Tabl Recipe Competition! WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Would you like to win a £100 voucher just in time for Christmas?

Of course, who wouldn't!

Tabl are offering one Hijacked By Twins reader the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend on anything on their site.

If you haven't heard about Tabl let me tell you a bit about them.

Tabl are real people who have a real passion for food. They are on a mission to create incredible foodie experiences that range from secret supper clubs to pop-up restaurants. Basically anything foodie that you can imagine. They are constantly sourcing independent and craft producers that can guarantee downright delicious food, from wagyu beef to green tea, granola to gin, and gluten-free to gluttonous. As well as the events that they host they also provide an amazing gift range that is ideal for this time of year. Their hampers range in prices from up to £25 to the indulgent hampers that retail over £100 but they cater for all tastes. My favourite hamper has to be their Ultimate Gin Hamper!

Organix Goodies Giveaway!

In the past I have told you how much the kids love Organix snacks. They are a healthier option and us parents can be safe in the knowledge that they contain no nasties! Earlier in the year I told you all about their new snacks for older kids, Punk'd, today I am going back to snack for the younger ones.

My Escudella Recipe Plus Catalan Foodie Hamper Giveaway

Regular readers will know that I used to live in Gran Canaria and whilst I was there I fell in love with the Spanish and Catalan cuisine. It is healthy, full of flavours and dishes that keep you wanting more!

I was recently asked if I would like to talk about Catalonia. We are due to fly into Barcelona soon so this has got me thinking about one of Europe's most beautiful city that is overflowing with culture. But being the foodie that I am, food plays a big part in my travels. I love to try new foods and discover new cuisines. The cuisine in Catalan is very similar to Spanish cuisine. They use similar ingredients which I love.

Picture courtesy of Inntravel

Today I thought that I would share with you some of my favourite dishes and also share with you a recipe that I have created using some delicious, chorizo style sausage that came all the way from Catalonia. I am also excited to tell you that one lucky Hijacked By Twins reader can also win their very own foodie hamper of artisan foods direct from Catalonia!

The meal pictured above it a dish that would be a perfect lunch. Fresh bread that has been gently grilled topped with a variety of vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, peppers and artichokes then topped with olive oil and deliciously fresh anchovies. This would go down a treat with an ice cold glass of either a local cerveza or rose wine from a local vineyard. I simply adore being able to sit by the sea and eat while basking in the Mediterranean sun, what bliss!

As well as the many sea front eateries Barcelona also is the proud owner of 22 Michelin star restaurants. So you know that whether you are visiting Sagrada Familia, the iconic Gaudi designed church, shopping down La Rambla, or watching the Magic Fountain of Montjuic you are guaranteed to find a restaurant that everyone will love.

Today I am sharing with you my version of an Escudella a Catalan stew. For my version I have used root vegetables and a chorizo style Catalan sausage. This is what I did...

Eric Lanlard's Afternoon Tea and Book Giveaway!

Like most people who love to cook, I love a good cookbook. I will admit to having quite a collection of cookbooks. So when I was asked if I would like to review a copy of Eric Lanlard's latest book, Afternoon Tea, I jumped at the chance.

Eric Lanlard is a Master Patissier and twice winner of the Continental Patissier of the Year award. Eric trained in France and worked as the head pastry chef for Albert and Michel Roux before launching his own business, Cake Boy.

Photograph taken from Afternoon Tea

His latest book, Afternoon Tea, is jam packed full of ideas and recipes to help you create the perfect afternoon tea. The book contains 9 chapters which will take you step by step through the courses and dishes that make this culinary treat.

Horlicks Giveaway

At this time of year, now the evenings are cold, it is great to get some warm, lounging clothes on, snuggle up on the settee with a hot drink and relax.

