Degustabox August Box

 Saying Good bye to summer days, and welcoming autumn. Back to school, hectic mornings and afternoon snacks, hot cocoa on chillier evenings and cosy jumpers.

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in August Box Degustabox?

Tilda rice is the Product of the Month with two flavours from their extensive range - Tilda Soy & Ginger Sticky rice or Chinese Special fried rice (£1.54 each).

Discover two new tasty flavours.

Both Soy & ginger sticky rice and Chinese special fried rice, inspired by popular cisines from East Asia, are perfect with Oriental-style recipes.

Chinese Special fried rice is a steamed long grain rice with mixed vegetables (carrots, peas), mushrooms and Chinese spices. Perfect with Salt & Pepper Tofu, Chinese meatballs or spare ribs.

Soy & Ginger Sticky rice is a steamed round rice with soy sauce and ginger. Great with Shiitake mushrooms and green beans. For extra protein, add fried chicken or tofu.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, gluten free. Nutritional information: 210kcal and 0.7g of salt per 125g serving (Soy & Ginger); 160kcal and 1.19g of salt per serving (Chinese special).

Ready in 2 minutes in a microwave or 3 minutes on the hob.

I have mentioned it more than once in the past that we are big fans of Tilda rice, and always have a couple of rice pouches in the pantry for quick and easy meals.

Available in Sainsbury's and on Tilda.com.

You should receive 1 item in your box.

We had Tilda Soy & Ginger sticky rice as a side dish to sea bream, marinated in soy sauce, spring onions and honey.

Seabrook Waffle Bites Maple Bacon Flavour (£1.50) is a lattice potato snack, available in individual 16g bags. 

A lovely snack, when you're feeling peckish, or as part of your packed lunch, these waffle bites are gluten free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Nutritional values: 74kcal and 1g of sugar per 16g bag.

Available in ASDA, Morrisons and Ocado.

Bold Bean Co Queen Chickpeas/or Queen Cannellini Beans (£3.25)/ or Smoky Chilli Baked Beans (£3.50) are cooked, using high quality ingredients, sourced from where they grow best.

Eat straight from the jar, or use as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, added to salads and rice, or mashed as a topping for crostata.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado and major independents, or directly from boldbeanco.com.

You should receive 1 item of three. Ours was a big jar of Queen Cannellini Beans. 

I am planning to use it next time I cook a five-bean chilli (a vegetarian recipe), but you can use it in Chilli con Carne.

Nutritional values: 81kcal and 0.8g of salt per 100g.

Kellogg's Bluey Multigrain Cereal (£3.50) is a fun novelty cereal for the little people in your family. 

I miss the days when my guys were little, as I know they would have been absolutely delighted to see Bluey on the cereal box.

Nutritional values: 119kcal and 4.5g of sugar per 30g serving; high in fibre, no artificial colours or flavours, contains vitamins and minerals.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Mentos Pure Fresh Strawberry Gum (£2) is a long-lasting chewing gum with a unique liquid-filled centre.

Sugar free and bursting with a berry flavour, this refershing gum comes in a bottle which contains 35 pieces.

Nutritional information: 195kcal and 0g sugar per 100g.

Available in Tesco.

Forest Feast Honey & Sea Salt Cashews and Peanuts (£1.50) is a nut mix, glazed with Scottish heather honey and roasted with hand-harvested sea salt. A perfect snack. Top marks!

Nutritional values: 515kcal and 19g of sugar per 100g (one package is 40g); vegetarian, gluten free.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Sacla Creamy Pesto Pasta Pot (£2) is a new product from Sacla.

Made in Italy, with short-cut tagliatelle that stays al dente, each pot is a source of protein. Pour in boiling water, and enjoy a bowl of pasta in five minutes.

We had a bit of a disaster with this pasta pot. It got squashed in the transit and arrived, with all the powdery contents (basil sauce) spread around the box. The pasta itself stayed in the pot, so I might use that, when cooking soup next time. 

Nutritional values: 314kcal and 1.9g of salt per pot.

Available in larger Asda, Morrisons, Amazon, Ocado, sacla.co.uk and Sacla TikTok shop.

Activit Sparkling Vitamin Water Lemon & Lime/or Blackcurrant & Raspberry/or Tropical (£1.50) is a carbonated flavoured spring water with added vitamins and minerals with sweetener.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Activit Lemon & Lime, which contains 8 vitamins and minerals, zero sugar. It's a refreshing drink, a quick pick-me-up for busy lifestyles.

