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Top Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy For World Cocktail Day

Fancy yourself a bit of a mixologist? Well now is the chance to hone those skills during lockdown. World Cocktail Day, 13th May is the ideal time to perfect your flaring! It’s a day for the global celebration of cocktails and marks the publication date of the first definition of a cocktail on May 13 in 1806. We have rounded up signature cocktails from around the world for you to try. From botanical and fruity flavour sensations to healthy mocktails, here is a selection of delicious cocktails you can make from home. Taking inspiration from around the world, taste the rainbow (without the skittles).

For anyone who has already been making the most of quarantine, there are also some fresh and tasty mocktails to mix things up!

Botanical Garden Cocktail

Inspired by Belfast City’s Botanical Garden, this fresh flavoured cocktail uses intriguing botanicals such as fresh apple, elderberry and wild clover to enhance the cocktails floral tone. This cocktail is beautifully balanced and vibrant, perfect for a warm spring evening. Created by Hastings Hotels’ in their Grand Central Hotel, Belfast’s Observatory Bar in Northern Ireland.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml Shortcross Gin (or any gin available)
  • 10ml Aperol
  • 15ml Rhubarb Liqueur
  • 10ml Pomegranate Cordial
  • 20ml Citrus Juices
  • 1 Egg (Whites only)
  • Pink Peppercorns and Viola Flowers for garnish

Method:

  1. Chill your Martini Glass by filling with ice
  2. Combine all the ingredients (excluding garnish) in a cocktail shaker and dry shake (no ice)
  3. Add ice to cocktail shaker
  4. Shake again to create a velvety foam top
  5. Double strain into a chilled Martini Glass and garnished with Whole Pink Peppercorns and Viola Flowers (or whatever you have available)

Love at First Sight

Savour the sense of the slopes of Courmayeur Mont Blanc in the Italian Alps with this signature cocktail from Le Massif’s Bernardo Ferro. With these fragrant herbal flavours, you will be transported to the untouched nature and wild landscapes of the mountains.

Ingredients:

  • 2cl of Vertosan Genepy;
  • 2cl Aperol;
  • 2cl Cointreau;
  • 1cl raspberry syrup;
  • 8cl Fripon (sparkling white wine from Aosta Valley);
  • 1 raspberry/1 orange slice to garnish

Method:

  1. Take a wine glass and fill 2/3 of the glass with ice
  2. Add ice into the shaker with all ingredients apart from the Fripon white wine
  3. Drain any melted ice water from the glass.
  4. Shake vigorously and pour into the glass
  5. Add the white sparkling wine
  6. Gently mix, add garnish on top and serve

MarBellous Cocktail

This tropical fruity cocktail from MarBella Corfu will remind you of summer holidays on Corfu’s stunning beaches. With refreshing citruses and sweet passion fruit, this simple signature cocktail will have you feeling as if you’re poolside and soaking in the sun.

Ingredients:

  • 0.5ml Rum
  • 0.25ml Fresh Lime Juice
  • 0.30ml Passion Fruit Puree
  • 0.3ml Orange Jam
  • 2 dashes of Chocolate Bitters
  • Orange Slice or Peel and Fresh Mint Leaves for garnish

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice and shake well
  2. Once shaken, pour into a tumbler through a fine strainer
  3. Add crushed ice and garnish with an orange slice or peel and top with fresh mint leaves

Mary Pear

Take your tastebuds on a journey to the Algarve with this delicious cocktail. Its sweet, herby and floral flavours are reminiscent of Quinta Do Lago’s luscious landscape. Quick and easy to make, this cocktail is the perfect after ‘work-from-home’ drink. Created by the mixologists at Bovino Steakhouse in Quinta do Lago Resort, Portugal

Ingredients:

  • 40ml Gin Mare
  • 20ml St. Germain
  • 50ml Pear Juice
  • 20ml Lime Juice
  • 10ml Sugar Syrup
  • Pear Slices and Rosemary for garnish

Method:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with crushed ice and shake well
  2. Double strain into an old jam jar or tumbler
  3. Add garnish and serve

Renaissance

Created by Julian Biondi, Beverage Consultant & Founder of “BarOmeter Consulting” this is a refreshing and summery twist on a classic Negroni, the traditional cocktail of Biondi’s home town. Perfect for an evening spent in a Tuscan Villa, it’s easy to make and equally easy to drink. Think Pimm’s Cup with the taste of Tuscany, courtesy of Tuscany Now & More.

Ingredients:

  • 25 ml Tuscan Vermouth Winestillery (or any other Red Italian Vermouth with a bitter note, such as Punt e Mes)
  • 25 ml Amaro Ruffino (or any other Amaro with a nice herbal and bitter note, such as Nonino or Averna)
  • 15 ml Peter in Florence London Dry Gin
  • 15 ml honey & thyme syrup
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 1 slice of cucumber
  • 1 slice of orange
  • Tonic water

Method:

  1. Chill a highball glass with ice
  2. Combine all ingredients (excluding Tonic Water) and shake well
  3. Strain the cocktail into the glass and top with tonic water.
  4. Stir gently
  5. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and orange slice

Piton-Rita

This cool cocktail will have you dreaming of the Caribbean and Windjammer Landing’s beautiful beaches in Saint Lucia. The super sweet citrus flavours makes it easy to drink, but watch out for the brain freeze! Substitute with another beer if you need to, but look forward to trying it with the real Piton flavour soon.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz Tequila
  • 2 oz Triple Sec
  • 2 oz Lime Juice
  • 4 scoops of Ice
  • Bottled Beer
  • Sugar to taste

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth
  2. Add sugar if required and mix again
  3. Pour into a large glass and top with beer

Lady Rose

This light, floral cocktail celebrates Venice and the beautiful Grand Hotel Dei Dogi, The Dedica Anthology. With natural ingredients inspired by the hotel’s stunning botanical garden and delicate flavours of Italy, this cocktail is refreshing and showcases expert mixologist skills from the creator Alessandro Caro.