I do love Horlicks but being on a diet I go for a lighter variety. So when I was asked if I would like to try some Horlicks Light Chocolate I had a feeling that this would be a drink that I would like. Most people associate Horlicks with bed time, but it can be enjoyed and more beneficial when drunk during the day! Did you know that Horlicks makes a great mid afternoon drink. When your energy levels are dropping forget the caffeine and have a Horlicks. Horlicks is packed with 14 key nutrients which can help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

To prepare the Horlicks Light Chocolate drink you simply use boiling water. However if you would like a creamier drink use some milk. I used an Oat milk which also went really well with it.

My ideal time to enjoy a lovely, hot cup of Horlicks is when I can sit down, do some crochet and take a little time out for me. To relax my body so that I am ready to face the rest of the day!

How do you like to relax?

Would you like to relax with a cup of Horlicks and a goodie pack of Horlicks vintage goodies?

If so you will be pleased to hear that Horlicks are offering Hijacked By Twins readers the chance to win a bundle, as pictured below. To be in with the chance of winning simply complete all of the mandatory options in the Rafflecopter and as many of the optional extras as you would like!

Terms and Conditions

1 - Open to UK residents only

2 - Hijacked By Twins cannot be held responsible for the prize. I am running the giveaway on behalf of Horlicks. Once the winner has been selected I will pass on their details to Horlicks who will send out the prize.

3 - No alternative prize is available

4 - If the winner does not respond to my email notifying them that they have won within 7 days another winner will be selected.

5 - The giveaway runs until 8th March 00:00

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a Crepe Pan from ProCook Kitchenware

On Tuesday it is pancake day. I don't know about you, but we enjoy pancakes at any time of the year and not just on Shrove Tuesday. Pancakes are such a versatile food and can be made both savoury and sweet. I recently share some ways that we enjoy our pancakes.

ProCook Kitchenware are offering Hijacked By Twins readers that chance to win their own crepe pan as shown below. With this pan you are guaranteed to make perfect pancakes that the whole family will enjoy!

Olive It! - Cookbook Giveaway

I have got an exciting new giveaway for you. I have been given not one, not two books to giveaway, but a whopping twenty copies of Olive It! cookbooks to give away to Hijacked By Twins readers.

This book has been written to celebrate the olive and all that can be made with them. Olive It! is full of Mediterranean inspired recipes. Whether you like them green, black or mixed there will be a recipe to delight. Olives are so much more than a pre dinner treat and really are underestimated. They are such a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be transformed into exciting, mouth watering dishes in a matter of minutes.

The olive campaign has been funded by the EU aid and in collaboration with the Spanish olive growers so you know that the olives which have been used in these recipes will be from some of the best olive groves in Europe.

Today I am going to tell you all about my new competition but keep your eye out as I will be giving you a taste of what this book has to offer over the next week or so!

Without further ado here is all of the information that you need to be in with the chance of winning one of these delicious books!

• Enter the Rafflecopter below and complete all of the mandatory options and as many of the optional choices as you like
• The competition will run from 00:00 18/12/15 until 00:00 08/01/16
• Once the winners have been selected they will be notified then I will pass on the winners email addresses for the delivery of their prize to be arranged
• I cannot be held responsible for any prize. I am simply hosting the giveaway on behalf of the company.
• Only open to UK residents 

So get ready, get entering and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BBC Good Food Show Giveaway

Last year the hubby and I enjoyed a fantastic day out at the BBC Good Food Summer Show. It was a jam packed day full of foodie delights and treats! Unfortunately I am not able to attend this years BBC Good Food Show Winter but I am able to offer a pair of tickets to a lucky Hijacked By Twins reader!

To give you a taster of what you can expect from a BBC Good Food show I thought I would share with you a bit of what we saw when we were there.

Edge of Belgravia Black Diamond Knife Block and Precision Chef Knives - Plus Giveaway!

I love discovering new kitchen gadgets and utensils that make cooking and food preparation easier. When cooking and preparing foods having a good set of knives is essential.

