1. Cole & Mason – Derwent Gold Gourmet Precision+ Salt & Pepper Mill Set
I was delighted when Cole & Mason kindly sent me a Derwent Gold Gourmet Precision+ Salt & Pepper Mill Set. I love its classic yet sleek contemporary look and it is so stylish on both my kitchen top and dinner table. I picked the gold colour but the set is also available in copper, titanium, stainless steel and gunmetal.
The Derwent Gourmet Precision+ Salt & Pepper Mill Set is made from clear acrylic and stainless steel finished in brushed titanium. The pepper mill has 6 settings, ranging from fine to coarse and the salt mill has 3 settings. The set comes pre-filled with salt and black peppercorn so you can start using it straight away. You can easily refill each mill by unscrewing the top. For peace of mind, the mechanism of each mill is covered by the lifetime guarantee.
Best of all it does not leave any mess to clean up. I love it!
Verdict: ★★★★★
Price: £79.99
Get it from: Cole & Mason
2. Hawksbill – Caribbean Spiced Rum
Give your summer cocktails a taste of the Caribbean with Hawksbill spiced rum. A delicious blend of delicate spices such as vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, raisin plus a hint of cardamom, Hawksbill spiced rum has a warm orange tint and comes in a gorgeous bottle.
It is so flavoursome you can simply serve it with ginger ale or coke. It will also blend wonderfully well in a range of cocktails (such as punch, daiquiri, hurricane etc … ). I absolutely love its smooth taste.
What makes Hawksbill even more special is that each bottle helps save endangered Hawksbill turtles. Hawksbill has partnered with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, based at the University of the West Indies, whose mission is to help marine turtle populations recover. 10% of the profits from Hawksbill sales go directly towards turtle conservation projects in the Caribbean. A drink with a mission… just the way I like them!
Verdict: ★★★★★
Price: £23 (70cl bottle)
Get it from: Hawksbill is available directly from their website as well as Amazon, Master of Malt, Drink Supermarket, Drinks & Co and Spirit of Harrogate.
3. Squirrel Sisters Snacks
It is so hard to pick a favourite from Squirrel Sisters’ range of healthy and delicious snacks. In fact… I love them all! Vegan and gluten-free, they contain no added sugar and are so addictive. They even got the thumbs up from my kids who generally shy away from anything that they feel will not be sweet enough.
Naturally sweetened with dates and raisins, the Snack Bars are available in 4 flavours (Cacao Brownie, Cacao Orange, Peanut Raspberry and Peanut Caramel) while the Share Bags are available in 2 flavours (Cacao Brownie and Cacao Orange). Both Cacao Brownie and Cacao Orange flavours contain organic cacao powder, organic cacao nibs and organic cacao butter. They are just sweet enough without being bitter and absolutely moreish.
They are ideal for a healthy snack on the go that you can either keep in your handbag (for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon boost) or take on a hike.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Price: from £1.50
Get it from: Sainsbury’s, Holland & Barrett & Squirrel Sisters
4. The Curators – Vegan Mushroom Burgers and Mushroom Meatballs
Known for their range of tasty snacks, The Curators have added two vegan products to their selection: Mushroom Burgers and Mushroom Meatballs.
These mushroom meatballs and burgers are definitely packed with flavours. Soya-free, they are made using a unique process that delivers a super high mushroom content (at a whopping 86%). Bursting with natural protein, they are also low in saturated fat and provide a good source of fibre.
They are juicy with a great ‘meaty’ texture and boast umami. When compared to other meat-like burgers and meatballs, these have a strong mushroom flavour which we found slightly overpowering. Hence the 3 stars instead of 5.
Verdict: ★★★✰✰
Price: £4.59
Get them from: the chiller section at Whole Foods and Planet Organic.
5. Lotos Dips
Lotos is a new range of homemade plant-based dips. Filled with wholesome fresh and natural ingredients, they are delicious and flavoursome. The range includes three moreish dips: a vegan Roasted Red Pepper, Spices & Walnut Dip; a vegan Smoky (chipotle) Black Bean Dip; and a vegetarian Sun-Dried Tomato, Olives & Feta Dip. All dips are suitable for freezing.
Lotos dips are 100% plastic-free. They are presented in cute reusable terracotta pots, sealed with foil and wrapped in cardboard sleeves. You can repurpose the terracotta pots as serving dishes, plant pots and general containers.
The Sun-Dried Tomato, Olives & Feta Dip and Smoky Black Bean Dip got the thumbs up from the whole family. The Roasted Red Pepper, Spices & Walnut Dip was not as tasty but still very nice. All three dips are perfect with pitta bread, crackers and raw vegetables and can be served directly in their pretty terracotta pots. Ideal for mezze or pre-dinner nibble.
Verdict: ★★★★✰
Price: £3.95
Get it from: Lotos
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