Got a gift to parcel up? Scotch will help you get it taped

It's all very well buying all the gifts for everyone, but what are you going to do when the time comes to giftwrap them?

Well, using giftwrap paper that you bought a year or so back might work. Just. But that cheap tape you bought a couple of years ago? You might as well put it in with the recycling, because its sticky has all gone away!

So, what to do? What to do?

Get down to your nearest stationary store (or your favourite on line retailer) and get yourself a whole load of Scotch tapes from those incredibly cleaver people at 3M!

From tape dispensers shaped like a cute little puppy dog to really nifty pop-up handband tape dispensers (so you can in effect have three hands when you are wrapping up the Christmas presents!

I mean, how cool is that?!

3M and Scotch they really do have it taped, don't they?

Tyrell's go Ho Ho ho for Christmas

Yes, Tyrell's have gone all seasonal, with the launch of some Deep and Crisp and Even crisps.

Called Merry Crisp-Mas, they are made using red and white potatoes which are served up with just the right amount of real sea salt. Enough to tickle your tastebuds but not enough to make you too thirsty.

And being Tyrell's Crisps you know that the potatoes were properly sourced (sauced, even? Sorry, so very sorry about that!)  and then lovingly and carefully hand cooked and carefully packed (with cute photos to give you a bit of a laugh, too!) and sent on their way to you to enjoy.

They are also vegan friendly (no vegans were harmed in the creation of these crisps)  and a 150g bag should cost you about £2.19.

They'll be ideal for the crisp bowl at your next party, so do put them on the shopping list before you forget.

Cardhu Gold Reserve. The Spirit of Christmas yet to come

Cardhu Gold Reserve is a premium quality single malt Scotch.

Every-so-often one of the great distilleries of Scotland will bring out a new type of single malt Scotch which makes all the other distillers offer up a round of applause whilst thinking: I wish we'd made that!"

And the advent of Cardhu Gold Reserve is one such moment.

The golden liquid, Cardhu Gold Reserve has been keenly crafted and created by Maureen Robinson, who is a Diageo Master Blender.

In order to give this Scotch the start in life that it deserves, Cardhu is releasing a very special Cardu golden Moments gift set.

And Maureen decided to request that three people who she admires greatly to help her by asking them to design some elements to compliment Cardhu Gold Reserve.

Angela Flanders, a perfumier of some renown included a very special Figue Noire candle. This candle brings with it the heady scents of candied fig.

And Andrea Montague, a bartender who is known as a bartender's bartender, designed two quintessential cocktail recipes under the banner Golden Moments. Honeyed gold and Golden Delicious.

Contained within the presentation set is a special guide and two delightful Cardhu balloon glasses.

The recommended retail price that you can expect to pay is around the £55 mark.

So, what does Cardhu Gold Reserve single malt Scotch taste like?

It has a golden amber appearance and has the classic nose of an excellent single malt.

It has a quiet, unassuming start. But then something magical happens. Is there a hint of spiced Christmas cake?  Yes, I thought there was. But then came a rolling sea of other, complimentary tastes. Hints of summer fruits came through, perhaps a slight tang of the art of the expert maltster? Yes, there was a touch of the smoke, there.

The finish was equally delicious and as my non-Scotch drinking wife (her drink of preference is small batch made gins, in case you are interested) said: "Wow! There's a really good finish to this one! I think this is one of your better finds!"

You can buy the Cardhu Golden Moment Gifting Set at www.alexanderandjames.com.

Boozyrum Truffles. Best buy two boxes at a time, really

When you decide to buy someone you love some Boozyrum Truffles you will be best advised to always double up on your order.

Why? Because when you smell the delicious aroma of the rich, chocolaty boozy, rum treats, you will just have to try one.

And even if you can show a little self-control and stick at only snaffling one of these delicious little treats for yourself, well, the problem is that they are always packed so firmly in the box (there were twelve, I counted them!) that there's no way that you can hide the fact that one is missing, no matter how hard you try to disguise what you did.

(EDITOR: And please stop looking at the box! There's twelve. And no, you can't have a little peak, just in case anything might have happened to them!)

Sorry, I got distracted there. Where was I? Oh, yes. They are remarkable rich and moresome, but even though they are deliciously creamy, they are absolutely fine for vegans to eat as the clever folks at Terre a Terre have used soya cream, not dairy cream! 

They cost £8.20 a box and are also available as a vegetarian, too. There are also some salt caramel truffles, also.

Terra a Terre is one of the finest vegetarian restaurants in Brighton. To learn more please visit them at http://www.terreaterre.co.uk/shop/chocolate.

Make Merry this Christmas with Magno-Z

You might not have heard of Magno-Z, but it's almost certain that your children will have!

