Winter
There’s nothing better than coming in from outdoors, that zing in your cheeks from the cold winter air… to a delicious dish that’ll warm up your body and soul. Here at SPAR we really love a comforting plate at this time of year, so we’ve put together some winning winter specials for you to try at home. If you’re feeling the chill, turn to page 7 for five gorgeously warming recipes.
Passionate about food
Our love for cooking continues on page 12, with four recipes for hearty dishes that tick all the healthy boxes too. In this issue we also share pointers on upgrading your mashed potato, plus tips on toppings for perfect Shrove Tuesday pancakes. It’s all about eating for joy!
Value on your doorstep
We’re here to help make life easier, which is why on page 17 we bring you some fabulous meal ideas that are great value and easy to prepare too. Simply grab the ingredients in store and follow our simple recipes for tasty, low-cost dishes on the go.
Nurturing our neighbourhoods
Feeling the winter blues? Getting your heart pumping is a sure-fire way to lift your spirits when the temperature falls. When you’re happy, we’re happy – so with the help of our partners at Leicester Tigers, we’ve put together a guide to improving your fitness and wellbeing on page 33. You can also discover our latest winter walk ideas on page 38.
Happy winter!
Winter
07 WINTER WARM UPS
Deliciously comforting dishes to keep you toasty all season
12 HEARTY & HEALTHY
Four fabulous recipes to stave off hunger in the healthiest way
16 TONIGHT’S TEA
Easy, cheap and convenient. Top value recipes for a lovely tea!
21 POSH MASH
Mashed spuds with a posh twist
22 PANCAKE DAY
Have your pancake and eat it!
24 CHEESY NIGHT IN
Why go out? Serve up a cracking posh dinner at home
27 STORE CUPBOARD STAR
Transform tinned pineapple into an indulgent dessert
28 ONE FOR THE SEASON
Four tasty ways with red onions
30 SEASONAL WINES
Our top picks for winter wines available in store now
33 GET FIT AND ACTIVE
Run your way to success - with top tip from Leicester Tigers
36 H2-OOOOOO
Drink more water and feel good! Here's how to make it tastier
38 OUT & ABOUT
Wonderful winter walks
40 OUR CHARITIES
The latest updates from Marie
Community
From providing tonight's tea to supporting communities great and small, we're here to make life easier.
PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD
We love great food. That's why we champion sourcing products from trusted local suppliers for a tastier table. This supports the local economy, and reduces food miles too.
VALUE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
We love local! We want to support communities by delivering added value and easy convenience to the people who live in them.
NURTURE OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS
By employing local people, supporting local causes and charities, and celebrating community, we're here to improve the neighbourhoods we serve.
This magazine is published on behalf of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd by Tusk Design Studio Ltd, The Basement, 10 Bridgewater Street, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 0AB, for A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, Sarah Ellis, Group Marketing Director, and Joanne Laidlar, Marketing Manager.
While every effort is made to achieve total accuracy, neither A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd nor Tusk Design Studio Ltd can be held responsible for any errors or omissions within this magazine. All information is correct at the time of going to press. All prices correct at time of going to print, E & OE. A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd reserves the right to modify its products or services without notice including any characteristics, content and pricing. A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd and Tusk Design Studio Ltd will not be held responsible for any inaccuracies relating to the contents of any advertisement. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd or Tusk Design Studio Ltd.
winter warm ups
Keep cosy this season with these gorgeously comforting dishes. Easy to make, even easier to enjoy.
Turn the page for recipes…
Slow Cook Cottage Pie
The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. Dust off your slow cooker for this easy classic or cook in a conventional oven if you prefer.
Takes: 6 hrs or 1 hr 40 min Serves: 4
• Glug of SPAR olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 400g minced beef
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 500ml beef stock
DELICIOUS WITH… SPAR garden peas tossed in a little butter and a squeeze of lemon juice
• 1/2 can SPAR sweetcorn
• Handful of SPAR peas
• Salt and pepper
• 5 large potatoes, peeled
• 2 parsnips, peeled
• 20g SPAR butter
• Splash of SPAR milk
1 If using one, set your slow cooker to low heat. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion for 3 mins. Add the carrots and thyme, stirring occasionally for 5 mins, then add the mince and fry for 2 mins until browned. Stir in the tomato purée and beef stock, season, and add a splash of water. Simmer on a low heat for 20 mins, adding the sweetcorn and peas 2 mins before the end. Spoon the mix into your slow cooker, or transfer to a deep oven dish if using a conventional oven. 2 To make the mash, chop the potatoes and parsnips into chunks and simmer for 15 mins until cooked through. Drain well, add the butter and milk, mash until smooth, then season. Spoon the mash on top of the mince mixture in your slow cooker (or into your oven dish), and cook on low for 5 hours in your slow cooker or for 40 mins at 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6 in the oven.
