Jimmy’s Turkeys Crowned the UK’s Best

Traditionally-reared turkeys from Jimmy’s Farm have been voted the UK’s best in a blind tasting.

The free-range birds saw off competition from the industry’s finest to win ‘Best Christmas Premium Product’ at the Turkey of the Year awards 2012.

Judges, who unanimously voted for Jimmy’s turkeys, praised the birds’ stand-out texture and taste. One said: “It was so moreish I couldn’t stop eating it.”

Jimmy Doherty said: “I am so proud of this achievement. Our turkeys are a slow-growing breed and their feed is based on locally grown cereals and vegetable protein. There are no additives, drugs or growth promoters in their feed, as we believe it is much better to rear them the natural way.”

The shortlist included Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Free Range Woodland Norfolk Black Turkey and Copas Free Range Bronze Turkey.

Judges included Christine Parsons, food writer Chat magazine, Julia Glotz, fresh foods editor The Grocer, Sheila Eggleston, editor of Stockpot as well as two members of the public who won a place on the panel via the British Turkey website. 

Jimmy continued: “To make sure our turkeys are the very best, our birds are hand plucked and then hung in a chilled environment for at least 14 days to develop an even fuller flavour.”

 

* Turkeys are available to order on line at www.jimmysfarm.com or call the farm office on 01473 604206

Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny Wine

Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny wine is, to my mind, one of the best wines to come out of Australia.

The Burge family is no stranger to the art and science of wine making. The Burge family has been making wines in the Barossa wine region of Australia since 1855. That is very nearly 160 years of wine making experience.

And that long history of experience in the crafting and production of fine wines is very well represented by the award-winning Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny Australian Liqueur wine.

It has a perfect tawny tone to it, and the aroma is redolent of rich fruits.

The taste is exquisite and the combination of the blend of Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz grapes (all grown in the rich and highly fertile Barosa Valley, of course!) is a perfect mixture between these grape types. It is a sweet wine, yet not cloyingly so.

It's a perfect wine to be drunk by itself, around a crackling Christmas fire, or with the desert stage of Christmas dinner or with mince pies on one of the dark afternoons in the Christmas and New Year Season.

You can also try it to accompany your main courses at the Christmas dinner party, too. It is an amazing companion to all types of cheese, but especially Stilton.

Judges, from What Food What Wine?, declared the Australian Grant Burge 10- Year-Old Tawny NV (£23.95) a ‘wow’ with Stilton.

 

They said: “Rich sweet fruit, figs and plums and raisins with a nutty note and a marmalade hint.  It is the perfect foil to the intense saltiness of the cheese, the rich lactose stretching across the palate and lifted by the sweet fruit.  Simply stunning.”

The judging panel, including Susie Barrie and Peter Richards from BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen and Ewan Lacey from Channel 4’s Cookery School, spent two days blind tasting wine from around the world to come up with the best matches for smoked salmon, turkey, Christmas pudding and Stilton.

Order online at www.winesdirect.co.uk

 
It is imported into the UK by Hatch Mansfield of Ascot, Berkshire.

Beurer has perfect winter warmer gadgets for all the family

Beurer TL80 brightlight

As the nights draw in, and we swap our glass of wine in the garden for a hot chocolate on the sofa, our thoughts turn to how to keep warm and get through the colder months when colds, aches and pains are more common. Beurer has a wide selection of gadgets to help the family with cold feet, aching backs, fevers and the symptoms of S.A.D.

They've even got gadgets to solve bedtime squabbles over the perfect temperature of your electric underblanket, and a cape that heats up to keep you warm while watching Downton Abbey!

Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 – £109.99

The Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 is an essential item for those that suffer from S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Light therapy is believed to be effective in over 85% of cases, so the Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 is a great solution for those suffering with symptoms during the colder months. Turn it on with one click to enjoy the light therapy.

The Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 is available from Current Body. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

Beurer HK65 Aromatic Heating Pad - £59.99
When you want to target one part of your body with heat, the Aromatic Heating Pad goes above and beyond the requirement. It comes with two different inserts, a relaxation insert (including aniseed, thyme and peppermint), and a cold-relief insert (including lavender, lemon balm and melissa), making it the perfect gadget for dealing with colds, aches and pains. Those with sensitive skin will be glad to hear that it has a removable aloe vera cover too.

The Beurer HK65 Aromatic Heating Pad is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

Monogram by Beurer Heated Throw HD90 - £69.99
Electric blankets for your bed have been around for a long time, but did you know you can get a throw that’s electrically heated? Perfect for curling up under on the sofa during a chilly evening, the Monogram Throw is the perfect solution for those that want to stay warm.

