GHOULISH TREATS YOU’LL LOVE TO COOK AND EAT

QUICK AND TASTY DISHES TO MAKE WITH YOUR CHILDREN THIS HALLOWEEN If you’re looking to create a fiendish feast this Halloween, and have fun in the process, why not give Merchant Gourmet products a try? Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or a party of forty, this range of yummy ingredients will add variety, colour and texture to any seasonal spread. What’s more, for those brave enough to invite their own little devils into the kitchen, Merchant Gourmet also offers a range of ready to eat ingredients that are perfect for cooking with children. From Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil to pouches of Puy Lentils, there’s a selection of child-friendly products to sprinkle and stir into your recipes without a knife or stove in sight. They couldn’t be easier to use. Why not try these hauntingly good Halloween meal ideas: No Cooking required - Fiery Fangs: Stuff sweet and fiery Roquito® Peppers with cool goats cheese for a tasty treat that’s full of bite and flavour. No Cooking required – Truly Wicked Salsa: In a food processor, blitz some Sun Dried Tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic with some of the oil from the jar – this will give you a delicious salsa for crisps, chips and crudités. Devilishly Delicious Red Rice: With its vibrant red colour and unique chewy texture, Camargue Red Rice will make the perfect accompaniment for any Halloween meal. Try serving Camargue Red Rice with fried chorizo and spring onion and with freshly grated cheddar cheese on top. Yum! Black Beluga Lentil Wraps: Heat a pouch of Beluga Lentils with vegetables, SunBlush® Tomatoes and a pack of Fajita seasoning. Next, fill warm tortillas with your lentil mix, salsa soured cream and guacamole. Cut in half and serve. Alternatively, why not make the most of your leftover pumpkin seeds with this moist and rich Pumpkin Seed Cake recipe: Cooking time: 45-50 mins Preparation: 15 mins plus cooling Serves: 12 Vegetarian: Yes Ingredients: • 120ml Pumpkin Seed Oil • 2 eggs • 175g dark muscovado sugar • 2 tbsp marmalade • 225g self-raising flour • 1 ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 225g carrots, peeled and grated • 1 ripe banana, peeled and mashed • zest and juice 1 medium orange • 50g pumpkin seeds • 50g raisins For the icing: • 300g full fat soft cheese • 2tbsp sugar • a few drops of vanilla essence • a handful of pumpkin seeds How to cook it: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Fan160C/Gas 4. Grease a deep 20cm/8inch diameter round cake tin and line with baking parchment. 2. Place the oil, eggs, sugar and marmalade in a large bowl. Whisk together using an electric hand whisk for 2 minutes (or until the mixture is thick enough to leave a trail when the whisk head is lifted). 3. Sift in the flour and bicarbonate of soda. Next, add the grated carrots, banana, orange zest and juice, seeds and raisins before gently mixing together. 4. Pour the mix into the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes (or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the centre). Leave to cool in the tin. 5. Remove the cake from the tin and peel off the lining paper. Mix all the icing ingredients together with a wooden spoon. Next, cut the cake in half horizontally then sandwich together with half the cream cheese mixture inside. 6. Spread the remaining icing over the top of the cake and scatter the pumpkin seeds around the edge of the cake. Serve in wedges. Merchant Gourmet products are available from major supermarkets across the UK and www.merchant-gourmet.com Ends. 1st October 2010 Issued on behalf of Merchant Gourmet by Public. For further information please contact Chris Woolford (chris.woolford@publicgroup.co.uk) or Liam Grady (liam.grady@publicgroup.co.uk) on 01302 730303. Notes to Editors: • About Merchant Gourmet Merchant Gourmet was started by Mark Leatham in 1985, sparked by his passion for quality ingredients that will make all the difference to any meal. Today, the brand supplies over 40 products to supermarkets up and down the country, from Porcini Mushrooms to Roquito® Peppers, all of which meet the company’s criteria for ease of use and outstanding taste. Details for all of these products, exclusive recipes and further information about Merchant Gourmet can be found at www.merchant-gourmet.com.