Nutritional values: 1kcal per 100ml and 0.5g of sugar (one can is 330ml).

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil (£1.50) is a low cal mixer, with natural flavours.

Double Dutch is a range of premium mixers and tonics. In the few of years we've had a few different flavours of Double Ducth Drinks in Degustabox deliveries, and they are all high quality drinks.

This soft drink offers a vibrant blend of sweet pomegranate and aromatic, earthy tones of basil. It's herby and fruity sweet at the same time, well-balanced, with a depth and complexity.

Serve chilled.

Available on Amazon and Ocado.

This product is only avaiable as a case of 24, and not individually.

And finally, a herald of autumn - Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee Pumpkin Spice Latte (£3).

Inspired by the iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, this instant coffee allows you to prepare your favourite brew at home.

Made with high quality 100% Arabica beans, blended with dairy milk and a Pumpkin spice mix.

Nutritional information: 92kcal and 14.9g of sugar per mug. There are four sticks in the box.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

What is your top favourite product from the latest Degustabox?

Degustabox June Box

 Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in June Box Degustabox?

Tilda Mushroom Basmati Rice or Egg Fried Long Grain Rice (£1.54) is Product of the Month.

Tilda steamed rice range includes over 25 flavours. I always have a couple of pouches in my pantry for quick and easy meals. My personal favourites: Jasmine, Coconut and Sticky rice, but I'm happy with any flavour. 

These pouches are super handy. I use them as a side dish to tofu meals, grilled fish, stir fried chicken, etc. 

Tilda rice is a great ingredient for stuffed sweet peppers and tomatoes, and that's exactly what I did with both Mushroom Basmati and Egg Fried Long Grain rice. I mixed the rice with grated carrots and topped with sour cream, stuffed the peppers and roasted them in the oven. 

Rice is ready in 2 minutes in the microwave or 3 minutes on the hob.

Nutritional information: 150kcal and 0.5g of sugar per 125g serving (Mushroom); 170kcal and 0.9g of sugar per 125g serving (Egg-fried); gluten free, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Available in the major supermarket chains. You should receive 1 item in your box.

Cheez-It Double Cheese/Cheese & Chilli (£1 each) is a thin and crispy snack baked with 100% real cheese, with no artificial colours or flavours. 

Crunchy and well-seasoned, Cheez-It makes a great snack, whether you are feeling peckish or having a movie night. 

Nutritional information: 500kcal/501kcal and 1.5g of salt per 100g, or 200kcal and 0.6g of salt per 40g pouch. No artificial colours or flavours. Suitable for vegetarians.

Both flavours are a big hit with my guys. 

Available in the major supermarket chains.

You should receive two items in your box.

More cheese-flavoured snacks - Proper All the Cheese Lentil Chips (£2), a new lentil based snack made with four cheese seasoning.

An "homage to the fromage" that blends Cheddar, Emmental, Mozzarella and Gouda into a crispy savoury snack.

Made with real cheese, gluten free, under 95kcal per serve. Lentils are protein rich, and are a source of iron and fibre.

Lovely on their own, or with a selection of dips.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Kellogg's Oaties Original Crunch (£3.50) is a new cereal from Kellogg's.

Lightly sweet, oaty bite cereal with a lasting crunch is made with wholegrain oats and is high in fibre.

 This tasty cereal will provide breakfast for the whole family. Enjoy it on its own with a milk of your choice, or personalise with adding seeds and berries.

Nutritional values: 114kcal and 6g of sugar per 30g serving.

Available in Tesco, JS, ASDA and Morrisons.

Just Live a Little Maple & Pecan Toasted Pecan Granola (£1.50) is a tasty breakfast. Made with wholegrain oats, finest nuts, fruits and a generous dollop of nut butter.

This is a gluten free granola, high in fibre and without refined sugar. Ingredients include wholegrain oat, date juice concentrate, raisins, rapeseed oil, pecan nuts, maple syrup, almond butter, toasted coconut etc.

Nutritional values: 183kcal and 7.3g of sugar per 45g.

Available in full-sized 360g pack at £4 in selected Sainsbury's, Amazon, justlivealittle.com and selected independents.

Mission Carb Balance Wraps (£1.90) are a healthier choice for any mealtime. These soft tortilla wraps offer a fine balance of high fibre with lower carbs.

Enjoy them with a sweet or savoury filling/topping - make a burrito, tacos, fajitas or a dessert with a chocolate spread or nut spread and banana.

