Each month we're going to list a few of the cool new products that
foodies would love, as well as news from the cafes, bars and restaurants
from around the country.
Chef Series gourmet meals
Now we can have gourmet meals at home, thanks to Chef Series by Josh Emett. He has developed a range of premium meals that have been cooked using the sous vide method and just need heating and plating up. Sous vide means 'under vacuum' and means that the food is sealed in
airtight bags and is then cooked over a long time period at low
temperatures, so that the meat is kept nice and tender.
Each pack is a generous serving for two and the range includes: Spiced roast duck in soy and orange, lamb should with whisky and prune, spiced sticky beef short rib, burgundy braised beef cheek, and freerange chicken with wholegrain and tarragon. RRP 22.95 - $24.95
H2Coco coconut water
I love anything coconut flavoured and have recently taken to drinking coconut water. Some coconut water drinks contain nasty preservatives, but H2Coco doesn't. Coconut water
contains a variety of nutrients including natural vitamins
(especially B vitamins), antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, growth
factors, other phytonutrients and major minerals such as magnesium,
calcium and potassium – that sounds all good to me.
H2Coco is available in Coconut Water with Pomegranate & Acai; H2Coco Coconut Water with Pineapple; and H2Coco Original.
RRP $3.00 for 330ml
The Countdown app for iPhone and Android is now out
Countdown has produced a free smartphone app for iPhone and Android, where you can make shopping lists on your phone. Add items to your list by searching for them or scanning the barcode from products in your pantry (that's the fun part!), select your preferred Countdown location and your list is sorted into products by aisle. Try one of the Countdown recipes and you can add its ingredients to your list too. There's some nice features here and it promises to be a handy app to have.
Download the iPhone app
Download the Android app
Whoopie cakes are here!
You may have seen Whoopie cakes in markets around Auckland - now pastry chef Lucy Stuart has brought Whoopie cakes to Grey Lynn with the opening of the Whoopie flagship shop! Whoopie cakes are a d'lish treat of dense cake with filling - they make a great alternative to that celebration cake or fancy cupcake. Order online, or from their shop at 2A Hakanoa St, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Vegetarian convenience food that tastes good - it exists!
I'm not normally a fan of frozen convenience foods, but I got a chance to try Fry's vegetarian schnitzels and burger patties and I must confess that I really enjoyed them. They don't taste vegetarian and don't taste meaty either, for those vegetarians that don't like the faux meat taste. Available from some Countdown, Pak n Save supermarkets and other specialty food stores around the country. RRP $9.49
Kettle Korn
I discovered this d'lish popcorn at the Rialto Cinemas. Kettle Korn is hand made in batches and is all natural gluten, dairy, soy, and peanut free. Slightly sweet and slightly salty, it's been a hit with everyone that I've shared it with!
Available at selected New World, Glengarry and speciality stores around the country.
The Ice Bar Co - ice blocks for grown ups
The Ice Bar Co is a new product, just in time for summer. Now us grown ups can enjoy an iceblock, without having to have the kids' ones. Flavours include: traditional lemonade; lemon, lime and bitters; and ginger beer.
And using lots of natural ingredients, they taste like they should and not some sugary, kiddy version.
RRP $2.80 each or 6 packs for $8.99
New flavours in Tip Top's yoghurt icecream range
Following the runaway success of their Creamy Yoghurt Ice Cream range, Tip Top have added three new flavours to the 97 percent fat-free line-up: Blueberry, Apricot and Luscious Lemon.
RRP $7.29 for a 1.6L tub.
Holy Cow, there's a new kid on the block
Holy Cow is the latest range of gourmet yoghurts to hit our shelves. Made with all-natural Greek yoghurt and real fruit it is free from preservatives.
With a range of fruit flavours: cherry, mango, passionfruit, raspberry and apple Cinnamon, there is something to suit every discerning palate.
Available exclusively from New World, Pak n Save and small independent retailers, Holy Cow (RRP $5.59).
Bake a difference
The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind's Blind Week runs from Tuesday 25 October until Monday 31 October this year. This year they are launching a nationwide fundraising event called “Bake a Difference for Blind Week” where you can arrange your own baking-based fundraisers for Blind Week. Bake with friends and family and then sell your goodies to everyone you know!
For more information or to register visit blindweek.org.nz or call 0800 120 BLIND.