Last-Minute Tasty Treats for Father’s Day Gifting

Forgot Father’s Day is this weekend? Don’t panic. No. Really don't panic. You've got this! Because there’s still time to surprise Dad with something delicious that doesn’t scream “last-minute panic buy.” 

Whether he’s a fan of savoury snacks, sweet bites, or a cheeky tipple, here’s your guide to easy, crowd-pleasing foodie gifts you can still source in time.

1. Local Deli or Farm Shop Hamper

Pop down to your nearest deli, butcher or farm shop and ask if they offer ready-made or build-your-own hampers. Think:

Artisan cheeses and cured meats

Pickles and chutneys

Small-batch chocolates or fudge

Craft beer or local cider bottles

Wrap it all up in a rustic box or reusable basket for a charming, low-effort present with high taste factor.

2. Craft Beer or Ale Selection

Skip the supermarket multipack and head to your local bottle shop for a hand-picked selection of craft beers, real ales, or even mushroom-infused stouts (a nod to emerging trends!). Many independent shops will box them up for you—some even offer same-day delivery.

Bonus idea: Pair it with a personalised pint glass or beer snacks like gourmet pork scratchings or spiced nuts.

3. Gourmet Subscription Box (With an Instant Printable Voucher)

Running truly out of time? Sign Dad up for a foodie subscription box—options include:

Cheese clubs

Bacon-of-the-month

Hot sauce tastings

Charcuterie boards

Chocolate artisan tasters

Most services offer instant e-gift vouchers you can print out and pop in a card. Sorted in under five minutes!

4. DIY Treat Jar or Snack Tackle Box

A fun one for kids to help with! Grab a large jar or sectioned lunchbox and fill it with Dad’s favourites:

Retro sweets

Mini whisky bottles

Fancy crisps or pretzels

Coffee sachets or tea pyramids

Jerky or biltong

Label it “Dad’s Emergency Snack Kit” for extra charm.

5. Bakeries & Dessert Counters – Grab and Go Goodies

Swing by your local bakery for:

Father’s Day cupcakes

Brownie boxes

Fruit pies

Doughnut bundles

Many supermarkets also stock limited-edition themed desserts if you're really cutting it fine. Pair with a fresh bag of ground coffee or a luxury hot chocolate tin for a complete mini-gift.

6. Cook-It-For-Him Hamper

If your dad is more of a homebody, how about gifting the ingredients for a Sunday feast—with you doing the cooking?

Ideas include:

Steak night kit (steaks, spice rub, sauce, beer)

Big breakfast bundle (eggs, bacon, hash browns, sourdough, beans)

BBQ-in-a-box (burgers, buns, condiments, corn on the cob)

It’s thoughtful, personalised—and delicious.

Final Tip: Presentation is Everything

Even the simplest foodie gift looks more impressive with nice wrapping or a hand-written tag. Use kraft paper, string, tissue, or a gift bag to elevate your last-minute marvel.

So don’t stress! Go delicious instead. With a little flavour and a lot of heart, your Father’s Day gift can still be the best thing he gets this year.

Three Reasons to Visit Cornwall's Firebrand Brewing Co: Beer, Events & Gifts

Firebrand Brewing Co is based just off the A30 in Launceston, Cornwall, where it brews, serves and sells its alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. Here are 3 reasons why you should visit them this summer.

1: It's The Best Place to Try Firebrand's New and Small Batch Beers

Firebrand's taproom is a dynamic community space where craft beer meets culture. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, the taproom offers a rotating selection of their freshest, limited-batch beers, brewed on-site. With ten taps pouring everything from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers, there's always something new to enjoy, alongside all your Firebrand favourites. 

Some of their small-batch beers don't get the opportunity to make it out of the brewery so this is the best place to be if you want to try all their latest brews. Just outside, a variety of food trucks serve up delicious street food that pairs perfectly with their pints. Offerings range from wood-fired sourdough pizzas to Middle Eastern flatbreads, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. 

2: They Host Some of The Most Entertaining Free Events in Cornwall

The taproom is a hub for live music and community gatherings, hosting regular music events such as Open Mic Nights and Songwriters' Nights, which provide a platform for emerging talent, and Firejam, a lively jam night fostering spontaneous musical collaborations. 

For those who prefer a cerebral challenge, they host regular fun nights of Pop Bingo and their charity Beer & Brains Quiz. Most of their events are free entry with the exception of the Beer & Brains Quiz (£2.00pp) where half the proceeds go to charity and the other half to the winner.