Nutritional information: 9g carbs, 125kcal and 0.55g of salt per wrap.

Available in Sainsbury's.

Nescafe Iced Caramel Flavour Latte Multiserve (£3) is a godsend for this hot weather. Enjoy with lots of ice cubes straight from the fridge for a long refreshing drink.

Made with carefully selected and responsibly sourced coffee and milk for an indulgent creamy coffee drink. 

Nutritional values: 92kcal and 10.6g of sugar per 250ml serve; high protein, source of calcium.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Nestle Carnation Drizzles come in three flavours: Condensed Milk, Caramel or Chocolate Fudge Flavour (£3.19). 

Great for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, berries and other kinds of desserts.

Established in 1899, Carnation has a great heritage.

You will receive one 1 item of 3. We got Carnation Drizzle Chocolate Fudge Flavour (a sweetened condensed milk with chocolate fudge flavour).

Nutritional values: 45kcal and 8.3g of sugar per 15g serving.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Sauce Shop Original Smoky BBQ Sauce (£2.80) is the ultimate summer condiment. This is a classic sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, Kansas City style, made with tomatoes, hickory-wood smoked water, white grape vinegar and rich molasses.

Serve it with grilled meat, hot dogs, or pizza. 

Nutritional information: 140kcal and 31.9g of sugar per 100g (one bottle is 340g).

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's and www.sauceshop.co.uk.

Skittles Citrus (£1.10 each) is a zingtastic new mix of citrus flavours - orange, lemon, lime, mandarin and blood orange.

Zesty and sweet, these candies make an enjoyable treat, whether you're lounging on the beach, or having a picnic on the lawn. Very bright and summery.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

You should receive 2 items in your box.

And finally, another sweet treat - Divine Milk & White Chocolate Cappuccino bar (£1.29). An indulgent blend of creamy milk chocolate, smooth white chocolate and a hint of rich cappuccino, it's a perfect balance of flavours. Perfect for those of us who love coffee-flavoured chocolate.

Each bar is produced using Fairtrade-certified cocoa.

Available direct from Divine at www.divinechocolate.com.

If you're a PLUS member, you will receive an extra product of Doughlicious soft baked gourmet grab & go cookies NY style choc chip (£1.99).

Another smashing box from Degustabox, with lots of treats.

Movie Night Degustabox

  Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in the Movie Night Degustabox box?

We start with the Product of the Month:

Tilda Sticky Rice (£1.54 for 250g) is the latest addition to the versatile range of Tilda rice. 

Made with specially selected grains, sticky rice has a subtle taste and a distinct sticky texture. Perfect for poke bowls and sushi, it's ready in 90 seconds in the microwave.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, it is also gluten free.

We've been fans of Tilda rice for many years, and you will find a couple of Tilda pouches in our pantry at any given time. We like trying new limited editions, and have our own favourites too. Sticky Rice is a tasty easy meal, ideal for Thai-style red and green curries, or try it as a dessert with coconut milk, mango and passion fruit.

Typical values: 221kcal and 0.1g of sugar per 125g serving.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Simply Cook Jerk Chicken/ Nasi Goreng/ Cajun Jambalaya recipe kit (£2.50) is a is a handy recipe kit, which contains 3 flavour pots to create an authentic dish.

Cook 140+ chef-created recipes in 30 minutes or less with SimplyCook unique recipe kits. We had a Goan Curry recipe kit in the previous Degustabox, and it's lovely to try another recipe from their vast range. You will receive 1 item of three.

We received Simply Cook Jerk Chicken. It serves 2-4 people. You will need to add chicken fillets, coconut milk, kidney beans and basmati rice to prepare the dish. The ingredients include Jerk seasoning, Jerk paste and rice stock. For a meat-free meal, swap chicken for tofu.

Typical values: 260kcal and 26.8g of sugar per 100g.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Knorr Quick Soups Chicken Noodle/ Tomato/ Chicken/ Vegetable (£0.75 each) are ready in minutes. A handy pantry product for when you are short of time, or don't want to bother to cook from scratch. 

You should receive two items in your box. We received Tomato and Cream of Vegetable with Croutons packs.

No artificial colours or flavour enhancers, low in fat, no added MSG, made with sustainbly grown vegetables.

Typical values: 67 kcal, 7.3g of sugar and 1.4g of salt in tomato soup, and 75kcal and 1.6g of salt in cream of vegetables soup.

