The Best, Splash-out Wine to Impress your Loved One with this Valentine's Day

Nothing says 'I love you' more than gifting them a truly showstopper wine to your loved one for Valentine's Day.

For those looking for wines that impress, look no further than Robert Mondavi Winery's 2018 To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Awarded 95 points by James Suckling in 2022, who praised it as an expressive wine with 'incredible depth and complexity' and impressive palate which 'just keeps going', this wine promises to amaze your special someone on Valentine's Day.

This wine boasts aromas of abundant black fruit, mingled with delicate violets, while the palate reveals layers of tobacco, molasses and liquorice, offering a dense, concentrated body with fresh acidity and a smooth finish.

As the wine hails from the 'To Kalon' vineyard in Napa Valley, California, translating as 'The Highest Beauty' in Greek, why not gift them a wine from a vineyard that is as beautiful as they are?

The 2018 To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is available from Vino.com for £135.00.

You can learn more here https://robertmondaviwinery.com.

Let's get fizzical this Valentine's Day with Porte Noire Champagne

As the late Olivia Newton-John almost said "Let's get fizzical!" 

And with the season of love quickly approaching, we'd like to tell our readers about a truly enchanting bottle of magical fizzical bubbles, the Petite Porte Noire Rosé Champagne.  

Porte Noire Wines was created after acclaimed actor Idris Elba, and wine entrepreneur, David Farber, visited the historical and prestigious Sanger viticultural school in Champagne in 2018. 

Since then, the outstanding Porte Noire wines, embodying elegance and sophistication, are much loved by the public.

"Porte Noire Wines was born out of true love for wines," says Idris Elba. "It represents my passion for elegance, artistry, and celebrating life's special moments.”  

Every bubble is an explosion of red fruit, each sip unveiling a deep, robust bouquet. Beyond being just a drink, it's a real experience, an embodiment of something special and something that's just undeniably sexy. 

Whether you're toasting to love, friendship, or simply savoring life's beautiful moments, the Petite Porte Noire Rosé Champagne is the perfect companion. Let it be the star of your Valentine's date night, adding a touch of elegance to the night ahead. Available from Harvey Nichols for £55.

To learn more please visit https://www.portenoire.co.uk

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)

Melt the heart of your Mother or the love of your life with cheese

Whilst it's lovely to treat your Mum to chocolates and flowers on Mothering Sunday aka Mother's Day, or your lover or spouse on Valentin'e Day, for a unique moment that you can savour together the world of European cheese offers variety, complexity and flavours to fall in love with. 

From the best-ever toasted sandwich for breakfast in bed, an intimate chat over a French cheeseboard to a carefully-curated cheese gift box, cheese offers the ultimate treat whatever your budget.

To recreate the nostalgia of bringing Mum or your spouse breakfast in bed, put together a meltingly memorable cheese toastie using a mix of soft and grated hard cheeses to suit their tastes. Cheeses that are well suited to melting under heat include, Raclette, Vacherin Mont d'Or, Comté, Mimolette and Beaufort.

For a heart-warming lunch or supper, keep it simple but delicious with a box of Camembert de Normandie gently heated in the oven or air fryer. Add a few slithers of fresh garlic and some fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, serve with fresh baguette and gherkins and share the gooey goodness.

To show your love for your mother or your spouse, melt their heart with a Neufchätel. A close cousin of Camembert, this cheese is made in the wetlands of Normandy, in the Pays de Bray to be exact. With its soft texture and bloomy rind, it can be moulded into hearts, squares or briquettes. The cheese paste is lightly salted, creamy and has a good milky taste.

For those who takes their food and wine seriously, put together a cheeseboard with wine pairings. Soft cheeses like Brie, Brillat Savarin and a lightly aged Saint-Marcellin taste even better served with Champagne. 

According to the award-winning chef owner of Bouchon Racine Henry Harris, the powerful Époisses is delicious served with a White Burgundy such as a cellar-aged Montrachet or a Côtes Catalanes. Bring the tasting to a close by serving a Bleu d'Auvergne with a glass of Monbazillac or Sauternes. Matching the salty cheese with the sweet flavours of the wine bring out the best of each.

If your mother is too far away to visit this year, there are temptingly good French cheese inspired gifts available to purchase online for nationwide delivery. There are also fantastic books dedicated to celebrating all things cheese.

