Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Olives Et Al.
If you are looking for something special to serve this Christmas have a look at the range from Olives Et Al. This company has a great reputation for using the finest ingredients with nothing artificial added. Many fine foods can be found, along with olives, of all flavours and arrangements.
![olives-et-al[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/olives-et-al1.jpg)
It wouldn’t be Christmas without nuts and Olives Et Al present theirs rather uniquely in a jam-jar style pot. I have tried the Malabar cinnamon and vanilla nuts. Peanuts, almonds and cashews roasted and sprinkled with the finest tasting vanilla and cinnamon, absolutely scrummy!
If you love olives you are in for a real treat. The Moroccan inspired Tapenade Marocaine is superb. The fresh zestful flavour has a lemony kick you won’t be able to get enough of. This is delicious served on crackers or added to a chicken dish for a wonderful flavour.
Jars start from £4 available from www.olivesetal.co.uk
A wide selection of hampers are also available for the perfect foodie gift this Christmas.
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Lir Chocolates: Glittering Signature Selection, Baileys Gift Box, Guinness Luxury Dark Chocolate Bar.
My ‘tricky’ Christmas gift dilemma is now sorted with Lir! Do you have someone in your life who seems to have everything, which makes buying gifts for this person a chore? Have a look at Lir chocolates for some great gift ideas.
Lir is an award winning chocolatier based in Southern Ireland. Ingredients are sourced from across the world and used to create the most luxurious chocolates I have ever tasted. The choice is difficult, as they all look temptingly delicious.
My favourite, as always, are the Baileys chocolates. Holding the position as the Uk’s no. 1 liqueur, this is a great gift which everyone would be delighted to receive.
The chocolates are presented in a luxurious gift box with a gold ribbon which looks very well. The ultimate foodie present in my opinion. This gorgeous box contains an array of milk, white and dark chocolates flavoured with the fabulous Baileys liqueurs. The flavours include Baileys Original, Mint, caramel, Fudge and Coffee. Baileys have a reputation of luxury and these chocolates fit the profile. They are little mini works of art, finely decorated with strips and flakes of co-ordinating chocolate. Yummy! This gift box retails for £9.99 and is available from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Lir’s own Glittering Signature Selection did not last long in my house, and I have to admit, I saved these for myself. They are heavenly chocolates, and every one of them looked and tasted gorgeous. This box contains Lir’s most popular varieties so a good choice as a gift when you may not be aware of the recipients preferred taste.
RRP £6.99 Available from Co-op nationwide and high street retailers.
In keeping with the Irish theme, Lir have created a Luxury Dark Chocolate Bar, infused with the delicious taste of Guinness. Wow, what a man gift! This would be great for dad, hubby and any other man in your life. Men love chocolates too and sometimes delicious chocolates are presented in a box which appeals to women. This is perfect for the men in your life who enjoys great tasting chocolate. The bar is red and black and with the Guinness logo and the chocolate has the roasted creamy notes of the world famous stout.
52% cocoa solids gives this chocolate the intensely dark taste which lingers leaving the ultimate smooth taste of Guinness. Absolutely gorgeous and one to be enjoyed all by yourself!
RRP £1.49 Available from Selfridges, Debenhams, Amazon and high street retailers.
Lir chocolates have in recent years won 13 gold star awards in the Great Taste Awards [the ‘Oscars’ of the food world] from the British Guild of Fine Food, as well as, in 2011, Gold in the Best Filled Chocolate category from the Academy of Chocolate . (Lir)
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Demijohn Sloe Sherry Liqueur.
Demijohn is the most amazing liquid Deli ever. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, they make yummy drinks! Every aspect of Demijohn is impressive, so I am going to start at the beginning.
Demijohn is a family business founded in 2004 in Edinburgh. The family now have several shops, wholesale distributers and an online service. The products are locally sourced and some of the ingredients are even handpicked by the Demijohn staff. The company is incredibly environmentally friendly in that they recycle their bottles, use local ingredients, use recycled packaging, etc.
