'Just Corkered' Corkers Crisps

Best friends since childhood, Ross Taylor and Rod Garnham co-founders of 'Corkers Crisps', took a daring approach launching their brand during the heat of recession. Family run farm since the 1800's, Ross was passed down all the knowledge of their tasty spuds. Originally selling their potatoes to the fish & chip industry, that soon changed to the crisp world. These clever entrepreneurs have a reason behind why they are so successful. Your probably thinking another bag of 'posh' crisps - Oh how very wrong you are. 

Supporting British Farmers

The success of this 'all-natural' British Crisp brand is by growing their own product - Signature ingredient: The Naturalo Potato. With perfect frying qualities, this is what creates the unique taste and crunch unlike the average brand. Taylor and Garnham have so much passion for the Naturalo potato it definitely shows in their delicious range of award winning crisps. 

Mostly found at Supermarkets and village shops, you might also recognise 'Corkers Crisps' if you have been a passenger on British Airways.

Corker's have given me a lovely opportunity to taste the full range of their brand. These hand cooked crisps are so unique and distinctive in flavour, definitely my first choice of crisps.

'Gressingham Duck & Hosin Sauce flavour'. - Hand cooked in sunflower oil , Corker's have partnered with Gressingham to combine their Naturalo potatoes and remarkable Duck.
Read more about their partnership.

Mama Bee says - Mouthwatering & Fantastically Crisp.

Full range please visit : www.corkerscrisps.co.uk

Come support & follow Corker's Crisps on Twitter & Facebook

Pip & Nut 'Nut Butter'

Additive-Free, Vegan, 'Real Food' Nut Butter

A 'real food' British company based in London. No palm oil, no preservatives, no e-numbers and no fuss. Originally sold at Maltby Street Market in London, due to high demand Pip's small scale production couldn't keep up. Now sold in Selfridge's and other leading stores,  no wonder I'm so excited to be reviewing the wonderful range of real nut butters from Pip & Nut.

'Peanut Butter', 'Almond Butter' & 'Coconut Almond Butter'

Who's Pip?
As a runner, Pip was always on the lookout for delicious things to eat before heading out into the great outdoors. As a firm believer that food should be super tasty, yet packed with nutrients and energy she began making her own nut butters.

Let's talk Peanut Butter
Some people might say peanut butter is high in calories therefore avoid eating it. Definitely take those thoughts away - it's a great energy source contain good fats that are essential for a healthy diet. Pip & Nut are passionate about their range of nut butters they invented the genius nut butter sachets. Perfect for your lunch box and perfect if you are watching your portion control intake.
First impressions of this high quality product? Nourishing.
I opened my Peanut Butter sachet and spread this on my toast, topped with chopped banana and a drizzle of honey. (I have walked about 3 miles at the time so needed some energy!) Smooth, filling and packed of healthy fats. I felt fantastic, like I could walk another 3 miles! Perfect energy boost.
Not only do Pip & Nut use the highest quality nuts, they know that by keeping the ingredients simple and real it will always taste the best.

For smoothie recipes & more, follow Pip & Nut on Facebook & Twitter

Mini Egg Easter Bucket

Flowers are sprouting, birds are singing and the sun is shining. Easter is finally on it's way and it's time to celebrate! (Or at least crack on with the DIY gifts!) Last week I went to a craft shop that sold these adorable small metal buckets. With plenty of colours to choose from I decided to opt for the blue and cream. I noticed a pack of shredded paper (normal craft paper in green). This gave me the idea of filling the small buckets with 'grass' and chocolate mini eggs on the top. (A perfect table decoration or little gift for your loved ones!)
This craft shop literally had everything, I mean everything! I picked up a 30g bag of 'cocos fibre'. - Usually used for the garden and let the birds nest on them. I think the colour and the realistic, barn effect was nicer than the paper for me. (Although of course you can use paper).

This was so easy to make, in fact the hardest part was not to eat the chocolate mini eggs!
Take your bucket, fill it with your 'grass' and top with mini eggs. I would love to see a photo of your creations. I have linked you with all the supplies you need to make my exact version.

To make these adorable Easter buckets all you need:

Miniature Buckets 12 for £4.78 (or craft store)


Cocos Fibre (local pet store/bird isle) OR craft shop.




Mini Eggs (1 bag)

Percy Poppington's Perfectly Popped Popcorn

Gluten Free - Wholegrain - No Artificial Colours or Flavours - No Genetically Modified Ingredients

Who is Lord Poppington?
Lord Poppington is a UK based company that create wonderful inspired flavours through their intrepid travels. Big in taste and low in calories, this truly is a perfectly popped popcorn revelation! Cooking popcorn from a copper corn kettle at Poppington Hall,  LP return to the Heart of England and share this delicious range of popped corn.

Why choose Lord Poppington?
Low in calories - as little as 81 calories! Good quality British ingredients & no GMO this is the brand to watch out for! We all recognise the same 'Cinema Sweet' popcorn however LP also cover 5 different delicious flavours of popcorn.
Sweet & Salty, Salted, (Seaside) Salt & Vinegar, (Mexican Style) Chilli & Lime and Cheese & Onion.

My Cheese & Onion Popcorn marries mellow cheese with sweetest onion to bring you Britain’s favourite savoury flavour with plenty of extra pop.

