Monday 24 November 2014

Catch the flight of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey

Voted as 'Best Irish Whiskey' The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is a worthy holder of that accolade.

The distillery that produces it claims that it is smoother because they distil it for longer.  And it is smoother. 

They produce several whiskeys all which are highly original and unique, yet all carrying a certain sense of specialness.

Classic Blend is 40% vol Irish Whiskey that has a buttery smoothness that has hints of fruits, with a tang of the grain and a finish that is pleasing and warming.

Rare Irish Whiskey is a 43% vol Irish whiskey that is smooth and has hints of citrus fruits and notes of spices that make it even more interesting than you'd think possible.

Single Malt is a 43% vol Irish whiskey that more than gives Scotch single malts a run for their money. It's lively, vibrant and has an earnest woodiness to it that makes it eager to please. You know the malt is there, waiting for you, beguiling you.

Limited Edition Irish Whiskey a 43% Irish whiskey that is a rare treat. Yes, there's malt, yes, there's the 'usual' fruit notes, some spiced notes to be observed and yet... and yet... this whiskey has a quality to it that makes you look, with regret at your empty glass and say: "Oh! It's gone!"

Friday 21 November 2014

Mulled Wine Gift Set

The mulled wine gift set from Just Ingredients lets you turn a bottle of red wine (even a fairly mediocre red wine, it has to be said) into a very acceptable and tasty traditional Christmas mulled wine.

The kit contains a vanilla pod, a cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, star anise, and a couple of slices of orange.

All you have to add is some sugar and the juice of two oranges and a bottle of red wine.

Within 15 to 20 minutes you can be ladling out some very acceptable mulled wine.

However, it can taste a little sweet as it uses 170g of brown or white sugar. So you might like to experiment with the sugar levels. People who are diabetic might consider not using sugar at all and adding artificial sweeteners to taste to the individual servings of mulled wine.

It costs £6.70 (enough for two bottles of mulled wine) so makes an ideal addition to your Christmas provisions cupboard or a splendid stocking filler for the adventurous foodie in your life. 

To learn more visit  http://www.justingredients.co.uk.



Thursday 20 November 2014

Christmas is on the way, greet it with a Smiggle!

What, exactly, is a Smiggle?

A Smiggle is a cross between a smile and a giggle, and it's often the reaction people get when they see the Smiggle product range!

Such as:

String lights (£15) that make your house sparkle! These twinkling wonders will make your home glow with a riotous rainbow of colours and a cute daisy design.

Or there's the even more spectacular Optical light mega (£10): They'll really bring the light of Christmas magic to your eyes!

They can really light up any room this Christmas. A veritable fountain of light in six glorious colours!

Smiggle shops are all over the place. To find out where please drop by to them at www.smiggle.co.uk.



Cherry Good news

There's some really Cherry Good news for those who will not be drinking alcohol this Christmas. There is a fantastic cherry 'mocktail' made with Cherry Good, the delicious cherry juice drink!

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to add some sparkle to the festive season with Cherry Good’s own special Mulled Mocktail.

Bringing everyone’s favourite winter warming flavours together, this alcohol-free alternative is the perfect way to get some festive cheer without risking the fuzzy head afterwards!

Created with the rich flavours and delicious scents of Montmorency cherries, Cherry Good is the perfect refreshment for any festive occasion.

By itself, it's a sweet drink, yet with a touch of tartness.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
• 1 litre Cherry Good Original (or Light, if you'd rather cut the calories!)
• 1 sliced and zested orange
• 7 whole cloves
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• honey (to taste)

Method:
1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over a
medium/low heat for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. When the mixture is steaming and spices have infused, add
honey to taste.
3. Strain into heat proof glasses and garnish with a cinnamon
stick and orange twist.
4. Enjoy the festive flavours!

You can buy Cherry Good in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons for around £1.50.

Even more Christmas drinks for you to make yourself

Auchentoshan

The Auchentoshan Three Wood – Christmas Delight Cocktail
Ingredients:      
4 fl oz. Milk                                                                                                                                                      
1 fl oz Auchentoshan Threewood
3-4 Heaped Teaspoons of a high quality Spanish Hot Chocolate powder
2 tablespoons of Scottish double cream

Method:
Step 1: Add the chocolate powder into a glass teacup.
Step 2:  Heat your milk to boiling point on the stove.
Step 3: Fold the hot milk into the powder
Step 4: Add in your measure of Three Wood and stir briskly anti-clockwise until thick
Step 5: To serve add freshly whipped cream

Licor 43 Christmas serves

Cran de Berry 43
Ingredients:
·         30 ml Licor 43

·         Cinnamon stick

·         10 ml lime juice

·         40 ml cranberry juice

Method:
Shake Licor 43, cinnamon stick, lime and cranberry juice with a dash of grenadine and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Serve in a tall martini glass with a sugared rim.

Licor 43 Apple Pie
Ingredients:
• 25ml Licor 43
• 100ml cloudy apple juice
• Dash Angostura Bitters
Method:
Pour Licor 43 into a glass and top with cloudy apple juice and Angostura Bitters. For an extra treat top with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Spanish 43 Coffee
Ingredients:
• 25ml Licor 43
• Black coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder
Method:
Warm the Licor 43 and pour into the coffee. Top carefully with the whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder.

Midori
Tipsy Elf

Glass: Rocks glass

Ingredients:

·         30ml Midori
·         200ml Apple cider
·         1 Cinnamon stick
·         2 Cloves
Method:
Shake over ice and serve. Garnish  with a cinnamon stick and lemon

Bowmore
INGREDIENTS:
75g unsalted butter  
50g soft light brown sugar  
50g caster sugar  
50g golden syrup  
125ml double cream  
1tsp sea salt
1 tbsp Bowmore

METHOD:
Melt the butter, sugars and syrup in a small heavy based pan and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the cream, whisky and sea salt then simmer for another minute or 2 until it thickens. Cool the caramel then dip the chosen glass rim into it and then into some fine caster sugar. Spoon a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the glass and then chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Pour Bowmore into the glass and enjoy.


And here is a link to a masterclass in a unique way to serve Bowmore!
Try at home: Bowmore Whisky and Mark Sargeant present the Salted Caramel Crust

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Extreme Beast radio controlled car with 2.4GHz

From Maisto Tech you will find the brand new 2.4 GHz “Extreme Beast” radio controlled car.

It operates on the 2.4GHz frequency is a ready to go after only one hour of charging.

And when we say "go" boy, does it go!

Because it's super-fast and looks like a real beast of a car, yet handles like a real treat.

It's not just a toy, it's a proper hobbyists dream.

It's fast and is well able for on or off road with it's super-sized wheels and tyres.

Expect to pay about £50.

It's available from Hawkin's Bazaar and other retailers.

How good is it? Just watch the video and form your own conclusions.


Bump 'N' go Bubble train.

The Bump 'N' Go Bubble Train is a fantastic toy for any little boy or little girl who is a fan of trains or of bubbles.

It cleverly avoids obstacles and whilst it traverses your lounge it constantly blows bubbles (a bottle of bubble liquid is supplied) whilst flashing its lights and making realistic train sounds.

It requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included, so please do remember to purchase plenty of batteries before you wrap this toy up.

It's a brightly coloured toy and is designed for all little boys and girls aged two years and older. Although we do not doubt that parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles might well be getting just as much pleasure out of this toy!

It will cost about £12 and is available from Amazon and other retailers.