TV chef Phil Vickery is calling on the nation to shake up its wake up and celebrate the most important meal of the day this Breakfast Week (25^th– 31^st January 2015). Breakfast Week is organised on behalf of UK cereal farmers and producers, who grow and make the foods we all enjoy at breakfast.

Research shows that eating breakfast can give you more energy, help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, mood and may even help you to manage your weight^{[i],[ii],[iii],[iv]}. However, a survey[v] conducted for Breakfast Week shows that a worrying quarter (25%) of people are skipping breakfast once or more during the week, with more than one in ten (13%) never eating it. Getting ready for the day takes priority for 28 per cent, followed by catching up on sleep (25%).  Despite this, 25% of people complain of feeling tired and low in energy if they have missed breakfast.

[i] Breakfast Skipping and Health Compromising Behaviors in Adolescents and Adults, Helsinki University, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation July 2003

Chef Phil Vickery said: “With busy lifestyles we sometimes neglect breakfast, but in my opinion it provides many benefits and helps set you up for the day ahead.  With so much choice and variety, you will be able to find something to suit your lifestyle. It’s also one of the meals that I think as a nation we do best, so why not give it a go this Breakfast Week and see the difference eating breakfast can make.”

Phil Vickery shares his top breakfast tips to shake up your wake up:

• How to make the perfect porridge: Well, believe it or not I find the best way is in a microwave. Yes, microwave! I add double the amount of water or milk to oats and cook over a high heat for 2 minutes. Remove, stir well and cook for a further couple of minutes. The more you stir the creamier it will become. In fact I have found that making it the day before and re-warming is just as good.

• The best and easiest way to poach an egg: Add a little salt to boiling water, plus add a little acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, this will help to set the whites. The other thing to remember is the fresher the egg the better as the white sets quickly and coats the yolk perfectly. Once the egg is half cooked, lift the pan off the stove and leave for a couple of minutes to finish cooking perfectly.

 

• For deliciously crispy bacon: I always say that to get crispy bacon, the best thing to do is fry gently, so the meat crispens in its own fat, or grill on a medium heat, and cook gently. The golden rule of cooking any pork joint or product, is to cook slower and for slightly longer for the best results.

• Perfect pancakes: Hot pan, I use lard to cook my pancakes in (my mother swore by it) plus make sure the mix is not too thick. These can also be made the day before and cling filmed, then warmed to order.

• Give your granola the wow factor:

• When I make my own granola, I mix all the dry ingredients together with sugar or syrup and gently bake in a moderate oven so the ingredients are toasted. It gives the finished cereal a lovely colour, crunchiness and taste. Then cool, break up and add the dried fruit

 

As part of the celebrations to help inspire people to reprioritise breakfast, the Best Breakfast Awards are returning for a second year and you can help choose the winner! Eateries of all types, from cafes and coffee shops through to restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and food vans, will all be calling on their customers to support them. You can vote for your favourite breakfast dish from December at www.shakeupyourwakeup.com and the winners will be announced during Breakfast Week. Phil Vickery will also be personally visiting one venue to give out a special judges award for the most unique or innovative breakfast, so you could find yourself at the next table to the TV chef himself!

Hundreds of breakfast events will also be taking place around the country during the week. These range from breakfast promotions and special offers through to local community breakfasts and breakfast tastings.

For inspiring breakfast recipes, to vote in the Breakfast Awards or find a local event to you, visit www.shakeupyourwakeup.com.

Keep up to date with news and activities on Twitter @breakfastweek and www.facebook.com/shakeupyourwakeup where you can share your breakfast moments in a photo contest.

[ii] The Cognitive Effects of Breakfast Study, Mindlab Laboratory, Sussex Innovation Centre, Brighton (March 2012)

[iii] Cognitive Drug Research, in conjunction with HGCA (2004)

[iv] A three-month trial at San Raffaele Rome Open University where two groups of women had identical diets but one group ate 70% of their calories at breakfast, morning snack and lunch; and the second group had 55% and the rest of their calories in the afternoon and evening. Both groups lost weight but the morning eaters lost more weight than the afternoon group. Reported in the Daily Mail in June 2014http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2653256/Why-big-breakfast-helps-lose-weight.html

[v] A survey conducted on behalf of Breakfast Week by One Poll. 2,000 UK adults were surveyed online between Friday 29^th November and Monday 2^nd December 2013

Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council in partnership with Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) and Dungannon Traders Association are prepping for the town’s first outdoor artisan Christmas Food Fair in Market Square, which will showcase local produce at its finest.

The fair will run for three days from Friday 12^th to Sunday 14^th December alongside late night shopping, street entertainment and it will incorporate a variety of Christmas treats to offer a unique visitor experience.

Mayor of Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council, Councillor Roger Burton said “We are excited about Dungannon’s first outdoor food fair, which is situated in our newly completed civic space at Market Square. It will offer visitors the chance to indulge in some flavoursome treats and cherry pick unique gifts for Christmas. Foodie fans will be delighted with treats including chocolate, mince pies, hot food, cordials, homemade tray bakes, festive flowers and more.

