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Braun MultiGroomer The ideal Christmas present

The Braun MultiGroomer is truly the ideal Christmas present for Christmas 2016.

What does it do? What doesn't it do? It does everything you could possibly want it to do.

You can use it to shave, you can use it to style and you can use it to trim, too.

It really is a three in one tool, but it does all of those jobs equally well. It's as good as a device dedicated to each of those tasks, or, in some particular cases, even better.

It comes with three purpose designed and expertly crafted trimming attachments.

And gone are the days of having to wait overnight before you can use your trimming device! One hour of charging its powerful Ni-MH batteries will give you guaranteed 100% constant power for 30 minutes of shaving, styling or trimming. Or you can even give it a 5 minutes quick charge.

And it's good to go with you on your travels as it has fully automatic voltage detection software that allows it to be charged anywhere in the world. It even comes with a funky little charging stand.

And it's light enough to travel with you on your next trip abroad.

There's a nifty extra wide shaving head with a flexible SmartFoil which gives you a smooth, clean shave with the minimum amount of strokes.

There's a superb Adustable Click&Lock comb which comes with four length settings (covering 1.2mm to 6mm) and you can Trim & Style with the special twistable trimmer.

You can use it dry or wet, so you can even take it into the shower with you!

It costs £69.99 and you can buy it this link at a substantial discount https://goo.gl/La8uC4.

Lambrini Truly Peach Flavour

We chilled the bottle and we poured two glasses of Lambrini Truly Peach wine and we we both quickly whisked away from the cold British Autumn evening to a Mediterranean peach grove as we slowly sipped and savoured our glasses of wine.

Now, my wife and I are quite partial to a glass of Lambrini, but this peach Lambrini does, to use an old expression, take drinking Lambrini to a whole new level.

What's it good for? It's basically very good for just about anything, really!

It's a fantastic drink in front of a blazing fire on Christmas Eve, with or without some mince pies, it goes very well with cheese and pickled onions and the like, and it will serve as a low alcohol but interesting accompaniment for your actual Christmas Day feast.

And it will go nicely with your Boxing Day cold turkey sandwiches, too.

In short, this is an especially drinkable wine and will also be enjoyed by people who protest: "Oh, I don't like wine, me! I'm not much of a one for wine!" (EDITOR: Which, if I am honest, probably includes me in that number.)

To learn more you can visit  http://www.lambrini.co.uk/the-range/truly-peach/

It will be available form Tesco and The Drinks Supermarket at about £3.00 a 75cl bottle. But do take our advice, don't buy just one bottle as it won't be nearly enough!

http://www.tesco.com 
http://www.drinksupermarket.com/fruit-ginger-wine

Chase Gin and Chase Vodka, the spirit of Herefordshire

Chase Gin and Chase Vodka, can truly be said to be the spirit of Herefordshire.

The English county of Herefordshire, in the West of England, is famed for its apple orchards and its cider production.

However, thanks to the Williams Chase distillery which is based at Rosemaund in Herefordshire, the county is now becoming famous for Chase Vodka and Chase Gin.

The gin is distilled from apples grown on the family's own orchards and distilled on the farm itself.

The gin is described as being elegant and crisp and I cannot find fault in that description.

One can taste the range of botanicals in the gin, with juniper berries predominating, but the use of apples to produce the base spirit rather than grain gives this gin a lift about other, for want of a better word, usual gins.

There is a note of fresh apples in this gin and it plays well with other cocktail ingredients.

Chase Vodka is also made from an ingredient indigenous to English farms, the not-so-humble Potato.

This, too, makes a pleasing change from the more traditional grain spirit based vodkas and the taste is pleasing to the tongue and it, too, works well as the base for a range of vodka-based cocktails.

To learn more about these products please visit  http://chasedistillery.co.uk/. and http://williamschase.co.uk/.

You will also find a wide range of other drinks distilled at the farm.

You can purchase Chase drink products at this link https://goo.gl/iw9nNO. 

