Protein Pancakes

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Protein Pancakes
Protein Pancakes
Delicious post workout pancakes, perfect for refueling!
Servings:4
Preparation Time:2
Cooking Time:10
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Ingredients

  • 25 grams whey protein powder
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 lrg Egg
  • 50 grams porridge oats
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • light cooking spray

Method

  1. 1. Add the oats to a blender and blitz until it resembles a fine flour. Add the protein powder, baking powder, egg, milk and cinnamon to the blender too and blitz everything until you have a texture like pancake batter.
  2. 2. Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium high heat. Pour the mixture onto the pan, using approximately ¼ of the total mixture for each protein pancake.
  3. 3. Tilt the pan in a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
  4. 4. Cook the pancake for about 50 seconds until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a flexible spatula or fish-slice, flip over and cook the other side. Serve hot with your filling of choice. Recommendation: Fresh fruit & toppings of your choice.

Espresso Martini Cake

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Espresso Martini Cake
Espresso Martini Cake
Bake Off honoured the roaring Twenties last night, and so are we... Try this delicious tiered alcohol cake - Espresso Martini Cake to WOW your guests at any occasion.
Servings:12-16
Preparation Time:15
Cooking Time:40
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Ingredients

  • 200 grams unsalted butter (7oz)
  • 250 grams self raising flour
  • 1 tsp Bicarbonate of soda
  • 50 grams sifted cocoa powder (2oz)
  • 125 grams each light muscovado and caster sugar (4oz)
  • 150 ml tub soured cream 5 fl oz (¼ pint)
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp espresso/strong coffee, cooled
  • 2 tbsp Kahlùa
  • 100 ml freshly made espresso or strong coffee, cooled (3 ½ fl oz)
  • 3 tbsp Kahlùa
  • 75 grams caster sugar (3oz)
  • 400 grams full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature – option: Philadelphia 14oz
  • 100 grams unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature) (3 ½oz)
  • 100 grams sifted icing sugar (3 ½oz)
  • 2 tsp espresso coffee powder dissolved in 1tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp chocolate coffee beans

Method

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. For the cakes, grease and line 2 x 20.5cm (8in) round vake tins. Put the flour, bicarbonate of soda, cocoa, sugars and a pinch of salt into a large bowl or freestanding mixer. Into a jug, measure the soured cream, eggs and vanilla. Whisk briefly to combine. Pour on to the dry ingredients and whisk until fully incorporated, then whisk in the melted butter, coffee and Kahlúa. Divide the mixture equally between the tins.
  2. 2. Bake for 25-30min until risen and firm. Leave to cool for 10min in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. 3. For the espresso syrup, put the espresso, Kahlúa and caster sugar into a small pan, heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then increase the heat and simmer for 4-5min until reduced and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
  4. 4. When the cakes are cool, cut each in half horizontally to make 4 even layers. Make sure all of them are cut-side up, then drizzle each layer with 1tbsp espresso syrup.
  5. 5. For the icing, whisk together the cream cheese, butter and icing sugar until smooth. Then whisk in the coffee mixture until combined.
  6. To assemble, place the first layer of cake on a cake stand, spread with a thin layer of cream cheese icing, top with another cake layer and repeat twice more, finishing with the final cake layer. Top with the remaining icing. Scatter with chocolate coffee beans and drizzle with the remaining syrup.

Centra NI Secures Prestigious Win at Retail Industry Awards in London

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Centra Retailers Honoured Among the Best in UK!

Leading NI convenience retailer Centra was honoured last night in London at the 2019 Retail Industry Awards, taking home the title of “Convenience Retailer of the Year”.  Lilley’s Centra Dublin Road in Enniskillen was also a winner picking up “Food-to-go Retailer of the Year”.

Speaking today Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Centra in Northern Ireland said:

“To be awarded Convenience Retailer of the Year is a great achievement for everyone associated with Centra and is testament to the hard work that has been put in over the years by our teams both at local and national level.  As consumer demand for high quality convenience increases, Centra is responding with refreshed, inviting, modern stores that offer the latest in convenience and this award underlines this. 

“I would also like to congratulate Una Lilley and her team at Centra Dublin Road, Enniskillen who competed against some of the best stores in the UK, and brought home the Food-to-go Retailer of the Year award.”

Store Owner, Una Lilley, commented:  “To receive this recognition within 12 months of opening is simply incredible and I am absolutely thrilled for our Dublin Road store team. Food-to-go was our focus from the store’s planning stages. We researched different concepts and ideas and selected those that we felt matched the market in our area and it has proven to be very successful.