Ingredients:

  • 40 ml infusion of Verbena, Mint Tea and Orange Blossoms
  • 20ml Homemade Rose Petal Syrup
  • 40ml Moscato Fiori D’Arancio Colli Euganei Maeli
  • Raspberries, Blackberries and Mint Leaves for garnish

Method:

  1. To infuse: soak the tea bag of in boiling water and allow to cool
  2. To make the rose petal syrup: boil water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Next, mix in rose petal and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup and allow to cool
  3. Fill a glass with ice to cool
  4. Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake well
  5. Serve in a tumbler and fill with crushed ice.
  6. Stir and garnish with berries and mint leaves

Cinderella

A delicious sparkling cocktail with bitter citrus flavours and a hint of sweetness. A perfect reminder of long lazy summer days and perfect for an afternoon treat. Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts suggests adding any blossoms from the garden to create a delicious and visually stunning drink.

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Aperol Aperitivo
  • 10ml Fresh lime juice
  • 30ml Prosecco
  • 100ml Pink grapefruit flavoured soda
  • 2-3 Dashes lavender aromatic bitters
  • Cucumber and Lavender Blossom for garnish

Method:

  1. Combine Aperol and lime juice in a glass and add ice
  2. Stir gently
  3. Top with soda and prosecco
  4. Garnish with cucumber and lavender blossom

Tip: mist with lavender essence spray (lavender water not perfume)

Pina Colada Mocktail

For a healthier, non-alcoholic option, try this delicious Pina Colada mocktail from Longevity Health and Wellness Hotel. Perfect for any time of the day, this creamy, coconut drink makes for the ultimate pick me up. Tasting just like the cocktail, this virgin Pina Colada will transport you to Portugal’s beautiful Algarve Bay.

Ingredients:

  • 200 ml of coconut milk
  • 1 mint leaf
  • 2 slices of pineapple
  • Cinnamon (optional)

Method:

  1. Combine coconut milk and mint leaf in a blender and mix
  2. Cut the pineapple into cubes and blend with coconut milk and mint leaf
  3. Pour mixture into a large glass and add a sprinkle of cinnamon

Agave Punch Mocktail

This tasty alcohol-free mocktail is sweet and refreshing and inspired by The Shack in Quinta do Lago, Portugal. With two simple steps and tasty Mediterranean flavours, this drink will give you a healthy kick of vitamins.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lime cut into wedges
  • 15ml agave nectar
  • 1/2 passion fruit
  • 2 strawberries
  • 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Crushed ice

Method:

  1. Place strawberries, passion fruit seeds and agave nectar in a glass and crush with a muddler or end of a rolling pin
  2. Add orange juice and crushed ice then stir and serve
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Behind the bar

A Quaffers Guide to Lockdown Tipples

Whether it’s that Spring is in full bloom, or that we have been universally staying at home of an evening, we’re not quite sure, but at the end of the day when we pour a glass of our favourite drink it has been a massive plus throughout Lockdown for #TeamCoco.

With this in mind we have drawn together a little guide of liquor and wine that we have been quaffing whilst indoors, some of which you may like to try in your own home. And, as we begin to ease lockdown it may be worthwhile adding to your drinks collection for when you’re allowed to have friends and visitors around in the future.

Wine

Iheart, Italian Sparkling Rosé, £8.50, Sainsbury’s

Step into spring with this sophisticated sparkling sensation! This light, bubbly and fruity tipple is the perfect match for your home cooked dinners. This charming rose-tinted tipple is bursting with fresh flavours of ripe strawberry and summer fruits and is the perfect drink to enjoy in the sunshine.

Still by Hattingley, 2019 Rosé, £14, www.hattingleyvalley.com

A light and elegant wine from the 2019 vintage, the limited edition STILL Rosé is made from Pinot Noir Précoce, known as early Pinot Noir, sourced from prime Kent and Berkshire vineyards. Using the freshest fruit picked just before rainfall, the wine is processed in the saignée method and fermented in stainless steel tanks for five months, giving it a delicate yet vibrant acidity. Dry with refreshing notes of red fruit, the exquisite pale pink wine pairs perfectly with Asian prawn salad, grilled fish or shellfish and is the ideal accompaniment for al fresco dining.

The Bolney Estate, Estate Pinot Noir 2018, £19.99, www.bolneywineestate.com

An excellent example of a cool climate Pinot Noir, well balanced, it has soft tannins and juicy strawberry and red cherry on the palate. Leather, spice and chocolate complement fresh plums and a smooth and creamy finish.

Gin

Fishers Gin, Original 20cl Pink Fishers, £17.95, www.fishersgin.com

Robust and natural with savoury, aromatic and herbaceous notes, Fishers uses a variety of delicious edible plants such as dittany, lovage, beetroot, bog myrtle, sea purslane, rock samphire, spignel and wood avens to create its distinct flavour, reminiscent of the coast.

Your order of Pink Fishers includes: 1 x 20cl bottle of Fishers Gin “Original” with 2 x miniature Angostura Bitters and 2 x Fever Tree Mediterranean Light Tonics – ideal to make your own ‘Pink Fishers’. Includes free delivery for all online orders.

Manchester Gin, Lockdown Package, £95, www.manchestergin.co.uk

Create your own bespoke Lockdown Package from Manchester Gin, with a choice of three 500ml bottles from a choice of six flavours (including Manchester Spirit Vodka). You can enjoy any three full-sized 500ml bottles plus six tonics from Fever Tree or Franklin & Sons. Choices include: Signature Gin, Raspberry Infused Gin, Wild Spirit Gin, Blackberry Infused Gin, FAC51 The Haçienda Gin, or Manchester Spirit Vodka. For a limited time they are offering free delivery on all orders over £30.

Villa Ascenti Gin, £34.95, www.thewhiskyexchange.com

This premium Italian Gin from Villa Ascenti is made using a secret combination of locally-sourced botanicals, including Tuscan juniper berries, fresh mint, thyme, and Moscato grapes. A light and aromatic spirit, which is perfect for this time of year.

