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Foodies come in for a bad rap, about us taking it all too seriously, worrying about provenance. Well, I say it’s worth worrying about, but just occassionally even foodies have lapses into food that is just for a bit of a laugh. And if Valentine’s Day isn’t worth a laugh I’m not sure when is! Here’s a few things to enjoy and have a bit of fun with:

Sparkling vodka

* Sparkling vodka. This will make any Valentine’s Day go with a swing. I got very drunk at a Fashion Week party on cocktails mixed with this, and it’ll be an unusual take on fizz!

* I know they are not exactly cheap, but show me any heart that won’t melt just a little if you send them the L.O.V.E. spells LOVE tin of biscuits from Biscuiteers. And who doesn’t love an iced biscuit?

* I don’t care how big a foodie they are, most will find it hard to resist a big box of nostalgic sweeties. I love A Quarter Of and send their boxes on all kinds of occasions, and their boxes of Sweet Devotion for Valentine’s Day are fantastic. From Love Hearts to Cherry Lips, everyone will find something they really enjoy.

* For the baking foodie, then how about a set of Jumbo Cookie Cutters spelling out I (heart) U. Even better you could make up some cookies with them. Cute.

* I’m sure the cupcake queens have proper cupcake moulds, but for the romantic ones then how about heart shaped ones? John Lewis have a 6 cup silicone mould, for those romantic cake moments.

Have some fun and enjoy some fun foodie moments together this Valentine’s Day, just a momentary slip from your organic, seasonal, local lifestyle!

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I love this time of year, love the thrill of a great rugby game, love the air of gloom and despondency that descends on the household should Wales lose to England (and only if they lose to England). But enough about Dr T, I am making an exception to the Friday Five alliteration this week to make it six, for the sake of harmony in the kitchen celebrating the cuisines of 5 great rugby nations. And Italy.

First Catch Your Peacock

Only joking. Though some still believe they are only there for the Welsh to have someone to beat (oh yes, the atmosphere does get interesting here during the tournament!).

1. First Catch Your Peacock: The Classic Guide to Welsh Food - I would buy this one for the title alone, and have been tempted to do so on more than one occasion! If you thought Welsh cooking only went from Welsh cakes to Bara Brith, then this will make you think again. Goose blood tart, cinnamon potato cakes and violet pudding were just a few of the recipes to catch my eye. This is rooted in traditional Welsh cooking but if you wanted to see the contemporary stuff, get yourself to Cardiff (not on match day) and get a table at the Armless Dragon. Fabulous!

2. Fresh, Simple, Tasty by Matt Dawson – so here we have a former England rugby player, who turns out to not be half bad in the kitchen either. These recipes are just as the title describes, so probably not a great book for an advanced foodie, but for a book for turning to when you just want a quick supper or something different for a weekend breakfast. Is there anything he can’t turn his hand to? Lets face it, he could even pull off pink and sequins!

3. The Scottish Farmer’s Market Cookbook - I couldn’t find any of the Scottish team with a cookbook to their name, so I am going for this one as a showcase for some of the great food coming out of Scotland. Perfect for a bit of seasonal inspiration, regardless of where the farmer’s market is!

Rotis

4. The Irish Pub Cookbook – sadly, I couldn’t find anywhere selling Eating to Win, a cookbook by the Irish Rugby team from 2005, which would have topped Matt Dawson. So I’ve gone for this one, which no doubt will make a lot of use of Guinness. This is hearty, almost home cooking, the sort of thing that is what you might want before a match to sustain you, and put down a layer before all the Guinness starts!

5. Rôtis- I really thought that the French team would have at least one cookbook between them over the years, but I can’t find one. So I’ve gone for this fabulous book by Stéphane Reynaud, as surely there would be a few rugby players, French or otherwise, that would want to sit down to any of these  gorgeous roasts after a match. One for every day of the week, including a leftovers night!

6. The Silver Spoon - the mama of Italian cookbooks, this covers a bit of everything that you need to know about Italian cooking, and from every region. I imagine you could train rugby teams with this as well, as it is one hefty read! I got this for Christmas and haven’t cooked much from it yet, so this tournament might provide the push I need to get going.

So, whichever colours you’ll be wearing, or cheering on, eat well during the tournament, and save the rough stuff for the pitch!

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We were discussing my slightly obscure taste in fragrance last night, which does tend to often include those that to some smell like an ashtray. I have an absolute passion for Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford, but can be found sniffing the original Dolce & Gabbana for Men with it’s leather and cigar smoke notes. And then there’s Feuilles de Tabac from Miller Harris…

Smoked olive oil from The Organic Smokehouse

Anyway, this addiction transfers across to food too (in fact everything except actually smoking, which I am not at all keen on), so this is my list of Valentine’s Day gifts for those foodies with a love of good smoky flavours!

