About to grab a last-minute gift for your Mum this Mother’s Day? Go for one of these delicious boozy collections and she won’t be disappointed. Whether she prefers Prosecco, cocktails or gin, choose one of these hampers and make her Mother’s Day.
1. World Of Zing’s Floral Prosecco Cocktail Collection
You cannot go wrong with the Floral Prosecco Cocktail Collection filled with delights from World of Zing. Each box is presented in a pretty gift box and includes a delicious Orange Blossom & Passionfruit Spritz, a Peach & Elderflower Spritz, a Saffron & Rose Gimlet and a 200ml Bottle of Bottega Gold Prosecco.
Order now on worldofzing.com.
2. Della Vite Prosecco X Irene Forte Skincare Bundle
If your Mum loves beauty and bubbles then she will love the Della Vite X Irene Forte collection. These limited edition bundles include bottle of Della Vite Treviso D.O.C with an Irene Forte Hibiscus night cream, or a pomegranate hand cream or a divine pistachio lip balm. The Delavingne sisters created Della Vite Prosecco, a 100% vegan alternative to champagne, in the heart of northern Italy. Tried and tested by the House of Coco team, we can assure you that this Prosecco is a delight.
Order now on forteskincare.co.uk.
3. Bullards Gin Luxury Hamper
For the Mum who loves gin and tonic, go for this extravagant hamper filled with Bullards Coastal Gin, Double Dutch mixers and a Coastal scented Candle. Plus, the hamper comes complete with jigger, bar blade and two glasses so there’s no excuse not to join her for a gin or three.
Pre made cocktails don’t always get the best wrap, often so sweet they resemble syrup or lacking a certain oomph where ingredients have compromised, food writer and chef Hannah Gregory decided to take one for the team and step up to the challenge in separating the wheat from the chaff so you don’t have to. Read on for ten of the best.
For mums who love an Aperitivo.
The Starlino Aperitivo range came out on top of the very thorough taste tests that were endured with bottles as beautiful as the contents inside, this collection may be the perfect gift. We tried the Rose Aperitivo, the Arancione Aperitivo and the Rosso Vermouth. Topping the rose aperitivo with a grapefruit tonic and serving it long and over ice was absolutely delicious and would appease even the pickiest of Mothers. Blushing pink, refreshingly bitter and not too strong, this is the perfect welcome drink for any Mother’s Day lunch. We served the more familiar orange aperitivo as you would an Aperol Spritz, topped with prosecco & soda. Sweeter than its more familiar counterpart this tasted like a very grown up San Pelligrino, very sippable – best served on a sun terrace. And lastly, the vermouth, something we were a little nervous about – vermouth is definitely an acquired taste, this offering was absolutely delicious – we made up a cocktail very loosely based on a Negroni,mixing equal parts vermouth, gin, bourbon and cherry brandy – she packs a punch but holy moly, what a way to end an evening. This is the perfect night cap to share with mum and put the world to rights.
The Starlino range is £21.45 per 70cl bottle, available here.
For the mums who like it fun & fruity.
Coppa cocktails are perfect for those who are looking for some instant transportation to the beach. Fun, fruity and reminiscent of long, cool cocktails best enjoyed poolside, these premade drinks just need to be chilled and poured. The range encompasses all the classics from Mojitos to Pina Coladas.
We tried the Rum & Ginger, Mojito and Cosmopolitan. The Mojito was the firm favourite. Skeptical at first and unsure how a cocktail that relies so heavily on fresh ingredients would work bottled, this was surprisingly refreshing and tasted exactly as a mojito should – serve with crushed ice and fresh mint and you are on to a winner.
Coppa cocktails are £17.30 per 70cl bottle and available here with next day delivery options.
For the mums who love an Espresso Martini.
Artisan Coffee Co.’s Espresso Martini Gift Set offers the perfect way to discover a luxurious, decadent spin on the classic espresso martini this Mother’s Day and enjoy it in its purest form. Developed by Michelin-starred chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, this silky smooth, intense, specialty coffee cocktail mix is made with all natural ingredients and no additives or preservatives. The martini mix has been expertly blended using a multitude of infusion techniques layering coffee in different forms to add complexity to the drink, alongside a combination of The Genius coffee infused winter wheat vodka, The Genius cold brew and a rich and silky, salted demerara and muscovado syrup. Each cocktail is finished with either pod espresso or bean to cup espresso and once vigorously shaken promises a delicious velvety foam. Each kit comes with the option to choose either type of coffee, allowing for the ultimate coffee-based cocktail at home, no matter what the brew style. Just shake over ice with fresh espresso and enjoy!