The knives that I currently use are good, but I have been looking for some that were better and ones that would last. So when I was asked if I would like to try out Edge of Belgravia Precision Knives and Black Diamond Knife Block I was curious to see if these would be the knives that I have been looking for.

Edge of Belgravia are one of the world most innovative brand of chefs knives. They offer a contemporary design along side high tech materials and supremely sharp stainless steal knives which make their knives an irreplaceable piece of kitchen equipment. Edge of Belgravia was established in London in 2010 and officially launched in 2012 make them a relatively new brand which really has gained high acclaim in a short period of time.

Tapas Tortilla with Chorizo and Cervezas Alhambra Reserva 1925 - Recipe and Giveaway!

When I was 20 years old I moved to Gran Canaria. I lived there for 7 years and one of the things that I fell in love with the most was the food. In particular the tapas.

When I go out I really do struggle to select what dish I am going to eat, that is why, for me, tapas is the ideal meal. As the portions are small you simply select a little of everything that you want to try! 

The best way to wash down tapas has to be with an ice cold cerveza (beer!). So when I was asked to create the perfect tapas dish to be served with Cervezas Alhambra Reserva 1925 I could not wait to get started. 

I have so many tapas dishes that I love so choosing just one really was difficult. However I decided to make a Tortilla with Chorizo. I have used a hot chorizo so really do need an ice cold beer to go with it. When adding chorizo to any dish you do not need to add any other herbs and spices. The chorizo oozes out delicious smoked paprika and garlic flavours as it cooks. It really does make a flavoursome meal!

A Family Meal of Sweet Potato Cottage Pie with Finish and Giveaway!

I love cooking a meal for a get together with family.

Once upon a time, it would have been a dinner party, but now that we have children a dinner party for us is getting the family around a table and enjoying a meal together.

I love sitting down and deciding what meal I am going to cook for everyone. Having children it means that the meal must be one that does not take too much preparation and time. Our family get togethers are usually at the weekend which is valuable family time together. 

My ultimate dinner party would consist of the hubby and I with our children and parents. I would host the party in our home. It would be a relaxed dinner party where the food would be child friendly, there would be plenty of laughs and quality time spent together. Time with family is so important, not just for us but for the children as well.

When I cook a large meal I have a tendency to use every pan available and do make a mess! There are always plenty of pots to clean. When hosting a dinner party you do not want to waste time cleaning pots. This is where Finish dishwasher detergents can help. Regardless of whether the pots have been cleaned straight away or if they have been left out all night, with dried on food, you can guarantee that they will come out of the dishwasher clean first time.

To really put Finish to the test I decided to make one of our family favourites that does make plenty of pots to wash!

This is my Sweet Potato Cottage Pie...

Greener Cleaner - Review and Giveaway

As you know I love cooking and baking but I will admit to not being the tidiest of cooks. Once I have finished in the kitchen it often looks like a bomb has hit the room! I love cooking and making the mess but like many other I really do not like the cleaning up afterwards.

I have a cupboard full of different products and often do worry what health effect they can have on the children, the cat and the dogs. A lot of the products have strong aromas and I have even used some which have made me cough if I breath in the after spraying! It is not only our health that I worry about, but also the environment. We try to be as environmentally friendly as we can, we recycle everything possible and try to reduce our carbon footprint.

So when I was approached by Greener Cleaner I was immediately interested to know more. After doing some research I found out the following about Greener Cleaner:

• Greener Cleaner ensure that all of their products are both Eco-friendly and affordable
• They use locally sourced materials where possible, this reduces their carbon emissions
• Their Eco-friendly products will not compromise on performance
• All of the solid parts and handles are made using Eco-Flex. Eco-Flex is made using 50% wood pulp and 50% recycled plastic
• All of the liquid range is made using 100% natural and sustainable ingredients that are safe for the environment and have not been tested on animals
• They even have their own loyalty scheme!

As you can imagine I was curious to see whether their products would compete well with the many other ones that I have tried!

