Best Mother's Day Bakes 2023

Instead of buying your mum a present for Mother's Day this year, why not get creative and make her something instead?

Most mums love a sweet bite with their coffee so baking her a sugary treat is exactly the kind of surprise that's sure to be well received. We've chosen a few of our favourite recipes to share with you, all of which are guaranteed mum-pleasers. And best of all you can either bake them ahead of time or share some quality time with your mum by baking them together!

Presenting our Mother's Day 2023 bakes…

Caramel-drizzled banoffee bake

Part cheesecake, part traybake, all delicious! 

Ingredients

To make a caramel-drizzled banoffee bake, you will need:

For the base - 

• 175g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for the tin

• 250g digestive biscuits, crushed to a fine powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the banana ripple - 

• 2 tbsp icing sugar

• 1 tbsp cocoa

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 3 medium bananas, chopped

For the filling - 

• 750g full-fat soft cheese

• 200g mascarpone

• 175g light brown soft sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla bean extract

• 3 eggs

• 2 1/2 tbsp plain flour

• 100g caramel

To serve - 

• 300ml double cream

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 tbsp caramel

• cocoa, for dusting

• large handful baked banana chips (optional)

First, butter and line the base and sides of a 23cm square loose-bottomed cake tin. Put the biscuit crumbs in a bowl with the butter, cinnamon and a small pinch of salt and mix until fine. Tip into the base of the tin, then level off and press the mixture down to compact it. Place in the fridge.

Next, heat the oven to 120C/100C fan/gas 1. Mix the icing sugar, cocoa and cinnamon in a bowl, then stir in the banana and set aside.

To make the filling, put the soft cheese, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs and flour in a bowl. Beat with a whisk until smooth, then gently fold in the banana mixture.

Remove the base from the fridge and pour over the filling, then drizzle the 100g caramel on top.

Bake for one hour, then leave inside the oven - with the door open - until cool. Once cooled, transfer to the fridge to chill overnight.

When ready to serve, make the sweet cream topping. Beat the cream and sugar in a bowl until it forms soft peaks. Remove the cheesecake from the tin and spread the cream over the top, drizzle with the 2 tbsp caramel, dust with cocoa and scatter with the banana chips. 

Lemon layer cake

A fancy take on a classic, this bake just screams 'Mother's Day'!

Ingredients

To make a lemon layer cake, you will need:

• 225g unsalted butter, softened

• 225g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 75g natural yogurt

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

• 3 lemons, zested

For the drizzle - 

• 150g granulated sugar

• 3 lemons, zest of 2 pared into strips, juiced

For the icing - 

• 150g unsalted butter, softened

• 150g icing sugar, sieved

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

• 300g full-fat soft cheese

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line the base of two 20cm sandwich tins with baking parchment. Beat the butter and sugar together for 3 mins until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition, then fold in the flour and baking powder until well incorporated, then the yogurt, vanilla and lemon zest. Divide between the tins and bake for 30-35 mins until golden.

Next, make the drizzle by tipping the sugar, lemon juice and 100ml water into a small pan set over a medium heat and stir until dissolved. Add the lemon zest, bring to the boil and simmer for 2-3 mins until the liquid is syrupy. Remove the zest to a sheet of baking parchment using a slotted spoon, then remove the syrup from the heat.

Once the sponges have cooled in the tins for at least 10 mins, pour over the warm drizzle and leave to cool.

For the icing, beat the butter and icing sugar together for 4-5 mins until smooth. Add the vanilla and soft cheese and beat for 4 mins more until thick and creamy.

Remove the cooled sponges from the tins. Spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe just under half the icing around the edge of one of the sponges, using a circular motion for a wavy effect. Pipe a little more icing over the empty middle and smooth with the back of a spoon. Chill for one hour until set. Top with the second sponge, then pipe eight blobs of icing around the edge at regular intervals, leaving a gap between each. Spoon the candied lemon zest into each gap, then serve.

Raspberry ripple blondies

Your mum will love this combo of fresh, juicy raspberries and two types of irresistible chocolate!

Ingredients

To make 12 blondies, you will need:

• 150g raspberries

• 200g light brown soft sugar

• 225g unsalted butter, plus a little extra for the tin

• 100g caster sugar

• 200g plain flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 3 eggs

• 1tsp vanilla extract

• 125g dark chocolate, chopped into chunks

• 125g white chocolate, chopped into chunks

Place all but a handful of raspberries into a saucepan, along with 1 tsp brown sugar and 2 tsp water. Cook over a medium heat until the raspberries turn jammy. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Next, melt the butter in a pan over a low-medium heat. Tip in both the sugars and cook until the mixture is bubbling and the sugars have dissolved. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 10 mins.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Butter a 20 x 30cm tin and line with baking paper. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, add the eggs and vanilla, then mix well. Scatter over the dark and white chocolate chunks and fold to combine. Scrape the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Dot over teaspoonfuls of the raspberry compote, then use a skewer to gently swirl it through the batter to create a marbled effect. Scatter over the reserved raspberries, then bake for 40-45 mins until set with a slightly gooey centre. Leave to cool completely in the tin, then cut into squares to serve.

Happy Mother's Day 2023 from Cafe2U!

At Cafe2U, we believe that one of the best ways of showing your love is through food and drink, and these Mother's Day bakes are sure to make your mum feel loved and appreciated, especially if you pair them with one of our top quality coffees!

Our vans will be on the road as usual over the weekend so get in touch here if you'd like some coffee delivering to you or your mum's door.

Cafe2U Conference 2023

Our favourite event of the year took place last weekend - the annual Cafe2U conference!

Held in the wonderful surroundings of Wyboston Lakes in Bedford, the theme of this year's conference was 'The Seven Habits Of A Successful Franchisee' and saw members of the Cafe2U management team delivering presentations and workshops to the 60+ franchisees in attendance to help ensure they have another successful year in 2023.

The seven aforementioned habits are:

• Be proactive

• Begin with the end in mind (have long-term vision)

• Put first things first

• Think win-win (mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers)

• Seek first to understand, then to be understood (inc social media)

• Synergise (creative cooperation)

• Sharpen the saw (practise, practise, practise)

Kicking off with an introductory speech from Franchise Development Manager Nick Sara and an overview of the UK coffee market from CEO Martyn Ward, Head of Coffee Standards Callum Ellis then gave a presentation about coffee quality and its importance to franchisees and customers.

A series of workshops were held in the afternoon and covered topics including the importance of forging strong relationships with suppliers, getting the most out of social media and how to improve your coffee making skills. Representing an invaluable opportunity for our franchisees to expand upon their already impressive knowledge, the workshops went down a storm, with every session getting a great turnout.

Concluding the day's work was a Q&A session with CEO Martyn and the Franchise Development Management team which gave the franchisees the opportunity to ask any questions that came to mind, and for the presenters to answer questions that had been submitted earlier in the day via a question box located on site.

As evening fell, it was time for dinner and an awards ceremony, as attention switched firmly from work to play. With amazing food to enjoy, awards up for grabs - including the coveted Franchise Partner of The Year award, which was picked up by Amanda and Steve Lawrence, who operate in Braintree - and four-piece rock band Twist of Rock providing the tunes, our franchisees had a great time celebrating and dancing the night away.

CEO Martyn Ward said: "As ever, the annual Cafe2U conference was a great success. As well as celebrating both the franchisees' and the business' achievements in 2022 - which was our best year ever for both sales and sales growth - the conference was also a great opportunity for the senior management team to share some knowledge and advice with the franchisees to help them succeed again in 2023.

"And, of course, it was also an excellent excuse to get together for a bit of fun and a few drinks, with many franchisees finally getting the chance to meet face-to-face for the first time ever! Needless to say, we're already counting the days until next year's event!"

Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Investing In A Franchise

According to the most recent survey by the British Franchise Association, more than 700,000 people in the UK work in the franchising industry, with a staggering 93% returning a profit. Consequently, it's no surprise that, when thinking about a career change, many people weigh up the pros and cons of investing in a franchise themselves.

But with so many factors to consider when it comes to joining the franchising industry, how can you be sure that becoming a franchisee is the right decision for you? 

We've compiled the top five questions that every would-be franchisee should ask themselves.

Can you afford it?

Whatever type of franchise you find most appealing, investing in it will require you to find enough money to cover both start-up and ongoing costs, with the average cost of buying a franchise in the UK currently standing at approximately £15,000.

Before you begin trading, you'll need to pay an up-front franchise fee to the franchisor for the right to use its brand name, logo and business plan. It also usually covers training, support and marketing.

An ongoing fee will almost certainly be payable too, such as a management or royalty fee to continue trading under the franchisor's brand. This will either be a fixed monthly fee or a percentage of your profits. You may also be expected to make regular contributions for ongoing promotion and marketing activity and, if you're required to sell the franchisor's products, you will also need to buy inventory.

Depending on the nature of the franchise, you may also need enough working capital to pay suppliers, staff, rent, insurance and utilities - as well as your own cost of living - in the interim before your business becomes profitable.

Are you passionate about your chosen franchise?

If you're not 100% interested in the industry in which your chosen franchise specialises, walk away. Not only will your customers and clients quickly pick up on your lack of enthusiasm, resulting in reputational damage to your business, but you're also more likely to lose interest in it in the long-term, which could conceivably cost you a significant amount of money.

Conversely, if you invest in a franchise you're truly interested in, your energy and passion for it will naturally come through, resulting in you offering a better product or service to your customers.

While the predicted earnings and the work/life balance being offered by your chosen franchise are important factors to take into account, if they're the only things that interest you about it, it's time to think again.

Have you done your due diligence?

The only way to ascertain your new business' chances of success is to get out in the area in which you want to operate and do some market research. Does the local community have the right demographics for your business? Is it crying out for whatever you have to offer? Or are there already too many businesses offering the same services in the area? 

At this stage, being thorough and patient is vital, so resist the temptation to sign on the dotted line until you can answer these questions and more. The more time you invest before you buy a franchise, the better your return on investment is likely to be.

Do you have the right skill set?

Familiarise yourself with what day-to-day life as a franchisee in your chosen field entails and make sure you're confident you have the personality, lifestyle and skills to make a success of it if you decide to take the plunge. 

Ask yourself questions like: 

• can you deal with early starts and long days?

• Do you enjoy interacting with members of the public?

• Are you well organised?

• Can you handle any and all daily paperwork that may be involved?

• Will you be comfortable implementing the franchisor's procedures?

If you can honestly answer 'yes' to these sorts of questions, franchising could be a good fit for you. 

How will you spread the word about your new franchise?

You'll need to advertise your new business before it launches - to build interest - and once it has launched, to ensure people know that you're there and what you have to offer.

Establishing a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all advisable and you should also be prepared to put up posters, make and deliver flyers and advertise in local newspapers in order to promote your franchise too, especially if it isn't already a household name.

Cafe2U franchises are available

Not only are they available, they're one of the best franchise options for 2023. In addition to a top-of-the-range electric van and an exclusive area in which to operate, all our new franchisees receive all the training and equipment necessary to get their businesses off the ground. We also supply them with all the ongoing support and marketing advice they need too.

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, we can even assist in arranging finance for you. For more information, click here.

Pancake Day 2023: How To Make Pancake Art

Tuesday, February 21st, is Pancake Day, a sacred day for most Brits who celebrate their love for the fluffy, round treats by eating as many of them as possible.

An incredibly versatile snack, pancakes can be enjoyed sweet or savoury, big or small, open or rolled up. They can form the basis of a meal or be served after dinner as a dessert. To cut a long story short, they're brilliant.

As the origins of Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday, to give it its rightful name) can be traced all the way back to the 15th century, surely we know everything there is to know about pancakes by now? Well, maybe not. For there exists a phenomenon known as pancake art, which is exactly what it sounds like - an art form that involves creating works of art out of pancakes.

If the opportunity to make super tasty pancakes while simultaneously unleashing your artistic potential in the kitchen sounds like your idea of a good time, read on for some of our favourite recipes that you can try at home!

Confetti pancakes

Bring colour to your pancakes with this simple yet fancy recipe. Matisse and Rothko would approve!

Ingredients

To make six pancakes, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 300ml milk

• hundreds and thousands

• vanilla ice cream

• fresh fruit of your choosing 

Start by tipping the flour, baking powder, sugar and two teaspoons of hundreds and thousands into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt, then crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the maple syrup and milk while whisking.

Next, heat a splash of oil and a small knob of butter in a non-stick frying pan until sizzling. Add a spoonful of batter and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side. Serve with sliced fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream. If that's not colourful enough, add a sprinkle of hundreds and thousands as a final flourish!

Unicorn pancakes

Stepping the difficulty up a notch, this adorable design is tricky but worth it in the end!

Ingredients

To make six unicorn pancakes, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 300ml milk

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• hundreds and thousands

• white chocolate stars

• ice cream (optional)

• fresh fruit (optional)

• gel food colouring - 4 different colours is best

• 3 piping bags

Start by tipping the flour, baking powder, sugar and two teaspoons of hundreds and thousands into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt, then crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the maple syrup and milk while whisking.

Next, divide the mixture into three bowls. Mix one tablespoon of cocoa powder into one batch and put in a piping bag.

Dip a skewer or clean paint brush into some food colouring and draw a line on the inside of another piping bag from bottom to top, repeating a few times with different colours (pink, blue, green and yellow work well). Fill the piping bag with a batch of the pancake mix to create a rainbow batter. 

Put the remaining mix into the third piping bag, then snip the ends of each bag to create small nozzles.

Put a little sunflower oil in the base of a non-stick frying pan then warm over a low heat. Pipe the outline of a unicorn head into the pan using the cocoa mixture. Fill in the horn with the multicoloured batter, then use it to draw the unicorn's hair. Fill in the gaps with the plain batter, then increase the heat slightly and cook until everything has set. Once set, use a palette knife to carefully turn the pancake over and cook for another minute until the batter is cooked through. 

To make extra 'unicorn-y', scatter hundreds and thousands and white chocolate stars over a plate before placing your pancake on top. Serve with ice cream and/or fresh fruit if using.

You can use this method to make pancakes in any shape you like - other good options include bumble bees, llamas or lions!

Initials pancakes

Personalise your pancakes by making some in the shape of everyone's first name!

Ingredients

To make six ‘initials pancakes’, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 300ml milk

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Start by tipping the flour, baking powder and sugar into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt, then crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the maple syrup and milk while whisking.

Pour approx 75% of the mixture into one bowl and the remaining 25% into another. Mix one tablespoon of cocoa powder into the smaller batch and put in a piping bag. Fill another piping bag with the plain batter.

Next, lightly grease a non-stick pan, then pipe cocoa-flavoured batter into the shape of the first letter of your name. Remember to write it backwards, so it's the right way round when the pancake is flipped! 

Turn your hob to a low heat and allow the pancake to cook for a few moments, then completely cover it with plain pancake batter. When bubbles rise to the surface, flip the pancake over to cook on the other side until completely set.

Why not let Cafe2U provide the perfect accompaniment to your pancakes?

As much as we like pancakes (and we do, a lot!) we'd never let our love of doughy snacks stop us delivering top-quality coffee to wherever our customers need us most. Whether it's to your office or your doorstep, our mobile baristas will be out and about on Pancake Day as usual. Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here to find out more and arrange a delivery.