Rum

ARLU Rum, Passionfruit & Mango, £23, www.arlurum.com or from Harvey Nichols

This expertly crafted rum collection is imported from the award-winning Demerara Diamond Distillery and lovingly blended with unique natural flavours and spices in the heart of Manchester. Offering three new flavours in the range; ARLU RUM Original Spiced, ARLU RUM Passionfruit & Mango and ARLU RUM Blood Orange are set to tantalise taste buds. We are loving the passionfruit and mango flavour here at #TeamCoco.

Whisky and Whiskey

Talisker Single Malt, Scotch Whisky, £39.45, www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Talisker Single Malt is a seriously classic malt whisky, with an intense smoky sweetness, including notes of heather, moor, sweet seaweed, and black pepper. It boasts a powerful peat-smoke flavour with sea-water saltiness and a citrus boost – a drink that is full of character.

Jack Daniel’s, Tennessee Apple Whiskey, £25, Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s

The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple: a blend of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with finely crafted apple liqueur. The newest member of the Jack Daniel’s family is made from real crisp apples for a fresh distinctive flavour and approachable taste that is truly Jack to the core. Perfect served as a Jack Apple and Tonic!

Hard Seltzer

DRTY, £15 (6 x mixed cans), www.drtydrinks.com or Ocado

DRTY is a zero-carb hard seltzer canned drink, offered in White Citrus and Raspberry Rosé flavours. DRTY uses fermented fruits with 100% fermentable sugar profile, leaving no residual sugar and no carbohydrates, which in turn offers a crisp and refreshing sugar-free beverage clocking in at only 90 calories and 4% ABV, making them the perfect drink to have this spring and summer.

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Botswana

Good News We Need Right Now

I’ve found it remarkable that in the face of adversity, so many individuals and businesses – both big and small – have responded with so much generosity during this pandemic. It just goes to show that sometimes, not all change is bad and there have been instances in all our lives where from bad times we seem to emerge as better versions of ourselves.

In this case, it’s fair to say that it has forced many of us to think about giving back and the impact our fast-paced lives had on the environment and nature around us. And on a human level, we seem more empathetic and caring towards our neighbours and community. In London, a friendly smile, hello, or good morning to a stranger is no longer a weird thing to do. Normally unthinkable – something, as a Northerner, I have always found difficult to come to terms with! – it is now the norm.

So, in honour of all the good humans out there, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite initiatives and good news amidst the doom and gloom reporting that has dominated the headlines. And if you have any of your own good stories to share from your community, please share with us – we want to know all about it!

Feed the Frontline

Feed the Frontline is a new charity working in partnership with wholesale food suppliers, giving thousands of bags of seasonal fruit and vegetables to hospitals each week. Once delivered, they are distributed to frontline staff by NHS volunteers. Anna Prior, who is part of the team launching the initiative, says “Food is at the heart of this nation and helping sustain those heroic healthcare workers that are risking their lives for us is a small way of us giving back and showing our appreciation”.

By giving the nutritious food parcels directly to hospitals, this helps maintain social distancing, allows the collection of fresh parcels at the end of shifts and saves the time of going to supermarkets. This effort is also helping save the jobs of wholesale suppliers as many have lost most of their trade from restaurants and events. So far in April they have received donations that have enabled them to deliver 23,000 food parcels to 7 different hospitals across the UK. They have a further target raise of £250,000 so that we can keep deliveries going throughout May and hopefully beyond. 100% of any donation goes to supporting frontline key workers because there is no administrative leakage, the team behind the charity are all voluntary.

Dr Nail Mehlem, St Thomas’s Hospital in London who has been redeployed to help support COVID-19 patients said: “It’s difficult to put into words how I feel about what people have done. I get quite emotional talking about it, to be honest. It’s unbelievable, I think when I see all of the outpouring of support and generosity even just talking about things like Feed the Frontline, that makes me emotional because it’s so heart-warming. I couldn’t thank our supporters enough. Just because they’re stuck at home, I don’t want anyone to feel they’re not making a difference. Any small thing that brings the country together, everyone is playing their part and it makes a huge difference.”

How you can help: Any social and general media endorsement will allow us to achieve more donations, reach a larger number of hospitals and gain more awareness to be able to continue. We would also appreciate any social media posts of support from any channels (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) referencing our handles, with a donate now plea.

Jamb Launch Charity Auction

Charlotte and Will Fisher, owners of Jamb, have selected 10 reproduction mantels to sell via ebay auction for the Shelter Charity. The proceeds will benefit the charity’s emergency appeal to help people facing housing issues and homelessness because of coronavirus. Amongst the chimneypieces in the charity auction are a fine Portland stone Georgian chimneypiece, a pure Siena marble bolection and a late 18th Century style French chimneypiece. charity.ebay.co.uk

Noxy Brothers coffee

After discovering that many large coffee chains in hospitals had totally closed leaving doctors and nurses with no caffeine fuel, the two best friends, who run the Noxy Brothers in Burlington Arcade, set up a coffee bar in NHS Northwick Park and are sponsoring it for up to 4 weeks. They are providing free speciality, barista made coffee to all 3,000 NHS staff every day. They are looking at opening in multiple large NHS hospitals desperately in need of good coffee during the peak of this pandemic. They have also raised £15,870 to help support the NHS further.

N.Peal, an authentically British and luxury cashmere knitwear and accessories retailer, has donated 30% of their online sales from Easter long weekend to the NHS staff. The contribution of £10,751 will go towards NHS workers.

ROSEWOOD HOTEL GROUP LAUNCHES ROSEWOOD RAISE, A RELIEF INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT ASSOCIATES AND COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY COVID-19

Rosewood Hotel Group today announces the launch of Rosewood Raise, a comprehensive relief initiative developed in support of the Group’s associates who have been impacted by the COVID-19, as well as the communities in which the Group operates. Rooted on the foundation of Relationship Hospitality, a belief that true hospitality springs from the nurturing and building of strong and lasting relationships with associates, guests, partners and communities, Rosewood Hotel Group has always recognized and revered the power of people in creating the exceptional experiences that drive the industry. Developed in dedication to these very individuals that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Group’s hotels and destinations, Rosewood Raise supports an associate relief fund and community-focused efforts, including donated hotel rooms and meal preparation and supplies for essential workers.