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I would absolutely love to visit a Demijohn shop and enjoy sampling the drinks, until I have chosen what I would like to buy. The next step is picking the bottle, how amazing is that? The customers can choose from different bottles to which their drink can be added. These glass Demijohns are really cool looking bottles from Italy, each individual in their design.
When your bottle is filled, the label is hand written and this can even be personalised which would be great if your drink is a gift. This personalisation is provided free of charge.
All the Demijohn bottles can be re-used. You just return to the shop and choose your next amazing cocktail from Demijohn and you can have your bottle back – refilled. In this case, you would only pay for the contents. This has got to be the best system ever, and has serious benefits for the environment.
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My choice was the ‘Sloe Sherry’ and wow, did it taste good! We sipped it prior to Sunday lunch and enjoyed every sip. I wouldn’t be a liqueur lover as I find most of them quite strong, but this was perfect.
My mission now is to personally return my Demijohn bottle and have it refilled. I am looking at flights already!
Have a look at some of the images below. Demijohn offer a range of delicious cocktails, liqueurs and more. Why not choose an original Demijohn liqueur and have the bottle personalised for that special someone in your life this Christmas.
![061020-demijohn-yandy-satallite-1-crp-nw[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/061020-demijohn-yandy-satallite-1-crp-nw1.jpg)
Available from www.demijohn.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Ice Cognac from Drinks21.
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas in my families house without a bottle of cream liqueur for the ladies and Cognac for the men – this tradition has been going on for over ten years!
This Christmas I will have something a little bit different to present, still cognac, but this is no ordinary cognac – this is Ice Cognac by ABK6.
![abk6-ice_copy[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/abk6-ice_copy1.jpg)
A Cognac made to go with ice – perfect. This unique tasting sensation has been created and blended to be taken ‘on the rocks’, with the aromas coming into their own in the presence of ice and water.
Ice Cognac is made in France on a family estate which specialise in wines and Cognacs. This drink has given an ‘upgrade’ to the original Cognac and modernised dark spirit drinkers, a much needed modernisation!
On the subject of modern, I adore the bottle! This is one of those bottles you will keep forever and burn candles in. It is super modern, and elegant with high shoulders and iridescent shimmer. Truly impressive and expensive looking, this is the gift you will not be shy about bringing to a Christmas party.
With regards to taste, you will have to try it! The vanilla and fruity sensation is not too strong, but perfectly present and then changing to the fresh aroma of lemon sorbet and mint. This is simply a gorgeous drink that I believe to be one of the most superb tasting drinks I have sampled. Abk6 sure know how to brew the perfect Cognac!
Abk6 has won 26 medals along with the ‘Excellence in Craftsmanship’ trophy at the International Spirit Challenge in London 2010.
Available from www.drinks21.com RRP £40
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Ferrero Rocher.
Christmas is fast approaching and with it, thoughts of fabulous food, sweets and of course chocolate. And when you think of chocolate, top of the list must be Ferrero Rocher. Is there any one of us who hasn’t had the experience of unwrapping the crisp gold foil to reveal a nutty chocolate delicacy with a gooey nutty centre?
Not content with just one variety, Ferrero are now offering a collection of chocolate delights all in one box, known simply as the Ferrero Collection. This glamorous assortment is a perfect gift for that special someone. There are three different varieties in the box. These include Ferrero Rocher, the darker Ferrero Rondnoir and the creamy light coconut of Raffaello by Ferrero.
These would be perfect as an after dinner treat to impress your guests or simply as a treat for yourself or someone special.
The Ferrero collection is available at all good retailers nationwide and can be purchased in a 16 piece box or a larger 32 piece box. A real store cupboard essential if ever there was one! RRP £9.29.
Seven has always been my lucky number, and seven years after Ferrero Rocher came to be, Ferrero launched Raffaello. In my opinion, these are the ultimate in gorgeousness.
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Completely unique, there is no other chocolate bar or sweet that tastes like these. A whole almond wrapped in luxurious creamy filling and enclosed in a crispy shell coated in coconut flakes. Known as the ‘only pleasure that transports you to a carefree world’ (Ferrero), treat yourself to a gorgeous tin of Raffaello. RRP £8.99. The tin itself is perfect for storing household items after the chocolates are gone. We have hair accessories in ours. So many people have opened the tin and the look of disappointment on their faces is priceless!
