We’ve got you covered. Food, drink, nibbles, gifts, dogs, cats, even kids and birds; and something for all budgets. Food and drink ideas for Christmas across the board.

This guide pulls together a mix of food and drink treats for Christmas. You get gifts that land well, plus things you’ll want for your own table.

You’ll find standout bottles, clever kitchen kit, and small luxuries for your pets. There are rich chocolates, ready to pour cocktails, and bubbles that lift any gathering. What will you bring home this year, and what will you wrap for someone else?

Tables

Clawson Farms cheese collections, prices vary

If you’re looking for a great cheeseboard selection with all the biscuits and chutneys etc as part of the package, head to Clawsons. Each of their cheeses has its own unique story to tell, whether you’re looking for something light and fresh to serve alongside slices of ripe pear and honey, or a bold, expressive, decadent blue to pair with a fine red wine. The 1912 Stilton is something else.
Shop selections here

Tracklements Farmer’s Market Gift Pack, £14.05

Because Boxing Day is nothing without pickles. Love this carefully curated selection of Tracklements’ favourite condiments. For the best-tasting cheeses, cold cuts, hand raised pork pies, and hunks of warm bread for the finest picky plate in town. Contains Green Tomato Chutney 200g, Particularly British Piccalilli 170g, Tomato & Chilli Chutney 190g
Get it here

Umai Modern and Heritage caviar, 50g £75

There are few things that feel quite as luxurious as caviar. And Christmas is definitely the time for indulging in a spot of luxury. Umai caviar simply offers two distinct flavour profiles; Umai Modern and Umai Heritage. Umai Modern has a great savoury nuttiness with a clean umami finish on the palate and a lovely firm texture. Umai Heritage offers a more classical and full flavoured profile; ocean breeze and a delicate soft texture – one for the Oscietra lovers.
Get it here

Unearthed Brie & Pavé, £4 and Spanish Pickles, £5

Creamy Brie and Pavé au poivre, a rustic, pepper-coated dry-cured pork sausage, is a fabulous pairing – velvety richness and gentle peppery heat. Whack onto a warm baguette and quaff with a light Pinot Noir for party snacking. We also love these Spanish Style Pickles, inspired by the traditional Banderilla pintxo, a vivid mix of cornichons, red pepper, silverskin onions and Manzanilla olives which gives a tangy, crunchy, savoury flavour in every bite. Bring Spanish bar culture into your home. Thread onto skewers for instant pintxos, or if you’re heathens like us, scoff straight from the bucket.
Available Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Josephinenhütte No4 Champagne glasses, set of two glasses £140

Gorgeous bubbles deserve an elegant glass like the Josephine N° 4. Its balanced shape, with a large surface area and a shortened aroma chimney, allows even complex sparkling wines to shine while ensuring a long-lasting, fine mousse. Sweet wines like Auslese, Ice Wine, Tokaji, and Sauternes also benefit from the form of this unique glass. These are light, elegant, and feel special to drink from. A lovely pressie, it’s not all just food and drink ideas for Christmas, but the bits around it too.
Get them here

Tipples

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, £42 for 75cl

We couldn’t have that caviar and those beautiful glasses without some fizz to go along. We’ve picked this one because it came top for English bubbles in our wine tasting feature over the summer. A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all the Nyetimber vineyards (West Sussex and Hampshire) and also from several vintages. Comes in a nice box too.
Get it here

Tácnbora Sauternes cask finish whisky, 58.2%, £57

A great Christmas gift idea for both men and women who love whisky. Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery’s limited edition in the Tácnbora cask finish series: the Tácnbora sits for nine months in ex-Sauternes oak, infusing the naturally sweet, cask-strength Tácnbora blend with luxurious layers of honeyed apricot, ripe stone fruits, toffee, and almond. Delish.
Get it here

Kennet Crayfish gin, prices vary starting £6.50

If gin is more your thing, this is something a bit different. The Kennet Crayfish Co gin is actually made using crayfish, although it doesn’t taste of shellfish, there’s something of the fresh seaside about it, and the crayfish gives it a bit of sweetness. Savoury notes of dill, a peppery hit from watercress, a burst of fresh zest from ripe lemon… we bet this would pair well with Clamato, but it’s lovely with tonic!
Get it here

Letterbox Christmas Cocktails Box, 3 x 275ml bottles, £41.95

Fabulous gift to send to a friend if you’re not going to be able to see them. Cocktails that will fit through the letterbox! You get Candy Cane Martini – Premium Brand Vodka, POLAR Peppermint Liqueur, Raspberry Syrup & Fresh Lemon Juice – 10% ABV, Gingerbread Whiskey Sour – Premium Brand Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lemon Juice – 13% ABV, and Rum Rum Rudolph – Premium Brand Rum, Cherry Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lime Juice – 12% ABV.  Plus festive gift wrap complete with tissue paper, ribbon, star confetti and a candy cane. There are also hand-made fruit garnishes and serving instructions.
Get it here

