A treat for the coffee-loving mums for Mothering Sunday

For those seeking something a little less traditional than flowers and chocolates for Mothering Sunday  this year, the ideal gift will be a special gift subscription to Tambia’s coffee for Mothering Sunday Day, 30th March.

Tambia is a single origin, speciality coffee brand from Colombia that grows, harvests, and roasts its own coffee, ensuring full traceability and full commitment to quality. 

Tambia oversees each step of the production process guaranteeing a coffee experience that's deeply rooted in origin, sustainability, and community, delivering exceptional flavours straight from farms to cups.

As part of the subscription is a monthly delivery of Finca La Sierra Coffee, a single origin coffee grown on Tambia’s own La Sierra Farm, positioned at a high-altitude on the slopes of the extinct volcano Cerro Bravo. 

The coffee beans are picked, processed and packed by hand before being sent to the UK for roasting to ensure maximum freshness.

Made from Castillo, a resilient and flavourful bean which delivers a smooth, well-balanced cup with notes of chocolate, caramel, red berries, and roasted almonds. Versatile and full-bodied, Tambia Castillo is perfect for espresso, filter, or any brewing method, offering a consistently rich and satisfying experience. Three levels of roasting are available: light, medium and dark. 

Subscription starting from £7.43 a month for 200 g.

To learn more and to order your gift subscription visit https://tambiacoffee.com/collections/gift-subscription

Celebrate Life's Sweet Moments With Fudge Kitchen's New Seasonal Collections

Perfect For Valentine's, Mother's Day and Easter. Because Fudge Kitchen has unveiled its handmade Spring Collections, designed to make gifting easy, thoughtful, and extra delicious for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Easter.

Blending nostalgic comforts with the tastiest trends for 2025, these seasonal specials bring together rich flavours, natural ingredients, and beautiful, sustainable packaging for an indulgent treat that's hard to beat.

Valentine's Day: Fudge for Lovers

Fudge Kitchen presents a mix of delights for a unique love at first bite.

Rich Chocolate Caramels, (RRP £9.00) Perfect for the chocoholic in your life, these melt-in-the-mouth chocolate caramels are wrapped in responsibly sourced Colombian milk chocolate and hand decorated with roasted cocoa nibs.

Sea Salted Caramel Fudge, (RRP £7.00) A classic, buttery caramel fudge with a delightfully crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.

Rhubarb and Custard Sliders, (RRP £7.90) Stunningly layered and reminiscent of sweet shops or Sunday dinner dessert.

Double Chocolate Fudge Sliders, (RRP £7.90) for a meeting of indulgent chocolate with a buttery luxury that is unique to handcrafted fudge.

The Tasting Menu Selection Box, (RRP £12.50)  selection showcases unique flavours such as Mango & Passion Fruit, Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt and Lemon Sherbet Fudge, each guaranteed to deliver a taste-sensation.

Mother's Day: Their Very Best

Introducing Fudge Kitchen's selection of delicious flavours and spring colours, for maximum Mum approval.

Afternoon Tea Selection Box, (RRP £12.50)  is a sophisticated selection of nine mouth-watering gourmet fudge squares inspired by some of the nation's favourite teatime treats such as Apple Crumble, Earl Grey and Strawberries & Clotted Cream.

Salted Caramel and Butterscotch Fudge Sliders, (RRP £7.90) inspired by universally favourite flavours for an irresistibly smooth taste experience.

Raspberry Coconut Ice, (RRP £7.00) A classic confection fusing coconut and raspberries for a delicious trip down memory lane. Hand-crafted with sharp, refreshing raspberries and creamy coconut. 

Himalayan Salted Caramels, (RRP £9.00) Feel on top of the world with these melt-in-the-mouth caramels, infused with Madagascan vanilla, smothered in responsibly sourced Colombian milk chocolate and sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt.

Easter: Elevating the Classics

This Easter, who says it's all about traditional chocolate eggs? At the heart of Fudge Kitchen's Spring Collections is a standout caramel flavour taking inspiration from a different kind of classic with the Hot Cross Bun. 

Hot Cross Bun Caramels, (RRP £9.90) Combining the warmth of cinnamon and spices of Easter buns, with decadent, hand-worked caramel. Each individually dipped in the finest Colombian milk chocolate and finished with a hand-piped white chocolate cross.

Traditional Vanilla Fudge, (RRP £7.00) A sweet and indulgent crumbly fudge, carefully blended to create that luxuriously creamy, buttery sensation and flavoured with sweet, aromatic vanilla. Every bite is a bite of pure nostalgia.

