Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Tuesday 30 January 2024

DIY Food Gifts: Edible Treats for Every Occasion

Gift-giving is a timeless way to express love, appreciation, and celebration. When it comes to finding the perfect present, there's something uniquely heartwarming about homemade gifts. 

In the realm of thoughtful and delightful offerings, DIY food gifts stand out as a delicious and personal choice. 

Whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, Easter, or just to show someone you care, creating edible treats can be a delightful and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of DIY food gifts suitable for every occasion.

Infused Oils and Vinegars:

Infused oils and vinegars add a genuine gourmet touch to any kitchen. Create unique flavour combinations by infusing olive oil with herbs, spices, or even citrus peels. Similarly, experiment with fruit-infused vinegars like raspberry or apple cider vinegar. Package them in elegant glass bottles, adorned with personalised labels, for a stylish and tasty gift.

Pickled Onions:

You can obtain large jars of pickling vinegar which come ready spiced, though you can add peppers to the mix to add a little extra to them. Buy small pickling onions, prepare them and place them in the jar of pickling vinegar and follow the instructions on the jar.

Homemade Spice Blends:

Elevate your loved one's culinary adventures by gifting them homemade spice blends. Create signature mixes like a versatile taco seasoning, a zesty barbecue rub, or a fragrant curry blend. Package the blends in decorative jars and include recipe suggestions to inspire their culinary creativity.

Decadent Chocolate Truffles:

Unleash your inner chocolatier and craft a batch of luxurious chocolate truffles. Experiment with various coatings such as cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut. Arrange them in a decorative box or tin, and you have a sophisticated and indulgent gift perfect for celebrations or simply as a sweet gesture.

Personalised Biscuit Mix Jars:

Layer the dry ingredients of your favourite recipe in a glass jar to create a visually appealing and convenient gift. Attach a recipe tag with instructions on how to turn the mix into delicious biscuits. This DIY food gift not only looks charming but also allows the recipient to enjoy the process of baking.

Handcrafted Flavoured Syrups:

Elevate someone's morning routine with handcrafted flavored syrups for their coffee. Experiment with vanilla, cinnamon, or fruit-infused syrups. Present them in stylish bottles, and your loved ones will appreciate the extra effort you put into making their everyday moments a little more special.

Customised Hot Chocolate Mix:

Perfect for Christmas holidays or cozy nights in, a customised hot chocolate mix is a delightful and comforting gift. Layer cocoa powder, sugar, and marshmallows in a jar, and include a note with serving suggestions. Top it off with a festive ribbon and a charming mug or set of mugs for a complete package.

Herb-Infused Honey:

Give the gift of sweetness with herb-infused honey. Combine honey with herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme for a unique and aromatic twist. Present the infused honey in elegant jars, and your loved ones can enjoy adding a touch of gourmet flair to their tea, toast, or desserts.

DIY food gifts offer a personal touch that shop-bought presents often lack. From infused oils to decadent truffles, these edible treats are not only delicious but also reflect the care and effort you put into creating them. 

The next time you're pondering the perfect gift, consider heading to the kitchen to whip up something truly special. After all, the way to someone's heart is often through their stomach.

(Image courtesy Bernadette Wurzinger from Pixabay)

Tuesday 19 December 2023

Say It With cheese... Reveal the Depth of Your Amour With These Unique and Seductive European Cheeses

Looking to seduce your partner or seal the deal with your crush this Valentines, why not offer something imaginative that will say far more about your personality than a box of chocolates or a bunch of red roses?

And don't forget that your loved one will appreciate French cheeses for a fantastic Christmas gift, too!

For those who adore food, French cheeses offer the diversity and complex character that can't fail to impress if you take a little time to discover the cheese that best represents you or the target of your cupid's arrow. 

To melt their heart

With its classy name, bright appearance, unctuous texture and mild but complex flavours, the Brillat Savarin cannot fail to delight. This triple cream cheese is the indulgent treat that any cheese lover will appreciate.

Deep and generous

For something that is going to give that little extra in every bite, offer a 36-42 month aged Comté. This much respected cheese develops crunchy crystals as it matures and leaves a strong lasting finish that will keep them coming back for more.

With hidden surprises

The domed shaped Gaperon with its fluffy white rind is infused with garlic and peppercorns during the maturation process. Cut open to reveal an ivory or pale-yellow colour with a buttery consistency and the idiosyncratic, intense flavours of garlic and pink pepper.

Brooding blue

Beyond its strong aroma, the creamy, buttery, and pungent flavours of Bleu d'Auvergne give plenty of depth to reflect upon and the cheese is sure to leave a lasting impression. Try it with dried fruits and walnuts and serve with a glass of white dessert wine for maximum pleasure.

A good companion for all occasions

Brie de Meaux is known as the Prince of Cheeses and it is even said that it was Louis XVI's decision to stop and enjoy a brie-filled pancake that led to his execution! Its rich milky taste, underlined by sweet and buttery flavours of mushrooms and almonds has made it a universally popular cheese with an ability to pair deliciously with fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts and even bacon. For those with a sweet tooth, brie is delicious when baked in pastry with red fruits, apples and pears.

A traditionalist at heart

For those looking for a traditional romantic gesture the natural choice has to be Neufchâtel. This pretty cheese is known for its perfect Valentine's heart shape. It is said that during the Hundred Year's War, the young women of Normandy gave Neufchâtel as gifts to their British soldier sweethearts. Its bright white rind enrobes a soft, melt in the mouth centre and gives off a delicious mushroomy aroma. The paste smells of cream and definitely has a seductive appeal.

Bon appétit!

Remember to remove your chosen cheese from the fridge at least 90 minutes before serving or gifting to release the full flavours, aroma and texture.

CNIEL

https://www.filiere-laitiere.fr/fr/les-organisations/cniel

Wednesday 22 November 2023

Refuge Manx Rum is announced by Fynoderee Distillery

The Fynoderee Distillery is pleased to be able to announce details of Refuge Manx Rum, the second premium spirit to be launched as part of its Coastal Collection of Spirits range, the distillery’s fundraising partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which also aims to shine a light on the Manx origins of the charity. 

The barrel-aged Refuge Manx Rum will be a limited-edition organic spirit launching in 2024 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). 

Living up to its name, this very special rum is currently securely locked away in the iconic Tower of Refuge and will mature in the monument for over a year before being released for sale towards the end of next year, 2024.

It will have a very special journey for a very special cargo, electric tram, horse tram and tractor! The Fynoderee team felt the rum’s journey to the tower deserved a very special send-off from the distillery, which is based next door to the Manx Electric Railway station in Ramsey. 

They were able to utilise and promote the Isle of Man’s unique Victorian transport network to navigate the challenging task of transporting their rum to the Tower. Barrels were loaded onto the Manx Electric Railway’s Goods Wagon (previously not used for several decades) to Derby Castle Station in Douglas. They were then loaded onto a horse tram pulled by “Torrin” the Clydesdale Trammer who pulled the cargo along the promenade to the War Memorial in Douglas. 

Sent to the Tower?

Exploiting the last Equinox low tide of the year, the rum was then loaded onto a trailer and towed along the causeway to the Tower by tractor where it will rest, maturing in first-fill oak Bourbon casks and absorbing the unique atmosphere of the Manx stone-built tower and the mineral rich salinity of the sea air. 