For the soon to be mums or those monitoring their booze intake.
Savyll’s alcohol free cocktails have been carefully crafted using a unique blend of natural ingredients to recreate the sophisticated flavours, familiarity and sense of occasion that cocktails bring, with a premium selection of the world’s most popular variations. “Pronounced “sah-vell” – meaning to be ‘savoured by all’ Savyll cocktails can be served directly from their elegant signature glass bottles and enjoyed without the need for mixers or other embellishments – simply chill, serve and sip!
The range is vegan-friendly, gluten free and free from any listed allergens and artificial sweeteners.
There is no fomo here, these cocktails look and taste like the ‘real thing’ and have been created with the same love and care as their boozy counterparts and not only do they taste great but they look the part too
A box of four cocktails which includes Mojito, Paloma, Bellini and G&T costs £13.99 and is available here.
For the mums who like it British.
Created and canned in Scotland, these premium cocktails fuse a touch of the fantastical with a hint of pure decadence to bring a unique taste experience quite unlike any other. Included in the range is the Secret Garden, Maverick Martini and the signature Cheeky Wee Kiss.
250ml cans are priced at £5.50 each and can be bought in set of 3, 6 or 12 here.
For the mums who deserve to be spoilt.
The Hepple Spirits Gift Box is the perfect gift for the favourite gin lover in your life. An elegant gift set from one of the world’s most exciting spirits distilleries. The team at Hepple have designed their own glassware to help experience the perfect Hepple martini serve. These modern glasses are a beautiful yet functional addition to any cocktail lovers’ home bar. Included in the elegant box is a 50cl bottle of your choice from the Hepple Spirits repetoire, two specially designed crystal martini glasses which have been beautifully etched with the Hepple juniper sprig motif and a selection of specially created cocktail cards to help experimentation.
The box can be delivered direct and can include a dedicated gift message for the recipient.
Packaged in a pouch with built in tap, these are the perfect gift for mum’s who are already thinking about their festival packing list. With these at-home cocktails your Mum won’t have to worry about buying all the ingredients and taking time to make their favourite drink themselves… all they have to do is shake, pour and serve!
Soho Street Cocktails is a brand revolutionising the ready-to-drink cocktail market. Each of their small-batch, craft cocktails delivers on bar-standard flavour and consistency for a fraction of the effort and price.
These cocktails have been handcrafted with a ‘taste-first’ approach, made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavours or colourings. The current Soho Street Cocktails range includes a Passionstar Martini, Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, and a Piña Colada, which all come in quantities of 1.5 litres and range from 9.5-12% ABV.
From the team behind Homeboy Islington and Embassy Gardens comes The Bottle Cocktail Shop. The new launch is designed to break down barriers and make drinking world class cocktails at home more accessible. We went for the East 8 Hold which we topped with tonic to create a long, sweet drink.
The Bottle Cocktail Shop is priced at £25 for a 500ml bottle and is available to purchase from www.thebottlecocktailshop.com.
For the mums who love a subscription.
Take every last stress away from Mum with this complete kit to make the perfect cocktail and further her education on the subject.
“Tipsy Panda Cocktail Co. is the solution to bar-quality drinks from the comfort of your own home. The UK’s most eco-friendly and easiest way to learn about new cocktails and how to make them yourselves! Everything you need to make the finest drinks at home! Tipsy Panda provides all the ingredients needed to make the perfect cocktail at home.
The Tipsy Cocktail Club acts as a tasting course, teaching subscribers about exotic new cocktails and how to make them. Each month, the Tipsy Panda expert mixologists try 100s of cocktails and filter through the best, perfecting the recipes with the most ideal spirits and liqueurs to send to club members. Club members also earn points on every box that can be redeemed on Tipsy Panda’s online shop, and gain access to exclusive discounts and products only available to them.”