Make it an Opies Christmas, again, this year

Back in 1880, The Opie family knew what they had to do. They had to launch a family firm that would supply high quality comestibles to other families who, like they did, appreciated good food and proper dining.

I wonder if the Opie family knew that 136 years later their descendants would still be providing the highest class comestibles to a clientele that still clamour for their high quality range of very special foodstuffs?

Amongst other items, Opies are justifiably famed for their special Christmas "signature lines."

And what might these be?  

Pickled Walnuts. for many British families Christmas just would not be the same without a jar of Opies Pickled Walnuts to add that special doubled Zed effect to their cold meats including leftover turkey or goose, or as the perfect accompaniment for your cheeseboard. (What, might you ask is the double Zed effect? That's what I call Zin and Zip!)

And as a food lover, you'll be interested to note that if you want British produced pickled walnuts, that Opies is the only firm that prepares Pickled Walnuts in the UK.

And for those of you who either pride yourself on your cocktail making skills, or who intends to have your first bash at making cocktails this Christmas, then you will require Opies Cocktail Accompaniments to make the perfect cocktails:

Cocktail Cherries, Sliced Lemons and Gherkins, too. (Gherkins in cocktails? Apparently they really can enliven a vodka and lime cocktail. So give it a go or Google "Gherkins in cocktails" for some more cocktail recipes.)


And if you are a fan of fruits in alcohol (and who isn't?) then you are in for a treat with the Opies  Fruits in Alcohol range:

Ginger in Famous Grouse (that's totally new for 2016), Christmas Fruits in Courvoisier, Opies Peaches in Courvoisier, Black Cherries in Kirsch, Figs in Courvoisier and Apricots in Grand Marnier.

And for those of you who want to mke sure you have Opies in your kitchen to assist you in your festive food preparation then Opies can provide you with

Stem Ginger in Syrup and Black Cherries with Kirsch.

Barry Norman Picked Onions
And due to a set of random circumstances that makes life interesting, someone tasted a pickled onion made by Barry Norman (yes, Barry Norman the famed film critic) and Opies -the leading pickling family got together with Barry- and the result? You can now enjoy the very same pickled onions loved by generation after generation of Barry's family since the mid-19th century!

Products available from major multiple supermarkets and online. www.opiesfoods.com

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Foodies will love Taste Tripper

Taste Tripper are revolutionary new food and drink guides bringing something extra.

They are from Jennifer Earle, the wonderful lady behind Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, not only do the packs recommend some of the top coffee shops, chocolatiers and craft beer sellers in London, when you visit each location in the guide, you will receive a specially-arranged treat to taste!

This becomes even more exciting when you discover who their partner locations are. The chocolate guide partners include: award winning chocolatier Paul A Young, chocolate institution Charbonnel et Walker and chocolate revolutionaries Mast Brothers. The coffee guide partner locations include: the Fitzrovia's most excellent Kaffeine, enthusiasts’ favourite Prufrock and coffee boundary-pushers Macintyre. The craft beer pack is almost complete and will be launched later this year. (EDITOR: I can't wait!)

It was while growing her tours business that Jennifer realised some of her customers would rather take more time, and experience each location at their own pace, and this is how Taste Tripper came about.

Taste Tripper is as much a guidebook as it is a self-guided walking tour. Each chocolate, coffee or beer guide comes complete with information about each partner venue, as well as a map showing all of their locations. The samples and treats don’t expire so you can do as much or as little of the guide, whenever suits you.

Taste Tripper is excellent value for money and gorgeous to look at. As well as the sample vouchers and map, the guide also includes tasting notes, insider secrets, offers and tips. A pack for one person costs £18 and a pack for two people is £30. The total value of the samples and offers within the pack make it an excellent and inexpensive way to try some of the best food and drink the capital has to offer. They also make the perfect birthday or Christmas present for any foodie in your life.