What are they? They are the springy, stretchy and hairy toys that are taking the UK by storm!

They are magnetic and are absolutely fantastic stocking fillers.

Magno-Z is one of the year's top selling toys  and the range includes over 50 different Magno-Z to collect.

And each one has their own quirky personality.

Every Magno-Z person features patented magnetic connectors so your kids can attach their Magno-Z characters to any suitable metal surface.

So what's to do with them? Hold them, decorate metal bookshelves, fridges, freezers whatever!

They are brought to you by those clever folks at Brainstorm Ltd.

Magno-Z will cost about £2.99, making it a perfect stocking filler price.

Available from Smyths Toys, Amazon, The Entertainer, Toymaster and all good toy stores. Suitable from ages 3+.

Your cheese wants Nairns. And so should you.

Your cheese wants Nairns Oatcakes and so should you!

You cheese (Stilton, blue or white, Cheddar, Gorgonzola, cream cheese, cottage cheese or a nice bit of Danish Blue) is just crying out for Nairns Oatcakes.

Why would this be the case? Because Nairns know oatcakes.

Nairns know that the oats that they use must be fine milled, that they must only use genuine wholegrain oats and not add other ingredients such as wheat flour in the recipe.

Nairns are now well into their second century of baking finely crafted oatcakes, having started in business way way in 1896.

They carefully select the oats that they will use, selecting them only from oat farmers within the Scottish Borders region.

Why? Because nearly 120 years of baking experience tells them that the region's climates helps to produce the best oats for baking into oatcakes.

And the word of how good they are is spreading. Cooked meats are already adding their voices to the clamour!

So to find out why your cheese and cooked  meats are so keen on Nairns Oatcakes, put them on your Christmas Party shopping list.

And check out the rest of their range at http://www.nairns-oatcakes.com.

Learn how to breed dragons this Christmas

Aqua Dragons became a firm hit in the UK over last Christmas.

And this Christmas sees the launch of some spectacular and brand new Aqua Dragons products to make your children’s Christmas even more fun.

The new Aqua Dragons Jurassic Time Travel set will prove itself to be a great gift for children who like learning about the world around them.

Aqua Dragons are prehistoric creatures who have been on Earth for millions of years and were even around at the same time as the dinosaurs! So what better place to grow them than in their very own Jurassic themed habitat?

Each kit contains eggs that will hatch out into real live aquatic creatures.Just add water and wait for tow to three days and they'll hatch out and grow to up to 2cm long.

The Jurassic themed habitat will take pride of place in your child’s bedroom (or even the living room?) and includes a cracked-egg tank with a cute baby dinosaur sleeping in the base.

 Push the button on the base and watch the dinosaur blow air through the tank via a bubble pump. The set also features LED lighting which illuminates the tank at night. Also includes cool Aqua Dragon stickers, a colour poster, ownership certificate and instruction booklet. Batteries included. RRP £24.99.

The innovative Aqua Dragons Jurassic Time Travel EGGspress Set makes a unique stocking filler (RRP £9.99). The cool egg-shaped tank is home to your child’s very first Aqua Dragons. The smaller set is a great starter kit and includes a cracked-egg tank, eggs to hatch your dragons, food, feeding spoon and instructions. Kids will love watching the Aqua Dragons come to life and it’s a great way to introduce children to looking after their first pet.

So for a gift that keeps on giving this Christmas, treat kids to items from Brainstorm’s Aqua Dragons range. To see the full range visit Amazon. Selected lines from the Aqua Dragons range are also available at Smyths, Toys R Us, Argos, Toymaster stores and all good toy retailers.

Have yourself a yummy little Christmas

2014 has most definitely been about crafting and Maps Toys are really getting into it with their wonderful Yummy Dough.

You and your children can really get into the festive spirit like never before by starting to crafty things that you can eat!

The mouldable edible dough (the only one in the world) lets young children (and their parents!) get creative for Christmas.

They can get making festive shapes or whatever their imagination encourages them to produce.

It's simple. You just add water to the powder mix and you'll get a pliable Yummy Dough mix in a range of striking primary colours.

Then you just manipulate the work the dough into whatever different shapes that you want to.

Then comes the really brilliant part, you bake your creations then eat them! Obviously this part will be done under adult supervision or assistance.

You and your children will love seeing their handiwork made into edible creations they can share or even give out as presents?

Not only is Yummy Dough innovative, it's also perfectly safe, too and only costs around 7.99.

It is available from Amazon, Prezzybox and selected toy retailers throughout the country.

Harveys Bristol Cream sherry is a part of Christmas

Yes, Harveys Bristol Cream sherry is a part of Christmas.

Mince pies and a glass of Harveys Bristol Cream sherry.

A glass of something to warm the cockles of your heart after you come back from walking the dogs? A glass of Harveys Bristol Cream sherry!

