Hot tubs and air fryers on the Aldi Christmas Tree

Aldi is unveiling limited-edition Christmas baubles to celebrate some iconic Festive Specialbuys.

Kitchen gadgets, garden tools and household items form part of new handmade Christmas decoration range from supermarket

Aldi’s Specialbuy Baubles are based on the most popular and random items sold, including the heated airer, chainsaw and air fryer.

Three-quarters (77%) of Brits admit to buying a Specialbuy having only gone in store for a food shop

The limited-edition festive decorations will be available for lucky customers to win

By Sunday 8th December half of the nation will have put up their tree and decorations

An air fryer, chainsaw and inflatable hot tub, all in the form of Christmas baubles, are the latest festive must-haves this December.

Aldi has unveiled its stunning collection of Specialbuy Baubles ahead of Christmas trees being put up across the nation this week.

A poll of 2,000 Brits by the supermarket reveals half the nation (50%) will have put up and decorated their tree by Sunday 8th December, with seven in ten (70%) Brits admitting to loving putting their Christmas decorations up when the time comes.

Additional bauble designs that make up the festive decoration set include a heated airer, pressure washer and kayak.

The baubles, which have been carefully crafted in 3D-printed resin and hand-finished with glitter and gemstones, are based on the most popular items sold by the supermarket.

Aldi’s air fryer range has become a shopper favourite since being introduced to the middle aisle in 2021 and often sells out within 24 hours. The winged heated airer is also in high demand, with Aldi selling nearly 70,000 over the past two years.

The pressure washer and petrol chainsaw have also been consistent best sellers in the DIY range for the past three years, proving the nation’s love for a quirky gardening middle aisle item. The inflatable hot tub has repeatedly sold out whenever it’s been available in Aldi’s middle aisle.

Aldi’s study also revealed the shopping habits of the nation when it comes to the supermarket’s Specialbuys.

Over three-quarters (77%) of Brits admit to coming out of a store with a Specialbuy purchase, having only popped in for a quick food shop.

Aldi’s ‘middle aisle’ items provide a huge range of choice for shoppers, ranging from gardening gear to kitchen gadgets and miscellaneous must-haves.

Further research conducted by the supermarket has shown that a whopping 90% of shoppers visit the middle aisle when doing their weekly shop regardless of whether they buy anything.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of the nation look forward to visiting the middle aisle when they shop, and 84% have gone into a store just to see what’s on offer.

Julie Ashfield, Md of Buying at Aldi UK, says: “At Aldi, we know our Specialbuys are one of the reasons shoppers love to visit our stores, as they never know what they’re going to find whilst doing their weekly food shop.

“This Christmas, we wanted to celebrate our wonderful middle aisle in a festive and fun way. From hot tubs to air fryers, these baubles are a must-have for Specialbuy fans. Shoppers looking to get their hands on a pack of these limited-edition baubles will need to be quick, because as with all Aldi Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone!”

Aldi’s Specialbuy Baubles come complete in special festive brand packaging and showcase just some of what’s on offer in Aldi supermarkets this Christmas.

To enter the competition to win a pack of Aldi’s limited-edition Specialbuy Baubles, shoppers should email specialbuybaubles@aldi.co.uk with their full name and address before 8th December. Those who email will also be entered into a draw to win a £5 Aldi voucher.

For more information, please visit www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuybaubles

Two Turtle Doves….’: How Tesco and the RSPB are working together to help the Christmas mainstay thrive on UK farms

The recovery of the Turtle Dove, a vital part of the popular Christmas song, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ could soon be accelerating across farmland in East Anglia after the launch of a new partnership between Tesco and the RSPB.

They'll work hand-in-hand to provide dedicated conservation and habitat advice, with an aim to support over 300 farmers and landowners in East Anglia to adopt nature-friendly farming approaches. 

The area is one of Tesco’s key regions for sourcing fresh produce, and the partnership will create vital habitats for Turtle Doves and other at-risk bird species, such as Lapwings and Stone Curlews.

Expert advisors will offer backing to farmers, including those who suppl Tesco, and local community owned land with advice on creating and enhancing spaces for nature including tree planting and hedgerow laying, creating and restoring ponds, establishing grass and scrub buffer strips, and adding flower-rich field boundary areas.