The LAIBA tropical cocktail gift set allows a taste of all their best summer flavours and is all packaged up in the most beautiful gift box. Superbly well made, these cocktail sets make the perfect gift and are set to instantly transport Mum to sunnier climes.
Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is perched just above Vlycha Bay, one of the most peaceful pebble beaches in Rhodes. On arrival to the hotel, guests are welcomed into a bright lobby and outside terrace with soaring views of brilliant skies and large infinity pool, one of the largest on the island – which takes eyes directly to a vast stretch of the Aegean beyond. The property is the fifth and latest from the Minettos family owned high-end chain, Lindos Hotels Group.
Chic, contemporary and sparkling white, the five-star hotel offers an ethereal feel on the hilltop with plenty of room to roam, beautiful manicured gardens to unwind in and a tranquil spa. Rooms and suites are modern and relaxed, with hugely comfortable beds, a muted colour palette in the well-appointed bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows allowing the natural light to stream into the space at sunset. For the majority of the 189 rooms at the adults-only hotel, the turquoise private pool that curves around each offers a complete slice of heaven. The rooms are designed in such a way that guests feel like they are in their own secluded villa with complete privacy but yet are just moments from the hotel’s sensational restaurants, two buzzy bars and expert concierge services.
The dining at Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is famed throughout the island and is the envy of other hotels in the region. The key component being the skill and artistry of Executive Chef Stavros Manousakis. Chef Manousakis has been a part of Lindos for 11 years, truly a family affair. He has travelled extensively and works with local children in addition to his work at the hotel to ignite a passion for all things culinary.
Three à la carte restaurants offer an exquisite variety of cuisine and there are plans to open other concepts in 2022. There is the Mediterranean-focused Acqua e Sale and the fine dining Greek Restaurant, Thalatta which explores the rich culinary heritage of the Dodecanese Islands. Time honoured recipes are given new life thanks to the creative flair of the expert chefs in the hotel’s kitchen. Fresh produce from the island is cooked to perfection and all washed down with wines so local and golden, it is unlikely you will ever sip them again, unless you sought them out. The Japanese Yume Mou is an omakase experience that is simply breathtaking with the cobalt sea in the foreground and the chef preparing delicious morsels in front of your eyes. Chef Manousakis will take epicureans through each exquisite dish and his culinary journey as to why each ingredient is served on the special menu, from dashi to Red Snapper, sushi and fresh oysters. The main restaurant, Terra Mare offers views of the ocean and serves up breakfast from 5:30am – 11:30am, for those early birds or late risers and a buffet-style, laid-back dining experience in the evening. Guests also have the option to order breakfast directly to the room, at a small surcharge.
Just a stone’s throw from the relaxed vibe around the pool and chilled music at Atmos Lounge is Vlycha Beach where there is a dedicated section of hotel-owned loungers just by the lapping shores. If a spot of culture away from the hotel is on the agenda, the property is just minutes from Lindos Old Town located at the foot of the acropolis that dates back to 300BC. To burn off all the delectable food served by the charismatic Chef Manousakis, guests can ascend to the top of the hilltop and enjoy otherworldly views of the Aegean, as far as the eye can see that will truly make your soul soar.
Also not to be missed is the Medieval City of Rhodes which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved and largest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. Visitors can immerse themselves in a bygone age and explore the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, get lost along quaint cobbled streets, dine in the flower-filled gardens of unassuming restaurants such as the superb Marco Polo Mansion and browse artisan market stalls selling local wears. Back at the hotel, Lindos Grand will be hosting Ceramic and Cooking classes this summer and offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture of Rhodes and return home with a traditional Grecian skill.
This year, all roads are leading to Rhodes.
Rates for Lindos Grand Resort & Spa start from £200 a night on a B&B basis staying in a Deluxe Double Room, Garden View. To book, visit www.lindosgrand.com
We won’t lie to you: St Patrick’s Day is one of the best for food and drink festivities – and 2022 is no exception. Whether you’re looking to see the day at your favourite local Irish bar – or you plan on cooking your own Irish stew feast at home, we’ve got your food and drink covered.