Unexpected but well-loved visitors? Get out the Harveys Bristol Cream sherry!

Had a hard day Christmassing? Well, settle down with some mince pies and some Harveys Bristol Cream sherry!

A Christmas party or an informal gathering at Christmas? Then you really do need to break out the Harveys Bristol Cream sherry.

In fact, there's an argument that Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry is the fuel that helps keep Christmas running so smoothly.

As for my wife and I? Harveys Bristol Cream sherry and watching the 1951 version of a Christmas Carol.

We think you should Buy a bottle. Hang on! Better make that a case! Check with you nearest wine merchant for details or put a few bottles in the trolley next time you visit your supermarket. And if your supermarket doesn't stock it, then may we suggest that it's time you change your supermarket? Just a thought...

Some Seasonal Specials from Kettle Chips

Fans of proper crisps, in particular aficionados of the Kettle Chips range will be pleased to know that the clever folks at Kettle Chips have taken the very wise decision to introduce some corkingly  good special limited edition seasonal varieties for this Christmas and New Year.

Yes, 'tis the season to be merry and there are three new very good reasons to be even more merry this Christmas, with these three Winter warmers from Kettle Chips.

There's Cheshire Cheese  with Red Wine and Cranberry, Salsa and Mesquite flavour (re-introduced as a result of popular demand) and my own person favourite, Stilton and Port flavoured Kettle Chips.

But as one would expect with the fine folks at Kettle, there's none of that "nature identical" nonsense you get with some people!

When Kettle do something, they do it right. They use real Stilton produced by one of only five dairies in England legally allowed to make and sell real English Stilton blue veined cheese and real port careful chosen from wineries deep within the Douro Valley of Portugal. 

They say they chose a rich ruby port, and this they certainly did! 

Apparently these crisps are all designed for sharing at Christmas or New Year's Eve parties with friends and family members during a cosy night in.

Why not try the Stilton and port with some real Stilton and port?  

The crisps made for a real treat whilst my wife and I were watching the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol and that's a tradition of ours dating back 20 years. Along with some Harvey's Bristol Cream, too!

Happy Christmas, everyone!

That's Food and Drink: English Quince Preserve

That's Food and Drink: English Quince Preserve: Several years ago and elderly lady was bemoaning the sad fact that Quince jams were no longer available. It transpires that he melanchol...

Try some Wasabi this Christmas

Even if you think you have tried Wasabi, it is likely that you might not have done. Because a good deal of what is passed off as Wasabi in the UK is either largely or entirely Horseradish.

And whilst there is nothing wrong with a good Horseradish, it is still not Wasabi.

However, if you source your Wasabi through the Wasabi Company, England, then you can be fully satisfied that it really is guaranteed 100% Wasbi.

first of all, they supply the Wasabi as a whole rhizome so you have the full pleasure of creating your own Wasabi paste from scratch.

You have to be properly equipped.  But do not concern yourself, as the Wasabi Compy of England supply you with every tool that you will need.

Using a sharp knife you slice the Wasabi rhizome.

You will then employ a very special Wasabi grater (in a circular motion) to grate the Wasabi, and then use a special bamboo brush to remove the grated Wasabi from the grater. This must be done quickly or the steel of the grater could help increase the oxidation of the Wasabi.

We do not propose to go through the full procedures for preparing the Wasabi, you can find those rather exacting instructions at their website http://www.thewasabicompany.co.uk/wasabi-preparation.

But once you have prepared the Wasabi paste, what can you use it for?

You can add it to mashed potatoes, use it in a salad dressing, with fresh meat like steak or sliced roast beef, in just about any way you care to think of, really, it does depend upon you.

What does Wasabi taste like?

We had it with some beef and although some people claim that Wasabi tastes "just like Horseradish" that's actually a slightly misleading description.

Whilst it is true that it tastes somewhat like Horseradish, the truth is that it tastes like Horseradish but with wings.

It has a cleaner, 'crisper' taste than Horseradish and is much, much hotter than horseradish and has a taste kick that makes you go "Whoa!"

It tastes far better than other Wasabi products that we have tried, but this might in part be due to the fact that it was freshly grown in the UK.

For a range of delicious, inventive recipes please visit http://www.thewasabicompany.co.uk/recipes.

Every cocktail mixer reaches for the Opies at Christmas

It's a tradition. Everyone wants some special drinks at Christmas, some lovely, festive cocktails. Even

real ale drinkers like their special Christmas beers!

But every barkeeper and restaurateur will tell you that the best way to keep your guests at home or your customers in your hotel, your pub, your restaurant, your bar or cocktail lounge happy is to use Opies.

Because this is it! This is the most wonderful and magical time of the year.

