Give your children the magic of the rainbow for Christmas

The truly wondrous My Very Own Rainbow from Brainstorm is the perfect way to light up your child’s Christmas.

Everyone loves catching a glimpse of a rainbow and now you can treat your child to a rainbow every day. The enchanting My Very Own Rainbow (RRP £24.99) light projector transforms any room using multi-coloured LEDs to display a rainbow coloured arc on walls and ceilings in a darkened room. It’s perfect for parties and sleepovers and also makes a soothing night light to help your child drift off and have sweet dreams.

The Rainbow comes complete with two modes, one which turns the whole multicoloured light show on at once and the other which fades the rainbow in and out. It also features an auto shut-off mechanism to help preserve battery life. Now that kids grow out of toys earlier and earlier, My Very Own Rainbow will also appeal to kids well into their tween and teen years.

The My Very Own Rainbow can also be brought to life during the day as it comes with a stunning  sunlight rainbow crystal. Simply hang the crystal on a sunny window and watch sunlight make natural rainbows dance around your room.

As well as entertaining children, all Brainstorm toys educate in a fun and engaging way. The projector comes with a fascinating, colourful education booklet about the phenomenon that is rainbows. 

The My Very Own Rainbow is available from Amazon, Hamleys, Harrods and selected Toymaster stores.

It's the Christmas Gift with a Difference! Have you kids grow Aqua Dragons!

Looking for a really different and utterly unique Christmas gift for your little animal lovers? Aqua Dragons from Brainstorm are a brilliant present guaranteed to keep children entertained long past Boxing Day.

The award-winning Aqua Dragons allow kids to hatch, grow and care for their own prehistoric pets. Aqua Dragons have lived on Earth for millions of years making them around at the same time as the dinosaurs roamed the Earth – and that’s cool in any kids book!

Each Aqua Dragons kit contains live eggs that hatch into real live aquatic creatures. Just add water to their special tank and they miraculously hatch in just 2-3 days and grow to up to 2cm long. The Deluxe Aqua Dragons Kit (RRP £19.99) also features beautiful blue LED lights in the base of the tank and a magnifier to observe your hatchlings. The illuminated Aqua Dragons tank makes a really funky room decoration and children can watch as the Aqua Dragons swim while bathed with light (Batteries included). They are fascinating to watch as they swim and play graciously in their aquatic underwater world

If you are looking for a stocking filler, children can experience looking after Aqua Dragons with the Aqua Dragons Underwater World Kit (RRP £11.99). As well as looking after the Aqua Dragons, children can learn all about these unusual creatures who’s scientific name is Artemia Salinas.

From the crustacea family, Aqua Dragons look like tiny three eyed, long tailed, hairy headed dragons that grow up to 2cm long.  Their eggs have an amazing capacity called cryptobiosis which means they can dry out and stay alive only to hatch many years later. Tests have found eggs kept in air sealed containers for up to 20 years still hatched when they were returned to water.

Aqua Dragons are available from Smyths, Amazon, Hamleys, Harrods and selected Toymaster stores.

Brainstorm has an ideal Christmas gift for your budding astronomers

Want a meaningful but awesomely fun Christmas gift for your future astronomers? Then you need look no further than the wonderful range of Space inspired toys from Brainstorm.

Children are fascinated by the planets and the Remote Controlled Illuminated Solar System (RRP £34.99) will answer all the questions you can’t answer. Children can explore the wonders of the Slar System from the comfort of their own bedrooms.

The illuminated, motorised solar system features eight rotating planets and a full Sun. Not only does it teach them about the solar system in a fun, engaging way but the coloured planets actually rotate on three independent orbits.

So this makes it what has to be the coolest Night Light ever! Mount it to your child’s bedroom ceiling with the enclosed fixings and watch as the illuminated Sun adds a comforting glow to the room. It also features auto shut-off to save battery life.

The Solar System also comes with a colour booklet to teach children all about the different planets – mums and dads will love this too.

The 2-in-1 Globe Earth & Constellations (£39.99) is an amazing way to educate your children about our planet and the constellations in Space. Inspire your own budding astronomer or mini explorer! The 22.8cm daylight Earth globe clearly shows political boundaries, natural features such as lakes and rivers, capitals and major cities but at night it really comes to life!

