I am going back to basics, as 'free from' as you can go really to tell you about a new fancy app available for you to grab some water. We are now using our reusable bottles now in increasing numbers which is great for the environment but what if you are out and about and run out of water?
You could ask most establishments and they will refill your bottle for you, in fact I tried it last weekend. I was at The Hilton, St George's Park and asked for a refill and they had no problem with it. Well it is the training ground for the England Football Squad so they must have a lot of thirsty players who need water surely? In case you do get stuck though you can download an app called Refill and it includes a map which gives you all the locations where you can fill your water bottle free of charge. This is great as we do need to stop buying the plastic bottles and with this now there is no excuse for carrying one around, you can refill on the go. There are 12,000 refilling stations nationwide now and you can also add yourself as a refill station if you have a business or place to offer you fresh water. For more information on the app and how to download it go to the Refill website here: refill.org.uk/get-the-refill-app/ It is blooming good to drink water and so good for you. Yes do have the odd brew, I would never say Stop the Brew Sue, yikes can't believe I even typed those words but keep hydrated with your water too. There are so many bottles available now and you soon get used to the reusable thing, I even take my reusable cup to Costa for my brew now, well it means 25p off my coconut latte.....makes a difference. Get me eh Mr Attenborough? He would be so proud of me now.. Right I'm off to see what else I can do to Save the Planet. Thank you so much for reading today, join me tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now..... Take care.
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I have had a brew at The Yard in Derby before which I did write a post about here: i-had-a-brew-in-the-yard.html I did mention that I quite fancied returning for some food and staying true to my word, I did!
I wondered if the place could possible beat putting Minstrels with my brew but it excelled yet again. Mum form the Brew accompanied me as we waited for my car to be tinkled with over at the Ford Dealership across the road. As it was going to take a couple of hours I thought 'now I know a way we could fill that time'. So we ran.....well walked steadily over to Pride Park Stadium which is home to Derby County and tucked underneath is The Yard - bar and restaurant. Mum from the Brew fancied a fish finger sandwich so that's what she had. There were enough fish fingers to sink Captain Birds Eye's boat housed between 2 bloomer slices of bread. All accompanied with gem lettuce, tartare sauce, ketchup and fries on the side. Yumeeeeeee. Me, I had a Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza.......on a gluten free base. Beautiful beef tomato, basil pesto and cheddar cheese and I ate the whole lot, to myself, no sharing going on here. It was so tasty and the choice of gluten free dishes was really good, I was spoilt for choice. You do have to ask for a gluten free menu but the staff are very friendly and happy to help. I pinched a few fries from Mum from the Brew and they had to be the best fries I've tried in ages. I shouldn't have tried them as I wasn't sure whether they were gluten free but I had to taste them. So just check if you do go. I'm just a rebel, I can be sometimes but if you are diagnosed with Coeliac Disease I don't have to tell you you cannot cheat on the chips. It was such a lovely lunch, great food, drinks and tip top service. I really do like this place. It was quiet at lunch time, there were two chaps sat near us and when they let Mum from the Brew piped up and announced that one of the chaps was Mel Morris to which I replied "Who?" I know.....sat under Derby County's ground and I had to say who is Mel Morris......oh the shame.!! Mum from the Brew is a big football fan, she knows her stuff believe me.....so I now know who Mel Morris is, he only owns the club. Yikes!!! So I can definitely recommend The Yard just don't ever take me for any celebrity spotting, I'm useless. I would have recognised Frank Lampard if he had walked in though and I did get slightly excited when Mum from the Brew said "there's Frank" I turned around that quick only to find him on the big TV screen. Never mind....as if he was going to pop in for a fish finger sarnie with us two. Hey, stranger things have happened. Well thanks for reading today and if you fancy a bit more of a natter come back for my Autism Support Saturday tomorrow but for now you all take care now. I was looking at my three remaining ripe bananas and thought now what can I do with them? Banana bread or cake but then I thought muffins would be nice.