The fires are roaring, the Christmas lights are twinkling and you can sit back and enjoy a tipple or two.

Entertaining this year? Or just wanting to enjoy a Christmas drink once the kids are in bed? Then you should look no further as we have a selection of fabulous Christmas cocktails all made with the even more fabulous classic cocktail essentials brand Opies.

Most of us know how to put together a classic snowball or how to make a martini, but to get into the real festive spirit; Opies have created a range of truly Christmassy cocktails, so even if outside it’s raining and not looking like Christmas, inside it will scream of merriment.

Along with expert barman James Coston, who is well known for creating bespoke cocktails, Opies have taken the classics to give them a wonderful festive cheer. From a Mistletoe Kiss, to the Red Nose Rudolph, there is something for everyone enjoy.

Snowbomb
Ingredients:
Brandy
Advocaat

Method:
Like a jager bomb but fill half a shot glass with Advocaat half with Brandy. Place the shot glass in a rock's glass full of lemonade. Add an Opie's cherry to the shot glass and drink it like you would a jager bomb.

Mistletoe Kiss
Ingredients:
60ml Honey Vodka,
40ml Pineapple Juice
30ml Coco Lopez
20ml Maraschino Cherry Liquor from a jar of Opies cocktail cherries

Method:
Shake and serve straight up, garnish with Opies cocktail cherries and Opies cocktail gherkins on a cocktail stick.


Gingerman
Ingredients:
Muddle 3 cubes of Opies Stem Ginger
40ml Golden Rum
20ml Red Wine
40ml Cranberry Juice

Method:
Shake and serve over ice in a rock's glass with a Opies Stem  Ginger and cocktail cherry garnish. Add a Gingerbread man on the side.


Red Nose Rudolph
Ingredients:
Muddle 4 Opies Cocktail Cherries
50ml White Rum
20ml Lemon Juice
15ml Grenadine
40ml Cranberry Juice
20ml Soda

Method:
Shake and serve in a sling glass. Top with a little soda & an Opies lemon slice and Opies cocktail cherries.


Mexican Christmas
Ingredients:
Muddle two cubes of Opies Stem Ginger
20ml Grenadine Syrup
50ml Tequila
10ml Red Wine
25ml Lime Juice

Method:
Shake all ingredients and serve straight up in a wine goblet with Opies Stem Ginger and sunken Pomegranate.


Knock Knock Egg Nog
Ingredients:
240ml Brandy
2 pints of whole milk
30ml Double Cream
100ml Vanilla Syrup
15 Opies Cherries

Method:
Add all ingredient's to a pan, heat without boiling until slightly thick. Leave to sit for 20 minutes at room temperature then serve into small glass's. Dust with cinnamon or coco powder.

And remember, Opies has been a family-run business since 1880, so they know more than a thing or two about cocktails!

KON-TIKI | Official UK Trailer - in cinemas 19th December

Treat your guests to a Denhay gourmet gammon this Christmas!

There is one thing my wife always insists on every Christmas and New year, a nice gammon joint.

It's been a tradition in her family down through the generations and probably dates back to the time when her family were made up of two distinct threads, the farmers who bred the pork and a locally very famous and highly regarded chain of pork butchers who sold it.

This year lovers of gammon such as my wife (and me, I have brought into this tradition with gusto!) will be able to give their guests around the Christmas table a real treat when they will be able to serve them with a Denhay’s dry cured gammon joint.

Perfect as the centre piece of a Boxing Day buffet, late night snacks or even as a rather glamorous alternative to the ubiquitous turkey on Christmas Day, Denhay’s dry cured gammon is a deliciously versatile meat, equally at home as cold cuts with some organic pickles, or served with roasters, veg and homemade gravy. And there's also sandwiches the next day, should the guests have left any, that is!

It's the latest addition to Denhay’s range of high quality, British cured pork produce.

The gammon is specifically prepared for roasting and you do not have to bother with the messy, somewhat irksome process  of pre-boiling like most joints available in the supermarkets.

How so? Apparently this is all down to the  unique Denhay recipe, plus their intelligent use of tradtional preparation and smoking techniques.

So the end result is that the Denhay gammon offers an intense flavour with a succulent tenderness that you'd be hard pressed to beat!

I am certain that my wife's late Great Uncle would have been happy to have produced such a wondrous gammon joint!

Denhay’s 1.25kg gammon joints are available as smoked or unsmoked and are available in selected Waitrose stores priced at £11.50/kg.

If you are looking for inspiration when it comes to cooking your Denhay gammon joint, why not try their Marmalade and Ginger Glaze recipe or their Potted Ham recipe, perfect for leftovers? The details are below.