The illuminated night globe shows key stars and constellations with their Latin and common names.
Place in your child’s bedroom on Christmas Day and its advanced light sensor automatically turns on the LED illumination whenever the ambient light in the room reaches a trigger level of darkness. There is also an on/off switch which allows you to turn off the night-time view conserving battery power. Each box contains a specification to enable you to purchase an adaptor so you can also power it from the mains.

This is more than your average globe and the perfect gift for inquisitive minds and those you want to inspire. It sits on a sturdy, stylish silver base and as well as being a unique learning tool, it’s a great addition to any child’s bedroom.

The 2-in-1  Globe Earth & Constellations is available from Amazon, Hamleys, Harrods and selected Toymaster stores.

The RC Illuminated Solar System is available from Smyths, Hamleys, Amazon, Harrods and selected Toymaster stores.

Brainstorm has Christmas gifts for your budding astronomers

Want a meaningful but awesomely fun Christmas gift for your future astronomers? Then you need look no further than the wonderful range of Space inspired toys from Brainstorm.

Children are fascinated by the planets and the Remote Controlled Illuminated Solar System (RRP £34.99) will answer all the questions you can’t answer. Children can explore the wonders of the Slar System from the comfort of their own bedrooms.

The illuminated, motorised solar system features eight rotating planets and a full Sun. Not only does it teach them about the solar system in a fun, engaging way but the coloured planets actually rotate on three independent orbits.

So this makes it what has to be the coolest Night Light ever! Mount it to your child’s bedroom ceiling with the enclosed fixings and watch as the illuminated Sun adds a comforting glow to the room. It also features auto shut-off to save battery life.

The Solar System also comes with a colour booklet to teach children all about the different planets – mums and dads will love this too.

The 2-in-1 Globe Earth & Constellations (£39.99) is an amazing way to educate your children about our planet and the constellations in Space. Inspire your own budding astronomer or mini explorer! The 22.8cm daylight Earth globe clearly shows political boundaries, natural features such as lakes and rivers, capitals and major cities but at night it really comes to life!

The illuminated night globe shows key stars and constellations with their Latin and common names.
Place in your child’s bedroom on Christmas Day and its advanced light sensor automatically turns on the LED illumination whenever the ambient light in the room reaches a trigger level of darkness. There is also an on/off switch which allows you to turn off the night-time view conserving battery power. Each box contains a specification to enable you to purchase an adaptor so you can also power it from the mains.

This is more than your average globe and the perfect gift for inquisitive minds and those you want to inspire. It sits on a sturdy, stylish silver base and as well as being a unique learning tool, it’s a great addition to any child’s bedroom.

The 2-in-1  Globe Earth & Constellations is available from Amazon, Hamleys, Harrods and selected Toymaster stores.

The RC Illuminated Solar System is available from Smyths, Hamleys, Amazon, Harrods and selected Toymaster stores.

Toast Christmas with Tanqueray Gin

An enduring classic, Tanqueray® London Dry Gin is loved by cocktail lovers and gin aficionados across the globe. With a truly extra smooth taste, it has an elegance that sets it apart from the rest and a flavour that shines in sophisticated cocktails and vibrant gin and tonics.

Tanqueray is made with the finest botanicals including refreshing juniper, peppery coriander, aromatic angelica and sweet liquorice and its smooth yet bold flavour means it has become one of the world’s most awarded gins, making a luxurious and classic gift.

 

There’s no better way to enjoy Tanqueray than with tonic, fresh lime and lots of ice in one of the signature green stem and black base copa glasses. This oversize copa glass evokes the golden age of gin cocktails and its shape allows for the aromas of Tanqueray’s key botanicals to circulate for full appreciation of the drink’s flavour.

 

Tanqueray London Dry Gin comes in a striking and iconic green bottle inspired by the traditional three-piece cocktail shaker. Stockist suggestions: Tanqueray London Dry Gin £26.60 (1L bottle) at Waitrose or £22.50 (70cl bottle) gift boxed at Alexander and James Tanqueray Copa Glass £12.00 at Alexander and James.