In London, Michael Bonsor, managing director of Rosewood London, Warren James, co-founder of hospitality headhunter James & Cranwell and Thomas Kochs, managing director of the Corinthia Hotel in London have launched the Hospitality 4 Heroes Challenge with the aim of raising £10,000 to support the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal

Donations Boost Women’s Support Organisations

De Beers Group has donated $200,000 across its four producer partner countries of Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa to assist women’s shelters and support organisations to respond to an increase in gender-based violence resulting from the pandemic. This is in addition to the $5million already pledged by the brand to support response efforts. These new funds will support the capacity of women’s shelters and organisations in host communities to meet the increase in immediate needs, as well as beyond lockdown periods. Anne Shongwe, UN Women Representative, South Africa Multi-Country Office, said: “As economic and social pressures and fear have grown over recent weeks, we have seen a significant and deeply concerning surge in domestic violence throughout the world, what UN Women has termed the ‘Shadow Pandemic’, that is already being felt in Southern Africa with calls of distress from women more than doubling. Current restrictions on movement – locking women in with their violent intimate partners – is exacerbating the situation, so we must ensure women can continue to access essential support services safely as we work to beat COVID-19.”

Globally, Diageo has pledged to create eight million bottles of hand sanitiser. In the UK, 500,000 litres of GNS will be made available for national healthcare systems and workers across the UK and Ireland

And we mustn’t forget, Captain Tom!

Captain Tom Moore turned 100 last week, having raised more than £30 million for the NHS with his 100 laps walk around his garden. His initial fundraising target was £1000. Captain Tom has been made an honorary colonel in recognition of his efforts. The war veteran has received an estimated 140,000 birthday cards, including one from the queen, to mark the occasion. The cards are being opened by volunteers and are on display at Bedford School, where his grandson, Benjie Ingram-Moore, is a pupil. Other birthday celebrations for the new national icon included a military flypast with three loops of Captain Tom’s home, and a train named in his honour by Great Western Trains, which made its first journey today.

Happy Belated Birthday, Captain Tom!

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Cocktails

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Isolation

It’s Cinco de Mayo today but sadly there will be no tacos at your favourite Mexican restaurant – nor will you be heading to the best bar that will be doing buy-one-get-one-free margaritas. Alas. But fear, not. We have got you covered on how to celebrate appropriately in isolation, ensuring the day is just as fun as any regular year.

So this year is a double whammy; not only is it Cinco de Mayo but it’s also Taco Tuesday. Triple whammy: it’s Tequila Tuesday too. We know that this holiday is to commemorate the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory during the Franco Mexican War but the food and drink elements that make up this celebratory day make it one of our favourites.

Margaritas

Potentially our favourite cocktail, margaritas are fun, quick and easy to make (they’re also fun, quick and easy to drink too but more of that later). Get yourself some quality tequila – we love Casamigos – as the base to your Mexican cocktail. Online drinks retailer 31DOVER is delivering the drink straight to your door. Casamigos literally translates to ‘House of Friends’ which could be quite apt if you’re isolating with friends or family this lockdown. But even if you’re not, jump on a Zoom call or House Party and have your own Cinco de Mayo party.

Make your margarita with the classic mix of tequila, Cointreau (or any orange liqueur), sugar and lime juice. If you’re a budding bartender, you might already have a cocktail shaker at home; otherwise, just stick it all in a blender with some ice. Garnish with a lime wedge. Obviously it’s not as easy to run out to the shops so Casamigos has also created a Pineapple Margarita recipe, should orange liqueur be a struggle for you to find (it was for us!)

50 ml Casamigos Reposada Tequila
25ml pineapple juice
15ml fresh lime juice
15ml simple syrup (or 2 1/2 teaspoons of sugar)
8-10 coriander leaves
Salt to line the rim of your glass

Taco Tuesday

We celebrate Taco Tuesday most weeks, to be fair, but the fact that Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday this year has got us extra excited. Anyone else? It can’t be just us…

One of our favourite taco spots in London might be closed currently but if there was ever a time to attempt recreating a Mexican meal at home, isolation would be it. Thanks to Aldi, we’ve got our hands on a simple taco recipe to DIY.

Ingredients
6 mini tortilla wraps
400g white fish or salmon
4 tsp cajun seasoning
2 tsp dried oregano
200g salsa
150g pack of mini peppers
100g washed spinach leaves
1 red onion
2 avocados
100g Greek yoghurt
50g mayonnaise
1 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
6g fresh coriander
3 limes
50ml olive oil

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Cut the fish into strips and toss with the Cajun seasoning and the oregano in a bowl – or, if using leftover fish, break into chunks and toss with the above seasonings.

Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds and white pith and slice thinly. Shred the spinach leaves. Peel, halve and thinly slice the red onion. Cut the avocados in half, discarding the stones, then remove the flesh and chop finely. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime over the chopped flesh.

In a bowl, add the yogurt, mayo, chilli powder, cumin and paprika and mix well. Chop the coriander. Cut the limes into quarters. Put the salsa into a small bowl.

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil. Fry the fish for 8 minutes until crispy and cooked through. If using the leftover fish, cook for about 5 minutes.

Dry fry the wraps in a large frying pan on both sides for a few minutes to warm through, or griddle them. Serve the wraps alongside the rest of the ingredients and serve for guests to assemble.

Quarantine Quesadillas

Get your quesadilla fix this Cinco de Mayo – thanks to Holy Moly. These avocado-based dips have the best of the best ingredients all the way from Mexico and they are vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. There are also 100 free ‘chip and dip’ packs available on Holy Moly’s website – all it will cost you is postage and packaging.

Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 pot of Holy Moly Guacamole
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
3 large plum tomatoes, chopped
4 green jalapeños, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
4-5 wraps
100g grated dairy-free/normal cheese

Method
Heat up some olive oil in a large wok.

Shallow fry the onion and garlic on a low heat until golden, then add in the red and yellow peppers.

Cook for a few minutes until softened, then add in tomato, jalapeños and seasoning. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until soft. Keep stirring to prevent sticking!