In the true style of Taste Tripper, the website also offers visitors something extra: a whole section of insider tips from some of the food and drink world’s leading authorities, all for free. Participants include leading restaurateur Russell Norman, Delicious Magazine editor Karen Barnes and series 1 winner of the Great British Bake Off Edd Kimber. Giving visitors to the website suggestions for even more destinations to visit, from some of London’s leading foodies.

Said Jennifer: “I am absolutely delighted to be launching Taste Tripper. Since working within the food tours business I saw a gap in the market for people who didn’t have the time to commit to a full tour but still wanted to visit the best foodie venues in London. I really hope that Taste Tripper fills that gap and allows people the opportunity to experience and sample some of the best tastes London has to offer, at their own pace.”

Taste Tripper is available directly from their website, along with select partner locations. All contact information and social media links are listed below.

Website : www.tastetripper.com  Twitter: taste_tripper Instagram: taste_tripper.

(EDITOR: This will make a really good Christmas present for the foodies in your life. Hope my wife is reading this article!)

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

From That's Christmas.

We will be back with more Christmas stories some time during 20016.

Some very late minute Christmas presents from Kurobuta!

Kurobuta! They have some amazing vouchers available online and also have a great Christmas exclusive offer running with Timeout - http://uk-offers.timeout.com/deals/food-and-drink-kurobuta-harvey-nichols

This Christmas why don’t you give the gift of an amazing dining experience? Kurobuta has put together a variety of brilliant options for those foodies in your life. From a private cooking lesson to an indulgent champagne lunch, there is something for everyone - and if you’re lucky maybe they will take you along!

Each gift has been carefully thought out by Kurobuta owner Scott Hallsworth to ensure that each offer is the best it can be. You will get to experience the true Kurobuta with these offers and sample a selection of their most popular dishes and drinks depending on which gift you decide to choose.

Kurobuta takes its inspiration from the Izakayas of Japan, where tapas-style plates are served to accompany drinks in a casual setting. Originally a pop up Kurobuta has been such a hit with diners who fell for the unique chilled out ambience and exceptional Japanese food; it’s now a permanent fixture in London’s Marble Arch, on Chelsea’s Kings Road and Kurobuta can now be found on Harvey Nichols 5th floor!

The below are the gift options that are available this year – a gift you will be sorry to be giving away!

·         Cooking Lesson for 1 Person - £150.00
·         Sushi & Sake for Two - £50.00
·         Champagne Sunday Lunch for Two - £75.00
·         Dinner for Two - £80.00
·         Lunch for Two - £55.00
·         £80 Voucher - £80.00
·         £50 Voucher - £50.00
·         Sake Dinners for One - £100.00
·         £100 Voucher - £100.00

https://kurobuta.giftvouchers.uk.com//

One in 10 UK adults would give up alcohol to get online this Christmas

One in 10 UK adults would sacrifice alcohol in order to stay online this Christmas in what is being dubbed ‘going Dry-Fi’, whilst 9% would give up chocolate, according to the latest research commissioned by Virgin Media.  

The UK’s ultrafast broadband provider has revealed how the internet underpins the nation’s festive needs. According to the survey of over 2,000 UK adults celebrating the Christmas holiday, carried out by YouGov, two thirds (67%) of respondents plan to go online on Christmas day.

Of those, 38% will spread festive cheer on Facebook while nearly one in five (18%) will check out Boxing Day sales. These figures are higher among 25-34 year olds with just under half (48%) using social media and a quarter (25%) looking for online deals.
In fact, one in five 25-34 year olds said that having Wi-Fi will be ‘essential’ for a successful Christmas day.

Wi-Fi etiquette
However, our ever growing appetite for all things digital will not be without domestic politics this Christmas as Virgin Media’s research has revealed some of the new rules of engagement when hosting or visiting family and friends.
The research reveals 43% of those surveyed said they will ask for, or expect to be offered, their host’s Wi-Fi password this Christmas.

