double chocolate & hazelnut wafer cheesecake.

Introducing a delicious new product all the way from the Slovakia; the Lusette chocolate wafer. Coming very soon to the UK via Halusky, this indulgent treat comes in the form of Hazelnut, Nougat, Lusette Milk and Lusette Chocolate. The dreamy flavours, which can be enjoyed as a teatime treat or part of a baking recipe, are a whole 50g of chocolatey covered biscuit bar which melts in the mouth with a crunch of wafer.

My favourite was instantly the hazelnut, inspiring me to come up with a recipe with this flavour as the star. This double chocolate no bake cheesecake uses the hazelnut wafers a base, with a luxurious chocolate cream cheese topping and is finished with scatterings of milk, chocolate and hazelnut wafers.Not before a drizzle of milk chocolate, of course. And not an oven in sight either! Chocolate lovers, this one is for you.

the craftmen's dinner: michel roux jr meets ridgeview winery.

The Craftsmen’s Dinner is a short film series perfect for food lovers and those who appreciate craftsmanship and the artisan. Starring Michel Roux Jr, each of the six films takes your on a foodie journey through the nation's ‘masters of craft’ within their respective fields. From smoked salmon to knife makers, the videos have been created in partnership with The Balvenie whisky to embrace Britain's best artistry.

In the latest episode of the series, Michel Roux Jr meets Simon Ridgeview of leading wine makers Ridgeview Wines based in Sussex. One of the foremost producers of English sparkling wines, Michel is keen to see how English sparkling wine measures up against French Champagne.

boston tea party, stratford-upon-avon.

First established in Bristol and the South West of England, Boston Tea Party is a quirky establishment that prides itself on brunches, homemade cakes, fresh juices and an extensive tea and coffee offerings. Often found in restored buildings, BTP are a chain with an independent feel. 

There's a map of Stratford upon Avon, higgledy-piggledy upholstery and the original features make up part of the restaurant's design. Before our trip to The Cotswolds, Stratford upon Avon made an ideal middle point for our drive. A charming part of the world and a hundred times better than a service station, in my opinion.

homemade secret vegetable salsa.

A homemade salsa recipe made with secret vegetables - perfect for tricking those fussy eaters! Featuring a medley of fresh tomatoes, carrot, red pepper and coriander with a chilly kick, this mouthwatering dip is great for turning around those veggie haters. Chips of course are a little bit naughty, but it's nice to know that the dip you're plunging into is full of goodness.

I'm now excited to be part of the Froothie community, and as a brand ambassador I've been giving the Optimum G.21 Platinum Series Blender a whirl. There's just so much you can do with it, so I'm excited to share some recipes I create along the way! From smoothies to nut butters and juices to dips, as well as soups, spreads and ice cream, I can't wait to get started. They retail at RRP £599 although at the moment are on offer at £429. With further ado, on to the recipe... 

Shopping list. 
(Makes a generous dip bowl amount!)
♥ Three salad tomatoes
♥ One red pepper
♥ One carrot
♥ Handful of fresh coriander, plus extra to garnish
♥ 2 tsp paprika
♥ 1 tsp cayenne pepper
♥ 1 tsp chill flakes
♥ 1/2 tsp sugar
♥ Salt and pepper to taste

Step one. Simply whizz together all the ingredients except the flesh of one tomato.

Step two. If you light a slightly chunky dip, chop up the remaining tomato and stir through.

This is so that the carrot and red pepper are well and truly hidden but since the blender is so powerful you might want to add a little subtle texture back in. It really does make amazingly smooth drips!

Step three. Season to taste and garnish with chopped coriander. Don't forget the tortilla chips!

In collaboration with Froothie