Black Forest Swiss Roll - Baking Without 'Baby'

So, I'm Baking Without 'Baby' at the mo! Let's be honest, it is easier that way!!

One of my favourite cake recipes that I return to time and again, is this one, by Mary Berry. It is completely foolproof (if you get the chance to make it by yourself), even when substituting gluten free flour for the plain.

I've used it several times for making a Yule Log at Christmas, and often, just as a straightforward chocolate Swiss Roll - partly because it is such an easy recipe, but also because it is popular with both Kiddo and The Hub! 

Recently, I decided to upgrade it slightly - for a 'grown up' afternoon tea with friends, and the result went down so well, that I thought I would share the 'upgraded' version! 

Result!

Step One

First of all you make the basic Swiss Roll, as described by Mary Berry's Recipe (link above). Once out of the oven, I roll it up tight in baking parchment, to help create its form and keep in the moisture.

Plastic clips help hold it together, whilst it cools.

Step Two

Meanwhile, boil a kettle and put two knives suitable for spreading into the water, to warm. Then unroll the Swiss Roll (keeping it on the baking parchment) and place two/three tablespoons of Black Cherry Jam (I used Waitrose jam) at the end that will be rolled last. Spread the jam towards the middle part of the roll, making sure the cherries in the jam end up at the end which will be the middle part of the roll. Try to keep from spreading right to the edge, as jam will squidge that way, anyway, as you roll the sponge.

The warm knife helps the jam spread evenly.

Step Three

Add some blobs of some whipped coconut cream. Top tip: if you're making coconut cream, follow this recipe, BUT start the cream two days before - one day to refrigerate it, then whip it, then leave it in the fridge overnight - it will end up thicker. However, if you bring it back to room temperature it will become a lot looser again, so only spread near the time you are going to consume the Swiss Roll! Then use the second knife to spread the cream over the jam - some mixing may occur, keep dipping your knife back in to the hot water, to help the icing spread more smoothly. 

Given that making the coconut cream takes some thinking about and some preparation, if, (like me, most of the time), you can't be faffed to make the cream, I have found Betty Crocker's Vanilla Style Buttercream Icing (or your own, if you prefer) makes an excellent substitute.

Dotting blobs of icing/cream over the jam makes it easier to spread the icing.

Step Four

Lift the baking parchment under the end of the roll that will end up in the middle, and roll the sponge back into a roll, as tight as you can manage.

Rolling it all back together.

Step Five

Place on platter, cut, serve and enjoy!!

You could embellish the top, but mine never lasts that long!

YUM!

Even yummier with Waitrose Raspberry and Prosecco Jelly and some coconut cream!! :)

Please note: 
This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

A Preview of The Free From & Allergy Show 2016

So 8th-10th July... got it in your diary yet?? If so, why not?? 

It's the weekend of the London Allergy and Free From Show!!

A lot of stuff about the London Allergy Show remains pretty much the same for me, whichever day I visit. This is because one of the main reasons I go is to hunt down new dairy free and gluten free products, and stock up on old favourites - especially those that aren't so freely available locally. I go armed with cash, and a shopping trolley, knowing that there will be show bargains to be had - my trolley is always full to over-flowing by the time I leave to go home. 

The Allergy Show is held over three days (8th-10th July, this year) in Olympia, London. Usually, Saturday is my best bet.

However, this year, for me, it's different. It matters quite a bit, to me, which day I go, as I'm desperate to get along to hear Dr Adam Fox speak in the Learning Centre. In previous years he spoke on the Saturday, but this year he's speaking on the Friday, at 2pm. 

AGH! A school day!! Now that Kiddo is at school, THAT is going to be a little bit tricky!

I'm not saying the other speakers aren't worth listening to (the rest of the The Schar Learning Centre Programme can be accessed here), but... he is definitely my favourite!!

Why? Well, in case you don't know who Dr Fox is, he is a Consultant Peadiatric Allergist par excellence - a BIG allergy guru, definitely worth listening to. Pearls of allergy wisdom flow from his mouth at quite some speed, so if you're planning on attending his session, come armed with pen/paper, hey even a dictaphone - you won't want to miss a thing. And get there early - quite a number of people had to stand around the edge last year, as there wasn't enough room to listen.

Dr Fox's talk was packed!

Dr Fox's topic this year is Active Management of Food Allergy - current thinking in the specialist treatment of food allergies. WOW! What a subject! Which allergy parent doesn't want to know how best to manage their child's food allergy?? 