Gammon Glazed in Marmalade and Shredded Stem Ginger

The kick of ginger cut through the sticky sweet glaze on the gammon.  Delicious served warm with a fluffy jacket potatoes, or cold with crusty bread and chutneys.

Preparation Time:  20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Serves: 4 - 6

1.25kg Denhay Unsmoked gammon Joint
For the glaze
4 tbsp orange marmalade
1 stem ginger, drained and finely chopped
1 tbsp brown sugar

Line a roasting tin with a double sheet of foil.  Place the gammon in a roasting tin, cover loosely with foil and cook at 180oC for 35mins per 500g.

Once cooked for the appropriate amount of time.  Remove the skin from the gammon, leaving behind a thin layer of fat. Score the fat with the tip of a sharp knife.

Mix together the marmalade, stem ginger and brown sugar and spread evenly over the fat.  Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the glaze is sticky and golden. Leave to rest before carving.

Potted Ham

This is the perfect dish to use those festive left over gammon.  Serve as a starter or as part of a buffet or just with toast in front of the fire.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8

250g pack unsalted butter
500g cooked leftover smoked gammon
4 tbsp flat leaf parsley
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves plus a few sprigs to garnish
small pinch ground cloves
small pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tsp wholegrain mustard
1 tbsp cider vinegar
black pepper

Melt the butter gently in a small pan, once melted leave to settle. Skin off all the froth from the surface. Slowly pour the clear yellow fat from the melted butter into a small bowl or jug, leaving the milky liquid in the pan. Discard the milky liquid.

Shred the gammon, some finely and some in bigger chunks so your finished dish has texture.  Mix the gammon with the parsley, thyme, spices, mustard and vinegar, two-thirds of the butter and a pinch of black pepper. Divide between 8 small ramekins or one large pot.  Press down and flatten the surface with your fingers or a small teaspoon, and top with a sprig of thyme then spoon over the remaining butter, Chill until butter is solid.  Either serve with warm crusty bread or if keeping for later wrap in cling film and refrigerate.

Louis Wain A Cat Compendium

This book is charming and perhaps slightly alarming, too, in a way. Louis Wain's life was filled with poor health of that of his own self as a child (poor health stopped him from going to school until he was 10) and the breast cancer that took the life of his wife at a tragically early age.

To help his wife whilst she was dying over a three year period, Louis bought he a cat, called Peter. and it was Peter who became the inspiration for Louis to paint and draw thousands of cats.

But he didn't merely draw cats in natural settings, though he executed these kinds of drawings. Louis Wain became better known for the fantastical depictions of cats. Cats playing cricket, golfing, boxing, enjoying staging High society parties, hosting dinner parties, playing cards, in fact Louis Wain's cats enjoyed just about every vice and virtue of human society in the Edwardian era in which Louis Wain lived and worked.

Sadly, Louis became mentally ill to the extent that he had to be placed in Bethlehem (aka Bedlam) Mental Hospital for his own good.

Yet the staff encouraged him to continue with his artistic endeavours, which he did. Almost up to his death in 1939.

This book contains many of the illustrations for which Louis Waine was justifiably famed, yet even in some of the earlier drawings of cats we see that their is often a haunted and somewhat manic tint to their visage. Perhaps signs that Louis Wain always had a touch of madness as well as a touch of genius?

But the delightful book is more than a collection of images. It also contains a very useful biographic section on the life of Louis Wain.

It will make an ideal Christmas or Birthday present for the lover of cats, of fans od Louis Wain and also people who are interested in Edwardian history as the book does charmingly parody many of the stratas of Edwardian society that Lous Wain knew so very well.

The book is written/edited by Peter Haining and is published by Peter Owen.

ISBN-10: 0720616379
ISBN-13: 978-0720616378

Catalogue price £11.99 paperback.

http://www.peterowenpublishers.com

It is available through all good local bookshops and via Amazon.

Feel good and do good this Christmas by supporting the Chelsea Pensioners

Bertie the Bulldog; this British Bulldog dressed as a Chelsea Pensioner in scarlet coat and RH initialled black hat is a beautiful soft toy hand-made by Keel toys in Kent.

He is hand-washable and Bertie the Bulldog will make someone that you care about very happy this Christmas.

And this very real feel good factor will also be extended to the giver too!

Why you may ask? Because all profits go to the registered charity, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners.

Bertie is a remarkably keen £14 or a very reasonable £25 for two.

You can only purchase them through the Royal Hospital Chelsea shop, http://royal-hospital-chelsea.myshopify.com/products or www.chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.

Timeless Scottish Gifts from Glen Tanar Estate

Tweed is timeless and it is not just for Christmas. The elegance and traditional style of Glen Tanar Estate’s new range of handbags and purses ensure that your loved ones will cherish them long after the festive period.