This generosity must be reciprocated, with 39% of people believing they should extend the same connectivity courtesy when they have visitors – a good reason to ensure your broadband speed will support the additional use.
Over a quarter (27%) of those polled said that a host’s internet connection should only be used for basic internet activities such as checking emails or social media, however 14% expect guests to be able to use the internet to do whatever they like.

For those without a reliable and fast Wi-Fi connection, there may be repercussions – the data showed that 14% of guests would let the host know if their Wi-Fi didn’t meet their browsing needs.

The UK’s love of digital life is not at the cost of festive traditions. Of those asked, the most popular essentials for a successful Christmas were being with friends and family (80%), Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (65%), giving and receiving presents (61%) and having access to festive TV (42%).

Have their life story written up by expert ghostwriters! What a super gift!

Story Terrace helps you turn memories and stories into a beautiful book, using their ghostwriters to find your voice and tell  story.

Whether you have an interesting family history, a life story or successful career, with Story Terrace you can create your own memoir or autobiography, for yourself or as a unique gift, a keepsake for future generations to read.

To learn more visit https://storyterrace.com/how-it-works/.

Christmas recipes from Mission Deli

Spicy Orange, Chocolate &Cranberry Wrap Cake

Preparation time: - 15 minutes.

Cooking time: - 45 minutes in total.

Ingredients

3 Mission Deli Original Wraps

225g (8oz) Chopped bitter chocolate

75g (2¾ oz) Unsalted butter

1 Beaten egg

3 tbsp castor sugar

2 Medium eggs

65g (2 ¼ oz) Castor sugar

284mls (½ pint) Double cream, heated 

Pinch salt

Pinch chilli powder

Finely grated zest 1 large orange

3 tbsp vanilla extract

120g (4oz) Semi dried cranberries

Method

1. Pre heat the oven to 180°C gas 4.

2. Melt the chocolate and unsalted butter together, over a pan of simmering water.

3. In a bowl place the eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, chilli, orange zest and mix well.

4. Next lay out the 3 wraps, and brush with beaten egg and sprinkle liberally with castor sugar.

5. Lay onto a baking sheet and bake in the pre heated oven until crisp and nicely coloured

6. Once cooked cool. 

7. Reduce the heat in the oven to 160°C gas 3.

8. Next add the warm cream to the melted chocolate and butter, then mix well.

9. Add to the egg mixture and whisk well.

10. Lay one of the cooked wraps in the bottom of a 25cm x 5½ cm, loose bottomed cake tin. The cooked wraps should fit in perfectly.

11. Pour in half the chocolate and egg mixture, then, sprinkle over half the cranberries.

12. Lay on the second wrap and pour in the last of the chocolate and egg mixture, then sprinkle over the rest of the cranberries. Top with the last wrap.

13. Place the tin into the oven and cook for 15 minutes, or until the outside edge is set. 

14. Remove from the oven, cool, then chill well, best overnight.

15. Cut into thick wedges, dust well with plenty of cocoa powder and icing sugar, serve with a dollop of clotted cream

- Serves 6-8 

Warm Christmas Pudding Wraps with Brandy Dipping Custard Sauce

Preparation time:- 15 minutes.

Cooking time:- 15 minutes.

Ingredients

4 Mission Deli Original Wraps

350g (12oz) Christmas pudding

2-3 tbsp Brandy

1 medium egg, beaten

castor sugar

2 x 150g pots ready to eat custard

4 tbsp Brandy

Method

1. Pre heat the oven to 180°C gas 4.

2. Cut the Christmas pudding into 16, 6cm long x 1cm thick sticks, then drizzle

with the brandy.

3. Square off the round edges of the wraps, give them to the kids.

4. Then cut each square into 4 equal pieces.

5. Brush well with beaten egg, and sprinkle with a little castor sugar.

6. Lay each stick onto the edge of one of the quarters of wrap and roll up,

placing the roll on the cut edge.

