Archive For October 2020
It’s been a strange year and Christmas will likely continue in the same vein. But these times have given us the chance to re-evaluate our lives and what matters. Our gardens have become a focus and Kikkerland have a little Seeds Garden Kit that will remind the lucky recipient of summer days. This is a…
There are so many gins on the market these days. Spirits are enjoying a classy revival not seen since the ’20s. Justin Birch of Wadhurst, East Sussex has spent a decade perfecting his eponymous Birch Gin. Well, that was 10 years well spent! In 2010 Justin moved from Singapore to be greeted by the UK…
Delftware or Delft pottery, also known as Delft Blue, is a term now widely used to describe the instantly recognisable Dutch earthenware. Most of it is blue and white, and the city of Delft in the Netherlands was the predominant production area in Europe. Four centuries ago the first Dutch East India Company ships returned…
Another Delicious and festive cocktail from Brockmans Gin When Ginger Met Ruby 40ml Brockmans Gin 20ml Ruby Port Top with Ginger Ale Grapefruit or freshly grated nutmeg Pour over large ice cubes into a short glass. Garnish with grapefruit zest or a grating of nutmeg. WHERE TO BUY Brockmans Gin (RRP £34) is stocked by…
Brandy Cocktails by Stuart Walton is perhaps the best quality and best priced brandy cocktail book around. It’s from Lorenz Books who have a reputation for publishing good value books which one will actually use. Christmas will soon be with us and it’s probable that we will be staying home in small ‘bubbles’ this year….
It’s that time of year again! Summer is over and the lush greens of the garden have faded. Young Living Essential Oils have a host of culinary oils including Parsley, and it’s perfect not only for salad dressings but cocktails as well – and those mixed drinks will remind one of warmer seasons. Parsley pairs…
Over 100 delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes, full of flavour and meat free! My dear reader will note that I don’t often cover celebrity cookbooks. I wasn’t expecting much from The Hairy Bikers’ Veggie Feasts, but I found it to be something of a culinary page turner – and I am not even a vegetarian….
On the first day of Christmas, my true love brought to me…Brockmans Gin Clove Actually. This is a delightfully spicy interpretation of a classic G&T with an attractive garnish to start your festive season in style. Clove Actually 50ml Brockmans Gin Top with good quality tonic Garnish: blueberries or clove-studded grapefruit Pour over large ice…
Welsh chef Kate Probert, who runs a cookery school in Gower and previously won guidebook recognition for two much-loved Welsh restaurants, has released her first book. From Mountain to Sea is a perfect Christmas present for any Francophile or food lover. It contains a beautiful collection of French-inspired recipes, interspersed with stories of Kate’s life…
Rum Cocktails by Stuart Walton is perhaps the best quality and best priced rum cocktail book around. It’s from Lorenz Books who have a reputation for publishing good value books which one will actually use. Christmas will soon be with us and it’s probable that we will be staying home in small ‘bubbles’ this year….
A Field Guide to Cheese is a veritable compendium of some of the most celebrated cheeses from around the world and a fully illustrated cheese reference book for cheese lovers. The guide starts with a history of cheese. It’s a long one, starting at 5000BC. There is information on milk-giving animals such as sheep, goats,…
Mix a cocktail, donate to charity – Hawthorn’s Gin helps out Ahoy there. It’s Hawthorn’s Gin Happy Hour A gin created from a recipe discovered in a Hampshire naval war hero’s diary, is inviting you to try some tantalising Autumn cocktail recipes. And as if discovering this multi-award-winning gin wasn’t enough, for every bottle you…
Well, shame on me! I looked at the pale blue bottle with 1950s surfer and tiki-bar tones and was determined that this wasn’t going to be my cup of tea. But wait! A little sip and one’s mixologist’s mind is racing. A second taste has one detecting an exotic tapestry of flavours. 65 attempts British…
The Brand New Aubergine ‘Genie’ It is time to banish those 1980’s memories of soggy ratatouille (whilst waiting in anticipation for your dessert of Arctic Roll) and herald the aubergine for what it truly is….one of the most interesting vegetables to grow and eat! As a staple of many recipes in cuisines from Europe, Asia…
Vodka Cocktails by Stuart Walton is perhaps the best quality and best priced vodka cocktail book around. It’s from Lorenz Books who have a reputation for publishing good value books which one will actually use. Christmas will soon be with us and it’s probable that we will be staying home in small ‘bubbles’ this year….
Biltong – Mighty Meaty Jack Links offer snacks which are healthy and full of delicious umami. Biltong is a traditional food and it’s been around for centuries in one form or another. European settlers arriving in southern Africa in the early 17th century used vinegar as the meat-preserving medium along with saltpetre which prevents botulism;…