Created exclusively for the estate by young Scottish textiles talent, Araminta Campbell, these quality, limited-edition gifts celebrate the heritage and tradition of Glen Tanar, which is nestled close to the Royal Deeside town of Aboyne.

The tweed was designed by Araminta, who took inspiration from the subtle, natural colours which run through the landscape of the estate.

The handbags some in four different sizes, ranging from a small pocket purse through to a large shoulder bag. They are sophisticated enough for special occasions, yet their design makes them ideal for everyday use.

Placemats made from the Glen Tanar tweed are also available, a perfect way to help transform you dinner table with a traditional Scottish twist.

These limited, bespoke accessories are available to purchase in the Glen Tanar Estate Christmas Shop, which is open to Monday 22nd December, seven days a week from 9am-4pm. They can also be bought online at www.glentanar.co.uk.

Prices are: Rectangular placemat set of 6 - £50; Large circular placemat set of 6 - £54;    Small circular placemat set of 6 - £50; Shoulder Bag - £210;   Handbag - £150; Clutch Bag - £94; Purse pocket - £15.

Angling for the perfect gift for the fish loving foodie this Christmas? Then here it is!

This Christmas, treat the foodie in your life to a gift they will really love and will be truly thankful for.

Set them up with the opportunity to learn some awesome cookery skills at Billingsgate Seafood School.

It's located at one of the world's most famous fish markets, London's Billingsgate.

Led by cookery school director, CJ Jackson, the Billingsgate Seafood School offers a class for every person, every budget and every occasion.

There's the fish lovers classes, where visitors can learn the essential knife skills needed for fishmongering, plus some truly ace recipes.

Then there's the shorter morning and evening classes, where the guests can enjoy a glass of wine and will be given the opportunity to test run some new recipes using fish that is responsibly sourced.

Prices for classes typically vary from £40 to just under £200, there's the chance to indulge the food enthusiast in your family to a genuinely unique experience, giving them the chance to experience one of Britain’s oldest markets and London’s traditional institutions.

All vouchers are available online (http://www.seafoodtraining.org)  or can be brought by calling 0207 517 3548 and each voucher is valid for 12 months after purchase.

(EDITOR: The school is established as a charitable company, with the aim of promoting the awareness of fish in young people.)

Tantalise your guests with a Black Cherry Trifle this Christmas

Hartley’s have decided to launch a new and thrilling extra to their range of jellies.

Black Cherry flavour is available just in time for Christmas.

So, apart from making a black cherry jelly  (I rather like how that rhymed, there!) What else can you make with it?

How about a delicious Black Forest trifle?

It's a great new desert recipe and it's quick and easy to prepare, too!

Ingredients
Sugar (for decoration)
Madeira cake
Canister of whipped cream (EDITOR: That's fresh whipped cream)

To make the jelly
Hartley’s 135g Black Cherry jelly (or a flavour of your choice)
1 pint of water

To make the syrup
300g of fresh raspberries (keep a handful aside for decoration)
1 jar of Hartley’s Raspberry Jam

To make the custard
300ml milk
300ml double cream
2 large eggs and one egg yolk
50g caster sugar
50g cornflower
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation
For the desired look you will need 8 glass cups.
·        Wipe a wedge of lemon around the edge of each cup
·        Dip the cups in a bowl of sugar, moving it round clockwise until the rim is covered in sugar
·        Set aside until they are ready to be filled

Method
·        Make the jelly according to the packet instructions

To make the syrup
·        Add half a pot of Hartley’s raspberry jam to a sauce pan with your fresh raspberries
·        Cook on a medium heat for 5-10 minutes before removing from the heat and leaving to cool

To make the custard
·        Add the sugar, cornflower and vanilla into a large mixing bowl. Next add the eggs  and egg yolk before whisking until the mixture is blended
·        Pour milk and double cream into a pan and heat gently until hot but be careful not to boil. Pour this over the egg mixture and immediately whisk until blended
·        Wash pan to remove any scum from milk, and then pour the mix back into the pan heating gently and stirring constantly until thickened. Do not panic if the mix is lumpy just continue to heat and whisk until it is thick and smooth.
·        Finally pour into a jug and cover with cling film to prevent any skin from forming, and then set aside to cool

Making the trifle
·        Cut 8 1cm slices of Madeira cake, place one slice into the bottom of each cup, pushing down to make sure it covers the bottom
·        Next pour the raspberry syrup generously over the Madeira slice
·        Take the chilled jelly from the fridge and spoon into the cup on top of the Madeira cake
·        Spoon in some custard on top of your jelly layer
·        Next whip cream and apply over the fresh custard
·        Finally place a couple of fresh raspberries on top and pop in the fridge to chill for two hours before enjoying with friends.