For Christmas 2013 ferrero have a vast selection of chocolates presented in many ways to suit all budgets priced as low as £1.35 up to £12.49. The variety of presentations for Christmas are really great and perfect gifts for family, friends, teachers, etc.
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Kings Fine Foods ‘The Boudoir’
Kings Fine Foods produce the most utterly amazing hampers you will ever have the good fortune to receive. They contain the finest selection of foods and there are hampers to suit everyone. The selection of hampers vary from picnic basket to hat box style, and they also cater for varying budgets.
You can have your hamper personalised and choose exactly what food and drink you wish it to contain, making these one of the most luxurious and bespoke gifts I have had the pleasure of receiving.
I would urge you to visit this site before you begin your Christmas shopping this year. www.kingsfinefood.co.uk and treat a family member or friend to a fabulous gift.
I am particularly attracted to ‘The Boudoir’ – receiving this would certainly bring a smile to your face, and keep it there all day. The foods come presented in a hat box, tied with blue ribbon stamped with the Kings logo.
Inside you will find:
Ayala Rose Champagne
Amedei Tartufi Praline
Abahana Bath Oils
Abahana Fragrant Candle
Abahana Soap
2 Royal Scott Crystal Champagne glasses
Wow, what a gift. Perfect for adding a touch of romance to your Christmas. Trust me, there is no woman in the world who would not adore this hamper.
The toiletries are beautiful and of the finest quality. Gorgeous smelling oils and soap, with a stunning Abahana fragrant candle.
‘The Boudoir’ would be perfect for that weekend away without the kids which you have talked about but never got round to! Imagine soaking in a bath filled with steaming oil infused water, an Abahana candle glowing in the corner. You think life just couldn’t get better and then you take a sip of fine champagne from a crystal glass!
‘The Boudoir’ contains all you need to make this a reality!
Priced at £165, it is excellent value for money considering the contents and the absolutely beautiful packed hatbox.
Make Christmas that little bit extra special with a bespoke hamper from Kings fine foods. Free delivery on orders over £50.
www.kingsfinefoods.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Raisthorpe Shimmering Vodka.
At Pampered presents we love all things natural, organic, locally sourced and locally produced and this extends to alcohol as well. It is my pleasure to tell you about Raisthorps Shimmering Vodka Liqueurs launched for Christmas 2013.
![securedownload[1] (2)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/securedownload1-2.jpg)
Raisthorpe Manor is one of those companies I love to read about. They use only the finest locally sourced ingredients and traditional family recipes, so their range is rather unique. Their gins and liqueurs have won many awards and are stocked all over the UK.
They say, ‘All that glistens is not gold’, but in this case – it is! Yes, the vodka shimmers with edible gold glitter, perfect for dazzling your family and friends this Christmas. Every sip from your crystal cocktail glasses will be delivering nine-carat gold luxury!
So, if you thought your parties couldn’t possibly get any more glamorous, think again. Try these Shimmering vodkas’ and decide for yourself. I was so impressed with the bottles and labels, very posh indeed.
The vodka comes in a set of 2 flavours, Blood Orange and Toffee Caramel. They would be perfect as a gift and would be sure to impress anyone, whether it’s your girlfriend, wife or mother. Perfect taken neat with ice, or with a mixer. I have to confess, I added a few tablespoons to ice-cream after Sunday dinner and it was scrummy! I plan to save some to add a touch of sparkle to my next toffee cheesecake.
The possibilities are endless and although I tried, I could not pick a favourite. Go on, treat yourself to a nine carat Christmas with Raisthorpes Shimmering Vodka.
Available from www.raisthorpemanor.com RRP £45
![lily_s_kitchen_christmas_dinner[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/lily_s_kitchen_christmas_dinner1.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Dinner and Christmas Biscuits.
Lily’s Kitchen is like most wonderful inventions – born out of necessity! Lily is a border terrier whose owner, Henrietta, took matters into her own hands when her little dog suffered from itchy skin and ears and eventually went off food.