The heated throw also gas a detachable cord/controller, so you can remain wrapped up if you want to get up to make a cuppa!

The Monogram Throw is available from Amazon, Win Health and CNM Online.

Beurer FB20 Massage Footspa with Pedicure - £39.99
When you’re rushing around on your feet all day, the opportunity to put your feet up is a real luxury. Make the most of this time by treating your feet to a footspa. The Beurer Massage Footspa with Pedicure has removable massage roller attachments, a gentle vibrating massage and a bubble spa footbath to soothe your feet and legs, and relax you after a hard day.

The Beurer FB20 Massage Footspa with Pedicure is available from Current Body. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

FW20 Footwarmer - £34.99
Want to warm up your feet at the end of a day running through the rain, cold or even the snow? Slip them into the Beurer Footwarmer, an electrically heated piece of footwear for keeping your toes cosy. The lining will slowly bring your feet back to life, with three temperature options. The lining is removable, so you can pop it in the wash when it needs a refresh.

The Footwarmer is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

Beurer Heated Cape HD50 - £54.99
Following on in the theme of items to keep you cosy and warm, is the Beurer Heated Cape. Like the Monogram Throw, it’s a heated wrap you can wear. This time, you can detach the electric cord so you can wonder around after it’s heated. It’s a great gadget if you like to keep warm while keeping your arms free for reading your favourite winter blockbuster.

The Beurer Heated Cape is available from Current Body and Betterlife @ Lloyds. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

FT70 7 in 1 thermometer - £39.99
Taking a child’s temperature is tricky enough when they’re well, but when they’re ill it can be extremely difficult. The 7 in 1 thermometer gives you several different ways to take a temperature, including the ear and forehead, as well as discover the temperature of objects and liquids. It also has an optical high temperature alarm, time and date and 10 memory spaces, as well as a speaking function if you want a quick assessment.

The Beurer 7 in 1 thermometer is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

MG290 Shiatsu seat cover - £269.99
When you’re in need of a massage, don’t put yourself on the waiting list at your local beauty salon. Enjoy a relaxing back massage from the comfort of your armchair! The soft velour Shiatsu seat cover can be placed over your chair, to turn it into your very own personal masseuse, and moulds to your body for the perfect customised fit. Then simply sit back, and enjoy the 5-in-1 massage types, so you can choose the method to suit you. The in-seat heating adds to the relaxing, muscle-soothing effect.

The MG290 is height adjustable and can be used on any seat with sufficient depth and a back rest by affixing the flexible holding straps to a chair for a secure and comfortable fit. When you’re done, you can easily hang it up in the wardrobe with the handy hanging hook provided. It’s the ultimate luxury gift for those that need a little pampering.

The Beurer Shiatsu Seat Cover is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.

Monogram Luxurious – From £89.99
The Monogram by Beurer Luxurious Comfort Heated Underblanket is the solution to all those squabbles over what heat to have the electric blanket on. The underblanket has four heat zones (two in the single versions), so you can choose what levels of heat are distributed in which areas of the blanket. Perfect if you prefer your feet to be hot, while your partner prefers to concentrate the heat on their upper half!

The Monogram Luxurious is available from CNM Online.

Get into Bath for the Christmas ice skating

If you go down to Royal Victoria Park in Bath this winter you’re in for a chill thrill! Because a magical new attraction opens in central Bath on the 23 November 2012. It’s time to put your skates on as the city gets its own real ice rink for the festive season.

Bath on Ice will be an exciting addition to the city’s Christmas attractions with opportunities for people of all ages to get into the festive spirit and take to the ice. The 500 sqm real ice skating rink adds a new dimension to this year’s celebrations.

Bath on Ice Director Simon Smith said “We’re absolutely delighted to offer people the chance to enjoy open-air skating on a real ice rink in the centre of Bath. Located right below the Royal Crescent, and with magical lighting adding to this unique experience, we hope we can create an event that Bath can be proud of. It is the perfect Christmas activity and will really get you in the mood for the festive season.”

Bath on Ice will provide top quality skates, an indoor skate changing area, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ice stewards and push- along aids for children.

Festive ringside refreshments will also be available including hot chocolate and melted marsh mallows, roasted chestnuts and plenty of other heart-warming scrumptious treats.