Using a slow cooker?
Brown the potatoes under a medium grill for 5 mins before serving
Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pie
Perfect for chilly nights, this warming winter pie will keep the whole family toasty.
Takes: 30 min Serves: 4
• 2 tbsp SPAR olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 3 chicken breasts
• 250g punnet of mushrooms, chopped
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Handful of SPAR frozen mixed veg
• 400g can of chicken soup
• Pack of ready-rolled puff pastry
• Splash of milk
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the garlic and onion on a medium heat for 5 mins. Cut the chicken into chunks and add to the pan for a further 5 mins, then add the mushrooms and rosemary, frozen veg and soup, and season. Simmer for 10 mins then transfer to a pie dish. 2 Brush the edge of the pie dish with water, then unroll the pastry over the dish, press to seal an edge and trim off the excess. Prick with a fork in several places and brush the top with a little milk. Bake for 30 mins until golden.
Don’t forget… you can pick up great value and quality SPAR essentials in your local store
Don’t forget… we stock cauliflowers alongside a range of quality fresh produce in store
Cauliflower Soup
A creamy hug in a bowl, best served with a cheesy scone.
Takes: 40 min Serves: 4
• 1 large cauliflower
• 3 tbsp SPAR olive oil
• ½ tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 750ml vegetable stock
• 100ml SPAR single cream
• Salt and pepper
1 Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/ gas mark 7. Chop the cauliflower into florets and toss in 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin and thyme. Roast for 15 mins until tender and starting to colour. 2 Heat the remaining oil in a saucepan and fry the onion and celery for 10 mins. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min, then add the cauliflower (save a piece for your garnish) and vegetable stock, and simmer for 10 mins. 3 Blitz the soup until smooth using a hand blender or food processor, stir in the cream and season to taste. Garnish with a roasted slice of cauliflower and (optional) fresh thyme.
Cheesy Scones
Takes: 30 min Serves: 4-6
225g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 50g chilled SPAR butter
• 130g SPAR mature cheddar, grated
• 90-100ml milk, plus 1 tbsp for glazing
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas mark 6. Sift the flour, salt, cayenne pepper and baking powder into a bowl and stir to combine. 2 Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the mix until it resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in 110g of the cheese. Make a well in the centre and pour in enough milk (bit by bit) to form a soft dough. 3 Roll out the dough to approximately 2cm thick on a floured surface and use a mug or cutter to make
scone roundels. Lay them on a paper-lined baking tray, brush with a little milk and sprinkle on the remaining cheese. Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown. Slather in butter or dunk in soup. Delicious!
Spicy Veggie Korma
A creamily, dreamily comforting kick of a dish full of goodness. Add chicken too if you prefer.
Takes: 40 min Serves: 4
• 1 tbsp SPAR vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• Pinch of ground ginger
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/2 cauliflower, in small florets
• Large handful of SPAR garden peas
• 400ml vegetable stock
• 200ml SPAR Greek yogurt
• Squeeze of lemon juice
1 Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion with the dry spices on a low heat for 6 mins. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min, then add the cauliflower (if you want to add chicken, throw it in now and simmer for another 10 mins until cooked through) and cook for 5 mins. 2 Add the peas and stock, simmer for 10 mins, then remove from the heat and stir through the Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
DELICIOUS WITH…
A warm SPAR plain or flavoured naan bread to tear and share
Who says healthy isn’t big and satisfying? Here are 4 wholesome winter dishes that will really hit the spot.
Saucy sausage pasta
A flavoursome and hearty soup packed with goodness.
Takes: 35 min Serves: 2
• Pack of SPAR sausages
• 1 tbsp SPAR olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 400g can SPAR chopped tomatoes
• 300g SPAR pasta of your choice
HEARTY
1 Grill the sausages according to the pack instructions, set aside to cool slightly, then chop into chunks. 2 Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan, fry the onion for 5 mins, then add the garlic and chilli powder and fry for 2 mins. 3 Stir in the tinned tomatoes and sausage chunks and simmer for 10 mins. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the instructions, drain and add to the sausage mix.