I fancied a bit of comfort food so decided to have a go at some gluten free baking. I haven't baked for a while and to be honest I sometimes get a bit put off by gluten free baking as I don't seem to get things to rise too well or something usually goes a bit a miss. These however turned out ok. Now this isn't the actual photo of mine but they did look very similar. Yes they were that yummy I forgot to take a picture before they got eaten. So what recipe did I use? Well I tend to favour the recipes on the Doves Farm website as I use their flour. I followed the recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins but didn't fancy chocolate ones so omitted the cocoa and chocolate chips. Here is the recipe and method...... www.dovesfarm.co.uk/recipes/gluten-free-chocolate-chip-banana-muffins I just used less oil as I thought it might make it a bit too wet. I do realise you need quite a bit of moisture to keep the sponge together with it being without the gluten but it worked ok so I got more fluffy sponge. I also just cut the sugar down a little as well, only because I'm trying to cut down anyway and although not diet friendly I just thought it may help. It's all about preference though, I find bananas sweet enough anyway. I loved them though, nicely sweet and spongey. They didn't rise as much as I'd like so if I made them again I may try and improve that but overall I was pleased. I may chuck the chocolate chips in next time - live dangerously. Give it a go and see what you think.......I've come to the conclusion that gluten free baking is about practice and altering things to make them work. I used to have to run strictly by a recipe and expect it to be perfect, just like the picture in the book but soon realised it sometimes doesn't happen like that. I've managed to let myself go a bit and play around with the ingredients., not easy for me but I did it. I'd forgotten how much I loved baking and how relaxing I find it. It's just that I don't really need to eat everything I bake. I may have to find some victims....oops I mean volunteers to eat my wares. Mmmm now where can I find them? I'm sure I'll find some. Thank you for reading today, please feel free to pop back tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now........ Take care and happy baking No I've not been online dating and I've not purchased a new handbag I've fell for coconut milk. Now I have experimented with different milks before as you know but stayed away from this one as I never cared for coconut much at all. Well I don't know what's happened to my taste buds, they've suddenly woken up and felt the need for a tropical infusion. I never liked Bounty Bars so not sure whether I'm having a mid life coconut crisis but hey it's ok. My love story started at the beginning of the week when I tried some coconut rice pudding while out for a meal and wow it was gorgeous. I thought that surely I could make that from scratch so I bought some pudding rice and coconut milk and had a go. It turned out like this..... ....and it tasted so good with an added dollop of jam in there too. I just followed the instructions on the packet using 2oz of rice and 1 pint of milk also adding some sugar, I then just brought it to the boil and let it simmer until it came together and looked like rice pudding. It did take quite a while because the coconut milk is thin so it took a while to simmer but was worth the wait.
A dessert which is dairy free and gluten free and so easy to make I may never buy a can of rice pudding again. It just tastes so much better when homemade. You could swap the coconut for another plant based milk and stay dairy free or go for a semi skimmed cows milk. If you fancy being really naughty it could be made with a full fat creamy milk but remember the calories if you're counting them. My affair continued as I tried the coconut latte at Costa and now I'm a regular again, feel my loyalty points may increase.....always looking on the bright side me. They are fabulous and so tasty......please don't stop them Costa, keep them flowing. Well that's my new love and we are staying together for a while, I just can't believe I'm even tolerating coconut in my life, wow there's hope for a real love life yet. Thank you so much for reading, join me again tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now take care. Now I'm not a vegetarian but I get very bored with sausages and need a change. I like a bit of a sausage (steady!!) but I need gluten free and I want low syns for Slimming World.
