A Minty Treat for your sweet? Ask for Peppersmiths

Everyone who I know loves mints. So why not give the sweet soul in your life some really neat minty treats, courtesy of Peppersmiths?

The only products Peppersmith makes are 100% naturally tasty, feel good treats. 

Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles are bursting with 100% natural flavours and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that are also actively good for you. 

So not only are you giving the love of your life some delicious treats, you are giving them something that's good for them, too? (If that doesn't earn you extra points...)

Peppersmith Taster Pack £16.99 from www.peppersmith.co.uk

You'll both be able to pucker up with Peppersmith!

From Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles to refreshing Peppermint Mints and Gum, the natural flavours include peppermint and spearmint oils, eucalyptus, Sicilian lemons and delicious strawberries, giving you banging flavours, freshening up your breath and caring for your dental health all in one!

https://peppersmith.co.uk/collections/bestsellers/products/taster-pack-12-x-15g-mixed-pocket-packs-2

Want a neat way to celebrate with your Valentine? Bar + Block have the perfect answer

At their various locations across England, Bar + Block are running a Valentine's Bottomless Brunch this February. It's the perfect spot for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration. 

Bar + Block is a contemporary steak and cocktail specialist. And Bar + Block is really going all out this Valentine’s season. 

Celebrating a Galentine’s or Valentine’s? Bar + Block promises you a memorable experience with a Valentine’s Bottomless Brunch.

For just £36 per person, guests can enjoy two courses, featuring everything from a mouthwatering Steak Sandwich to a delicious Plant-Based Burger, alongside a tasty starter or pud. 

Sip on bottomless prosecco or ice-cold beers if that's your fancy, with the option to upgrade to bottomless cocktails for an additional Fiver, featuring classics such as the Pornstar Martini or a deliciously refreshing Limoncello Spritz. Non-alcoholic options are also available.

There’s no better way to express love than sharing delicious food, clinking glasses, and spending quality time together. Book now to treat your loved ones to a celebration to remember. https://www.barandblock.co.uk/en-gb/valentines-day

Indulge in Love: A Culinary Journey Through Traditional Valentine's Day Foods and Drinks

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, and what better way to express your feelings than through the art of gastronomy? 

As Cupid prepares to strike his arrow, let's embark on a delectable journey exploring traditional Valentine's Day foods and drinks that have stood the test of time, tantalising taste buds and igniting romantic sparks.

Chocolate Delights:

No Valentine's Day celebration is complete without the rich, velvety allure of chocolate. Renowned for its aphrodisiac properties, chocolate is an indispensable element of this romantic occasion. From handcrafted truffles to decadent chocolate fondue, the possibilities are endless. Whether dark, milk, or white, chocolate is sure to sweeten the celebration and evoke feelings of warmth and affection.

Pairing Suggestion: A glass of velvety red wine or a cup of delicious aromatic coffee complements the indulgent sweetness of chocolate, creating a harmonious symphony for the senses.

Sensational Seafood:

Known for its association with luxury and sensuality, seafood is a classic choice for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Oysters, often revered as a natural aphrodisiac, take center stage, their briny succulence adding a touch of sophistication to the occasion. Lobster, shrimp, and scallops also make for exquisite choices, prepared with love and attention to detail.

Pairing Suggestion: A crisp glass of Champagne or a light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of seafood, creating a divine combination that dances on the palate.

Ambrosial Aphrodisiacs:

Certain foods have earned a reputation as aphrodisiacs, believed to boost desire and passion. Garlic, asparagus, and artichokes are not only delicious but also carry a sensual allure. Incorporate these ingredients into your Valentine's Day menu, creating dishes that tantalise the taste buds and ignite the flames of romance.

Pairing Suggestion: A bold red wine, perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the robust flavors of dishes featuring garlic and asparagus, creating a well-balanced and truly satisfying experience.

Heartfelt Desserts:

As the saying goes, the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and what better way to showcase your love than with heart-shaped desserts? From classic red velvet cakes to luscious berry tarts, there are endless possibilities to express your affection through sweet treats. Get creative with your dessert presentation, adding a touch of romance to each bite.

Pairing Suggestion: A sweet dessert wine, like a late-harvest Riesling or a port, elevates the flavors of your decadent desserts, concluding the meal on a blissful note.

Love Libations:

Crafting the perfect cocktail can set the mood for a romantic evening. Consider concoctions with aphrodisiac ingredients like strawberries, pomegranates, and cinnamon. Classic cocktails such as the French Kiss or the Love Potion add a playful element to the celebration, creating an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere.

Pairing Suggestion: Champagne cocktails or fruity sangrias complement the festive spirit of Valentine's Day, providing a refreshing and effervescent touch to your libations.

This Valentine's Day, let your love blossom through the art of culinary expression. Indulge in the timeless allure of chocolate, savor the sophistication of seafood, embrace the aphrodisiac wonders of the kitchen, and share heartfelt desserts and love-infused libations. As you embark on this gastronomic journey, may your Valentine's Day be filled with delectable delights and cherished moments of connection. Cheers to love, laughter, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the one you hold dear.

(Image courtesy of Jill Wellington from Pixabay)

Opt for Don Papa Rum Not Rosé This Valentine's Day

Looking for something a little different, a bit more exciting for this Valentine's Day?

Then let the folks at Don Papa Rum help you. Their expert and skilled mixologists are encouraging you to embrace your love language of acts of service and shake up the perfect Don Papa Raspberry Sour cocktail for your loved one on February 14.  

Not keen on Champagne? Want to give rosé a miss this year? Then try this, instead!