DELICIOUS WITH… a SPAR house salad sharing bowl and SPAR garlic bread on the side
& HEALHTY
minestone soup
A flavoursome and hearty soup packed with goodness. Chunky
Takes: 30 min Serves: 4
• 1 tbsp SPAR olive oil
• 3 carrots or swede, finely chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 celery sticks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 litres vegetable stock
• 400g can SPAR chopped tomatoes
• 400g can butter or cannellini beans
• 140g SPAR pasta of your choice
• Sprinkling of SPAR cheddar, grated
1 Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the carrots (or swede if you prefer), onion and celery for 5 mins, then add the garlic and potatoes and fry for another 5 mins until softened. 2 Stir in the tomato purée, stock and tinned tomatoes, and simmer for 10 mins. 3 Add the tinned beans and pasta, then cook for a further 12 mins, then season to taste. Serve with a sprinkling of cheddar and crusty bread.
Chicken noodle soup
A wholesome, hearty broth to cure any winter blues!
Takes: 40 min Serves: 2
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 1 chicken breast
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 60g noodles
• ½ can SPAR sweetcorn
• 1/2 a carrot, grated
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 2 tsp soy sauce
1 Pour the stock into a pan and add the chicken breast, ginger and garlic. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 mins until the chicken is cooked and tender. 2 Extract the chicken, place on a chopping board and shred with a fork, then return to the stock with the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for 4 mins until the noodles are tender, then ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or toasted SPAR pittas.
DELICIOUS WITH… freshly toasted SPAR pitta bread slices
Some like it hot! Turn up the heat with chilli flakes!
2 tbsp tomato purée
• 100g basmati rice
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Fresh coriander (optional)
IN A HURRY?
Grab a bag of SPAR basmati microwave rice
beef to the pan, bring to a simmer, then pour into your slow cooker and cook on a medium heat for 5 hrs (or place in a casserole dish, add a loose tin foil cover and transfer to your oven for 4 hours). 3 Cook the rice as per the packet instructions and stir into your stew with the lemon juice. Serve with a sprinkling of fresh coriander on top.
Tonight’s Tea
Quick, convenient and kind to your pocket too. Whether you’re after an easy family meal or an instant tasty fix for one, we’ve got plenty of options for tonight’s tea at a great price.
Spicy spaghetti
A simple midweek meal with a delicious spicy kick
You will need…
• 300g SPAR spaghetti
• 1 tbsp SPAR olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tin of SPAR chopped tomatoes
• Salt and pepper
Make it…
1 Cook the spaghetti as per the packet instructions. 2 While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion with the chilli flakes until soft. 3 Add the garlic and cook for 1 min, then add the tomatoes, bringing to a simmer for 10 mins. 4 Drain the pasta, toss in the sauce and serve with a crack of black pepper, grated parmesan and fresh basil. Serve with SPAR garlic bread if you're extra hungry!
Try it with… a handful of diced crispy smoked bacon thrown in
Rarebit toastie Rapid ramen
An indulgent slab of melted cheesy comfort
You will need…
• 25g SPAR butter
• 25g plain flour
• 120ml brown ale
• 140g SPAR cheddar, grated
• 1 tsp English mustard powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 slices of SPAR ham
• 4 slices of SPAR bread
Make it…
1 Melt the butter in a pan, add the flour, then whisk in the ale until it thickens. Stir in the cheese, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. 2 Spread 2/3 of the mix across the bread and grill for 2 mins, then add the ham onto two of the slices and grill for 1 min. Add the rest of the cheese mix onto the ham and grill for 2 mins. Layer the cheese toasts on top of the ham toasts, cut in half and enjoy.
Add… a runny SPAR free range fried egg on top
In a hurry? Turn the page for an even easier fix…
A deliciously quick and easy noodle broth
You will need…
• 1 pack instant noodles
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Spring onion, finely chopped
Make it…
1 Place the instant noodles in a pan of boiling water, cook for 3-5 mins and drain. 2 Add butter, garlic and chilli flakes to a hot pan followed by the soya sauce and noodles. Stir for 1-2 mins (add a splash of water if needed), remove from heat and transfer ramen to a bowl. 3 Serve with a splash of soy sauce, a sliced hard-boiled egg and sliced cooked chicken or topping of your choice.
Pair with… a glass of citrus infused white wine (see pages 30-31 for our winter wine selection)
Faster Pasta
SPAR Mozzarella Pasta Bake
SPAR Sweet & Crunchy Salad
SPAR Garlic Baguette
Tasty Takeaway
SPAR Fast & Tasty 11” Stuffed Crust Pizza
SPAR Fast & Tasty Garlic & Herb Dip Twin Pack
SPAR Fast & Tasty Garlic & Cheese Doughballs
Dinner sorted for under £7
*
In a hangry hurry? We’ve got plenty of great value options that will satisfy both your plate and your pocket.