(EDITOR: My wife will not allow Tanqueray Gin to be used in cocktails. “Too precious for that,” she tells me!)

Give them a Christmas gift that's 1,050 metres long!

Gear up for a Christmas gift to remember at Capital Karts – the UK’s longest Go Karting track!

With a track of 1,050m, three times the length of a regular karting track experience speeds of up to 45mph on the 80m straight along the track and be the first in the country to drive RIMO Alpha Go Karts, the premium brand used at Michael Schumacher‘s centres in Germany.

A great gift for the whole family – with Go Karts for everyone – from single adult karts through to two seater Go Karts for beginners or those with less confidence, or the disabled, this truly is a gift which everyone can enjoy.

Compete against friends and family to find out who will earn bragging rights by celebrating on top of the podium.

Only 15 minutes from central London, Capital Karts is easy to get to for anyone based in the capital, or outside.

Prices start from £32.99 per person for 30 minutes of driving.

PRICE LIST:

Individual
Twinsprint - 30 minutes (2 x 15mins) = £32.99 per person (weekdays before 4.30pm)
Twinsprint - 30 minutes (2x 15mins) = £42.99 (weekdays after 4.30pm and weekends)
Grand Prix -50 minutes (10 mins qualifying and 40 mins race) = £54.99

Team Event
Le Mans Team event (2-4 drivers per kart) - 100 mins race = £99.99 per kart (weekdays)
Le Mans Team event (2-4 drivers per kart) - 100 mins race = £129.99 per kart (weekend)

Group
Exclusive track hire -
1 hour track hire (16-50 drivers) £57.60 per driver
2 hour track hire (51 - 75 drivers) £51.60 per driver
3 hour track hire (76 - 100 drivers) £47.99 per driver

To book and for more information visit: www.capitalkarts.com

Festive Recipe Ideas for Luxury Christmas Pâtés from Castle MacLellan

Following a fantastic response last year, Castle MacLellan will once again release its exceptionally tasty seasonal range of delicious limited edition premium pâtés, a must for this year’s Christmas menu.

 

To celebrate the return of the range, which complements its core selection of luxury Scottish pâtés, the company has developed a number of tasty recipes. The collection includes mouth-watering meals and canapés that demonstrate how the much-loved product can be used to make show stopping festive treats, as well as being the perfect topping for oatcakes, crackers and blinis.

 

The recipes include Mini Duck, Port and Plum Chutney Pies with a delicious ham hock and pâté centre encompassed in a golden pastry crust; crispy Chicken Parcels with cranberry sauce; and gourmet Salmon Cakes with a warming pinch of nutmeg.

The convenient Christmas pack is designed to allow the pâté to be easily turned out onto a plate as part of an elegant buffet spread. Made from the finest Scottish ingredients, the seasonal range comes in three delicious varieties:

 

Chicken Pâté with Brandy - soft, indulgent and enriched with butter cream and brandy, delicately finished with hints of thyme and sweet notes from the Galloway Bramley apple jelly.

Duck Pâté with Port - a smooth, rich, decadent and very “moreish” duck liver pâté with hints of sweet ruby port.

Smoked Salmon Terrine - a luxurious blend of smoked and poached salmon, cream cheese and crème fraiche, delicately flavoured with horseradish and lemon.

Castle MacLellan has been making the finest fresh luxury pâtés since 1982 and is dedicated to sourcing the very best local ingredients from small, independent companies rooted in Scottish heritage and provenance. The company remains an established and trusted brand, working with a number of local suppliers, which include Rannoch Smokery and The Orkney Fisherman’s Society.

 

Castle MacLellan Christmas pâtés range is available in supermarkets and independent stores throughout the UK from the end of November, priced around £2.99.

 

Mini Duck, Port and Plum Chutney Pies

Makes 8 pies

 

Ingredients:

1 Pack of Castle MacLennan Duck Pâté with Port

500g Packet Short Crust Pastry

200g Packet of ham hock

100g of Plum Chutney

Method:

1.    Preheat the oven to 200oC.

2.    Roll out the pastry to the thickness of a pound coin. Cut out 8x9cm circles of pastry for the base and 8x7cm circles for the top of the pie.  

