Lentil Bites - Fairfields Farm Crisps

It's all too easy to mindlessly munch on snacks without noticing just how much you're eating. We've all had that moment, where without looking we reach into a packet of sweets, thinking you have a few left only to discover you have already eaten all of them without realising. It's a problem that all of us at The Amazing Blog have encountered, which is why we always try our best only to consume healthy and filling snacks. As the year has flown by, and summer is knocking at our door, fitting into that killer summer outfit or being beach ready is becoming less theoretical. So, if you're not already familiar with them, let us introduce to Fairfield Farm and their healthier and tastier Lentil Bite crisps. 

Fairfield's Farm produces artisanal crisps, and are always researching and looking for new ways to make our favourite savoury snack healthier. By moving away from the traditional potato and instead using lentils and pulses, the crisps are a healthier option as they are higher in protein, gluten-free, lower in fat and calories! Meaning even if you accidentally end up mindlessly snacking - which with these delicious flavours seems unlikely - it's a guilt free mistake! We tried all three flavours (Fresh Tomato and Herb, Jalapeno and Lime, and Blue Cheese) and can tell you that despite being a much healthier food, no taste whatsoever was lost. In fact, all three are so delicious that it's impossible for us to pick a favourite. 

The story behind Fairfield's Farm is wonderful, a family run farm that has been farming in East Anglia for three generations. In 2016 they were voted East of England Co-operative’s best producer supplier and scooped up a great taste award. This family run company has no gone global, supplying to around 20 countries. What's more, as of this year all their energy will be directed at making the farm use sustainable technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and solar power. With each 20g packet coming in at under 100kcal, means that when you get the mid-day munchies you don't have to worry about not fitting into that new outfit! You can purchase the crisps here for £13.00 for a box of 18 packets.

Adnams Ghost Ship Crisps - Fairfields Farm Crisps

If you’re looking for crisps with a difference, we at The Amazing Blog think we’ve found them! Fairfields Farm Crisps has teamed up with local brewers Adnams to take the concept of a pint and crisps to the next level. Introducing the Adnams Ghost Ship crisps, a pale ale flavoured crisp that makes for a “hauntingly good snack”.

These crisps are definitely like nothing we’ve tasted before, they have a subtle malted barley flavour that pairs perfectly with a cold pint. We also think they’d be perfectly suited for dipping into a light tzatziki sauce, as the distinctive bitter beer flavor would be brightened with the refreshing qualities of yogurt and cucumbers.

Fairfields Farm has built its reputation on great tasting, quality crisps with local flavourings, and these Ghost Ship pale alecrisps don’t disappoint. Pick up a packet or two from a local deli or farm shop nationwide, or at an Adnams store. 

Bonilla a la Vista - Patatas Fritas

Once again, here we are gushing about food. It’s always an exciting time for us when we receive snacks to try out, but this one in particular was much appreciated by some of us here at The Amazing Blog since they reminded us of home. Thanks to Bonilla a la Vista, we were able to get a little taste of Spain in the form of patatas fritas and could not wait to share them with our followers.

Bonilla a la Vista got its start three generations ago, in a small town in the peninsula of A Coruna, when Salvador Bonilla opened a small booth on the pier that sold patatas fritas and churros. This small booth evolved into 7 shops and a factory, so now they can manufacture and distribute internationally for all to enjoy these Spanish snacks. These crisps are different from the ones you would find at the store. Since they are fried in cold-pressed olive oil, there is a crunchier and fresher aspect to them. The cut is also distinct; they are a lot thicker and less uniform in shape than the average crisp, similar to those kettle-cooked brands. What I really loved about these crisps is that the ingredients are as simple as can be: potatoes, olive oil and sea salt, which is all that is needed for traditional patatas fritas.

To treat yourself to these authentic Spanish patatas fritas, go here where you can find the generous 500g tin for £15.The crisps lasted a few days here in the office but we liked the tin so much it is now a part of our office décor, reminding me of home.

DipNation

Myself and my colleague at The Amazing Blog, Lucy, somewhat stupidly challenged ourselves to a lengthy period of abstination in the lead up to Easter. And so arrives the first day of Lent, and with it 40 long and looming days without chocolate. Tensions in the office are high, tempers are short; nails bitten to the quick. And with it only being day one of forty, it's anyone's guess how the next few weeks will pan out. However, in giving up chocolate, there's a whole world of savoury delights ready and waiting to be tried, and, luckily for everyone in the office a box of Dipnation arrived on my desk today.

Founded in 2009, Dipnation was set up by Jeremy and Juliet Williams, and Juliet’s brother Patrick Gilmour. Inspired by the variety of dips available overseas and bored at the lack of choice in the UK market, Jeremy and Juliet decided to fill a niche alongside  Patrick, who with his background in chefing, was able to create scrumptious recipes to appeal to a primed UK consumer.

Since its conception the family-run business based in Fife has built up a strong customer base of local Farm Shops and Delicatessens thanks to its fresh ingredients and delicious flavours. It has also won them numerous stars in the Great Taste Awards and a nomination in the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

The Chunky Dips are made with a base of crushed cashews and real Parmesan shavings; we tried ours with Kettle Chips, which made the perfect afternoon snack. With dips like these, who needs chocolate?! Available online and from a number of independent retailers.