Espresso Some Love for Valentine's Day 2023 with these Coffee Gifts

When most people think of Valentine's Day, the first things that come to mind are traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates and champagne.

While these are all perfectly adequate ideas, let's be honest - there's not much to excite coffee aficionados. So, if your other half is as fond of coffee as we are, what should you get them to show your love this year? How about one of these Valentine's Day coffee gifts?

Handmade coasters

Coffee lovers need coasters so why not push the boat out this Valentine's Day and get your partner some stylish and colourful ones they won't find on the highstreet? 

The ultimate coffee table accessory, these Mexico-inspired coasters will keep your furniture ring-free and brighten up any living area in which they're used. And, because they're hand-woven rather than wooden or plastic like most coasters, they're a guaranteed conversation piece for when guests come to visit.

Coffee body scrub

Coffee isn't only for drinking - it can also be used as part of an effective skin care routine!

Celebrated for their ability to leave your skin feeling nourished and moisturised, coffee scrubs even help combat breakouts, scars, stretch marks and cellulite.

This one from Frank Body, the world's leading coffee-based skincare company, is 100% natural and vegan, combining coffee, vitamin E and specially selected oils to leave skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Once your coffee-loving other half tries it once, they'll never go back.

Classic cafetiere

One of the most widely used and best coffee filter machines in the world, cafetieres are a kitchen staple for many people and a brilliant gift for any coffee drinker who doesn't already own one.

Perfect for those that enjoy a full bodied coffee, cafetieres are easy to use - simply add freshly-boiled water and coffee grounds to the jug, leave for a few minutes, plunge the mesh filter down to the bottom of the beaker, then pour the brew straight into your mug. 

There are plenty to choose from in shops and online but a couple of our favourites are this 34oz glass and stainless steel French press from Bodum and this large capacity, double-wall insulated beauty from Coffee Gator.

Coffee necklace

Why not show your loved one how you feel about them with this charming coffee-themed necklace?

Made from sterling silver, this sweet piece of jewellery is eye-catching yet subtle, with a heart cutout that's impossible not to fall in love with. It even comes with a velvet storage bag and presentation gift box!

A prepaid Cafe2U card

If your partner is a Cafe2U customer, why not pick up the tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards? When you prepay for five, they'll get the sixth completely free and it'll mocha their day!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here to find out more.

Happy Valentine's Day 2023 from everyone at Cafe2U!

We're happy whenever romance is in the air, so we hope everyone has a great time for Valentine's Day 2023. Our mobile coffee vans will be on the road as usual and you can get in touch with your nearest barista here if you'd like a quality brew delivered straight to your sweetheart's door!

Franchising Resolutions For 2023

Resolutions are for the whole year, not just January, so we've compiled five top franchising tips for you to stick to in 2023 in order to take your business to the next level.

Become as sustainable as possible

Climate change awareness is higher than ever, so it's imperative for your franchise to reduce its carbon footprint to become as sustainable as possible without delay. With consumers increasingly unlikely to deal with any company that isn't overtly environmentally friendly, ensuring your franchise is as sustainable as possible has become non-negotiable if you want it to succeed.

While sustainability has rightly been a buzzword for franchises for many years already, 2023 could well be the year when record numbers of businesses become greener than ever, with shifts towards going paper-free by digitising records, using recycled/recyclable/reusable products and materials wherever possible and installing long-lasting LED light bulbs among the most common initiatives.

At Cafe2U, our zero-emission electric vans are helping us on our way to becoming the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company.

Get out and about

This might sound obvious for a mobile business but in order to increase the profitability of your franchise, it's worth getting off the beaten track every once in a while.

Every Cafe2U franchisee has an exclusive territory in which to operate but, no matter how well they know the area, untapped opportunities can often be found within it. If there's a good-sized park or sports field in your vicinity, find out if any upcoming events are taking place there as these will often provide you with an excellent opportunity to make new customers.

Freshen up your offering

It's no secret that customers quickly become bored if a franchise's product offering stays exactly the same every day. That's why it's so important to occasionally add new items to your menu to complement your perennial best-sellers to keep regular customers interested and attract new business.

Keep an eye out for opportunities like Easter, Halloween etc and offer products themed around them when the time comes. Our sweet and warming S'more mochas always go down a treat around Bonfire Night!

Plan for upcoming seasonal events

Do your research to make sure you're always prepared for any national holidays or awareness days that are just around the corner and can be targeted by your franchise. Bank Holidays are an obvious example as they can provide multiple catering opportunities for your franchise.

What this means is that you should be promoting your services now - whether it’s in person or online - to try and get some bookings in the diary. A simple Google search will also bring up a list of other relevant dates for you to note down and target. 

Ensure you're making the most of social media

It's one thing to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but if you're not posting regularly and using them to interact with customers, you're missing a trick!

As well as allowing you to let people know when you'll be out and about - and where you'll be - social media also allows you to advertise any new drinks or snacks you're offering, answer customers' questions and build strong relationships with consumers.

Franchising opportunities with Cafe2U

If you're interested in changing careers or becoming your own boss, franchising is one of the most risk-free ways of doing so.

All our franchisees receive all the training and support they need to help make their business a success. If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Get Involved With 'Brew Monday' 2023

You've probably heard of Blue Monday, the name given to the third Monday in January that is allegedly the most depressing day of the year. But what about ‘Brew Monday’?

What is Brew Monday?

Brew Monday is the brainchild of emotional support charity, Samaritans, and is designed to directly counteract the doom and gloom surrounding Blue Monday by encouraging people to reach out to their friends and family, arrange a catch-up over a coffee and enjoy some quality time together.

Those interested in taking part can also choose to raise funds for Samaritans by hosting a Brew Monday event. While the fundraising methods are up to the host, they typically involve baking cakes or biscuits then selling them to guests and sending the proceeds to Samaritans.

When Does Brew Monday 2023 Take Place?

Brew Monday takes place on the same day as Blue Monday which, this year, is on January 16th.

Why take part?

According to estimates, Samaritans responds to a call for help every 10 seconds from someone who is struggling to cope and wants to talk about their feelings without judgement or pressure. 

As a charity, it relies on donations so hosting a Brew Monday event to help raise funds enables it to continue providing support to people in the UK and the Republic of Ireland who are suffering emotional distress.

How Do I Take Part?

Taking part is as easy as inviting a friend round for a coffee, while those wanting to arrange a larger get-together can either organise a tea-party at home or at work, or host a virtual event via a website/app like Zoom, Skype or Facebook Messenger.

Simply select a date and location for your event, invite your guests and bake some treats to sell them. If you're hosting an event at work, remember to book a meeting room that's big enough for all the invitees.

Then, if yours is a fundraising event, all you need to do is collect all your donations and send them to Samaritans. You can pay by cheque, bank transfer or over the phone. For more information, visit this page.

If you need some tips or activities to make your event go smoothly, take a look at this page.

For help arranging an event, email: community&events@samaritans.org

How Cafe2U can help

If you're hosting a fundraising event or would just like a professional barista to make your guests' hot drinks, why not book one of our mobile cafés to come and handle the coffee-making duties for you?

You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Best Vegan Bakes To Go With Coffee

Veganuary is an annual challenge that promotes - and educates about - veganism and its benefits by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle throughout January, in order to help end animal farming and protect the environment. 

With celebrity ambassadors including ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, actor Joaquin Phoenix and author and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, the Veganuary movement has grown in popularity since its inception in 2014, with more than 620,000 people taking part in 2022.

If you're a coffee-lover who is taking part in Veganuary 2023 and your favourite biscuit or cake isn't vegan, what are the best vegan bakes to enjoy with a fresh brew instead? Let's take a look.

Vegan cranberry and orange cookies

Oaty, zesty and perfect for dunking, these fruity delights put the 'oo' in 'cookie'!

