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| Oranges from Sicily |
As usual my end of year gift choices for food lovers focuses on modestly priced gifts from small independent businesses, plus one 'pushing-the-boat-out' suggestion. Some are made by the seller, others are simply, carefully selected, products for their customers. As I live in London, all of these can be bought direct and, where possible, I've mentioned alternative sources that may be closer to you. In some cases you can also buy on-line. These are things I buy for myself or for like-minded food lovers and I do not accept payment or gifts for mentioning them. I hope it gives you some inspiration for gifts for the food lover in your life and makes you think about buying gifts from small businesses close to you.
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| Sicilian Blood Oranges |
A Box of Seasonal Sicilian Citrus - depending on size, from around £15.00
Why: New season Italian citrus, particularly those from Sicily, are starting to arrive. For me, this is the perfect antidote to all that rich Christmas food. While it may be a little too early for the spectacular high-coloured Sicilian Tarocco blood oranges, earlier varieties of blush and blood oranges should be available in the run-up to Christmas.
Where in London: John & Elena Fruit and Veg in Bermondsey (SE16) source great quality fruits for sale at sensible prices.
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| Papa dei Boschi Crema di Nocciola & Nocciola Piemonte Tostata |
Papa dei Boschi Crema di Nocciola and/or Nocciola Piemonte Tostata Around £6.50 & £7.50
Why: This chocolate hazelnut spread and the toasted hazelnuts are just the best I've ever tasted. I know of only two sources in London for the nuts (General Store in Peckham and La Fromagerie in Marylebone). I believe only General Store keep both of these products.
Where in London: General Store (SE15), La Fromagerie (W1)
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| Ulcigrai Panettone |
Ulcigrai Panettone £17.00
Why: A Panettone always comes home with me at Christmas and it has to be the Ulcigrai family Panettone from Trieste. It's available at Leila's Shop in Shoreditch and also sold at General Store, Monmouth Coffee's Covent Garden and Borough Market shops.
Where in London: Leila's Shop (E2) and Monmouth Coffee (WC2, & SE1); General Store (SE15)
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| Brindisa - the True Food of Spain by Monika Linton |
A Food Book Brindisa - The True Food of Spain by Monika Linton RRP £29.95
Why: After living and teaching in Spain, Monika Linton has been importing high quality Spanish products for her London-based business, Brindisa, for the past 28 years. I've shopped there for years and always been impressed by the quality of the products she selects. Written from a deep knowledge, love and understanding of Spanish food this book delves into Spanish food culture and history. Recipes range from 'light as a feather' Tortilleta de camarones (crisp little shrimp pancakes) to gutsy Rabo de buey al vino tinto con chocolate (Slow cooked oxtail in red wine and chocolate) and there's a great section on Spanish cheeses.
Where in London: Brindisa, Borough Market (SE1) and at all good bookshops
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| Jensen's Gins |
Jensen's Old Tom Gin - around £25.00
Why: Using a recipe from a distillers handbook from 1840, this unsweetened, earthy gin is very much to my taste. It is perfect for a gin and tonic which can be simply garnished with a little sprig of rosemary.
Where in London: Jensen's Bermondsey Distillery (SE1) and stockists shown on their website.
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| A Tif Hunter Tintype Print |
Why: Tif Hunter's expertise in this medium is becoming well known. The tonal qualities he achieves with his tintype work is extraordinary. He has a passion for such subjects but also turns his lens on flowers, everyday objects, portraits and more.
Where in London: Via Tif Hunter's website
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| Gimlet Bar Spiced Lemon Cordial |
Gimlet Bar Seasonal Cordials £10-12.00
Why: Gimlet Bar's Cordials, using always interesting fruits and herbs, change with the seasons. They are supplied to bars and restaurants in London but some are now available in a few independent, quality, food shops in the capital. Spiced Lemon and Blood Tonic are currently available.
Where in London: Leila's Shop (E2) and General Store (SE15) plus Gimlet Bar direct.
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| London Cheesemongers Pavilion Road |
A cheese selection from London Cheesemongers - around £25 depending on weight and selected cheese
Why: London Cheesemongers keeps a great selection of cheeses in peak condition from artisans in Britain, France and Italy . A blue cheese (e.g. Stilton or Stichelton; a goat cheese (e.g. Innes Log or Fromage Cathare); a hard cow's milk cheese (e.g. Montgomery Cheddar, Beaufort or Parmesan); a washed-rind cheese (e.g. St Cera or Cardo). A slice of Quince Cheese would be a nice complement to the cheeseboard.
Where: London Cheesemongers (SW1) and various markets - see website link - or Neals Yard Dairy (SE1, WC1 and SE16) and markets) for British Cheeses, Mons Cheesemongers (SE16) and Borough Market (SE1) and Brockley Market (SE4) for French cheeses, and Italian cheeses from The Ham and Cheese Co (SE16)
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| Particella 128 Sparkling Wine |
A bottle of Italian Natural Sparkling Wine - Particella 128
Why: Perfect for Christmas morning - this sharp, bone-dry sparkler from Emilia Romagna has notes of ripe apples, tangerines, hay and a mineral quality. A natural Champenoise methode wine.
Where: Aubert & Mascoli (SE16)
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| Home-made Christmas Pudding |
Why: Because it's home-made! It's not too late to to make a Christmas Pudding. Here's a recipe. Buy the best ingredients you can get.
Where: Your kitchen