While historic celebrations centred around the “Feast of St Patrick” and involved eating a dish of bacon and cabbage post-church attendance, the more modern affairs typically include pints of Guinness and heartwarming Irish food.
However you’re celebrating St Patrick’s Day 2022, we want to make sure you’ve got all the information about where to source the best food and drink or how to indulge in your own creations at home.
Coupette
Bethnal Green is home to the little gem that is Coupette. The neighbourhood cocktail bar is a favourite among both locals and other Londoners and will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day 2022 in true Irish fashion – with live music and whiskey. A regular host of live music performances from resident singer and pianist Nata, Coupette is also collaborating with The Busker Irish Whisky for the occasion. Guests can enjoy a specially curated Irish menu of £7 Busker cocktails, created by the award-winning Coupette bar team.
Tickets are £10 and include two free The Busker cocktails, available via Eventbrite.
Honest Burgers
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Honest Burgers has teamed up with Guinness to create an Irish-themed burger for the ever-popular monthly special. Consisting of a classic Honest beef patty, topped with candied bacon, Guinness fondue, Guinness beef and bacon gravy, crispy onions, rocket and pickles, this burger is certainly not one to miss. To truly get you into the spirit of things, every Honest Burgers restaurant will have Guinness MicroDraught available.
Teeling Irish Whiskey
Teeling’s St Patrick’s Day event takes place in the heart of Shoreditch, London – setting up at Milroys of Spitalfields. Running until Sunday 20th March 2022, the week-long takeover of London’s iconic whisky bar allows visitors to sample the range of spectacular whiskey on offer.
Teeling Whiskey will be taking over the cocktail menu in the downstairs basement, as it offers up a range of delicious cocktails – including the Teeling Highball, the Teeling Irish Coffee and a trio of whiskey tasting flights (available in 3, 4 and 5 whiskey flights). What’s more is that if you buy any bottle of Teeling Whiskey or Tasting Flight on St Patrick’s Day itself, you can get a free embroidered Teeling Whisky flat cap to wear all evening and for many days after too.
Crosstown Doughnuts
Crosstown is coming through again with the limited edition doughnuts – this time to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2022. The doughnuts are created with Baileys Irish cream chocolate ganache, filled between two layers of chocolate Guinness cake doughnut and hand-dippe in Guinness icing – before being finished with Crosstown’s chocolate soil.
The perfect way to eat your way through St Patrick’s Day, the individual flavours of these doughnuts are available in-store, for collection and on-demand delivery. Gift boxes are available to pre-order nationwide.
Mash Direct
The award-winning Northern Irish vegetable sides brand has just launched a series of delicious recipes for St Patrick’s Day. Should you be spending the Irish festivities at home, why not cook up your own feast, featuring a Marmite-Infused Cheesy Guinness Dip for your Mash Direct fries?
St Patrick’s Day Marmite-Infused Guinness Dip with Mash Direct Skinny Fries
Ingredients:
1 large yellow onion, sliced into 1/4-inch thin half moons
4 ounces Dubliner cheese, plus extra for sprinkling on top
8 ounces cream cheese
¼ cup of mayonnaise
¼ of a cup of Guinness
1 tbsp of mustard (any variety)
2 handfuls of freshly chopped chives
3 tsp of marmite
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt
Pepper
2 packs of Mash Direct Skinny Fries
Method:
Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees.
Cut a large yellow onion in half and then slice into 1/4-inch thin half-moons. Heat a 10-inch skillet on medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add in the onions. Toss to coat and cook slowly until golden and caramelized.
Then, toss the onions into a bowl with the 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 4 ounces of the Dubliner cheese, 1tbsp of Mustard, a handful of fresh chopped chives and salt and pepper.
Pour in 1/4 cup of Guinness
Next, stir until thoroughly combined.
Spoon the mixture into a small-ish oven safe dish, with a dollop of marmite on top.
Spread the dip evenly and sprinkle with the remaining Dubliner cheese. Slip the pan-o-cheese into your preheated 400° oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until the dip is golden and bubbly.
Finish with a scattering of the fresh chopped chives to garnish.
Allow the dip to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you start dipping.
Whilst the dip is cooling, place your Mash Direct Skinny Fries on a baking tray and cook as per pack instructions.