* Starting with something fairly mild on the smoke front, how about a whole smoked chicken from Upton Smokery? Bathed in aromatic smoke and slow cooked, this would make a great meal, hot or cold. Plus wrapping up a whole chicken has got to have some great comedy value.

* Upgrade the extra virgin olive oil experience, with organic smoked olive oil from The Organic Smokehouse. This would make for a whole new flavour experience whether it’s mixed into a salad dressing, or just for dipping great bread into (I would think it would work really well with a good sourdough).

* For a great accompaniment to that olive oil, then how about Smoked Sea Salt from Halen Môn? Infused with smoke from Welsh oak, this has an almost sweet edge to it, like many tobaccos, and will give the foodie hours of pleasure in working out how to best make use of the unique flavour.

* Not really new news, but the tobacco truffles from Artisan du Chocolat are one of the most creative food uses of the tobacco flavour around. You can order them online, just make sure that you fill in the comments to specially request them. They have to be tried at least once in a lifetime.

* If you want to really push the boat out, then London Fine Foods offer a Smoked Hamper which has everything from smoked salmon and eel through to smoked duck and pigeon. Certainly plenty of smokiness to go at, although not for the vegetarian!

* If this flavour thing is bordering on an obsession, then how about learning how to smoke your own things? With

Benromach Peat Smoke

a day course in Cumbria they could learn to smoke cheese, meats and vegetables, looking at both hot and cold smoking, as well as brining. Plenty of hands on experience, not to mention eating and goodies to take home.

* For a smoke filled finish, then how about Benromach Peat Smoke Batch 2 Whisky? According to the tasting notes, this has a seriously smoky character, being complex, intense and challenging, and yet well balanced (so, that’s where I went wrong with my men, missed the last bit out! ) And if you like a splash of water, this will bring out treacle toffee and creamy notes. Sounds delicious. Now, if only I liked whisky!

There’s a fabulous article on cooking with tobacco in the first edition of Fire and Knives, and a subscription to that should be every foodies gift wish list. If they are inspired, and if your local tobacco merchants is a thing of the past, then try James Barber for a great selection of loose tobacco online. Just stick to smoky flavours, rather than taking up the evil weed!

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Get your pots & pans ready

I’ve been in the kitchen quite a lot this weekend, doing everything from baking to cake decorating with Mini Gourmet Girl and making a massaman chicken curry from scratch. Which saw me digging around the kitchen and marvelling at how many things just don’t seem to get used that often, that it’s the same bits of kit I get out, regardless of what’s on the menu.

If I had just ten things, then these would be the ones I think I would be taking everywhere with me:

1. Plastic mixing bowls – love the look of Mason Cash but just too darn heavy!

2. Good knives – I know this is cheating, but I could live with three: bread, small sharp and larger sharp knife.

3. Chopping boards – plural again, but one wooden and one plastic

4. Food processor – not got anything fancy, it’s rather old and beaten up but still does a multitude of jobs

5. Le Creuset casserole – I’ve had this about 20 years and it’s still going strong

6. Spatula – for getting the last bit out of those bowls when baking

7. Silicone bakeware – at a minimum, then the round ones for Victoria sponge, a loaf shaped one and one for cupcakes

8. Scales – although could do to upgrade as measuring on current ones a bit hit and miss

9. Pestle & mortar – still the best thing for bashing up spices

10. Breadmaker – surprisingly, a gadget that gets used pretty much every other day

I’m taking things like wooden spoons as a given in this! But it does make me wonder about all the other stuff! What’s indispensable in your kitchen? And what do you wonder why on earth you bought it? Yes, Flavour Shaker and mango cutter, I’m looking at you!

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Walnut & Cinnamon Biscuits from Sharpham Park

In a perfect world, we would all be able to eat exactly what we want, stay in perfect health and feeling great and, preferably, not putting an ounce on! But it can’t be that way for everyone and if you have food intolerances, that’s bad enough, but if you absolutely adore your food then that’s even harder. I have a fabulous foodie friend who is wheat, dairy and nut intolerant, not to mention red meat not being a friend to her system.

Should the love of your life be a sensitive foodie soul, then here’s a few suggestions on gifts that tick the boxes on the foodie front but won’t make the night end in tears.

* Something tasty to accompany the morning cup of tea might go down well, so have a look at these wonderful sounding Cinnamon & Walnut Spelt Biscuits from Sharpham Park. Suitable for those avoiding wheat, these will perk up a cuppa and if you want to bring something special to evening drinks too, then add a packet of the Tomato & Onion Spelt Bites.