MOTH festive snacking selection box, £59

A full-strength festive cocktail celebration, delivered. MOTH has teamed up with Brindisa to create the ultimate cocktail hamper. A dreamy selection of MOTH cocktails, paired with moreish Perelló olives and snack mix, savoury Torres truffle crisps and rich Tony’s chocolate. A perfect way to say thank you. Congrats. Or Merry Christmas. Gift-boxed and ready.
Visit the Moth store

Chocolate

Lily O’Brien Shoe Box Hamper, £55

A stylish chocolate hamper filled with several of Lily O’Brien’s most popular assorted milk, dark and white chocolates collections. Expect mixed selections, caramel truffles, toffee pouches and honeycomb crispy hearts in the mix, as well as lots of other bits.
Get it here

Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls, RRP £2.75

One for those with an extremely sweet tooth and a love of Baileys! Milk chocolate whirls filled with the famous Irish cream liqueur flavour, soft mallow, and a caramel flavour sauce. Whirls with a hint of Baileys.
Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Catherine’s Originals vegan chocolate selection tin, from £33

Still on the chocolates but this time it’s for the vegans. If you’re sad not to be able to dive into the Quality Street tin, this is for you! A chocolate selection tin (it’s even got an option to personalise by engraving the name of your loved one) packed with approximately 81 delectable vegan chocolate treats, featuring their original nine flavours and delivered in good time for Christmas.
Get them here

Kitchen bits

Hokan bowls, £90 for the set of three

Love these bowls – ideal for the enthusiastic Asian-inspired home cook. Hokan Bowls are stoneware bowls which have a multitude of uses. Robust and durable, they’re multi-purpose, going from freezer and fridge to oven or microwave, to landing on the table. They’re designed to stack to fit neatly in the fridge or cupboard. Even better, the lids are one-size-fits-all. You can also order spare lids. Small bowls start at £25.
Get them here

Hexclad Hybrid wok with lid, from £129

This viral fave now also has a small version for home cooks, singles, lighter eaters… Perfect for stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, deep frying, and much more. The best thing about Hexclad is the non-stickery. Perfect sear, perfect for frying eggs, perfect for tossing stir-fries. The famous TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating means it’s perfect for hob to oven cooking too. Believe the hype.
Get Hexclad here

Swan Retro 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer, £129.99

Look at this fabulous retro colour, and the versatility of this ‘double garage’ air fryer. Loads of pre-settings take the hassle out of working out cooking times – one touch cookery at its easiest. And having two trays means you can cook an entire meal all at the same time. Dishwasher safe baskets and clear LED displays. A cracking gift for a young adult striking out and leaving home, we thought.
Get it here

Our little friends…

Pooch & Mutt Christmas treats, from £2.49

We love this brand, and so does the boss’s pug, Alice Pickle the Duchess of Pickleton. You will be pleased to know that Alice has tested a few things out for this feature and has given the seal of approval. There’s lots to choose from and we love the brand for its vet-recommended range, with high quality natural ingredients free from grains and junk. Lots of tail wagging and good for them too. Also stuff for kitties.
Get it here

Ruffingtons Artisan Baked Dog Treats, from £5

Quite possibly in the ‘more money than sense’ bracket, we absolutely adore these treats for dogs. Ruffingtons has created an exquisite new range of luxurious patisserie-style treats, just for doggies. Hand-decorated, edible works of art, free from artificial additives, all beautifully packaged and sealed with love, ready for gifting.
Daft? Yes. Did we get a load and squeal excitedly about them? Also yes.
Get yours here

A Little Bird Co, Little Birder Set, £24.95

The Little Birder Set is the perfect kids bird feeder kit, designed for children to start learning to recognise birds at the feeder, and spot plants and wildlife beyond the garden. In this set, you’ll find a lightweight feeder made for smaller hands, a no-grow seed blend chosen to attract robins, blue tits and sparrows, and a copy of Little Moments Outdoors, a nature spotting book for kids filled with fun facts and things to look out for on walks and in the garden. This is a lovely pressie for kids and grandkids – and a tasty meal for the birds!
Get it here

Webbox Lick-e-Lix cat treats mega pack, £15

Loved by cats everywhere, and who can blame them when they come in such a delicious array of flavours? Thanks to the handy packaging, your cat can lap up Lick-e-Lix straight from the packet and they go nuts for the smooth creamy texture. This mega pack contains no artificial colours or preservatives, with grain free recipes and no added sugar. This kitten friendly pack comes in an assortment of three flavours per pack: 20 x Chicken Flavour, 15 x Salmon Flavour and 15 x Liver Sausage & Cat Grass Flavour.
Get it here

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The post Food and drink ideas for Christmas gift guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Left your gift shopping a little late? Don’t panic—our last-minute party food and drink gift guide has you covered. From indulgent chocolates to cocktail must-haves and fine tipples, these picks are guaranteed to impress. Last minute Christmas shopping ideas coming right up.