Providing good quality wildlife habitats not only improves biodiversity and supports a range of species, but also support farm resilience by boosting pollination, offering natural pest management, and improving soil health, allowing it to hold water for longer which can provide protection against extreme weather caused by drought and flooding.

Advisors will also signpost farmers on how to access existing funding opportunities to achieve this, such as the recently updated Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

The Turtle Dove is the UK’s only long-distance migratory dove and is an indicator species of good farmland biodiversity. 

The birds rely on small seeds from low-growing flowering plants for food, tall dense thorny scrub or hedgerows for nesting, and access to fresh drinking water in order to thrive. 

Since the late 1960s they’ve suffered the most extreme decline of any bird species in the UK, but there is evidence the tide is turning with the first exciting signs of recovery. 

With a hunting ban in place in western Europe since 2021, that population has already increased by 25%. Now, ensuring the UK landscape is ‘Turtle Dove Ready’ with plenty of high-quality habitat for these birds to breed, is a top priority.

Speaking about the launch of the new partnership, Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s Chief Commercial Officer said:  “The UK food industry relies on healthy soils, clean water supplies, and abundant biodiversity, so it’s vital we play our part in protecting and restoring nature in our supply chain, including in East Anglia, a key sourcing region for much of our UK-grown fresh produce. 

“Our farmers and suppliers in East Anglia want to do as much as they can to help protect and restore nature in the area, so we’re delighted to be working in partnership with the RSPB on such a crucial project. They will bring a huge amount of expertise and experience, and I’m sure will play a pivotal role in encouraging many of these at-risk species back to the farmland of the region.”

Katie-Jo Luxton, Director of Conservation at the RSPB, added: “In our lifetimes, nearly half of our farmland birds, mammals, amphibians, insects and invertebrates have disappeared, along with 97% of our wildflower meadows. 

Thankfully, dedicated nature-friendly farmers and conservationists are already taking action to bring habitats and wildlife back across the UK, but support for their actions from across the supply chain - from consumers to supermarkets - will be crucial if we are to deliver at the scale nature needs. 

We know we can’t reverse the tide for nature without farmers, and we’re looking forward to working together with Tesco, their suppliers and farmers, and community groups to help wildlife flourish in our countryside once more.” 

G’s, which has farms across England, including East Anglia, is a key supplier of fresh produce to Tesco. They are already seeing the benefits of protecting and restoring nature on their farms.

Peter Sargeant, MD of G’s Fresh in Norfolk said:  “At G’s Norfolk Farms we have created a unique habitat combining large scale salad and vegetable production, while allowing wildlife to flourish. 

"Across our 1,400ha farm, we have c.10% of our total farm in uncropped areas, with 70 miles of native fen species, willow and alder hedgerows and 80 miles of interconnected watercourses and ditches which and provide a natural habitat for biodiversity and Fenland birds to thrive. 

"We've been able to monitor good populations of farmland specialist indicator species of grey partridge, corn bunting, yellow wagtail, whitethroat, lapwing and skylark across the farm as well as breeding barn owls, kestrels and marsh harriers. 

"We're very proud to host one of the UK’s largest populations of breeding Nightingales that return not only to the farm but the same bush year after year.”  

The partnership is the latest to be announced as part of Tesco’s Nature Programme, a series of initiatives and partnerships which will help to protect and restore nature in some of Tesco’s key sourcing landscapes.

Support will also be provided to the RSPB’s Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024, a 1-week matched fundraising campaign aimed at raising funds to support Operation Turtle Dove. 

The partnership, will see Tesco support the RSPB through social shares and engagement, increasing the reach and awareness of the Big Give and Operation Turtle Dove to its followers.

By offering dedicated advisory support to farmers and landowners, informed by the RSPB’s world-class conservation expertise, the project will enable the scaling-up of existing programmes to support biodiversity and address the impact of agriculture on nature. 

A fantastic Christmas gift to not only our Turtle Doves but everyone of us!

How to Avoid the Classic Christmas Turkey Disaster

Christmas dinner is the centrepiece of the festive season, but every year, countless households unintentionally spoil the feast by mishandling the turkey. 

Whether it’s buying a substandard bird, failing to thaw a frozen one in time, or undercooking it, mistakes can lead to a less-than-merry meal—or worse, food poisoning. 