3.    Take a muffin tray and brush the moulds with a little oil. Push the pastry base into the muffin case.

4.    Drop a tablespoon of the ham hock into the base of each pie, you want it to be about ½ full.

5.    Spread a thin layer of the Castle MacLellan Duck Pâté on top using about a tsp on each pie. Then drop the same amount of chutney onto top. 

6.    Brush the outer edge with milk/egg and add a pastry lid. Pinch the sides to seal and make a small hole in the top.

7.    Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

8.    Enjoy.

 

Chicken and Cranberry Parcels

Makes 4 parcels

 

Ingredients:

1 Pack of Castle MacLellan Chicken Pâté with Brandy

4 Sheets of Ready Roll Filo Pastry

20g of Cranberry Sauce

10g of Melted Butter

Flour

 

Method:

1.    Preheat the oven to 200’C

2.    Scoop the pack of Castle MacLellan Chicken Pâté with Brandy into a mixing bowl and stir in the cranberry sauce.

3.    Lay a sheet of filo pastry on a lightly floured surface and brush with melted butter. Work quickly as the pastry will start to dry out.

4.    Place a quarter of the pate mix in the centre and pull the diagonal corner to the middle to form a parcel.

5.     Pinch the pastry in around the pate and let the top fall over.

6.    Brush the parcels with butter again and place in a small muffin tin.

7.    Repeat steps 2-4 until you have used up all the pastry sheets and the pate mix.

8.    Bake the parcels for 10 minutes or until pastry is crispy and golden.

9.     Once removed from the oven place on a piece of kitchen paper to absorb any excess butter.

10.  Serve and enjoy.

Salmon Cakes
Makes 2 Salmon Cakes

 

Ingredients:

1 Pack of Castle MacLellan Smoked Salmon Terrine
1/2 Spring Onion
Pinch of Nutmeg
35g Breadcrumbs
1tbsp of Flour
1tbsp of Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Method:

1.    Finely chop the spring onion.

2.    Scoop the pack of Castle MacLellan Smoked Salmon Terrine into a mixing bowl.

3.    Add the spring onion and mix well. 

4.    Drop a pinch of nutmeg and breadcrumbs into the bowl and mix to combine all the ingredients.

5.    Divide mixture into 2 and shape into flat cakes.

6.    Sprinkle with flour and chill the salmon cakes in the fridge for 30 minutes.

7.    Coat bottom of frying pan with olive oil and fry the cakes over a medium/high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

8.    Serve immediately with lemon wedges and sweet chilli sauce.

Get Funkin Cocktails for your Christmas and New Year Parties!

Fancy a cheeky cocktail? Then the Funkin Cocktail range is just right!

The new 750ml  funkin cocktail mixer range includes funkin Brazilian®, funkin Strawberry Daiquiri and funkin Mojito (RRP £2.99)

The 1l funkin cocktail mixer range comprises funkin Brazilian®, funkin Strawberry Daiquiri, funkin Mojito Funkin Sour Mix, funkin Cosmopolitan, funkin Strawberry Woo Woo and funkin Margarita (RRP £3.99)

Funkin cocktail mixers are also available in a variety of flavours in single serve 120g pouches, including funkin Bellini, funkin Bramble, funkin Cosmopolitan, Funkin Margarita, funkin Mojito, funkin Pina Colada, funkin Raspberry Mojito, funkin Strawberry Daiquiri and funkin Strawberry Woo Woo (RRP £0.99)

The full funkin range is available nationwide at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, Co-op, Ocado, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Majestic Wine, Harrods, Amazon and www.funkin.co.uk

Keep up to date with the latest party tips and cocktail recipes at www.facebook.com/funkincocktails and www.twitter.com/funkincocktails http://www.twitter.com/funkincocktails

Here's one you can try

Funkin Winter Punch

 25 ml Absolut Vanilla

75 ml Funkin Strawberry Daiquiri cocktail mixer

Sparkling Wine

Orange Peel (to garnish)

Method

Fill a tall glass with ice and leave to cool. Then fill a cocktail shaker with the vodka and Funkin Strawberry Daiquiri cocktail mixer and shake to mix up. Pour the mixture into the glass and top with sparkling wine and orange peel to garnish. Enjoy!