It’ll be oatstanding.<br />
<br />
Sorry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-68075281449384786162010-12-02T15:11:00.000-08:002011-10-11T04:35:01.785-07:00Recipe of the Moment: The 'Skosmopolitan' Cocktail<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As any health conscious cook will tell you, the difficulty in creating a ‘skinny’ anything, is that in order to eliminate unwanted calories, we often inadvertently eliminate much desired taste. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Why?</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu11cVKfE_cUfNxcGm_KKrqLr7nJ7F3OmFgmY_tekcB72S__rdcuAb_BEzDqveuGEQNh7nTNh2yh75SbN9Bd7TETHOhUzmiygw_G5idqB6LfiPUcHgqZktHmA252a1v8m9PKCbzlp9Q7tT/s1600/shaker-guy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu11cVKfE_cUfNxcGm_KKrqLr7nJ7F3OmFgmY_tekcB72S__rdcuAb_BEzDqveuGEQNh7nTNh2yh75SbN9Bd7TETHOhUzmiygw_G5idqB6LfiPUcHgqZktHmA252a1v8m9PKCbzlp9Q7tT/s1600/shaker-guy2.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well because life is cruel of course, and ironically the nicest tasting food, is often the most damaging to our health.</div></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Of course we can reduce quantities, make substitutions, or even remove the offending ingredient entirely; but if the result resembles its full-fat counterpart as much as Michael Jackson resembled his teenage self, we may as well not have bothered in the first place. </div></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the realms of mixology, the task of ‘skinny-fying,’ is even more treacherous.</div>Not only do we have to ensure that taste isn’t sacrificed, we also have to avoid eliminating a rather crucial yet calorific component – Alcohol.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a name='more'></a>Okay, so I know it isn’t everything, and I’m perfectly aware that you don’t need booze to have a good time; but let’s be honest, alcohol is the rasion d’etre of any cocktail, and pretty fundamental to its appeal. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You’re probably thinking right now that I’ve bitten off more cud than I could chew, and perhaps you’re thinking that the prospect of a skinny tasteless and virgin Cosmo, isn’t very alluring.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well I don’t blame you. </div><br />
That’s why in order to bring you a healthy (okay – healthier) and delicious alternative, culled in calories and carbs, but not kick, some serious research has been called for.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Utilising my clandestine investigative journalist resources (Google), I have painstakingly trolled through the various Cosmo incarnations. <br />
<br />
Recreating cocktail after cocktail in search of the perfect recipe, I tweaked ratios, trialled flavoured liqueurs, and purchased enough cocktail paraphernalia to host a Hawaiian Luau.<br />
<br />
Oh how horrendous this journey has been. <br />
<br />
But after two arduous days of taste testing (and one giant hangover), Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls (aged 18 years and over of course) The Scoffing Cow, proudly presents….. The Skosmopolitan.<br />
<br />
<strong>DISCLAIMER</strong><br />
This recipe will not encourage you to limit your alcohol intake… or uphold your dignity.<br />
<br />
_______________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Skosmopolitan Cocktail</span></strong></div><br />
<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
<br />
• 1 good sized shot (about 35ml or 2 and a bit tbsp) citron Vodka<br />
<br />
• 30ml (2 tbsp) diet or very light cranberry juice<br />
<br />
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice <br />
<br />
• ½ tsp. orange extract (3 or 4 drops) (Dr Oetker’s is reasonably easy to come by)<br />
<br />
• Enough sweetener to equate to 3 tsp sugar <br />
<br />
• A handful of crushed ice<br />
<br />
<strong>Equipment</strong><br />
<br />
• 1 chilled Martini glass<br />
<br />
• 1 cocktail shaker<br />
<br />
• 1 disgustingly tacky cocktail umbrella. (optional)<br />
<br />
• 1 token cherry on stick (optional)<br />
<br />
<strong>Preparation</strong><br />
<br />
Half fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice, and pour over the ingredients. <br />
<br />
Shake well.<br />
<br />
Strain into glass.<br />
<br />
Garnish.<br />
<br />
Enjoy (smugly).<br />
<br />
Serves 1<br />
<br />
About 75 Calories per serving by my calculations. (No litigation in the event of miscalculations… I’m a blogger damn it, not a mathematician.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKHZGiZ49vURZF7Bnue15WTbz7Q97_kcdhtkJ_h4x_aWdnfRN0Hx4h8R4ssd5p44KEC5gAFPuRJBD7rXNR7FQ4yeoO2XzUcIDmm5cqgz33vvSiOQyU-5gRJnoLM-9N70I7IKWcuHYiobx/s1600/scosmo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKHZGiZ49vURZF7Bnue15WTbz7Q97_kcdhtkJ_h4x_aWdnfRN0Hx4h8R4ssd5p44KEC5gAFPuRJBD7rXNR7FQ4yeoO2XzUcIDmm5cqgz33vvSiOQyU-5gRJnoLM-9N70I7IKWcuHYiobx/s1600/scosmo1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<strong>The Scoffing Cow’s Top Tips:</strong><br />
