The 1980’s suburbs rang and they want their food back!
Following on from my definitive list of the top Arnott’s biscuits as ranked by an expert. I have decided to complete a second list using my supermarket shopping prowess-powers and food technological analytical skill to come up with a list of foods that need to make a comeback.
Number 10 – Cabanossi and Cheese
Have you even been to a party if you haven’t sat with one of these on your lap?
Number 9 – Chocolate Mousse
Yes – chocolate mousse looks like a poo emoji. But don’t let that put you off this smooth, creamy deliciousness
Toobs are Cheezel’s slightly classier less cheezy older cousins. You can still fit one on each finger but they do not leave that fluoro orange ring of chemical on your fingers.
Want to turn any plain old ice cream into a hard-top similar to what you used to get at the movies? Want a unique Mr Whippy experience in your own lounge room while watching Home and Away? Ice Magic is your answer! Cottee’s Ice Magic to be quite precise and in just a few seconds it turns into crackly choc ice!
Actually cordial in general should make a comeback. There is nothing, NOTHING more refreshing when you’ve just finished running around under the sprinkler than to have a glass of cold refreshing sugar syrup cordial.
Number 4 – Bread and Butter Cucumbers
Take 1 perfectly good cucumber and make it salty AF. How these ever went out of fashion I’ll never know. Savoury goodness that I used to eat straight out of the jar. I honestly have no idea how else you would eat these. Just get a fork and dig in. Maybe on a sandwich.
Go and make a toasted sandwich with chicken, cheese and tinned asparagus (remove the liquid) don’t mock me on this – just try it. Also, make sure you open it at the bottom of the can, if you open it at the top the spear tips get all mushy and you can’t get the spears out of the can.
Yes – I am the expert on this occasion. But I do feel, however as though I am qualified on this rare occasion. I am a Food Technologist. I have 20 years of experience. I have previously worked at Arnotts Biscuits for 10 years.
I have eaten Arnotts Biscuits for 39.95 years.
Right – that’s the credentials out of the way.
This week Good Food ranked every biscuit in the Arnotts Assortment ranges. They got it wrong. So very very wrong. Firstly Kingston should have been number one. Secondly, the assortment range is not the best list of biscuits. The assortment range is to biscuits what the Corolla is to cars. Sure it will get you from a to b, it’s reliable, good value and not overstated. But it’s no Porsche.
Here is the correct ranking list. My Top 10 in the Assortment Range:
1. Kingston 2. Milk Coffee (I also loved this one because it was the easiest to run on the production line, and pack on the production line) 3. Delta Cream 4. Monte Carlo - only for The pink shell around the filling! 5. Teddy Bear 6. Milk Arrowroot - so versatile and good for decorating 7. Farmbake Choc Chip 8. Choc Ripple 9. Butternut Snap 10. Scotch Finger 798 - The Plastic Tray 799 - Orange Cream
Image Source: Unknown. Copyright: Arnotts
Recently I opened a biscuit tin in my pantry that I thought was empty. It was an assortment tin, that used to be given to us for Christmas each year. It was chockers full of biscuits. At least 10 years old. Apart from them being a bit rancid, they were all still good. There is no substitute for Quality!
However the true Top 10 really should be extended to cover ALL of the Arnotts Biscuit Range, and thus my Top 10 is actually a top 13.
13. Scalliwags – used to be called Golliwogs which turned out to be a bit racist so the name got changed.
12. Cheds – Oh the cheesiness
11. Hundreds and Thousands
10. Lattice
9. Choc Wheaten
8. Nacho Cheese Shapes
7. Iced Vovo
6. Caramel Crowns
5. Vita Weat Sesame
4. Tim Tam Mocha – deleted 15 years ago (sadly)
3. Mint Slice
2. Honey Jumble
1. The ones I used to make myself sneakily on the production line. Take one Tim Tam base biscuit. Run it through the chocolate enrober on its own when running double coat Tim Tam. Cool. Eat. A double coat Tim Tam thin. Copyright, trademark etc etc. Arnott’s team any royalties can be paid directly to me. No need to bother with the lawyers. Just DM me. Also – please don’t sue me for theft. It was “NPD”.
Other honorable mentions that did not make the list: Sao (dryer than a dead Dingo’s donger on their own but delish with butter, tomato, and cheese. Jatz (is it even a party of there are no Jatz, cabanossi and cheese cubes? Of course Gaiety, Shapes Sensations (because I developed them) and last but not least Chicken Crimpy (it is unaustralian to not eat the whole box).