Mmmmmm Mexican
SPAR Chilli con carne
SPAR Tortilla Chips
SPAR Sour Cream & Chive dip
Quick Kievs
SPAR Garlic & Herb Chicken Kievs
SPAR Straight Cut Oven Chips
the perfect snack any time of day
Isn’t it time you made a meal of mash? Take fluffy, buttery potato to the next level.
Proper mash
Takes: 30 min Serves: 4
• 4 large white potatoes
• Pinch of salt
• 25g SPAR salted butter
• 60ml SPAR whole milk
1 Peel and dice the potatoes and cover in water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 mins and drain. 2 Add the butter and milk, and mash with a potato masher until silky smooth, or pass through a potato ricer for an even fluffier mash.
Colcannon
A hearty Irish classic
Dice 4 rashers of SPAR smoked bacon and fry in a splash of SPAR olive oil. Shred and simmer 1/4 of a cabbage in boiling water for 10 mins, then drain and combine with the bacon and mash. Finish with finely sliced spring onion.
Pure potatoey indulgence Cheese, mustard and sweet onions
Sausage & spinach
Rich in iron goodness
Grill 3 SPAR sausages and wilt a large handful of spinach. Roughly chop the sausage and combine with the spinach and mash. Finish with finely sliced spring onion tops.
Melt 25g of SPAR butter on a low heat in a frying pan. Slice an onion and add to the pan. Cook for 20 mins, allowing the onion to caramelise and sweeten. Grate 50g of SPAR mature cheddar cheese into the mash with 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard and add the onions. Add a little more cheese, then grill for 2 mins for a tasty crust!
Perfect pancakes
Takes: 20 min Serves: 10-14
• 220g SPAR plain flour
• Generous pinch of salt
• 4 SPAR eggs
• 400ml SPAR milk
• 150ml water
• 50g SPAR butter or SPAR vegetable oil
1 Sift the flour into a large bowl and mix in the salt, then make a well in the centre. Whisk in the eggs and fold the flour in gradually. 2 Mix the milk and water together in a jug, then slowly pour into the egg batter, whisking to combine until you have a smooth batter. 3 Heat a frying pan and, being careful not to burn your fingers, wipe it with kitchen paper that has been dipped in the butter or oil. Once the pan is hot, pour in enough mixture to cover the base of the pan and cook for 1 min on each side until golden. As you cook the batch, add a little more butter or oil as and when you need to.
great value essentials… Get everything you need for your pancakes at flippin’ good prices in your local SPAR store.
pancake day! it’s
Time to go flippin' crazy nation's favourite humble high and top 'em
pancake day!
crazy with one of the humble treats. Pile 'em however you like!
Tuesday4thMarch
Don't throw leftover batter away...
SEE PAGE 27
Top ‘em off!
Classic lemon, indulgent chocolate, fruitily creamy or candy-crazy? It's up to you...
Old-school
You can't not have at least one iconic lemon & sugar-coated pancake in your batch. Just cut a lemon into quarters and squeeze with glee all over your pancake, followed by a sprinkling of sugar.
Naughty
Chocolate spread is truly amazing slathered on a pancake. Perfect as it is, or even better with a sprinkling of nuts (or a dollop of peanut butter!), and a few raspberries or a spoonful of jam.
Tutti fruity
Crazy
Fruit is another great topping to experiment with. Try lashings of maple syrup with banana chunks, tinned peaches with squirty cream, or strawberries with SPAR greek yogurt.
Think of your pancake as wrapping for all your favourite sweet things. Try squirty cream with crushed malted chocolate balls, marshmallows, crumbled biscuits or even popping candy!
ALSO GOOD WITH… SPAR breadsticks
Looking to lay on an easy but excellent spread? Whether it’s a romantic night in or a cosy gettogether with your besties, cheese and wine might just be the answer.
Easy brie-sy fondue
Forget exotic French cheeses. We’ve made fondue super easy with SPAR brie as star of the show.
Takes: 15 min Serves: 2
• 250g SPAR French brie
• 200g SPAR cheddar, grated
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• Large glass of SPAR white wine
• Big squeeze of lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• Salt and pepper
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ½ French stick or SPAR bakeat-home baguettes
1 Remove the rind from the brie, chop into pieces and place in a bowl with the cheddar. Make sure the cheese is at room temperature before you go any further. Mix in the cornflour and set aside. 2 Combine the wine, lemon juice and garlic in a medium saucepan, bringing to a simmer over a medium heat. Once simmering, turn the heat to low and slowly add small amounts of the cheese to the wine, whisking thoroughly and continuously until all the cheese is added and fully melted. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. 3 Transfer the cheese fondue to a fondue cooking pot or an oven-proof bowl that can be gently kept warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve.
