Tag: gluten free

Just V Show / Love Natural, Love You Show – Day 1|Champagne Twist

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Allergy and Free From Show / Just V Show / Love Natural, Love You Show / Eat Smart Show|Champagne Twist

Day 1 – Friday 6th July 2018

 

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Allergy and Free From Show / Just v Show / Love Natural, Love You Show / Eat Smart Show – Champagne Twist

 

With 4 shows under 1 roof, Olympia is the place to be if you’re a foodie.

 

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B Free stall, Allergy and Free From Show, Olympia, Kensington, London | Champagne Twist

 

Last year I felt overwhelmed by the vast number of stalls, the bags of free food, the number of talks and demos.  So this year I planned ahead.  I downloaded the show map, exhibitor list, and timetables yesterday, studied which talks I wanted to attend and the quickest routes to take to get from 1 talk to another.

 

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Good To Bee stall, Allergy and Free From Show, Olympia, Kensington, London | Champagne Twist

 

Friday, I’m guessing, is the least busiest day, due to work and school commitments,  and major events such as Wimbledon, Grand Prix, World Cup and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.  Plus, with this unusually prolonged summer heat wave, where we actually have sunshine and the associated hosepipe bans to contend with, who wants to be cooped up in a huge building contending with massive crowds?

I also noticed this year that more people have followed my lead and brought their trolleys, suitcases and wheelie bags. I’m such a trend setter!

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Personally, I find it funny that I have attended a health show and purchased various chocolate puddings and cakes, with plans to purchase more. But I do this for 2 important reasons – 1, to review the produce purchased and in the case Freaks of Nature puds, to stock up.

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Freaks of Nature Puds, show offer sign, Allergy and Free From Show, Olympia, Kensington, London | Champagne Twist

I’m going again tomorrow and on the final day of the 3-day event – which I didn’t manage to do last year, mostly because I found the whole event overwhelming.

But not this year. I have a plan!

More to follow.

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Freaks of Nature: Cocoa Loco – Review | Champagne Twist

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This is the last of the trio of vegan approved desserts from Freaks of Nature I have taste tested. As it turns out, I left the best till last.
3 freaks

Like Zingy Thingy and Mango Fandango, the fun titled Cocoa Loco is gluten, dairy, egg and soya free.

cocoa loco fon

The creamy textured chocolate ganache is smooth, flavourful, with just the right level of sweetness.

Cocoa Loco Close up

Provided in their own sealed off selection to help keep their crisp, crunchy freshness, the chopped caramelised roasted hazelnuts are a perfect match for this pudding.

f of n cocoa loco

Of all the 3 puddings, I think the Cocoa Loco is my flavourite. Zingy Thingy for me could have benefitted with a little more lemon zest, and the Mango Fandango could have done with a little more vanilla bean seeds.  But the Cocoa Loco was simply perfect – lovely, rich chocolate flavour, creamy smooth texture and the delicious nutty crunch from the hazelnuts. The added bonus that such a luxurious dessert is gluten, dairy, soya and egg free – only plant based ingredients are included in these desserts.

These puddings represent clear examples that you don’t have to miss out if your diet  has exclusions. Nor do you need high amounts of sugar, salt or high fat ingredients to produce a delicious dessert.

I have mentioned the packaging before, and again state that I’m very impressed that such minimum packaging has been used to great effect. I’m also pleased to say that I have now found a home for all 3 of the pots in my sewing kit. I’m sure you could easily find a use for your DIY and crafting storage.

Freak of Nature - recycling container | Champagne Twist

Freaks of Nature have a new fan, and I will be following their progress as they develop new products. If these 3 are anything to go by, the future will be very bright for them, and delicious and healthier for me!

For more information about Freaks of Nature, please visit their website.

Thanks for reading,

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Disclaimer:  I was gifted 3 different items from Freaks of Nature, which I have decided to review. This post is not sponsored and I have not been remunerated in any way. The opinions featured are my own.

 

Freaks of Nature: Mango Fandango – Review | Champagne Twist

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Yesterday, I reviewed the Zingy Thingy pud from Freaks of Nature. Today, from the same company I’m taste testing a second from the range, Mango Fandango.

mango fandango

Like Zingy Thingy, Mango Fandango is gluten, dairy, egg and soya free. The pudding consists of a vanilla posset atop a mango and passion fruit coulis.

Freaks of Nature know how to make coulis. Like the previous flavour, the mango and passion fruit combo packs a flavour punch. The consistency is lovely and smooth, has a great colour yet manages to do so without an over sweet saccharine after taste.

The vanilla posset has a smooth, creamy texture, with flecks of vanilla powder through out.  Personally, as a fan of vanilla, I could have done with a little more.

Freaks of Nature Mango Fandango - mango and passion fruit puree vanilla posse
Freaks of Nature Mango Fandango – review by http://www.champagnetwist.com

An extremely clever addition are the chopped pistachios, which are separated in an sealed compartment on top.  This gives the option of sprinkling the pistachios, making an interactive treat, or leaving as is. You do get added crunch if you use the nuts, but the desert isn’t lessened without them.  It also means of course those who don’t like pistachios can still enjoy this pudding, without feeling left out.

I’m still impressed with the packaging, with the minimal use of plastic. Other luxury individual pud manufactures should take note. As I mentioned, I’ve recycled the robust pots for my sewing kit.

Freak of Nature - recycling container | Champagne Twist
Freak of Nature – recycling container | Champagne Twist

Another great pud from Freaks of Nature. The 3rd and final taste test will be posted soon. I’m expecting great things from the final one. Stayed tuned to find out the results.

Disclaimer:  I was gifted 3 different items from Freaks of Nature, which I have decided to review. This post is not sponsored and I have not been remunerated in any way. The opinions featured are my own.

 

B-tempted Flourless Brownie with Sea Salt – Review | Champagne Twist

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Brownies can be a minefield, even with the usual ingredients. So I was intrigued to try these great looking brownies by B-Tempted.

The generous 6-pack are flour-less and gluten-free, yet from the taste you wouldn’t know.  The brownies have a cute and neat oval shape, with the all important moist centre. It’s easy to eat a whole bag of these in one sitting, but better to share with friends as part of an afternoon tea time treat.

These brownies don’t leave that clawing sensation in the month, you feel when you’ve eaten too many rich chocolate cakes, which adds to their appeal. I can tell that the quality of chocolate used is very high, and the addition of sea salt really enhances the flavour.

B-tempted gluten-free flour-less chocolate brownies
B-tempted Flourless Brownie with Sea Salt

You do have to be a little careful transporting these home, as they are easily squashed, but what’s a few crumbs between friends? You can always make them in an impromptu desert such as Eton Mess, or just enjoy them as they are.

In short, this is a good brownie, and I was surprised that the 6 piece treat pack retails at only the £3.99 mark, as the quality far outweighs the price, especially for a gluten-free product.  If you’re having trouble finding gluten free brownies, may I suggest this one?