<br />
Since we’ve ditched the Cointreau in this cocktail, I would really recommend sourcing some citron Vodka. Having said that, you can use regular, but you might want to up the orange extract.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, this ingredient is kind of crucial – don’t be tempted to use orange zest or flavouring. The Dr Oetker brand is available at most decent supermarkets, and does the job nicely. If you’re struggling, and feel especially resourceful, you can make your own… there’s a pretty good recipe here -> <a href="http://tipnut.com/homemade-orange-extract-recipe/">http://tipnut.com/homemade-orange-extract-recipe/</a>.<br />
<br />
There can be a notable calorific difference between light and diet Cranberry juice, depending on which brand you use. If you can, check the back, anything under 10 cals per 100ml is a good bench mark. Also Cranberry juice sans sucre, tends to be a little bitter and much thicker in consistency. If you get your hands on it, feel free to use it, but you might want to half the amount and replace the rest with a splash or two of water. If you have a sweet tooth, you may also need to throw in a little more sugar substitute to compensate.<br />
<br />
Finally, it’s all about the presentation darling – don’t be tempted to use a wine glass – you won’t feel anywhere near as indulgent, or, well, Cosmopolitan.<br />
<br />
Bottoms up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4HcBcRQcflndVnfuv8bYkEOrPeKVwryVoOszlEm4y7SiVnly2z7_GOYgJrCSbBSc-gH2n0OmH1_qciGZc-jzlFoi1CqMVTugtz6ipE5Ynm1_X-V3ZfKhttnFc3IbNxQ_DdY3B15AOu9q/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4HcBcRQcflndVnfuv8bYkEOrPeKVwryVoOszlEm4y7SiVnly2z7_GOYgJrCSbBSc-gH2n0OmH1_qciGZc-jzlFoi1CqMVTugtz6ipE5Ynm1_X-V3ZfKhttnFc3IbNxQ_DdY3B15AOu9q/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-78211066144551785482010-10-29T15:22:00.000-07:002010-11-04T15:27:53.149-07:00Another Cosmo, Darling?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Although as the name suggests, The Scoffing Cow is indeed by nature a rather critical site, this bovine rarely chews the fat, without spitting out a good dose of constructivism. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is therefore my goal to ensure that whenever I identify an active saboteur, or ineffectual ally along the course of our journey, I not only ‘out’ them for the traitors they are – but also attempt to avoid future conflict by providing a more suitable alternative.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKu9mRdsfBd43NZk7uY_VMSbaHXeUfdGoL376LCGRKmi8x1FgOFTsL_RbAF2NmWPhgk8yiDTHWqG_Bhw9LD6EufkFr6sxbTKXxQOI4CUCejCvduRT48WFcImocKWF3vqEVzLqV-PhNZqP/s1600/satc-cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKu9mRdsfBd43NZk7uY_VMSbaHXeUfdGoL376LCGRKmi8x1FgOFTsL_RbAF2NmWPhgk8yiDTHWqG_Bhw9LD6EufkFr6sxbTKXxQOI4CUCejCvduRT48WFcImocKWF3vqEVzLqV-PhNZqP/s320/satc-cosmos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since it would be fair to say that the Cosmopolitan Cocktail, didn’t come off especially well in my previous posting, I have decided to start here.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><a name='more'></a>The Piña Colada, the Long Island Ice Tea, the Margarita and the White Russian; all gloriously indulgent cocktails which, for most dieters, rest in peace at the graveyard of retired tipples. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With enough syrup to engorge a stack of American style pancakes, quantities of cream fit for a trifle topping, and more calories than a Big Mac, it’s hardly surprising that even the more laissez-faire scoffers amongst us, avoid these bevvies like the proverbial plague. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv37ZQ5nvLfWKKbqjIFSkGxqSaIb9PoITQ9oQpWqAS5XpYdgOVWevIBZyTWkVZpMdL7YEAc5cUblGq-G77zpjr9jM013I_2D8FoIWunXh447OcHN9yfflnwq6yFypP8-iJda7cvbwY9o6c/s1600/cocktail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv37ZQ5nvLfWKKbqjIFSkGxqSaIb9PoITQ9oQpWqAS5XpYdgOVWevIBZyTWkVZpMdL7YEAc5cUblGq-G77zpjr9jM013I_2D8FoIWunXh447OcHN9yfflnwq6yFypP8-iJda7cvbwY9o6c/s1600/cocktail2.jpg" /></a></div>But what about our friend the Cosmopolitan? </div>Stylish, fashionable, and sophisticated; adored by the upper echelons of society, (and lowly aspirators like yours truly) iconically idolised through the media and glamorised by it's consumers; this cocktails’ consumption is perhaps so à la mode, that even those who can’t stand it order it anyway.<br />