The good news is that these pitfalls are entirely avoidable with proper planning and care. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensuring your turkey is both safe and delicious this Christmas.

The Basics: Fresh vs. Frozen

Before you even think about how to prepare your turkey, you need to decide whether to go fresh or frozen. Both have their pros and cons:

Fresh turkeys: These are convenient if you have limited freezer space and can often taste better due to the lack of freezing. However, they require prompt cooking to avoid spoilage.

Frozen turkeys: These are often more affordable and can be bought well in advance, making them a great option for planners. The downside? They take time (and patience) to thaw correctly.

Proper Handling: Fresh Turkeys

A fresh turkey may sound like less hassle, but it requires careful handling:

Keep it cold: Your turkey should be refrigerated at 0–5°C. Place it on a tray or dish to catch any drips and avoid cross-contamination.

Use it quickly: Fresh turkeys should be cooked within two days of purchase. Don’t leave them lingering in the fridge!

Avoid washing: Rinsing raw poultry can splash harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter onto nearby surfaces. Instead, pat it dry with paper towels.

Proper Handling: Frozen Turkeys

Frozen turkeys are a brilliant option, but they need to be treated with care to ensure they’re safe to eat. Here’s how:

Plan for thawing: A large turkey can take days to thaw properly. The rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of fridge thawing time for every 2kg of bird.

Thaw safely: Always thaw the turkey in the fridge. Never defrost it on the counter, as this encourages bacteria to grow. If you’re short on time, you can defrost it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Check for readiness: Before cooking, ensure the turkey is fully thawed. The breast and cavity should be soft, with no ice crystals remaining.

Cooking: The Golden Rules

The way you cook your turkey will make or break your Christmas dinner. Follow these guidelines for success:

Stuff wisely: If you’re stuffing the bird, do it just before cooking. Pre-stuffing can lead to bacterial growth. Better yet, cook the stuffing separately to ensure it’s heated evenly.

Cook thoroughly: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should reach 74°C in the thickest part of the breast and 82°C in the thigh.

Rest it: Once cooked, let the turkey rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bird.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving the giblets in: Always remove the giblets before cooking! They’re often hidden in the cavity, so don’t forget to check.

Undercooking: Pink meat isn’t festive. Use a thermometer to guarantee doneness.

Not planning ahead: Whether it’s forgetting to thaw the bird or running out of fridge space, poor planning can derail the day.

The Takeaway

Your Christmas turkey doesn’t have to be a source of stress or disappointment. With a little forethought and proper care, you can serve a meal that your family and friends will rave about. By safely handling and correctly cooking your turkey, you’ll avoid the pitfalls that turn festive cheer into culinary calamity.

Here’s to a perfectly roasted turkey and a joyous Christmas dinner!

Preventing Food Waste This Christmas: Tips to Reduce and Reuse

The festive season is a time of joy, family, and indulgence. 

But behind the celebrations lies a sobering statistic: every Christmas in the UK, 263,000 turkeys, 740,000 portions of Christmas pudding, and over 7.5 million mince pies are thrown away. 

These numbers are staggering, not just in terms of wasted food but also in the resources, energy, and money lost in producing it.

This Christmas, let’s make a conscious effort to reduce food waste while still enjoying the magic of the season. Here are some practical tips to help you shop, cook, and share sustainably.

1. Plan Your Meals Wisely

Before heading to the shops, take stock of what you already have in your cupboards, fridges or freezers. Plan your Christmas meals with a shopping list based on realistic portions per person. Overbuying often leads to waste, so think carefully about how many people you’re hosting and whether they’ll actually eat that third helping of pudding.

2. Get Creative with Leftovers

Christmas leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! Transform turkey into delicious sandwiches, soups, or curries. Mince pies can be crumbled into trifles or served warm with cream for a quick dessert. Christmas pudding can be reinvented into ice cream or baked into muffins. Websites like Love Food Hate Waste are full of inspiration to help you turn leftovers into new meals.

3. Store Food Properly

Storing food correctly can significantly extend its shelf life:

Freeze anything you can’t eat immediately, from turkey meat to leftover sauces.

Use airtight containers for baked goods like mince pies.