Like it or not – it’s coming up to Christmas. Party time, silly season, economy cash cow – call it what you will. There is no getting out of it. Believe me, I’ve tried, on numerous occasions.
I always end up spending far too much on Christmas. Usually due to the fact that I find a gift that I like for someone and usually buy two. One for them, one for me.
To make things super easy – you know, because you are super cool and don’t have time for Christmas shopping – I’ve done the legwork for you. Or for me, if you would like to give me a gift. I also accept cash, cheque, and Visa.
For the Healthy and the Eco-Friendly:
Simplicious Flow: Sugar-Free Zero Waste Cookbook by Sarah Wilson
Sarah Wilson (I Quit Sugar Creator, Minimalist and Zero Waste Warrior) has created a beautiful book, which is way more than just 348 delicious recipes. She is a fellow anxiety sufferer and hiking enthusiast. Simple recipes with uncomplicated ingredients that inspires us all to be the change we want to see in the world. The first zero-waste cookbook and is really practical and motivating. Find her website here and the book here!
For the Tea Aficionado:
24 organic, herbal, fruit and green teas.
My old age is causing me to drink more and more tea. I love discovering new ones. (Coffee I still love you!), this range from pukka teas is a great sampler and introduction to the world or organic and ethical teas. This one can be found at Nourished Life – who sell a huge range of organic skin, body, household, and living products. They are my first choice for skincare and makeup products. Find the Pukka Tea Advent Calendar here.
For those who wear T-shirts:
Mosov tees are organic, sustainable, ethical and fashionable.
Mosov is a Brisbane-based “organic lifestyle brand for the ethically conscious. They provide quality sustainable threads ethically to those who appreciate comfort and function. Each piece is designed and made locally in Australia with GOTS certified organic cotton which is kinder to our earth and your skin”.
Obviously, I love the “Green is the new black” version, but they have a range of sayings and plain organics. You can find Mosov here.
For the Creative and Curious:
THE magazine for the creative, crafty and curious
I discovered Uppercase Magazine late last year, it is phenomenal. Published quarterly, and printed on the most beautiful recycled paper, for those that love both colour and creativity. The magazine features artisans from around the world and is packed with craft, art, print, writing and creative ideas. The Uppercase website also has a number of books, fabrics and a blog. The magazine is imported to Australia from overseas so it is super difficult to get a hold of and for a magazine, it is not cheap, but it is definitely worth the splurge for yourself.
For those who go to the toilet:
Toilet paper that makes a difference!
It’s not often that you get a gift that you can actually use. I have been buying my toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap for about 2 years. This is toilet paper is good for your bum and great for the planet. It’s also a toilet paper that actually looks good in your bathroom(before you use it that is) due to the funky wrap. If you are really into zero waste – the toilet paper wrapping can be used as gift wrap! Find it here.
For Australian Cult Classic Movie Fans:
Penelope Shift Out
Who didn’t love Murial’s Wedding? One of the best movies Australia has produced. Well, I have found a couple of gifts straight out of Porpoise Spit. Don’t wait until she’s finished her orgasm to get a couple of these awesome mugs from Nordacious. There is also a huge range of t-shirts and other pop culture references – Britney and Kanye included! Find them here. Dierdre Chambers! What a coincidence! Penelope – shift out. OK, I need to stop.
For Rock and Roll Fans:
Winner of best cookbook title goes to…..
Well, it’s a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll, but it’s not to your own kitchen. I love a lot of items Third Drawer Down has on their website, and they even have their own Christmas gift guide. I could easily spend a mint at that place. Floating pool poo anyone? This looks like a cracker of a gift and a must have for anyone who likes both rock and roll, and food. So everyone! Find it here.
For meme and boardgame lovers:
When your bestie gives you the best gift ever!
One of my favourite Christmas Day activities it playing board games. But it’s also 2018 and memes are where it’s at. I recently purchased this gift for a friend. I wanted to buy it for myself, but unfortunately, you can’t play alone. So sad, too bad my friends are now going to have to invite me over to play the game. I have found it online here. But you can purchase it at most places you can buy board games. Not for kids or those easily offended.
For those with emotional baggage like me:
I might need a bigger tote
The School of Life has some great products. Products to further your self-knowledge and emotional intelligence. I have a couple of their products and have found them really good. Anxiety aiding self-confidence boosting. If you have a look at their website they also have a range of services and classes – something for everyone. Find them here.