Well these chunky babies from Linda McCartney's vegetarian range are wheat free and get this........syn free too. I know, spoilt or what? But what do they taste like? They are really nice, a kind of stuffing sort of texture so if your looking for a meaty likeness then these are not for you and why would you if you're vegetarian? They are also suitable for a vegan diet so very free from, they are packed with protein which means they will keep you fuller for longer. This is very true as I only need to eat two of these sausages, they are quite thick but with other sausages I usually end up eating a lot more.. They are best eaten freshly cooked, you can cook then from frozen either under the grill for 10 - 12 mins or in the oven, only taking 16 minutes there. They are in the frozen department of most supermarkets and priced at around £2 (depending on the shop) for a box of 6 sausages. So what are you waiting for? With them not costing any syns, meat free and I have found them ok on my gluten free diet they are not to be missed. Let me know what you think if you have tried them. I usually have the Hecks sausages which are great but just fancied a bit of a change. Thank you for reading today, please pop back tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now..... Take care. Oh well done Tesco as this Free From Katsu Curry is absolutely delicious. I've eaten this one and even gone bought another, last one on the shelf as well woo hoo!
Yes it is that tasty, I think I would of stamped on someones toes for the last one and I'm not a violent woman. This is a marinated chicken breast in a maize and rice flour coating served with jasmine rice and a coconut and red chilli curry sauce. To cook it all you have to do is remove the chicken breast from the packet and pop that in the oven at 170 degrees C or gas mark 5 for 20 minutes. The rice and sauce which are separated by a plastic divider can be warmed up in the microwave for 3 minutes 30 (800w) or 2 minutes 30 (900w). When everything is ready you just serve it all on a plate and eat away brilliant eh, its tastes so lovely and is just the right amount for a light meal. If you are with Slimming World like me this will set you back only 8.5 syns which I didn't think was too bad for a quick meal on a busy day. Just save those syns peeps and eat without feeling guilty. This meal costs £3.00 which is a bit pricey but it's Free From and everything costs more but I bought a second one so obviously didn't think too much about the price. I was just happy to get a nice quick meal to have in the fridge for those evenings I just could be bothered to cook. Give it a go and see what you think......that's if I haven't scoured all Tesco stores for their stock first. Get in quick and let me know what you think. Thank you for being here and reading today, if you fancy reading some more then join me again tomorrow for my Autism Support Saturday feature. For now though you all take care of yourselves. I went for a lovely meal last week with my family to a place I had never been to before, how exciting. We were actually going somewhere else initially but they were so busy and you couldn't book a table there which was annoying so after a quick ring to The Green Man there was a table for seven waiting for us just like that!
We didn’t actually ring a man who was dressed in green or a super hero from a Marvel comic it is in fact the name of a pub in the small Derbyshire village of Willington. This place is just one of the best places I have been to. The service was second to none and although there was no dedicated gluten free menu the staff were more than happy to give me information about dishes available to me. They were even willing to adapt the dish for me which meant cutting something out but adding something else in. They took the time as well to talk to me and not rush any decision, this my friends was a lovely touch and because of that I will definitely be going back. When the food was served it not only looked fabulous it tasted great too. I had a Chicken Tikka Masala with a poppadom and mango chutney. The chips there are gluten free so I had a side portion of cheesy chips. I had been busy all day and not eaten a lot so I was set for such a feast. There are no half portions here, you get fed good and proper as we say here in Derbyshire. I was so full but still found some room in my dessert stomach for some strawberry ice cream. That sounds simple doesn’t it and I bet you’re thinking it was just three scoops in a dish, which is absolutely fine but no, this was served as a sundae and topped with strawberry sauce! I loved it here, it was perfect. Nice friendly staff who you could have a giggle with, great service and gluten free savvy. What’s more it’s very reasonable on the wallet or purse too. Amazing!! So go and meet The Green Man and all it’s wonders. Do not fear if you have a dietary requirement, they will cope and you will eat like a King or Queen. The pub is situated at 1 Canal Bridge, Willington, Derby DE65 6BQ and they do have a website here at www.greenmanwillington.com Thank you for reading today. Come back again tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now…. Take care. Now these snacks are very lovely, I’ve tried different brands and when I took my first bite of these I thought…..ooooooh lush!