The Rink will be open daily from 10am until 9pm starting Friday 23 November 2012 until Sunday 6 January 2013 with one-hour sessions costing from just £7 per person including skate hire. Gift vouchers are also available for purchase. Group rates are being offered with special discounts for Christmas parties , students and children. The rink is also available for exclusive use.
Readers offers are available on discounted rates for tickets during off peak sessions.
To book your session on the ice please visit www.bathonice.com

10 Tips for Safe Christmas Lighting

As Christmas approaches and the fairy lights are brought down from the loft, follow these tips from Giuliano Digilio, Head of Technical Services at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), to ensure your Christmas sparkles – without any sparks!

1) Lights that have been stored away in the loft may have suffered damage. Make sure any frayed leads or broken connectors are replaced before use.

2) Tempting as it may be, never overload sockets with your Christmas lights as this could result in overheating, electric shocks, short-circuiting and potentially cause a fire.

3) To cope with winter weather, exterior Christmas lights should either be low voltage – 12V or 24V – or protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD) that will automatically kick into action and break the circuit in the event of an earth fault. Cables should never be fed through doors or windows, as this could cause damage.

4) Ensure that cables are fully unwound. They can overheat and potentially cause a fire if they are left coiled on a reel…

5) …But take care. Trailing wires and lighting leads are one of the most common causes of household trips and falls. Ensure that any cables or extension leads are not left across pathways, and cannot be easily grabbed by children and pets.

6) Never have any lighting equipment, decorative or otherwise, near a water source.

7) Turning off the Christmas lights before going to bed or when away from home will greatly reduce the risk of fire.

8) And if you need to buy new lights as last year’s ones really have seen better days, only buy from reputable outlets. There are lots of budget versions out there, especially at car boot sales, but these are often not up to the required safety standards.

9) Always check for the European Standard CE mark when buying new lights.

10) Make certain that lights you buy are suitable for the voltage they are being connected to. In the UK this should be 230 Volts.

To get more advice on safe Christmas lighting, contact a competent electrician. To find a local ECA member visit www.eca.co.uk.

Advent calendars with fresh chocolate & your own photo!

It’s time for Advent Calendars! Chocolate photo Advent calendars are sold each year only during the run-up to Christmas, which ensures that the chocolate is really fresh.

Those who want to make a truly unique Advent calendar with own pictures will find help at FotoInsight; freshly filled chocolate Advent calendars with custom photo-print will again be available online.

Anyone not wanting to serve their loved ones with an off the shelf Advent calendar, preferring to create their one design with their own graphic or picture, perhaps reviving the best moments of the year, will find this easy to do at FotoInsight. The online photo service offers to print a digital photograph onto a chocolate filled Advent calendar. The Advent calendars start on the first of December and its 24 little doors conceal tasty milk chocolate balls in festive wrapping. Those who have a nice picture to print can liven up a loved ones Advent with their very personal Advent calendar.

FotoInsight Limited was founded in Cambridge in 2003 and runs an easy to use digital photo processing service for Windows, Mac OS and Linux users. It offers an extensive array of award-winning photographic print and photo gifts as well as photobooks, photo posters and photo canvas print. Prints ordered through FotoInsight are developed at five state-of-the-art photo labs in four countries. The online photo service has grown year on year faster than the photo processing industry and has expanded its services in seven European languages in thirty-two countries.

Secret Santa? Sorted!

Last week we voted on where we want to have our Christmas bash (say the clever folk at GoneDigging) which means it’ll soon be time to draw Secret Santa names as well! At GoneDigging we really like to go in for it, but given we sell Secret Santa gifts, we’ve got little excuse not to! But we realise that for others, it can also be quite a tricky thing to sort out, given budget and time restrictions and whatnot. That’s why we’ve got a section on our website dedicated specifically to reasonably priced Secret Santa ideas. Below, we’ve included just a small taster of what we’ve got…

One particularly popular option is personalised chocolate. You get 100g of milk chocolate, along with a choice of wrappers, all of which can be personalised to feature your chosen name. Prices start at just £5.99, so they’re ideal for those wanted to leave their credit uncrunched.

Failing that, there are our personalised notebooks, journals and calendars. Given the time of year, a calendar seems a pretty obvious option and as well as being available in a number of rather nice designs, they can all be personalised with a chosen name and a message. Price-wise, they come in at £9.99, while the notebooks and journals are £7.50 and £9.99, respectively.

We’ve also solved the problem for those poor wotsits who draw the short straw and have to buy for the boss.

Our money clips can be engraved with a name or initials and are available from just £8.99. And if none of these fit the bill, there’s always the option of personalising a spoof magazine cover, which can be done from £9.99.

And of course, these ideas are merely the tip of GoneDigging’s Christmas iceberg. Or website is also crammed with other Christmas goodies, from calendars, diaries and journals, to engraved jewellery, personalised chocolate and mugs. To have a look, wiggle your mouse, click on the URL bar and type www.gonedigging.co.uk.

