July Snack Pick

Say Hello to the Bounce Energy Ball. 

I can quite safely say that I am addicted to these. They come in eight different flavours, but I have to champion the Coconut and Macademia Protein Bliss Ball. 

At first sight, it looks a little weird and the texture is a bit of a surprise, but not only are they packed with protein, fibre and antioxidants, they taste incredible. If you're craving a mid morning or afternoon snack, these are a great way to fill you up and because they're so filling, there's no risk of a binge session. 

For something that tastes so insanely delicious, these are the the health benefits for you:

• High in Fructose
  
  • Slow Release Energy

• High protein
  
  • Contributes to growth and/or the maintenance of muscle mass
  • Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

• High fibre

• High in vitamin E
  
  • Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

• High in manganese
  
  • Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
  • Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
  • Contributes to the formation of connective tissue
  • Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
    
     

So you want to get your hands on one now?! You can purchase Bounce energy balls from Waitrose, Tescos, Holland and Barratt, Wholefoods, POD, GNC, Planet Organic and Nutricentre. 

 

Well done Bounce. This is ultimate guilt free snacking. 

Tasting Texas

Back in March, I flew to Austin, Texas to attend SXSW 2014. Without blabbering on too much, I wanted to share with you some of my culinary exploits that I experienced while I was in the US.

Day One - Waiting for a transfer in Philadelphia, I began feeding my iced tea addiction. 

Our first meal in Austin, after nearly 24 hours without a proper meal. We visited Iron Works Barbecue.

Beef Ribs were had, along with Beef Brisket. Everything is served with a slice of white bread. 

A visit to the Flagship Wholefoods got me very excited and I bought a ticket for the Kombucha train. Kombucha is lightly effervescent fermented drink of sweetened black tea made with live bacteria and yeast. This concoction was particularly tasty due to the incredible flavour combination of Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Ginger, Sea Salt and Agave.

The next morning we started our day with a good cup of Tazo English Breakfast Tea. Yes I did go and find tea on my first day in the US. But to accompany we had deliciously sticky and sickly cinnamon buns (or chinnabons as they were soon to be renamed). Indulgence at it's best.

Our film badges did come with some perks. At a screening of TNT's The Last Ship, we were given free drinks, 'candy' and Bluetooth Speakers! Wonka Sweetarts were my top candy discovery of the trip. They are like eating dextrose tablets. Hyperness ensued.

I have a confession. Until this trip I had never really eaten Fried Chicken. So I'm extremely glad that my first experience was at Gus'. This was one of the food highlights of our trip. The chicken was moist and flavourful, the crust was crispy and moreish, the coleslaw was something particularly special and we all got to keep our soda cups! 

Rob and I had a more sophisticated lunch at La Condesa - my personal favourite restaurant in Austin. It was beautiful, fresh and the food was heavenly.

I had an Alma Blanca cocktail which was habanero-infused siembra azul blanco tequila, ginger liqueur, agave nectar, pineapple juice, fresh corn, hoja de hierba santa and a hisbiscus-rose-infused salt rim. It was almost too beautiful to drink but it was the best cocktail I have ever tasted. So intricate and delightful.

For lunch we had Tortas (mexican sandwiches). I had the Pambazo, which was homemade chorizo, black bean puree, mexican crema, cotija, baby romaine, avocado, duck fat-braised potatoes and a guajillo-tomato salsa.The potatoes were the unusual aspect yet highlight of this dish with the homemade chorizo adding an incredible richness. 

Brunch at the Moonshine Diner was a must. A ferocious bloody mary to start...

Followed by Gumbo - something that I was very excited to actually try whilst in the States as we have only made it ourselves at home before. Trying real andouille sausage was a treat.