Okay let’s see if I can squeeze out one more quick post of good stuff before the year ends.
Enjoy this list of fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve come across recently and thought were worth sharing with you.
Balblair Vintage 1999
My preferred tipple for Christmas 2015 has been Balblair Vintage 1999. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-sherry butts, for pronounced notes of citrus fruits and vanilla and a long, smooth almost chocolaty finish, this second release of this 15-year Highland single malt has proved to be just the drink for quiet winter contemplation as well as toasting good times with close friends.
There’s still some time to grab a bottle for Hogmanay celebrations – and plenty more time to stock up before Burns Night rolls around. Find Balblair 1999 at better spirit shops and independent specialists such as Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malts (online), selected Oddbins and more (for a recommend retail price of £65).
Marley Spoon Supporting Refugees
From now until 11 January, recipe box delivery service Marley Spoon is partnering with Syrian, Afghan and Pakistani refugees to introduce their native recipes into homes across the UK and contributing 100% of profits to charity.
Each week, two recipes created by refugees are featured and available for delivery with all of the fresh ingredients, in exact quantities, to cook at home. Customers are not only be able to try some unique dishes, from Pakistani chicken curry with fresh ginger and warming spices to Afghan carrot soup with red lentil, yoghurt and pita bread, but also get to know the stories, memories and local cuisines from the cooks involved in the project.
Marley Spoon recipe boxes start from £4.35 per portion – 100% of the profits from the dishes sold will be donated to Über den Tellerrand, which works to integrate refugees from around the globe by sharing cuisines and cooking together. The donations will go towards helping to set up satellite initiatives across Europe, including in the UK.
I’ve been loving the chance to sample a range of maple syrups from Quebec (from extra light and light to medium and amber) and to find out – compliments of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers – that Canada produces 71% of the world’s pure maple syrup, 91% of which is produced in Quebec.
Yutaka Edamame Soybeans with Pods
Yutaka has released a 500g pack of frozen edamame. Already salted and simply requiring to be heated up, its an easy, tasty and healthy snack. Inexpensive too! Look for it in the in the frozen section at Morrisons, priced at £2.39.
Late 70s/early 80s themed bar, Coin Laundry in Clerkenwell, recently opened
I had fun at the bar’s blogger launch party, really enjoyed slurping on my Snowball (Advocaat, calamondin lemonade, £7.50).
