December 2008 Archives

Over the years I have tried most types of potato crisps, from thick to thin, from vegetable to apple but having just eaten my way through a packet of Sweet potato crisps I can highly recommend them.

Take time to browse round this lovely new deli which is a great addition to Formby village, the young owners have taken the time to source some really unusual ingredients.

If you want to try a Nigella recipe and are looking for smoked paprika then look no further they have it on display, and of course you can buy the gorgeous Nigella Christmas Cookery Book from Pritchards Bookstore which is a few doors away. This book is worth buying if just for the wonderful pictures and Nigella's words!!

THE NEW DELI BROWS LANE, FORMBY.

PRICHARD'S BOOKSTORE BROWS LANE FORMBY.

The food halls are so jam packed with gorgeous goodies I could go on forever, but I am more concerned about getting myself over this awful viral thing I have had for about 4 weeks now.

I was recommended to Manuka Honey, which is wonderful for all sorts of conditions and has such good healing properties ,so I have been taking a spoonful of this magical smooth soothing honey twice daily and it has certainly helped my poor throat.

Among all the pills and potions at Holland & Barrett I was drawn to a box of Ginger Chews, now if you like ginger I can guarantee you will fall in love with these gorgeous sweeties that are individually packed. They are spicy, chewy and delicious and I know that ginger is also good for you. On the pack it states that they can be disolved in water to make a hot drink which I am off to try.

Holland & Barrett - Southport.

Honey info from Lifeplan Products Ltd. 01455 556281

I have sat all evening glued to the television which was full of cookery programmes, I switched from Nigella to Jamie and just drooled over some of the dishes they cooked.
It made me think back to my years of teaching cookery and the cholatey recipes that went down so well. So for those of you still looking for some simple idea's here are a couple of recipes for you.

RUM TRUFFLES
4 ozs. Plain Chocolate
2 ozs. Butter
2 tbls Rum
2 Egg yolks
1 oz Ground almonds
1 oz Cake crumbs
8 ozs. Icing sugar
Cocoa.
Break the chocolate into pieces melt with the butter in a microwave bowl on High power for 3 mins.
Stir in remaining ingredients and roll into balls, then toss in cocoa, vermicelli etc.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE
8 ozs. Icing sugar
2 ozs Margarine
2 ozs. Chocolate
2tbls milk
Place all the ingredients in a microwaveable bowl,melt on high power for about 2 mins.
Stir very well , add nuts, cherries etc. and pour into a shallow dish to set.
Cut into squares.

The presentation of this box of eye shadows etc. has to be seen to be believed. As you open up the box of amazing colours it reminded me of a childrens book where the animals and pictures all come to life as its full of 3D pop-ups.

But the biggest suprise lies hidden inside the pull-out drawer which contains 16 eyeshadows and two brushes . Absolutely stunning gift for any female.

Boots, Debeham's Southport.

www.boots.com

I must admit I was turned off mexican food some years ago when I tried chicken in a chocolate sauce in America, I realise this is a signature mexican dish but it didn't appeal to me at all.

However the Fajitas that I gingerly tried at Chiquito were absolutely delicious. The whole presentation was excellent. The sizzling dish contained strips of chicken cooked with peppers and onions and were served with cheese, salsa, sour cream and tortillas, which for the uninitiated are thin pancakes which you can roll all the ingredients up in.

It was a lovely experience and I shall certainly be returning to try some other dishes.

Chiquito, Ocean Plaza, Southport 01704-517930.

I took time to browse round M & S Food Hall this week and was quite amazed at the huge range of new products. I only need to see the sign NEW and my heart starts racing.

Vegetarians take note of the Asparagus, Pea & Edamame Terrine, really different fresh tasting pate which is mixed with mayonnaise, creme fraiche & mint. Spread on toast its quite delicious.

A jar of grilled peppers & Rosemary is excellent served with cheese or added to sandwiches, the oil can be mixed with balsamic vinegar to make a dressing.

But the best for me is a jar of HEDGEROW CONSERVE which is a 5 fruit jam made with fairtrade sugar. The texture is really thick and chunky and spread on hot toast is absolutely sublime.

Marks & Spencer Southport.

www.marksandspencer.com

For many many years I used a small Braun hairdryer which was absolutely fabulous, even when I visited hotels that I knew supplied a hairdryer I still took my trusty faithful little Braun.

Horror shock a couple of months ago my favourite little gadget died a death.

So obviously my choice of replacement had to be another Braun but the new style Braun was a fry cry from my old model as it is an all dancing/singing model.

Apart from the fact that it looks fabulous it is a really amazing dryer, It has lots of buttons etc. but the main bonus is that it has satin ion technology that envelope every single hair.
now this means that it reduces frizz and static and so your hair shines more.

So if you are looking for a new hairdryer or as a gift for someone I suggest you have a look at this brand.

Boots southport

www.boots,com

The nail varnish that is so popular at the moment is dark aubergine and I searched everywhere to find the particular shade I had seen on so many people.

Eventually I discovered it at Mark & Spencer on the first floor in the lingerie department, and it is actually called AUBERGINE. Although its such a deep colour it is chip resistant and lasted on my nails for about a week, its goes on really smoothly and is lovely and glossy.

MARKS & SPENCER SOUTHPORT
www.marksandspencer.com