Refuge Manx Rum will be available to purchase from the distillery’s website with a proportion of the sales revenue being donated directly to the ENLI charity. Also, and That's Food and Drink really approves of this idea, two bottles will be donated to every one of the 238 lifeboat stations in the British Isles, to be auctioned to generate further much-needed funds for the RNLI life-saving endeavours in its very special 200th year. 

The Refuge Manx Rum film 

And the Fynoderee team have produced a special short film which tells the story behind Manx Refuge Rum including its relationship with the RNLI and its journey to the Tower of Refuge. 

The film was premiered at Media Isle of Man’s Awards for Excellence on Thursday 16 November 2023 and can now also be viewed on the Distillery’s website at www.fynoderee.com/RNLI200

Anyone wishing to continue following the journey of Refuge Manx Rum, including release information, and to find out more about Fynoderee’s Coastal Collection of Spirits, can sign up to receive updates at https://fynoderee.com/pages/signup 

Paul Kerruish, co-founder of The Fynoderee Distillery said: "When we were considering how we could make this Rum extra special, we were struck by the idea of taking it out to the Tower of Refuge to barrel age. It feels somewhat surreal now to think that we actually did it!"

He went on to say: "Every time we look out towards the Tower, often watching the waves crashing over the top, we think of our rum nestling safely inside. We're eager to find out how the unique maritime atmosphere of the tower impacts and enhances the flavours within our rum made from ‘scratch’ here on the Isle of Man and we will be undertaking progress visits to “dip” the casks and monitor how the spirit develops. 

"As many locally know, the Tower was commissioned by Sir William Hillary, founder of the RNLI, and therefore couldn't be more apt. But we knew there'd be hurdles to overcome logistically! The journey to date has been a real community effort and we're extremely grateful for the special permissions granted to us by HM Customs and Excise and the Department of Infrastructure to make the project become reality. 

"Within the film you will see many of those who helped us on the day, especially the team at Isle of Man Transport. Being able to use our heritage railways to transport the barrels provided a nostalgic nod the Island’s uniqueness that we're always so proud to promote. 

"Ultimately, we hope that this very special rum will generate a significant amount for the RNLI and provide the perfect ‘Manx-made tot’ for everyone who wishes to salute all those brave RNLI crew members past and present who have saved lives at sea over the generations."

Tiffany Kerruish, co-founder of  The Fynoderee Distillery added: "As a distillery it's always our aim to celebrate and promote Manx culture and heritage through the storytelling of our products. To be able to do so with products that will generate funds for such a beloved charity is a real privilege for us and we are so excited to work with the RNLI and in collaboration with local organisations like Manx National Heritage to keep the spotlight firmly on the Island and our five lifeboat stations operating around our coastline throughout the 200 year commemorations. 

"While we all wait patiently for “Refuge Manx Rum” to be ready, we hope that supporters of the charity and local Manx producers will continue to enjoy our ‘Fynoderee Manx Dry Gin – RNLI Edition” a classic gin packed with aromatic juniper and incorporating a nod to its maritime heritage with a touch sugar kelp. The gin is proving to be a very popular part of our range with buyers from the Island and further afield and we think it makes the perfect present for Christmas!"

Monday 23 October 2023

Unveiling the Carte d'Or Furoshiki: A Tale of Craftsmanship and Sustainability

A meeting of minds: Ryoko Sekiguchi, who is passionate about cooking, literature, and the role of women in the world of wine and gastronomy, met Charline Drappier during a meeting of the LA TRANSMISSION association. The group includes seven other women from Champagne, all driven by the same motivation to share and transmit the values and complexity of the region.

A dedicated admirer of Champagne Drappier for many years, Ryoko loves finding it on the menus of Japan’s best restaurants. As for Charline Drappier, she was delighted to discover Ryoko’s works and poetry, which she found particularly moving.

Ardent protectors of nature One day, a Franco-Japanese friend of Charline’s suggested that she could use a Furoshiki to wrap a bottle using a special folding technique.

Charline was already familiar with the Furoshiki technique and material, because she and her brother Hugo often wrap their Christmas gifts in these types of fabric. Perfectly suited to packaging a bottle of Champagne Drappier, the Furoshiki protects the glass without the need for paper or cardboard. As it is reusable, the material is also perfect for picnics.

As it happened, Charline was re-reading Ryoko’s book Nagori from 2022, in which she develops a truly unique idea about “sustainable” cooking, the extension of the seasons, and so on.

The connection with Ryoko’s poetry and the ancestral use of quince – one of the most characteristic flavours in DRAPPIER CARTE D’OR – was clear: she should create a FUROSHIKI for the champagne that has been Drappier’s signature for the last 70 years.

The idea also fit perfectly with the ecological journey on which the Drappier family embarked in the mid-1990s. Ryoko Sekiguchi is a writer and Japanese poet based in Paris. She inspires the reader to travel through the culinary cultures of the world. Her essay, Nagori, the nostalgia for the passing season, is an ode to postseason cuisine. Translated into six languages, the work has been a huge success.

A delicate creation by a talented pair Charline drew and painted the Furoshiki’s vibrant quince in radiant gold and green, while Ryoko wrote the text that will appear on the Champagne Drappier Carte d’Or in its new apparel. The Furoshiki is made from organic cotton poplin, printed in France at by small French Japanese designer (INSHO) and hand-sewn by people with disabilities at a medical and support organisation centre in Angers.

Because it is large (71 cm x 71 cm), it can also be used as a picnic blanket or tablecloth, or even worn as a scarf to brighten up a shirt collar or a handbag.

Paying tribute to a third woman: Micheline Drappier, Charline’s grandmother In 1952, André and Micheline Drappier created Champagne Carte d’Or, based on an idea from Micheline, who – unusually for a woman at that time – was heavily involved in all the decisions being made.

This radiant yellow colour, which has remained the same for 70 years, is a reminder of the famous quince jelly, one of the delicious flavours in this “classic brut” made of Pinot Noir (80%), Chardonnay (15%) and Pinot Meunier (5%).

Made only from first press grapes, the juice goes through its prise de mousse in a bottle specially designed for Champagne Drappier. Its refined and characteristic notes of quince and red berries, heightened with a touch of spice, make it a great partner for international dishes, as well as for fish and white meat, lightly cooked to enhance their full flavour. A temperature of 8°C will bring out its best.

The Drappier Carte d’Or champagne, wrapped in its Furoshiki will be available at independent wine merchants for £65.


Saturday 21 October 2023

Healthy Eating During Christmas: Balancing Tradition and Wellness

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. For many, it's a time when delicious feasts and sweet treats take centre stage. 

While enjoying festive foods is an essential part of the holiday spirit, it's also important to strike a balance between tradition and wellness. 

In this blog post, we'll explore how to maintain healthy eating habits during Christmas without sacrificing the joy of the season.

Plan Ahead

One of the keys to maintaining a healthy diet during Christmas is planning. Before the festivities begin, take a moment to create a meal plan that includes balanced, nutritious options. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your holiday menu. This will help ensure that you have healthy options readily available.

Moderation is Key

Christmas is a time when indulgence is expected, but moderation is the name of the game. Enjoy your favourite treats, but do so in moderation. You don't have to avoid traditional Christmas foods entirely, but be mindful of portion sizes. Eating smaller servings of your favourite dishes allows you to savour the flavours without overindulging.