Yet despite this widespread adoration, the Cosmopolitan maintains its reputation as the archetypal drink of choice in only the most glamourous, gorgeous, and down right beautiful social circles.<br />
<br />
In light of this repute, and its sickeningly chic following, you wouldn’t be criticised for assuming (through stereotypical generalisation, of course) that the Cosmopolitan is as light in calories, as its consumers are in financial arrears. <br />
Indeed over the last few years the Cosmo has enjoyed a certain amount of skinny kudos. And whether the result of shallow observations (like my own) or grounded nutritional fact, has been eagerly adopted by fat fighters, as a welcome addition to their alcoholic repertoire.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately however, in the case of the Cosmopolitan, perceptions and reality are two very separate things, and as my mother always used to say, you should never judge a book by it’s cover, or indeed a cocktail by it’s consumer.* <br />
<br />
Yes reader, I hate to break it to you… but the Cosmo is in fact a potential skinny saboteur, and much more of a suitable candidate for the graveyard than most of us would like to believe. Although it pains me to admit it, as glamorous as the Cosmo may be, indulging in this delight is almost as damaging to our waistlines as it is to our pockets.<br />
<br />
So what is it about this drink, which makes it perilous to the weight watcher? <br />
It can’t be the ingredients - vodka, cranberry juice, a little Cointreau and splash of lime – unlike the ‘heavy weights’ of the cocktail world, the Cosmo sounds refreshingly like a drink as opposed to a cheesecake.<br />
Then perhaps it’s the addition of some unsuspecting additive? Maybe a spike of MSG in a ploy to prompt consumers into new heights of indulgence? Maybe a colouring or two laden with E numbers; a carcinogenic flavouring, or dangerous preservative? <br />
<br />
Of course not.<br />
<br />
In fact the answer is rather simple… It’s the amount we drink.<br />
<br />
What’s that I hear you say? Stop press… are you telling me that quantity and diet are inexplicably linked???? <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fear not obesity endemic, the crisis is over! I can see the broadsheets now:- <em>Health Blogger Uncovers Weight Gain revelation; Scoffing Cow Nominated for Nobel.</em></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_7crJax1KW-Q1MJ0yCschtog_JviH-dBJBHUpwyHSgZg5kWl8O3PPGhgxIpgz5bTE8p3np_E-ILAy0UirX0fgSRSBN2Uc24RoosUpLFoV4F2l4OWLo-PEnYaUavLIPjZdoldQOYJqmlq/s1600/newscollagecomp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_7crJax1KW-Q1MJ0yCschtog_JviH-dBJBHUpwyHSgZg5kWl8O3PPGhgxIpgz5bTE8p3np_E-ILAy0UirX0fgSRSBN2Uc24RoosUpLFoV4F2l4OWLo-PEnYaUavLIPjZdoldQOYJqmlq/s1600/newscollagecomp.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay, Okay. Perhaps not quite the exposé you were looking for … but just humour me on this one…. </div><br />
Now, it has to be said. I am a person of incredible self control, and as sickening as this confession may seem, am still picking over the remnants of the Easter chocolate haul 6 months later on. Why? Not because I don’t like chocolate, (I like chocolate better than most things) but because I enjoy it so much more when unaccompanied by ‘binge guilt.’ <br />
<br />
However, when it comes to the Cosmo, even my self restraint goes AWOL. <br />
You see when cocktail meets hand, discipline is nowhere to be seen, and although ordinarily my guardian angel in the face of temptation, is more aptly personified at the end of the bar in a drunken stooper, urging me to have just one more.<br />
<br />
Okay, so this isn’t a revelation; and any form of alcohol consumption tends to make that rational voice inside our heads, appear a lot more nonchalant and fancy free. But when that voice goes quiet, (or in my case, slurred) the Cosmopolitan just seems so much more drinkable than any other beverage. Whether it’s down to the fruity moorishness, or the thirst quenching cranberry, the words ‘down’ and ‘hatch’ seem so incredibly attainable; hardly surprising for a drink which tastes more like fruit punch than vodka.<br />
<br />
So although the Cosmo only contains a mediocre 200 calories a go, it doesn’t take a mathematician to realise that passing on the Piña Colada or White Russian in favour of this mixer, may actually be counterproductive.<br />
<br />
Alas. <br />
It’s not all doom and gloom. The Scoffing Cow is here to help. <br />
Selflessly directing her exploratory journey into the realms of alcoholism… I mean alcohol <hiccup>and striving to ensure that the immensely exciting Gin and Slim is kept in company, the search for the Skinny Cosmo... or Skosmo (see what I did!!?) has begun.<br />
<br />