“However, it is the deli staff that deliver the goods on a daily basis. This is an amazing achievement for the entire food-to-go team and recognises their enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the delivery of an excellent and varied food-to-go offering in a very busy store.”

Bradley’s Centra in Maghera was highly commended in the Digital Engagement category for their digital enhancements both in store and at the fuel pumps while Centra Church Street in Banbridge was highly commended in the Forecourt Retailer of the Year category.

Widely regarded as ‘The Oscars’ of the grocery sector, the Retail Industry Awards reward excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories, recognising independent retailers alongside the large supermarket groups.

Whiskey Smash

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Whiskey Smash
Whiskey Smash
If you like Mint Juleps, you’ll love the Whiskey Smash! This perfect citrusy & minty 19th-century cocktail is perfect for those who say they'll never think whiskey.
Servings:1
Preparation Time:5
Cooking Time:2
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Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp mint leaves (about 7 or 8 leaves)
  • 1/2 of a whole Lemon cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 ounces irish whiskey
  • 1 cup Crushed Ice

Method

  1. 1. Place the mint, lemon, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Muddle together until the sugar has dissolved and the lemon has expressed its juices.
  2. 2. Add the whiskey, cover, and shake for 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to an Old Fashioned glass.
  3. 3. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Chipotle Chicken Burritos

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Chipotle Chicken Burritos
Chipotle Chicken Burritos
This hot & spicy burrito recipe is a mouthful, and all you'll need for filling lunches and cosy nights in with friends & family. Quick & easy to make, and an absolute delight!
Servings:4
Preparation Time:10
Cooking Time:25
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Ingredients

  • 454 grams Fresh For You Chicken Breasts` cut lengthwise into strips about 1-inch wide
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Chilli Paste (plain chilli paste will be perfect if chipotle is not available)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp Preferred cooking oil
  • 1 medium Centra Red Onion quartered and sliced crosswise 1/2-inch thick
  • 3 medium Cloves/Lazy Garlic thinly sliced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 medium peppers stemmed, seeded, quartered lengthwise, and sliced into 1/2-inch strips
  • 120 ml Chicken broth or Water
  • 2 teaspoons roughly chopped fresh/dried oregano
  • 6 to 8 flour tortillas warmed, for serving
  • salsa Optional for serving
  • Guacamole Optional for serving
  • Sour Cream Optional for serving
  • 2 cups Black Beans
  • 3 cups White Rice

Method

  1. Place chicken in a bowl, add chilli paste, and salt and toss until chicken is well coated. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When it smokes, add half of chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  3. Remove to a plate and, return pan to stove, add 1 more teaspoon of the oil, and repeat with second batch.
  4. Add remaining 1 teaspoon of the oil, add onion and garlic and cook until golden and soft, about 2 minutes. Add peppers and cook until softened and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to pan, add broth and cook until sauce is slightly reduced, chicken is cooked through, and peppers are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Stir in oregano, taste, and adjust seasoning, as necessary.
  7. Boil rice and add into the pan with chicken and veg mixture.
  8. Add a generous helping to the warm tortilla. Add toppings - Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa and your extra favourites, for example cheese and jalepenos.
  9. Roll and serve immediately.

Champion Health Promotion in Your Local School & They Could Win £5,000 worth of Sports Equipment from SuperValu and Centra

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Champion Health Promotion in Your Local School & They Could Win £5,000 worth of Sports Equipment from SuperValu and Centra

  • SuperValu and Centra join forces with Action Cancer to help deliver Health Action Schools Programme and increase awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Parents can nominate schools taking part in the Health Action Programme to have a chance of winning £5,000 worth of sports equipment.
  • In addition, SuperValu & Centra continue to support Big Bus Services, driving home early cancer detection across the province.

As the new school year approaches, leading convenience retailers SuperValu and Centra are calling for your help to encourage local schools to avail of Action Cancer’s Health Action Programme. The initiative is all about encouraging young people to make healthier lifestyle choices.   In operation since 2003 and having worked with nearly 500,000 pupils so far across Northern Ireland, the programme operates both at primary and secondary level and is delivered by a team of health promotion experts.

You can express your interest by visiting www.actioncancer.org, emailing schools@actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3370.