Make Healthy Swaps

Transforming traditional holiday recipes into healthier versions is a great way to enjoy the flavours of the season without overloading on calories and unhealthy ingredients. Consider using whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, or applesauce as substitutes in baking recipes. Or use Greek Yoghurt instead of cream and desserts. You can also opt for leaner cuts of meat and reduce sugar or fat content in recipes without compromising taste.

Stay Hydrated

Amidst all the festive drinks and rich foods, don't forget to stay hydrated. Water is essential for digestion and overall health. Drinking water before and during your holiday meals can help you feel full and prevent overeating. Plus, it can offset the dehydrating effects of alcohol and caffeine.

Embrace Healthy Snacking

Instead of mindlessly snacking on high-calorie appetizers and sweets, offer healthy snack options at your gatherings. Fresh fruit platters, vegetable trays with hummus, or homemade whole-grain crackers with a light dip are excellent choices. These options will help keep your energy levels stable and curb the temptation to overindulge later.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is about paying attention to what you eat and savouring each bite. During festive meals, take your time to appreciate the flavours and textures of the dishes. Engaging in conversation with loved ones, rather than rushing through your meal, can help you recognize when you're full, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Get Active

Don't let the holiday season be an excuse to abandon your exercise routine. Maintaining physical activity is crucial for balancing the extra calories consumed during Christmas. Consider taking a family walk, playing a friendly game of touch football, or simply dancing to holiday tunes to stay active and burn off some of those extra calories.

Listen to Your Body

Above all, it's essential to listen to your body's cues. If you're not hungry, don't feel pressured to eat just because it's a holiday. Respect your body's signals and eat when you're genuinely hungry.

Maintaining healthy eating habits during Christmas is achievable with a little planning and a dose of self-control. By incorporating these strategies into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy the festive season without feeling guilty about your choices. Remember, Christmas is not about perfection but about creating cherished moments with loved ones while taking care of your well-being. Wishing you a healthy and happy festive season!

(Image courtesy of Jill Wellington from Pixabay)

Sunday 1 October 2023

Tesco locks down 1,000 prices in run up to Christmas and beyond

Tesco is locking more than a thousand prices, price cuts on 100s of products and Aldi price-match on hundreds more delivers great value for customers.

Tesco is locking the price of over a 1,000 everyday products until next year (2024) as part of its plan to deliver great value for customers.

With consumers still facing the cost-of-living squeeze, Tesco's unveiled a price lock on a range of popular products until the new year. It sits with recent price cuts to hundreds of products and Tesco price-matching Aldi on hundreds of other products.

Among the 1,000-plus everyday items to have their price locked as part of the latest round of Low Everyday Prices are Typhoo One Cup teabags, Jacobs’ Cream Crackers and Aquafresh Freshmint Toothpaste.

Tesco UK CEO, Jason Tarry, said the latest round of Low Everyday Prices would help customers manage their household budgets as they go forward into the Christmas period.

He said: “We know this has been a year of careful budgeting for shoppers, with customers wanting to ensure they're getting great value on their shop.”

He added: “By locking over 1,000 prices, our customers know exactly how much they'll be paying for those items today, at Halloween, at Christmas, and into 2024.”

But locking over 1,000 prices is just one way in which Tesco's committing to deliver great value for Britain’s shoppers. The supermarket is also passing on savings to customers wherever it sees opportunities to do so, and is matching over 600 staple products to Aldi on a weekly basis.

Since announcing price cuts to 500 lines last June, Tesco's continued to reduce prices every week since, with hundreds more products now reduced in price. Some of the products to have recently seen their prices cut include Andrex Toilet Tissue (reduced 9%), Free From white bread rolls (reduced by 14%) and Pitted black olives (reduced 8%). 

Jason Tarry went on to say: “Food inflation is still with us, but by cutting prices wherever we can, and by locking others to give customers certainty in their budgets, we are able to provide great value to our shoppers. When you combine that with the over 8,000 Clubcard Prices deals each week, there are thousands of reasons to shop at Tesco.”

www.tesco.com

Tuesday 26 September 2023

Cheese lovers will really love Sharpham cheese hampers this Christmas

If there's a turophile (that's a cheese lover to you and me!) in your life, a cheese hamper bursting with the very best examples of cheeses, crackers and chutneys from the award winning Sharpham Cheese will be the ideal Christmas gift for them. (Or how about a bit of self-gifting?)

Sharpham Dairy is the UK's first B Corp cheese dairy. Based on the banks of the River Dart near Totnes in South Devon it's home to their famous Brie, Rustic and Ticklemore cheeses.

Sharpham Cheese is handcrafted with milk from their own herd of Jersey cows, along with goats' milk from their West Country neighbours.

Sharpham Cheese has won outstanding awards over the past year, including 3-stars for its Cremet in 2023 Great Taste Awards and multiple golds for its new Rushmore mixed milk cheese along with old favourites Sharpham Brie and Ticklemore. 

Working with fellow Devon producers, Sharpham has developed a fantastic new range of chutneys and crackers and curated some delicious combinations to feast on over this Christmas. 

The Big Devonshire Christmas Feast - £90

Sharpham's Christmas Feast hamper is jam-packed with artisan produce of the finest of quality, taste, and exceptional provenance. The 'Feast' includes handmade Sharpham cheeses, a square of Brie (300g), wedges of Rustic & Ticklemore goats' (200g each) plus a truckle of Rustic Chive & Garlic (450g). 

To complete your sharing platter, there's delicious charcuterie from Good Game, plus olives from West Country, plus two Sharpham crackers and chutneys and a tipple of Lyme Bay Elderberry and Port liqueur for company. 

Bringing some sweetness there's Mrs Gill's award-winning rich Christmas cake and hand-crafted paste from Fresh Flour, with a recipe using your leftovers as ingredients. Perfect for an amazing gift for family, a wonderful thank you to your team or simply invite friends over and get stuck in!

The Essential Devon Cheese Board - £30

Sharpham's most popular hamper features five artisanal cheeses, each made with milk from cows and goats that have grazed Devon's luscious pastures, crafted with over 100 years of skills and nurtured with love until ready for your cheese board. 

Included in the Devon cheeseboard is Sharpham Brie, Rustic & Ticklemore Goats plus guests Quicke's Mature Cheddar and Devon Blue. 

Sharpham Celebration Cheese Cake - from £100

This tower of cheeses is the ultimate centrepiece for any Christmas party or corporate gathering. In addition to their bespoke service, Sharpham also presents three choices of ready-to-go celebration cheese cakes. Choose from a simple three-tier creation to an extravagant six tier tower crowned with a heart-shaped cheese on top. 

The Dart Valley Cheese & Wine Selection - £40

Enjoy Sharpham Cheese's original and most popular selection mix. Rich and buttery Sharpham Brie, delicate Ticklemore, and velvety Sharpham Rustic. Complete with a bottle of Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve 2018 and Sharpham's very own sourdough crackers.

Sharpham Cheese Subscription Service - £30

Each box brings a new discovery, as a curated selection of outstanding cheeses, crackers and condiments is delivered quarterly to your door. Each beautifully and sustainably packaged box will feature three of Sharpham's multi-award winning varieties, a local guest cheese, Sharpham sourdough crackers, a Sharpham chutney and tasting notes.

