HEALTHY HALF TIME FILLERS – BEAT THE WHISTLE

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Let’s set the scene. Your favourite football team is on the box and a bunch of your mates have ventured round to see the action. The beer is flowing nicely but half-time is approaching and you have several hungry guests to feed. What do you do next? Generally our nation’s stereo-typical football fan would reach for the takeaway menu and order their usual greasy filler to soak-up the beer and banter. Well why not try a different option? Something more filling, cheaper and quick to cook so that you can have your posterior sat back on the Lazy Boy chair, awaiting the second half whistle. Thanks to the food boffins at Merchant Gourmet, you can stock your cupboard with a selection of ingredients to create mouth-watering meals in less than 15 minutes. Not only will your rowdy guests think the food is great, but even your other half, who has given up her TV viewing rights for at least 90 minutes, will want a taste! From fiery Roquito Peppers® to Slow Roasted Tomatoes, the Merchant Gourmet range covers everything you’ll need to deliver delicious dishes in a matter of minutes. Why not try these quick bites?: The Premiership Pittas - Heat two packets of Red and White Quinoa in the microwave for one minute and then pour into a bowl. Mix in chunks of cucumber and tomato, tuna, lemon juice, olive oil and basil. Spoon this tasty mix into pitta pockets for a super tasty dish with no plates needed! ‘Kickin’ Nachos – Sprinkle a handful of cheese and sliced Roquito® Peppers over tortilla chips then blast in the microwave for just 10 -20 seconds. Use sour cream/guacamole as a dip and voilà - a satisfying treat with a real kick! Striking Salsa – Using a food processor, blitz Sun Dried Tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic with some of the oil from the tomato jar. This will give you a delicious Mediterranean salsa. Perfect for dipping potato chips and breadsticks in. Footballer’s Fish Dish – Heat two pouches of Puy Lentils with Porcini Mushrooms and Thyme for one minute in the microwave. Place them on a large plate and top with four servings of fresh fish (shallow fried for five minutes or grilled for ten in the trusty lean, mean grilling machine). Set the dish down on the coffee table with four plates and tuck in! Merchant Gourmet products are sold in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose, The Co-operative and many more supermarket chains. For stockists’ details or to order Merchant Gourmet products online visit www.merchant-gourmet.com Ends 15th April 2010 Notes to Editors: • About Merchant Gourmet Merchant Gourmet was started by Mark Leatham in 1985, sparked by his passion for quality ingredients that are capable of transforming any meal. Today, the company 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