Ingredients

To make 12 cranberry and orange cookies, you will need: 

• 85g flavourless oil (such as sunflower or vegetable)

• 75g caster sugar

• 75g light muscovado sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 orange, zested

• 175g plain flour

• 50g jumbo oats

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 75g dried cranberries, roughly chopped

Begin by heating your oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 5, then line two baking trays with parchment paper. Whisk the oil together with the sugars, vanilla extract and 2 tbsp water in a large bowl until smooth, then stir in the orange zest.

Next, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, bicarb, cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of sea salt flakes in a separate bowl. Tip the dry ingredients into the wet, mix until you have a thick dough, then stir in the cranberries.

Form the dough into 12 evenly sized balls. Arrange on the baking trays, leaving a space between each one. Flatten slightly with your palm, then bake for 13-15 mins until the edges are set. Leave to cool for 15 mins on the trays before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vegan flapjack

This recipe encourages anyone making it to be adventurous with the nuts and dried fruits of their choosing, proving that variety really is the spice of life!

Ingredients

To make 16 vegan flapjacks, you will need:

• 140g dairy-free spread

• 140g soft light brown sugar

• 2 tbsp golden syrup

• 175g rolled oats

• 75g chopped nuts of your choice

• 75g dried fruit (such as raisins, dried cranberries or chopped apricots)

Heat your oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 4 and line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper. Melt the dairy-free spread, sugar and syrup in a saucepan over a medium heat, then remove from the heat and add in the oats, chopped nuts and dried fruit. Transfer to the tin, packing the mix in with the back of a spoon.

Bake for 30 - 35 mins until lightly golden and crisp around the edges. Leave to cool in the tin before slicing into squares.

Vegan chocolate traybake

Perfect as an afternoon treat or for special occasions, this traybake recipe is as indulgent as it is simple.

Ingredients

To make a traybake for 12, you will need:

• 215ml sunflower oil, plus extra for the tin

• 300ml soy, almond or coconut milk

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 335g light muscovado sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 175g soy or coconut yoghurt

• 300g self-raising flour

• 105g cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the buttercream, you will need:

• 100g dark dairy-free chocolate

• 140g vegan spread, at room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 265g icing sugar, sifted

• ½–1 tbsp plant milk (whatever you used in the sponge)

• colourful vegan sprinkles, to decorate

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil a 23 x 33cm baking tin (at least 4cm deep) and line the bases and sides with parchment paper. Whisk the milk and vinegar together in a jug, then set aside.

Next, whisk the sugar, oil and vanilla extract together in a bowl, then whisk in the yoghurt, pour in the soured milk and mix well.

Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and ¼ tsp salt into a separate bowl and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until the batter becomes smooth. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30-35 mins, until well risen and springy, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out almost clean.

Leave the cake to cool in its tin for 20 mins, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the vegan buttercream, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, then leave to cool. Beat the spread and vanilla on high speed in a stand mixer for a few minutes until pale and fluffy, then add the icing sugar gradually, beating on slow to start with, then turning up the speed to max until the mixture is light and creamy. Pour in the cooled chocolate and combine. Add a little plant milk if the icing is very stiff. Chill the buttercream for at least 30 mins before using.

When the cake is completely cool, spread the icing over the top and decorate with the sprinkles. Keep the cake in the fridge to stay firm, then remove one hour before serving.

Happy Veganuary 2023 from Cafe2U!

As big fans of vegan bakes, you won't be surprised to hear that Cafe2U also offers a range of vegan-friendly alternative milks. Contact your nearest van and find out more here.

Franchise Forecast for 2023

As a new year looms, franchisors across the UK are analysing 2022's trends to try and ascertain the direction in which the franchise industry is heading. While external factors like rising inflation rates and reduced consumer spending are out of their control, there are still plenty of things franchisors can do to give themselves the greatest chance of success over the coming months. 

Successful organisations know they must constantly evolve to remain ahead of the pack and these are the three ways in which we expect to see growing franchises shape the franchise industry in 2023.

Becoming as environmentally friendly as possible

With awareness of the importance of sustainability at an all-time high among consumers, environmentally-aware businesses are reaping the well-deserved rewards, as customers increasingly choose to only support those that protect the environment as much as possible or, better yet, give something back to it too.

Franchises that use recycled and/or recyclable products, work to reduce their carbon footprint and demand the same of their partners and suppliers can expect to earn the support of both customers and potential franchisees over those that exist solely to make money in 2023.

Innovating

Every franchise wants to be profitable and increasing your profit margin invariably means taking a percentage of one of your competitors' market share. One of the most effective ways of doing so is by being as innovative as possible in order to get in front of - and appeal to - as wide an audience as possible.

In the mobile coffee industry, this might mean developing an app that customers can use to make their experience more convenient, embracing digital advertising or switching from diesel vehicles to electric models - all moves which are both innovative and environmentally-friendly and ones Cafe2U has made in recent years.

It would be a surprise if the franchises that innovate the most in 2023 aren't celebrating another successful year in 12 months time.

Through sustained growth

According to the British Franchise Association (BFA), approximately 710,000 people are employed in the UK franchise industry, with more than 90% of franchisees running at a profit.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing cost of living crisis, it's not unreasonable to think that many who can afford to do so will be tempted to invest in the franchising industry in 2023. This will allow them to take back control of their finances by becoming their own boss in a demonstrably profitable industry that remains low risk, with fewer than 1% of franchises failing each year in comparison to the approximately 60% of non-franchise SME start-ups that fail within their first five years.

Those franchises that make themselves most appealing to would-be franchisees in 2023 should be in for an excellent year.

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining regularly. If you're interested in becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

We’ll supply you with everything you need to get your business off the ground, from training and equipment to ongoing support and advice on marketing.

With an excellent reputation, ever-expanding customer base and impressive sustainability record, we're sure that joining the Cafe2U family in 2023 is a decision you won't regret.

Best Coffee Cracker Jokes for Christmas 2022

Looking to stir things up with a few coffee-centric gags this Christmas? Well we sure are, so bear with us as we present some of our favourite coffee-themed gags - all of which are deSERVING of a place in even the poshest crackers!

1. How did the hipster burn her mouth? She drank her coffee before it was cool!

2. What do gossiping coffees do? Spill the beans!

3. Why did the coffee file a police report? Because it got mugged!

4. What do you call it when you walk into a cafe you’re sure you’ve been to before? Déjà brew!

5. Why shouldn't you drink 1p espresso? It’s a cheap shot!

6. How are coffee beans like teenagers? They're always getting grounded!

7. What’s a barista’s favourite exercise at the gym? The French press!

8. Why did the coffee-shop worker get fired? He kept showing up in a tea-shirt!

9. What do you call a sad cup of coffee? A depresso!

10. Why did the kangaroo stop drinking coffee? It made him too jumpy!

Merry Christmas from Cafe2U!

What do you mean 'don't give up your day job'?!

Send us your favourite coffee Christmas cracker jokes via our social channels and we'll share the best ones over the coming weeks!

Top Coffee Christmas Gifts 2022

Christmas is a-coming and if, like us, you haven't started finished your shopping yet, you might be in need of some inspiration. Well fear not, because we've rounded up some of the best coffee-related presents money can buy and we're sure you'll find something to delight your coffee-loving friends and family among the following selection.

Portable espresso machine

Coffee fans that need to be within easy reach of an espresso at all times will love this portable espresso machine that makes fresh coffee in an instant.

The Minipresso GR is a robust but lightweight and easy to use bit of kit that's perfect for use at home, at work or on the go, with a decent capacity and low price point. Sold!

Coffee wall art

Not art made from coffee - although such a thing probably does exist - but a fun and simple coffee guide print that will enhance any wall on which it hangs.