Swift Bars
London cocktail bar Swift will be hosting festivities for St Patrick’s Day at both its Soho and Shoreditch locations. Famous for its signature Irisih coffees, this menu will run until Saturday 19th March and will feature Jameson Back Barrel and Guinness on tap for the week.
On St. Patrick’s Day itself, Swift Soho will celebrate with traditional Irish music from Alan Dunn and Jerry Bloom, while its sister in Shoreditch will be plating up a limited edition Jameson Black Barrel and Guinness Tiramisu – available for the day only.
There’s a lovely laid-back vibe at JOAN. Unlike other Shoreditch eateries, this all-day bar and bistro isn’t too cool for school. Located in an old leather factory on Bethnal Green Road, just opposite Shoreditch High Street station, JOAN is a vibrant yet relaxed destination in the heart of east London.
The open kitchen faces the large bar that dominates the front of the restaurant, a great spot to people watch and try one of their signature cocktails. The cocktail list is simple and made up of eight speciality blends, I started the night with a Spice Paloma Spritz which combines tequila, grapefruit, jalapeno and soda. The jalapeno brings a bit of heat to this moreish sip while the grapefruit and soda make it deliciously refreshing.
After a couple of drinks at the bar I recommend moving to the mezzanine area at the back of the restaurant. Exposed brickwork walls, blue velvet booths and lots of indoor plants give it a fresh contemporary feel. There’s a fire built into the wall which adds to the ambience and cosiness. The tables face back out towards the bar bringing the buzz of the bar back up to the restaurant area.
The Mediterranean menu is split into small plates, large plates, pizzetta and sides so there’s plenty of choice. There’s an eclectic mix of tapas style dishes and Italian bites. Head Chef, Niko Kontogiannatos brings his Greek influence to the table with a nod to his heritage. Everything is freshly made in house from the bread through to the sorbet.
My waitress recommended I try a couple of the small plates and a large plate to experience a variety of flavours. I ordered a main plate of grilled chicken thighs, corn salsa, black beans and sour cream sauce which my dinner date devoured. The small plates selection is packed with dishes that are delicious and light. The rocket salad, halloumi and cherry tomatoes was fresh and the cider vinegar dressing with pine nuts add a little umph. The cauliflower steak was surprisingly tasty, the caramelised puree with pomegranate and tahini complement each other nicely. I continued to nibble on the succulent chicken skewers with raita and picked away at olives until I was spent. Dinner was paired with a lively, zesty South African Sauvignon. The wine list here, is a blend of light, subtle whites, and punchy reds. There’s also a couple of sparkling options and a Rose from Provence.
I never quite know how much to order when it comes to small plate menus but this was just enough, I skipped the desert though the choices include a tempting mix of brownie, chocolate mouse and sorbet.
The service is warm and friendly. JOAN is a great shout for mid-week drinks with friends or a date night dinner.
If you’ve never done meal prepping before, it may seem scary at first, and somewhat unnecessary. A lot of people think it is something only gym rats like to do and can benefit from, when in reality, everyone can benefit from preparing meals in advance – especially if they have a busy life. If you’re always spending money on lunch at work, you could also make significant savings with meal prepping. And, if you have children, meal prepping will make everything much easier for you. If you don’t know how to get started or want to improve your meal prep routine, here are some hacks that you can try.
Get the Right Equipment
You first have to make sure that you invest in proper equipment – and don’t just head to Amazon. Instead, you should try to go to a supplier that sells equipment for professional kitchens. One of the best pieces of equipment you can buy for meal prepping is a large stockpot. You’ll be able to cook large quantities of meat, large stews, or prepare large portions of sides like mashed potatoes or rice. You also need to get yourself a professional scale so you can measure portions of meat and other ingredients correctly. Also, make sure that you get good containers. Get yourself some airtight bento boxes that can go both in the freezer and the microwave. They should be dishwasher safe if you use a dishwasher as well.
Start Small and Simple
Before you start meal prepping all sorts of different meals, start with one dish and incorporate more of them into your rotation later. You also need to start with a solid template as it will help you get the foundation down.