Being a regular popcorn eater I often find myself munching the same cinema sweet popcorn we all know. I have sampled all of the flavours LP produce and I can tell you they really are FULL of flavour! Summer time is sooner than we think so for watching weight these are essential. I was pleasantly surprised tasting the classic 'Cheese & Onion' (88 calories)  (and (Mexican Style) Chilli & Lime. (95 calories) - So fresh & tangy! If you enjoy popcorn during a film or as a general snack, these are so bold in flavour & low in calories it's a perfect treat!
When I tried the Cheese & Onion flavour I thought it would be quite subtle however I was wrong, you really can taste a delightful mellow cheddar & sweet onion.

I really recommend Lord Poppington's perfectly popped popcorn and taste the wonderful world of terrifically tasty & perfectly popped corn!

You can follow Lord Poppington on Facebook & Twitter. - Watch out for their competitions for your chance to win some LP popcorn!

Feature Wednesday: 3D Spring Art

Thank you for everyone that got involved in yesterday's #Week2 'Feature Wednesday' Linky Party.
I could see so many passionate and talented posts that where relevant to this week's theme.

Congratulations!

This week's winner is Susen Kuchta over at 'Dabbling Momma'
Spring is coming and we need to celebrate! Susen has created a fun activity to look forward to the wonderful season ahead. '3D Spring Art - Using colourful spring colours and shredded paper, this activity involves plenty of craft fun.
Click HERE for the full post!

Well done to everybody who entered, please come back again next Wednesday for #Week3 of Mama Bee's Linky Party.

Theme: Garden, Spring, Mother's Day, Craft, Painting, Flowers, Nature
Preview for something to think about!

Good luck!

'Feature Wednesday' #Week 2

#Week 2 of 'Feature Wednesday' has arrived. It seemed only the other day we announced our winner Ann from Little World's last week!

If you would like to be featured live on 'Mama Bee Simple', simply add your link at the bottom of this post. I have selected a small group of topics to cover this week's linky party.

Looking for: Food, Cooking, Culture, World, Family, Language, Nature, Art

The most suited link will be chosen by the end of the day and I will feature your post at 'Mama Bee Simple' as well as all my social network sites.

Mama Bee knows that you all have some wonderful creations and spend so much time wanting to share so here is a lovely opportunity! 

Once again,
Good Luck!

'Easy Peasy' Chocolate Éclairs

Chocolate Éclairs. Buy or not to buy? (Not to buy). These were surprisingly simple to make - not to mention cheap (especially when you can make a batch of 10). Chocolate and cream between a lovely classic, delicate Pate a Choux pastry. - Which by the way took exactly 5 minutes to make.

Mama Bee Reassurance - If you don't own a piping bag, simply use an ordinary plastic sandwich bag and cut the corner to pipe your Choux buns! - and perfection isn't vital if you like the rustic home-made look. - People will love this! (Alternative fillings) - Fresh cream and strawberry jam / strawberries thin cuts).

Basic ingredients for a classic Pate a Choux Pastry:

Half a cup of butter
4 eggs (whisked in separate bowl)
1 stick of butter (make sure it's butter)
Pinch of salt
1 cup 1/4 of Plain Flour
Vanilla Powder (or essence) - Powder is more expensive however stronger in taste.

Making this pastry shocked me how quick it was! All you have to do is add your water and butter in a medium pan - pop the lid on and wait until boiling point. As soon as it reaches boiling point, turn off the heat. Add your flour and salt and mix, mix, mix (using a WOODEN spoon!) This will eventually turn into a dough and your pan will look like you've not even used it once it's all combined! (wait about 3 - 4 minutes to cool, but not completely.

As I own a mixer, I have attached the whisk for the next step. I added my Choux dough and gently added my whisked eggs (setting my machine on medium-low). Once all my egg mixture was added I set my mixer on high for about 3-4 minutes. It may look curdled at the beginning however it eventually turns into a 'sticky' paste.

Preheat your oven to 200'C/400'F making sure you've add baking paper to a flat tray for the next step. Grab your piping bag/plastic sandwich bag (cut the corner) and add your mixture.
This step is fiddly so if you can have someone to hold the paper down (maybe your son/daughter or anyone else around you!) unless your an expert at piping :)
My Éclairs where about 4-5 inches long but you can do them however you like. - They rise and expand in the oven. - Neat or not neat- they will be delicious filled!
When your happy, put the Éclairs in the oven and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. (Longer if they are really big).

Mama Bee Tip: Don't be tempted to open the oven halfway as this will only deflate your Éclairs!

Your Éclairs should be delicate and have risen nicely! I recommend letting them rest, don't touch them just let them cool and pop them in the fridge to make it easy to cut them!

Filling Recipe: Scroll down

For the filling of my Chocolate Éclairs, of course contain Chocolate & Cream. As mentioned before you can add whatever filling you like (great combination, strawberries and cream).

I removed my Éclairs out of the fridge and used a bread knife to cut them. Sideways or in the middle your choice! I then simply poured some double cream into my mixer and whisked for a good 3 minutes until stiff/fluffy but not overly done!
Once again I used a sandwich bag to pipe.

For the shiny chocolate topping and inspiration for this recipe please visit the following link:
No Biggie: Chocolate Eclair 

Enjoy!

Mama Bee