Available in a wide range of sizes, this wall art features adorable pictures of either 16 or 25 different coffees and their ingredients, making it the perfect decoration for any coffee lover's kitchen, living room or home office. Never again will they forget how to make a cafe con leche or latte macchiato!

Salter coffee grinder

Many coffee aficionados enjoy nothing more than grinding their own beans and this nifty little grinder is one of the very best - and most reasonably priced - on the market.

A single speed, stainless steel electric coffee grinder, this bad boy is simple to use, quick to grind and of excellent quality. Despite being small enough to not require much kitchen space, its 60g capacity allows it to grind up large portions in no time. You can use it to grind nuts or spices to add to your favourite coffee concoctions too!

Friars coffee chocolate collection

Coffee and chocolate go together like a hand in a glove or a spoon in a mug. This year, why not treat the one you love to some of the finest coffee chocolates around, courtesy of Friar's, one of the UK's oldest and most popular chocolatiers?

This coffee chocolate collection is bursting at the seams with 24 luxury treats, including cappuccino cupcake, caramel latte and, of course, tiramisu flavours, so be sure to stay on the recipient's nice list so you can get to try some yourself!

Coffee candle

Nothing beats the smell of freshly brewed coffee which is why this coffee candle makes such a brilliant gift-idea.

A 100% natural candle that features a coffee fragrance, crackling wick and a burn time of 40+ hours, it's guaranteed to improve the ambience of any coffee lover's living room, kitchen or hallway. It even comes in a stylish black whisky glass-style jar for added cool points!

Prepaid Cafe2U Gift Card

If you need a present for a regular Cafe2U customer, why not make their next few visits free by picking them up one of our prepaid gift cards? Or you could pre-pay for five coffees so they get the sixth one free! To find out more, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy shopping!

Whatever you decide to buy this Christmas, remember that it's all just a bit of fun and not worth losing any sleep over. And, if the stress of the festive season gets too much and you find yourself needing a quick pick-me-up, remember we're always happy to deliver some top quality, fresh coffee direct to your door!

Christmas Coffee Recipes

If the festive season has you yearning for a suitable drink to go with it, we've got some tasty suggestions to help coffee lovers turn their favourite brew into a Christmas cracker!

From traditional flavours to boozy treats, you're bound to find something you'll love among our top Christmas coffee recipes.

Cinnamon latte

Sweet, sharp and comforting, cinnamon is an unmistakable Christmas taste!

Ingredients

To make two cinnamon lattes, you will need:

• 500ml milk

• 2 shots espresso

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 0.75 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• cream and cinnamon to serve

Simply add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon together in a pan, then gently heat through for approximately about 3-4 minutes. Add the espresso and stir well, before pouring into cups and topping with cream and extra cinnamon to serve.

Nutmeg and orange Christmas coffee

Perfect first thing or after-dinner, this zesty delight is Christmas in a mug!

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 2 tbsp ground coffee

• ½ small cinnamon stick

• 1 pitted dates

• pinch of ground nutmeg

• 1 clove

• strip of pared orange zest

Put the ground coffee, cinnamon stick and dates in a large cafetiere. Add the ground nutmeg, cloves and orange zest, then pour over 200ml freshly boiled water.

Stir gently to combine, then leave to steep for four minutes. Slowly push down the plunger, then serve in espresso cups.

Peppermint mocha

Peppermint and coffee bring out the flavours in each other for a warming treat that's the perfect antidote to plummeting temperatures.

Ingredients

To make two peppermint mochas, you will need:

• 190ml milk

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 190ml espresso

• ½ tsp mint extract (or ½ peppermint candy cane)

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• Whipped cream

• Pinch of chocolate shavings

Add the milk, cocoa and sugar to a small saucepan on medium heat and warm until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. While the milk is heating, brew the espresso.

Pour the espresso and milk mixture into large mugs and top with whipped cream, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Gingerbread latte

Sweet, cosy and creamy, gingerbread lattes are the ultimate comfort drink.

Ingredients

To make two gingerbread lattes, you will need:

• 1½ tsp ground ginger, plus extra to serve

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve

• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 600ml whole milk

• 2 shots hot espresso 

• whipped cream, to serve

In a bowl, mix together the spices, sugar and vanilla extract, then heat 100ml of the milk in a pan and add the spice and sugar mix. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved, then whisk in the remaining milk in additions until incorporated. Heat through until steaming.

Put a shot of espresso in each glass and top up with the spiced milk. Top with whipped cream and the extra spices.

Brandy coffee

If you're in the mood for a hot drink with a bit of a kick, look no further - brandy and coffee are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

To make two brandy coffees, you will need: 

• 4 tbsps coffee grounds

• 250ml boiling water

• 60ml coffee liqueur

• 60ml brandy

• 30ml chocolate liqueur

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings

Add the coffee grounds and boiling water to a cafetière and leave to brew for four minutes. Once brewed, press the coffee and pour into a heatproof glass, then pour in the coffee liqueur, brandy and chocolate liqueur. Stir well.

Layer whipped cream on top of the coffee, followed by a sprinkling of chocolate shavings and serve.

Christmas2U!

If you're hoping to settle in with some top quality coffee this Christmas, our mobile vans will be on the road throughout the festive period and our trained baristas have some of the finest coffees around. To have some delivered to your door, find out where your nearest van is using our interactive map here.

Best Coffee Gifts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022

With Black Friday 2022 - the day on which retailers slash prices on many of their items - taking place this Friday, November 25th (with Cyber Monday taking place the following Monday), we've taken a look at the best gifts for coffee lovers.

Best coffee machines

Many retailers are offering discounts on coffee makers, with these at John Lewis definitely worth a look, but this Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine with Alexa and Smart Home Control from Amazon might just be the pick of the bunch.

Not only does it make customisable, barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button, it also features a raft of features including voice control and a temperature boost function, has Alexa built-in and is currently available with a staggering 63% off - down to £109.99 from £299.00.

Best grinder

Every fan of bean-to-cup coffee needs a good quality grinder and one of the best we've seen is this De'Longhi Dedica Style KG521.M Coffee Grinder. 

Available with nearly a third off at £196.40, this grinder features a 2.1 inch LCD display with Aroma Function, a stainless steel conical grinder with removable insert for easy cleaning and adjustable settings. It looks smart and stylish too!

Best coffee grounds

If you've never tried Happy Belly's Select Brazil Roast and Ground Coffee, here's your chance!

During the Black Friday sales, you can pick up six 1.36Kg packs of this tasty Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for just £12.48, saving more than 25%. These full bodied, mid-strength grounds have a balanced, mild profile, with a nutty base flavour and notes of chocolate. Delicious!

Best coffee beans

Bean-lovers rejoice - a 1kg bag of Lavazza's fantastic Crema e Aroma, Arabica and Robusta Medium Roast Coffee Beans are available with 25% off while the sales last.

With an 8/10 intensity and rich, creamy flavour, these beans are suitable for use in bean-to-cup machines and filter machines or can be ground for use in a French press or moka pot. They also come in a resealable bag for long-lasting freshness. What's not to like?!

Coffee accessories

Looking for a few more items to complete your coffee set, how about these?

• these Judge JDG35 Double Walled Glass Coffee Cups - heat resistant, dishwasher safe and super stylish.

• these stainless steel coffee scoops - perfect for measuring your coffee, they have bag clips and 20% off!

• a new coffee storage container - a stainless steel container in a range of colours that comes with a date tracker and CO2 valve for freshness.

Enjoy Black Friday 2022 with Cafe2U

If you're planning on spending Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022 browsing for online deals, why not contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring you some top-quality coffee to your door to help keep you going?

World Cup 2022: Coffee XI

To celebrate World Cup 2022, we've compiled our best coffee XI from players who will be taking part in this month's tournament. Read on to see if your favourite players have made the cut!