Although I can’t profess to help with the rate at which you consume your drink (other than creating a vulgar alternative of course) I can ensure that when you do over-indulge, you do so with damage limitation in mind.<br />
<br />
Watch this space Scoffettes… as Arnie so famously said, ‘I’ll be back.’<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" height="66" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s320/signature3.jpg" width="320" /></em></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>* My mother didn’t say that – that would be extremely irresponsible parenting.</em></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5829003350775603701.post-62750064511484722062010-10-18T05:23:00.000-07:002011-02-13T09:20:12.088-08:00Glamorous Gluttony: A Match Made in Manhattan?<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; FLOAT: right; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; CLEAR: right; cssfloat: right" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfQK2nWJ7kMeNFxVZAJeRpUt_472HZEFf0dVnkMkD2_Z-R-iHdj955M2DBQP9waroPRJ2aM7npxX3UOdJo1qaehWeWx1EWx2GT_5IPm9FREhg4sEnLwvUnJiGLhtZstTsED9S07eY6OqN/s1600/2008_sex_and_the_city_002.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfQK2nWJ7kMeNFxVZAJeRpUt_472HZEFf0dVnkMkD2_Z-R-iHdj955M2DBQP9waroPRJ2aM7npxX3UOdJo1qaehWeWx1EWx2GT_5IPm9FREhg4sEnLwvUnJiGLhtZstTsED9S07eY6OqN/s320/2008_sex_and_the_city_002.jpg" width="320" height="213" px="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. </span></div></div><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;"></span><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Four names which most women, and indeed some men, know and love.</span></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:inherit;">Quirky Manhattan apartments, whirlwind romances, and wardrobes as large as most of our homes. </span><span style="font-family:inherit;">Sparking adoration and envy on a global scale, those girls sure knew how to live, and in the age of un-innocence did as much for post-feminism as GaGa did for visor shades.</span></span></div></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Yet despite their lavish urban lifestyles, there was something incredibly comforting about the famous foursome - like all women, they were flawed, and as a result, seemingly ordinary people whom we could all relate to and indeed aspire to be.</span></div></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">But ever noticed something odd about Carrie and the gang? (Other than the occasional donning of an atrociously ridiculous hat.)</span></div></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"></div><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Unlike most women, and indeed the majority of men, you never (…well hardly ever), saw them cook.</span></div><br /><a name='more'></a> <span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Okay, so I’m being a little cynical, and in comparison to one of the shows characteristically steamy sexual encounters, ‘Cooking with Carrie,’ would unlikely be a ratings puller. </span><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">But even in the absence of such domestic scenes, we are led to believe that our girls were about as familiar with a slow cooker, as the Olsen twins are with Burger King. Pre-occupied with an abundance of hedonistic social gatherings, lunches, brunches, pre-dinner drinks and a la carte meals, book launches with h'ordeuvres and gallery openings with caviar; back in their New York pads, there must have barely been need to boil a kettle. </span></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><span style="color:black;"></span></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Yet despite all this heavy and indulgent socialising, and the consumption of enough Cosmopolitans to keep Smirnoff in pocket for the next decade, those gorgeous girls remained nothing but sickeningly slim. </span></div></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Of course I’m jealous, who wouldn’t be? But really, let’s face it, it’s far from realistic.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><span style="color:black;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 495px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 642px; CLEAR: left; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em; cssfloat: left"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFijqMjzBtEa0gr3EPbslBttaNzPwKChIi1MF4EtjGshVOwT-1sAPTor272Y5-TGpgYupeeACBVRTfywCUMA2IL7ts3mAwV5O8-6EvcIsxIP_B3VsQqnR2DxrHzU_0AHUffaOIiKRR-AGV/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFijqMjzBtEa0gr3EPbslBttaNzPwKChIi1MF4EtjGshVOwT-1sAPTor272Y5-TGpgYupeeACBVRTfywCUMA2IL7ts3mAwV5O8-6EvcIsxIP_B3VsQqnR2DxrHzU_0AHUffaOIiKRR-AGV/s640/collage.jpg" width="480" height="640" nx="true" /></a></div><span style="color:black;"></span></div><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">If you asked the average woman, to eat out day and night, for a sustained period of time, without paying any meaningful consideration to exactly what she was eating, I would bet my bottom dollar (well, pound coin) that she would balloon like the Hindenburg. Add in a few dozen cocktails, frappuccinos on the go, and pretzels in the park, and I’d speculate within a couple of weeks she’d be signing up for Zumba, and subscribing to Weight Watchers Online.