Ulcigrai Family Pannetone |
OK, so this is actually a list of what I would like for Christmas, but it might give you ideas if you have a food-lover in your life.
An Ulcigrai Pannetone £16
From a small family bakery in Trieste. Available from Leila's, Monmouth Coffee, or 104 Druid Street, London SE1 Saturdays 9-2pm.
A pouch of Sencha tea £7 for 30g
from My Cup of Tea with a spoon infuser £3, or a glass teapot £22.
Buy on-line or from their wholesale arch at 96 Druid Street, London SE1 Saturdays 9-2pm.
Four bars of Marou Vietnamese chocolate at £4 each.
If you're going to Monmouth Coffee for your Christmas supplies, pick up these chocolate bars. Didn't know Vietnam produced chocolate? Neither did I, but Marou are bean-to-bar chocolate makers and it tastes great. Bars range from 72-78% cocoa solids. Go here for more stockists and info on the renaissance of the Vietnamese cocoa industry.
Hario Skerton hand coffee burr-grinder c£40
from Japan. Available at many independent coffee shops and on-line
Selection of Cheeses from Neal's Yard Dairy c£25
My current choice for Christmas would be Stichelton; Hafod Cheddar; Cardo; Haye-on-Wye
Apron £20-£24
from Thornback & Peel On-line or from their shop at 7 Rugby Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1
Bottle of Sparkling Tricot Bulleversante 2011 (Auvergne) £17
from Gergovie Wines 40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey, London (check website for opening). Take care opening this lively, natural wine.
A Truffle Slicer around £15
from good cookware shops. Continental truffles are expensive, so you really need a slicer. Then, of course, there's English black truffles. Yes, they are out there. Learn more at The English Truffle Company
Polpo A Venetian cookbook (of sorts) by Russell Norman £25
This one of my 'six of the best books 2012'. It's already had its second print run and is a worthy winner of Waterstones Book of the Year 2012.
Porcelain Pestle & Mortar
If you (or someone you know) have been admiring that pestle and mortar Nigel Slater handles so lovingly on his TV programmes you could take a look at John Julian Design for a similar one. No price, but expect it to be expensive. Alternatively, find a potter and commission a truly one-off version.
Happy shopping.