Here’s a range of nibbles and quaffs we loved…

Broken Clock Vodka, £35.94

This is a lovely vodka with a clean hit on the palate, and a fruity nose – made in a traditional copper pot still in Cheshire, and then infused with slow ripened apples from the garden at Shandy Hall in Coxwold, Yorkshire, along with botanicals from old Georgian gardens. It’s one of the nicest vodkas we’ve tried here. We loved the taste so much we could barely bring ourselves to waft the Noilly Prat over it.
Shop Broken Clock Vodka

RoniB Filipino Flavours Collection gift box, £27.99

Absolutely loving the vibrant and bold tastes here. Banana Ketchup, a sweet and tangy twist on a classic condiment; Garlic Chilli Oil; the traditional Filipino Adobo Sauce; Kalamansi Marmalade (known as Philippine Lime Marmalade) and Black Bean Chilli Paste, for coating on meat and fish.
Shop the Collection Box

ST~GERMAIN

St‑Germain is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, hand-picked once a year in the late spring. It’s named after the Parisian cultural district made famous by the writers and artists who lived there during the Belle Époque. It’s glamour in a bottle.
Get this on Amazon £29.96

Read more: last minute beauty and skincare shopping guide

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple whiskey set with two glasses

The old fave, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, coupled with crisp green apple for a fresh and rewarding taste. It sounds mad, but it works. Refreshing, and it kind of lightens the punch. An interesting ingredient for cocktail-making. And we liked the glasses, branding and all.
Get this on Amazon, £33.95

Tea & Tonic Saving Grace Wellness Gift Set, £98

Something a bit different that we liked, that wasn’t about booze or sugar… The ultimate wellness and skincare gift, featuring Meadow’s Secret Cleansing Balm, Saving Grace Face Oil, organic hemp cleansing cloth, and Earl Grey Wellness Tea. A wonderful gift for creating ritual around.
Shop the Saving Grace Wellness set here

Candy Cane cherry vodka liqueur

This old-fashioned candy cane style bottle full of vodka liqueur has a rich, cherry flavour that’s perfect for sipping but absolutely brilliant for using in cocktails. Cherry Vodka Sour or Cherry Manhattan anyone? We also love the bottle.
Get this on Amazon, £23.99

Ruinart Rose Champagne and luxury chocolates hamper set

This is a wonderful gift for the champagne lover – and Ruinart is possibly our own favourite champagne here at Silver Towers. A mix of chocolates – the famous Guylain seashells and a Hamlet gold praline collection box. All packaged up in a proper wicker hamper with leather straps that you can use for picnics and days at the races!
Get this on Amazon, £143.49

Lily O’Brien chocs – salted caramel truffles, and gift-wrapped boxes

The salted caramel truffles are rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a hint of salt. And you’ll struggle not to eat the lot in one go. The gift-wrapped boxes are stylish and make an easy, thoughtful present, with no need to wrap. Delicious chocolate, no fuss.
Shop the salted caramel truffles
Shop the gift-wrapped boxes

Opies condiments

No self-respecting cocktail tray would be without the Opies range. We are loving (what we think are) the new cherries in Kirsch, although it’s hard to beat the good old Maraschino. There’s also sliced lemons, pickled walnuts, crystallised ginger, Silverskin onions, capers, gherkins, pink peppercorns… the list is endless.

Shop the Opies range

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The post Last minute Christmas shopping ideas – food and drink appeared first on Silver Magazine.

There’s still time to order hampers or other sweet treats through the post. Whether you’ve left it late to get someone a pressie, or you fancy nice things arriving just for you! We’ve done a little research into some of the best Christmas hampers and other yummy delivery treats.

These come highly recommended, tried and tested by the exacting team of, ahem, experts here at Silver.

Moonpig Elegant Sparkling Hamper £50

Christmas has never tasted so elegant. This golden hamper features a selection of tasty treats guaranteed to impress Santa himself. With sun dried tomato biscuits, chocolate coated mallows, crumbly vanilla fudge, a bottle of Accademia prosecco and so much more, this is one gift that deserves pride of place beneath the Christmas tree.

What’s included?