Keep vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the fridge crisper drawer to keep them fresh.

4. Offer "Doggy Bags" to Guests

If your guests loved the meal, they’ll likely appreciate taking some leftovers home. Invest in reusable containers or paper bags so you can share the feast and prevent waste.

5. Donate Unopened Extras

If you realise you’ve bought too much, consider donating unopened, non-perishable items to a local food bank. Many UK charities, such as the Trussell Trust, accept festive food items to support those in need.

6. Compost Scraps

Inevitable scraps like vegetable peelings or fruit skins can be composted instead of thrown away. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

7. Rethink Portion Sizes

It’s tempting to cook a mountain of food to ensure no one goes hungry, but most people won’t miss a second or third dessert option. Serving moderate portions can also help guests savour each dish rather than overindulging and leaving food unfinished.

8. Love Your Freezer

A freezer is your best ally in reducing waste. Cooked turkey, stuffing, and even puddings freeze well for future meals. Be sure to label containers with dates and contents for easy access later.

9. Spread Awareness

Food waste isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Share tips with friends and family, and encourage conversations about sustainability during the holiday season. Small changes, collectively, can lead to significant impacts.

A Christmas to Remember

By being mindful of food waste this Christmas, you’ll save money, reduce your environmental footprint, and make the festive season even more meaningful. After all, the true spirit of Christmas lies in generosity and care—not just for each other but for the planet too.

Let’s make this Christmas one to remember—for all the right reasons!

What steps will you take to reduce food waste this holiday season? Share your tips and ideas below!

Statistics from https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/blogs/cutting-festive-season-food-waste-making-sustainable-changes-from-farm-to-fork

"Explore our merry and shimmering Christmas collections!" invites Dunelm

Dunelm, dubbed The Home of Homes, is inviting people to make their way to their nearest branch or to visit their website to help source all their Christmas requirements from a new rug for the room that grandma will be staying in to new kitchen gadgets and requirements through to a new dining table and chairs right through to Christmas gifts, decorations and much, much more, besides.

Debbie Drake, who is Design Director at Dunelm said: “I’m delighted to share our Christmas collection, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do. 

"This year, we’ve worked hard to provide more choice than ever before. Maximalism is having a moment, and we’re playing into that with our vibrant and playful Merry & Bright look – but every one of our four themes has a sense of abundance that feels inherently festive. 

This season is a time for layering and indulgence, and for choosing new decorations to add to already-treasured collections – pieces we hope will bring joy to Christmases at home for many years to come. After all, we are The Home of Homes.”

https://www.dunelm.com

"Please Look After This Bear" A Heartwarming Christmas Rescue Gives Margaretta the Gift of Freedom

Messages to share kindness and goodwill are prominent as the world gears up for the festive season. 

One extraordinary tale of hope shines brighter than ever. 

Meet Margaretta (Retta), an ex-circus bear who spent years confined in a tiny cage, serving as a sad spectacle for visitors at a resort in Armenia.

 But this Christmas, as Aladdin Pantos grant wishes across the UK, we are pleased to share that Retta's wish has also been granted. Retta's life has been transformed. 

Thanks to an extraordinary rescue mission by International Animal Rescue (IAR) and its Armenian partners FPWC (Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets), Retta now roams freely for the first time in her life, a living testament to the power of compassion and the spirit of giving.

Retta's heartbreaking journey began in captivity, where she suffered for many years of neglect and isolation. Her cage, no larger than a concrete closet, became her entire world; with no opportunity to explore, play, or feel the earth's warmth beneath her paws, Retta's life was a shadow of what it should have been.

This changed when Animal Rescue and Conservation charity International Animal Rescue (IAR) and FPWC launched a daring rescue to free Retta from her cage and transport her to safety. 

Working tirelessly with local authorities and the police; the team navigated logistical challenges and harsh conditions to ensure Retta could begin a new chapter of life.

Now, Retta resides in the quarantine quarters of International Animal Rescue and FPWC's bear sanctuary, where she can finally live as nature intended. Once her period in quarantine ends, just after Christmas, she will be able to step onto soil for the first time, sniff the crisp air, and enjoy the winter sunlight, a life she never even knew existed.