That's Christmas believes this Sharpham Cheese Subscription Service will make a most excellent Christmas gift for the cheese lovers in your life.

All cheeses are available from www.sharphamcheese.co.uk.

Saturday 9 September 2023

Waitrose Food & Drink Festival back for 2023 – with 20% saving on standard tickets now

The absolutely stunning Waitrose Food & Drink Festival 2023 is coming back and will be even bigger and better than before. 

Showcasing the best British of suppliers and producers, the Festival returns to London’s Tobacco Dock and runs across the weekend of Friday, 24th November to Sunday, 26th November 2023.

Tickets are on sale now, with an early bird saving of 20% on standard tickets for those booking between now and 18th September.

Visitors will be transported to absolute foodie heaven, as they experience festive food and drink tastings with delicious products from i n excess of 150 producers and suppliers, inspirational cooking demos, wreath making workshops and expert masterclasses, too.

New for this year is a dedicated sensory Cheese Room for all cheese lovers with Castello, and cocktail connoisseurs will love mini golf and a live DJ with Absolut Vodka. 

Hosts will love the Waitrose Christmas Room, showcasing this year’s must-have products and food trends, table dressing workshops with John Lewis Home Stylists, workshops with Waitrose Cookery School, cocktail making workshops with Waitrose beers, wines & spirits experts, and more.

You can get inspired for Christmas with their ‘Meet the Experts’ stage, where there will be demonstrations from chefs and producers including Tom Warner from Warner’s Distillery; plan your Christmas wine list with their exclusive Waitrose Cellar blends, and finish it all off with a glass of Mirabeau mulled rosé or bubbles at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar. 

Tickets for the Waitrose Food & Drink Festival 2023 are now on sale at waitrosefestivals.com. Book between now and 18th September to save 20% off standard tickets. And what's even better, MyWaitrose customers can save 10% off standard tickets with no time limit! 

Ticket information:

Standard tickets £30 (£25 on Sunday)

Early bird offer - save 20% on standard tickets by using code WRFESTIVAL20 at checkout

VIP tickets £40 (£35 on Sunday) - VIP tickets include complimentary glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, fast track entry and several additional items in the goody bag

All tickets include a goody bag.

Friday 4 August 2023

Mandira's Kitchen Makes Christmas Entertaining Unforgettable

Mandira's Kitchen is again ready to make Christmas unforgettable with a delightful array of gifts and food for your celebrations.

This year, they have curated their best dishes to ensure your Christmas party is an absolute breeze, with the hostess or host spending a minimal amount of time in the kitchen. 

To add spice to your gathering, indulge in Party Platters  featuring crispy samosas and Indian canape delights, which can be conveniently delivered anywhere in Mainland UK or collected and added two new seasonal products to the range.

For larger gatherings, Mandira's Kitchen offers catering size packs of your favourite dishes, available in meat, vegetarian, and vegan options. These packs are perfect for catering to bigger groups, and you can order them in advance, keeping them in the freezer 'til the day of your celebration or party.

A quick four-minute microwave heating will have the food ready, allowing more precious moments with family and friends.  To really savour the essence of Indian cuisine, opt for specially curated Indian Banquets, presenting a three-course Family Feast, or choose the Dine-in-for-Two boxes for a romantic dining experience.

This year, Mandira's Kitchen is thrilled to introduce two exciting new festive additions to their freezer meals menu. Turkey Samosas, a perfect fusion of traditional holiday flavours that are a perfect canape for guests at a party.

To complement the festive spirit, Mandira's Kitchen presents a tantalising Cranberry & Spiced Rum Chutney. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and infused with the warmth of locally sourced spiced rum, this chutney is the ideal accompaniment to the Turkey Samosas. Both of which will be available from November 2023.

Mandira's Kitchen has a range of Christmas Gift ideas including gift vouchers which can be redeemed for Cookery Lessons and Spice Tours, so they make perfect treats for the gourmet enthusiasts in your life. This year they have also extended the range of Indian-inspired giftware, with insulated dishes, spice tins, and candle holders.

Mandira's Kitchen can also provide larger packs for Hospitality and other Catering establishments, at special trade prices, for businesses wanting to enhance their own offerings and keep food preparation to the minimum to help with current potential staff shortages in the hospitality industry. 

For those planning a traditional turkey dinner on Christmas Day, to ensure no food is wasted, the Leftover Christmas Feast Spice Kit is a genuine must-have. This kit equips you with everything necessary to create a three-course Indian meal employing your Christmas leftovers, along with two chutneys and ghee. Cook-along videos available also on the MK YouTube channel.

Mandira Sarkar said: “I'm excited to introduce our newest festive additions - the Turkey Samosas and Cranberry & Spiced Rum Chutney. These flavours are a perfect fusion of holiday traditions and Indian cuisine, and I can't wait for you to experience them”

You can explore the full range of Christmas offerings and place orders at  https://www.mandiraskitchen.com/pages/festive-2023.

Mandira's Kitchen delivers to all UK Mainland addresses.

Where is Mandira's Kitchen? It's nestled within the heart of the Surrey Hills, overlooking the serene Silent Pool, is Mandira's Kitchen, an award-winning artisan business known for its absolutely exquisite Indian food and captivating experiences. The brainchild of Mandira Sarkar, the establishment has become synonymous with culinary excellence and offers a diverse range of exciting offerings.

At Mandira's Kitchen, guests are treated to a delightful array of mouth-watering dishes, each infused with a personal touch and a heart-warming story. From Mandira's mother's cherished Kaju Chicken to the finest Kaali Dal sourced from a quaint spot in Amritsar, every dish comes with a rich tapestry of love, joy, and cherished memories of sharing meals with friends and family amidst lively animated conversations and laughter.

Beyond their delectable menu, Mandira's Kitchen is also known for providing unforgettable culinary experiences. With offerings including cookery lessons, spice tours, and supper clubs, they immerse patrons in the authentic flavours and traditions of Indian cuisine, making each encounter an educational and delightful journey.

Situated within the Surrey Food Hub, Mandira's Kitchen shares its space with esteemed partners like Albury Organic Vineyard and Silent Pool Gin Distillery. This makes a visit to the hub a unique opportunity to not only savour the best of Indian cuisine but also to explore and indulge in an array of high-quality local produce.

Whether you're sipping on the finest Malabar coffee, enjoying freshly brewed chai, or relishing the crispiest samosas in town, every moment spent at Mandira's Kitchen promises an experience that will linger in your memory. Their dedication to crafting exceptional food and creating an ambiance that resonates with warmth and hospitality ensures that every guest leaves with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to return.

Join Mandira Sarkar and her team at Mandira's Kitchen for an unforgettable culinary adventure, where the vibrant flavours of India come to life, and the heart of each dish is filled with love, tradition, and the joy of shared meals. Experience a world where food and memories intertwine, celebrating the rich heritage of Indian cuisine in all its splendour.

https://www.mandiraskitchen.com/pages/festive-2023

Friday 28 July 2023

Take a sneak peek at Asda's Christmas food offering

Whilst it's perfectly true that the school summer holidays might just be starting, but Asda is reveal a sneak preview of what customers can expect to see this Christmas. 

Asda's spent the last eighteen months working very hard on its product development for Christmas 2023, tasting literally thousands of products to curate a top-quality offering, at prices people can afford, no matter what their budget might be.