4 Cut or tear the bread into small chunks and place in a bowl. When you’re ready to fondue, put your bowl of cheesy goodness on a heatproof mat, skewer the bread with a long fork or skewer, and dip away!
Nothing beats a board of cheese with crackers, chutneys and grapes… except when you add some tasty cooked meats too! We’ve got a lovely range of cheeses in store, as well as delicious chorizo, ham and salami, crackers and biscuits, chutneys and pickled goods. So grab your biggest chopping board, lay out your favourite cheeses and cooked meats in decorative style, scatter with grapes and celery, and make it your table centrepiece. Dinner is served!
We stock a wide range of wines, cheese, meats, pickled goods, biscuits, chutneys and more in store.
Pineapple slices
Behold the humble tinned pineapple slice. A staple added to pizza. Great with ice cream or a gammon chop. But have you tried it deep-fried?
Deep Fried Pineapple Ring
Takes: 20 min Serves: 4-6
You will need…
• Half the quantity of pancake batter from the recipe on page 22
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 30ml SPAR vegetable oil
• 3 tins SPAR pineapple slices
• SPAR vanilla ice cream
Make it…
1 Make your batter as per the pancake recipe on page 22, then add the sugar and cinnamon. Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan until very hot. 2 Pat the pineapple rings dry with kitchen paper, dunk into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then carefully put 2-3 in the pan at a time, using tongs. Fry for 1-2 mins on each side until golden, then transfer onto some more kitchen paper to soak up the excess oil. Serve with a dollop of SPAR vanilla ice cream.
Try with... a drizzle ofhoney or syrup
Red
Sweet and caramelised, fiery and raw or soft and flavoursome, onions bring the taste!
onıons
Stuffing'd
An essential for any deserving roast dinner! Heat 2 tsp SPAR vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry 1 chopped onion for 15 mins until soft. Add 1 crushed garlic clove and 11/2 tsp dried sage and fry for 1 min. Leave to cool, then stir in 1 beaten SPAR egg, 180g breadcrumbs and season. Divide into 12 balls and bake on a baking sheet for 30 mins at 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Serve with roast chicken, pork or beef with all the trimmings.
Did you know?
The ancient Egyptians worshipped the humble onion. They believed that their spherical shape and the concentric circles within symbolised eternity.
Soup'd
Fry 1kg of sliced red onions in 50g SPAR butter until soft and brown. Add 1 tsp sugar and 4 finely sliced garlic cloves, and fry for 2 more mins. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp SPAR flour, then stir in 250ml SPAR white wine and 1.3 litres beef stock. Simmer for 20 mins, covered. Thinly slice some French bread, add SPAR grated cheese and grill for 2 mins. Ladel the soup into bowls and float the bread on top. Add more grated cheese to your bowl of soup for extra indulgence!
Chutney'd
Put 8 red onions, chopped, in a saucepan with 100g sugar and cook over medium heat for 10 mins until soft. Pour in 100ml vinegar (ideally red wine vinegar) and 100ml SPAR red wine. Simmer with the lid off for 10 mins until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is sticky. Leave to cool, then transfer to a clean jam jar and seal. Slather onto crackers with goat's cheese... or whatever cheese takes your fancy.
Salsa'd
Onion can be just as delicious raw! Fiery and flavoursome, it brings any good homemade salsa to life. Finely chop a red onion and combine with 2 chopped cloves of garlic, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 1 tin SPAR chopped tomatoes, the juice of half a lime, a splash of vinegar and (optional) chopped coriander. Dunk tortilla chips, toasted SPAR pitta soldiers or crudites into your salsa and enjoy.
SEASONAL
Tasteheads Chardonnay
ABV 11%
A lovely light, creamy and refreshing white wine.
Great with…
Creamy chicken and veg pie (p9)
It's cold outside. Warm up your heart, soul and mind with a lovely glass of smooth red (perfectly paired with our mulligatawny beef stew, page 15), or a crisp dry white or rosé (try it with our chicken noodle soup, page 14). Whatever colour you fancy, we've got a beautiful bottle in store, at a price you can't argue with.
Tasteheads Vioginer
ABV 11.4%
Aromatic with floral and stone fruit flavours that complement creamy dishes.
Great with… Cauliflower soup (p10)
RS Dolomiti Pinot Grigo
ABV 12.5%
Crisp and refreshing with citrus notes that go perfectly with spicy food.