3: It's The Perfect Place to Stock Up on Beer & Gifts

For those based in the area, popping into an event or just passing through en route to a Cornish holiday, their Beer Shop is the perfect place to stock up on Firebrand Beer and merchandise. The shop is open Monday to Saturday and stocks all the core Firebrand brews as well as all the latest small-batch beers, fresh out of the brewery. 

Visitors can fill up on their fantastic range of authentic alcoholic and non-alcoholic Cornish beers and pick up some gifts too. The brewery is just behind the renowned Philip Warren Butchers, making it the perfect drink and BBQ stop. 

Firebrand Brewing Co was forged in 2012 in a converted milking parlour on the untamed edge of Bodmin Moor, North Cornwall. The idea was born from a passion for beer made from all-natural ingredients, Cornish spring water and American hops. 

Its highly acclaimed beers include Shorebreak Alcohol Free Hazy Pale, Little Wave Alcohol-Free Lager, Summerleaze Hazy Pale, Helles Beach Lager and West Coast, a session IPA. For further information on Firebrand Brewing Co. please visit www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Say Cheese to Love! Valentine's Day Survey Reveals British Devotion to European Dairy Delights

A recent Valentine's survey commissioned by our friends at the CNIEL and conducted on their behalf by Opinium, reveals some interesting facts, not least about our love for cheese.

According to the survey, chocolate remains the preferred Valentine's gift for 20% of those who celebrate Valentine's Day, compared to 14% who prefer flowers. 

The adage, 'Food is the way to the heart,' rings especially true for men, with nearly half (47%) desiring a gift of food or wine for Valentine's Day, compared to 28% of women.

When it comes to the perfect Valentine's date, 56% of those who celebrate would choose a meal in a good restaurant. Watching a film with a box of chocolates or taking a picturesque walk are joint second choices, each appealing to 35% of respondents. Meanwhile, 20% of Valentine's Day fans would enjoy going to a show or comedy.

The survey also revealed that over a third of the UK population shares a passion for cheese. It certainly has a place in our hearts and fridges: more than three-quarters (78%) of respondents stated they have at least one cheese in the fridge, with 59% enjoying a wide variety of cheeses - such as Brie, Camembert and Morbier.

Passion for cheese is particularly strong among younger people, with 44% of those aged 18-34 expressingtheir love for it, compared to 30% of those aged 55 and over. Regional differences also emerge, with 48% of Londoners and 44% of respondents in Yorkshire and Humberside passionate about cheese, compared to just 22% in Southampton. 

Beyond Valentine's Day, in excess of half (52%) of respondents agree that sharing a cheeseboard with loved ones is a fantastic way to enjoy an evening.

This Valentine's Day, let cheese be the way to your loved one's heart! A wide variety of European cheeses will seduce even the most delicate palates and allow you to innovate and surprise. If you are planning to share a cheeseboard for Valentine's Day or for date nights throughout the year, here are some top tips.

1/ Before serving the cheeses, let them stand for at least an hour and a half at room temperature so that they develop their full aromas fully.

2/ Offer a diverse choice of cheeses that complement each other in terms of taste and texture. At a minimum, make sure you have at least one soft, hard and blue cheese but to really impress five is the magic number.

3/ Provide a knife for each cheese to avoid cross contamination of flavours and leave enough space between the cheeses to allow for guests to cut and remove their cheese easily.

4/ Place the cheeses from the mildest to the strongest in a clockwise direction; this helps people to taste in the best sensory order.

5/ Dried fruit, fresh fruit, fruit jellies, seeds, aromatic herbs and edible flowers all add interesting colour, flavours and textures to your cheeseboard - let your creativity flow.

For a mild cheese that brings something decadent to the board, try a Brillat-Savarin, a triple cream cheese that melts in the mouth and leaves a rich buttery and sweet flavour. Another delicious mild cheese that you can find in a wide variety of shops is Doux de Montagne - a light, cheese dotted with small holes with mild, fruity, buttery and herbal flavours. Both cheeses pair well with a glass of Champagne.

If you are more traditional, why not go for Neufchâtel, a pretty heart-shaped cheese is a perfect option. Its white, slightly fluffy rind and lightly salted, creamy pastry with a milky taste will melt your partner's heart.