Also speaking on Friday, but in 'Speaker's Corner, is Alice Sherwood, author of 'The Allergy Free Cookbook.' I would be really interested in hearing her speak about Ten things they should tell you about Allergies (but hardly ever do). Her talk is scheduled for 2.30 pm - unfortunately clashing with the aforementioned Dr Fox *groans*.


Other highlights I'm expecting to see, are:


1. Shopping 

I know I've already mentioned this, but it is important - shopping for food, food and more food! Especially free from treats, I'm particularly partial to those! ;) 

I will definitely be looking out for Ms Cupcake's stall, as well as favourite brands such as Lovemore, Barkat and Eskal, to name but a few.

A former Allergy Show haul!

See the current exhibitor list here.


2. Allergy Adventures 

There will also be a kid's zone manned and created by Hailley - an inspirational, energetic, creative, wonder woman who almost defies description! There will be crafts, storytelling and a trail to follow. Surprisingly, she (and her loyal band of volunteers) are unpaid for this, so show her some love, buy her merchandise and nag your local school to book her!

Hailley in action - story telling!

For, not only is Hailley an author, who has written several books for children about food allergies (see here), she is amazing at spreading the word about allergies in schools - for which she has devised a series of free allergy workshops for schools (which you can find here). Not only that, she has also created several videos with fun free from recipes for children (see here) as well materials designed for allergy departments in hospitals, to help their young patients deal with being in clinic. 



3. And also...

There is also a chance to see free from cookery demonstrations (but usually I run out of time/energy for these). 

This year the Allergy Show is also co-locating (sharing the space) with the 'Just V Show', which is space reserved for Vegan and Vegetarian stands (some of this will be free from, some not) and the 'Love Natural, Love You Show', which basically is about organic/green clothing, skin and beauty products. there is a bit of fluidity between the 'different' shows, although they are basically exhibiting in the same hall - many dairy free products were located in the Vegan section, like this Violife stand:

Note last year, the Vegan are was carpeted in a lovely shade of pink!

On the day bring:

Your Ticket - it's free, to attend, but you still need your ticket to get in. You can download and print your free tickets by following this link. Otherwise, it's £10.00 on the day, with children under 16 allowed in free.

Light clothing - the exhibition hall is basically like a greenhouse.

Comfortable shoes - you'll be on your feet a lot!

Food/drink - if you're worried about finding enough safe stuff to eat - especially important for those with multiple allergies. There is going to be a 'Free From Cafe' on site, but that doesn't mean they'll cater for everyone!

Money - preferably cash - changes hands more easily.

Shopping trolley - you'll be carrying away more than you think!

Eyes - keep your eyes peeled to make sure you stay safe - read labels & ask questions before you eat (usual rules still apply). Remember many stall holders employ staff who might not know their products as well, or who (even though, ironically, it is an allergy show) might not have a good understanding of allergies/cross-contamination etc. especially if they are there for the Vegan show.

Wits - the space is being shared with various stands, some of which I'd avoid because they offer unproven alternative intolerance tests/remedies. They are there because they've paid for their space, just like everyone else, but .

Game Plan - familiarize yourself with speakers/exhibitors list, by looking at the website before you go, so that you don't miss a thing. In fact this year, I may well download a floor plan and chart a course, just to make sure I don't miss anything!


Getting there:

Train - The train station is right by the exhibition centre, if you're coming by train.

The train station couldn't be much closer!

Car - there is a car park, but it can be a bit tight in there!



And finally...

if you can't make it to London, well good news, there are other venues for the Allergy Show throughout the year:

Liverpool Exhibition Centre 5th-6th November, 2016

Glasgow SECC 11th-12th March, 2017


Please note: 

This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do get free tickets - the same way as you can, by clicking the link. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).


Related posts:




The Allergy and Free From Show 2015 - a retrospective



Shopping with Food Allergies in the UK

Koko Dairy Free Soya Free Coconut Yogurt

'Well, just how many coconut yogurts do we need?' I thought, when I first heard about Koko's new dairy free and soya free yogurts. 

After all, everyone seems to be making coconut yogurt these days - good news when I heard about the first one, as there was very little in the way of soya free yogurts at the time, but now... they're everywhere!! And good though that is, it's surely time for a bit more originality, something a little bit different, maybe??

And then I heard they had additional calcium as well as probiotics... and my ears pricked up!

Looking good!

You see there are other coconut yogurts out there, some with probiotics, that are organic, or use natural sugars etc. but only one other has additional calcium - and that, for a mum of a little one with a dairy allergy, is an important consideration!! Other children eat dairy yogurts full of the stuff and one of the anxieties that many mums of kids with cow's milk protein allergy have, is whether their child is getting enough (see here, for a post about this).