Line baking trays with baking paper and lay down the tortilla wraps.

Divide the filling onto half of each wrap and follow with grated cheese and Holy Moly Guacamole. Fold over the tortilla wrap.

Bake in a preheated 200 C / Gas 6 oven for around 5 minutes or until lightly brown and the cheese has melted! Cut the quesadillas in half, and serve whilst warm with a drizzle of soured cream, salsa, Holy Moly Guacamole, lime juice and fresh coriander. Enjoy!

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Brunch

Comfort Food at Home

We have just about all got used to our new norm of lockdown, and we’re baking, eating, and enjoying home comforts more than ever, so #TeamCoco has put together a few foodie home comforts for you to check out.

You’ll find hearty sausages and burgers (meat and veggie), savoury treats, flour (for all your bread and baking needs), something sweet for those with a sweet tooth, and much loved seasoning of salt!

HECK

We have added the all-important sausage into our comfort foods because, who doesn’t love a sausage, whether it be pork, chicken, chorizo, veggie or vegan, we’re all partial to a sausage or two.

HECK has got some great new lines for summer, including a versatile frozen range launching in May that’s perfect for these unusual times when we’re relying more on store cupboard essentials, cutting waste and turning to our freezers for good food. The frozen range is gluten-free, additive-free and is aiming to cut food waste and plastic packaging with its 100% recyclable cardboard boxes.

In fresh and chilled, they’ve got new Pork Chorizo sausages coming to Tesco soon, plus they’re expanding distribution of some of their popular recipes this summer.

So for all your BBQ needs, toad in the whole specials, sausage butty fillings, classic sausage and mash, chicken Italia burgers, or vegfurters, look no further than HECK.

HECK FRESH
HECK Chicken Chorizo, £3
HECK Meat-Free Chipolatas, £2.50
HECK Chicken Italia Burgers, £2.50
HECK Chicken Italia Sausages, £2.50

HECK FROZEN
HECK Simply Chicken Sausages
HECK Family Favourite Sausages
HECK Reduced Fat Pork Sausages
HECK Vegfurters
HECK Meat-Free Sausages
HECK Vegan Breakfast
All £4.50 each (600g), available from a selection of supermarkets across the UK.

Karma Bites

We have added Karma Bites into the comfort food mix, because we’re always up for trying new and improved savoury treats.

Super tasty and healthy, Karma Bites are crispy spheres of wholesome goodness! They are gluten-free, vegan friendly, low in fat, low in calories and a great source of protein.

For thousands of years, Chinese physicians and Indian practitioners of Ayurveda have used the nutritious super seeds of the Lotus flower, and Karma Bites use the same seeds from the Water Lily family to make a delicious wholesome snack with a taste like no other! Carefully harvested and lovingly prepared, they’re gently dried in the sun and popped in a low heat to preserve the goodness, before being flavoured to perfection.

Priced at £1.59 per packet, 100-125 calories per pack, available in Peri-Peri, Wasabi, and Himalayan Pink Salt – and for those with a penchant for sweet treats, then you’re lucky because Karma Bites are also available in Caramel or Coconut & Vanilla. From www.karmabites.co.uk

Tobia Teff Flour

Did you know that flourmills are working around the clock, struggling to meet demand, triggered by the recent baking frenzy during lockdown. And, flour sales are up by 92% compared to the same period last year! So, we absolutely have to include flour into our comfort food must-haves for 2020.

You can’t escape the flurry of banana cake and sourdough posts on Instagram as we become a nation of at-home bakers! While the supermarket shelves are now fully stocked with eggs and toilet rolls again, the shelves in the baking aisle are bare. Alternative flours were predicted to be a big food trend for this year by Whole foods, so get trendy and get baking with this batch of alternative flours!

A versatile grain the size of a poppy seed being hailed as the new quinoa, Teff is naturally gluten-free and packs a nutritional punch. Native to Ethiopia, Teff is vegan, nutrient-rich, super-tasty and has been called a Hollywood superfood.

Despite being the smallest in the world, this super tiny grain with not-so-tiny power is protein and fibre rich and boasts a range of health benefits. Not only does Teff contain more calcium and vitamin C than almost any other grain, it also provides a great combination of essential amino acids needed for the body’s growth and repair. Rich in magnesium, naturally low in fat and sodium, abundant in easily absorbed iron and much of its fibre is a type known as resistant starch, which has been linked in studies to health benefits such as improved blood sugar.

Tobia Teff Flour is Priced at £7.30 (for Organic Brown Teff Flour or Organic White Teff Flour), £6.10 (for Brown or White Teff Flour). Available from www.tobiateff.co.uk

Gregory’s Tree

Gregory’s Tree is a tasty fruit twist snack bar free from dairy, gluten, and wheat and made with 100% organic ingredients. We have included it in a selection of comfort foods because it is both a sweet treat and is part of your five-a-day!

Each Gregory’s Tree Blueberry and Raspberry Double Twist and new Strawberry Fruit Twist bar bursts with fruity flavour as each is made from pure organic fruit, which is gently heated and pulped to give it that extra tasty twist.

They’re naturally great tasting being only 60 calories a pack and one of your recommended five a day portions of fruit and veg. Gregory’s Tree is also, 100% vegan-friendly.

Priced from £2.80 (5 x 18g), available from Morrisons, Whole Foods, and As Nature Intended.

Maldon Sea Salt

We couldn’t put a list of comfort foods together without including Maldon Sea Salt and their gourmet salt flakes. Sea salt is just one of those simple pleasures in life that gives a subtle enhancement to most dishes.

With an increase in need for store cupboard essentials right now there is one thing which is a must have to add flavour to your cooking. Maldon Salt traditional sea salt flakes and their brand new grinder style is a perfect staple to add to savoury (and some sweet!) dishes.

Priced at around £3.50 (55g), available from Tesco, Ocado, Morrisons, and more.

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Food & Drink

Prefer It Hot & Soft In Lockdown?

Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s get onto the subject matter straight away – hot drinks and soft drinks! If you are a hot drink fan and a soft drink fan, then this lockdown feature is for you. #TeamCoco has put together a great selection of drinkable beauties for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

It’s all about hot tea with our first three choices, we’ve opted for a tea packed with chocolatey honeycomb, a fabulous peppermint infused tea, and a super herbal tea. Then we move across to quaffable soft drinks with a cold brew coffee, a tasty nutty milk, a flavoursome sparking water, and a unique kombucha.

Hot Tea

Bird & Blend, Honey, I’m Comb Tea

This Ceylon black tea is a blend of chocolate-y honeycomb goodness, perfect for biscuit dunking tea fans! Comb on, try me… and it’s vegan too.

You can order this gorgeous tea in a 50g pouch, 150g refill, 150g tin, or a 300g fan stash.

Priced from £5.55, available from www.birdandblendtea.com

East India Tea Company, Peppermint Infusion Pyramid Sachets

Officers and sailors in The East India Company would famously brew peppermint leaf as an herbal digestive on long voyages. Made from the finest English Mitcham dark peppermint, this Peppermint Infusion has a pleasant and invigorating taste. Wonderfully refreshing no matter the time of day.

Loose peppermint leaves packed in silken pyramid bags, individually wrapped in soft touch sachets.

Priced at £12 (10 x pyramid sachets), available from www.theeastindiacompany.com

THEENK TEA, Herbal Tea

THEENK TEA is a 21-day herbal program designed to support your brain function and mental wellbeing, naturally. Each box is packed with 12 herbal nootropics, adaptogens and stimulants divided into 3 functional blends for mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Blends include:

Morning Glory
This special blend is focusing on giving you energy for the morning. It’s designed to make you experience a gentle energy boost, improved mood and focused mind. Ingredients: Yerba Mate; Tulsi; Gotu Kola; Rosemary; Gynostemma; Ginkgo Biloba.

Afternoon Madness
We know that the midday crash is something that many people experience during their regular day. This blend uses plants which will help you recover the energy and get ready to tackle the next task. Ingredients: Lemon grass; Ginkgo Biloba; Gotu Kola; Bacopa Monnieri; Gynostemma; Schisandra.

Evening Delight
This particular blend is focused on relaxation and helping to fall asleep more easily. Ingredients: Hibiscus; Passiflora; Gotu Kola; Chamomile; Tulsi.

Priced at £39 per box, or £33.90 per monthly subscription, available from www.theenk-tea.com

Soft Drinks

Bottleshot Cold Brew, Oat M*lk

In keeping with authentic New Orleans recipes, Bottleshot brews their premium, ethically sourced Arabica beans in chilled water for 18 hours with chicory to make a tastier, irresistibly smooth coffee that’s high in caffeine and has 60% less acidity compared to regular coffee. Not to be confused with iced coffee which is simply ‘hot’ coffee poured over ice, cold brew is a healthier option that has taken the US by storm and due to the steeping process results in a naturally sweet beverage that is easy on the gut.

Bottleshot Cold Brew’s Oat M*lk is a light dairy-free option as we see a growing demand for milk alternatives due to rising lifestyle and diet trends such as veganism and plant-based diets.

Priced at £14.99 (6 cans), available from www.bottleshotbrew.com, Amazon, Whole Foods Market, and Soho House.

Nutty Bruce, Almond Milk

Nutty Bruce helps to add health and wellness into your busy life by creating nutritious, delicious and convenient range of plant-based milks – and we are loving the Nutty Bruce Almond Milk.

Priced at £2.25 (1ltr), available from www.planetorganic.com and Whole Foods Market.

DASH Water, Peach

Dash Water is getting ready for a summer full of sweetness with the launch of its brand new flavour, Dash Peach. Dash Peach uses wonky and surplus peaches which are deemed unfit to be sold in UK supermarkets. The savoured peaches which, have a little bump here or mark there, have been infused with naturally sparkling British spring water, creating that taste of summer in can – a zero calorie ‘guilt free’ drink.

The blush-coloured Dash Peach is set to refresh and revitalise the nation this summer, the irresistible sparkling drink has the perfect ‘dash’ of juicy peachy delight in every sip.

Priced at £1.29 (330ml can), available from www.dash-water.com, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, and Amazon.

Lo Bros, Kombucha in Ginger & Lemon

Drinking healthily as possible is important not only for our physical health, but our psychological well-being, too. During these crazy times, Lo Bros is the perfect drink to keep your immune system up, giving you the right dose of sugar for your body and your gut.

Unlike many other kombucha drinks, Lo Bros Organic Kombucha is naturally low in sugar, containing just 1.6g per 100ml. Sugar is an important part of the kombucha brewing process and Lo Bros leaves just a small amount of sugar in each bottle to ensure that it feeds the beneficial bacteria, keeping them healthy.

Priced at £1.50 (330ml bottle), available from www.lobros.co.uk

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What are the 5 stages of water treatment?

Accessibility of freshwater is a nature’s blessing. It controls the significant and significant parts of the world, and the major part of the world economy is also based on the availability of water. The adequate and proper supplies of water are vital for farming, human utilization, and industry, just as a diversion. Amusingly, once in a while, healthy or included contaminations deny us of the blessing and causing us to stand up to much all the more testing world.

Freshwater is a significant need for our wellbeing and stable human life. One-6th of the total populace experiences the freshwater inaccessibility circumstance. It is seen creating nations from agrarian sources is a way to create a stable economy.

Polluted water makes issues for humans and prompts waterborne ailments and containments, which can be forestalled by taking measures even at the family level. Giving safe water to everything is a difficult errand. Proceeded to look into endeavors right now over hardly any decades brings about numerous procedures/advances. In the process of water treatment, the cabin air filter ensures that clean, purified water is delivered to consumers.

Water Contamination as a worldly issue:

Water contamination is a typical issue everywhere throughout the world. These might be geographical or anthropogenic (human-made). More significant levels of contaminants in drinking water are only from time to time to cause intense human impacts. It relies upon singular powerlessness and method of contact with the body and reviewing softeners.