International Animal Rescue's President, Alan Knight OBE, reflects on the mission: "Rescuing Retta was a monumental effort, but seeing her rediscover her instincts and joy will be worth every second. Her resilience inspires us to keep fighting for animals like her, who desperately need a second chance at a life worth living."

The timing of Retta's rescue couldn't be more poignant. As the world celebrates the release of Paddington in Peru, Retta's story echoes the famous bear's plea: "Please look after this bear." This holiday season, Retta reminds us that acts of kindness, big or small, can create miracles.

International Animal Rescue invites you to read more inspiring stories or support our bears at www.internationalanimalrescue.org.

Generous Cumbrians support appeal on Giving Tuesday

A spokesperson said: "We’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has chosen to donate to our Winter Warmth Appeal so far."

Businesses of all sizes from across Cumbria have been digging deep to help vulnerable older people keep warm this winter.

Companies up and down the county have given generously to this year’s Winter Warmth Appeal, an annual campaign run by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The Foundation is aiming to raise £500,000 to ensure older people don’t have to choose between heating and eating throughout Christmas and the coldest months.

Until 13 December, all donations to the appeal will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s “match fund champions” – businesses, funders and other organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public. This means donors have the chance of making double the difference.

Yesterday was Giving Tuesday, when people around the world were encouraged to give to causes they care about, as a counterbalance to the consumerism of the holiday season, particularly Black Friday.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This Giving Tuesday, we’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has chosen to donate to our Winter Warmth Appeal so far.

“We know this winter is going to be incredibly hard for many older vulnerable members of our community who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

“This year, our appeal is more vital than ever before and I would urge anyone who is able to give to do so today.”

Businesses who are supporting the appeal include Keswick Alhambra cinema, who are once again donating the proceeds of their Christmas Day showings, and will also have collection buckets in the foyer throughout December.

Jonathan Moore and Graham King, two of the cinema’s co-owners, said: “We choose to support the Winter Warmth Appeal because it is an obvious fit with our objectives in opening the cinema - it is predominantly the older population we see on Christmas Day and some of them tell us they wouldn't have seen another person, if they had not come out to the cinema. 

"We're also pleased the money raised is spent very directly on supporting people in Cumbria so those who pay for tickets or make a donation can see that their gift is benefiting the community of which they are a part.”

On Christmas Day the cinema will be showing It’s a Wonderful Life, the 70th anniversary remastered White Christmas, and the new Mufasa The Lion King, plus the King’s Christmas Message at 3pm.

Sellafield Ltd have committed to donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal not just this winter but for the next three years.

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Supporting those most vulnerable in our communities is at the heart of our social impact programme which is why we have chosen to support the Winter Warmth Appeal again this year. 

"With rising costs, winter can be a tough enough time for older people generally but especially so in more rural communities like ours. The appeal can make a huge difference to people when they really need it most and ensure that nobody has to struggle to heat their homes in the coldest months.”

Other companies donating to the appeal include Ecological Building Systems, Atkins Realis, James Walker and Center Parcs.

Lorna Graham, Deputy General Manager of Ecological Building Systems, which is based in Carlisle, said: “Ecological Building Systems are proud to again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal. As a supplier of sustainable building products backed-up with full technical support for low energy retrofit and new build projects, we’re passionate about supporting the local community to stay safe and warm, especially this winter.”

Glen Franklin, Village Director at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, said: “We feel this is an extremely worthy cause, particularly this year with the changes to the winter fuel allowance.”

Many individuals, families and community groups have also given to the appeal; donations of any size will be very gratefully received.

All donations to the appeal received by Friday 13 December will be matched £1 for £1, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s “match fund champions”.

They are: WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, Johnson Fund, EMG Solicitors, The Rotary Club of Carlisle, Brian & Ann Clark Fund, Harvey Family Fund, and various private donors.

Last year Cumbria Community Foundation awarded more than £315,000 in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefiting 1,941 vulnerable older people.

Donate online at: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024.

To donate by cheque or phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

How to Make Homemade Sloe Gin for Christmas

As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like a bottle of homemade sloe gin to bring warmth and cheer to your Christmas celebrations. 

Not only does it make a delicious treat for yourself, but it’s also a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Plus, making it is wonderfully simple and satisfying. 

Here’s how you can create your own batch of sloe gin in time for Christmas.