If you’re looking for a good meal template, Ultimate Meal Plans can help. Their downloadable meal plan template is super easy to follow and will allow you to plan meals for every day of the week. You can start with only dinners first, then move to snacks, breakfast, and lunch after. Then you can start mixing and matching different recipes.
Use that Grill
If you own a grill and you love grilling, you should know that it could be your best friend for meal prepping. This is because you can use a large surface to cook large quantities of meat. You can even use the grill to cook stews in a Dutch oven, so if you are running out of space on your range, you can always use your grill as a backup.
Learn How to Use Your Slow Cooker
A slow cooker can also be extremely helpful if you like meal prepping. The best part about a slow cooker is that you can add all the ingredients in advance and set the timer. This is a very hands-off approach to meal prepping and will take a lot of stress out of it. This is an especially good option if you like stews.
Get a Rice Cooker
Single-use appliances often get a bad rap, but if you enjoy rice or things like quinoa as a side, you should think about investing in a rice cooker. A rice cooker is pretty much like a slow cooker, but for rice. All you need to do is put in the amount of rice you want and the recommended amount of water. This will get you a perfect batch of rice every time.
As you can see, there are tons of things that you can do to make meal prepping much less intimidating. We suggest that you start with baby steps, and keep things simple until you’ve mastered the art.
Cheeseboards are super popular and have become even more so in recent years, and they are often best paired with a glass (or bottle) of fine wine. Despite their huge popularity, many people do not know how to make the perfect cheeseboard and so in this article, we’ll be telling you everything you need to know about how to make the perfect cheeseboard.
Whether you’re a cheeseboard enthusiast or a high-end buyer looking for a cheeseboard for sale in Los Angeles or another consumer paradise, we’re sure there’s something here for you.
How should a cheeseboard be assembled?
The first step is to choose your cheese. There are a few things you need to take into account when choosing your cheese. Firstly, think about what type of cheese you want on your board – do you want something hard and crumbly like Parmesan or something softer and creamier like Brie? Knowing know to prepare for eating cheese is vital.
Secondly, take into account the flavor of the cheese – do you want something sharp and tangy like Cheddar or something more mellow and earthy like Gouda? Once you’ve decided on these factors, it’s time to start thinking about the quantity. You don’t want too much or too little cheese on your board, so try to aim for around 3-4 different types of cheese.
Now that you’ve chosen your cheese, it’s time to start thinking about the accompaniments. There are endless possibilities when it comes to accompaniments, but some of our favorites include grapes, figs, cured meats, nuts, and breadsticks. Again, think about what flavors will work well with your chosen cheese and go from there.
Once you’ve got all of your ingredients together it’s time to start assembling your board! The best way to do this is by starting with the larger pieces of cheese at the bottom and then adding in smaller pieces as you go along. Try not to overcrowd your board – less is more when it comes to cheeseboards! Lastly, don’t forget a serving knife for each type of cheese so that guests can easily cut their own piece!
Now that you know how to make the perfect cheeseboard, get creative and have fun with it! Experiment with different cheese combinations, accompaniments, and serving styles and you’ll be sure to create a board that everyone will love.
What can be served alongside the cheeses?
While cheese is great and should be the central thing on your board, there are a number of great accompanying items that can not only add some variety but also help enhance the flavor profiles of the cheeses on offer, and help to create a more well-rounded tasting experience.
1. Grapes
This is a classic accompaniment to cheese and goes well with most types. The type of grapes you choose will have a huge impact on the cheeseboard. A sweeter grape will often pair well with a softer cheese while a more tart variety will pair better with a sharper cheese that is a little harsher on the palate.
2. Nuts
Nuts are a great way to add some crunch to your cheeseboard and they also work well with most types of cheese. Just make sure that you choose a nut that will contrast well with the flavor of the cheese – for example, if you’re serving a Brie then go for something like pistachios rather than almonds. The choice of nut is absolutely key as the taste and texture can be a real deal-breaker.
3. Jam
Fig jam is another great accompaniment to cheese and it goes especially well with strong, hard cheeses. The sweetness of the figs pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the cheese and it’s also a great way to add some extra flavor to your board. If fig jam is not to your taste then you could go with another variety or a chutney that would fit well with the chosen cheese and wines.