Asda’s Christmas range will provide something for everyone and for every occasion, big or little. From eating the first mince pie whilst watching festive films and putting up the Christmas tree, to the main event itself and right through to the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

A focus on amasing taste at excellent value is the foundations of this year’s range. When it comes to the big day, the retailer is launching Extra Special Porchetta, providing indulgent centrepieces at affordable prices. 

With a rise in the grazing trend, customers can create really showstopping party tables without the price tag with Extra Special Speciality Cheeseboard which comes ready to serve on a slate board and Extra Special Charcuterie Ultimate Grazing Platter. Not forgetting desserts, Asda’s Extra Special Chocolate & Honeycomb Avalanche Dessert creates theatre to wow guests right from the freezer.

All dietary requirements have been well catered for with 57 new vegan and 35 new Free From products launching for this Christmas. For the first time, the Vegan Society approved OMV! range will have a very special festive makeover. New innovations will include OMV! Whole No Turkey, OMV! Mushroom Pigs in Smoky Aubergine Bacon and OMV! Strawberry Trifle.

Asda’s Signature Flavour Christmas 2023 trends and flavours

For Christmas 2023, Asda is excited to launch its first signature flavour, Brown Butter and Spiced Dark Rum. This has come from extensive trend tracking and hunting by the Asda Innovation Team, led by Senior Director of Trends and Innovation, Jonathan Moore. 

The team noticed an abundance of brown butter being used globally across patisseries. Brown butter is created by cooking the butter slightly past its melting point, just long enough to toast the milk solids in the butter. By doing this, butter magic is formulated by releasing a deliciously nutty flavour profile.

After the celebration of all things gin, the team was on the hunt for the next ‘it’ trending spirit. They arrived at spiced dark rum after seeing the growth in use by mixologists across the globe. Spiced dark rum has a deep and instantly recognisable flavour from the use of warming spices, which instantly compliments winter foods. By combining these two key flavours, Asda’s 2023 winter signature flavour was born and infused across a selection of hero products.

This year’s signature flavour will be brought to life in various products throughout the range, with Extra Special Brown Butter & Spiced Dark Rum Mince Pies and centrepiece, Extra Special Slow Cooked Turkey with Signature Spiced Dark Rum & Brown Butter Stuffing offering a sweet and warming flavour.

As well as the signature flavour, customers will see a return of the retro favourite, Black Forest, appear in a series of sweet treats. Extra Special Black Forest Yule Log, Extra Special Black Forest Stollen Bites and a showstopping Extra Special Black Forest Woodland Cake are filled with the memorable rich chocolate and sour cherry flavour.

Sam Dickson, who is Asda's Interim Chief Customer Officer, said: “The festive season is a time for joy, comfort, and a sprinkle of indulgence! There's no better way to celebrate Christmas with loved ones than sharing delicious food and drinks.

"This year, our really incredible colleagues have been busy innovating, sourcing, and creating our most impressive and extensive range to date. Whilst 2023 has been a tough year for everyone across the UK, we want to ensure we can provide lots of opportunities for great tasting food and drink, and our customers don’t have to compromise on quality. We have hundreds of innovative new products as well as improved favourites meaning even more Christmas magic for your dinner table or party spread.

"I'm really thrilled with the improvement we've made in our quality this year, whilst keeping customers and value at the forefront of our minds. There is a tendency to think that to get the tastiest food you must spend more - but at Asda, that simply isn’t true.

"We believe that amazing, tasty food and drink is a pleasure everyone should be able to enjoy. Asda, that’s more like it”.

Hero Lines and Festive Favourites at Asda include:

Extra Special Cured Salmon Edged in Signature Pastrami Spice Bend

Asda's Scottish salmon is cured with a traditional salt and sugar blend. Hand garnished with a signature spice blend including hints of cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger.

Extra Special Sundried Tomato Stuffed Monkfish wrapped in Prosciutto

Looking for something a little different to serve to your guests? This meaty British monkfish tail is infused with a tangy sundried tomato and lemon stuffing. Wrapped in prosciutto and complimented with rosemary and sage basting butters. A spectacular centrepiece to impress guests.

Extra Special Porchetta

Made using expertly butchered British, Yorkshire bred pigs. In true Italian style, the meat is hand rolled in a bespoke seasoning of fennel, garlic, olive oil and lemon zest for a deliciously succulent roast with a perfect crackling top.

Extra Special Ruby Port Drenched Sirloin

A luxurious option for your Christmas dinner centrepiece, our 21-day matured sirloin is soaked in Ruby port for 9 days and accompanied with a port drizzling sauce for extra juiciness.

Extra Special Chocolate & Orange Panettone

Our panettone is made at a second generation, family-run bakery in the Piedmont region of Italy with an all-butter recipe, made with a mother dough nurtured since 1964. This Italian sweet bread is made with Belgian milk chocolate chunks, candied orange peel, butter and injected with a chocolate and orange sauce. Finally, the dessert is topped with dark chocolate and decorated with milk and dark chocolate flakes.

OMV! Strawberry Trifle

A great alternative to a dairy based trifle that does not compromise on flavour.

A tangy strawberry compote is made from whole strawberries. Topped with hand placed egg free sponge then a dairy free custard. Finished with a lentil and coconut cream.

Extra Special Chocolate & Honeycomb Avalanche Dessert

This frozen dessert is a real showstopper! Salted caramel semi freddo filled with salted caramel sauce, milk chocolate shavings and honeycomb pieces. Finished with milk chocolate sauce and hand placed honeycomb pieces. Customers are invited to remove the collar at the table allowing the sauce to flow down the dessert, creating a real talking point.

Extra Special Chocolate Espresso Martini Cream Liqueur

Cold Brew South American Arabica coffee is combined with triple distilled vodka, double cream, cocoa bean extract and sugar syrup. Shake over ice for 30 seconds and pour into a chilled Martini glass to create the most luxurious crema foam top.

To find out more information and view our look book visit: https://asda-pr.co.uk/ASDA-Christmas-2023/flipbook.html

(Only six months to go!)

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Opies new pickles make the perfect Christmas gift!

Christmas it the perfect excuse for indulgence. If you fancy treating a loved one this festive season, why not surprise them with a gift that they can enjoy for weeks after the tinsel has been taken down and the liqueur cupboard has been cleaned out. Opies has just launched a brand new range of pickles, so why not pack them into a hamper and present them to someone special.

All of Opies new pickles are made from authentic pickling recipes, perfected over the last 130 years, using herbs and spices which make the perfect accompaniment to a whole host of winter warming dishes.

Amongst the new products is Opies baby beetroot in red wine vinegar and Opies sliced beetroot in malt vinegar, creating a blend of sweet and tangy flavours. These products sit perfectly alongside a range of meats including chicken, venison and bacon as well as complementing scallops, prawns and quail.

In addition to this are Opies pickled onions in malt vinegar which make a great accompaniment to cold meat buffets, so they are perfect for those Boxing Day leftovers, or even enjoy them straight from the jar.

Also new to the range is Opies pickled pears in spiced malt vinegar, made using the finest pears and blended with special spices and malt vinegar. This unusual pickle is a tasty treat alongside mature cheese and cold meats as well as game and poultry dishes.