Clotted Cream Fudge Sliders, (RRP £7.90) for the traditionalists – rich, smooth and sweet notes. Evoking the sweet almond and cherry notes of a traditional Bakewell tart. The perfect nostalgic treats for sharing (or not!) with loved ones this springtime.

Double Chocolate Fudge Sliders, (RRP £7.90) for a meeting of indulgent chocolate with a buttery luxury that is unique to handcrafted fudge.

The Tasting Menu Selection Box, (RRP £12.50)  selection showcases unique flavours such as Mango & Passion Fruit, Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt and Lemon Sherbet Fudge, each guaranteed to deliver a taste-sensation.

Title: Crafting Artisan Chocolates: A Sweet Christmas Gift

As Christmas draws near, finding that perfect gift for loved ones can feel like a challenge. While shop-bought items may be easy, there’s something truly special about handmade presents.

This year, why not surprise your friends and family with something both indulgent and personal: artisan chocolates, lovingly crafted by your own hands.

Making chocolates at home might sound daunting, but with a bit of patience and the right ingredients, you’ll soon discover it’s a rewarding and creative process. 

From rich truffles to decadent pralines, your creations will not only taste better than anything off the shelves, but they’ll also come with a dash of festive flair and a personal touch that money simply can’t buy.

Why Handmade Chocolates?

Handmade gifts, especially food-related ones, offer a warmth that shop-bought presents can't. When you craft chocolates yourself, you control every ingredient and every design. Plus, they can be customised to suit the recipient’s preferences. Whether they prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate, whether they're fans of nuts, spices, or dried fruits, you can tailor each chocolate to their liking.

Besides, chocolates are universally loved! And with Christmas being the season of indulgence, a beautifully presented box of homemade chocolates will always be a hit.

The Basics of Chocolate Making

Learning to make your own chocolates isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you’ll need to follow.

Choosing Your Chocolate

Start with high-quality chocolate. Avoid the overly sweet varieties found in supermarkets and opt for couverture chocolate, which is perfect for tempering (more on that in a bit). Look for bars with at least 70% cocoa for dark chocolate, 40% for milk, or a creamy white variety.

Tempering Chocolate

This might sound technical, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring your chocolates have that glossy finish and satisfying snap. Tempering involves melting chocolate to a specific temperature and then cooling it to a precise degree. A simple way to do this at home is the ‘seeding method,’ where you melt two-thirds of your chocolate and then gradually stir in the remaining third to cool it down.

Flavouring and Filling

This is where you get to be creative! You can add sea salt, chilli, orange zest, or even a touch of liqueur to your chocolate base. For fillings, think creamy ganache, salted caramel, or nutty praline. Simply pour your tempered chocolate into silicone moulds, add your filling, and then top it off with more chocolate.

Moulds and Shapes

Silicone or polycarbonate moulds are perfect for shaping your chocolates. Whether you’re making traditional round truffles or festive Christmas tree shapes, moulds give your chocolates a professional finish. Remember, the more intricate the design, the more impressive the final result!

Packaging and Presentation

Presentation is key, especially when giving your chocolates as Christmas gifts. Wrap them in gold or silver foil, and place them in a decorative box with festive ribbon. You can even create a bespoke label or handwrite a message to make the gift extra special.

Tips for Success

Use a thermometer: Precision is key when tempering chocolate. A good thermometer will help you get the temperature just right.

Experiment with flavours: Christmas is the perfect time to get creative. Try adding warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.

Don’t rush: Take your time, especially when it comes to tempering and setting your chocolates. Patience ensures a smooth, glossy finish.

Thoughtful, Personalised Gifts

One of the joys of making your own chocolates is the personal connection. You can make a batch of chocolates that reflect the recipient’s tastes, whether they adore the richness of dark chocolate, the creaminess of milk, or the sweet simplicity of white chocolate. You might even want to personalise them further by adding initials or Christmas-themed decorations.

Additionally, handmade chocolates can be given as part of a larger gift hamper, paired with mulled wine, homemade biscuits, or other festive treats. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

Making artisan chocolates for Christmas might seem like an ambitious project, but it’s one that is well worth the effort. Not only do you get to indulge in a creative and fun process, but the end result is a delicious, thoughtful gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

So, this year, swap the last-minute rush for a calm and enjoyable kitchen session. Turn up the Christmas music, get your hands a little messy, and watch as your beautifully packaged chocolates bring joy to everyone on your gift list.

Happy crafting, and a very merry (and sweet!) Christmas!

Incidentally, as wife my has a physical allergy to chocolate I'll be looking to make her something else. 

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.

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.