So far I have tried the dust pan and brush, the utility brush and the all purpose cleaner.  All of the products that have been made with the Eco-Flex are of the highest quality and are such strong products that you can immediately tell have been made to last.

I have found all of the items that I have used to be great, but I am most impressed with Greener Cleaner's All Purpose Cleaner! It has no sharp aromas and cleans so much better than the other all purpose cleaners and offers the same anti bacterial benefits. I have found the spray cleaner to easily wipe off any grease, dried on marks and even ground in mud on the floor. We have dogs so there are always muddy paw prints after it has rained. This spray easily wiped the marks away!

I will definitely be investing in more of their liquid cleaning range! I have even joined their loyalty scheme, I have been that impressed with their product I will be using them from now on.

Greener Cleaner are kindly giving away a cleaning bundle, similar to the one pictured above, to a lucky Hijacked By Twins reader. To be in with the chance of winning simply complete the Rafflecopter below.

Good luck x

Terms and Conditions

• Enter the mandatory tasks and complete as many of the optional ones as you like
• Open to UK residents only
• Hijacked By Twins are not responsible for the prize
• Once the winner has been selected and notified they will have 7 days to respond. If no contact is made a new winner will be selected.
• The giveaway will run from 5th August 2015 until 24th August 2015
• No alternative prize is available

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent the cleaning bundle for the purpose of this post. No cash payment was received. All views and opinions are my own and 100% honest.

Easy Holiday Food and Giveaway

Well the holiday season is most definitely here. Unfortunately the weather is not great for holidays in the UK. But no matter what the weather is like an important part of holidays, whether you are here or abroad, is food!

When going on a self catering holiday it is important that you can prepare easy, tasty meals. Nobody wants to spend a long time in the kitchen on holiday!

That is why I thought that I would combine a new holiday giveaway with my top quick and easy recipes that can be made while on holiday! The easiest meals to prepare on holiday have to be pasta or rice based one.

Here are our favourite pasta and rice dishes...

Roasted Red Pepper and Tuna Pasta Sauce

Pimm's Smoothie with Co-Operative and Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but when the sunshine comes out I love a cool refreshing drinks of Pimm's! It is simply a perfect drink to relax with in the sun!

So when I was asked to create a new cocktail using Pimm's I could not wait to get started.

I know that the traditional way to enjoy Pimm's is with lemonade, strawberries, cucumber and mint. So I decided to make cocktail based on the traditional drink but I gave it a new twist. I left out the lemonade and made a smoothie using just the fruits. Poured over ice this is a perfect way to enjoy some of your five a day with a good old dash of Pimm's!

This is what I did...

Win With Hello Kitty!!!

I am really excited to tell you about 2 amazing prizes that are up for grabs from Hello Kitty.

They are...

4 TICKETS TO CAMP BESTIVAL!

and

4 VIP TICKETS TO SEE HELLO KITTY LIVE

IN LONDON!

If you do not know what Camp Bestival is let me tell you...

Camp Bestival is a multi award winning family festival that encompasses the festival experience with the excitement of an action packed camping holiday! Set in the grounds of Lulworth Castle on the coast of Dorset it is bound to be an amazing weekend. This year it is held from Thursday 30th July until Sunday 2nd August. Over the weekend there will be live acts, DJ's, poets, comedy, theatre, attractions and activities. There are some awesome live bands and artists playing too such as Kaiser Chiefs, Bob Geldof and Underworld to name but a few.

Yumbox and Sweetpea Pantry Giveaway

Following the last two reviews that I have posted I am delighted to offer Hijacked By Twins readers the chance to win a Yumbox of their choice and three mixes from Sweetpea Pantry.

All you have to do to be in with the chance of winning these fantastic prizes is to complete the Rafflecopter below and keep your fingers crossed!

If you missed my reviews you can read my Yumbox review here and the first of my Sweetpea Pantry reviews here.

 So good luck and I look forward to announcing the winner soon!

