New Service at Roots and Vines: Order Vicky’s Bread for Easy Collection!

At Roots and Vines, we’re all about supporting local artisans and offering the very best food and drink to our community. That’s why we’re excited to announce a brand new service: you can now order directly from Vicky’s Bread and collect your delicious baked goods from us, any day of the week! 🥖🍞

How Does It Work?

It’s simple:

1. Order Online
   Visit Vicky’s Bread and choose from their full range of handmade, artisan breads. Whether you’re craving their signature sourdough or fancy trying something different, like their multigrain loaf or buttery pastries, you’ll find plenty of options.
2. Collect at Roots and Vines
   Once your order is ready, we’ll handle the rest. Just drop by Roots and Vines at your convenience to pick up your freshly baked goods. No need to rush — we’re here seven days a week, making it easy for you to collect at a time that suits you.

Why You’ll Love This Service:

There are plenty of reasons to get excited about this new partnership:

• A Wider Selection: You’ll have access to a much larger variety of breads than what we can stock in-store, so whether you want a classic sourdough or something for a special occasion, Vicky’s full range is at your fingertips.
• Perfect for Special Events: Hosting a party or big family meal? Need extra loaves to fill your freezer? This service is perfect for making sure you have all the bread you need for those big occasions.
• Festive Orders: With Christmas right around the corner, this is the perfect time to take advantage of our new service. Place your orders right up until Christmas Eve to ensure you’ve got enough sourdough and treats for the holiday season!

A Closer Look at Vicky’s Bread

For those of you who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Vicky’s Bread, let us fill you in. Vicky started her bakery back in 2006, with a passion for creating breads that were full of flavour, rustic in appearance, and carefully crafted. From her small bakery, Vicky has become a beloved name in Cornwall’s food scene, with her commitment to quality and tradition making her loaves truly exceptional.

At the heart of Vicky’s process is sourdough. But what makes sourdough so special?

A sourdough culture is a natural mixture of flour and water, left to ferment with wild yeasts. This slow fermentation is key to the incredible depth of flavour that sourdough is known for. It also means that sourdough breads are often easier to digest and have a longer shelf life without the need for preservatives.

Vicky’s bakery is known for its variety of sourdough loaves, each one with its own distinct flavour. From her tangy wholewheat sourdough to her milder, white flour sourdough, there’s something for everyone. And while sourdough is certainly a favourite, Vicky’s Bread also offers a wide range of non-sourdough options for those looking for something a little different.

Why Sourdough?

Sourdough has become hugely popular in recent years, and with good reason. Not only does it have a unique, slightly tangy flavour, but the slow fermentation process also enhances its nutritional value. Sourdough breads contain naturally occurring acids that help break down phytic acid, which means your body can absorb more of the minerals in the bread.

It’s also a better option for those with sensitive stomachs, as many people find that sourdough is easier to digest compared to quicker, yeast-risen loaves. So, when you order Vicky’s sourdough, you’re getting a bread that’s both delicious and good for you.

PUMPKINS…Not just a decoration!

Pumpkin carving is such a wonderful Halloween tradition! It brings families together for a fun, creative activity and leaves you with some fantastic spooky decorations to boot. But with Halloween is over  it’s important to remember that we don’t need to let our pumpkins go to waste. Did you know that in the UK alone, around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are discarded each year after being carved? That’s a lot of potential going in the bin!

At Roots and Vines, we’re passionate about reducing food waste, and our locally grown pumpkins are too good to waste. Here are some of our favourite ideas to help you make the most out of your pumpkin once the carving is done.

Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Try

Pumpkin is such a versatile ingredient! Whether you’ve got a large pumpkin or just the leftovers from your Halloween creation, there are so many ways to use it.

• Roasted Pumpkin: A simple but tasty way to enjoy pumpkin is by roasting it. Just slice it up, toss with a bit of olive oil, salt, and your favourite herbs, and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect as a side dish or tossed into salads.
• Pumpkin Soup: Warm up those autumn evenings with a hearty pumpkin soup. You can blend it with a bit of cream, or keep it light with vegetable stock and spices like cumin or nutmeg.
• Pumpkin Risotto: For something a little fancier, pumpkin risotto is a great option. The sweetness of the pumpkin pairs beautifully with the creamy, savoury rice.
• Pumpkin Pie: Of course, we can’t forget about dessert! Pumpkin pie is a classic way to turn leftover pumpkin into something delicious and comforting.

Pumpkins for Your Pets

Did you know that pumpkin is a healthy, tasty treat for dogs? Full of vitamins and fibre, it’s great for their digestion. You can serve it raw in small amounts, cook it into a puree and mix with their regular food, or even freeze pumpkin cubes for a refreshing snack that’ll last longer. Just be sure to avoid any parts of the pumpkin that have been sitting out with candles or decorations, as these could be harmful.

Snack on Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t throw out those seeds! Pumpkin seeds make a crunchy, nutritious snack. All you need to do is scoop them out, wash them, and dry them. Toss them with a little oil and salt, then roast them in the oven until golden. For a bit of extra flavour, you can add spices like paprika, cumin, or even cinnamon.

If you’d rather share with the local wildlife, pumpkin seeds are also a hit with birds. Just make sure to skip the oil and salt if you’re offering them to your feathered friends. They’ll thank you for it!

Composting Pumpkins

If you’re done with your pumpkin and don’t fancy eating it, why not add it to your compost heap? Pumpkins break down easily and are full of nutrients, making them a great addition to your compost bin. Simply break it up into smaller pieces and let nature do the rest. Bonus: worms absolutely love pumpkins, so your garden will thrive!