As my Kiddo doesn't like that other yogurt, or indeed any other dairy free yogurt, except the one that happened to be made on the same line as dairy products and gave her a reaction, I was keen to see how this new yogurt would stack up.

What to look for on the shelves...

What's it like?

The small pots come in four flavours: strawberry, raspberry, peach & passion fruit, or coconut and lemon. 

I began with strawberry. I had to order it, as I can't buy it locally, so only went for one packet as I don't eat a great deal of yogurt, and I didn't know how long it would last. Actually, it turned out to have quite a long date, so I could have ordered more. 

In terms of taste etc. I wasn't sure what to expect, and usually prefer a more natural yogurt, but nonetheless was really pleasantly surprised. They tasted much like a 'normal' yogurt - with a lovely smooth and creamy texture. The thickness was just right. I was also really pleased that there were lots of strawberry (12%) pieces in it. There were definitely identifiable as strawberry too! 

I really liked this yogurt, and am sure to buy it again - more often when it becomes more readily available near me.

And Kiddo? Well she hasn't got a look in yet, will have to get some more! :D

Delicious creamy yogurt

What's in it?

Ingredients: 

Strawberry Yogurt:
Water, Coconut Cream, Strawberries, Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Glucose Fructose Syrup, Thickener (Guar Gum, Pectin), Natural Flavouring, Aciditity Regulator (Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate), Dextrose, Salt, Colour (Carotene, Carrot Concentrate), Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Non-Dairy Yogurt Culture (S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus)


So, it turned out that not only did it have added calcium (128mg per 100g - 170mg per pot), but Vitamin D (needed to absorb calcium) and Vitamin B12 (not easily found in plant products) too!! Even better!! See full nutritional info here)

Important Update May 2017: 

Koko yogurts now state 'may contain nuts'. This does not affect Koko milk or spread. It is due to other products being made on the same line, over which Koko have no control. The risk is minimal, but there nonetheless, please read below, for further information:

Where can you buy it?

Morrison's stock the full range of yogurts, as do Ocado. Asda stock all the small pots. Hopefully other supermarkets will follow suit soon!

In Northern Ireland, the following Asda stores stock them too:

Antrim
Bangor
Belfast
Downpatrick
Enniskillen
Newtownards
Omagh
Portadown
Strabane


How Much?

You get two 125g pots in a pack, costing £1.25. Or one large 500g pot of Plain yogurt for £1.85. 

It's more expensive than most 'normal' yogurts, but you're going to be paying more for a yogurt that isn't going to bring back the same financial return to the manufacturers, as a product made from cow's milk would - well, not unless the rest of the population gives up cow's milk! Let's face it, it has to bring the manufacturers some financial reward, or it won't be commercially viable and will disappear from the shelves of our supermarkets.


Summing up...

A great new dairy free, soya free product and one that I am definitely going to recommend to others! Fab work Koko!! Go to the top of the class!!


Please note: 
This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

Related Posts:

Wot no Dairy?

Xotic - another Dairy and Soya free yogurt

Coyo  - Heaven in a mouthful?

Why we're all stirred up - Coconut Collaborative

Choices! Choices! Tesco's NEW Free From Ice Creams!!

Tesco how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... a tweet I sent to Tesco, not so long ago - just after I discovered they now sell not just one, but three, yes, THREE dairy free ice creams!! 

Joy, oh joy!! 

CHOICE!!!

Choices!! Choices!!

Toffee and Vanilla Cones

So, first up, let's take a look at their new Toffee and Vanilla Cone (yes, Cornetto, to you and me, but let's play the branding game).

Must admit, I was a bit unsure the first time I tried this one, and Kiddo wasn't won over (I preferred their strawberry flavour which they brought out last year (see here) and which thankfully they've kept), but I tried them again, and now I actually really like them. And if Kiddo don't want them, that means all the more for me! :)

Numero uno!

What's in the box??

They come in a box of four costing £2. Good value if you ask me, although I note their non-free from version only costs £1 for the same amount! However, I'm guessing that's the cost of free from again!!

Keep your eyes open for these!

Ingredients:

(Allergens listed in Bold)

Water, Sugar, Maize Flour, Coconut Oil, Caramel Flavoured Sauce, Glucose Syrup, Lupin Protein Isolate, Toffee Pieces, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Maize Starch, Emulsifiers (*Soya Lecithins, Mono- and Di-Glycerides Fatty Acids), Acidity Regulators (Calcium Hydroxide, Carbon Dioxide), Salt, Caramel, Palm oil, Flavouring, Stabilsers (Locust Bean meal, Guar Gum), Vanilla Powder, Colour (Beta-Carotene).

