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Sunday 25 October 2015

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Kale & smoky bacon pasta

Kale & smoky bacon pasta
  • 300g pasta (we used wholewheat fusilli)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 180g pack smoked bacon lardons
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp pine nuts
  • 200g chopped curly kale
  • 3 tbsp cream cheese
  • ½ lemon, juiced

 

Method

  1. Boil a large pan of water and cook the pasta following pack instructions.
  2. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat and cook the lardons for a few mins until golden and a little crisp. Stir in the garlic, red chilli and pine nuts, then cook for 1 min more until the garlic and chilli are softened and the pine nuts just toasted.
  3. Turn up the heat and add the kale to the pan with a splash of water, cover and cook for 3-4 mins until wilted. Drain the cooked pasta and add to the pan with the cream cheese and lemon juice. Toss together, taste, and season with black pepper.
 
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/kale-smoky-bacon-pasta

Monday 19 October 2015

Vigo Fruit Presses

Vigo Presses banner
Paul with Vigo Presses cake!
Welcome Paul to Vigo Presses!
Family is at the heart of Vigo Presses. We began in a small way 34 years ago when co-founder Alex brought a fruit press back from the continent to the family home and the rest is history as they say!    

This month we've begun an exciting new chapter. We are delighted to welcome Paul as our new owner (Vigo Presses Ltd)!  We haven't cut ties with our roots though. Alex, in between chairing Vigo Ltd (which supplies commercial drink producers) and working on community projects, is still at hand to support us and help us on our way.

Paul and his family have a 15 acre orchard and bought their first fruit press from us 8 years ago. “As you can imagine,” Paul said, “with 367 trees we have lots of apples!  We used to sell our apples to cider producers but we thought, ‘Why not start making cider ourselves?'  Picking and pressing had to happen at the weekends, as I working during the week.  So, our small weekend hobby became a much bigger weekend hobby!  Harvest time is great, as my parents and children all get involved.”  The family now make 6,000 litres of cider and a few thousand bottles of apple juice a year, and were delighted when their dry cider was awarded first prize in this year's Devon County Show.

“I have always had a fondness for Vigo Presses and am very excited to now be part of it,” Paul explains. “It is family-friendly.  Every member of 'the family' is important, whether you are a customer, follower, or member of the Vigo Presses team. Whether you buy a sachet of yeast or a complete cider making kit, it is important that you have a positive experience with us.”

We were chuffed when Paul's mum popped into the office yesterday with lovely cake she had made, expertly decorated by Paul's girls.  We wish we could share a slice with all of you, but it would have to be a ginormous cake!  Cheers everyone, and if you are ever pass through Dunkeswell, near Honiton in Devon, do drop in and say hello!
New Fruit Shark!
The Fruit Shark Apple Mill
We were really pleased when Vicky, the UK agent of the Fruit Shark Apple Mills, asked us to supply the Fruit Shark while she focuses on family commitments. We have just taken delivery of new stock!
More ...
Happy Apple Day!
Celebrating Apple Day
Always celebrated on or around 21st October, Apple Day is a lovely way to celebrate what we now regard as our national fruit. Don't forget to share your photos of any Apple Day events you go to.
More...
Cider Making Q&A
Common Cider Making Qs
The process of cider making is relatively straight forward, but if you're new to cider making it can be a little daunting.  See our cider questions and answers page for help.
More...
New Fully adjustable tripod ladders
Fully adjustable ladders
In addition to tripod ladders with an adjustable back leg, we now sell ladders with three adjustable legs for working on stable steps or moderately uneven or sloping ground.
More...
Vigo Presses
Dunkeswell, Honiton
Devon, EX14 4LF
presses@vigoltd.com
01404 892101
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Saturday 17 October 2015

31 Amazing Uses For Lemon Peel 

31 Amazing Uses for Lemon Peels


Uses for Lemon Peels: Culinary

Did you know that lemon peels are nutritional power houses? Seriously?
Lemon Peels contain a spectrum of vitamins, minerals and fiber (things like calcium, potassium, and vitamin C) that can give your menu a nutritional boost. And even though you would have to consume large amounts of peel to glean significant nutritional benefits, it doesn’t hurt to throw in some peel when you can.
Remember, organic will be your best best when consuming the peel to avoid eating any pesticides.
1. Lemon Zest
Lemon zest is a common ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Zest some of your peel, use some now or freeze it for later. (Check out my favorite tool to get my zest.)
Don't throw your lemon peels away! Here are 31 ways to use them.
2. Lemon Pepper
One of my favorite seasonings, and easy to make. Check out  Lemon Pepper Seasoning by Simply Scratch.
3. Candied Lemon Peel
Um. Yum. What more do I need to say? I love this Candied Lemon Peel recipe by Luna Cafe.
4. Lemon Sugar
Doesn’t it just sound awesome? I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s definitely on my “to do” list. Check out this Lemon Sugar Recipe by Baking Bites.
5. Lemon Olive Oil
Give your olive oil a yummy makeover for a bright flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
6. Lemon Extract
Sometimes I’m amazed at the things I never realized you could make yourself. Like this lemon extract.
7. Lemon twists and ice cubes!
Brighten your drinks by putting twists of the peel into ice cubes. Perfect for summer parties. Use a vegetable peeler (like this) or knife to make long strips, cutting away from the white pith which can be quite bitter. Again, these can be frozen.
8. Herb-Lemon Zest Butter
Another “what more do I need to say,” right? Get the recipe from bon appetit here.
9. Keep brown sugar soft
Adding some lemon peel (with traces of pulp and pith removed) to your brown sugar can help keep it moist and easy to use.