Great with… Spicy spaghetti (p17)
Letter Collection
Pinot Noir
ABV 13.5%
A medium-bodied wine with ripe fruit flavours, which brings freshness to the richness of a spicy dish.
Great with… Spicy veggie korma (p11)
Letter Collection
Malbec
ABV 13%
A bold and full bodied red with dark fruit and earthy undertones that enhance the intensity of blue cheese.
Great with… A cheeseboard (p25)
Letter Collection
Merlot
ABV 13%
Smooth and fruitforward red. Its soft tannins pair well with a fondue without overpowering it.
Great with… Fondue (p24)
RS Puglia Primitivo
ABV 12.5%
A gorgeously rich and jammy Italian red that makes the ideal partner for a hearty, spicy pasta.
Great with… Saucy sausage pasta (p12)
RS Chianti
ABV 12%
A bright acidity and red fruit flavour that complements herbaceous flavours.
Great with… Chunky minestrone soup (p13)
Uptempo Fresh Rosé
ABV 10.5%
A fresh fruitful rosé that complements the sweetness of caramelised onions.
Great with… French red onion soup (p28)
Uptempo
Crisp White
ABV 10.5%
Crisp and fresh, with apple and citrus notes that balance well with rich comfort food.
Great with… Cheese, mustard and sweet onion mash (p21)
Exclusive Fernhills
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV 12.5%
A crisp and refreshing wine with zesty and herbaceous notes.
Great with… A cheeseboard (p25)
Prosecco DOCG
ABV 11.5%
Light and fruity, with floral notes for a fragrant finish.
Great with… Red onion chutney (p28)
RUNNING! Hit the new year
After the excess of the festive season, run your way to a happier, healthier you.
Turn over for some top tips on hitting the ground running from one of the coaches at Leicester Tigers rugby club…
Run for joy
Running is a brilliant way to stay fit – both in body and mind. And not only does it get you outdoors into the gorgeous crisp winter air, but it won’t cost you a penny either (apart from a decent pair of running shoes!). As official partners of Leicester Tigers rugby club, we spoke to their Strength and Conditioning Coach, Will Findlay, to get some top tips on hitting the ground running.
SPAR Supermarkets are now the official Convenience Store of Leicester Tigers rugby club and will be a supporting partner for the Tigers Under-10s Cup.
Will FindlayLeicester Tigers Strength & Conditioning Coach
How can running help maintain fitness?
People who run develop a greater aerobic capacity and overall fitness base. There are many different running sessions which can stress different energy systems. This can be seen in rugby, where players have to use each system at different points within the game. Running can provide a full body stress, and the corresponding impact can influence maintenance in fitness levels.
How can you avoid injury?
Running is intensive on muscles and tendons, so it’s important to approach it in a sensible way to avoid injury.
1. Know your own activity level
This is an important place to start. Expose yourself gradually to running, to ensure the body has opportunities to be stressed and then recover from that stress. If you progress too aggressively you may trigger stress responses in the bone and/or damage to muscle tissue which can cause injury.
2. Wear the right running shoes
Footwear is vital! Make sure your trainers are comfortable and well fitted, particularly if you want to increase your distance and time. Foot health is critical for ensuring longevity in running, through maintaining strong and blister-free feet.
3. Give yourself a chance to recover
Recovery days are key to strengthening your running form. Make sure you allow yourself opportunities in the week to rest – your physical and mental recovery from the demand of running will help prepare your body for your next session.
How can you improve running performance?
What is it you want to achieve?
Decide what your end goal is and that’ll help you plan the right training programme to achieve it. For example, how you train for a 10k run is very different from how you’d train for a marathon.
Finding a plan that your body responds well to is crucial – and because everyone’s different, your plan should cater specifically for you, your body and your current level of fitness. Your plan should carefully increase running volume and intensity as it develops (so that you’re always gradually rising to the challenge), and allow for periods of recovery within the training cycle. This will ensure optimal development and running performance. And remember –while it should feel like a challenge, it should fill you with joy too!
a week, with a day of rest in between, for 9 weeks. It’s a great way for people who feel unfit and a bit scared to get started! This is because it combines a mixture of walking and running that very gradually increases your fitness and stamina as the weeks roll by. For example, in week 1 you’ll be running for just one minute at a time… and by end of week 9 (or longer if you’d prefer to be more gradual) you’ll be able to run 5k without stopping.
How does it work?
Easy. All you need to do is download the NHS Couch to 5K app from App Store or Google Play. Once you’re set up you can choose a coach to motivate you, and track your running progress as the app guides you on what to do, when. And while you need to follow the plan correctly to see the benefit, it’s also been designed to be flexible enough that you can fit in at whatever time of day suits you best. On your marks, get set, run!