Caramel Flavoured Sauces can sometimes contain milk flavouring, but this one contains:
Water, Glucose Syrup, Coconut Oil, Caramel, Stabiliser (Locust bean Meal), Salt, Flavouring.

Toffee Pieces: Sugar, Invert Sugar Syrup, Hazelnuts, Glucose Syrup, Acidity Regulator (Sodium Bicarbonate).

Also listed as suitable for Vegans.

*Soya Lecithin is made from soya but is just the oil. The protein (the allergic bit) has been removed, so it should be OK for those with a soya allergy, but this doesn't seem to hold true for all those who are allergic to soya. If you have an allergy to soya, but are not sure if Soya Lecithin is OK for you, please check with your Allergy Doctor or Dietitian.


Fruit Splits

These were a bit of a revelation to me. I've never been such a fan of fruit-flavoured ice cream, so wasn't hugely expecting me or the Kiddo to like them, but actually we both did! 

YUM!! They disappear quite quickly!

I put it down to the Tesco ice cream centres which are deliciously smooth and creamy. I'm guessing it's the one and same vanilla ice cream which Tesco they developed last year (see here), but sadly discontinued (to the disappointment of many).

Numero Dos!

What's in the box??

This box of six lollies, costing two pounds, contains two blackcurrant, two pineapple and two strawberry flavoured. Kiddo baggsied the blackcurrant, I went for the strawberry. Pineapple has had to wait, as I can't normally eat that without suffering from a sore gut.

Ingredients:

Joy oh joy - these ice creams are not only dairy free, they are also soya free!

(Allergens in Bold)

Strawberry Flavour:
Water, Sugar, Strawberry Puree, Coconut Fat, Glucose Syrup, *Lupin Protein Isolate, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Calcium Hydroxide, Carbon Dioxide), Concentrated Strawberry Juice, Colours (Concentrated Beetroot Juice, Beetroot Red, Safflower Concentrate, Beta-Carotene), Stabilisers (guar Gum, carob Gum, Pectin), Flavouring, Emulsifier (Mono- and Di- Glycerides of Fatty Acids), Salt, Vanilla Powder.

Blackcurrant Flavour:
Water, Sugar, Strawberry Puree, Coconut Fat, Glucose Syrup, Lupin Protein Isolate, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Calcium Hydroxide, Carbon Dioxide), Concentrated Blackcurrant Juice, Colours (Concentrated Beetroot Juice, Beta-Carotene), Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Carob Gum), Flavouring, Emulsifier (Mono- and Di- Glycerides of Fatty Acids), Salt, Vanilla Powder.

Pineapple Flavour:
Water, Sugar, Strawberry Puree, Coconut Fat, Glucose Syrup, Lupin Protein Isolate, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Calcium Hydroxide, Carbon Dioxide), Concentrated Pineapple Juice, Colours (Curcumin, Beta-Carotene), Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Carob Gum), Flavouring, Emulsifier (Mono- and Di- Glycerides of Fatty Acids), Salt, Vanilla Powder.

May contain nuts,

Suitable for Vegans.

*Lupin is a lesser-known allergen in the UK, but, like soya, is a legume. Watch out if allergic to other legumes. I wasn't sure when I first tried Tesco ice cream, but now think I am OK with it.


Choc Ices

Now THESE are my personal faves (I always believe in saving the best for last)!!

I was so excited about them, in fact, that no sooner had I bought them, I sat in my car and scoffed a whole one, before driving home. It took me a little while to eat too, because (to my surprise) it wasn't a stingy-sized choc ice (and I have quite an appetite)!!

You know me, I love my chocolate!! And the chocolate on these choc ices does not disappoint - it gives a decent covering to the same creamy dairy free ice cream, used in the other two. I loved them!

THESE choc ices are soooo good, that they will definitely be bought time and time again. AND, it seems I'm not the only one of this opinion, because they are frequently out of stock in my local Tesco!! 

DEEP JOY!!

What's in the box?

You get three really decent size choc ices in a pack for £2. We are talking proper adult-sized portions here, not kiddies!!

Numero Tres!

Ingredients:

(Allergens in Bold)

Water, Chocolate Flavoured Coating, Coconut Fat, Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Lupin Protein Isolate, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Acidity regulators (Calcium Hydroxide, Carbon Dioxide), Emulsifier (Mono- and Di-Glycerides of Fatty Acids), Stabilisers (Locust Bean meal, Guar Gum), Salt, Flavouring, Vanilla Powder, Colour (Beta-Carotene).

Chocolate Coating:
Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Coconut Fat, Cocoa Butter, Fat Reduced Cocoa powder, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithins), Flavouring.