You can also add a tasty addition to meat dishes in the form of Opies pickled cornichons with a bay leaf and Opies pickled red cabbage in malt vinegar. These snacks are also delicious with chicken and other vegetables such as red onions, so make the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas Day dinner.

For more information, visit www.b-opie.com/recipes where you can find a selection of inspiring recipes as well as an online shop containing a selection of Opies best-selling products.

Opies bantam eggs with a bay leaf are £2.79
Opies pickled cornichons with a bay leaf are £1.59
Opies sliced beetroot in red wine vinegar is £1.39
Opies baby beetroot in red wine vinegar is £1.59
Opies pickled red cabbage in malt vinegar is £1.39
Opies pickled onions in malt vinegar are £1.99
Opies pickled shallots in sherry vinegar are £2.89

Opies first began life in 1880. The venture was so prosperous that, in 1912, Bennett founded a private company, Bennett Opie Limited

Opies has been passed through the generations and is one of the oldest family-owned food companies in the UK

Opies products are available internationally and UK stockists include Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op, Somerfield, Booths, Budgens and a variety of independent stores

www.b-opie.com

Monday 19 December 2011

James Martin's Christmas Gift To You

To ensure you spend more time entertaining guests rather than stuck in the kitchen this Christmas, Life Fork & Spoon (www.lifeforkspoon.co.uk) is offering 10% off ALL orders of its delicious, restaurant quality meals and dishes delivered directly to your door, when you use code BBC10.
All recipes have been specially created by TV chef, James Martin and his team of experienced chefs, providing the perfect way to serve up gourmet meals in a matter of minutes this Yuletide.

Whether you are hosting a family Christmas dinner, or simply want to stock up on hearty home-cooked dinners over the festive period, Life Fork & Spoon is an easy and convenient way to enjoy professionally created, wholesome dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Order before the 23rd December and receive 10% off a great choice of starters, main courses and deserts that are sure to impress friends and family. Choose from filling dishes for one, such as succulent Minted Lamb Shank, spicy Chicken Balti Pie or hearty Shepherd's Pie.

To impress friends at a dinner party, the sharing starters and family-sized meals, such as delightful Pork Apple and Cider Terrine, Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Quiche, Luxury Beef Lasagne, Steak and Ale Pie and tempting Thai Green Curry, will bring that home-cooked look and taste to your table, allowing less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.

For the perfect end to your meal, choose from eight impressive desserts, such as James Martin's signature Sticky Toffee Pudding with a rich caramel sauce, or his White Chocolate Bread & Butter Croissant Pudding with a drop of whisky for extra flavour. Treat guests to family favourites, such as the zingy Lemon Drizzle Sponge or the luxurious Treacle Tart (serves 8-10), or serve up a tempting treat with the melt-in-the-mouth Mascarpone and Vanilla Cheesecake (served 14-16).

The mouthwatering meals are all created using top quality ingredients and choice cuts of meats, cooked with care and passion to bring handmade, real restaurant standard foods to your table.

James has also put together a selection of introductory boxes - a great way to explore the range. You can order a Dinner Party for Four or Six, Family Favourites and Gourmet Boxes, all containing a hand-picked selection of delicious dinners from the menu for you to enjoy.

The dishes and desserts are 'snap' frozen for extra freshness and can be used on the day of delivery or kept in the freezer for a later date or as a stand-by dinner. All meals come with easy-to-follow cooking instructions, with many using the sous-vide technique. James' advice is cook the products slowly and gently to produce the best results.

Ordering is quick and easy - simply browse through the options on the website, make your selection, choose a delivery date and time, checkout via the secure online process and your food will be delivered to your door ready for you to enjoy.

To ensure delivery before Christmas orders should be placed no later than 21st December.

Prices start from approximately £4 and with over 60 fantastic foods to choose from, including chicken, beef, pork, lamb, duck, pies, quiches, fish as well as seafood and vegetarian options, you will be sure to find something to suit all tastes this Christmas.

James and his team will be adding new dishes to the menu in the next few months so watch this space!

Visit www.lifeforkspoon.co.uk to see the menus and to place your order now. You can follow them on Twitter @lifeforkspoon or become a fan on www.facebook/lifeforkspoon.

Sunday 18 December 2011

A Must have foodie stocking filler! Some real hot sauces!

Stuck for ideas for male stocking fillers this year? – Well, here’s a ‘must have’ for every woman to give to a man, and every food loving male to add to his Xmas wish list.
So, add a bit of a kick to Xmas with a unique connoisseur chilli sauce specially chosen by Hot-Headz!, stockists of the largest selection of all things chilli in the UK (www.hot-headz.com). It’s quirky, original, has fantastic novelty value and is something that will be used! In fact we believe a bottle of chilli sauce is THE perfect stocking filler for any discerning male foodie of the species, guaranteed to bring Yuletide cheer and warmth! A perfect ‘secret santa’ gift for the office Xmas party too!

We all know there is a love hate relationship between men and chillies. They can’t resist the temptation of tingling taste buds and yet when they indulge they end up asking themselves ‘why on earth did I do that?’ whilst swilling down gallons of water to kill the heat (big mistake by the way; see the FACTFILE for details!)- and then they go and do it again! It’s all down to the endorphins that chillies make us produce by creating a sense of euphoria, along with a pinch of male bravado no doubt!

And with a bottle of superb provenance chilli sauce from Hot-Headz! typically costing from £3.99 to £6.99, it won’t make a dent in the old wallet. So why not buy a bottle or even a few.

Here are our top five ‘connoisseurs’ recommendations to choose from, gradually moving up the heat scale from ‘beginners mild’ to ‘it’ll blow your head off’ (In addition to the heat, the range of flavours, colours and textures are genuinely quite remarkable and varied, just like with wines, so why not try a few and do a tasting):

1. Tapatio Hot Sauce - This year marks the 40th Anniversary of this Mexican inspired sauce that's found on every table top in bars and restaurants across the USA. A robust cayenne pepper sauce with great flavour and a sweet citrusy tang that's good for all round use. A perfect ‘easy on the heat’ sauce for the chilli novice! Hot-Headz heat rating: 3/10. £3.99 (EDITOR Makes the perfect genuine Mexican/American foods)

2. Brother Bru-Bru's Mild African Pepper Sauce - a mouth watering blend of chilli peppers, garlic and Brother Bru Bru’s rare African spices. Brother Bru Bru is in fact no other than session musician Bruce Langhorne who used to play with Bob Dylan. It's a fact that Dylan wrote Mr.Tambourine Man about Bruce. Yes that's him on the label! Splash it on or in everything! Hot-Headz heat rating: 5/10. £3.99

3. Pyromania! Wanna play with Fire? Made with habanero peppers and chipotle "Chee-Poht-Lay" (smoked jalapeno) peppers for a wonderful rich and smoky hot sauce that's great on everything from eggs and vegetables to fish, meat, rice, pasta and tofu. Getting warmer. Hot-Headz heat rating: 7/10. £3.99

4. Hot-Headz own ‘Who Dares Burns! Crushed Naga Hot Sauce’ - Now we're getting serious! A whopping 65% chilli pepper content gives this all natural sauce a killer heat with fresh, fresh flavour! The Naga Bhut Jolokia is the Guinness Book of World Records holder of the Hottest Chilli in the World. We've skilfully blended these deadly hot chilli peppers with select ingredients to make the tastiest Naga sauce on the market. In skiing parlance, this is definitely black run. Hot-Headz heat rating: 9/10. £3.99

5. Mad Dog 357 - Claiming to be the ‘World's Hottest Sauce’ this is about as hot as you can go without being classed as a food additive. This ‘not for the faint of heart’ sauce has a blend of 160,000 scoville super hot cayenne peppers, fiery hot red habanero peppers and finally a whopping 2,000,000 scoville pepper extract. Totally off-piste! A tongue scorching 357,000 Scoville unit sauce. Hot-Headz heat rating: 11/10.
£7.49 (EDITOR: Ouch, ouch, OUCH!!! This really did burn my tongue and I am not a chilli novice!)