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe gin is a traditional British liqueur made by steeping sloes, the fruit of the blackthorn bush, in gin with sugar. 

The result is a deep ruby-red drink with a sweet yet somewhat tart flavour, perfect for sipping by the fire or mixing into cocktails.

When to Start?

The best time to start making sloe gin is in the autumn, after the first frost. Frost softens the berries, releasing their juices and natural sugars. If you’re late to the game or want to get started sooner, you can mimic this by freezing the berries before use.

To ensure your sloe gin is ready for Christmas, aim to begin around October or early November. It needs at least 6–8 weeks to mature, though longer is even better.

What You’ll Need

Sloes: Around 500g of ripe sloes. If you’re foraging, make sure you’ve correctly identified the berries.

Gin: 1 litre of a good-quality gin. No need for the really top shelf gin, but avoid anything overly harsh.

Sugar: 250g of granulated sugar or adjust to taste.

Large Jar: A sterilised jar with a tight lid, large enough to hold all the ingredients.

Bottles: Sterilised glass bottles for decanting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sloes

Wash the sloes thoroughly to remove dirt or debris. If you’ve picked them fresh and they haven’t been frosted, pop them in the freezer overnight to soften.

Prick the Berries

Use a fork, skewer, or cocktail stick to prick each berry. This helps release their juices and speeds up the infusion process.

Combine the Ingredients

Fill your sterilised jar with the sloes. Add the sugar and pour in the gin until the berries are fully submerged. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.

Shake and Store

Seal the jar tightly and shake it well to mix the ingredients. Store it in a cool, dark place.

Shake Regularly

For the first week, give the jar a gentle shake every day to help the sugar dissolve. After that, shake it every few days.

Wait and Taste

Patience is key! Leave your sloe gin to steep for at least 6 weeks. After this, taste it. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar at this stage and let it infuse for another week.

Strain and Bottle

Once the sloe gin has reached your desired taste, strain it through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into sterilised bottles. Discard the berries (or use them to make sloe gin chocolate truffles for an extra treat!).

How to Serve Sloe Gin

Neat: Enjoy it straight as a warming nightcap.

Cocktails: Mix it into a sloe gin fizz or a festive Negroni.

With Prosecco: Add a splash of sloe gin to a glass of Prosecco for a Christmas toast.

The Perfect Gift

Homemade sloe gin makes a charming Christmas present. Add a personal touch by decorating the bottles with handwritten labels, ribbons, or sprigs of holly.

Final Tips

If you’ve missed the autumn sloe season, don’t worry. You can often find frozen sloes or sloe gin kits online or in specialist homebrew shops.

Experiment with flavours by adding a few extras to your infusion, such as a cinnamon stick, orange peel, or a couple of cloves.

This Christmas, enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass of sloe gin that’s as delightful to make as it is to drink. Cheers!

Make Your Own Fresh Dips for Christmas: Savoury and Sweet Treats

I was inspired to research and write this blogpost whilst my wife and I were enjoying some of her homemade dips. Which is a prelude for our Christmas dipping and munching!

The festive season is the perfect time to elevate your snacking game with homemade dips. 

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, putting together a festive grazing board, or simply enjoying a cosy evening by the fire, dips can be the star of the show. 

Here’s how to create both savoury and sweet dips that are fresh, flavourful, and easy to make.

Savoury Dips for Festive Grazing

1. Classic Creamy Hummus

Hummus is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with veggies, crackers, or even warm pitta bread.

Ingredients:

1 can of chickpeas (drained, reserve some liquid)

2 tbsp tahini

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove

½ tsp cumin

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Add a splash of the reserved chickpea liquid for a creamier consistency.

Garnish with olive oil, smoked paprika, or toasted pine nuts.

2. Herbed Yogurt Dip

A light, tangy option perfect for balancing rich holiday treats.

Ingredients:

200g Greek yoghurt (full fat is better)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Serve chilled with crudités, breadsticks, or roasted potatoes.

3. Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip

This vibrant, flavour-packed dip is sure to stand out on the table.

Ingredients:

2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)

100g feta cheese

1 garlic clove

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Adjust seasoning and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Sweet Dips for Festive Indulgence

1. Chocolate Hazelnut Dip

Rich and indulgent, this dip pairs wonderfully with fruit or biscuits.

