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!