• x 1 Prosecco Spumante DOC Accademia 75cl
• x 1 Monty Bojangles Choccy Scoffy Truffles 100g
• x 1 Bon Bons All Butter Fudge 100g
• x 1 Buiteman Sun Dried Tomato Biscuits 75g
• x 1 Thornton & France Chocolate Bar White Swirl 80g
• x 1 Hamlet Praline Collection 100g
• x 1 Filberts Rose Harissa Peanuts 100g
• x 1 Eternal Grocer Tube Choc Coated Shortbread 70g
• Packed in a Black Festive Gift Box

Get it here

Niche Cocktails Best Sellers Cocktail Gift Pack £15

Gift them a little taste of Niche with the ‘Best Sellers’ Cocktail Gift Pack. Featuring three of the most popular flavours, this trio of treats will surely delight the cocktail lover in your life.

Available for home delivery straight to your doorstep with a personalised note – simply add your message at checkout and leave the rest to them.

What’s included?

• 1 x Matcha Mojito, 8% ABV – 250ml
• 1 x Pink Grapefruit Gin Fizz, 8% ABV – 250ml
• 1 x Brazilian Lime Margarita, 10% ABV – 250ml

Get it here

Imp And Maker Stocking Filler Giftbox £69

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that encapsulates the essence of the festive season with IMP & MAKERS’ Stocking Fillers Gift Box. This meticulously curated collection of gourmet treasures promises to infuse your holiday celebrations with joy, flavour, and indulgence.

What’s included?

• Spice Kitchen The Yummiest Hot Chocolate 100g
• Cocoba Salted Caramel Milk Buttons 120g
• The Naked Marshmallow Co Vanilla Bean Marshmallow 120g
• Ask Mummy & Daddy Candy Poles 230g
• Chococo Milk Chocolate Mini Snowmen Tube 80g
• Candy Kittens Wild Strawberry Bag 140g
• Joypots Chocolate Coffee Bean Selection 150g
• Tony’s Chocolonely Fairtrade Milk Chocolate Bar 50g
• Sugarplum Fable Co North Star Lollipop
• Joe & Seph’s Caramel & Belgian Chocolate Popcorn 32g
• Silver and Green Paprika Chilli Olives 220g
• Belazu Rose Harissa Luxury Nut Mix 135g
• Miller’s Miss American Pie Boston Cream Pie 75g
• Hawkens Ginger Bread Christmas Trees 125g

Get it here

Cartwright And Butler Festive Treats Gift Set £25

These seasonal inspired treats include Winter Spiced Orange & Cranberry Shortbread, Gingerbread Fudge in Carton, and their Spiced Plum Preserve. All beautifully packaged in a festively decorated box.

What’s included?

• Spiced Plum Preserve 260g
• Winter Spiced Orange and Cranberry Shortbreads 200g
• Gingerbread in carton 175g

Get it here

Cutter And Squidge Christmas Mini Brownie Box £18.99

Experience the magic of Christmas without breaking the bank, with this delicious Christmas brownie bites box. Featuring Limited Edition festive flavours that will add some nostalgia to your Christmas table, as well as some familiar favourites from Christmas brownies of years gone by.

Christmas brownie bites can be delivered anywhere in the country, the perfect gift for family and friends.

What’s included?

• Black Forest
• Biscoff Gingerbread
• Salted Caramel
• Classic

Get it here

Fitzbillies Chelsea Bun Christmas Tree £35

For something a bit different. These famously sticky Chelsea buns are taking on a Christmas tree shape this year, perfect as a table centrepiece or to share with family and friends.

Get it here

LillyPuds Premium Gluten Free Christmas Pudding 454g £13.95

Christmas pudding to the door?! Yep. LillyPuds premium Gluten Free Christmas pudding – finest vine fruits, apples, apricots, almonds and ginger, blended with ale and brandy.

• Minimum 50% fruit
• Naturally sweet – just 4.5% sugar as an ingredient
• No mixed peel
• Suitable for vegetarians
• No dairy ingredients
• 454g – 3 to 4 servings

Get it here

Two Magpies Bakery Letter Box Brownies £22

The perfect sweet treat delivery, straight to your door. Choose from a delicious range of flavour combinations.

Flavours include:

• Caramel and honeycomb
• Caramelised peanut butter
• Candy cane
• Chocolate orange

Get it here

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Best Christmas hampers and sweet treat deliveries appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Enjoying a day out with family and friends can be so much fun, especially when food is involved. However, trying to find nice restaurant option or some fun experiences can prove to be tricky. There’s so many options. Whether you’re situated in London or at the very northerly point in Scotland, here are some fantastic food options for next day out. Alongside some new releases that may tickle your fancy.

Academy of Cheese partnered with Paxton and Whitfield, London – £195

The Academy of Cheese class

The Academy of Cheese have paired up with Paxton and Whitfield to offer a Level One Cheese Training Programme.