Wallcreate Canvas Review

Wallcreate are an online company who specialise in printing high quality canvas prints at affordable prices. Wallcreate have been trading since 2001 and have maintained a 100% positive feedback for over 10 years.

Wallcreate approached me to review their services and I was delighted to. Over the last year I have found that I love photography. I have a particular love of photographing gardens, flowers and nature. Over the past year I have often wondered what some of my pictures would look like on canvas. The opportunity to work with Wallcreate gave me the perfect chance to see.

The print that I selected is one that I took at the Gardeners World Live show. It is one of my favourite shots so the canvas really did need to live up to my expectations. The shot has contrasting colours and contains a lot of intricate detail.

This is the shot which I chose to have made into a canvas...

I sent the emailed my picture to Wallcreate and was amazed when my canvas arrived just a few days later. I nervously opened the package. I was nervous because this is a favourite shot and I wanted it to be just right. When I opened the package and saw my picture on canvas I was amazed by the high quality. None of the details have been lost in the transfer to canvas and if anything the colours appear to be sharper. I am over the moon with the quality, the time it took to print and deliver and my whole experience of working with Wallcreate. I will certainly be using them again for any canvas prints for the house or for gifts.

Here is the finished canvas...

Wallcreate are giving Hijacked By Twins readers the chance to win their own print on canvas. To be in the chance to win a canvas from Wallcreate simply complete the Rafflecopter below.

Terms and Conditions

• Hijacked By Twins cannot be held responsible for the prize after the winners details have been forwarded to Wallcreate.
• The prize is for a 40cms x 30cms canvas print.
• The winner must respond within 7 days with their contact details for me to pass onto Wallcreate, if the winner does not respond a new winner will be selected.
• Open to UK residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nibnibs - Review and Giveaway

Who doesn't love a good selection of nibbles?

I know I do. The best sort of nibbles are the ones that keep calling you back for more.

So when I was asked if I would like to try some "premium baked British nibbles" from a Yorkshire based company, how could I refuse?

Before the nibbles arrived I took a look at Nibnibs website and I loved their opening statement...

"Premium baked British nibbles for the discerning connoisseur.

Unique snacks: cheese straws; cheese straw bites and our exclusive

Yorkshire breadsticks... Ey up!"
 

After seeing that they have won a Deliciously Yorkshire award 2013-2014 and a Great Taste award 2013, I really was excited to see how they tasted.
 

I really was not disappointed!

I was sent a selection of mini nibs tubs:

 



Exceptional Cheddar and Spicy Chilli Straws

Exceptional Cheddar and Cheeky Onion Straws

Exceptional Cheddar Cheese Straws

Roasted Salt and Pepper Jumbo Peanuts

The little tubs of delicious nibbles are perfect for putting in the car or picnic hamper for days out, having out when entertaining and are even the perfect size for little ones to hold.
 

Nibnibs slogan is "Where do you nibble yours?" to be honest, with Nibnibs, I'd nibble them anywhere! 

Nibnibs are kindly offering Hijacked By Twins readers the chance to win a selection of Nibnibs. All you need to do is enter the Rafflecopter below!

Competition Terms and Conditions

• The Rafflecopter is not run by Hijacked By Twins
• I am not responsible for the giveaway or prize I am purely hosting it for Nib nibs
• Competition is open to UK residence only
• Closing date is 12th November 2014

Good luck x

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Foodcraft Collective Review and Giveaway!

I was recently sent some lovely food craft boxes to review from Foodcraft Collective.

This is something that is completely new to me so I was curious to see what they were.

I was sent:

• Asian Dumplings kit
• Bacon kit
• Bubble Tea (featured in this review)

Before I tell you how I got on with the Bubble Tea kit, let me tell you a bit about Foodcraft Collective.

