Archive For December 2023
Australian Seaweed Science. A couple of decades ago the founder of Phyco Health, Dr Pia Winberg, was looking for a more sustainable, low-emissions way to grow food from the sea. Seaweed was the answer. Seaweed re-oxygenates the seas, buffers against acidity and can grow up to 50 times faster than land-based crops. Dr Winberg discovered…
For Dry January. Here it is approaching once again. Dry January! Our carpets will be filled with pine needles and our heads with New Year resolutions. They are called that because that’s about as long as they last. But Belvoir Farm Cordials are here to help with the alcohol-free month (but the vacuuming is still…
A Blessed Wine? Here is a church which shares its name with a wine. In the heart of Bergerac, on the well-trodden route to Saint-Jacques of Compostela stands the Church of Saint-Jacques. The original construction was erected in the 12th century as a chapel on the pilgrim trail to Compostela. There is also a rather…
Plant Based and Sweet. Plant based, gluten, wheat and milk-free pre-baked goods have been with us for a good while now. But up until a few years ago I would view them with scepticism. Those ‘free-froms’ seemed free of everything that made eating a joy. Times have changed and now we can enjoy delicious treats…
We have many cheese choices in specialist shops and even our local supermarket. Gouda can easily be overlooked. It seems to have been with us forever and we don’t even notice it anymore. The first mention of this cheese dates from 1184, making it one of the oldest recorded cheeses in the world still being…
A Cracking Idea. The ready-to-pour cocktail specialists Whitebox Cocktails have launched a beautiful selection of Christmas gifts for cocktail lovers, along with the ultimate Christmas Crackers for the festive table. Pocket Negroni and other cocktails in a cracker! No festive celebration is complete without a Christmas cracker, let alone one filled with two perfect serves…
CADBURY WORLD REVEALS FIRST EVER LIGHT-UP CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS TREE. Midlands based attraction Cadbury World has unveiled a tree-mendous new creation – the first ever light-up chocolate Christmas tree. Standing at an impressive 80cm tall and weighing approximately 30kg, the magnificent chocolate tree took the talented Cadbury World chocolatiers four days to make. The masterpiece…
The Historic Spirit. Altamura is a town and commune of Apulia, Italy, and is famed for its bread. Pane di Altamura is the only bread in the world supported by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Now the region has a spirit sporting that same name: Altamura Vodka is already a classy winner. This well-crafted…
Delicious Holiday Competition. Have yourself a very Merry Christmas. Or should that be a Cherry Christmas? You could win €1000 euros this Christmas for doing what you perhaps love best: mixing a cocktail. Heering Cherry Liqueur has just launched a Christmas Cocktail Competition, in association with Difford’s Guide, inviting home cocktail enthusiasts to submit their…
‘Les Sables d’Arene’ vieilles vignes. Lirac produces wines from hillside vineyards on the western side of the River Rhône. The appellation is found opposite to the celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine Girouard AOC Lirac 2021 ‘Les Sables d’Arene’ vieilles vignes is much better value than wines with that more famous label but still offer great quality. These…
Japanese Inspired January. Japan Centre – Europe’s largest Japanese food hall – has shared its authentic Japanese vegan recipes ahead of Veganuary 2024. With the ingredients available to buy in store at Leicester Square, Westfield White City and Stratford or online on their website, why not test your culinary skills with these easy to follow…
The Perfect Cocktail Touch. It’s the season for entertaining and for many of us that means cocktails. Mixologist’s Garden offers some very classy garnishes to elevate your cocktails to impress your holiday sippers. The 100% natural fruits are freeze-dried in a flash. No additives, no E-numbers, and no allergy worries – what you see…
Limited Edition Festive Treats. It’s here again, and we are looking forward to fun and festive fare. HECK comes to the rescue with its Limited Edition Pork and Wensleydale Cocktail Sausages! Christmas is when we are entertaining, and the more time-saving products the better. These little sausages just need a quick fry or grill, and…
A Lighter Wine for Christmas. It’s time to start planning for Christmas. Yes, gifts and tree-trimmings, but also the food and drink. Money is tighter than ever this year, but Tesco has some suggestions that won’t break the bank. Tesco Finest Cinsault Rosé is a lighter wine working perfectly with some Christmas dinner starters. South…
Chateau Mourgues du Gres, ‘Les Galets d’Ores’ 2022. Chateau Mourgues du Gres is found in the Costieres de Nîmes region of the southern Rhone Valley. The estate is managed in organic fashion by former journalist François Collard, who oversees 40 hectares of vines and produces Les Galets d’Ores. The vineyards are covered with galets, the…