The sorts and groupings of common chemicals and containments rely upon the idea of the land materials through which the groundwater streams and nature of the energized water. Groundwater traveling through sedimentary shakes and soils may get a broad scope of mixes, for example, magnesium, calcium, and chloride, arsenate, fluoride, nitrate, and iron; accordingly, the impact of these characteristic contaminations relies upon their sorts and focuses. The standard happening components present at unacceptable levels can taint water too, that is why many have considered using saltless water softener.

Kinds of containments:

Different contaminants are human-made results of the industry, and farming, including substantial metals like mercury, copper, chromium, lead, and risky synthetic compounds, colors, and mixes like bug sprays and manures.

Inappropriate putting away or discarding family unit synthetic substances, for example, paints, manufactured cleansers, solvents, oils, prescriptions, disinfectants, pool synthetic compounds, pesticides, batteries, gas, and diesel fuel can prompt groundwater contamination consistently 2 million tons of sewage, mechanical and horticultural waste is released into the world’s water.

The microbial contaminants incorporate pathogens like microorganisms, infections, and parasites, for example, minute protozoa and worms. Humans and creatures can spread these living creatures, squander knowing, or unwittingly.

A few contaminants can be effectively recognized by evaluating shading, smell, turbidity, and the flavor of the water. Nonetheless, most can’t be effectively distinguished and expect testing to uncover whether water is debased or not. A good water softener for in The Villages, Florida can solve this issue. In this manner, the contaminants may bring about unappealing taste or scent and recolor just as wellbeing impacts.

5 stages of Water Treatment:

There are 5 Steps of Water Purification treatment. Water shortage is the main problem, with billions of individuals around the globe lacking access to clean and safe water. Water cleansing assumes a significant job in guaranteeing access to safe drinking water and, in this way, can improve instruction, wellbeing, nourishment security, and destitution in creating nations.

In any case, it’s not simply creating nations that can benefit from outside intervention. In essence, the requirement for water cleaning likewise emerges in Sydney and remote Australian people groups like Adelaide River, where, once in a while, both iron and manganese fixation levels make the water dangerous to drink. We’ll clarify the five stages associated with the way toward refining water.

Filtration

Filtration Whatever is as yet swimming in the water will be expelled in the filtration organize, where watercourses through layers of material like rock, sand, and charcoal. These layers are frequently very profound to guarantee the ideal degree of filtration. The more layers utilized, and the better the sand, the better the filtration. combo water filter softener system can be proved best in this process.

Collection/screening

Screening expels the greatest hindrances from water originating from lakes or streams, similar to wood, plants, fish, and waste. It guarantees that the system can run at its best without large items meddling or blocking passages.

Coagulation

Coagulation By adding synthetics to the water, the supplements and remaining solids can be expelled. The synthetic compounds make what is called floc, clingy particles that pull in earth, and the water streams on to a sedimentation bowl

Sedimentation

Sedimentation In the sedimentation bowl, the water sits still, and the floc aggregates soil, which in the end gets sufficiently substantial to sink to the base of the tank, thus permitting it to be expelled from the water before it moves through to filtration.

Disinfection

Disinfection once the water has gone through the entirety of the above mentioned, the main outstanding advance is sanitization. This makes the water drinkable, by expelling all poisons. Right now is regularly added to expel microbes, infections, and parasites. The expansion of sodium bisulfate later kills the chlorine.

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Brazil

3 Vegan Alternatives to Nutella

I need comfort food to get through this lockdown. Before I went vegan, I would be running to the nutella jar, spoon in hand.

The last few weeks have given me an excuse to explore vegan alternatives to Nutella. My mission: to discover spreads which are just as delicious without any of the cruelty.

Some little-known facts about Nutella: Ferrero faced a lawsuit a few years back for claiming, falsely, that Nutella was nutricious and the first two ingredients are sugar and palm oil, NOT hazelnuts.

After a lengthy search, let me give you my top three delicious, slightly more healthy, and vegan Nutella alternatives.

1 – Grecious Tahini with Cocoa

If you like nuts then this one is for you. It is delicious creamy yet totally dairy-free.

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, without preservatives or additives. Only 13% of a nutella jar is hazelnuts while a whopping 62% of this Grecious spread is ground sesame seeds.

I love this one on porridge or in a cake – it is a bit too thick and overpowering on toast. A bonus: all the products from Grecious are ethically and sustainably sourced.

Get it delivered from www.harveynichols.com

2 – Vego Chocolate Spread

Vegan Alternatives to Nutella

Vegan, organic and palm-oil free, the Vego spread is the closest thing to nutella I have tasted.

22% hazelnuts, plenty of raw cane sugar and shea butter, this is not necessarily the healthiest option. But it sure is yummy.

Get it delivered from www.hollandandbarrett.com.

3 – Raw Cacao Brazilnut Bliss

Just four superfood ingredients: 78% Brazil nuts with agave nectar, cacao powder and hemp oil. This one has a hell of a lot more protein per g than Nutella and raw Brazil nuts come with tons of good-for-you nutrients like selenium and copper.

As well as scoring top marks on the health front, this spread is flavourful and delicious on toast, in puddings or even in homemade ice cream. Only one downside: the oil tends to separate so stir it before you dig in.

Get it delivered from your local stockist – all the details at www.rawvibrantliving.co.uk.

Elevate your vegan journey with expert advice on essential supplements. Check out House of Coco for invaluable insights into maximizing your nutrition.

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Food & Drink

3 little luxury items to help you de-stress

Life can be trying right now. So we are here to recommend three luxurious things to give you that little lift. Self-care is vital so let’s take the things we can do and make them as wonderful as possible.

Tea by La Duree

If you are anything like me then you have been consuming more tea than usual. While you are stuck indoors, it is high time to try the most luxurious tea out there: La Duree.

While Ladurée is primarily known for its macarons and sweet treats, it has launched a delicious range of black and herbal teas which are available from delivery at Harvey Nichols.

Our favourite is the most decadent tea of all: the Marie-Antoinette with a dash of jasmine, citrus and rose petals. You will never think of a tea break in the same way again.

Visit: harveynichols.com/brand/sas-patisserie-laduree

A Holistic Candle

I light a scented candle every evening as it gets dark while I sink into a good book and a glass of something chilled – bliss!