Furthermore, for the 2019-2020 school year, SuperValu and Centra are offering a prize of £5,000 of sports equipment to one of the schools participating in the Health Action Programme to incentivise registration and participation. To be in with a chance of winning, parents just need to nominate their school through entry forms provided on every Health Action Programme visit.

Speaking today, Michael McCormack Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra NI said:

“Delivering a healthy lifestyle message to today’s younger generation is important and something we at SuperValu and Centra passionately support. Encouraging healthier lifestyles in younger years can reduce the risks of cancer in later life, so our focus is in raising as much money as possible across our store network and head office to enable Action Cancer to continue providing this fantastic service”.

SuperValu & Centra also announced that Action Cancer’s Big Bus Service will now include Centra stores on its route for 2019. In the first half of 2019, the money raised by both retailers has enabled the Big Bus to travel to over 113 locations, provide over 1,200 MOT Health Checks and over 2,400 breast screenings, with an average of 6 women diagnosed with Breast Cancer per 1,000 women screened.

Michael McCormack continued:

“We are delighted to be working with Action Cancer to further extend the reach of the valuable services on offer. The Big Bus is an integral part of the work of Action Cancer delivering many success stories in terms of early detection and prevention.  Our SuperValu retailers are a staple fixture on the Big Bus calendar and we are delighted to be extending the reach to our Centra stores too.

Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer, said:

“The schools Health Action Programme is an excellent initiative, empowering local children to make the right choices when it comes to their health and lifestyles. It is a natural fit that SuperValu stores, like their Centra neighbours, are now involved in endorsing this programme and promoting it within their local areas. 

The Big Bus mobile detection unit brings a life-saving service to our communities. The Big Bus has visited SuperValu stores for many years now and appointments have always been very strong during these visits, bringing early prevention, detection and support services to their customers staff and wider community. We’re delighted to see Centra stores join the visit schedule in 2019/2020”.

SuperValu and Centra have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and are working towards raising one of the largest amounts ever by a company for an individual charity in Northern Ireland.  By the end of 2019, the total raised for Action Cancer via the charity partnership will reach an outstanding £3 million.

To find out more about the Health Action Programme read more here.  The full list of SuperValu and Centra store visits for the Big Bus can be viewed here.  Screenings and health checks for both men and women are available to book online.

REFUEL AND RECHARGE ON THE M1 MOTORWAY AT NEW CENTRA DUNGANNON

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Centra is bringing enhanced convenience to people travelling on the M1 Motorway with the arrival of its highly anticipated brand-new store at Dungannon.   The bright and contemporary store, which opened its doors to the public on Thursday 22nd August, combines high convenience with an expanded food-to-go offering providing a welcome stop for those travelling to and from the west of the province.

Centra M1 Dungannon marks the second store opening for local businessman, George Patterson of Patterson Oil who already owns Centra Gilford Road in Portadown.  The store represents an investment of £2.2 million and will create 50 new jobs in the area.

Commenting on Centra’s continued expansion, Nigel Maxwell Sales Director Centra Northern Ireland said:

“At Centra, our focus is on redefining convenience – providing our shoppers with a healthier offering and innovative ranges, particularly in food-to go and our Frank and Honest coffee brand.  Centra M1 Dungannon is the latest example of our stores responding to the changing needs of the busy consumer.  We are delighted to be working with George and his team and wish them every success.” 

Offering a range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is something for everyone whether travelling home in the evening, on the road for work or on route to a short break in the west.  Amenities in store include Frank and Honest Coffee, the largest on-the-go gourmet coffee brand on the island of Ireland and the Green Kitchen, a Centra salad concept designed for the consumer looking for a healthier option.

For the more adventurous, there’s the punchy and vibrant flavours of a burrito from the Mex-A-Go Burrito Bar; whilst hot self-serve food-to-go options, and an abundance of indulgent treats, including both whipped and soft scoop Mullins ice-cream, are a must for afternoon hunger pangs.

Speaking today, George Patterson said:

“We are proud to be opening the doors of our new store in Dungannon and build on the success we have had already with the Centra brand and wider team.  A prime location for those travelling the busy M1 route, we look forward to welcoming customers instore and providing them with a one-stop shop for modern convenience.”  

The new store features a large seating area on the ground floor alongside additional seating in the Motorway Restaurant on the first floor which also incorporates a children’s play area.  Wi-Fi is available throughout while a truck park is available on site including overnight facilities and a shower block.  The large 24-hour TEXACO forecourt incorporates AD BLU, LPG, Supreme Fuels, Home Heating Oil /Gasoil, Flogas Cylinders, Electric Charge points for electric cars, air vac and all Grades of Solid Fuels and Block Firewood.