Available at ASDA.

Knorr Hairy Bikers' Chilli Stock Pot (£1.90) is a result of collaboration between Knorr and the Hairy Bikers. This stock pot will help you cook tasty dishes, packed full of flavour.

Medium on Spicy meter (two peppers), vegan, gluten free, made with sustainably sourced vegetables.

Ingredients include: tomato paste, cayenne pepper, jalapeno chilli pepper powder, red bell pepper, paprika powder, vegetable juice concentrate etc.

I haven't used the pots yet, as I suspect it would be too spicy for us, I tend to buy products with one pepper on the Spicy meter. Have you tried these pots, and what did you think?

Available at Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco.

This month's hot theme continues with Chipoys Fire Red Hot flavoured tortilla chips (£1.99). 

Made in Mexico, these authentic crunchy chips promise an Intense level of heat (and again, being a wimp when it comes to spicy food, I haven't tried them myself).

Typical values: 571kcal and 4g of sugar per 100g.

Available across independent and symbol convenience stores and on Amazon.

Fruitip Fruit Puree Squeeze - variety pack (£7.50) is a fresh vegan fruit puree from Jeju Island, South Korea. 

There are two flavours in this pack - Korean Orange puree with ginger and Young Tangerine puree with lemon. Consume as you want, like a dessert, add to ice cream and yogurt, make a dressing with it. 

Freeze a pouch as an ice pop, or make an ice sorbet or slush. Add to a cocktail, mocktail or smoothie. Fold into batter before baking to add an extra fruity flavour to cakes, muffins or breads.

Typical values: 38kcal and 6.72g of sugar per 25g serving (orange) or 20kcal and 3.8g of sugar (tangerine).

No artificial flavours, and pure products without water. 

For me this was the discovery of the month, as I haven't come across this product before, and it is so versatile.

Available on Amazon.

PEPPADEW Sweet Mild Whole Piquante Peppers (£3.25 for 400g) are delicious sweet and tangy bite sized peppers, with a mild heat and lots of flavour. Their texture is firm, crisp and crunchy. 

Use in salads, pasta, on top of pizza, or in sandwiches (for example, with cream cheese and rocket, or sliced turkey and mayo). Or stuff them with ricotta cheese or cream cheese, and serve as a starter.

Nutritional information: 78kcal and 17.1g of sugar per 100g drained product; vegan, with no added preservatives.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Very Lazy Teriyaki Paste (£2, see above) is another excellent product from the Very Lazy range, which provides maximum flavour and minimum fuss.

Teriyaki sauce and/or marinade is one of our kitchen staples, as I cook Teriyaki tofu regularly. I haven't seen Very Lazy Teriyaki paste before. It is different from our usual Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman, and as tasty.

Ingredients include soy sauce, sugar, rice wine vinegar, tomato paste, ginger puree, onion puree, cornflour, lemon juice etc. For meat eaters, add it to a chicken dish; for vegetarians, it is fab with tofu and vegetables (carrots, sweet peppers and sweetcorn).

Available at Sainsbury's, ASDA and Morrisons.

Kellogg's Coco Pops Cereal 35g, Rice Crispies Cereal 22g, Crunchy Nut Cereals 35g and Special K Cereal 35g (£0.70 each) - a handy selection of cereals to choose from.

Typical Values: 86kcal and 1.7g of sugar (rice crispies), 134kcal and 6g of sugar (coco pops), 139kcal and 12g of sugar (crunchy nut) and 118kcal and 4.5g of sugar (Special K) per pack.

Other sizes available at all major supermarkets.

You should receive four items in your box.

Aero Caramel Chocolate Melts (£1.75) are caramel flavoured smooth bubbly chocolate pieces. If you love Aero chocolate, you will enjoy these delicious melts.

Typical values: 127kcal and 13.6g of sugar per 12 sweets.

Aero chocolate contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Rainforest Alliance approved. Suitable for vegetarians.

Available at the major supermarket chains.

LoveRaw M:lk Choc Peanut Butter Cups (£1.89) are a vegan version of a well-known branded peanut butter cups.

They are gluten free, use no palm oil or artificial ingredients. There is an oat powder, which I guess is the milk substitute. I would like the vegan brands to stop using coy words as m:lk, m!lk, m&lk etc. Be proud of what you are doing and name the products accordingly. 

These peanut butter cups are smooth and creamy, with a mildly powdery aftertaste. 

