Do You Want To Build A Snowman?

The snow has both its ups and its downs, of course the ups being the kids can have hours of outdoor fun making their very own Olaf. And the downs, well the fact that it literally does take hours… in the freezing cold. Can you think of anything worse than a standing in the cold with numb fingers and toes? We can… and that's standing in the cold and being hungry! Well… that is why we are here to help, whilst the little ones are off making snow angles and maybe your partners are too, why not indulge yourself with a warm pot of Tomato and Basil soup whilst you supervise. It'll keep the hunger at bay as well as warming your hands. No need to thanks us, that what we are here for.

Out With The Pumpkin, In With The Parsnip!

Ok, we know that pumpkins are still in season, but it made a great title! With winter fast approaching and the temperatures dropping, we thought w'd share with you on of our favrouite recopies… our winer warming parsnip and chestnut soup!   

What you need;

100g unsalted butter

600g of roasted parsnips, chopping into small pieces

1 small leek, make sure you trim and chop it

150ml white wine

200g cooked chestnuts 

1.5liters vegetable stock

You should add the salt and pepper to your own taste preference. 

What to do;

Start by melting half of the b utter into a large saucepan over a gentle heat, make sure the butter does not colour on the heat. Add the parsnips and leek into the pan and gently fry them for about 4 minutes or until the parsnips are soft.

Then add the wine and chestnuts and again gently fry them for a further 7 or 8 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste.

You should then add the stock to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil and then leave it to simmer for 6-8minutes. Take the pan of the heat and blend with an immersion blender or a food processor until the soup is smooth. Once smooth you should then pass the soup through a fine sieve.

All that’s left to do is the washing up… 

Santa is on his way...

As the autumn leaves fall, are you wondering where the year has gone?... we are too. And we known that this only means one thing is around the is on it's way... Christmas! With 64 sleeps left, why not treat your family to some delicious home cooked food.

So here is one of the traditional favourites... the mighty apple crumble.

All you need is..

300g plain flour, make sure you sieve it and add a pinch of salt
1 pot of cane sugar porridge oats, or 60g plain oats
175g unrefined brown sugar
200g unsalted butter and a knob of butter to grease the ovenproof bowl


450g cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into small pieces
50g unrefined brown sugar
1tbsp plain flour

What to do...

You should start by preheating the oven to 18C/350F/Gas 4.

Then place the flour, oats and sugar into a bowl and mix well. Take a few cubes of butte at a time and rub them into the mixture. Use the tips of your fingers to mix together, you should keep rubbing until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Then you should place the fruit into a large bowl and sprinkle over the sugar and flour. Make sure you stir well but be careful not to break the fruit.

Use the knob of butter to grease a medium size ovenproof bowl, spoon the fruit mixture into the bottom of the bowl, then you should sprinkle the crumble mixture on the top.

Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crumble topping is a golden brown and you can see the fruit mixture bubbling. Of course, I don't need to say what's next but just incase.. serve with custard and watch the family enjoy!

Half Term Adventures!

Keeping the kids entertained over half term can be quite a struggle... especially as the weather has taken a downward spiral!

Don't let the rain stop you from heading on adventures - grab your wellies, coat and an umbrella and you're ready to head out into the great outdoors. Whether you're thinking of hiking up a hill, exploring the local countryside or visiting a farm... just get the kids outside and into the fresh air, just remember to keep your bellies full, as you don't want any angry/hungry kiddies throwing a tantrum. 

Take Grasshopper with you, our delicious soups will help keep you warm and fill you up when hunger calls! Our petite Hoppers are perfect to fit in your backpack without taking up too much space - remember to take along a flask of hot water so you can tuck in whenever you want!