Finally, for the mother or spouse who loves discovery and travel, there are fantastic cheese tastings and masterclasses available around the UK, hosted by French cheese specialists. To take her passion to the next level there are even English speaking French tours that are dedicated to discovering the history and terroirs of cheese making.

https://dairy-products-from-france.com/cheeses

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

A Sweet Start: Cake Decorating for Beginners

Embarking on the journey of cake decorating can be an exciting and rewarding experience, turning a simple cake into a masterpiece of edible art. 

Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply looking for a new creative outlet, this guide is designed to help beginners dive into the world of cake decorating with confidence and joy.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients. Basic supplies include:

Cake (homemade or shop-bought)

Frosting (buttercream or fondant)

Offset spatula

Piping bags and tips

Food colouring

Fondant (optional)

Edible decorations (sprinkles, edible glitter, etc.)

Level and Crumb Coat Your Cake:

Start by levelling your cake to ensure an even surface. Crumb coating is a thin layer of frosting that seals in any loose crumbs, providing a smooth base for further decoration. Use an offset spatula to apply a thin layer of frosting, and then refrigerate the cake for about 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Choose Your Frosting Technique:

Two popular frosting choices for beginners are buttercream and fondant. Buttercream is versatile, easy to work with, and forgiving, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Fondant, on the other hand, provides a smooth finish and allows for intricate designs. Experiment with both to discover your preference.

Basic Piping Techniques:

Mastering basic piping techniques is essential for creating beautiful designs. Start with these fundamental techniques:

Rosettes: Hold the piping bag at a 90-degree angle and apply pressure, swirling the frosting in a circular motion to create rosettes.

Borders: Use different piping tips to create borders around the edges of your cake for a polished finish.

Stars and Shells: Experiment with different tips to create star or shell patterns by applying consistent pressure and pulling the tip away.

Colourful Creations:

Add a pop of color to your cake by experimenting with food colouring. Gel-based colours are ideal for achieving vibrant shades without altering the consistency of your frosting. Gradually add colour until you achieve your desired hue, and remember that a little goes a long way.

Fondant Fun:

If you're feeling adventurous, try working with fondant to create a smooth and sleek finish. Roll out the fondant to fit the size of your cake, and gently drape it over the frosted surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and trim the excess fondant for a polished appearance.

Finishing Touches:

Enhance your cake with edible decorations like sprinkles, edible pearls, or edible glitter. These small details can elevate the overall look of your creation and add a touch of personal flair.

Cake decorating is a delightful journey that allows for endless creativity and self-expression. As a beginner, don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. After all, it'a all part of the learning process. With practice, patience, and a sprinkle of imagination, you'll soon find yourself creating stunning cakes that not only taste delicious but also serve as a feast for the eyes. Happy decorating!

(Image courtesy of Hoa Luu from Pixabay)

The Food Works SW Announces New Discovery Day for Businesses

Leading food and drink innovation centre The Food WorksSW will be throwing open its doors and holding a Discovery Day on 22nd February to show food and drink brands all that it has to offer businesses, whether they're looking to test and develop a product, need technical advice or want to take the next steps in growing their business. 

The free event at the North Somerset centre will showcase each of its specialist bakery, dairy and drinks kitchens with talks from invited guest speakers, including Butcombe Brewery's Development Chef Jasper Prickett and Ellie Brown, Founder of Kinda Co., who will highlight how their business has benefited from time spent at The Food WorksSW and also industry experts Greg Parsons, owner of Sharpham Dairy and Chair of Food Drink Devon and Gabriel David, Managing Director of Royal Warrant holder Luscombe Drinks.

 Since its opening in October 2021, it has helped over 150 businesses. New products such as gelato, water kefir, vegan cheese, chilli sauces, high protein cookies and frozen ready meals have all been developed in their kitchens.

In addition, Discovery Day attendees will also hear from representatives from brands aligned with each speciality kitchen who will offer industry insight, and their in-house technical experts, Zoe Plant and Rachel Goff, will be demonstrating each of the kitchen's state-of-the-art equipment and advising on a range of topics, from product labelling to SALSA, during each session.

Specialist sessions will run throughout the day with an optional tour of Food Works' meeting rooms, conference facilities and commercial and trial kitchens. The centre's coffee shop and business lounge will also be open on the day for people to use.

Greg Parsons, Owner of Sharpham Dairy said, "I'm delighted to be part of The Discovery Day and I'm looking forward to meeting other food businesses and sharing my own business journey with them.  The event is also a great opportunity to see and hear first hand how Food Works can help food and drink products take crucial next steps in their development".