Goalkeeper

In goal, it's Germany's number two, Kevin Trapp-uccino. 

Although he's unlikely to play much this winter, he'll be the first player his teammates turn to when they need a luxury hot drink the morning before a match.

Defence

We've gone for a versatile back five, with the Netherlands' Jurrien Timber-ista serving up delicious assists from his position at right wing-back, while Brazilian Alex Telles-presso brings relentless energy to his role on the opposite flank.

Making up the rest of the defence are two English centre backs and another Dutchman, in the forms of Ben 'Flat' White, Conor Coady-caff and our captain, Virgil 'Mobile Coffee' van Dijk, who we know will deliver the goods all over the pitch.

Is this the most thirst-quenching fivesome there's ever bean?!

Midfield

To accommodate our marauding wing-backs, we've opted for safety and stability in our team's engine room, with an athletic but defensively-minded duo comprising another Brazilian and a third English representative. Take a bow Cafemiro and Declan Rice-d coffee.

What this pair lack in goal threat, they more than make up for in tasty tackles. Let's just hope they don't end up in too much hot water!

Completing our midfield in an advanced role just behind the strikers is Morocco's Sofiane Brew-fal. A lively, silky smooth operator, he's the perfect pick-me-up when energy levels start to flag in the latter stages of a game.

Attack

Who else but France's favourite son, Kylian Mfrappé, alongside Samba star Neymaricano!

With flicks and tricks galore and ice running through their veins, we're sure these two will score our XI plenty of latte-minute winners.

Manager

And every team needs a manager - so our Coffee XI will be coached by Spain’s Luis Enri-queue at the back of our van.

It's coming home?

Let us know how you think this team would get on at World KeepCup 2022 and send us your own coffee XI on our social media channels!

National Career Development Month 2022: Why Choose A Franchise?

Established by the National Career Development Agency in 1967, National Career Development Month is a month-long awareness campaign designed to improve career development among people of all ages and encourage employees and students to focus on their future career choices.

With the opportunity to think about your future career prospects comes the opportunity to consider changing jobs but while changing your employer but remaining within the same industry has long been an everyday occurrence, today more and more people are considering leaving their current career behind in favour of becoming a franchisee.

So what benefits does choosing a franchise have over simply getting a new job? We take a look.

You are your own boss

In recent years, work models like the gig economy and zero-hours working have become more prevalent in the UK than ever before. But with people now realising the limitations of these ways of working, many people are choosing to become a franchisee in order to take back control of their career development.

Franchisees are essentially self-employed, so becoming one gives you the autonomy to make your own decisions on a huge variety of issues, including where, when and for how long you work each week, giving you a flexible job that fits in with your lifestyle and improves your work/life balance. 

With working from home now the 'new normal', running a business that can adapt to different locations and settings is a great idea and one that is likely to see the franchising industry continue to flourish over the coming months.

You can get started quickly

If you want to get a new business off the ground as soon as possible, franchising is an effective way to do so.

Becoming a franchisee is a simple process that involves an interview between the franchisor and franchisee to ensure suitability, the drawing up and signing of a contract, buying into the franchise and then training for the new role, which may only take a matter of weeks. After that, you're up and running!

It's low risk

It seems like the last few years have been fraught with risk at every turn, with everything from the pandemic to the cost of living crisis putting a damper on people's ambitions. 

However, with 97% of UK-based franchisees currently running in profit and fewer than 1% of franchisors closing due to commercial failure, it's clear that one thing that is relatively low risk is investing in the franchising industry, especially when compared to the fact that only 40% of new businesses in the UK survive more than three years.

Becoming a franchisee also increases your chance at enjoying a successful career because your customers are likely to already be aware of your brand and its reputation (which, hopefully, will be positive), meaning you get the benefit of an established customer base that would otherwise take years to establish, saving you both time and money on costly promotional activity designed to raise brand awareness.

It's typically profitable

Many people change careers in order to increase their earning potential and the franchising industry is profitable to say the least. Consistently good performances will see your income increase directly, meaning the sky's the limit when it comes to your earning potential.

With many people's finances in need of a shot in the arm after two years of economic uncertainty, the franchising industry's profitability makes it a great place for people looking for a career change to start their search.

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every single month. If you're interested in developing your career by becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

Cafe2U: Through it, Stronger with Amanda Lawrence

Despite the challenges faced during the last year, Cafe2U and our franchisees have come through it stronger. Here, we take a look at some of the individual Cafe2U success stories from recent times, starting with Amanda Lawrence.

About:

Amanda Lawrence has been a franchise owner in Braintree, Essex, since November 2020.

Why did you choose to become a Cafe2U franchisee?

I was working full time as a bank manager. I have two boys and a husband who is also a bank manager. Looking for a change of scenery, I was thinking about opening a coffee shop and decided that a mobile one was a great idea as it has fewer overheads. I also liked the prospect of working on my own with no staff to manage and, theoretically, less stress!

How did you get set up?

I set up the business using my savings. 

What training and support did you have?

Cafe2U's Franchise Development Manager, Mustafa, has been incredibly supportive and has even re-built the coffee round to suit me. He has kept in touch with regular Zoom calls and has helped me liaise with the Good Till Company, the company that supplies our tills, to ensure everything in my van is running smoothly. He has also been available to offer me advice whenever I've needed it and to help me figure out exactly what I want to get out of the business.

What’s your day-to-day like?

Nice! After sitting at a desk for ten years, it's hard work but very rewarding. I love the freedom of being self-employed and the support I receive from Karen (Cafe2U's Operations Support Manager) and Mustafa has been invaluable.

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

The main challenges for me are the aches and pains after a long day! I know they'll be worth it in the long run though, and that helps keep me going.

How to become a Cafe2U franchisee.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Cafe2U franchisee and want to discover similar experiences to Amanda, you can find out more about the process and costs here.

Amanda Lawrence set her heart on a high street coffee shop when she accepted voluntary redundancy from NatWest Bank in 2020. However, when she and her husband, Steve, considered the level of competition and the risk of dropping footfall, they decided it was better to go mobile. In November 2020 Amanda invested in a Cafe2U mobile coffee van and café franchise, serving the Braintree area.

“The resale franchise included an eight-year-old diesel van equipped with a diesel generator to drive the café equipment,” says Steve, who left his bank career to join Amanda in June 2021, “but in September 2021 we invested in a new all-electric van.”

He says: “We love it, and so do our customers. One battery drives the van and the other powers the coffee machine, refrigerator and freezer, the heated oven and the lights. There’s no noisy diesel generator and no fumes, and one overnight charge delivers more than enough power to get the van through our 45-mile round, delivering coffee and food to 25-30 local workplaces.”

The couple, from Coggeshall, Essex, have also found the electric van saves money as well as the environment.

“It saves us about £350 a month in fuel costs compared to the old diesel van,” says Steve. “Even at current electricity prices, charging both batteries nightly costs about £180 a month. There’s also no road tax to pay, so that saves about £240 a year, and because the electric engine has no clutch, gearbox or exhaust, there’s a lot less to go wrong, so it saves us hundreds of pounds on repairs and replacements.”

The van livery highlights the fact that it’s all-electric, which customers like, and Steve adds: “The cost savings mean we have not had to put up our prices to cover the increase in fuel costs.”

Best Bakes for Bonfire Night 2022

The clocks may have gone back, the nights may be drawing in and Halloween may have been and gone but there's still more to look forward to in 2022 than just Christmas - Bonfire Night is just around the corner!

Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night takes place on November 5th to commemorate a failed plot to assassinate King James I all the way back in 1605. In celebration of the king's survival, bonfires were lit around London and an annual day of thanksgiving was announced shortly after.