This Halloween, let’s all do our bit to reduce food waste. Whether you’re turning your leftover pumpkin into a warming meal, treating your pet, or giving your compost a boost, there are plenty of ways to make sure nothing goes to waste. Pop into Roots and Vines for your locally grown pumpkins, and don’t forget to check our website for more recipe inspiration!

Happy carving, and happy cooking! 🎃

Celebrate 30 Years of Brewing Excellence with Dartmoor Brewery’s Special Edition Jail Ale XXX

At Roots and Vines, we’re all about supporting local producers who share our passion for quality and tradition, and there’s no better example than Dartmoor Brewery. Nestled in the heart of Devon’s rugged landscape, Dartmoor Brewery has been crafting award-winning ales since 1994, and their latest release, Jail Ale XXX, is a testament to 30 years of brewing excellence.

Introducing Jail Ale XXX – A Special Edition Ale

To celebrate three decades of bringing incredible ales to the people of Devon and beyond, Dartmoor Brewery has released a limited edition of their iconic Jail Ale, aptly named Jail Ale XXX. This rich, full-bodied ale is the perfect way to mark such a momentous milestone. Brewed with a careful balance of tradition and innovation, this deep amber ale boasts a flavour profile as complex as the moors themselves.

On the palate, Jail Ale XXX offers notes of malted fruits, zesty citrus, and a hint of orange, complemented by a smooth, slightly sweet caramel finish. The mix of Northdown, Challenger, Northern Brewer, and Goldings hops, paired with Pale, Crystal, and Wheat malts, results in a harmonious blend of sweetness and bitterness, rated 6/10 on both scales. At 6.0% ABV, this ale is robust, smooth, and a true celebration in a bottle.

This special edition is available in limited edition 8-packs, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a unique gift this Christmas.

A Local Favourite – Perfect for Christmas Gifts

We’re thrilled to stock this limited edition at Root and Vines, alongside the full range of Dartmoor Brewery’s beloved ales. If you’re looking to surprise a true ale enthusiast this festive season, Jail Ale XXX and other Dartmoor favourites are available for local delivery, national shipping, or click and collect. There’s nothing quite like giving a gift that celebrates local craftsmanship and quality, and Dartmoor Brewery’s ales make for the perfect Christmas present.

The Legacy of Dartmoor Brewery

Dartmoor Brewery has a rich heritage rooted in the wild moors of Devon. Founded at the back of the Prince of Wales pub in Princetown, it has grown to become one of England’s most iconic independent breweries. Known for its traditional brewing techniques, Dartmoor Brewery uses the finest English malts, superb hops, fresh Dartmoor water, and a unique yeast blend to create classic ales that embody the rugged beauty of their birthplace. From the famous Jail Ale, named after Dartmoor’s notorious prison, to the bright and hoppy Dartmoor IPA, each beer is inspired by the land and crafted with care.

As the highest brewery in England, Dartmoor Brewery has always been a symbol of excellence, and their dedication to quality has earned them a loyal following both locally and nationally.

Raise a Pint to 30 Years of Dartmoor Tradition

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Dartmoor Brewery’s ales, now is the perfect time to raise a pint of Jail Ale XXX and toast to 30 years of award-winning brewing. Don’t miss out on this limited edition brew – order yours today from Root and Vines and enjoy the finest in locally sourced food and drink.

Explore our full range of Dartmoor Brewery products online or visit us in-store to pick up your pack of Jail Ale XXX and celebrate this Devonian legacy.

Cheers to local flavour and three decades of brewing brilliance!

Discovering Chocolarder: Cornwall’s Artisan Chocolate Maker

At Roots and Vines, we’ve always been passionate about sourcing the best locally-made products. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce you to Chocolarder, a Cornish company that shares our values of sustainability, quality, and community.

Based in the seaside town of Falmouth, Chocolarder is one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the UK, and the only one in Cornwall. Founded in 2012 by former pastry chef Mike Longman, this incredible company is dedicated to creating the finest chocolate while adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. Mike’s journey began with a simple idea: if the kitchen he worked in could source local ingredients for everything else, why not chocolate?

Mike’s passion for sustainability goes beyond just making great chocolate—it’s about making chocolate the right way. Chocolarder takes pride in using slavery-free cocoa beans, plastic-free packaging, and supporting reforestation projects around the world. They’re committed to leaving a positive impact on the planet, and they won’t compromise on quality or ethics.

Here at Roots and Vines, we believe in offering only the best to our customers, and Chocolarder’s chocolates fit perfectly with our ethos. We stock a range of their delicious products, all available for local, national, and click-and-collect deliveries from our shop. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a personal treat, their chocolates are guaranteed to impress.

What sets Chocolarder apart is their refusal to use anything artificial. They make their chocolate with pure, natural ingredients, ensuring a flavour that’s as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds. Each bar is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship, and we love how their values align so closely with our own.

At Roots and Vines, supporting local businesses is more than just a mission—it’s a passion. We’re thrilled to share Chocolarder’s story with you, and we’re proud to carry their products in our shop. Their commitment to zero-carbon alternatives, palm oil-free recipes, and high ethical standards is truly inspiring, and we know you’ll love them as much as we do.

So, whether you’re treating yourself to a bar of ethically-made chocolate or sending a special gift, Chocolarder is a brand you can feel good about. Visit us at Roots and Vines to explore their full range and taste the difference that sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients make.