Have a Rockliffe Christmas and New Year

Whether it’s a luxury Christmas break in the North East, dining with friends and family or party nights and New Year celebrations, Rockliffe Hall’s world class facilities will really get you in the festive mood- a one-stop-shop for extravagance and indulgence.

Here are some of the highlights

1. Kenny Cooks Christmas
Let top chefs do the hard work this Christmas! Rockliffe Hall’s celebrated chef, Kenny Atkinson, will be at the helm on Christmas Day where you can celebrate in style whether you’re dining in The Orangery, the Brasserie or The Clubhouse.

And in the run up to Christmas, there’s the chance to try an exclusive seven course prestige festive tasting menu, cooked by Kenny himself.

2. Stay the night…or maybe more….
This Christmas, indulge in the delights of 2 or 3 night full-board residential Christmas Breaks, complete with an entertainment programme for all the family and a very special visit on the big day itself…….

Or how about celebrating Christmas in your own 4-bedroom house within Rockliffe Hall’s 375-acre estate, ideal for families and groups of 4 to 7 guests?

For the more adventurous there’ll be treasure tails in and around the grounds, a full size croquet lawn and fun-filled activity packs to entertain younger explorers – and of course the most important guests come to visit on Christmas Day morning…..

3. Christmas gifts galore- for family and friends
The 5* gift for those hard-to-buy-for, Rockliffe Hall Gift Vouchers are the ideal present. Ditch the predictable stocking-fillers and treat your friends and family to a Rockliffe Hall experience. Whether it’s overnight stays, spa and golf days or dining in the choice of restaurants, a wide range of gift vouchers offers something for even the most difficult person to buy for this Christmas.

All of our Gift Vouchers are presented in a luxurious black gift box, and throughout the festive season there’s complimentary gift wrapping too.

4. Let Christmas begin- with our special Anniversary Ball
Rockliffe Hall’s celebratory 3rd Anniversary Ball is in aid of the resorts’ nominated charity for 2012- the Great North Air Ambulance. It’s a glamorous black tie celebration and the perfect launch to the festive season.

5. Festive afternoon teas
Live Christmas music, homemade mulled wine, mince pies, cakes, pastries and traditional sandwiches- the perfect ingredients for a Festive Afternoon Tea in the stunning surroundings of The Orangery.

6. Something special- private dining
To add intimacy to your celebrations, choose a private dining experience. Whether it’s festive Afternoon Tea with friends or a private Christmas dinner, private dining rooms can seat 6 to 60 guests, or up to 200 in a larger function room. Choose from a wide range of menus or let the team headed by Kenny Atkinson create a bespoke package to provide your perfect festive get-together.

7. Walking in a winter wonderland
Dress to impress as the magnificent Rockliffe Suite becomes a ‘Winter Wonderland’. Enjoy Winter Wonderland Cocktails on arrival, a locally-sourced three course winter banquet designed by Kenny Atkinson, prizes, games and party favours, live entertainment throughout the evening and dancing ‘til the early hours. Selected dates throughout December.

8. Party Nights- Grassholme Suite
Looking for a relaxed party atmosphere with a banquet designed by Kenny Atkinson, dancing and a variety of party games? The Grassholme Suite offers the perfect venue to celebrate Christmas. Selected dates throughout December.

9. Boxing Day Live in the Clubhouse
Why not do something different this Boxing Day? Spend a relaxing lunch in The Clubhouse with live music and a three course meal to keep the celebrations going.

10. NYE Mistletoe Ball
How about something different to see out 2012? The Rockliffe Hall Mistletoe Ball is an invitation to enjoy a residential New Year's break accompanied by gourmet food, a live piper and the chance to relax before the celebrations get under way in the award-winning spa.

11. NYE The Orangery
End 2012 in real style by booking a residential break with New Year’s Eve spent enjoying a gourmet experience in The Orangery with all the trimmings. No expense spared!

12. NYE Clubhouse
New Year’s Eve in The Clubhouse is always a party night to remember with a three course meal, a disco until the early hours and bacon rolls after midnight. The perfect start to 2013!

Rockliffe Hall is the newest and most exciting hotel resort to open in the North of England. Set on a magnificent restored 18th century estate on the banks of the River Tees. It is a destination in itself and a five star home-from-home.

For details or to book reservations, call Rockliffe Hall’s Events Team on 01325 729999 or e-mail them at events@rockliffehall.com.

