Tag Archives: Gift ideas

Please Santa…

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For those of you struck by the realisation that your pathological fear of Oxford street 4 days before Christmas, will do little to fill the gaping hole in your party season sleigh, turn to food. Because even those who have everything need to eat. Given my unfailing dedication to shopping and troffing, not to mention my ‘discerning taste’, I’m sharing my top 3 failsafes. For, if Little Miss Fussy is happy, then surely we’re onto a winner…

Seggiano Honey & Olive oil. Wholesome Seduction

Seggiano. God of taste: flavour and design. Everything from panettone to olive oil; chocolate clementines to honey, packaged so beautifully, wrapping paper wrestling is a thing of the past. Note: Seggiano’s acacia honey is a Storehouse seducer my cupboard is rarely without.

Available from Wholefoods or independent delis. Olive oil: £11.50. Honey: £8.50. Foraged tree: Free from Clapham Common.

 

ChristmasCoolies.WholesomeSeduction

Homemade. With bows on. Wrap brownies, truffles or cookies in greaseproof paper and Christmas ribbon for a Yuletide gift Kirsty Allsopp would be proud of. Add festive spice to chocolate recipes with some chilli or cardamom. Or stuff dates with almonds and dip in chocolate. Aunt Dorris will be overjoyed.

Noel ribbon £8 from Cox & Cox

 

FlavourThesaurus&Ottolenghi, Jerusalem

And last but in no ways least, the masterpiece that is The Flavour Thesaurus, our post from October last year. A staple and I’m sure, a classic no cook or food lover would sniff at. I’ve also added Our Favourite Places Godfather, Yotam Ottolenghi’s latest kitchen handbook that’s equally dedicated to coffee table style.

£10+ from Amazon

 

For those looking for a more extravagant gift, rumour has it Selfridges (and potentially the net…) is doing a Whisky Advent Calendar for a mere 150 quid. Drink your way through the doors to find a sample 50 year old Malt – full size bottle retailing at £350. Because what better Santa induction is there than getting smashed at breakfast…

Ho ho ho…. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

 

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The Flavour Thesaurus: Pairings, recipes & ideas for the creative cook

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Struck by the realisation that she had less freestyle kitchen confidence than her ancestors, Niki Segnit felt compelled to painstakingly (and somewhat altruistically we think) compile an easy guide on flavour pairings. And for this, we will be eternally grateful.

Through examples of culture, recipes and “flavour science”, Segnit helps us understand the language of flavour, and potentially become more confident cooks in the process.

Chocolate and tomato? Surely an error in judgment… until we remember the favourite of even the most traditional British male: Chilli con carne. We’re on the fence re: Vietnam’s coffee and avocado combo though.

So, whether you want to break away from meticulous recipe following, impress your friends with a thoughtful (and stylish) gift, or update your coffee table (it really is pretty sexy), we see no reason not to put this on your Christmas list.

Hush, M&S have had mince pies at entrance eye level since August.

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