If you want to expand your knowledge and know your Gruyere from your Gorgonzola, this is the perfect experience for you. Or it could be a great present for a cheese enthusiast. During the day you’ll learn about the history of cheesemaking, followed by the class and a guide to tasting and selecting the right cheese for you. They are offering five dates from July to November, so make sure you keep some dates free.

Paxton and Whitfield 

The Avenue Cookery School, London – £125

The Avenue Cooking school

Gather your friends and enjoy this sushi making and cocktail shaking class! Focused on driving your senses wild, this is a delicious and fun way to spend your evening.

You start the evening with a sushi demonstration, and then get stuck into the appetising journey of making your own sushi rolls. Alongside this, you have access to bottomless wine, just to make the experience even more heavenly.

After delving into a sushi feast, you get to take on making your own cocktails, Japanese style. Clink clink.

The Avenue Cookery School 

Borough Kitchen cooking classes, London – £115

The Borough Kitchen cooking class

Borough Kitchen are offering their time to teach you how to incorporate nutritional and colourful food into your diet. A cooking class inspired by mindful eating and healthy cooking. With a variety of dates, spotted around London, this isn’t a deal you should miss out on.

Dishes from spiced beetroot and coconut soup to salmon and chia seed cakes will make your experience tasty as well as informative. You’ll engage with well experienced instructors, and keeping the class small allows them to be attentive and ensure you are getting the most from your experience.

Borough Kitchen- mindful eating

The Borough Kitchen cooking class

A quick and easy pasta dish may be our go to meal for a night we can’t be bothered to cook. But there is so much more to pasta, especially when its home made. This experience will teach you everything you need to know to create delicious tortellini. Flour, eggs, a fork, and this hands-on class and you’ll be everyone’s favourite dinner host.

Spread over three hours, you will get to create the dough, roll the sheets, and fill the pasta. As well as learning the best ways to pair pasta with a delightful sauce. No need to stress if you have dietary requirements, this class can be adapted to your preference.

Borough Kitchen – pasta class

Virgin experiences Chocolate making, Shoreditch – £52

Virgin Experiences Chocolate class

Do you want to be taught by some of the best chocolatiers in the business? Virgin Experiences are offering a Luxury Chocolate Making Workshop.

This chocolate making session will have you making your own chocolate martini, infusing, and decorating mini cream truffles and creating a giant flavoured chocolate button. All to be specially packaged to take home. This fun yet luxurious workshop if the perfect day out for a group of friends or a couple. A glass of bubbles on arrival and leaving with a giant chocolate button, refined to your liking, what more could you want?

Virgin experiences 

Read more: 6 reasons you should be eating dark chocolate

The most northerly Fish & Chips, Shetland

Frankie’s fish & chips

Established in 2008, Frankie’s Fish & Chips holds the title for being the most northerly fish & chips shop in the UK.

With their seafood landing daily to their local market, don’t miss out on the fresh and high-quality fish. They have a family friendly environment ready to welcome everyone. Some of their staff have been with them since the opening, supporting the restaurant through 15 years of hard work. 

Frankie’s fish & chips

London Bridge to home UK’s first sake brewery/bar, London Bridge

KANPAI brewery/bar

KANPAI, meaning cheers in Japanese, is UK’s first sake brewery, who focus on traditional Japanese brewing techniques.

Since having a bar in Peckham since 2016, they are now making a big move to a new premises in London Bridge. It will offer a modern taproom bar with 10 distinct sake draft taps, as well as seasonal Japanese cocktails and sprits.

This new opening is dedicated to expanding its brewery, whilst being easily accessible for visitors. When in London, make sure to schedule in a unique sake experience, learning about the rich history of sake and tasting the delicious small plates that KANPAI has to offer. With the move expected to happen over summer 2023, don’t miss out from Wednesdays to Sundays on this artistic experience.

KANPAI 

French zero per cent wine brand Moderato makes UK debut, Club Soda tasting room – £20 entry

Moderato wine from Club Soda

Soon to be available in Club Soda’s Covent Garden tasting room, shop, and bar is Moderato’s line of alcohol-free wines. Red, white, Rose, and Sparking wines costing £10-£11. Moderato have created an all-natural, low sugar range of wines, perfect for summer sipping.

To perfectly compliment this beverage, is a July Wine Club. Every second Thursday of the month you can attend the Tasting Room (tickets needed) where you will be welcomed with complementary drinks and cheese throughout the night. You’ll get the opportunity to engage with the makers of the innovative drinks and immerse yourself in the world of no/low wine.

Moderato

Grab some food at the Ashmolean Museum rooftop restaurant, Oxford

The Ashmolean Museum rooftop restaurant

Take a day trip to the beautiful Oxford to visit the relaunch of the roof terrace restaurant in the Ashmolean Museum.