Whilst cheddar remains the UK's favourite cheese, Comté PDO is France's most popular hard cheese. It is sweet, slightly nutty and becomes harder with deeper flavours as it matures.

With their blue green mould and strong, salty flavours, even some cheese lovers can be hesitant when it comes to blue cheeses. For a gentler introduction, Fourme d'Ambert is mild with a velvety texture and subtle flavours. Food really is the way to anyone's heart.

For more information, visit: www.dairy-products-from-france.com/cheese

That's Food and Drink would like to thank ther CNIEL, (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Economie Laitière) for their help in preparing this blogpost. 

Will my wife and I be sharing sharing a Valentine's Day cheeseboard? Bien sûr!

Spoil Dad With Fine Foodie Gifts from Dukeshill

Father's Day is almost upon us. And what better way to show appreciation for the father figure/s in your life than with a thoughtfully curated artisan food and drink hamper from, DukesHill?

Shropshire's very own DukesHill offers a top quality range of delicious foodie gifts for the dad who has it all. And who wouldn't love a luxury hamper to arrive at their doorstep?

Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper - 10 items in a 14” wicker hamper - £69

This deliciously savoury hamper includes DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider, which has been matured for 6 months in single malt Scotch whisky casks, imparting warming notes of vanilla, oak and honey. 

There's a charcuterie offering that includes Sliced Lomo, Sliced Bresaola, Sliced Porchetta, and Sliced Pastrami. 

The special Isle of Mull Cheddar is known for its exceptional quality and flavour, to be enjoyed with the carefully selected Fig Chutney and Multi Seed Crackers.  

Contains: Whisky Cask Cider (3 x 330ml), Sliced Lomo (80g), Sliced Bresaola (80g), Sliced Porchetta (175g), Sliced Pastrami (175g), Isle of Mull Cheddar (200g), Multi Seed Crackers (100g), Fig Chutney (198g)

Weekend Breakfast Box with Coffee £44.50

If Dad loves breakfasting, set him up with the perfect beginning to his day with the makings of a good, hearty breakfast. He'll be thrilled to receive the finest of sausages, bacon and black pudding, plus some yummy lemon & poppy seed pancakes and delicious spreads. And it also comes with a bag of special  ground coffee. Just nip out to buy him the newspapers of his choice and he'll be all set for a gloriously and utterly delicious morning.

Contains: Traditional Pork Sausages (400g), Smoked Dry Cured Streaky Bacon (350g), Black Pudding (500g), Ampersand Butter (210g), Wholegrain Pancakes (240g), Lemon & Poppy Seed Pancakes (240g), Seville Orange Marmalade (227g), Strawberry Jam (227g), DukesHill Medium Roast Coffee (250g)

Whisky cask cider and chocolate indulgence - 3 items - £45

This luxurious gift box contains two bottles of DukesHill whisky cask matured cider - an exquisite, smooth cider infused with rich vanilla undertones and some delightful yet subtle oak notes. There's a box of velvety Dark Chocolate, Roasted Almonds and Ginger Mendiants and to complete the gift - Chocolate Covered Orange Slices - a true treat for all the senses. 

https://www.dukeshill.co.uk

Spoil Dad with Fine Foodie Gifts from DukesHill and cook up some Ginger Beer Glazed Ham, recipe included

Father's Day is not that long away now, and what better way to show appreciation for the father/s figure in your life than with a thoughtfully curated artisan food and drink hamper? 

DukesHill offers a range of delicious gifts for the dad who has it all. And who wouldn't love a luxury hamper to arrive at their door?

Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper - 10 items in a 14” wicker hamper - £69

This savoury hamper includes DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider, been matured for six very important months in single malt Scotch whisky casks, imparting warming notes of vanilla, oak and honey. 

There's a variety of charcuterie including Sliced Lomo, Sliced Bresaola, Sliced Porchetta, and Sliced Pastrami. The Isle of Mull Cheddar is known for its exceptional quality and flavour, to be enjoyed with Fig Chutney and Multi Seed Crackers.  

Contains: Whisky Cask Cider (3 x 330ml), Sliced Lomo (80g), Sliced Bresaola (80g), Sliced Porchetta (175g), Sliced Pastrami (175g), Isle of Mull Cheddar (200g), Multi Seed Crackers (100g), Fig Chutney (198g)

Weekend Breakfast Box with Coffee £44.50

Set dad up with the perfect start to his special day with the makings of the hearty breakfast. He'll be delighted to receive the finest sausages, bacon and black pudding, along with lemon & poppy seed pancakes and spreads. Comes complete with a bag of ground coffee. Just add a newspaper for a gloriously delicious morning. Or make sure his iPad's charged up!