Today, people tend to celebrate the occasion for the opportunity to meet up with their nearest and dearest, enjoy a big, noisy firework display and gather round a roaring bonfire. But what's an evening around a fire without some food to go with it? Here are a few of our favourite Bonfire Night bakes for you to make at home and the best coffees to pair them with.

Parkin

There's no such thing as a ‘no parkin zone’ on November 5th; this warming ginger cake is the perfect snack to help keep the cold away on a chilly evening. Bake a few days in advance for best results!

Ingredients

To make 16 squares of parkin, you will need:

• 200g butter, plus extra for greasing

• 1 large egg

• 4 tbsp milk

• 200g golden syrup

• 85g treacle

• 85g light soft brown sugar

• 100g medium oatmeal

• 250g self-raising flour

• 1 tbsp ground ginger

First, heat your oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3, then butter a 22cm square cake tin and line it with baking paper. Beat the egg and milk together with a fork.

Next, slowly melt the syrup, treacle, sugar and butter together in a large pan until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat. Combine the oatmeal, flour and ginger and stir into the syrup mixture, followed by the egg and milk.

Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 50 mins until the cake feels firm and develops a slight crust on top. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin, then wrap in more baking paper and some tin foil. To make the parkin as soft and sticky as possible, keep it for between five days and two weeks before eating. Serve with a flat white for the ultimate smooth, warming treat combo.

Toffee apples

Ok, this one's technically not a bake, but what's bonfire night without toffee apples?!

Ingredients

To make eight toffee apples, you will need:

• 8 Granny Smith apples

• 400g golden caster sugar

• 1 tsp vinegar

• 4 tbsp golden syrup

Begin by placing the apples in a large bowl (or two large bowls) and covering them with boiling water. Dry thoroughly, remove any stalks and push a wooden skewer or lolly stick into the stalk end of each apple, then place on a sheet of baking paper.

Pour the sugar and 100ml water into a pan over a medium heat. Cook for five minutes until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the vinegar and syrup. Set a sugar thermometer in the pan and boil to 150C. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by pouring a little toffee into a bowl of cold water. It should harden instantly and, when removed, be brittle and easy to break. If you can still squish the toffee, continue to boil it.

Finally, quickly dip and twist each apple in the hot toffee until covered, letting any excess drip away, then leave on the baking paper to harden. Leave the toffee to cool before eating, then enjoy with a frothy latte for extra indulgence.

Cheesy loaves

Not everything has to be sweet on Bonfire Night. These savoury loaves are great for sharing and are the perfect counterpoint to all the other recipes' sugar.

Ingredients

To make eight cheesy loaves, you will need:

• 200g wholemeal flour

• 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 2 tsp cream of tartar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp caster sugar

• 25g butter, melted

• 300ml milk, at room temperature

• 175g cheddar, grated

• 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 85g ready-roasted pepper from a jar, drained and chopped

Heat your oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5, then sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl and make a well in the middle. Combine the melted butter and milk, pour into the well, then mix to a soft dough.

Dust a work surface with flour, then add most of the cheddar, 2 tbsp of the pumpkin seeds and the chopped peppers to the dough. Gently knead to combine on the floured surface, then divide into eight lumps and shape into rough rounds two finger-widths deep.

Place the pieces side by side on a floured baking sheet, scatter the remaining cheddar and pumpkin seeds over the top and bake for 30 mins until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Cool on a wire rack and eat asap, ideally while still warm, accompanied by an espresso to perfectly match the sharpness of the cheddar.

S'mores

Cookies, marshmallows and chocolate collide in these sweet American classics that are easy to make and designed to be eaten fireside.

Ingredients

To make eight s'mores, you will need:

• 16 chocolate chip cookies

• 8 marshmallows

• 8 tsp chocolate hazelnut spread

Preheat your grill to high and line a baking sheet with baking paper. Put 8 cookies on the tray and top with a marshmallow. Grill until the marshmallow begins to brown and melt, then simply put a tsp of chocolate hazelnut spread on the other 8 cookies and sandwich on top of the melty marshmallow layer. Serve with a cappuccino to enhance the sweetness of the marshmallows and hazelnuts.

Celebrate Bonfire Night with Cafe2U

November evenings in the UK are usually pretty cold so a steady supply of hot drinks is a must if you're going to be outside on Bonfire Night. Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your gloved hands!

Spooky Bakes for Halloween 2022

If you've noticed an abundance of pumpkins, cobwebs, witches hats and bats suddenly adorning your neighbours' houses and gardens, don't be alarmed, they're just getting in the mood for Halloween.

Although some people wish the celebrations accompanying October 31st were still mostly confined to America, there are some things for even the most resolute Halloween haters to enjoy at the spookiest time of year… and a lot of them are edible!

With that in mind, here are a few of our favourite Halloween bakes for you to try at home.

Halloween rocky road

Easy to make, easy to eat. Dare you give any away to trick-or-treaters?

Ingredients

To make 16 pieces of Halloween rocky road, you will need:

• Sunflower oil, for greasing

• 100g unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 tbsp golden syrup

• 300g milk chocolate, broken into pieces

• 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

• 30g popcorn

• 80g jelly sweets

• 50g mini marshmallows

• 16 large chocolate buttons

• 1 tbsp milk chocolate chips

• Edible eyes, to decorate

• White writing icing, to decorate

• Strawberry laces, to decorate

First, oil a 23cm square non-stick cake tin and line with baking parchment. Next, gently melt the butter, syrup and chocolate in a large saucepan over a low heat, stirring until combined. Once combined, remove from the heat and leave to cool for 10 minutes, then stir in the popcorn, sweets and marshmallows. Spoon the mix into the tin, then evenly arrange the chocolate buttons on top, adding two small chocolate chips to each button to make ears. Cool, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours until set.

Once set, remove from the tin and use the writing icing to pipe two dots on each chocolate button (to secure the eyes) and two small fangs. Position the edible eyes on the dots, then press 1cm lengths of strawberry lace over the fangs to create a mouth. Cut into squares and serve.

Gingerbread zombies

Not even the undead can resist these crunchy classics!

Ingredients

To make 14 gingerbread zombies, you will need:

• 350g plain flour

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 125g butter, cubed

• 175g light muscovado sugar

• 1 egg

• 4 tbsp golden syrup

• decorations, such as writing icing, chocolate chips and strawberry jam

Begin by preheating your oven to gas mark 4/180°C/160°C fan. Line two baking trays with nonstick baking paper. In a food processor, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, cinnamon and butter, then pulse until all incorporated. Add the sugar and pulse 3-4 more times.

In a bowl, whisk together the egg and golden syrup, then pour into the food processor and whizz until the mixture comes together in sticky clumps. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes.

On a large sheet of lightly floured, nonstick baking paper, roll out half the dough to roughly 3mm thick. Using a 14cm gingerbread man cutter, cut out 7 shapes, arrange on one of the prepared trays and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then repeat with the remaining dough.

Once the biscuits have cooled, decorate however you wish (we like to use the writing icing to draw skeletons, then use chocolate chips for eyes and use blobs of jam as fake blood). Leave to set before serving.

Ghost cupcakes

These spooky treats are as tasty as they are terrifying!

Ingredients

To make nine ghost cupcakes, you will need:

• 335g pack of chocolate chunk muffin mix

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 medium egg

• Semi-skimmed milk or water (depending on the muffin mix brand)

• 200ml double cream

• 100g dark chocolate chips

First, preheat your oven to gas mark 6/200°C/180°C fan and place 9 muffin cases in a muffin tin.

Prepare the muffin mix, oil, egg and milk as per the pack instructions, then divide between the 9 cases. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Whisk the cream until it holds its shape, then place in a piping bag with a 1cm nozzle. Pipe the cream into a peak on the cakes to create ghost shapes, then use the chocolate chips to make eyes.

Happy Halloween!