* Going a step further, then try treating them to Organic Hazelnut Macaroons from Popina. These are suitable for those who need either a gluten or dairy free treat. Incredibly tasty, they will make you forget about the things they don’t contain and just concentrate on the fabulous tastes that they do.

Little Wallop Goats Cheese

* For something a bit more savoury, but without the cows milk, then how about the wonderfully named Little Wallop Goats Cheese. It’s washed in cider, and wrapped in vine leaves, so looks as good as it tastes. To add a little extra something on the side then add in the Beetroot & Apple Chutney from Godminster.

* Of course most intolerances don’t necessarily mean you don’t get to eat meat but if you have to avoid gluten then you’ve probably been avoiding most sausages. Search no more though, as Sally’s Sizzling Sausage Co only makes gluten free variants, in flavours from Pork & Leek to Chicken & Tarragon. If you’re feeling indecisive, then buy your loved one the sausage taster pack, and put a bit of sizzle into Sunday.

* Something sweet to follow on from all that sizzling? Limit the temptation with theseindividual gluten free cakes from Honeybuns. Presented in a great looking gift tin, these are little parcels of gluten free goodness that make a great treat for any time of the day.

* As long as I can eat chocolate, I am happy. For those who need dairy, wheat, gluten and nut free, then try this Completely Dairy Free Organic Chocolate Gift Pack from A Lot of Chocolate. Plenty of great flavours, including mint, ginger and cayenne.

* And finally if they’re avoiding caffeine, then I’d buy them the Rooibos tea from Bellevue Tea. Naturally caffeine free, this tea tastes great, and comes beautifully packed, in individual envelopes. Very stylish, very tasty.

Most places are getting better at labelling these days, so you should have an easier job of identifying great gifts for even the most sensitive of foodies. Failing that, skip food that day and just order the biggest bottle of champagne (if they’re not avoiding alcohol) or a mammoth bouquet (assuming they don’t get hayfever). Lets hope they’re not so sensitive that whatever you do makes them cry!

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So, the love of your life likes it hot and spicy and you need a great foodie gift for them for Valentine’s Day? Here’s a few suggestions to keep things all aglow.

• Give their BBQ moments a real kick with Slap Ya Mama seasoning blend. Invented by Wilda Marie Fontenot, this
  

  Slap Ya Mama

  is Cajun seasoning with a real kick, and will add something different to even a plain old banger.

• What about mustard that takes things up a notch? Cherith Valley offer a fresh, spicy version with jalapeno and cilantro. A dynamic burst of flavour that will liven up everything from a ham sandwich to a hot dog, and not to mention make a darn fine salad dressing.
• Who says the English can’t be hot? Well Chillililli is a red hot versionof that very English classic, piccalilli, and will definitely spice up your cold cuts!
• Even if they have a cupboard full of chilli, then they really should have a tin of El Avion’s hot smoked paprika. Adding flavour and smoke as well as heat, this is one store cupboard standby that I would not be without. It’s amazingly versatile and a little will go a very long, long way. Love the retro design of this tin, I am guessing it has been like this for ever.
• Get back to some authentic chilli roots, with this great Chilli Lovers Gift Set from Spices of India. Chilli peppers from Kashmir, Reshampatti chilli powder, chilli oil dipping sauce, chilli paste…well, this lot should keep even the coldest night at bay. If they love Indian food, then this is a mix of great authentic stuff with plenty of heat.
• Something to add a bit of sizzle to everything from steak to homemade dip, Jamie Oliver’s Holy Habanero Hot Chilli Sauce is a bit of a winner with us. It’s just a touch too spicy for me but Dr T is well impressed with the kick of it.
• 

  Chilli gone barmy

  Mix it up a bit, with chilli and chocolate. Montezuma’s are one of my favourite chocolate makers, having shopped with them since the early days. And if you need some spicy sweet treats, then the Chilli-Gone-Barmy gift is perfect. I’ll fight you for the Chilli & Ginger dollops!

• No list on hot stuff would be complete without mentioning Gringley Gringo, one of my favourite local businesses. Not only great hot stuff, but a great business too. Whether you order one chilli sauce, or a selection of chilli jellies, you won’t be disappointed.

So, here’s hoping your gift is the start of a red, hot, passionate day. Or at least gives your everyday eating a bit of a boost!

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I’ve already written about my loathing of “special” Valentine’s Day menus, which generally are an affront to most food lovers. I think it makes a great excuse for a night in together, with something really special on the menu. If you think

The New Intercourses: an aphrodisiac cookbook

you might go down that route, then these books are chosen for adding something a little special to your repertoire for the evening.

1. The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook – this one is almost worth it for the stunningly beautiful photography, but there are also fabulous recipes. In addition you’ll get useful tit bits of info on each of the alleged aphrodisiacs. I can’t vouch for this 10 year anniversary version, as I have the original. Lets just say I am still cooking from it though!