(Collectors Edition with bullet key chain containing tiny tasting spoon! 600,000 Scoville units - £9.95)

To purchase: Go to www.hot-headz.com to order on-line OR Call: 01453 731052. P&P (UK Mainland): £2.00 - £6.75 depending on no of items ordered. Free delivery on orders over £100. Some products in the selection may need to be altered due to availability.

FACTFILE: Best to avoid water or beer if you can, to calm your poor tongue and mouth. Milk is the best method to cool them down.)

Channelling a safer Christmas meal

The Food Standards Agency has teamed up with Channel 4 to sponsor its Christmas recipe web pages over the holiday season. This allows the Agency to highlight its Christmas food hygiene and safety messages to a wider audience as they plan their Christmas menus.

Unless you take care, food poisoning can be an unwelcome Christmas guest. The Agency has a range of information to help, including tips for preparing and cooking your turkey. But keeping Christmas dinner safe is not just about taking care with turkey. Recent Agency research found that consumers are aware of the risk of harmful germs from raw meat, but are less aware of the risks from raw vegetables.

Bob Martin, food safety expert at the Food Standards Agency, said: "Preparing Christmas dinner can be a challenge, as most of us aren’t used to cooking for so many people. It can be easy to make mistakes in the kitchen that increase the risk of food poisoning.

"One of the main rules to remember is to avoid cross-contamination from raw meat or poultry on to other foods. Keep all raw food, whether it’s your turkey or vegetables, separate from ready-to-eat foods. Always wash your hands before and after handling food but don't wash your turkey, as that will only spread germs. Instead, make sure that it gets cooked properly, and that means right the way through.

"There are around a million cases of food poisoning over the year, but following some simple steps in the kitchen can help protect you and your family."

For advice and information on preparing a safe Christmas dinner, go to the link below.
www.food.gov.uk/safereating/hyg/turkey

(EDITOR: And when you are eating out, always ensure you visit an establishment that is fully compliant with food hygiene standards. You can check out eating places, takeaway and delivery services, food shops, etc., at www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk. If your local council does not yet participate in the Scores on the Doors scheme, ask them why they are not.)

Saturday 17 December 2011

Try something different for your Christmas Party

With the Christmas season and party time upon us, it’s the time to fill our plates at the buffet. But why should our plate be restricted to the usual sausage rolls and crisps?

‘Tis the season to be experimental, and party snacking at the office Christmas party offers the perfect opportunity to try new things.

The UK’s leading Oriental grocer, Wing Yip, dedicates an aisle in its stores to a vast array of sweet and savory snacks. With the credit crunch taking its toll on the Christmas party budget, many offices are bringing the buffet table to the board room.

Throw a soiree to remember with an Oriental spin on tradition that’s sure to get your guests and colleagues (and their tastebuds) excited. From spring rolls to chilli rice crackers there are plenty of tasty options to brighten up the buffet table.

Mr Wing Yip, founder and chairman of the Oriental grocery empire, said: “Party food doesn’t have to be boring. We offer a host of unique party treats and authentic ingredients to make sure the office party goes off with a bang!”

Wing Yip is the UK’s leading Chinese grocer, with stores in Birmingham, Manchester, Cricklewood and Croydon.

Each store is situated close to the city centre with easy access to the motorway and plenty of free car parking for customers.

A visit to one of the stores is like taking a trip around the world with over 3,000 products from the Far East.
www.wingyipstore.com

Tesco Real Food sets SOS helpline to save Christmas dinner nightmares

Tesco Real Food has set up a unique Christmas dinner SOS helpline to rescue Britons from kitchen disasters as they prepare their festive feasts.

The supermarket has pulled together a crack team of expert chefs who will be on hand to offer personalised first rate advice on how to create the perfect Christmas dinner and avoid any potential nightmares.

Anyone running into difficulties on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be able to contact the team via the supermarket's Twitter site to get immediate solutions to their culinary problems.

Tesco senior marketing manager Breige Donaghy said: "Imagine the scenario - your guests are due to arrive for the most celebrated meal of the year and to your horror your turkey is undercooked, your bread sauce too thick and your roasties aren’t crispy enough.

"But instead of panicking, cooks will now be able to speak to our team of expert chefs who have cooked thousands of meals between them and who know all the tricks of the trade for putting on a fabulous Christmas feast with as little stress as possible.

"We think the helpline will prove especially useful to those embarking on cooking their first ever Christmas dinner. And our experts will also be around on Christmas Eve in case anyone needs help planning the big meal."

The team will include Cordon Bleu standard chefs as well as others who have been trained by top London cooking school Leiths and other top restaurants plus those who work with Tesco to develop recipes and inspire new dishes. Their combined experience totals nearly 100 years in the food business.

The team will run two help sessions. One will offer planning and preparation tips between 10am and 8pm on Christmas Eve and the other will help solve actual cooking dilemmas on Christmas Day, between 8am and 4pm.

Anyone wanting to contact the team will need to log onto Twitter on those days and then navigate to Tesco's Real Food Online Twitter page (@tescorealfood), and send off their question. They will then be sent a tweet with a solution to their problem

Breige Donaghy added: "This is the first time that any supermarket has ever tried anything like this and if it’s a success then we will look at running similar kitchen helplines for Easter and other big occasions."
 
FACTFILE:

On the Real Food website Tesco has developed a Christmas zone to help customers with everything they will need in the run up to Christmas. The tools on the site include:

- Easy-to-follow cooking videos
- Working out the right cooking times with a turkey timer. The timer can also work out the cooking times for salmon, gammon, chicken and beef.
- How to carve a turkey
- How to steam a Christmas pudding
- Cocktail recipe tool: users type in their preferred spirit or ask for suggestions based on taste and/or glass type.
- Advent calendar on the site for daily helpful tips on getting ready for Christmas.

About Tesco Real Food:

The Tesco Real Food website is packed with hundreds of healthy recipes to suit any occasion including vegetarian recipes and a recipe for strawberry yoghurt jellies. Whether customers are looking for a quick mid-week meal for the family or something for a special event, visitors are sure to find exactly what they're looking for. In addition, a range of step-by-step cooking tips and videos to help improve kitchen skills can be found, as well as healthy eating and cooking with kids sections. To make shopping even easier, every recipe has a ready-made shopping list that can be used to add all the ingredients to the shopping basket in just a few clicks.

www.tesco.com/food

Laverstoke Park beers for Christmas and the New Year

The first thing one notices about the beers that Laverstoke Park produces is that they actually do taste like beer.

Now, whilst the idea of beers that taste like beers might be somewhat confusing to some people, please let me explain what I mean.