For the beach lovers:
Be the envy of lit-er-ally everyone else on the beach
It wouldn’t be Christmas if it wasn’t summer and hot as all get up. And it wouldn’t be summer without zinc, cozzies, thongs (read: flip-flops not dental floss undies) and a beach towel. I’ve been a fan of Rachel Castle for many years, she was one of the inspirations for me starting my felt artwork and design stuff a few years ago. One day when I am rich I am going to buy one of her artworks. But she also has prints, homewares and lifestyle products that are totally within my current budget and also really practical. I have one of her totes but have my eye on the gorgeous bed linen and beach towels.
For those who shower in the nude:
How cute is this!
I have literally just added this to cart as I looked this up for this blog post. Anyone who has been to my home knows that I am not a fan of neutrals. I’m a colour person. I love having unique, quirky, colourful items in my home and I treasure them. I like an eclectic and created home. These are from Sage x Clare. Add to cart! Find them here.
For those who live colourfully:
Big Fan of having unique and colourful pieces in your home. If your home is an extension of your personality then I am eclectic, quirky and colourful! With toothpaste on the mirror.
Gorman. One of my absolute top clothing and now homewares shops. I love that they often collaborate with unique artists and artisans, and can vouch for the quality of Gorman clothing and accessories, I’ve had some of their pieces for years. The cushion above can be found here.
Happy Shopping! Hopefully, you get a few goodies for yourself as well as everyone else!
(All images in this post were taken from the websites linked. Except for the What Do You Meme game which were sourced from Google images most likely illegally)
Last weekend I finished my plastic free challenge. It was tough and I have to admit there were a couple of times I purchased or picked up plastic without realising it, but overall it was eye opening and I found it worthwhile.
For those of you who are new to my blog and plastic free challenge I wrote about the rules of the challenge here, a mid way check in here, and reasons why we need to cut down on plastics here.
Today I thought I would share some practical tips for everyday for everyone.
Image Sources: Instagram @thesourcebulkfoods and @plasticfreejuly
What I found was that plastics do play their part in the overall scheme of life. When they are recyclable and recycled appropriately, they really do have a lower carbon footprint than many other packaging options and can be recycled many times. However this is dependent on one thing: having a good recycling chain – from recycler to councils to recycling companies to having a market for the recycled material.
Soft plastics on the other hand, I’m not overly convinced that they have a market yet for recycled product and I’m not convinced we really need them.
Source: Instagram @thepapergang
Ways to Cut Out Plastics
There are a whole heap of things that we can do to reduce our plastic use. The easier ones I achieved during the challenge were:
Reusable shopping bags
No straws – the metal straws were shit! Or use a glass
My dentist actually recommended brushing with sea salt instead of toothpaste half the time and it works solo well, teeth seem cleaner and my breath is not even salty. Bamboo toothbrushes are also a thing.
There are heaps of deodorant alternatives and you can even make your own. Google it!
Using Matches instead of plastic lighters – i usually buy refillable but who refills them?
Shampoo bar (looks like a soap bar) can be purchased from health food shops and bulk food stores. Also using a bar of soap instead of body wash.
Beeswax/Honey wraps for food actually worked really well – no more cling wrap. I used these, but you can even make your own.
I didn’t use a bin liner, just emptied the bin/bucket out from the kitchen each day
Method Dish and Hand Soap. Here. I use heaps of method products and they are amazing.
Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat. Source
If you are interested in giving the plastic free challenge a go for a month. Please check out: Plastic Free July. I would love to hear how you go with it!.
I had no idea that giving up all plastic would be this difficult. I never realised how much I, personally relied upon plastic. I also didn’t realise how much humanity relied upon plastic.
Let’s get to the point of this post quickly. Plastic completely SUCKS for the environment, especially for our oceans. In the June issue of National Geographic there is a huge feature on plastic. Yes, that magazine that our grandparents had hundreds of on shelves gathering dust. We all recognise it from it’s yellow spine. I think back in the 80s they contained more topless indigenous people but not anymore.
Basically it’s so damn difficult to get rid of the stuff. Unfortunately plastic is a very economical option as packaging for, well, everything, it’s lightweight, it works well, is affordable, it’s inert (so doesn’t interact with the product it is containing), it can be made into pretty much any size you want and in many cases is recyclable.
Throughout this plastic free challenge I have mentally had the debate with myself many many times about whether the lower fossil fuels required to produce and distribute this lightweight material, compared to glass and plastic really does make it work out better for the environment in the long run.
I’ve put together some facts I have found from a number of reputable websites, and at the end of the post is a link to all of the websites I used, if you want more information.
It’s pretty scary isn’t it? So what can we do about it. Re-tweet something? Create a hashtag? Read about it on Facebook? None of those are really going to cut it. From my current Plastic Free Challenge and from my research into the issue here are a couple of ‘real’ examples of what we can easily do, day in and day out. Some of which you may already be doing, others might get you thinking.