2. Shaken: 250 Very Sexy Cocktails – yep, I would imagine most of these would get an evening off with a bang. Possibly best to eat food too, otherwise you’re not going to get through many of these! Sounds like a fun way to get things going.

3. Romantic Cakes – perhaps you want to create a memorable dessert to finish off the meal, and a beautiful cake would certainly tick the right boxes. Very hearts and flowers, pretty, beautiful and romantic, and also could be incredibly tasty. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t love cake, and this book has some truly beautiful cakes to recreate.

Seriously Naughty Cakes

4. Seriously Naughty Cakes- if you want cake, but not the slushy hearts and flowers stuff, then this is the book for you. From Saucy Stockings to the Roly Poly Strip O’Gram, this is not your average cake decorating book! A creation from this will certainly raise at least a smile.

5. The Cookbook of Everlasting Love: Sex On A Plate or Food As Foreplay – jeez, I’ve no idea if this is any good, but can you imagine nosy people’s faces when they’re browsing through your book shelves and come across this one? Go on, it’s worth it just for that alone.

So, you could create your own naff Valentine’s menu, or create something wonderful and romantic. Either way, it should be memorable, and hopefully very tasty! Enjoy!

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Love meat!

Those of you who’ve read my blog on more than one occasion will know that I try to not feature the obvious, am not much of a lover of the themed gift, and tend to write about stuff that first and foremost tastes great, rather than looks right for the occasion. I’m not going to divert from that now so, if you’re looking for hearts and flowers, you’re in the wrong place.

Instead I’m going to write a series of these for foodies with different kinds of tastes. Perhaps I should have called this first entry My Bloody Valentine, as I thought I would start with great gifts for those that love their meat.

Of course it’s not a traditional gift (unless it’s in the stalkerish tradition of sending an animl heart in a box to an ex, not recommended) but could be good excuse to indulge in some great meat (no tittering at the back please). Here’s a few suggestions from me:

•  A little dried sausage, perhaps? A whole saucisson or two could be just the thing . Try a natural countryside rosette of whole smoked saucisson dried in an old fashioned fireplace by Roches Blanches. Available through Virtual Farmer’s Market.
• Where’s the beef? Well, they won’t be asking that if they take delivery of 18kgs of Longhorn beef from Huntsham Farm. Every cut of beef you could want, from sirloin to silverside and plenty of mince in between. Renowned for their rare breed meat, this is going to be a gift of exceptional taste that will create a whole heap of meals for you to share happily together.
  

  Salami from The Real Boar Co

• Want to see a look of confusion followed by delight? Try wrapping up an 8kg Serrano ham on the bone. It’ll look like you’re sending a haunch of something, but once they’ve stopped being concerned/laughing then delicious ham is guaranteed, for weeks!
• Indulge them in the glory that is a proper pork pie with the only certified organic Melton Mowbray pork pie from Brocklebys. Made with organic Saddleback pork to a traditional 200 year old recipe, this is what a pork pie should really be like.
• Valentine’s Day is no time to be mean, so be generous and go large. How about a whole traditional rare breed pig, all butchered and ready for great eating? Well Keythorpe Traditional Pork & Lamb can offer you just that. It could be any one of the rare breed pigs that they keep, but all are going to be interesting eating, or curing, depending on your loved one’s level of skill.
• For a slight tounge in cheek gift, how about salami from The Real Boar Co? Hopefully they won’t take offence and will get slicing these great British salamis. The Bit of Each gives you three tasty salamis and a chorizo, or you can buy the individual salamis. Great looking cutting boards and knives too.

Meat serving board

• If they’re into roasts, then how about a meat serving board? I like the one that Jamie Oliver has, for having both style and substance. Looks good, spikes will hold the joint securely and the grooves will capture the juices ready for gravy making. Or just pouring directly back onto the meat!
• For a bit of inspiration for recipes, then you can’t go wrong with The River Cottage Meat Book for almost the a to z of all meat. But I would guess most meat loving foodies already have that one, so perhaps something like Rotis by Stephane Reynaud or John Torode’s Chicken and Other Birds for something a bit specific.
• If they would like to take things into their own hands, then there are some really good butchery courses around for the amateur. The School of Artisan Food has an introductory two day course, as well as Lamb & Mutton or Pig in a day, and River Cottage are of course past masters in this.

So, choose to indulge their favourite food choice, rather than falling prey to the norms of Valentine’s Day gifting. It will give them something to talk about, as well as something very tasty to get their teeth into.

Fabulous neon sign photo by SqueakyMarmot on Flickr and Saddleback pig photographed by Dave Hamster.