May contain nuts.

Suitable for Vegans.

Summing up...

So all in all, well done Tesco, and keep 'em coming!! But please, please, please, work on avoiding those pesky nuts and finding an alternative to soya, because I know there are many more who are dairy free, and would LOVE to try these out, but can't!



Please note: 
This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

Related Posts:

Tesco Free From Cornetto-Stye Cones

Tesco Free From Creamy Iced Dessert

Swedish Glace Strawberry Choc Ices

Ice, Ice, Baby

Tesco NEW Dairy Free Avocado Margarine

When Allergy Adventures posted about this margarine, yesterday, I have to admit I was curious!

I mean we see so many dairy free soya and sunflower margarines, but avocado?? That's a bit different and possibly, hopefully more healthy, you might think?

I've baked with avocado before - using the avocado in place of butter and actually it was quite nice.

SO I hot footed it off to Tesco, to find some of the new marg, and find out how it stacked up!!

Here it is, (well the tub, anyway)!

New at Tesco!

It turned out that there was also a new coconut margarine, but I wasn't so fussed about that, as Koko have already manufactured one of those, but avocado, that's something different, right? Although you couldn't have guessed when you opened the tub. 

Isn't avocado usually green?

What's it like??

Must admit I felt a little bit cheated, 'cos all I could see was what looked like regular margarine and I was really expecting to see something that resembled avocado - you know, something a bit green, maybe??

And to taste? No I really couldn't taste avocado either! Just regular margarine! Oh!! 
And to be honest, I thought it was a bit...well... greasy.

Today I used it to bake some biscuits, and yep, it's definitely greasy. I could have used a bit less than normal.

What's in it??

Well less than 24% avocado as it turns out! 'Cos the tub states that 24% of this 'reduced fat spread' spread is made with a blend of vegetable oils and avocado oil! NOT so much avocado then!! HMMPH!!

Ingredients:

Water, Avocado Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Palm Oil, Salt, Emulsifier (mono- and di-glycerides of Fatty acids), Colour (carotenes), Vitamin A, Vitamin D.

How much??

This bit definitely rankles! At £1.20, it costs the same (more or less) as my usual brand of dairy free margarine, BUT the tub holds half the amount, so effectively you're paying twice as much, for a product which I felt (obviously only my humble opinion) was slightly inferior. 

Will I be buying it again?? Probably not! I can't help feeling that Tesco have actually missed a great opportunity here. The interest shown by visitors to our Face Book page was immense- they were really interested in a product made with avocado - yet I suspect many of them will be as disappointed as I.

Oh well! Anyone else fancy having a go at making an avocado spread??

Please note: 

This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

Related Posts:

Dairy Free Butter Alternatives

Baking Dairy Free

Swedish Glace Strawberry Choc Ice

Kiddo has always loved Swedish Glace ice cream. Having had the odd sneaky lick (I can get away with that much), I can understand why. It's a great sub for normal ice cream. Several friends and family members have 'resorted' to eating it at times and have been pleasantly surprised - not least by it's price, as many free from products can be quite pricey.

Kiddo is a particular fan of their chocolate flavour, which I am very pleased to report is finally back in the shops - we recently got some from Waitrose. However, Kiddo was over the moon when she discovered the latest addition to their range.

Et voila!

Dairy Free Choc Ice - what a sight for sore eyes!

Yes! I know! A dairy free choc ice!! Huzzah! Hurrah! And Hallelujah!

What's in them?

Well soya for a start, so boo hoo, no good for me! But they are gluten free and appear to be nut free as well!! At the moment they only come in strawberry flavour. 

Ingredients:

Water, Sugar Vegetable Oils (palm, coconut, rapeseed), Dextrose, Soya Bean Powder, Strawberries, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Emulsifiers (mono- and di- glcerides of fatty acids, citric acid esters of mono- and di- glycerides of fatty acids, sunflower lecithin), Salt, Stabilisers (locust bean gum, guar gum, carageenan, pectin), Red Beetroot Juice Concentrate, Flavouring, Acidity Regulator (citric acid).

Also suitable for Vegetarians.

Where can you buy them?

Although initially just available in Sainsbury's, I've also spotted them in Waitrose and Tesco - so they're fairly widely available.

What to look out for

How much??

For a pack of five mini-Magnum sized choc ices, it will cost you £3.00 in Sainsbury's and just under that, at £2.99 in Tesco, and similar in Waitrose.

Are they worth it?? I'd say so!!


Update:

A vanilla version is now also available - £2.99 at Tesco, £3.32 with Ocado.

Please note: 

This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

Similar Posts:

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Mint Choc Chip Almond Dream