WATER GOOD IDEA!
Water is essential to our bodies, enabling cells, tissues and organs to function properly. Staying hydrated also helps us regulate body temperature – so it’s especially important when exercising, to replace the water and electrolytes lost through sweat (which leads to a rise in body temperature).
Make water fun!
Tea, coffee and lower-sugar, lower-fat drinks do count as hydration, but the purity of water is still the best, most healthy option. So instead of drinking lots of drinks with artificial additives or caffeine, why not try these water-with-a-twist options…
Cold
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a slice of orange
Add a few slices of cucumber and fresh mint leaves
Add slices of lime to sparkling water
Hot
Add a slice of lemon and a chunk of fresh ginger
Add a drop of honey and a squeeze of lemon
Add some sprigs of rosemary and a slice of orange
WANT MORE INSPIRATION?
Check out our delicious cordials and herbal teas in store
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3 REVIVING BEACH WALKS
Whether it's a hop and a skip to your local beach, or you're a bit further away and fancy a day trip to the coast, there's nothing like a bracing sea breeze to blow away the winter cobwebs. Here are three of our favourite sandy escapes to try this season - pack a Thermos of soup, wrap up warm and get ready to watch the spectacular winter waves crash in.
1. Felixstowe beach, Felixstowe, Suffolk
Felixstowe Beach is one of the East Coast’s best-loved coastal destinations, with 4 miles of sand and shingle to enjoy, colourful beach huts and a picturesque promenade. The pier has been redeveloped to a lovely standard, so if the temperature is brisk you can take comfort at the boardwalk café and bar, enjoy the classic seaside arcades, or grab fish and chips or an ice cream. Head to the more rural north end of the beach for rugged surroundings, or wander into the town of Felixstowe, and Beach Street where you'll find hip boutique shops, street food and artisan producers.
Open / Dog friendly: All the time / yes!
Parking: Payable locally by RingGo.
Address: Several car parks, including one on Highfield Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7BZ (grid ref: TM 30267 34609) Nearest SPAR: SPAR Felixstowe, 105 High Road East, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9PT
2. Rhosneigr beach, Traeth Llydan, Anglesey, Wales
The golden sands that stretch for miles along the edge of the lovely village of Rhosneigr form two beaches: Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan. Both offer plenty of activities (even in winter the surfers are out!), as well as incredible views of Snowdonia in the distance. Enjoy a long walk along the fine sand, or head into the sand dunes. You'll often hear the roar of Hawk T2 and Texan planes overhead (from nearby RAF Valley), adding a bit of drama to your walk! The village itself is full of cafés, nice little shops and ice cream stop-offs. We suggest grabbing fish and chips to eat on the beach.
Open / Dog friendly: All the time / yes!
Parking: Pay & display at the library, 8am-8pm
Address: Craig Llydan, Broad Beach, LL64 5JR (grid ref: SH 325720)
Nearest SPAR: SPAR Wayside Stores, Gwynfryn Wayside, Llanfaelog, Ty Croes, Anglesey, LL63 5SY
3. Hunstanton beach, Hunstanton, Norfolk
Known as 'Sunny Hunny' even in winter, Hunstanton beach is one of the sunniest sandy escapes in Norfolk. Enjoy the winter air on your face as you wander alongside the distinctive pink and white striped cliffs, watching the bravest kite and windsurfers brave the elements. Young wanderers will love the rock pools (and might even find a fossil!), and it's worth exploring the Victorian resort of Hunstanton too, complete with all the traditions of a British seaside town. Along the promenade you'll fine Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary, which features an underwater tunnel and a seal hospital.
Open / Dog friendly: All the time / yes!
Parking: Pay-on-entry parking is available near the beach, and there are other car parks are nearby Address: PE36 5BF (grid ref: TF 6716 4099)
Nearest SPAR: SPAR Dersingham - 49 Hunstanton Road, Dersingham, Kings Lynn, PE31 6NA
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5 essential tips
We want our customers to stay safe and happy on the beach this winter! Here's how...
1. Always check the weather forecast and take note of tide times. You can check these at bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables
2. A sea breeze is great at blowing off the cobwebs, but it will add to the overall chill factor on the day. Wear a hat, gloves and thick socks to stay toasty!
3. If you are brave enough to have a paddle, be aware that it won't take long for cold water to have a serious effect on your body. Be mindful of how long you spend in the water and always take a towel and change of clothes if you are planning a brisk dip.
4. Keep an eye out along the water-line - you may get lucky and see a seal or seabird or two. Visit rspb.org.uk for information on coastal wildlife.