4. Cured Meats
Cured meats are another fantastic accompaniment to cheese and they work especially well with harder, saltier cheeses. They are also a great way to add some extra protein to your board. Popular choices include salami, prosciutto, and Bayonne ham but feel free to get creative! Some of the meats on offer can be quite expensive but we think that they can be worth the cost because of how much they can enhance the board.
5. Breadsticks/Crackers/Bread
Bread is always a popular choice when it comes to pairing with cheese and there are endless possibilities when it comes to what type of bread you can choose. If you’re looking for something simple then opt for some crunchy breadsticks or crackers, but if you want something more indulgent then go for a crusty baguette or some soft focaccia bread. Instead of buying some bread why not try baking some bread yourself?
Many people see cooking as a chore, but we’re going to change that with a few simple steps. Home cooking can be a mindful, relaxing, and incredibly rewarding process, it’s a great way to look after yourself and to show somebody that you care. Whether you’re just starting to cook, or you’re bored of the same old meals, let’s unlock the joy of cooking and find some passion in your food.
Ingredients
An essential step towards making a great meal is using great ingredients. Inject some excitement into your home cooking by upgrading your standard meat and trying some high quality alternatives like hanger steak. This kind of treat will transform any of your tried and tested recipes into a brand new flavour sensation.
Keep up the quality by looking for fresh, locally sourced vegetables to bring a world of texture to your food. Use fresh ingredients like herbs and chillies instead of the dried versions, they pack way more flavor and punch! Once you buy fresh ingredients you’ll notice your cooking improving straight away.
Recipes
A fantastic way to upgrade your cooking is by trying new recipes! A brilliant way to start is by finding new approaches to your all time favourite meals. That way you’ll have the same comfort and confidence while adding a new twist which could provide a welcome change.
There are plenty of recipe apps which access the food you have in your house and present you with a list of meals you could make without buying anything extra. If you’re craving authentic Thai flavors and want to explore delicious Thai food recipes, head over to Mint Thai Cafe’s website for a mouthwatering culinary adventure. It’s an ingenious way to find new and easy recipes while cutting down on food waste at the same time!
Experiment
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. One of the best ways to make your cooking more exciting is by trying a whole new cuisine. Food has been around for as long as humanity, so why stick to the same handful of recipes? Think of that amazing meal you had on vacation or an interesting ingredient you saw on TV. Do some research and give it a go!
The idea of cooking something completely new can be daunting, but once you take the plunge you’ll open the floodgates to a literal world of possibilities! Your new favourite meal might be waiting for you to find it.
Equipment
Your kitchen equipment could be holding you back. Tired equipment can drain the joy from the cooking process, making every step more difficult and time consuming than it needs to be. If you’re using a set of blunt old kitchen knives or struggling through each meal with a worn saucepan then it may be time for a change.
Whether you’re upgrading your old tools or looking for a high tech gadget, collecting some modern kitchen utensils is always a great way to reinvigorate your passion for cooking. Investing in some new equipment will motivate you to make good use of it, also you’ll enjoy yourself so much more if the process is streamlined and easy.
By the time a dinner party is over, we all want our guests to be raving about the food, ambience, and presentation.
It’s easy to invite your friends and family round for a nice dinner, but truly impressing them is a different matter, and that’s what a dinner party should be: impressive.
All it takes is careful planning and preparation. Follow this simple guide to learn how to impress your guests when they come for dinner.
Pick a theme
Having a theme instantly makes the evening feel more special than a simple meal with friends. It also helps to narrow down your options on food, music, and decoration.
For example, on a warm summer’s evening, serve paella, tapas, and churros to the sound of gentle guitar music. Or, on a bleak February night, cheer everyone up with hearty American grub (after all, who said impressive has to mean stuffy?).
Your theme can be elegant, fun, or ambitious. As long as you commit to it, your guests are sure to be impressed.
Prep everything beforehand
If the cooking, plating, and serving of the food goes smoothly, everyone will have a much more enjoyable evening. The secret to achieving this is to prepare as much as you can in advance.
Chop the vegetables, make the sauces and garnishes, even whip up the dessert if possible, the day or morning before your party, so you can focus all your attention on the main course and making sure your guests are having a good time.