I speak -or rather, write- as someone with considerable experience as a drinker of beers and as a writer on beers. Sad to say, some beers do not taste particularly pleasant.

I remember one brewer of organic ales who worked very, very hard to brew his beers. But somehow or for some reason he had decided to use smoked malt in all of his different types of beer. The result was not good.

However, it has to be said that the folks at Laverstoke Park know what they are doing!

Their Organic Real Ale is 5.0% ABV. It has a pleasingly light flavour, though the malty character of this finely crafted ale does combine nicely with the yeast and the hoppy goodness, though there's a rather nice and welcome surprise, a fruity undertone that means it will go very well with Christmas dinner, Christmas cake, mince pies and will be a great toast for the Queen's Chirstmas Message!

Next we come to the Laverstoke Park Organic Real Lager. At 4.5%
 it is a good, decent strength and is exactly what a lager should taste like. It has the characteristically lager style taste (not all lagers do!) and it is a light and refreshing beer, ideal for those who know their Continental style beers.  Ideal for drinking with all Christmas foods, and for just drinking whilst you think nice thoughts about what Christmas really means. I would suggest getting in a good supply of this Real Lager and watching every film version of the Charles Dickens novel a Christmas Carol that you can!

www.laverstokepark.co.uk

Thursday 15 December 2011

Christmas Dinner - In A Cake? Here's the recipe!

Christmas Dinner - In A Cake? Whatever next?!

Why not try a slice of Weeton's of Harrogate's new 'Christmas Dinner Cake' made from all the trimmings - minus the turkey, however!

The Christmas Dinner Cake - which was baked exclusively for Weeton's by its multi-award winning cake supplier Allison Whitmarsh, of Proper Maid in Huddersfield ­- contains carrots, parsnips, cranberries, Christmas spices, chestnuts - and of course, the sprouts.

"We all know that vegetables are great in cakes but who knew you could get an entire Christmas dinner in there!" says cake connoisseur Allison. "While the cake was baking there was a definite whiff of sprouts, but the end result is absolutely delicious - Christmas dinner never tasted so good!"

Weeton's operations director Jo Loftus says she can't wait to sample her first sweet slice. "Allison has been providing us with delicious cakes for sometime now and we didn't think she could beat some of her more unconventional flavours, but this is festive and fantastic," she says. "There'll be no running around like a headless turkeys this Christmas - just serve a slice of this Noel novelty and you've got Christmas dinner licked!"

The Christmas Dinner Cake, which is topped with a cream cheese frosting and decorated with cranberries and white chocolate curls, will be available to try at Weeton's café throughout December, plus this unusual sweet treat is available to order this festive season.

And in case you want a slice of the action at home...

...that Christmas Dinner Cake recipe in full!

7" Cake serves 6-8

Ingredients

185g Wholemeal Chapatti Flour

135g Soft brown sugar

55g Dark brown Sugar

1 tsp. ground Cinnamon

1 tsp. Mixed Spice

1 tsp. Bicarbonate of Soda

30g Cranberries

30g Chopped Chestnuts

2 Eggs

110g Vegetable oil

40g Sour cream

125g Grated Carrots

50g Grated Parsnips

50g Chopped Sprouts

Filling

50g Roses orange Marmalade

80g Philadelphia

40g Vegetable Margarine or Butter

40g Icing Sugar

Cranberries and White Choc Curls to decorate

Method

1. Mix together the flour, sugars, bicarb, cranberries and chopped chestnuts

2. Add the eggs, sour cream and oil and beat well

3. Mix in all the grated and chopped vegetables and beat well again

4. Grease and line 2 x 7" sandwich tins

5. Pour the prepared mixture into the tins

6. Bake 180°C for approx. 30 mins until cooked (test with the tip of a knife to ensure all

the mixture is cooked through)

7. Leave to cool

8. When cool spread the orange marmalade onto the bottom half of the cake

9. Mix together the Philadelphia, margarine/butter & Icing Sugar until smooth

10. Spread 80g of the prepared icing onto the top of the marmalade and sandwich

together

11. Spread the remaining 80 g of icing onto the top of the cake

12. Decorate with cranberries and white chocolate curls

Weeton's is located at 23/24 West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ, 01423 507 100,

info@weetons.com, www.weetons.com.

King of Beers? The crown belongs to W J King, Brewers!

W. J. King area proud traditional brewer based in Horsham, West Sussex.

Although they declare themselves to be a new style micro brewery, they are clearly more akin to the master brewers of yesterday, when each town of note -and with a good supply of water- had at least two or three breweries, each producing some extremely fine beers all under the watchful eye of the master brewer.

And this is what drinkers will get this Christmas and New Year should they be fortunate enough to find themselves drinking beers brewed by W J King.

Because W J King are proper, traditional brewers of finely crafted ales who do not compromise on brewing technique or on the fine ingredients that they use.

Their IPA, for example, is a fine example of this style of beer. Although it is heavily hopped, this is not over done so the high hop content is well balanced and there is a wonderful fruity tang that supports the hoppy bitterness.

There Market Porter is another fine beer. My wife -an expert on Porter style beers- has declared this the finest Porter she has drunk in many a year!

It is darkly roasted, and yes, one can imagine Victorian market porters using this to slake their considerable thirst before heading back, satisfied, for several hours more hard work. And then, after work, imbibing some more of it before making their way home.

These are only two beers from their extensive range of CAMRA recognised and bottle conditioned beers. To find out more and where to buy them visit www.kingbeer.co.uk

You must get a selection in for Christmas and the New Year.

Chief Chocolate Officer Gerry Spreads Christmas Cheer With Extreme Chocolate Truffle Making Demo On YouTube

Gerry Wilton, chief chocolate officer at events company Chocolate Delight, is aiming to spread a little Christmas cheer with his extreme chocolate truffle making video posted on youtube.

In the video, Gerry whisks up chocolate truffles in his own inimitable style while singing instructions to the tune of Mack the Knife, prompting one bemused commenter to write: "I tried this - my hair is now silky soft - thank you."

You can see Gerry's extreme chocolate making video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd8qu0dAsqU


Who is Gerry? As well as heading events company Chocolate Delight, Gerry owns and runs the Chocolate Boutique Hotel, named one of the six best novelty hotels in the world by the Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

Chocolate Delight holds chocolate-themed teambuilding events and challenges for many of the UK's leading companies and brands.

www.chocolatedelight.co.uk/corporate-chocolate-events.html

Gerry is currently in the Caribbean, teaching passengers on board a cruise ship the art of chocolate truffle making.

Founded in 2004 by the Wilton family, Chocolate Delight was one of the first companies to have a commercial chocolate fountain in the UK and quickly established itself as the leading chocolate fountain hire company. It was soon called on by corporates, event companies and celebrities to provide fountains for functions such as film premieres and weddings, including Peter and Jordan's.

In 2006, the Wilton family saw the opportunity to expand and bought a beautiful but outdated 19th century grade II listed hotel. Christmas 2007 saw the renovation of the building and it became The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, the world's first chocolate themed hotel. Today, Chocolate Delight is one of the most successful UK chocolate companies in its field and holds Chocolate Workshops across the country. Its Corporate Chocolate Teambuilding events commenced late in 2005 and are now run all over the UK and more recently in Europe. Last year saw Chocolate Delight in Spain, France, Austria and Switzerland.