5. Always be prepared. If you or one of your party gets into difficulties, call 999 for the coastguard in an emergency. Smartphone location apps like What3Words are also really useful to have to hand.
A huge thank you from everyone at Marie Curie!
Marie Curie is here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and for those close to them. Whatever the illness, wherever you are, we’re with you to the end.
SPAR FOR GOOD
We love giving back to our communities, which is why we support two amazing charities – and part of how we help them comes directly from you, our customers. For every Limited Edition SPAR sandwich you buy, we donate 10p to Marie Curie, our chosen charity partner. See how you can help support them this winter!
We’re also a proud community partner of the Disability Sport Wales insport Series of events, which provides disabled people with the opportunity to discover and enjoy sports. Complete their #inspire form to find out about local opportunities to get involved.
For the latest information on our charity work, scan the QR code
Your generous donations have supported a variety of Marie Curie fundraising events, including our Blooming Great Tea Party in the summer, Giving a Scare to Show You Care at Halloween, and our SPARkling Christmas campaign.
Your donations are helping Marie Curie continue its mission of closing the gap in end-of-life care, to truly make a huge difference to those in need.
£5 could help us fund an hour of heating in one of our hospices
£23 could help us fund an hour of nursing care
£26 could help us fund an hour of bereavement support by phone or webchat
Looking ahead, we have many exciting fundraising activities planned for 2025, including the Great Daffodil Appeal in March. For more information visit mariecurie.org.uk
From the insport Series to Community Club Bringing sports to all
We’re proud to be at the forefront of promoting inclusivity in sports by partnering with Disability Sport Wales (DSW) to deliver the annual insport Series events across Wales. This partnership is more than just an initiative; it's a promise to create opportunities and break down barriers for disabled individuals, encouraging them to participate in a wide range of sports.
The insport Series events are designed to welcome and engage disabled people, offering them the chance to try out various inclusive sports, from wheelchair basketball to boccia, adaptive cycling to para-
athletics. Each event is hosted in collaboration with local inclusive sports clubs and National Governing Bodies, ensuring a professional and supportive environment for participants.
Beyond the insport Series events, DSW run the insport Club programme. This initiative supports and helps over 400 community-based clubs across Wales to bring brilliant opportunities to disabled and non-disabled people within those communities. insport Club provides resources and guidance with a focus on inclusive governance, training club staff and volunteers, and ensuring that the sports offered are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
Closely aligned to insport Series events and insport Club opportunities, is DSW’s UK Disability Inclusion Training (DIT). There is currently a FREE level 1 e-learning module which provides an introduction to inclusive practice aimed at all of those looking to make sport and physical activity sessions more inclusive.
To access the insport Club toolkit or to find an inclusive club in your area (across Wales), or access our UK DIT e-learning module, scan the QR code
A SLOW COOKER
Winter brain teasers
ACROSS
1 Protein derived from beans. 6 Dental string.
8 Perfect for splashing in the winter rain. 11 Living things (but not plants). 12 Great for bread that's feeling shivery. 15 Not a happy time for turkeys.
19 Make it the star of the show on page 27. 21 Classic 1970s showstopper meal. 23 A month-long annual abstinence from meat and dairy. 25 Indian-spiced soup or stew. 28 Enjoy a glass with cheese. 29 Utensil for squashing spuds. 31 A real tear-jerker of a veggie.
33 Extremely small. 34 Actors do a lot of this to prepare for panto. 35 The harder you work at running, the _____ it gets. 36 Meets every beach. 37 Twiggy home for chicks. 38 Scottish beef from Aberdeen.
39 Traditionally found outdoors, but brought inside and decorated for Christmas.
DOWN
2 A mythical hairy beast said to live in the Himalayas.
3 A smooth and fruity red wine. 4 It's beer but it's not lager. 5 You'll save a pretty one of these in SPAR.
7 This happens late in winter, but gets earlier as spring returns. 9 Move or travel in a leisurely, meandering manner. 10 Stuff yourself silly with these on 13th Feb. 13 A warming hug in a bowl. 14 Cosy up with a loved one on this special day. 16 Shooting device. 17 Male offspring. 18 Chunky Italian soup. 20 A ground-dwelling songbird with brown streaky plumage. 22 Herb that complements salmon. 24 Pet name for grandmother. 25 Incidents from the past, stored in your brain.
26 A dense blizzard with no visibility. 27 A form, mold or pattern used as a guide to making something.
28 The season for wrapping up snugly. 30 Popular with necks during winter. 32 Female relative with whom you share parents. 34 An Italian sauce typically made from tomatoes and minced meat.