Less is more
It may be tempting to load every plate with as much of your delicious food as it can hold, but after putting all that effort into cooking, it would be a shame if you let yourself down on presentation.
Opt for beauty over gluttony, and try to arrange every plate identically, with a little bit of everything. Drizzle sauces and oils, use a sprinkling of garnish for a splash of colour, and get creative with how you arrange things. It’ll make your guests appreciate the food that much more, encouraging them to savour every bite.
Another handy tip: plate up in the kitchen. That way you keep any spills and splashes to yourself.
The wine
Your guests came for the food, but they’ll stay for the wine.
The right wine pairing can make a dish sing. The basic rule of thumb is to pair light dishes, white meat and fish with white wine, and red meat and rich sauces with red wine. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, and want something a little more distinctive, try orange wine.
Orange wine isn’t a name for wine flavoured with oranges, but white wines made using the same methods as red wine. The grape skins are left on, resulting in a slightly heavier, spicier wine, which is the perfect accompaniment to food that shares those characteristics.
Take time between courses
Dinner parties should be lively and fun, but also relaxed.
Give your guests time to digest each course and make conversation, before bringing their attention to the next. Waiting ten to fifteen minutes after the last person has finished eating is a good rule to follow.
Serve yourself last
You’re probably going to be starving by the time it comes to serving the food, but take the time to make sure everyone has everything they need before sitting down to your own well deserved dinner. Does anyone need a drinks top-up? Salt and pepper? Fresh knives and forks? An impressive host is a gracious host.
Enjoy!
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! If you’re happy and relaxed, your guests will be too. And after all, you’ve earned it.
Nestled in a nook off Colmore Row in the centre of Birmingham is the resplendent and historic Grand Hotel. Seeped in old school glamour this iconic Grade II listed building has been given a new lease of life. Originally built in 1879, the hotel has hosted glitterati and heads of state. In its heyday guests included King George VI, Charlie Chaplin, Malcom X and Winston Churchill. By 2002 it had lost its sparkle and closed its doors. Step in Robert Angell International, who for the past 18 years have been working behind the scenes to deliver a £50 million restoration and refurbishment. 45,000 man hours later and the results are astonishing. The Grand Birmingham is the city’s jewel in the crown.
The hotel has retained a mix of French Renaissance, Victorian and Art Deco features, while successfully juxtaposing modern artwork and design features. The magnificent grand staircase sweeps through the centre of the building while fabulous chandeliers and mosaic tiles add to the style and character.
The service is friendly, upon arrival I’m greeted by front of house and reception staff who show me to my room and give me the low down on the facilities. The team are passionate and knowledgeable about the hotel and its history.
Bedrooms are light and airy, styled in muted cream, brown and black with views overlooking St Phillips Cathedral. The vintage phone and mirrored headboard add a retro splash to what essentially feels like a contemporary space.
Madeleine is perfect for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks. Dark panelling flanks the walls, large arched windows and twinkly bauble chandeliers add to the intimate atmosphere. Soft, velvet sofas and chairs are scattered around the bar area. Punches of ruby red, pastel pink and navy accents give it a luxurious chic vibe. Across one side of the room is a full-length bar, serving small plates and an extensive choice of cocktails. I tried the Madeleine Martini, a raspberry and pineapple alternative to the classic. It comes with what looks like a bubble bath topping and is totally Instagramable.
Downstairs is basement brasserie, Isaacs, the hotel’s New York style eatery. Green and white tiled walls surround leather diner style booths and tables. There’s a buzzing atmosphere as guests tuck into classic American dishes. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks and Stateside staples like ribs, hot dogs, cod and grits. Breakfast is served here and there’s an extensive choice of buffet options, eggs or for the hungrier a full English.
The secret garden courtyard on the ground floor is a hidden gem. Cute fairy lights and climber plants give it a roof top bar feel and I can tell that this area will be a big hit with guests in the summer.
The hotel is in the heart of the city, just a short walk from New Street Station and the Bullring shopping centre making it a great base for anyone looking to explore the UK’s second city. Host of this summer’s Commonwealth Games and home to some fabulous bars and restaurants, Birmingham and The Grand are well worth a visit.