This was the beginning of Lily’s Kitchen, Henrietta started to cook for Lily, who thrived on home cooking with human grade ingredients, not leftovers and food discarded by others.
I love the ethos; wholesome, natural and organic food for cats and dogs. The website is really cool and very informative. Check it out – www.lilyskitchen.co.uk It is well worth a look, very interesting and would definitely make you think about what we feed our pets with.
Lily’s Kitchen foods contain whole meat, grains, fruits and vegetables, and with the perfect fat-protein ratio for the animals nutritional needs. All the ingredients are on the label – this is something I look at when shopping, but would never have thought of looking at what I was feeding my beloved Jack Russel, Tyke.
For Christmas, Lily’s Kitchen has really spoiled our cats and dogs. Limited edition ‘Christmas Dinner’ – wow. Turkey, goose, carrots, beans and cranberries to name a few of the delicious ingredients. When we opened the lid and gave Tyke a taste, I was surprised at the smell. It smelled like Christmas dinner, not dog food – surely an indication of the fabulous festive ingredients! Yummy, our dog was very happy and kept licking the plate long after the food was eaten. RRP £2.19 Limited edition.
This was followed by a ‘Christmas Biscuit’ with turkey, cranberry, thyme and cinnamon. ‘Lovingly baked for dogs that have been good all year’(Lily’s Kitchen). RRP £2.99 Limited edition.
It was lovely to try these foods, and to be made aware of what should be in the food we buy for our pets.
Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyed by our little tester.
![STH23LILY_313880k[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/STH23LILY_313880k1.jpg)
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Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Walkers Luxury Miniature Mincemeat Tarts and Pure Butter Shortbread Festive Shapes.
Christmas is on the horizon and I can smell the brandy cream already! The one time of the year I can forget about the waistline and indulge, and what better way to indulge than with Walkers.
I always remember walkers shortbread at Christmas in our house as a child, the distinctive red and green tartan boxes and the lovely buttery taste. I still buy Walkers at Christmas, every year, and my children love it too.
![PW608723[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PW6087231.jpg)
The Miniature Mincemeat Tarts are just perfect – not too big, so not as many calories as other mince pies, but just the right size to have with a cup of tea. I love them cold, but my hubby likes them hot – either way, with a dollop of brandy cream, they are scrummy. The crumbly pastry is unbeatable, I try to make them every year and always fall short – Walkers must have a secret ingredient! The luscious tangy filling just hits the spot, and the quantity is perfect in relation to the amount of pastry. RRP £2.95 and available from most supermarkets coming up to Christmas.
Another favourite of mine would have to be the Festive Shapes Pure Butter Shortbread.
![512c7S0gAEL[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/512c7S0gAEL1.jpg)
Walkers have been making shortbread since 1898, so rest assured, you won’t taste better anywhere. This selection would be a perfect gift for all shortbread lovers and the children love the different festive shapes. Every bite is melt-in-the-mouth and simply too good to share. I save some for the Christmas movies when the children are in bed, and sit down with my feet up, a glass of mulled wine and Walkers shortbread – the perfect end to Christmas Day.
Walkers shortbread contains no artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives.
![20130512-150019[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130512-1500191-1024x1024.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Pampered Foods
Just Bake Snowflake Cupcake Sprinkles.
Being an avid fan of baking and having my 2 daughters fast following in my footsteps, I am always on the lookout for something special and that little bit different for our many batches of cupcakes.
I am pleased to say that I have to look no further than a great website called Just Bake.co.uk.
As the weather steadily gets colder and we turn our thoughts to winter, I was delighted to get these mini snowflake shaped cupcake sprinkles from Just Bake. Each little snowflake is 7mm in diameter, making them just perfect for cupcakes. They come in a 50g pack size, perfect for your winter themed baking.
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I was surprised at the lovely sweet smell when opened the pack, and they taste just as good!
Just Bake does a wide variety of cupcake sprinkles and many other cupcake and baking accessories, everything from cutters and colourings to piping bags and nozzles. All available on one handy website.
The sprinkles I obtained were very reasonably priced at £2 per pack. The only difficulty is in choosing which ones, as you are truly spoiled for choice here. Visit justbake.co.uk, and get your apron on!
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