7. Repeat for the other 15 pieces.

8. Place onto a baking tray and brush with beaten egg and dust with a little

castor sugar.

9. Bake in the pre heated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until well browned.

10. Mix the brandy into the custard to your liking.

11. Serve the rolls with the custard dip warm, not hot.

- Serves 4-6 persons

Wraps are available at most supermarkets, RRP: £1.70. So pick some up on the last Christmas shopping run on Christmas Eve and get creative!

 

The Prakti Stove. The practical way to cook Christmas or any dinner!

Think that just because the summer months are long gone that it’s time to stop cooking outside?

Well, think again! The Charcoal Burner Company is on a mission to bring the heat this winter, what with all those tasty German sausages you might pick up at the Christmas market!

In fact, that is how The Charcoal Burner Company came to bring the Prakti Stove, an Indian design classic and outside cooking staple, to the UK. Founder Alastair was searching for the best way to roast those chestnuts outside during the winter months, and after having decided that charcoal stoves beat their gas equivalents hands down in terms of being authentic, easy to use and keeping in the flavour, he discovered the Prakti Stove.

Having ordered a Prakti Stove from India, Alastair was immediately impressed by the cleverness of its design, the speed at which it lit and the clean, efficient not to mention superheat his new stove generated. Very soon he was addicted to cooking all kinds of things on his new Prakti Stove, not just those  … Alastair ended up having his very own Christmas cook-out on a Prakti Stove and now you can too!

The Charcoal Burner Company is now the UK distributor for Prakti, making it easier than ever to own one of these glorious stoves, your quickest route to bring the heat and aromas of India to your back garden or balcony.

The grills are perfect for winter barbecues and can cook fish or meat in just fifteen minutes. For vegetarians, there is also the option of cooking vegetables straight on the grill - perfect for travelling or for taking to outdoor events such as festivals.

As Yianni Papoutsis of the famed Meat Liquor restaurants says of the stove "All-in-all a most practical way of getting your grill on."

There are a wide range of different stoves available, including:
- Charcoal Stove (Rocket Stove) - which comes in red, blue or yellow
- Single Wood Burning Stove
- Double Wood Burning Stove
- Double Wood Burning Stove With Chimney Bracket
- The Orca Extra-Large Wood Burning Stove
There is also a range of essential accessories available from The Charcoal Burner Company, from the highest quality charcoal to grills, aprons and tote bags to transport all that tasty food you’re about to cook on your Prakti Stove.
And remember… A Prakti Stove is not just for Christmas! These wonderful stoves are fast becoming a favourite on the food festival circuit and across a wide-range of UK events all year round.
Keep on top of this truly hot trend with The Charcoal Burner Company!

For more information, please visit: www.thecharcoalburnercompany.co.uk 

   

Fresh festive ideas for last minute shoppers wrapped up at Dobbies

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on, as we enjoy opening advent calendars and decorating houses with a sprinkle of festive magic.

 But if you’re yet to find the perfect present or are in need of some styling inspiration, you’ll find all you need and more in-store or in just a few short clicks at dobbies.com.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree…

Ordering your Dobbies fresh tree has never been simpler, and all from the comfort of home or on the go. With the impending arrival of visiting friends and family throughout the festiveseason, we all want to make sure our homes are looking their best. Dobbies early gift of easy online ordering means that opting for fresh is achievable whether you have a local store or not.

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree from £49.99; Nordman Fir Christmas Tree from £49.99


With British grown real Christmas trees from just £49.99 and up to 8ft, you’ll be able to make your selection at the click of a button. With Nordman and Fraser styles both available,  ordering online is perfect for those short on time in the run up to the big day.

Garden fresh festive gifting...

Dobbies fabulous selection of seasonally inspired houseplants will add a touch of Christmas cheer to any room in your home. With a whole host of pretty potted plants in all shapes, sizes and colours now in store, they will make the perfect gift choice for your friends and family. If you’re looking for a way to remind that special someone how much you care, a beautiful delivery can be ordered online and straight to their door, a sure way to brighten up any winters day.