Don Papa Raspberry Sour  

Ingredients:  

15ml Raspberry Liqueur  

25ml Lemon Juice  

50ml Don Papa Rum  

1 egg white  

Method:  

Add all ingredients to a shaker and then dry shake for 30 seconds without ice  

Add ice and then shake again until tin is frosty  

Strain into a glass over fresh ice, or into a coupe without ice 

Don Papa Rum is a 7-year aged, small batch rum crafted on the island of Negros in the Philippines. Known for its rich flora, charming fauna, and sugarcane cultivation, this captivating paradise has earned the nickname Sugarlandia – making it the perfect spirit to add a bit of magic to your celebrations.  

To learn more visit https://www.donpaparum.com

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

Galentine's Day: Chocolate and Sweets Are the Most Wished for Gifts

Celebrating female friendship has become a phenomenon according to gifting website DrawNames which has seen a 55% growth in friendship gifting.

Galentine's Day will occur on Monday 13th February this year and was first made famous by the cult classic comedy show Parks and Recreation.

The premise is female friends getting together to celebrate friendship, unity and individuality through thoughtful, anonymous gifts.

The number of visitors to DrawNames over the February period has more than doubled in the last year with users picking names and making gift lifts for both Galentine's and Valentine's Day. The DrawNames Galentine's top most wished for gifts include:

Chocolate and sweets

Skincare

Yankee candles

The DrawNames data shows users' exchange on the 14th (61%) and 13th (16%) of February.

Emma Shaw from Leeds has been running a Galentine's event since 2020, she said: “The pandemic was the perfect reason to create an event to look forward to. We gathered our single friends to create a gift exchange but our female friends in a relationship wanted to get involved so we now have a mixture. 

“The thoughtful gifts we've exchanged include photo albums, handmade crafts and food at home. We used DrawNames to ensure everyone was completely anonymous which made the gift exchange so much more special.”

Arjan Kuiper, co-founder of DrawNames, said: “There is no better reason to give someone a gift than to celebrate friendship and unity. 

“Galentine's is growing in popularity and it's easy to see why! Using a gift exchange website means everyone involved can enjoy the surprise and enjoy the day." 

To find out more head to https://www.drawnames.co.uk/secret-valentine-generator.

Share Your Love This Valentine's Day With Devon Hampers

For those you love and cherish, or even if you need a little self-love treat, for this Valentine's Day order a hamper from Devon Hampers filled with food and drink, lovingly produced in the West Country. 

There are so many to choose from, so we've picked two of our favourites.

Valentine's Day Feast Hamper from £59.50 including delivery.

Enjoy the taste of the West Country this Valentine's Day with the extraordinary Valentine's Day Feast Hamper  from Devon Hampers that's packed full of delicious sweet and savoury treats carefully sourced from the finest artisan makers.

For those you cherish, or even if you, as we say, need a little self-love, this wonderful hamper will satisfy every appetite and is the perfect feast on Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Cheese and Wine Hamper from £42.50 including delivery

If your loved one has a penchant for cheese and wine, spoil them with the Cheese and Wine Hamper from Devon Hampers.  This gorgeous and thoughtful gift includes a heart shaped cheese board set and some other extra tasty treats to enjoy alongside a bottle of Sepa Moya Merlot.

https://www.devonhampers.com

Room for rum lovers on Valentine's Day with Hattiers Rum

B Corp certified Hattiers Rum is offering the ideal perfect gifts for rum lovers this Valentine's Day. With exceptional International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) winning Eminence Blended Aged White Rum, Egremont Premium Reserve Rum or Resolute Navy Strength Rum, they have the absolutely perfect present for lovers of fine spirits.

Eminence Blended Aged White Rum

With light and attractive soft fruit notes and a vanilla pod, creamy fudge and ripe pineapple aroma, Eminence has been carefully carbon filtered to remove the colour while maintaining the impact of the barrel.  This smooth, light-medium bodied, dry blended aged white rum has a great depth of flavour and character.  

With a taste that's nicely fruity but not sweet, it enjoys a gentle nutty pineapple aftertaste and long creamy finish.  

It's ideal enjoyed either neat, with a mixer or in cocktails like a Daiquiri or Mojito.  Eminence has twice been awarded accolades at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).  £37.50, 42% ABV, 70cl.

Egremont Premium Reserve Rum

A delightful premium sipping rum, Egremont is a blend of four cask aged rums hand picked from across the Caribbean and Central America and gently paired with pure soft spring water from the Dartmoor hills.  

Filtered by layer upon layer of ancient granite, Dartmoor spring water balances the alcoholic strength of the base rums to a more accessible level, giving Hattiers Rums' a long and creamy finish.  A fragrant, medium bodied rum that's complex yet accessible, Egremont is superb enjoyed neat, over ice or used in cocktails such as Breakfast Old Fashioned.  £42.00, 40% ABV, 70 cl.

Resolute Navy Strength Rum

A blended aged navy strength rum, made using rums from Barbados, Australia, Guyana and Jamaica,  Hattiers' Resolute Navy Strength Rum has a toasted brown sugar and charred oak aroma followed by warm banana.  On the palate it has an intensity of fruit with pineapple, apple, banana, mango and a buttery pastry taste with darker notes of liquorice which linger.  Wafts of coal smoke drift in on the finish, with a dominance of banana cream.  £56.00, 54.5% ABV, 70cl.

Eminence, Egremont and Resolute are all available from hattiers.com as well as Waitrose & Partners, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, Fortnum & Mason, The Whisky Exchange, Enotria & Coe and Drink Finder.

http://hattiers.com