Becky Hale, who is the Marketing Manager at The Food WorksSW said, “We've designed the Discovery Day around our three main specialist kitchens so people can see just how fantastic each of them are for product testing, refining or development, and hear from a range of people from the food and drink industries who have either used our facilities first hand or who can offer invaluable advice”.

Zoe Plant, Food Works' New Product Development and Innovation Manager, added, "We're looking forward to welcoming people to The Food Works and opening up our kitchens. We'll be showcasing some of our specialist equipment too, like our chocolate tempering machine and drinks carbonator. The Discovery Day is exactly that - a great opportunity for people to see for themselves all that we have to offer food and drink businesses.”

The only centre of its kind in the south west, The Food WorksSW is based in the heart of the Weston-super-Mare Enterprise Area, under 30 minutes from Bristol. It has state-of-the-art facilities including five product development kitchens which are available for flexible short-term contract hire for food and drink businesses of all sizes to test, develop and manufacture their products - prices start from just £96.90 per day (inc VAT).

Technical support packages are also available. A team of food industry experts offer technical support to businesses navigating their way through a range of food disciplines – from new product development, and quality assurance hygiene, to food safety and efficiency. 

For more information on The Food WorksSW Discovery Day, visit foodworks-sw.co.uk, or follow @foodworks_sw on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

Sandford Orchards Wins Four Golds at Taste of the West Awards

Family-owned and fiercely independent Sandford Orchards has recently garnered gold for all four of their ciders entered into the Taste of the West Awards. These are Devon Rosé, Devon Red, Rib Tickler and The General.

Said a delighted Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “We're thrilled the judges agreed these four ciders are truly gold medalists! 

"They represent a broad spectrum of ciders from our flagship session cider, Devon Red to The General from our vintage range and our new blush cider, Devon Rosé. 

"Although each one is quite different in style and appeal, they all have one thing in common. They are all top notch authentic ciders, lovingly created from apples grown and pressed in Devon, and these awards recognise that.” 

The General (ABV 8.4%) is the Imperial Stout of Sandford Orchards' vintage range. This super rich cider is bold and satisfying with the flavours of Seville orange, plum and baked apple. It is rich and rewarding with a long finish and is a superb complement to gamey meats or a fully-laden Sunday roast.

Devon Rosé Cider (ABV 4%) is an elegantly clean and fresh rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. It is a delicious, medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja and Jane apple varieties which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a fabulous depth of flavour and a beautiful blush colouring. It can be enjoyed on its own or as the ideal accompaniment for a goat cheese tart or Devon high tea.

Devon Red (ABV 4.5%) is a naturally tasty and utterly delicious, fresh apple cider made from apples grown and pressed in Devon. Devon Red is Sandford Orchards' famous session cider.

Rib Tickler (ABV 5%) was originally crafted with players from the Exeter Chiefs as part of an initiative with The Rugby Players Association to raise money for charity. That legacy continues, as every bottle or pint sold raises money for The Wooden Spoon children's rugby charity. Rib Tickler has rich aromas of honey and baked apple, ripe and buttery on the palate, with a moreish apple skin flavour, balanced with a crisp, natural acidity.

The Taste of the West Awards programme has been promoting and supporting the South West food and drink industry for over 30 years. It has grown to become the most prestigious food and drink awards programme in the South West. Each year they work with around 350 food and drink producers who enter their South West food and drink products into their awards programme to be tried and tested by their panel of independent industry experts.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives the right amount of rain and the right units of heat in summer.

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Easter Treats from DukesHill

Discerning foodies can celebrate Easter with artisan food producer and fine foods supplier DukesHill. In addition to their renowned hams which are cured using time honoured traditional techniques, DukesHill has also handpicked a selection of the finest artisan food from independent producers to enjoy this Easter, from a whole bone-in leg of lamb to a classic Simnel cake topped with sweet and nutty marzipan.

With an uncompromising commitment to sourcing and creating the very best British produce and having the highest regard for animal welfare, Royal Warrant Holder DukesHill's Easter collection is full of delicious food and flavours.

DukesHill's Easter Food Highlights

Half Boneless Apple & Sultana Glazed Easter Ham - DukesHill, prices from £77 and available in half ham (min 2kg) and whole ham (min 4.5kg) 

A limited edition for Easter, DukesHill's famous Wiltshire ham is topped with a sweetly spiced Bramley and Braeburn apple and sultana glaze, flavours reminiscent of hot cross buns. DukesHill's legendary Wiltshire Cure involves the hams spending almost a week maturing in their own-recipe brine to which a touch of unrefined brown sugar is added, giving a deliciously mild and subtly sweet flavour. 

