* I’ve featured St.John and Dolly Smith pickles and chutney before, and think these are great products, with a great romantic story behind them. There’s a whole range of heat levels, or a gift box, and it would be something a bit different, as this is a small brand growing in distribution.

* I’ve not tried Chan Cham before, but I like the look and sound of the products, and think you could get a good selection of these for someone. The Scotch Bonnet and Black Pepper sauce can be used in a variety of ways and would definitely spice up a February night.

* Go sweet and hot with Tan Rosie Fiery Chilli Fudge. I met the team at East Midlands Food Festival, great people, great products, great story. Another great small business to think about supporting.

* Heading across to Suffolk now, and to Chilly Filly for great tomato chilli jam. There are some smaller jars, but for a gift I’d go for the big Kilner jar, which is a generous 1.2kg. Plenty to go round on your burgers, mixed into things like bolognaise, or to spice up a cheese sandwich.

* Someone else I got to meet at East Midlands Food Festival, I really like the range and variety at Gourmet Spice Co. I know I wrote about their Winter Spice Salt, and for Valentine’s Day then I like their hampers. This one has a smoked chilli oil, a spiced aromatic balsamic vinegar (which I have in the cupboard at home, in dwindling quantities) and a selection of rubs and salts. Some brilliant flavours for just over £20.

* Arabica are definitely a fave with me, as I love Middle Eastern flavours. Very stylish packaging, but definitely not a case of style over substance. I would be very happy to get a couple of jars of their spices, like the cous cous spices, the dukka and the zat’ar special blend. Would be different, not necessarily spicy but definitely great flavours.

So, up the heat quotient this February, regardless of what the weather outside does.

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* Go sloppy and romantic with a heart-shaped box from Pong. Three different heart shaped cheeses including Neufchatel and Godminster Vintage Cheddar, along with a good deep red beetroot and apple chutney. Good combinations, just remember to get some decent crackers or bread in.

* The Cheese Shed is a great shop and website, with fantastic artisan cheese from the West Country. Their Valentine’s Day box also includes the Godminster, but also a heart shaped version of White Nancy, a sweet, creamy goats cheese. Lovely cheese, lovely packaging.

* As you might expect, Neal’s Yard are offering something a little different in their Valentine’s Day selection, and only one heart shape in the mix, in the shape of Ragstone. Other than that, your loved one will get to enjoy Colston Bassett Stilton (still the favourite Stilton in this house), Montgomery’s Cheddar and Milleens from Ireland.

* If you want to support a small British producer, then try the selections from the Northumberland Cheese Company. The Connoisseurs Cheeseboard gives you a selection of four of their cheeses, including Blagdon Blue and Brinkburn. Good choice for those looking for something a bit different, something they may not have tasted before.

So, not exactly the usual hearts, flowers and box of choc routine, but I bet something that many food lovers would enjoy an awful lot more!

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You might have noticed, I do write about pork pies a reasonable amount, but living this close to Melton Mowbray it shouldn’t really be that surprising. And most of the household is quite partial to a pork pie or two, but I can’t say it would necessarily be something I’d have thought of buying for a Valentine’s Day gift. But as a few people have been looking, then here’s some thoughts for you:

* Whilst heresy round here, my favourite pork pie is not a Melton Mowbray one. Bray’s Cottage Pork Pies have won Gold at the Great Taste Awards, and me over to eat pork pie, so some achievement! For a serious pork pie lover then a three pound pie might do the trick or a lot of smaller ones, take your pick! The addition of onion marmalade makes these a bit different, and the chilli version peps up any lunch box. You can even order a tiered version for your wedding, or a very big party!

* If they really, really love pork pies, then how about sending them on a course to learn how to make one? It’s one of the dishes you’d learn at the Nick Nairn Cook School on the More Meaty Dishes course, and you get to take it home. And the local scenery would be pretty spectacular too! For pies almost as an art form, then you need to explore our food past with the Pie Making and Pastry course from Historic Food. These are raised pies and a half!

* For something a bit fancy, and a bit different, then try the Poachers Pie from Fortnum & Mason. The pork is topped with a lid of delicious Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, and then little sweet onions. This is a bit like a Ploughmans in pie format. Go large for a very impressive pie!

* The top pie in this house is Mrs King’s Melton Mowbray, and this is Dr T’s absolute favourite. They’ve won so many awards it’s almost boring to mention them, but the taste makes it worthwhile. If you want to extend beyond the Melton Mowbray, then there’s the Pork & Blue Stilton, a Game Pie and even a Pork, Chicken, Apricot and Herb Stuffing one. Plenty to go at!

* Want to go personal? Then try Michael Kirk who offer personalised pork pies. You give them the message, they’ll do the rest. Beats a message on a chocolate heart if they’re a savoury person not sweet.

Definitely be a gift with a difference, something they probably won’t be expecting to unwrap on Valentine’s Day!

Great shot of Mrs King’s Pork Pies at Borough Market by Salim Virji on Flickr.

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I’m off to Milan, very briefly, this week so looking forward to a haul of good Parmesan. Which made me think it was time for a revisit to the Luigi’s website, which is still one of the best sources for good Italian foodstuffs in my view.

And if you’ve got an Italian food lover to buy for this Valentine’s Day, then they have some great, tasty not naff, choices. How about serving up a bowl of Morelli’s Amore Pasta for dinner with heart? Throw a sauce in the basket too and dinner is all ready to go. I particularly like the sound of Luigi’s Aurora sauce, for something mild and a little creamy.

The other thing that will definitely be in my case is Baci. I love these for the chocolate, and also for the little love messages. I know they’re twee, but I’d rather get these than many other mass chocolates! But if you really love someone, then head straight to the truffle section.

And I’m not talking chocolate!

You could do a whole meal here. Start with a few slices of the salami with truffles, move onto tagliolini with truffle drizzled with white truffle oil, finish with some truffle cheese…so many great choices. If you can’t make the decision, then try the Truffle Love hamper.

That’s a lot of love! And not a red rose in sight. Perfect.

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If you leave it too late to order online, then certainly Waitrose have a great selection of good chocolate brands, and Hotel Chocolat have a growing number of standalone stores.  That may even be open on a Sunday. Just don’t leave it to the last minute. Don’t buy the reduced Christmas stock. And don’t give an Easter Egg instead!

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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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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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• 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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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.

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