They are Lentil Chips from Scrubby's and they are just like they say on the pack, gluten free and suitable for a vegetarian and vegan diet. They just seem to taste a little lighter than other brands and have just the right amount of salt on. I’m a bit fussy especially with snacky things as I want them them gluten free and low fat, not much to ask for eh? I really should pass them by altogether but crikey life is way too short and I need a bit of something now and again. If you are a Slimming World follower these will set you back 5 syns for 20g which is ok but they are moreish and I do seemed to have consumed more than 20g oops. I just love the name as well, Scrubbys crisps, won’t forget that name in a hurry. There are many different varieties of vegetable snacks in their range so do have a look. For more information their website is: www.scrubbys.co.uk You can also buy at Waitrose, Ocado and a fab little health shop called Grape Tree. Now if you are in Derby this is the shop opposite Specsavers in Intu, Unit 18, St Peters Mall to be exact. You can also order online at: www.grapetree.co.uk Give them a taste and see what you think….I’m just off to stock up, I’m coming to get your whole stock Grape Tree - look out for me. Thank you for reading today. Please join me again tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday. I was strolling through my local shopping centre the other day and passed our George's Fish and Chip Takeaway when what did my eyes see? A big notice in the window.....no it wasn't closing down but it was advertising Gluten Free Monday!!! Oh my life I was so excited for this was not just an evening thing, it's gluten free food ALL DAY!! Now I've written a review in February about another local Fish and Chip restaurant offering a gluten free evening on Wednesday's. You can read that here i-had-gluten-free-fish-n-chips.html George's is a little nearer to me with is great but now I have two options of fish and chips in one week, this is amazing. I sometimes miss chips from the chippy and I've always loved George's food. I love the fact it is served in a nifty little cardboard box and that it has always tasted so flippin' gorgeous. You also get a great selection on the menu and there's a restaurant too so if you don't takeaway you can have a sit down and tuck into your meal in straight away. This is available at George's in Park Farm, Allestree, Derby but enquire at your local restaurant and see if they also offer a gluten free day.
For more information on George's go to their website at: www.georgestradition.co.uk If you've gone to George's for a bit of gluten free then let me know how it went.......did it taste goooooooood? Thank you for reading today, please come back tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now take care. There is nothing like experimenting on a lunch out with one person on a vegan diet and the other on a gluten free diet but Mum from the Brew managed it. Bless her, she was hunting for a big chunk of ham between two slices of glutenous bread and had to walk miles to find a eatery with free from food.
I'm exaggerating really, we visited the lovely Derbyshire village of Belper and just took a short walk to Gillivon Tea Room which is a lovely place. There is a good selection of light lunches on the menu and drinks too. We had coffee brews here and my niece had a latte with a almond and say milk mix. Mum from the Brew and I opted for a Mozzarella and Tomato Toast which was served with crisps and salad, I of course had gluten free bread. My niece chose a lovely Carrot and Coriander Soup with a bread roll, both suitable for a vegan diet. It was nice here as the people who work here are on a vegan diet too so they knew about different options and could tell us what our options were. If you do visit there is a car park next to the premises. Although quite small inside there is more seating outdoors and in this warm summery weather it's so nice to be able to have a choice to seat outside at the moment. So a big thumbs up for this little place. Good knowledge and a very friendly atmosphere, I felt relaxed knowing that I could have my gluten free food and a brew, and that's me happy! If you are also on a free from diet in some way and passing though Derbyshire, pop into the Gillivon TeaRoom and have a brew. If you would like to know more they do have a website here at: www.gillivontearooms.co.uk and a Facebook page here at www.facebook.com/pg/gillivontearooms/about/?ref=page_internal Thank you for reading today, please join me again tomorrow for Autism Support Saturday but for now........ Take care. |
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