The ham is then air dried for a further week to mature and remove excess moisture before being steam cooked for 12 hours, allowing the fat to render and soften creating a buttery texture. Once cooked the ham is hand-skinned and trimmed then coated in DukesHill's Apple & Sultana glaze before being finished off in the glazing oven. All DukesHill hams can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Whole Bone-In Leg of Lamb - DukesHill, £49.95 (min 2 kg)

DukesHill's whole bone-in leg of lamb is produced from the finest British lamb. Naturally reared, its succulent and delicious taste makes the perfect centrepiece for an Easter celebration.

Dressed Side of Oak Smoked Salmon - DukesHill, £47 (min 1kg)

A whole side of salmon is gently roasted and slowly oak smoked creating a mellow, smoky flavour. Dressed with full fat soft cheese, fragrant dill and king prawns, it's a stunning choice for a show-stopping centrepiece, starter or to include in an Easter afternoon tea. 

Mini Easter Banquet - DukesHill, £109 (10 items)

The Mini Easter banquet showcases some of DukesHill's much-loved artisan classics including a delicious award-winning trimmed rack of lamb, baked baby ham and sliced oak smoked salmon. There's also the full flavoured Isle of Mull cheddar, creamy Montagnolo Affine cheese with a lightly piquant flavour, Scottish oatcakes, cracked black pepper crackers, an indulgent sticky toffee pudding, Simnel loaf cake and a bottle of Tanners Cava Brut.

Easter Feast - DukesHill, £105 (8 items)

DukesHill's Easter Feast is a tasty box of quality produce which includes the famous midi boneless Wiltshire ham, unsmoked dry cured back bacon, traditional pork chipolatas, sliced oak smoked salmon, Isle of Mull Cheddar, an extra large pork pie, chocolate tiffin and a Simnel loaf cake.

Simnel Cake - DukesHill, £26.50 (6”, Ikg)

An Easter classic that's traditionally eaten to mark the end of Lent, DukesHill's pretty Simnel cake is a deliciously light fruit cake with an almond paste baked into the middle and decorated with marzipan balls.

Sarah's Pickled Oranges - DukesHill, £12.50 (Kilner Jar), £4.50 (Standard Jar)

A real treat for your tastebuds - if you haven't tasted DukesHill's pickled spiced oranges, you've been missing out! Originally created in the farmhouse kitchen of Sarah Hollingsworth, who established the DukesHill brand with her husband Neale, these piquant pickled oranges are mixed with a sprinkling of cloves, cinnamon and mace, and pair beautifully with ham and other cold cuts of meat.

The DukesHill Easter shop will open from 26th February at: dukeshill.co.uk 

Part-Time Baker - Simple Bakes Without the Stress by Florence Stanton

Forget having to spend hours in the kitchen following difficult, complicated instructions! 

In Part-Time Baker, each recipe is clearly labelled with 'Hands-on time' and 'Total time' to make it crystal clear exactly how much effort you'll need to put in. 

Many of the bakes can be prepped in just 10 minutes and there are plenty of cheats and tips for impressive results. There's no need for you to own loads of obscure baking equipment and all the recipes can be scaled up for sharing or scaled down for enjoying by yourself.

Delicious, speedy baking recipes for every occasion – morning, noon and late-night snack, including:

• Cheat's Almond Croissants

• 3-Ingredient Chocolate Twists

• Speedy Sesame Bagels

• Spiced Ginger Traybake

• Vegan No-Bake Chocolate and Pistachio Bars

• Spring Green, Pesto and Courgette Flower Tart

• Mini Pina Colada Loaf Cakes

• Sugar Cinnamon Popovers with Warm Honey

• Espresso Martini Cake

• Molten Caramel Brownie Skillet

Part-time Baker is all about reducing the hours you need to spend in the kitchen, giving you more time to enjoy the tasty results. 

Whether you're new to baking or managing a busy schedule, you'll find realistic recipes that look good and taste fantastic.

Florence Stanton started her own online baking social media account @Tasting.Thyme in Aberdeen, Scotland in 2021. She now has over 120k followers, and every day she celebrates self-love through good food and good vibes with zero mention of calories. It showcases easy, approachable, and delicious bakes, both sweet and savoury, that show you don't need fancy training, a huge kitchen or every tool to create truly wonderful food.

The photography is by Majaja Smend.