Opening from the 2 July, the rooftop restaurant has extended its opening hours until 6pm, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the sun. Whether you want to sip on a glass of rose or share a food platter with friends and family, this is the best way to enjoy the scenic view of Oxford. Located right in the centre, it’s very easily accessible.

Ashmolean Museum 

CafePod Half-Caff Brunch Blend, online – £4.20

CafePod coffee

CafePod, an independent coffee brand, specialise in Nespresso-compatible pods, varying in strengths and flavours. Their newest launch is the Half-Cuff Brunch Blend pod, a 50:50 blend of decaffeinated and a regular roasted coffee. Having a long day at work and going through three coffees may help. But drinking that much caffeine can have negative effects on our sleeping. This could be the perfect solution if you are looking to decrease your caffeine intake.

CafePod

The Wasabi Company, Yuzu Lemonade, online – £2.65 

The Wasabi Company Yuzu lemonade

We all love a summer refreshment, something to keep us hydrated whilst out and about. Why not try the new Yuzu Lemonade created by The Wasabi Company. A delicious drink with the perfect blend of being delicate yet enriching.

Made with four per cent yuzu juice from trees grown in Valencia, this fresh drink tastes like a cross between grapefruit and orange. As well as tasting delicious, this drink contains over 50 types of minerals, coming from Nagari. Nagari is the liquid left after salt has been precipitated and has huge health benefits when it comes to replenishing the body.

As well as being the ultimate drink for replenishment and rehydration, Yuzu lemonade comes in distinctive cardboard cans, so it’s great for the planet too! Being far more sustainable than other canned drinks, what a perfect drink for summer. 

The Wasabi Company

Ellie Mongey

Having a three month break from uni, where she’s studying marketing, Ellie can normally be found in a coffee shop, on the beach or spending all her money on food. 

The post July’s food news roundup – all the best finds appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It would probably be fair to say that most of us are partial to a sweet treat every now and then, however it might make us feel guilty. Instead of reaching for a bar of Dairy Milk or chocolate digestives, buy yourself some good quality dark chocolate. Here are the benefits of dark chocolate, and all the reasons why it’s actually kind of good for you.

The antioxidants in dark chocolate

Catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins, are just a few examples of antioxidants found in cocoa. The role of antioxidants is to help neutralise harmful, unstable atoms and reduce the damage caused by oxidation. Oxidation in the body is the damaging of cell membranes, made worst by many different things such as smoking, alcohol, sunlight, or pollution.

These antioxidants have been shown to reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart. All these things happening in your body result in you having a happy and healthy heart. Dark chocolate is one of the best sources of antioxidants you can find. Look for chocolate that has a cocoa content of 70 per cent, or more.

What happens to your immune system?

When our immune system is under stress, it finds it hard to fight off anything that the body knows isn’t good for us. In order to keep our immune systems healthy, we need to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Flavanols. A term many of us may be unsure about. They’re compounds which prevent the immune system from going into overdrive, and reduces our oxidative stress. Sounds like something we all might need. Reducing our oxidative stress is important because the damage caused by oxidation can result in lifelong disease. With the oxidative stress contributing to the natural ageing process, reducing this can also help you age at a slower rate.

Helps to keep your skin radiant

Having radiant and healthy-looking skin may feel harder to achieve as we get older. After years of applying makeup and UV damage from the sun, we need to find ways to protect our skin. Good quality dark chocolate is packed with vitamins and minerals such as copper, iron and magnesium.

Another important mineral in dark chocolate is manganese. It supports the production of collagen, which is essential for healing human skin cells. Chocolate keeps your skin healthy-looking? Sign me up.

Read more: What are the benefits of collagen?

Reduces your cortisol

One hormone we want to avoid having too much of is cortisol. It’s the main stress hormone in the human body, and when levels stay high it can cause us chronic stress.

Studies have been done and found that eating dark chocolate can reduce cortisol levels. This may be related to dark chocolate’s effect on heart health. So, if you’re sat in a stressful meeting, munch on a couple of squares of dark chocolate to help you get through it.

Improves brain function

Remember I mentioned flavanols earlier? Well, these seem to have another benefit, too. And what a better benefit to have, than improved brain function?

Flavanols can help us have better reaction times, improved attention and stronger memory. Harvard University has done studies showing the benefits of the short-term and long-term consumption on brain function. There was evidence of improved brain blood flow, oxygen levels and nerve function. Eat dark chocolate, you’ll help your brain. Bulk buying it may be the way forward.

(Image: Pexels)

Great for your gut

Dark chocolate is considered a prebiotic. Not to be confused with probiotic, a live microorganism known for restoring the gut. In simple terms, prebiotics are a type of fibre which encourages the growth of bacteria, beneficial for a healthy gut.