Typical values: 100kcal and 4.2g of sugar per peanut butter cup.

Available at Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado, Amazon, Loveraw.com and selected independents.

Caleño Drinks Passion Fruit Martini/ Pineapple Pina Colada (£2.50) are tropical non-alcoholic pre-mixed cocktails.

Choose between a spritzy twist on the passion fruit martini, or a tropical pina colada spritz. They are fruity, refreshing and full of flavour.

Typical values: 42kcal and 4g of sugar per 100ml (passion fruit martini), or 45kcal and 4.2g of sugar (pina colada). No artificial flavourings, suitable for vegans and allergen free.

Best enjoyed chilled.

Available on calenodrinks.com and Amazon.

You should receive two items in your box.

What is your favourite product from the latest Degustabox?

UK vs International Degustabox

Many of our meals in lockdown are a game of Ready, Steady, Cook, when I look inside the kitchen pantry and fridge to decide what ingredients I can use to make a decent lunch or dinner. Receiving a food box with surprise ingredients is a cause of much excitement, as you get new products to work with.

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around a while but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.
Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise.
Each time the monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.
If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a whopping £7 off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code 8EVI8 when you place an order.

What did we receive in UK vs International Degustabox?

Percy's Caramel Chocolate Shortberad Sticks (£3) are a delicious treat for anyone who enjoys the irresistible combination of chocolate and caramel. The buttery, melt-in-the-mouth shortbread sticks are coated in caramel milk chocolate and hand spun with dark chocolate to decorate.
Lovely with a cup of coffee or tea.
Available at Sainsbury's, Ocado and independent stores.

Brynmor Flapjack - Caramel Fudge/Apple & Raspberry (£1.29) - is lovingly baked in the heart of the Welsh countryside.
Brynmor's range of tasty nutritional flapjacks is available at Ocado, Waitrose, NISA, WHSmith Travel, Grapetree, independent health shops and at brynmorfoods.com.
Traditional 80g flapjacks offer reduced sugar and protein. As they say, their products offer something for everyone, and each comes with a variety of real health benefits. They are gluten free, wheat-free, vegan-friendly, contain no artificial flavours or colours, and are a good source of fibre.
There are two items in the box.

Terry's Chocolate Orange Easter Egg/Minis Popping Candy (£4) - the iconic Terry's chocolate orange presented as an Easter treat. The Minis Exploding Candy are classic milk chocolate segments, flavoured with real orange oil and packed full of fun popping candy pieces (4%).
Nutritional information: 17g of sugar and 145kcal per 7 segments.
Great for sharing with family and friends.
There are two items in the box.
Available in the major supermarket chains as part of Terry's Chocolate Orange Popping Candy Easter Egg pack.

Moving from sweet treats to savoury products:
Growers Garden fresh Broccoli crisps (£1.99) are believed to be the world's first crisps to be made with fresh broccoli. They are a healthier alternative to potato crisps.
We had first tried Broccoli crisps last October, when several flavour packs were delivered in the food box. I remember I wasn't very enthusiastic about them, though my Mum enjoyed them.
This time our elder son surprised me by eating all the broccoli crisps. He clearly liked them.
Grown on their own farm, Growers Garden are using the wonky veg to make a healthier snack.
Available in approximately 600 stores across the UK. Visit growers-garden.com/stockists for your nearest store.

Tilda Peri Peri Microwave Rice (£1.59) is the latest addition to the delicious range of international rice flavours from Tilda. Peri Peri is a taste sensation, combining bird's eye chilli heat with green and red peppers, sweet tomato, garlic, smoky paprika, oregano and a squeeze of lemon.
It is gluten free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans and contains to artificial flavourings, colours or preservatives.
Available in the major supermarket chains.

My personal favourites were two pastes from Very Lazy - Very Lazy Lemongrass Paste and Very Lazy Ginger Paste (£1.85 each). They are so handy to keep in the kitchen, and jazz up a variety of meals. 1tsp = half a stick of lemongrass or 1 thumb of ginger.
Available at Tesco.
For recipe ideas, visit verylazy.com
I cooked a simple cabbage dish, with an addition of a grated carrot and both pastes as a side dish, and it was so flavourful and vibrant. Add them to the grilled fish, curries, roast vegetables, soups and stews, the possibilities are endless.