The One a unique British Isles spirit

For the first time in centuries, there are distilleries all over the British Isles, where experts in this ancient and revered craft (some even argue that its origins lie deep within the religion of the early British tribes) are now crafting and creating some very fine whiskies. Some very fine whiskies, indeed!

But then along came the Lakes Distillery in the English Lake District. A small, traditional, yet modern, distillery with a fairly unique take on things.

They fell to thinking and pondering. What if...? What if...? What if they went to all of the distilleries in the British Isles... and what if they brought together the best of the best of these different whiskies?

And what if... they spent month after month blending and tasting again and again until, finally, the had created a veritable admixture that would be justifiably called The One, combining the best  of all the British Isles whiskies?

And that is it. That's exactly what The One is.

Before we start, a question. So, after all that work what does it taste like? Did all that effort pay off?

That's actually two questions and I'll answer the second question first, for no better reason than I can!

All that effort did pay off.

As for the taste, it's not easy to be definite about this.

But it is very pleasing on the tongue. It has all the hallmarks of a great whisky. There are hints of spices, it reminded me of the delicious spices that are used mainly at Christmas. Although there was also a hint of nuttiness, too, with perhaps a tang that reminded me of citrus fruits? Malty smokiness also came through and the finish was surprisingly, sweetly attractive.

To learn more about The One visit http://www.lakesdistillery.com/en/.

And don't forget they also produce Cumberland's first and only Vodka and Cumberland Gin, too!

A 70cl bottle of The One costs £29.95 on the site.

Baru at Christmas

Baru have produced one of the best confectioneries known to man and woman kind.

They take their awesomely delicious honey and vanilla bean Marshmallows, and then make them even more awesomely delicious by giving them each a topping of proper burnt sugar caramel with just the right amount of genuine Fleir de Sel sea salt from Guerande.

And then just to make the whole process even more deliciously decadent, they cover them in thick, rich dark chocolate.

The result? A truly wonderful experience for the chocolate lover in your life.

They come in boxes of four, so please don't expect them to share them with you! That would be far too cruel!

Our best suggestion is that you should buy two boxes, one for you, one for the recipient. But here's a tip, don't try them before you make the presentation, or you will eat both boxes yourself!

They cost £6.40 for a box of four.

By the way, other flavours and other delicious treats are available, learn about them at http://www.baru.be/en.htm.

Soft Brew. Brewed for discerning adults

Just because you are driving or on antibiotics or just because you do not want alcohol is no reason why you should be condemned to a life of drinking fizzy pop!

Because it's no longer the bad old days when you would find yourself, as an adult, drinking some awful rip-off cola like drink at a party whilst all the other adults were drinking stuff that, you know, actually had a taste of something?

The bad old days of yesteryear have been replaced by the good new days and a new range of tasty, adult drinks that, although they are proud of their brewing heritage actually contain zero alcohol.

Whilst the Soft Brew range lacks alcohol the drinks contain a whole lot of taste and character.

There are three flavours to choose from: Apple, Lemon and Lime and Elderflower.

They are brewed to bring out the full, soft flavours of the fruits, there's a delicious aroma of hops and a full, satisfying flavour that is free not only of alcohol but also of preservatives and additives.

Chill the bottles (not too much) Gently shake the bottle (not too hard!) to make certain that the fruit is properly mixed throughout the bottle and then pour into your glass and enjoy.

Which one would you like best? Well, as for me, Lime and elderflower is probably the best, though Apple and Lemon come as join seconds, though not far behind.

To learn more about this delicious addition to the Christmas and New Year party scene please visit
http://www.alfresco.co.uk/ourbrands/soft_brew.

Peter's Yard when only the best artisan products will do

You have the finest butter that you can buy, you have the best cheeses that you could find, some really wonderful choice cold cuts, with the tastiest chutneys that are available. 

All helped along by some of the finest organic wines, beers, ports and sherries that you could possibly bring to the table of your guests this Christmas, because you love your guests and want them to be more than happy, you want them to be ecstatic with the food at the party you are hosting.

So what crackers do you supply them with? What? Really? Seriously? Those crackers? The ones over... there?

Oh, no! But surely ordinary cheese biscuits made in an industrial complex rather than a real bakery cannot be served at your party?

That's right, common decency says that they can't! 

So, what to do, instead? What you do is you get yourself to Peter's Yard, Britain's premier Swedish artisan bakery. And buy some real, honest-to-goodness real and properly baked crispbreads!

Your guests will love you for going to www.petersyard.com and either buying direct from this Shropshire-based centre of baking excellence or learning on the site the location of your nearest stockist.  

And Peter's Yard are also on the lookout for savvy folks to stock their range of crispbreads in their shops, delicatessens, garden centre foodhall, supermarket, farm shops and restaurants, so please do enquire!