A range of events happening in the town throughout December will promote Dungannon as a retail centre of excellence and a unique destination for all to enjoy. Late night shopping, lots of free car parking, the artisan food fair and the £2,500 Golden Ticket competition are just some of the reasons that Dungannon certainly has festive appeal this year.

Dungannon Events 12^th-14^th December, 2014

• Artisan Food Fair in Market Square- official launch with the Mayor on Friday 12^th December

• Opening times of Fair- Friday 12^th 1-8pm, Saturday 13^th 9am-5pm, Sunday 14^th 1-5pm

• Late night shopping until 8pm on Friday 12^th December and Sunday 14^th December 1pm to 5pm.

• FREE car parking at Ann street, Perry Street and Scotch Street Pay & Display Car parks. Please note: Castle Hill Car Park is Pay and Display Monday to Friday and free on Saturday/ Sunday.

• Q Radio 106 Roadshow on Friday afternoon from 2pm in Market Square.

• Live street acts, family fun entertainment on Saturday 13^th & Sunday 14^th.

• Cinderella Pantomime, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre. Show times: Friday 12^th at 7.30pm and Saturday 13^th at 11am, 2pm and 7.30pm.

 

• To book call Ranfurly House on 02887728600.

• Christmas Crafts for Ages 4-8 years in Dungannon Library on Saturday 13^th Booking essential – Tel: 028 87722952

• Free Jumping Clay Workshop (Suitable for 4+) in Ranfurly House Tel: 028 8772 8600.

 

For more information on Dungannon Christmas events please visit www.dungannonlife.com or follow us Dungannon Life facebook.

Simple Power And Rural Support’s Hamper Scheme Unites 17 Agri-Businesses to Help Families in Need

Rural Support, which has teamed up again this year with wind energy company, Simple Power, to launch its biggest ever ‘Christmas Hamper Scheme’, has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of Northern Ireland food and drink producers.
Some of the biggest names in the local agri-food business have pledged their support to help farming and rural families in need, with over 17 companies donating food and drink items so far. After the success of last year, and through the kindness of Northern Ireland agri-businesses, Rural Support and Simple Power hope to provide up to 100 hampers for hard-hit families across Northern Ireland.
The generous donors include Ballyeamon Eggs, Cavanagh Eggs, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Comber Potato Company, Dale Farm, DJ’s Juice and Apple Cider, Dungannon Vineyard Church, Karro Food Group, The Krazi Baker, Mash Direct, Moy Park, Punjana Tea, Rural Development Council, South Antrim Community Network, Tayto, Tesco and the Ulster Farmers’ Union.

Rural Support’s Development Director, Jude McCann, said “I’m delighted with the response we have received to date. More agri-food producers than ever have signed up to support the campaign. We would like to sincerely thank Simple Power who have been instrumental in developing and co-ordinating the scheme and enabling us to reach more families this year. We have also been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local agri-producers’ donations, especially given the added pressures these companies are generally under during the festive season. Their support is much needed and will make a great difference to a rural family in need this Christmas.” Rural Support provides support for farmers and rural families through a helpline offering a listening and signposting service. It deals with a range of issues including emotional distress, physical and mental health, farming paperwork and bureaucracy. Rural Support has also recently launched a pilot project focusing on Financial Stress, providing one-to-one financial mentoring aimed at those experiencing debt or financial issues relating to the farm business and were stress is impacting mental health and well- being.
Simple Power Chief Executive, Philip Rainey, commented, “We are delighted by the support shown from local agri-producers for our Christmas Hamper Scheme in partnership with Rural Support. Christmas can be a very special time for many but it’s important to acknowledge that it can also be a difficult time of year for those in hardship, particularly within the rural community. With the support of the local producers, the hampers will go some way towards providing a little Christmas cheer, alongside Rural Support’s very beneficial support service.”

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat…

With Christmas coming we are busier than ever at SD Bell & Co HQ, but we are taking some time out to sit at our desk with our Winter Warmer blend tea and send out the Creating a Stir December issue.

To thank our customers for your continued support we are offering 10% off on our web store until 10th December with the code “sdbellxmas14”. So enjoy stocking up on our specialty coffees and gift-wrapped SD Bell’s speciality tea selection tins before the big day and pick up some last minute gifts.

Remember when you spend over £50 UK & Ireland shipping is free!

“A simple cup of tea is far from a simple matter.”  – Mary Lou Heiss

 

SD Bell’s “Barista 1887” Signature Roast wins a Great Taste Award

We are delighted to announce our signature roast “Barista 1887” has won a Great Taste Award! It is made from Santos beans roasted between a medium and dark roast. Ideal for bean-to-cup espresso and perfect for an after-dinner cafetiere. Try it for yourself here.

 

Evening Opening

We are now open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings until 9pm. You can enjoy a light, bistro meal with live acoustic accompaniment. BYOB.

Also, following this summer’s renovations our 100 capacity venue is bigger and better than ever before and now available to hire for your own events.