Peppadew Sweet Piquante Peppers Mild Chopped (£3) are loved for their unique layered flavour, sweet and then mildly spicy, firm and crunchy texture and excellent quality.
It can be used as an ingredient (try it in a potato salad with mayo and spring onions), or as a topping for pizza, pasta, salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers.
Visit the antipasti aisle at Tesco for Peppadew full range.

And finally the drinks:

Sxollie Cider Cripps Pink (£1.80) is a light refreshing drink. Sxollie Ciders are made exclusively from famous apples, the Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and the Pink Lady.
Apples are sourced directly from the Elgin Valley in South Africa where the apples are lovingly grown in the sunshine. The cider captures the essence of the fruit with its sweet and sharp notes.
Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose and selected pubs and bars.

Remedy Kombuch Raspberry Lemonade 250ml/Cherry Plum 250ml (£1.85) is a healthy soft drink, made by naturally fermenting sweet tea with a live culture.
The result is a sparkling drink that contains live cultures, tea polyphenols, organic acids and no sugar, naturally.
Available at M&S, Morrisons, Amazon.co.uk, Holland & Barrett, Boots, Booths, WH Smith, Planet Organic, Whole Foods Market and many more.

Shiitake, basmati and wild rice soup

We lead such busy lives nowadays that finding any enthusiasm for cooking during the week is a bit of an issue, especially when you have fussy eaters at home. I cook about 3 different dinners almost every evening, and it is tedious.
I know it's my own fault partially that I pamper to all the preferences.
With our elder son, his relationship with food is part of his condition, so there's not much I can do about it. He eats a certain range of foods, every day of the year, Christmas or birthday.
With younger one, I don't know where I went wrong.
When he was little, he was such a good eater. It was a job to watch him eat stem broccoli and all kinds of vegetables, which he now wouldn't touch with a barge pole.
And in the last year my husband decided to go meat-free, which I find trickier to cater for. It's so much easier to cook meat or fish than a variety of vegetarian dishes, without relying all the time on pasta or risotto. Especially that he is a crappy ungracious vegetarian who doesn't eat salad leaves or many vegetables (and just to clarify, the crossed out word refers only to him, it's not a generalisation of any kind. As I said in the comment below he doesn't eat beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, sprouts etc etc, the list is endless, so that doesn't make my life easier).

I confess I started to rely on convenience foods a bit too much recently, buying pizza or vegetarian quiche which only need 10 minutes in the oven.

I still cook a lot of meals from scratch, but I don't do elaborate dinners any longer, as I used to in the past. Even my cakes and bakes are of the easier variety.

Soups are easy and relatively quick to prepare, from a mixture of fresh ingredients and kitchen cupboard staples.

Shiitake, basmati & wild rice soup
Ingredients: 
2 shallots, finely chopped
2tbsp olive oil
150g shiitake mushrooms
1tsp garlic butter
70g basmati and wild rice (I used Tilda)
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1 vegetable stock pot (Kallo)
40g mild cheddar cheese (optional)

Start by frying finely chopped shallots in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the grated carrot, and cook for another couple of minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms. Season with sea salt.
In a medium sized pan bring water to boil, add the stock, rice and mushroom mix. Cook for about 15+ minutes on low, until the rice is cooked. Add the grated cheese (optional, I wanted to finish off the leftover cheese).
Serve hot, with a nice chunk of bread, or breadsticks.
We like Italian grissini with soup. Crosta & Mollica are a great brand of flatbreads and breadsticks. But Tesco own Italian Original breadsticks at 75p per pack are a steal.

You could choose different mushrooms for this soup - chestnut or portobellini. Shiitake give an almost meaty, rich smoky taste.

In this soup I used a Kallo organic vegetable stock pot. This is a handy stock product to keep in your pantry, whenever you need stock for a soup, curry, risotto, stew or gravy. It's made with celery, carrot, onion, red pepper, sunflower oil, spices (garlic, lovage, turmeric) and more. It contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, it's gluten free and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
This stock product was one of the foods delivered in the Degustabox (November 2018).
If you don't have this particular stock pot, any good quality vegetable stock would work (liquid, powdered or cubed).

Tilda is my favourite brand of rice, both for uncooked and pre-cooked varieties (in pouches).
Tilda basmati and wild rice is a tasty combination. Basmati is a fluffy light rice which goes well with the nutty wild rice. I buy a bigger 500g bag, and add it to all kinds of soups.

Adding this recipe to #KitchenClearout linky run by Cheryl at Madhouse Family Reviews, as I used the last piece of cheese and last stock pot in this soup recipe.