LUCKY CUSTOMER WINS 5K DREAM HOLIDAY WITH CENTRA

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Local convenience retailer, Centra today revealed the lucky winner of their Summer Holiday Competition.  Margaret Harkin, from Strabane, posted her winning entry in the postbox at Centra Claudy and now has the enviable task of deciding where to go with her £5,000 holiday voucher.

The Centra competition, in association with Club Orange, invited shoppers to visit their local Centra store and fill out a travel postcard detailing the holiday of their dreams.

Already planning her dream holiday, Margaret said:

“I was so surprised to get the call, to be honest I didn’t believe it was true.  We are now looking forward as a family to sit down and plan our holiday, Florida has always been on the bucket list so that could be our destination!”

Congratulating Margaret, Jennifer Morton Centra Brand Manager said:

“We had a fantastic response to our Summer Holiday Competition and would like to thank all those who entered.  A big congratulations to our lucky winner Margaret.  This competition was all about celebrating the start of summer and with our great offers in Centra stores across NI, we have got something for everyone this Summer to help them Live Every Day to its fullest.”

CENTRA LATEST ADDITION TO RIVER HOUSE EXPANDING CATHEDRAL QUARTER CONVENIENCE

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Centra’s Belfast City Centre expansion is continuing with the opening of a new store at River House on High Street, bringing further convenience options to the city’s Cathedral Quarter.  The doors will open to the public on Tuesday 13th August.

The brand-new store, located on the ground floor of this new 13-storey building on High Street, will be the perfect convenience location for the numerous private offices and co-working spaces in the area and is a welcome addition to the business community.

Commenting on Centra’s continued expansion in Belfast City centre, Nigel Maxwell Sales Director Centra Northern Ireland said –

“Our focus is on redefining convenience – providing our shoppers with a healthier offering and innovative ranges, particularly in food-to go and our Frank and Honest coffee brand.  Centra River House is the latest example of our stores responding to the changing needs of the busy consumer and we wish Donagh and his team every success.”

With stores in Stranmillis, Malone Road and Donegall Street, River House marks the fourth Centra store for owner Donagh McGoveran.  Speaking today, Donagh said –

“We are proud to be opening the doors of River House and look forward to welcoming customers and providing them with a one-stop shop for modern convenience.”   

Offering a range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner including a hot and cold deli and healthy salad bar Green Kitchen, there is something for everyone.  Coffee lovers will be catered for with an in-store Frank and Honest gourmet coffee dock featuring 100% compostable coffee cups.

With self service tills available, Centra River House will service those on busy schedules while at the same time cater for those seeking a more relaxed eating experience with a comfortable seating area, complete with complimentary USB charging ports and WiFi.

Centra Retailers Recognised with 11 Shortlistings at Prestigious Retail Industry Awards

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Retailers from Centra have been shortlisted in the 2019 Retail Industry Awards, highlighting the excellence on offer across our stores.

Widely regarded as ‘The Oscars’ of the grocery sector, the Retail Industry Awards reward excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories, recognising independent retailers alongside the large supermarket groups.

Commenting on the shortlist, Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Centra in Northern Ireland said:

“I would like to congratulate all those stores who have been shortlisted in these prestigious UK wide awards. Excellence is second nature to our retailers, whether that’s the customer service they provide or the food and drink they serve. These shortlistings are testament to the hard work that has been put in over the years by our teams both at local and national level. We can now turn our attention to the awards night on September 17th and look forward to bringing home some wins for our retailers.”

Centra has been shortlisted in the following categories for this year’s Retail Industry Awards:

· Convenience Retailer of the Year – Regional – Centra NI

· Digital Engagement Award – Bradley’s Centra, Maghera, County Londonderry

· Drinks Retailer of the Year – Independent – Lusty’s Centra Larne, County Antrim

· Food-to-go Retailer of the Year

o Independent – Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

· Forecourt Retailer of the Year

o Independent – Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

o Company-owned – Centra Church Street, Banbridge, County Down

· Independent Retailer of the Year

o 1,200sq ft to 3,000sq ft – Centra Holywood, County Down

o 3,000sq ft to 6,000sq ft – Centra Deansbridge, Armagh

· Store Team of the Year – Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

· Symbol/Fascia Group of the Year – Centra

· Symbol Initiative of the Year – Live Well, Centra