California Prunes have long been recognised by chefs and cooks as a high quality,  great tasting ingredient. Unlike so many other calorific ingredients,  California Prunes are low in fat and calories and  make a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Nigella Lawson famously names prunes as “squashed teddy bear noses” and they feature in her delicious recipe for Chocolate Christmas Cake. With only 20 days until Christmas why not try some of our recipes for the Christmas season including:

• California Prune and Mint Stuffed Shoulder of Lamb
• Orange and California Prune Stuffing
• California Prune and Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding

For full details of these Christmas recipes and more, please visit the recipe page http://californiaprunes.co.uk/recipes.asp We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and look forward to reading your comments!

California Prunes are low in fat and as well as being a versatile ingredient, can also be used as a substitute for butter or oil when cooking.  Just blend some prunes with water to make a puree, which will add moisture without adding calories. Try adding prune puree to homemade burgers or muffins for a sweet and juicy low fat treat!

The California Prunes team were lucky enough to attend and support The Goalden Globe Awards this year, which celebrate the work of England Netball’s many volunteers. The sport relies heavily on its volunteers and the event recognised and thanked more people than ever before for their time and commitment.

In true award ceremony style the 228 guests were welcomed into glamorous surroundings via a Hollywood Boulevard style walkway. A cocktail reception and dinner were enjoyed before the all important awards got underway. As well as awarding volunteers from various regions, who had been nominated by their clubs, the event also celebrated the work of 17 volunteers who received awards for their long service of over 25 years.

Newcastle Town Netball Club - winners of the NextGen Award

Young Volunteer Award nominee, Faye Jackson won the evening’s prize draw, and is now the lucky owner of a  Virgin Holiday Voucher worth £1,500, which we donated to the event. We hope she has a relaxing break somewhere hot and sunny – California perhaps?!

Faye Jackson receiving holiday voucher prize, donated by California Prunes

Once the awards were complete the evening was rounded off by plenty of music and dancing, finishing in the early hours of the morning. Congratulations to the winners and all of the nominees and hope to see you next year!