Contains: Traditional Pork Sausages (400g), Smoked Dry Cured Streaky Bacon (350g), Black Pudding (500g), Ampersand Butter (210g), Wholegrain Pancakes (240g), Lemon & Poppy Seed Pancakes (240g), Seville Orange Marmalade (227g), Strawberry Jam (227g), DukesHill Medium Roast Coffee (250g)

Whisky cask cider and chocolate indulgence - 3 items - £45

This luxurious gift box contains two bottles of DukesHill whisky cask matured cider - an exquisite, smooth cider infused with rich vanilla undertones and subtle oak notes. There's a box of velvety Dark Chocolate, Roasted Almonds and Ginger Mendiants and to complete the gift - Chocolate Covered Orange Slices - a true treat for the senses.

But we promised you a recipe to enable you to cook up a special DukesHill feast, so here it is:-

Ginger beer cooked ham

Treat your dad to a Father's Day lunch starring a sticky, succulent ham with a delicious, tingly gingery kick. Cooking it in the best quality fiery ginger beer infuses maximum flavour into the ham. 

Serves: 25 | Cooking time: 4hr 30 minutes | Prep time: 30 minutes

DukesHill 5.5kg whole boneless uncooked Wiltshire ham

4 litres ginger beer - we suggested Luscombe's Hot Ginger Beer as being perfect for the job

1 onion, peeled and quartered

2 carrots, peeled and roughly sliced

1 tbsp allspice berries

1sp cloves

1 tsp black peppercorns

For the glaze

550ml hot ginger beer

200g light brown sugar

1sp English mustard

1 tsp ground cloves

Method

Put the ham in a large stock pot and add the onions, carrots and spices. Pour over the ginger beer and top it up with enough water, if required, to cover the ham. Bring it to the boil and allow to simmer until the ham reaches a core temperature of 75c when probed with a meat thermometer, for a 5.5kg ham it will take about four hours. Skim the scum off the surface every-so-often. When the ham's cooked and cool enough to handle, slice the skin off the top of the ham and score a diamond pattern into the fat. Allow to cool before glazing.

Preheat the oven to 190c. 

In a small saucepan, whisk together the glaze ingredients and bring to the boil. Allow the glaze to simmer until it has reduced down by two thirds, stirring occasionally. It should become a sticky syrup consistency. Use a basting brush to coat the glaze generously over the ham, before placing on a baking tray. Roast for 25 minutes but remember to baste occasionally, using the glaze from the tray. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Tanner's (of Shrewsbury) wine pairing: Mâcon-Vergisson Les Rochers. They say, “Fiery ginger beer is softened out by cooking but it still adds a punchy backdrop to the cured, succulent meat. A light red such as Pinot Noir would be great here, but we have opted for a crisp white. This Macon is almost in a Chablis style, with a crisp acidity that offsets the richness of the meat and the ginger spice.”

For more information, visit dukeshill.co.uk  

To learn more about Tanners visit https://www.tanners-wines.co.uk

Foodies will be clamouring for the wonderful gift boxes from Womersley Foods

Womersley Foods have an absolutely lovely range of beautiful gift boxes that will make a great gift for any foodies in your life.

As the weather gets warmer, lighter refreshing meals replace our hearty, warming winter favourites. Womersley’s delicious fruit vinegars are perfect for sprucing up salads, bakes or cocktails this spring!  

Great Taste Award Vinegars (contains Strawberry & Mint Vinegar and Orange & Mace Vinegar) best for dressings and additions to cocktails. Price: £21.76 

Womersley’s award-winning vinegars are made by hand in England using only the finest of all natural ingredients.

Sweet, tart, complex, and packed with a real punch, Womersley vinegars are perfect for uplifting your springtime salads, soups, cakes and bakes. They can even be added to a cocktail or G&T for a unique sweet-and-sour twist!  (That's Food and Drink says "I would never have thought of that. What an absolutely brilliant idea!)

Womersley’s beautiful packaging encapsulates the essence of spring. A delicious luxury product to bring to the kitchen.  

Womersley’s vinegars and jams are available on Amazon (https://rb.gy/rk315h), Wholefoods and Womersley’s own website https://womersleyfoods.com

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)