Looking for more delicious real food recipes? I’ve got your back!

I’ve put together 85 incredible dishes that are full of flavor, super yummy, and good for you, too. From main dishes to desserts (and everything in between) you’ll have some fun new eats that I know you’ll love.
Best part? The ebook is only 2 bucks. It’s a total no-brainer, right? Right. Click here to check it out.

Uses for Lemon Peels: Cleaning

Don't throw your lemon peels away! Here are 31 ways to use them.
10. Lemon AP Cleaner
Also known as lemon vinegar, this stuff is awesome at cutting grease and disinfecting. To make, simply place a bunch of lemon peels in any sized glass jar (mason jars would work great). Pour white vinegar over. Put the lid on and let it sit for 2 weeks (I promise, it’s worth the wait). Then strain the liquid. Combine this with water (using a 50/50 ratio) and then use as you would your normal all purpose cleaner.
11. Get rid of ants and pests
Place small slices of lemon peel along thresholds, windowsills, door entrances, or near  cracks or holes where ants or pests are lurking about. I haven’t tried this one yet (living on the third floor does have some advantages… no big ant problem where I live), but apparently ants do not like lemon and will not enter your home. Lemons are also effective against roaches and fleas.
12. Freshen your Fridge
Place a lemon peel or two inside your fridge to absorb smells and bring a bright citrus scent.
13. Trash Can Deodorizer
Throw a few lemon peels in the bottom of the can. This will also help absorb odors and keep things smelling fresh.
14. Simmering Stove Top Scents
This idea has been floating around pinterest for some time, and with good reason. You’ll make your house smell heavenly simply by adding lemon peels to simmering water. Throw in some cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels. This adds a wonderful scent and humidifies the air.
15. Clean your tea kettle or coffee pot.
To clean mineral deposits in your tea kettle: Fill the kettle with water and add a handful of thin slices of lemon peel. Bring it to a boil then turn off the heat. Let is sit for an hour, drain, and rinse well.
To clean your coffee pot: Simply add your lemon peels with some ice and salt. Whirl everything around a minute or two and the dump and rinse.
16. Sanitize your cutting board.
Lemon’s natural acidity provides great antibacterial properties to home cleaning. After properly cleaning your cutting boards, rub the surface with half a lemon. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
17. Freshen and deodorize the dishwasher.
Add lemon peels to your dishwasher every now and then to help rinse and deodorize it.
18. Clean your microwave.
We don’t use our microwave much, but I wish I knew this secret back when I did! Add lemon rinds to a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water. Cook on high for five minutes, allowing the water to boil and the steam to condense on the walls and tops of the oven. Remove the hot bowl (carefully!) and wipe away the mess with a towel. Yes.
19. Deodorize the garbage disposal.
Use lemon peels to deodorize the garbage disposal and bring that amazing citrus smell to your kitchen. Fake lemon cleaners have nothing on the real thing. Simply put a peel or two down the disposal, flip the switch on (with the water running), and done.
20. Firelighters
Bake discarded lemon peels until they darken. These create natural, fragrant firelighters. So cool, and just in time for grilling season!
21. Make drawer sachets.
Dry your lemon peels (either out in the sun or in a dehydrator) and place them inside of fabric sachets. Add spices, as desired such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and cardamom. Place in drawers to freshen.
22. Clean your stainless steel, polish your chrome, and make your copper shine!
This one was my favorite as we’ve had some nasty residue on our steak knives that I’ve been trying to get off for a while. Simply sprinkle some sea salt on the metal, and then use the lemon peel to scrub away any dirt, grime, or stains. Rinse and polish! This is one of my most common go-to uses for lemon peels.
Don't throw your lemon peels away! Here are 31 ways to use them.

Uses For Lemon Peels: Beautiful & Promote A Healthy Body

23. Skin Brigthening Scrub
This will really perk your skin up. Go here to get the Skin Brightening Scrub recipe from Mommypotamus.
24. Nail Whitener
Whiten fingernails by rubbing with a lemon wedge.
25. Travel Sickness Cure
Suck on a slice of lemon to help you stop feeling nauseous.
26. Lighten age spots.
Here’s a fun use for a lemon peel: Many folk remedies suggest using lemon peel to help lighten age spots. Apply a small piece to the affected area and leave on for an hour. (I’d avoid too much sun exposure while it’s on your face.)
27. Soften dry elbows.
Use a half lemon sprinkled with baking soda on elbows; just place your elbow in the lemon and twist the lemon (as if you are juicing it) for several minutes. Rinse and dry.
28. Use as a skin tonic.
Lemon peels can be very lightly rubbed on your face for a nice skin tonic; then rinse (be careful around your eyes).
29. Make a sugar scrub.
Mix 1/2 a cup of sugar with finely chopped lemon peel and enough olive oil to make a paste. Wet your body in the shower, turn off the water, and massage the sugar mix all over your skin. Rinse off and bask in your smooth skin.
30. Make a scented humidifier.
If your home suffers from dry heat in the winter, you can put lemon peels in a pot of water and simmer on the lowest stove-top setting to humidify and scent the air. This is one of my favorite uses for lemon peels… especially during the holidays.
31. Make a foot soak.
Boil citrus rinds for several minutes. Allow to cool completely and strain. Add ¼ cup cow or almond milk, 2 tablespoons of cold pressed olive oil and a couple of drops of lemon essential oil. Soak feet for about 20 minutes and then pat dry to moisturize and soften feet

http://www.thankyourbody.com/31-ways-to-use-lemon-peel.


 

Wednesday 14 October 2015

Discover Kale 

Kale, Lemon & Prawn Pilaf

 Kale-Prawn-Pilaf