January is National Slow Cooking Month, a time to embrace hearty, home-cooked meals that warm both the body and soul. If you’re looking to make the most of this celebration, investing in a versatile slow cooker like the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker and trying out classic recipes like a Dorset Pork and Cider Casserole is the perfect way to get started. And for the finest ingredients, look no further than your local butcher, Ian Chatfield. The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker* The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker (6L OP350UK) is a game-changer for anyone who loves slow cooking but wants more versatility in their kitchen. This all-in-one appliance can slow cook, pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake, grill, and more, giving you endless options for creating delicious meals. With its 6L capacity, it’s ideal for families or batch cooking. Its slow cooking function allows you to infuse your dishes with deep, rich flavours while you get on with your day. Whether you’re making soups, stews, or casseroles, the Ninja Foodi ensures perfect results every time. I use mine on a daily basis and not just for slow cooking either. I love the fact I can cook a whole chicken in 40 mins and it come out perfectly. It’s currently on offer at £138 down from £229.99, so hurry over to Amazon* whilst stocks last! Recipe Spotlight: (Kentish) Dorset Pork and Cider Casserole One recipe that’s perfect for showcasing your slow cooker’s capabilities is this Dorset Pork and Cider Casserole with Mustard and Sage, courtesy of Delicious Magazine, with a Kentish twist. Packed with tender pork, tangy cider, and aromatic herbs, this dish is a comforting classic that’s sure to impress. I made it for the boys recently and they ended up licking their plates! Ingredients: Method: Source Your Ingredients Locally: Ian Chatfield Butchers For the best results, high-quality ingredients are key. Ian Chatfield, the renowned local butcher in Tonbridge, provides exceptional cuts of meat sourced from trusted farms. Their expertly prepared pork shoulder is perfect for slow-cooked recipes like this casserole. In addition to their premium meats, Ian Chatfield offers a variety of other local produce, making them a one-stop shop for your slow cooking needs. By shopping locally, you’re not only supporting small businesses but also ensuring the freshest, tastiest ingredients for your dishes. Why Slow Cooking? Slow cooking isn’t just about convenience — it’s a way to create rich, complex flavours while saving time and effort. It’s also a more economical and energy-efficient cooking method, allowing you to make the most of affordable cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables. A Month of Slow-Cooked Bliss This National Slow Cooking Month, take the opportunity to savour the joys of slow cooking. With the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, a recipe like Dorset Pork and Cider Casserole, and high-quality ingredients from Ian Chatfield Butchers, you’re set for a month of delicious, hassle-free meals. So, dust off your slow cooker and let the magic begin! *Please note that this is my first ever affiliate link. If you end up buying the Ninja, I will receive a little commission yay!
Category: Archive
Valentine’s Day Meal-In Options
Valentine’s Day is on Sunday and I have received quite a few DMs about where is offering takeaway or delivered, extra special meals-in. Your usuals such as Indian, Chinese etc, pub food takeaways and chain restaurants doing takeawys are obviously still options but this list of ten is comprised of pub, restaurants and chefs from Tonbridge and around that are doing something that little bit special for February 14th. Many places in the Tonbridge vicinity have closed during this lockdown so there are more places that are further afield in this blog then you might expect. Why not try something new?!
Your Local Delivered – an interview with founder, Charlotte Spencer
Coronavirus has closed down the world and had a devastating impact on so many people. Many businesses have had to adapt and some of us have changed our shopping habits, either through necessity or through a feeling of community and a desire to support others.
Tonbridge resident Charlotte Spencer is helping local businesses and consumers nationwide connect through her new business, Your Local Delivered. I interviewed Charlotte to learn more.
Kent Wine School, Tunbridge Wells, 12 March 2020
The evening before I visited Ferah for my Turkish lunch, I took a trip to Tunbridge Wells for some wine tasting. The lovely folks at Kent Wine School had invited me to a tasting and, as you might expect, I had jumped at the chance. As someone who’s partial to a glass or few of wine, I like to try to sound knowledgeable and so, pre-lockdown when the evenings were still dark, my trusty tasting companion, Cathy and I strayed from Tonbridge and popped along to the Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells to learn more.
thetncard – Interview with founder, Jess Gibson
One silver living of this awful situation is that I have been able to work alongside the lovely Jess Gibson, founder of the tn card. I interviewed Jess (over the phone of course!) about what motivated her to set up the tn card and learnt that she’s as passionate about Tonbridge flourishing as I am!
Ferah, Tonbridge, 13 March 2020
It’s bonkers to think that five weeks ago, life was completely different. The coronavirus was approaching but we weren’t in lockdown and we could still go out for lunch! I was kindly invited to eat at Ferah, the Turkish restaurant on the site that was Shamo’s and then Portuguese restaurant, Garfo Douro and then another Turkish restaurant, Cappadocia! It’s on Avebury Avenue near Tonbridge library and importantly, it’s still doing delivery and takeaway during lockdown.