Ragdale Hall's Christmas Gift Guide

With Christmas approaching, it's time to start thinking about present buying (if you haven't already). With a wide range of gifts for everyone from girlfriends to husbands to mothers, they are yere to do what they do best and take the stress out of your Christmas shopping.

What better way to spoil the one you love than giving them some time to themselves?

Treat that someone special to a truly relaxing and pampering experience at Leicestershire multi-award winning luxury spa, Ragdale Hall.

With vouchers starting from £25, you can purchase a spa day, spa break or monetary amount - the choice is yours. But the pleasure will be all theirs!

Most of the gifts listed in their Christmas Gift Guide are available to purchase from their online shop and therefore only a few clicks away for you!

Or call their Voucher Sales Hotline on 01664 433030

Top Ten Foods to Help You Get In Shape For Christmas

It’s the time of year when thoughts start to turn towards Christmas and planning those all-important party outfits.

So here’s the Ripped To Shreds top ten list of foods you should be looking to include in your diet if you’re looking to boost fat-burning and show off a leaner profile.

Ripped To Shreds is a groundbreaking report co-authored by Shaun Petafi and Dean Connor, a respected pair of personal trainers. It dispels some of the established myths around eating habits and is a must-read for anyone serious about shedding fat and improving their body shape.

Combined with the regular exercise Shaun and Dean endorse in the report, and sensible eating habits, you could be in great shape come Christmas.

The R2S Top 10 Best Fat-Burning Foods

1. Walnuts
All nuts do contain some amount of the Omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid, but most only contain trace amounts. The real fat hero in most nuts is mono-unsaturated fats. Walnuts are actually a rich source of omega-3s. One ounce provides almost 3g of alpha-linolenic acid.

2. Gluten free oatmeal
This very slow-digesting carb keeps blood sugar and insulin levels low, so fat burning can stay high. In fact, research has shown that athletes who consume slow-digesting carbs in the morning burn more fat throughout the entire day and during workouts than those consuming fast-digesting carbs.

3. Avocado
The mono-unsaturated fats found in avocados are burned readily for fuel during exercise and encourage fat burning. Avocados also contain a very interesting carb called mannoheptulose, a sugar that actually blunts insulin release and enhances calcium absorption, both of which are critical for encouraging fat loss. (EDITOR: Do NOT parrots to share avocado, as it is TOXIC to them)

4. Salmon
This fish is one of the richest sources of the Omega-3 essential fats EPA and DHA. Unlike flaxseeds, which provide a type of Omega-3 that has to be converted into EPA and DHA, salmon provides your body a direct supply of them with no conversion required. This way you know you’re getting a direct supply of the fats that turn on fat burning and block fat storage.

5. Grapefruit
A study from the Scripps Clinic (San Diego, California) reported that subjects eating half a grapefruit while maintaining their normal diet lost an average of 4 pounds over 12 weeks – and some lost more than 10 pounds without even dieting! Results were likely due to grapefruit’s ability to reduce insulin levels and to a chemical in grapefruit known as naringin, which prevents fat from being stored in the body. (EDITOR: If you are on heart, blood pressure or Statin medications, DO NOT EAT ANY GRAPEFRUIT until you have consulted with your doctor.)

6. Honey
Yes, it’s a sugar, but it’s fairly low on the glycemic index. Keeping insulin levels low and steady is critical for maintaining a fat-burning environment in your body. Honey is also a rich source of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites; ultimately, that means it actually encourages fat release from the body’s fat cells. (EDITOR: This is NOT something diabetics should do without checking with their doctor)

7. Peanut Butter
A source of helpful mono-unsaturated fat that can actually aid fat loss. What’s funny is that many food manufacturers make low-fat peanut butters!
Of course, they replace these healthy mono-unsaturated fats with carbs, namely sugar. Avoid these and stick with natural peanut butters that don’t add the type of fat you surely want to avoid – trans fats.

8. Chili Pepper Flakes
Hot peppers contain the active ingredient capsaicin, a chemical that can enhance calorie burning at rest as well as reduce hunger and food intake.
The boost in calorie burn is particularly enhanced when capsaicin is used with caffeine.

9. Broccoli
This fibrous vegetable doesn’t provide many net carbs or calories, but it can make you feel full – one reason why it’s a great food for getting lean. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals that can help enhance fat loss.

10. Extra virgin olive oil
Like avocados, olive oil is a great source of mono-unsaturated fats. Not only do they lower levels of the “bad” type of cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, but they’re also more likely to be burned as fuel, which means they’re less likely to be sticking around your midsection.

Ripped To Shreds is available to download from: www.rippedtoshreds.co.uk, iTunes, Waterstones, Probook, and other online outlets.