</span></div></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"></div></div><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">But alas, I’m being cynical again, and indeed I could be wrong. Maybe Carrie and her compadres were in fact calorie counting queens; die hard health food junkies, frequenting only restaurants specialising in low-carb, high-protein entrées. Perhaps the cocktails were virgin, and the lattes skinny. I’m sure those cupcakes were in fact cleverly disguised polenta muffins, and the garden salads enjoyed during those iconic ‘ladies who lunch’ scenes, served without croutons or breadsticks, and with dressing on the side.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">But surely if that were the case, wouldn’t we, the viewer, have been more aware of it? Wouldn’t we recall the utterance of phrases like, ‘I really shouldn’t, I’m watching my weight,’ or topics of discussion lending themselves to the unbelievable amount of saturated fat found in hummus.</span><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that eating out is the root of the world’s obesity endemic, or that a penchant for home cookery is the only way to sustain a svelte size 6. But I do feel that balancing healthy living with hectic social schedules is not quite as effortlessly achievable as Miss Bradshaw and co. would have us believe. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:inherit;">But, hey, Sex and the City isn’t real life is it? </span><span style="font-family:inherit;">It’s fiction; pure unadulterated, vicarious fiction. And if realism were given as much consideration as the show’s wardrobe, the result would probably have been about as exhilarating as a game of lawn bowls. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">So as much as I would be willing to sacrifice a small family of kittens for Carrie’s shoe closet * … real life just can’t be as indulgent without loosening our belts a notch, or making much more cautious choices about what and where we eat.</span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">… Or can it? </span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Can we too eat out, or eat without meticulous planning, and not feel the pinch (or indeed the inch) as a result? Is it possible to maintain a life rife with social outings and seemingly lavish experiences whilst still staying in shape?</span><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">For those of you who care just an iota as to the outcome of these very questions, you will be glad to know that such sentiments sit at the heart of the very raison d’etre of The Scoffing Cow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Over the next few months, I will embark on a journey of food exploration. I will endeavour to search for that illusive ‘healthier’ option to indulgence, and strive to assist every fashion conscious, figure loving individual to eat out, without filling out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Fellow scoffers, foodies, fashion victims and health junkies. Gourmands, calorie counters, socialites, and fad diet dedicatees. It’s time to glutton like the glamorous girls of Manhattan, without sabotaging your drive to look like one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;">Top up your Cosmo, stir your Martini, and polish your Manolo Blahniks. The Scoffing Cow isn’t about to make healthy living fun - it’s about to make fun living, healthy. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;"><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:x-small;color:black;">* Statement for effect only; I actually really love kittens.</span></span></span><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"></div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;"><br /><span style="font-family:inherit;color:black;"></span></span></span><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s1600/signature3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO4SmrCiy2Ky5cSqYhPcceJ8O4Usbvge8rwWwem5ecT91CF8sAxSB2-hN1J3jP9P4ahgIXxEVWySy7wKtGdIEq2Y0RqgMYVCTJW9VEnDgA7YWI7FVukZt7FB-XhKIycTuLM0trBuAK-5d/s1600/signature3.jpg" nx="true" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1