Stoli has long been the vodka of choice for the elite- and fittingly, they’ve named their premium edition ‘elit’. Use it in this festive sparkler to bring a ‘rose-y’ glow to guests’ cheeks.
Cakeadoodledoo Festive Recipe- Brandy Snaps
Not many of us couldn’t slot in the odd light, crisp, caramelised brandy snap on top of the usual skipload of festive fodder. Just don’t get all clever and try and assemble ahead of time- or they, and you, will be reduced to a mere sad, sticky mess.
Salvatore Calabrese’s Hangover Cures
Urgh. You open one eye, then the other. Not both together. Too much, too soon. If you’re unlucky the room will still be spinning. Your mouth’s dry and your memory alarmingly- or thankfully- blank. But World’s Leading Cocktail Expert Salvatore Calabrese is here to save the day!
Preserving with Le Parfait
Cranberries. They’re taking up my entire fridge. Not the Irish rock band you understand (they wouldn’t quite fit), but the firm, sharp red berries that scream’Christmas’ as loudly as that other familiar red sphere, Santa. In preparation for the big day, I’m determined these will’linger’ no more. The Christmas bird will have its berry-based bedfellow!
Book Review: Rococo: Mastering the Art of Chocolate- Chantal Coady
Chocolate. Who’s not a fan? At Christmas, be you ardent admirer or casual consumer, the brown stuff seems to be afforded an elevated status as a valid and necessary food group. What the hell- there are far worse forms of substance abuse. And, in fact, chocolatiers like Chantal Coady are in the finest of fettle- testament to the properties of the food that fuelled Montezuma.
The Macdonald Townhouse Hotel, Manchester
The Macdonald Townhouse Hotel sits on the corner of Portland and Princess Street; tall and elegant with the kind of soaring gothic windows that suggests an architect with pious leanings, the Macdonald is the understated antithesis of those 21st century hotel blocks that resemble a giant Rubik’s cube.
Crystal Head Vodka
Encased in a unique glass skull, Crystal Head Vodka is the essential bottle for any drinks cabinet, cocktail aficionado or festive party.
Microbrewer Sam Smith’s Seasonal Ale Selection
Real ale fan and one of the masterminds behind London microbrewery Pressure Drop, Sam Smith is a man who knows what differentiates sheer nectar from mere beer. He reckons ale’s a canny Christmas buy, with the best imported craft beers commanding the same price as some very mediocre wines.
OXO French Press on test. The cafetiere comes of age?
Sick of coffee grounds dotting your sink? Then the OXO Goodgrips cafetiere has the answer with a clever update to a classic piece of kitchen kit
David Bullock’s Cornish Sea Salt Co. recipes
Stressed about Christmas dinner? If your answer is’no’, then the chances are you won’t be preparing it. If the daunting task does fall on your shoulders this year, you don’t have to suffer turkey that straddles a fine line between dangerously raw and devastatingly dry. Have a go at my tasty beef instead.