Most scented candles are bad for our health as they release unwanted chemicals. But you get none of those nasties with Holistic because each candle is made from soy wax, meaning they are completely vegan.

And they smell divine, perfect for a bedroom or bathroom. We tried the neroli + camomile scents as well as the bergamot + wildflower. Close your eyes and you are whisked to a summer garden or an aroma-filled spa.

Visit: thisisholisticlondon.com.

Hendricks Lunar Gin

A G&T from your balcony? A virtual happy hour over houseparty? We are right with you.

To take your gin game to luxury levels, try the Hendrick’s Lunar Gin. Divine with ginger ale and a twist of lemon or your very best tonic and a slice of cucumber, this gin will make your evenings in all the merrier.

A slightly floral, mysterious gin, this one is limited edition so get it delivered to your house ASAP.

Visit: harveynichols.com/brand/hendrick-s

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Food & Drink

How To Be a Masterchef While Camping Outdoors

Camping has long been a couple and family favorite. Pitching a tent, starting a campfire, roasting marshmallows to make s’mores…what’s not to love! However, there is that one bit that might just be the downer of the trip if not managed well. Cooking. Cooking outdoors without a proper stove and kitchen equipment is definitely not something everyone can grasp at first try. More often than not you’ll end up with burnt food when you mismanage that aluminum wrapped corn or cast-iron pan filled with baked beans over an open fire. Not anymore, this guide will teach you all you need to know to whip up a sumptuous meal.

Types of Outdoor Cooking

When it comes to cooking outdoors, there are three options for doing so: backpacking cooking, campfire cooking, and camp stove cooking. Backpacking cooking as described in the name is essentially carrying around your entire kitchen in your backpack from a single burner portable stove to a water filtration system. You’ll be able to cook wherever and whenever with just that backpack of yours. Campfire cooking involves cooking over an open campfire which you’ll have to start with logs and firewood. Camp stove cooking, similar to backpacking cooking, is cooking over a multi-burner portable stove that is slightly chunkier and heavier as compared to the ones for backpacking cooking.

  • Car Camping

Car camping is the preferred choice of camping for many. You simply set up your camping site near your parked car. This form of camping is the most luxurious and comfortable of all given that most of the time it is done at a proper campsite in a campground. With car camping, most people opt for camp stove cooking or campfire cooking. A mental note, not to pack your entire kitchen into the back of your car just because you have the luxury of a car and convenience. Keep things simple and only bring the essentials.

  • Large Group Camping

Camping with larger groups means more fun, more laughter but also more cooking. You’ll need to prepare larger meal portions at any one time which means it’ll only leave you with two options: multi-burner camp stove or campfire. These options are not mutually exclusive in fact, you might find yourself using a combination of the two options.

  • Backpacking

Backpacking camping means that you’ll pack your entire “camping ground” into your backpack. Weight and size are critical when it boils down to your choice of outdoor cooking equipment. Small portable stoves that function on small bottles of butane or propane are sufficient to cook a meal. Simplicity is key when it comes to backpacking. Easy-to-cook meals and one-pot recipes are the go-tos for backpackers.

Best Practices for Safely Storing Your Food Outdoors

Being out in the wild means you are exposed to wildlife and lack the proper equipment to keep food chilled when necessary. Some tips and tricks listed below will help you navigate your way through this problem.

  • Freezing

A high-quality cooler is imperative and possibly the only option available to keep your raw food chilled for a sustained period. To lengthen the shelf life of these foods, freezing them prior to the camping trip will help keep it cold for a longer period of time.

  • Avoid Attracting Wildlife

Firstly, avoid storing any food in easily accessible backpacks or tents. Secondly, ensure that any form of food is stored in a vacuum storage bag or container. Lastly, do not leave garbage lying around because these are like a pot of gold for the wildlife to rummage through for bits and pieces of food.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Cooking Gear

This is largely dependent on the type of camping you are opting for. Family car camping? Solo backpacking trip?

  • Over The Campfire

The essentials: mobile grill, set of cookware (preferably cast iron) and metal cooking utensils, aluminum foil and oven mitts. Be prepared with rolls and rolls of aluminum foil as they are the ones you’ll be making food pouches with or laying the grill with. Oven mitts are for protection against the strong flame produced by the campfire.

  • Camping Stove

Largely similar to prepping to cook over a campfire except you’ll need to prepare a multi-burner camp stove. Though you’ll not be able to achieve the authentic smoky taste of campfire food, it is definitely more convenient and requires less effort. Need some advice as to which camping cooker will suit you best? Check out this guide to camping cookers.

  • Backpacking

The essentials: close-packed single burner camp stove, small pots, and a foldable spork. No need for big fancy cooking utensils, a spork is all you need to lighten your load while backpacking.

How To Cook Outdoors Over a Campfire

It is a common misconception that strong and blazing flames produce the best-tasting food. This will often result in inconsistent heat which makes cooking difficult. Instead, all you need is a small, steady flame for a consistent cook on the food and avoidance of charring them. Before you start cooking, wait 20-30 minutes for the fire to reach equilibrium. After that, sweep out some coals to lessen the intensity of the flame, resulting in a consistent and ideal heat to cook over.

  • Have an Even and Sturdy Surface to Cook On

To prevent the spillage of food, use either a mobile camp stove or create a sturdy platform by placing a grill on some rocks.

  • Slow Cook is the Way to Go When Campfire Cooking

For the best tasting and thoroughly cooked food, slow cooking is the way to go. Trust me, your patience will pay off.

Tips for Cleaning Up After Cooking Outdoors

The most dreadful part of every cooking episode, the clean-up. To make your life easier, always remember to use non-stick cookware or cooking oil to prevent stubborn removals. While eating, start boiling a pot of water such that immediately after you are done eating, you’ll have access to hot water to do the dishes.

Outdoor cooking can be seemingly dreadful when you think about all that goes into food preparation. If done right, it can actually be a lot of fun. After you’re done cooking, remember the rule of thumb – leave no trace. That means, respect the environment and wildlife around you and clean up.

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