Ingredients:

200g hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)

100g cream cheese (softened)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Serve with strawberries, apple slices, or shortbread.

2. Honey-Cinnamon Yoghurt Dip

Light and refreshing, this dip complements spiced Christmas treats.

Ingredients:

200g Greek yoghurt (Again, full fat is best)

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Stir all ingredients together until well combined.

Serve with gingerbread, fruit, or even mince pies.

3. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Dip

A showstopper dip that’s bound to impress.

Ingredients:

150g cream cheese

50g icing sugar

50g salted caramel sauce

50ml double cream

Instructions:

Beat the cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.

Add the caramel sauce and cream, then mix until fluffy.

Serve with pretzels, digestive biscuits, brownies, or fruit skewers.

Tips for a Perfect Dip Spread

Balance Flavours: Offer a mix of savoury and sweet dips to cater to different tastes.

Presentation: Use festive bowls or platters to add a Christmas touch.

Accompaniments: Provide a variety of dippers like crackers, veggies, fruits, breads, and biscuits.

Make Ahead: Most dips can be prepared a day in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Homemade dips are not only delicious but also a great way to add a personal touch to your Christmas celebrations. With these recipes, you’ll have a selection of fresh, crowd-pleasing options that make the season even more special. Happy dipping and Merry Christmas!

Brighten Their Days: Gifting a SAD Light for Someone with Seasonal Affective Disorder

The winter months can be a challenging time for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

Shorter days and limited sunlight can lead to symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. 

If someone in your life struggles with SAD, a thoughtful gift that could make a real difference is a SAD light. (I bought one for my wife a couple of Christmases ago. It was a very welcomed gift.) 

Here’s why a SAD light is the perfect present, how it works, and tips on choosing the right one.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, most commonly in autumn and winter. It’s believed to be linked to reduced sunlight exposure, which affects serotonin levels, circadian rhythms, and vitamin D production. Symptoms can range from mild lethargy to severe depression.

A SAD light, also known as a light therapy lamp, can help alleviate symptoms by mimicking natural sunlight, promoting better mood and energy levels.

Why a SAD Light Makes an Ideal Gift

Improves Wellbeing: A SAD light can significantly boost mood and help regulate the body's internal clock, making winter months more manageable.

Thoughtful and Personal: Giving a SAD light shows you’ve put thought into their wellbeing and are offering practical support.

Practical Benefits: These lamps can be used during work or relaxation, making them a versatile addition to their daily routine.

How SAD Lights Work

SAD lights emit bright, full-spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight. When used for 20–30 minutes a day, usually in the morning, they help to:

Boost serotonin levels for improved mood.

Regulate melatonin production for better sleep.

Align circadian rhythms for more energy during the day.

The intensity of the light, measured in lux, is key. Most SAD lamps offer 10,000 lux, which is sufficient to replicate outdoor light exposure.

Tips for Choosing a SAD Light

When selecting a SAD light as a gift, consider the following:

Light Intensity: Look for a lamp with 10,000 lux for effective therapy.

Size and Design: Compact, portable designs are ideal for desk, dressing table or table-top use, while larger models may be better for home settings.

UV-Free Light: Ensure the lamp is UV-free to avoid skin or eye damage.

Ease of Use: Look for features like adjustable brightness, timers, and a sturdy base.

Certification: Check for medical certifications or endorsements to ensure the lamp meets quality standards.

Thoughtful Pairing Ideas

To make the gift extra special, pair the SAD light with:

A cosy blanket: Encourage them to create a snug morning routine.

A journal: Help them track their mood and progress.

A book on mental health: Provide tips and insights into managing SAD.

A playlist of uplifting songs: Brighten their day with music.

A Personal Touch

When giving the gift, include a heartfelt note to let them know you care. You could write something like:

"I hope this light brings a little more sunshine to your days. You’re not alone in this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way."

Conclusion

A SAD light isn’t just a gift; it’s a beacon of hope during the darker months. By giving one, you’re not only offering a practical solution but also showing your love and support in a meaningful way.

This Christmas, help someone you care about brighten their days and feel the warmth of your kindness, even in the chilliest of seasons.