Scent of Christmas Flower Bouquet £25; Festive Cheer Flower Bouquet £25

Poinsettia in Nordic Pot £7.99; Poinsettia in Hooped Basket £16.99

Tickle the taste buds…

Christmas Beer Set, pk of 3, £11.99; Foster's Man Crate £17.99; Rudolph Relish, £3.69

With no better time to indulge, treat loved ones to delicious foodie favourites from the Dobbies food hall. The rustic Foster’s Man Crate will provide some hearty festive sustenance for the man in your life, or choose from the delightful selection of unique relishes, preserves and locally sourced produce – it is the season to eat drink and be merry after all!

Stocking fillers…

Whatever your budget, you’ll find something for everyone with the brilliant range of gift ideas and stocking fillers in-store and online. Encourage a tea break from tending to treasured gardens with our practical ‘Gone Gardening’ enamel mug or wow a chocoholic with the giant Mega Chocolate Bar…

Dobbies Enamel Mug £5.99; Mega Chocolate Bar, £14.99; Christmas Festive Fudge, £3.99

Deck the halls for less…

Have you decorated but think there’s not enough wow factor? It’s not too late to add some Christmas sparkle to your home inside and out and with 30% off selected items. Certain to be spoilt for choice, the fabulous assortment will make any room look bright and beautiful…

Scandinavian Pattern Baubles, box of 14, Was £12.99, Now £9.99 – Save £3

Noel Lighting Set, Was £99.99, Now £69.99 – 30% off

Cloche with Red & Aqua Church, Was £14.99, Now £12.59 – 30% off

Rope Light Stag, Was £150, Now £105 - 30% off

Reindeer and Sleigh Light Silhouette, Was £130.00, Now £91 – 30% off

Take a fresh approach to your last minute Christmas prep and sow the seeds of decorating and gifting success with real trees, wreaths and much more now available to buy online. Browse the range available to order online now at www.dobbies.com, or drop into your local store and find all you need for a very merry Christmas!

Christmas Day Essentials with Sabichi

Christmas Day Essentials
Tackle and prep for the day’s festivities with ease, using a few kitchen and dining essentials from Sabichi:

• Mezzaluna chopping board and knife, £14.50
• Red table runner, £9.50
• Denton 4 piece napkin rings, £5
• Silicone flat brush, £2.50
• Santoku knife, £4
• Large roaster pan, £7

Stocking Fillers 

£10 or Less

Stocking fillers? Sorted. Whether they’re a keen baker, homemaker or someone special, Sabichi has a whole host of thoughtful stocking fillers for £10 or less. The new range of silicone bakeware makes cupcakes a breeze, while festive fragrances such as Mulberry and Wild Fig will warm your home with sweet scents. 

And why not Kick Start January with some Healthy Kitchen Essentials for the New Year?

 

For a healthy start to the new year,  these top three kitchen essentials from Sabichi will help keep balanced diets on track. 

Whether it’s freshly pressed vegetable juices, steaming wholesome dinners to perfection or using a handy gadget such as the mandolin for fresh salads in seconds, the best choices start in the kitchen. 

All available to shop now at www.sabichi.co.uk.

A Home Christmas Light show

Just a rather fantastic Christmas light show on a house in a quiet residential street.

Some funky new slippers for Christmas!

Get your friends and family members into a fun, festive mood with these adorable reindeer design slippers.

They come complete with a fluffy red nose and antlers.

Brown fuzzy fabric stays cosy while a riptape strap fastens easily and the sole is ultra-flexible.

From the Clark's hugely popular Doodles range, Shilo Jena Fst are available in whole and half sizes.

And the price is now down to a rather nifty £7.00 from the original £14!

To locate your nearest store please visit http://www.clarks.co.uk/.

Christmas tree facts with Homebase

To learn more about Homebase -including the location of your nearest branches- please visit www.homebase.co.uk.