Healthline have release studies on the findings that dark chocolate can decrease hunger and appetite. Eating small amounts of dark chocolate reduces the level of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. A couple of chunks as a snack, or after a meal, will leave you feeling full for hours.

So, the benefits of dark chocolate can be great for you and your body. We’re all going to want to run to the shops right away. However, it’s all about balance. Too much of anything can ruin the positive effects it may have. Next time you buy a bar, share it with a partner or a colleague at work.

Tasting your chocolate

you should have a rich and flavoursome experience

Having given you all the science you need to eat chocolate without feeling the guilt, make sure you’re tasting it properly. If you thought scoffing it down without thinking was the way to go, think again. Here’s how to REALLY taste your chocolate.

Start with a good quality bar

Starting with buying a good quality dark chocolate bar will make all the difference. The main thing to look out for is the cacao content. 70 per cent or above is what you are looking for. This number will tell you that the chocolate bar is packed with high amounts of nutrients for you body.

Use your senses

Almost like with wine tasting, you can use all five of your senses to fully indulge in the chocolate you’re eating. Take care to smell the aromas of the chocolate when opening your bar. The chocolate should be a deep brown colour, and have a smooth finish. When picking up your chocolate, it shouldn’t melt in your hands. Listen to the chocolate snap as you break of a piece off. Slowly chew the block of chocolate, for a rich and flavoursome experience.

Store your chocolate properly

Make sure you keep your chocolate tightly wrapped in its packaging. You don’t want anything to alter its taste. Keep it in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

Try different origins

Cacao trees are grown in many regions across Central and South America. They thrive in regions with high humidity, and lots of rain. Although they have similar growing conditions, when processed into dark chocolate, the cacao beans can acquire different tastes. Why don’t you try them all? See which one is your favourite.

Ellie Mongey

Having a three month break from uni, where she’s studying marketing, Ellie can normally be found in a coffee shop, on the beach or spending all her money on food. 

The post 6 reasons you should be eating dark chocolate appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Christmas advert season has well and truly begun, and we’re all starting to think about planning the wonderful festive for our families. Here’s our little advent calendar guide for 2022, with just a few of our fave ideas for this year.

Beauty calendars

We love a beauty calendar. It’s a great way to save on some beauty treats, and you usually get to try a few new products too.

Box of Wonders advent calendar, by The Body Shop, £95

A mixture of full sized and mini products, this is perfect for The Body Shop lovers. Worth £153 for only £95, you’ll be saving £58. And as always, the products are cruelty-free, fair trade, ethical – you know the drill.

Box of Wonders advent calendar, by The Body Shop, £95

The Sunday Times Style beauty advent calendar, by Latest in Beauty, £199

Worth a whopping £813.50, the bargain finders amongst you will love this at £199 – even less with the code below! It features some of the most popular products from brands like Summer Fridays, Olaplex, and Kate Somerville. With everything from hair to skincare.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: £20 OFF WITH CODE STSAC20

The Sunday Times Style beauty advent calendar, by Latest in Beauty, £199

3D Advent calendar, by Rituals, £105

From skincare to candles, this advent calendar has all you need for all your December pamper nights. It’s an extraordinary mix of pamper, scented things, masks, body, hair, candles – and we really like it because it’s for ‘Her and Him’. Nice one bruvva.

3D Advent calendar, by Rituals, £105

LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar 2022, £95

What an absolute stormer of a calendar, with products worth £500 in this one. There’s even a slight reduction if you buy it online via the Lookfantastic site, making it even better value. Check there for the full breakdown of the contents too. Amazing value!

Free Mystery Box: Use code: ADVENTGIFT

LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar 2022, £95

Lush advent calendar, £185

You’ll be smelling good all season with this one. Lush’s advent calendar houses 25 products, including four exclusives. All packaged in a reusable box designed by Art House Limited.

Lush advent calendar, £185

Drinks calendars

These aren’t all alcoholic drinks, but still a little something to enjoy each day.

Whisky tour of Scotland, £163.95

Truly one of the most luxurious advent calendars on this list. The Whisky Tour of Scotland calendar offers 24 mini bottles of the amber liquid, to help ease the stresses of December.

Whisky tour of Scotland, £163.95

Blue Goose coffee, £29.99

Your morning pep just became festive! Blue Goose have the first eco coffee pod advent calendar. Including entirely ethically sourced coffee.

Blue Goose coffee, £29.99

Cocktail advent calendar, by John Lewis, £125

John Lewis has your Christmas drinks sorted with this cocktail advent calendar. Including 24 different cocktails, you’re bound to find your next favourite drink.

Cocktail advent calendar, by John Lewis, £125

Chocolate calendars

Because who doesn’t want chocolate for breakfast every day for a month?