Whether you're hosting a party or heading out trick-or-treating, we've got all your hot drink needs covered this Halloween - we've even introduced a range of spooktacular pumpkin-spiced coffees and hot chocolates especially for the occasion! 

Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here to find out more and arrange a delivery.

How to Make The Perfect Hot Chocolate for Chocolate Week 2022

Chocolate Week 2022 is finally here and, if you're anything like us, you've probably been counting the days until its arrival since, well, this time last year!

Running from Monday October 17th, Chocolate Week 2022 does exactly what it says on the tin - it's a week all about celebrating (i.e. consuming lots of) chocolate. And while the vast majority of us have a favourite chocolate bar/treat/dessert, this year we want to turn the spotlight on one of the chocolate canon's unsung heroes - hot chocolate.

Believed to have been created around 2,500 - 3,000 years ago by the Maya, today, it is the UK's third most popular hot drink behind, of course, tea and coffee. But although hot chocolate is the hot drink of choice for more than one in ten of us, most of us rarely - if ever - make one from scratch.

If you fancy giving it a go this Chocolate Week, here's how to go about it.

Hot chocolate royale

Why make a standard hot chocolate when you can go deluxe and pile it high with marshmallows?

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 300ml milk

• 71ml double cream

• 50g chopped chocolate

• Mini marshmallows

All you need to do is pour the milk, double cream and chopped chocolate into a pan, then bring it gently to the boil, whisking until smooth. Serve immediately and top with mini marshmallows and a little grated chocolate.

Gingerbread hot chocolate

Gingerbread and autumn go hand-in-hand, so what better time to try this fragrant and warming version of a classic hot chocolate?

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 300ml milk

• 100ml double cream

• 1 tsp dark brown soft sugar

• 1 orange, zested

• pinch of ground ginger

• pinch of ground cinnamon

• 2 cloves

• 4 drops of vanilla extract

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped

• whipped cream

• 2 mini gingerbread biscuits, crushed

Begin by stirring the milk, cream, sugar, orange zest and spices together in a saucepan, then bring to a simmer over a low heat. Remove from the heat and pour through a sieve into a jug, discarding the clove and orange zest. Pour the milk back into the pan and stir in the vanilla and chocolate until the chocolate has melted and is smooth, returning the pan to a low heat to warm through, if necessary.

Then, simply pour into a heatproof mug, top with whipped cream, add the crushed gingerbread biscuits and serve.

Vegan hot chocolate

Hot chocolate is an equal opportunities treat and we believe EVERYONE should be able to enjoy it, so here's how to make it if your diet is exclusively plant-based.

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 500ml oat milk

• 100g vegan dark chocolate, finely chopped, plus a grating to serve

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 2 bruised cardamom pods

• ½ tbsp maple syrup

• vegan marshmallows

Heat all the ingredients - apart from the marshmallows - in a small pan over a low heat and stir frequently until the chocolate melts. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods, then divide the hot chocolate between two mugs and top with the marshmallows and an extra grating of chocolate.

Boozy mint hot chocolate

A hot chocolate nightcap? Don't mind if we do…

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 100ml double cream

• 2 tsp icing sugar

• few drops peppermint extract

• 300ml whole milk

• 100g dark chocolate , chopped

• 50ml crème de menthe

• dark chocolate curls or sprinkles

First, whip the cream in a small bowl, then stir in the icing sugar and a few drops of peppermint extract, then place in the fridge.

Next, pour the milk into a saucepan and heat gently until simmering, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat, then add the chocolate and stir until it has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Return to the heat until warm then add the crème de menthe and pour into two mugs. Top with some of the whipped mint cream and chocolate curls or sprinkles and serve.

HotChocolate2U!

Even though we guarantee you'll love all these recipes, sometimes you just don't have the energy for DIY and if that's the case this Chocolate Week, you can always contact your nearest Cafe2U van instead.

Not only do we do a range of hot chocolates that will make your taste buds tingle, we'll even deliver them straight to your door! Get in touch here.

Coffee and Recycling: How Cafe2U is Making a Difference in 2022

Taking place from October 17th - 22nd, National Recycling Week 2022 is Recycle Now's flagship event which sees governments, waste management companies, retailers, organisations and the media coming together to encourage the public to recycle as much as possible.

Managed by climate action group WRAP, Recycle Now is a charity that works across the globe to promote recycling, re-use, sustainability and waste minimisation, to great effect; National Recycling Week 2021 resulted in 82% of people saying they'd changed their behaviour as a result of its content.

How sustainable is the coffee industry?

The short answer is: it's hard to know for sure. Coffee is big business on an international scale, involving growers, roasters, importers, packagers, retailers, baristas and more. As a result, working out the impact on every inch of land used to grow coffee plants or the carbon footprint of every journey involved in transporting coffee worldwide is nigh on impossible.

The good news is that sustainable coffee itself (i.e. coffee that is certified as organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance as it has been sustainably grown and marketed to meet various social, environmental and economic standards) is becoming more prominent as more consumers actively seek it out.

How can we all make the coffee industry even more sustainable?

There are several ways. These include:

Recycling coffee grounds

Normally, used coffee grounds are thrown in the bin, where they end up as landfill or in an incinerator. But did you know they can be recycled?

That's right, you can give your latte a second life by using used coffee grounds to:

• repel insects. Simply put the used grounds in a bowl outside and burn them like incense. The grounds are very potent and will drive pests away in no time.

• make fertiliser. Sprinkling used grounds - which are packed with key nutrients - on the soil surrounding your plants will encourage them to grow quicker.

• help compost heaps. By adding some used grounds to your compost heap, you'll improve its structure and attract worms, which speed up the process by turning food scraps into compost.

• eliminate smells. A handful of used coffee grounds in your fridge will absorb food odours and ensure your meals taste like they should.

• clean your pans. A couple of spoonfuls of used coffee grounds are abrasive enough to clean the dirtiest of pans - just apply the grounds to a cloth and get scrubbing! Remember to check a small area of the pan first to make sure the grounds don't stain the surface though.

At Cafe2U, we let customers take our used grounds away for free during our annual Green Coffee Fortnight and we've also launched an innovative coffee grounds recycling initiative which sees waste coffee grounds being recycled into biofuel pellets to power biomass boilers, significantly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

Using reusable or compostable cups

By switching to reusable coffee cups, you'll help reduce plastic waste.

Most disposable coffee cups are thrown away and end up in landfill because they have a thin plastic lining which makes them difficult to process for recycling. Reusable coffee cups, on the other hand, will last for years if properly cared for. Even when they reach the end of their lifecycle, most can then be recycled and some are even made of recycled materials. 

We do our bit by periodically giving away our reusable cups for free with certain purchases and we've set up a recycling scheme for customers who still use disposable cups. We also offer compostable cups which can be composted or recycled, reducing waste and ensuring fewer items are sent to landfill.

Avoiding plastic straws

Like disposable coffee cups, plastic straws can't be reused and usually end up in landfill. By using recyclable paper straws, you can play your part in reducing the amount that literally ends up going up in smoke.

At Cafe2U, we're replacing plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce the company's carbon footprint as we speak!

Having your coffee delivered emission-free

If you get your coffee delivered to your home or workplace, make sure you use a company that only uses electric vehicles - like us! 

Yep, we were the first mobile coffee company in the world to introduce a fleet of all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee vans. By changing the fleet to electric power, we estimate we'll save a whopping 12,672g of CO2 per year.

Do your bit for Recycling Week 2022

While all these ideas are good news for the environment, they will only be successful if people adopt them, so why not support our efforts and help us reduce our carbon footprint by picking up a reusable or compostable cup next time you visit your local Cafe2U van and, if you could use some, take some of our used grounds away with you. You'll be helping us help the planet!

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.