Foodcraft Collective are a North London based company. Wherever possible they source local products and all of their boxes are handmade. Foodcraft Collective use organic, recycled and environmentally friendly product at every available opportunity. All of their kits come complete with step by step instructions and they offer a lifetime guarantee of assistance. Whatever question you may have regarding the preparation just ask them and they will assist! If you are reading from abroad and think that these products look great, you are in luck, as Foodcraft Collective offer worldwide shipping and all UK deliveries are free.

I will now let you know how I got on using the Bubble Tea kit.

Bubble Tea is something that I have never heard of before so I was curious to see what it was. After looking at pictures on the internet it looked to be a novelty way to enjoy iced tea. They looked like they'd be great when having guests and a way to make drinks look more exciting.

I do like iced tea, however I am not a fan on milk in my tea. This got me thinking of a way to recreate the drink into a new drinking experience. What better way to try a new novelty drink than to add alcohol! I have used the kit to make a Bubble Gin and Lemongrass Tea. To make this I simply replaced the black tea with a pure lemongrass tea and added a good measure of gin and a dash of lime cordial on ice.

In the pack you get everything that you need to make about 5 bubble teas along with straws and full instructions.

I followed the instructions and made the bubbles. They were not as easy as I had expected. The starch was hard to mould but it was fun trying. I think that the bubbles came out ok, however mine did not have the clear appearance as expected. This may have been due to the water for the final part not being cold enough. However after they had been in the cold drink for a bit they did develop a clear layer. We will definitely be trying them again!

I am particularly looking forward to trying out the make your own bacon kit. However I am yet to get some pork belly. If you do make this make sure that the piece of pork belly that you use has a long use by date as it will be curing for a full week. This kit will enable you to make 1kg of bacon at home! As soon as I have used this kit I will definitely let you know how I get on!

These kits are fun, innovative ways to make food fun.

Foodcraft Collective are offering three of my readers the opportunity to win a one of the three kits. All you need to do to enter is complete the Rafflecopter below!

Good Luck!

Competition Terms and Conditions

• This competition is open to UK residents only.
• Once the winner has been selected by random using the Rafflecopter I will email the winners and pass on their details to Foodcraft Collective.
• Once I have passed on the winners details I am no longer responsible for the prize.
• If the winners do not respond to the email with in 14 days another winner will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Canvas Design - Our Dream Wedding Canvas

After the hubby and I got married, nearly 3 years ago, we said that we wanted to get a canvas printed of our wedding day.

However, 3 months after we got married we found out that we were expecting so the canvas idea got put on hold. When we found out we were expecting twins the idea got forgotten completely!

When I was asked by Canvas Design to write a review I saw this as a perfect way to finally get our dream canvas!

We sat down reminiscing about the perfect wedding day that we had and looked through our photographs.

We found the perfect photograph.

I sent Canvas Design our chosen photograph on the Sunday. On the Tuesday I received a text message telling me that our canvas would be with us on the Wednesday! I couldn't believe how quick the delivery was.

When the parcel arrived I was so excited to see the end result!

The canvas certainly was well packed and well protected.

The twins, and Joseph, had so much fun with all the packaging and helped me unwrap our beautiful canvas.

When I finally got it out, I nearly wept, it brought back so many happy memories of our magical day. Canvas Design also sent the wall fittings which is a great added extra. I have purchased a canvas in the past that did not come with them and it was so difficult to find fittings that were correct!

 

Thanks to Canvas Design we now have the canvas that we have longed for.

We are in the process of decorating our bedroom but when it has been finished this canvas will take pride of place above our bed.

Canvas Design provided an excellent service and I will definitely be using them again for more canvas prints in the future!

Canvas Design are generously offering one Hijacked By Twins reader the chance to win a canvas of their choice. They are also offering a 15% discount on any orders when you use the discount code BLOG15.

All you need to do to enter is complete the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Canvas Design kindly sent me the canvas for the purpose of this review. I have received no payment. All opinions are my own and 100% honest. I am running the competition on behalf of Canvas Design and cannot be held responsible once I have passed on the winners details and canvas information.