For more details contact sales@sdbellsteacoffee.com

 

Coffee of the Month

Nepal Everest Supreme

An organic, full flavoured, strongish, nutty medium roast. The plantation is irrigated with melting Himalayan snow, rich in minerals from the Everest range. Perfect for an after dinner coffee on Christmas day

 

Tea of the Month

Jaipur Winter Warmer

The perfect tea equivalent of mulled wine to warm your cockles this winter. An India-China blend with orange peel, cinnamon and mixed spices. Christmas in a cup.

 

Java Jive Jazz Brunch – Artist of the Month

Matt Evans Quartet – 4th January 2015, 12pm

These four young musicians, all under 20, first met in the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra. They bring a vibrant, deep groove to the classic jazz repertoire in a funky style that not only reflects their age but their fresh interpretation of the canon. Just the tonic to welcome in the New Year.

Matt Nixon – Tenor Saxophone, Matt Evans – Piano, Danny Boyle – Bass, Ryan Duffy – Drums.

Reserve your table here.

Welcome to Browns Restaurants Northwest Newsletter

 

Browns On The Green

New Years Eve
We are now taking reservations for New Years Eve at Browns On The Green. We have a full Early Bird and A La Carte menus available.
Bring in the new year in a wonderful setting, with amazing food, delicious drinks and friendly service.
For a unique and perfect start to 2015, reserve at Browns On The Green NOW

 

Browns Restaurant
New Years Eve, Sunday Opening Times and an extra Shopping Trip
We are now taking reservations for New Years Eve at Browns Restaurant, Bonds Hill. We have tables available for our A La Carte menus after 5.00pm.
Sunday Opening Times are 12.00 – 3.00
Due to popular demand another Belfast Shopping Trip has been organised for Sunday 21st. You can get all the details on our website here

 

Browns In Town

Ian Orr Cooking Demonstration
Ian Orr will be demonstrating his amazing cooking skills on Saturday 14th of December at Browns in Town. Ian will cooking christmas dinner “Browns Style”. To take part call now on 048 7136 2889 to book. There is a cover charge of £30 and this includes a fabulous 3 course meal that will be served after the cooking demonstration.

 

Browns Restaurant
Bonds Hill
Derry/Londonderry
Tel: 028 7134 5180

Browns In Town
Strand Road
Derry/Londonderry
Tel: 028 7136 2889

Browns On The Green
Barnhill
Letterkenny
Tel: 074 91 24771

Excitement is building for the Christmas Market sprouting up this Saturday 6 December, in Carryduff Shopping Centre, 10am-4pm.

The event will have something for all the family with a children’s activity den that will feature making your own Christmas stockings and decorations, face painting, story-telling and clay modelling. There will even be a mini hand weaving loom which children can have a go on to make their own Christmas cards.

The weekly fresh food shop and Christmas shopping for the foodies in your life, can be taken care of at the farmers market, with local fresh food and artisan producers from Inns Market in Newtownbreda, coming along as well as some new faces. Visitors to Inns Market will be familiar with regulars such as Passion Preserved, Cherry Valley Farm, Kearney Blue, Go Yeast, Still Waters Fishing, McCarthy Meats, Tom & Ollie, and Mange Tout Patisserie. As it is the festive season, we couldn’t be without a turkey or two, so we will be joined by specialist free range farm, Buchanan Turkeys.

Pop Up Carryduff is a Castlereagh Borough Council initiative supported by the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development. The motivation behind the event is to inject economic activity and community life back into the heart of Carryduff, encouraging both local businesses and local residents to get involved.

Yvonne Burke, Economic Development Officer with Castlereagh Borough Council, says “We are really hoping to encourage local residents to support the event and to shop local this Christmas. With the changing face of the retail landscape, consumers are more conscious of where their food is sourced and the positive impact on the local economy of buying local. Our aim is to reinforce that ethos.”

Economic revitalisation is a key remit for Castlereagh Borough Council, and there has been a lack of vision and strategic direction in many suburban shopping districts as to how to differentiate themselves from mainstream shopping centres.

“The importance of the shopping experience is under-rated and misunderstood by traditional retailers. Shopping is now seen as a leisure pursuit. We are hoping that the Pop Up event at Carryduff will showcase how small local enterprises are at the forefront of boosting our local economy with a fabulous diversity of products, whilst at the same time providing a personal shopping experience that adds to the sense of community. We are also tying in with ‘Small Business Saturday’ so the timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

There will be plenty to keep the little ones entertained in the activity den, plus street entertainers, fitness workshops, and a bicycle clinic – you can even get your Christmas gift shopping underway with the gift and craft collective. With the obligatory weekend specialist coffee fix and chill out zone, there really is no excuse not to shop on your doorstep this coming Saturday, 6 December in the heart of Carryduff Shopping Centre, 10am-4pm.

Picking the sprouts for the Farmers Market at Pop Up Carryduff are – Joanne McErlain, from Babble, organising company for Pop Up Carryduff  Paul Hamilton, Cherry Valley Farm, Comber; Claire Kelly, Passion Preserved.