Wilkinsons for gifts, decorations and much more

Wilkinson's was founded by James Wilkinson back in the 1930s.

Since then it has served well the generations after generations of shoppers who have visited its hundreds of stores or in more recent years have shopped on line via its easy-to-use and shopper friendly website.

Each year every branch of Wilkinson or Wilko as it is know more widely known, and its website gear up to provide its customers with all the kinds of things they could need to ensure that they, the customers, can give their friends and family members they type of Christmas they deserve.

You'll find the Christmas shop at www.wilko.com but  for those of us who still enjoy shopping in the High Street for our Christmas goodies, you can use the handy Store Locator button on the top of the website's first page.

What will you find on line or in your nearest Wilko branch?

Christmas crackers, toys, gifts and more, Christmas decorations (for example, The Wild Wood NOEL decoration that is pictured is available from Wilko at a remarkably modest £5.00) and there are Christmas lights (both for your indoor and outdoor trees) aftershave, perfumes, stocking fillers, that lovely new table that will sit all of the family round it in one sitting, with nobody feeling left out!

See, at Wilko you can not only get what you know you want for Christmas, you can also get things you might have never have even considered as being needed at Christmas but, once you own them, you really can't imagine how you even coped without them, before!

For some really good hints of how to make your own Christmas please take a look at 

www.wilko.com/christmas-decorations/make-your-own-christmas/icat/make-your-own-christmas.

There are even specially recorded TV programmes to give you hints and ideas like this one!

So this December follow the link to the Wilko website or follow your feet to the nearest branch. And by the way, if you spend £50 or more, the delivery is free. Please ask for details.

Want to make a cake for Christmas? Cake Craft World is what you need

Want to make a cake for Christmas? Cake Craft World is what you need. Just visit their website at www.cakecraftworld.co.uk and you will find yourself in a Wonderland of all things cake.

If you are a novice looking to make your first Christmas cake for friends or family and you are looking for some gentle guidance and a nudge in the right direction, or if you are an expert cake maker who knows exactly what you require to wow the folks with your usual cake making skills, then the friendly people at Cake Craft World will be able to help you add those little finishing touches that add pizazz, glitz and glamour to your cake.

There's a "wow" factor in every section of the website.

Want to learn more about how to bake a cake?

There's a whole library of books for you to choose from.

From cake baking books for the very beginner to more comprehensive cake baking books that really deserve to grace the shelf of every country house hotel kitchen in the country, they are all there, plus there are book to help you produce the best icing ever.

But there's much, much more to Cake Craft World than that!

There are Christmas cake decorations (also available in bulk for the professional or semi-professional cake maker, cake boards (with special seasonal additions to the range as one would expect!) Christmas moulds (for icing or those special chocolate shapes, loved by children from three to 103!) Christmas tins and bakeware, Mince Pie tins and Christmas Pudding mould, special edible sundries, seasonal cake decorations, ingredients to help you make the best cake ever and also seasonal boxes and bags to place them in.

And much more, besides.

But please don't take our word for it. Visit their website at the above link and learn for yourself why the smart cake makers are all going to Cake Craft World.

And if someone you know is going for a December or January wedding, why not check out the Cake Craft World Wedding Cake section?

Cake Craft World: A cake doesn't just have to be for Christmas!

(PICTURED: A Cake Craft World Cake, made using the excellent book, Easy Christmas Cakes, available from Cake Craft World. Incidentally, the cake has not made it 'til Christmastime. A different recipe from the same book will be tried. Will that one last 'til Christmas? Who knows? But it will be fun finding out!)

Ampleforth Abbey Beer, it's ideal for Christmas

Ampleforth Abbey Beer is a traditional monastic beer which is based on a centuries-old Benedictine recipe adapted for use with modern brewing methods.

It was launched two years ago and is already on target to sell 100,000 bottles by Christmas.

And Ampleforth Abbey Beer was named ‘Yorkshire’s Best Drink’ in the Deliciously Yorkshire Awards in 2012/13. It also received the Two Star Great Taste Award and was awarded silver in the International Beer Challenge.

It is sold in around 70 specialist and independent retailers throughout Yorkshire, branches of Booths supermarket, in local pubs and restaurants, online and in the Abbey Shop.

So, what does it taste like? It's like a traditional Belgian Trappist beer, but it is so much more than that.

There's a hoppy earnestness about this beer. It is not for the lager fan, as it is 7%  and full of flavour.

There are hints of rum and also of a good old English pudding, too, but all delicately balanced.

It's not a quaffing ale and works very well as a accompaniment for your Christmas dinner, making an interesting replacement for the more traditional wines.

To buy your ale or one of the other most excellent products from the monetary please visit  http://www.visitors.ampleforth.org.uk/abbey-produce-2.