Reusable plastic bags – supermarket, cloths shopping, taking your lunch to work. Some of them pack down into nothing and you can easily fit a couple in the back of the car or in your handbag.
Recycle – in Australia we are lucky, we are given a bin specifically for recycling. If out and about, don’t put plastic that can be recycled in a normal bin – save it and recycle it responsibly.
Buy less plastic packaging – if I think of multipacks of chips or biscuits they are about 20g of food in a small plastic bag in a bigger plastic bag, could these products be put in a reusable, washable plastic container?
Skip the straw, and the plastic bag on fruit and veggies. I mean you wash them anyway right? Or peel them, cook them, bake them etc.
Buy in bulk and portion into glass or reusable plastic or glass containers i.e. rice, muesli etc
For more information the websites below were used for the information, and research for this post:
My 4 week plastic free challenge has now been going 2 weeks. Personally, I can’t believe I’m still going with it. Me. The person who struggles to pick which undies to wear because it is a colour commitment for a whole 24 hours.
Not gonna lie – I did nearly quit when I put tomato chutney on my pasta instead of pasta sauce. It took far too many bites for me to work out why it was sweet and had heaps of sultanas in it instead of olives.
For those who have just joined, the rules of the challenge are pretty simple. Zero plastic packaging. Zero. As a refresher the rules and products I will be trialling are here.
At the half-way mark I thought I would give an update on what’s going well, what’s not going well and stuff I have really panicked about.
What’s going well?
Fresh fruit and vegetables have been really easy to shop. No need to put them in a plastic bag, especially when you need to wash them or peel them anyway.
I found some chocolate. Whilst Dairy Milk comes in a metallised plastic fil. Lindt is in foil and cardboard.
It’s forced me to use up ingredients from the pantry. Normally when I go shopping I just buy what I think I need. I sometimes end up with 3 different types of muesli or several different pasta shapes.
Turns out most items at the bottle shop are ok. Wine, beer, cider etc are all in! Unless you drink from a goon bag cask.
Coffee still tastes like coffee in a Keep Cup. If you don’t like the idea of drinking out of a reusable plastic cup, there are glass and ceramic alternatives.
Less rubbish. Far less. I don’t even compost but my overall rubbish, I would say has halved.
Buying food mostly in cans and jars means that I now have biceps the size of coconuts
I’m not eating any biscuits or chips – all of them have some form of plastic packaging.
Pizza is in! One of the only take away options. Luckily it is also my favourite.
Doing my bit for the environment!
What’s not going well….
I’ve been bleeding money. I went to one of those bulk unpackaged food stores and purchased approx 2 serves of not-even-organic muesli for a whopping $15.60!!!! Hipster smashed avo would be cheaper.
I miss meat. Beef. Chicken, Pork. Bacon. Bacon. Bacon…..ahhhh! I haven’t been able to find any meat that doesn’t have some type of plastic wrap. I also haven’t found anyone that is willing to just wrap meat in paper or put it in my own container. I think I am now anaemic.
For many products this plastic free challenge is forcing me to go to organic and vegan.
I can’t justify the bubbly refreshingness that is soda water. I normally buy Woolworths 1.25 bottles of soda water at a whopping 72c per litre. In glass, the cheapest soda water is $3.38/L and in cans is $4.99/L (i.e. super expensive), especially when you can easily go through 1L per day. Tap water is virtually free.
Remembering to take everything I need each day. Cutlery, reusable drink bottle, bag and keep cup.
See ‘chutney incident’ outlined above.
What has caused me sheer panic?
I ran out of deodorant on day 3. I searched every suitcase, toiletries bag, pantry for more and I finally found a half used one in a handbag, which should last me the month. Although there are alternatives, I didn’t really have time to find them or make deodorant out of bicarb soda, lemon oil and good vibes.
Feminine hygiene. Everything is wrapped in plastic. Again there are moon cups, homemade re-usable pads and I was thinking about period underwear but I think this one may be a cheat for me if my stocks in the bathroom run out. .
Garbage disposal. Even though I am creating less rubbish, I don’t know how to get rid of it. There are only non recyclable plastic bags on the market. Paper gets soggy. I am currently using a bucket that is washed between uses.
I think this one will defs be a cheat. There is no way I’m shoving a moon cup up my….
Does anyone have any hints or tips, especially for how I might be able to eat meat? Apart from eating Spam or canned corned beef? Hmmmmm what to do? How do you think I’m going so far? Would you try a moon cup? Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook or Instagram.