Wickedly Welsh chocolate calendar, £19.99

Entirely handmade chocolates, from Welsh chocolate factory Wickedly Welsh. You’ll find raspberry creams, gingerbread crunch, and many other chocolates in this gorgeously packaged calendar.

Wickedly Welsh chocolate calendar, £19.99

Happi, plastic-free oat chocolate advent calendar £15

The home of oat milk chocolate, Happi have brought us a plastic free chocolate calendar. Complete with their fun and colourful branding.

Happi, plastic-free oat chocolate advent calendar £15

Food calendars

Foodie calendars that aren’t about chocolate. Because apparently there ARE people who don’t want chocolate every day for breakfast!

Sous Chef Spice Discovery Advent Calendar, £28.50

The Terre Exotique spice advent calendar takes you on a spice journey across the world through each day of advent. Featuring 24 unique spices, salts and peppers, this is the perfect food advent calendar for those who love new flavours.

Sous Chef Spice Discovery Advent Calendar, £28.50

Gourmet popcorn by the Popcorn Shed, £25

Get your popcorn sorted for the Christmas movies this season. Each day comes with a small bag and there’s a total of six flavours to try throughout the month.

Gourmet popcorn by the Popcorn Shed, £25

Artisan cheese advent calendar by Paxton & Whitfield, £150

Because who doesn’t want a cheese calendar?! Christmas is the time for cheeseboards and sneaking an extra cube when no one’s looking.

Artisan cheese advent calendar by Paxton & Whitfield, £150

SugarSin Advent Calendar, from £30

This sweet treat calendar can be bought pre-filled or select your favourites from SugarSin’s repertoire.

SugarSin Advent Calendar, from £30

Other

And finally, for something completely different!

Craftvent calendar, by The Make Arcade, £70

This quirky little calendar has 24 felt kits to make your own tree decorations. The perfect mindfulness kit to carry you through the mania of December.

Craftvent calendar, by The Make Arcade, £70

Abott Lyon jewellery calendar, £249 

Available as gold or silver jewellery, this luxury Abott and Lyon advent calendar would make a beautiful gift to yourself. Personalised to include your own birthstone, every day has a little gift, just for you!

Abott Lyon jewellery calendar, £249

The clocks have turned back! Here’s how to make your home cosier for winter

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Our advent calendar guide – a few different things this year… appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We love chocolate, but it can be a bit, well, heavy sometimes. So this white chocolate mousse recipe from new collaboration between Montezuma’s and food writer Rosie Birkett is welcome relief. It’s a chocolate hit, but it’s got lilt and lightness.

A huge 47 percent of Brits say they’ve spent loads of lockdown cooking. So if you’re looking for inspiration, this might be for you. It’s a new series of online recipes, tutorials, and tips to inspire creativity and nurture culinary skills. And it’s all about chocolate.

‘Montezuma’s Moments’ is a summer-long programme where a series of experts will be sharing their creative skills with home cooks. It kicks off this week with cook and food writer Rosie Birkett, who offers her top tips as well as two heavenly chocolate recipes, one of which we’ve shared with you here.

Love food? Try this easy steak pie recipe

In this perfect make-ahead dessert, the sweet, creamy character of the white chocolate is balanced with sharp, fruity mango and zesty lime. If you want to be extra classy (course you do), serve in delicate cocktail glasses.

Mango and white chocolate mousse with toasted coconut

Serves 4

100g Greek yoghurt, strained over a sieve
180g Montezuma’s Great White chocolate
150ml double cream
1 sachet veggie gelling agent (I use Dr.Oetker Vege-Gel)
200g ripe mango, diced (or tinned mango pulp)
1 tsp golden caster sugar
Juice and zest of 1 lime

To serve

2 tbsp toasted coconut
Half a ripe mango, diced

Method

Puree 200g mango with the sugar. Whip the cream until it’s thick and fluffy – slightly more whipped than soft peaks, so it holds its shape but doesn’t break up. Lightly fold through the strained yoghurt.

Set up a bain-marie with a couple of inches of water in a pan over a medium heat. Break your chocolate into a metal or glass bowl and combine with the mango puree. Place it over the pan so that the bottom isn’t touching the water, then melt the chocolate into the mango, stirring with a whisk until you have a smooth curd. Whisk in the lime zest, half the lime juice and the gelling agent.

Leave to one side to cool.

Once slightly cooler (so as to not melt the whipped cream), pour a third of the cream and yoghurt into the chocolate and mango mixture and fold together, then repeat with the remaining two-thirds.

Pour into glasses and set in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, toss some diced mango with the remaining lime juice and pile it on top of the mousses with some flakes of toasted coconut. Grate over lime zest to finish.

More about Montezuma’s Moments

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The post Celebrate World Chocolate Day with something that isn’t icky sweet appeared first on Silver Magazine.