Christmas with Hotel Chocolat

With Christmas fast approaching (it's December tomorrow - eeek) it's that time when you start to think of potential presents for friends and family. Sometimes it really is hard to buy something for the person who seems to have everything....or for the person that is insistent that they don't want a gift! So what do I buy people like that? CHOCOLATES!!

We were lucky enough to be sent a box of Hotel Chocolat's Sleekster Classic Christmas Selection recently to try - wow what a lovely treat!

Hotel Chocolat were founded 15 years ago by two individuals with one goal in mind - to make a better type of chocolate available to UK consumers bored by the mediocrity of that available in supermarkets and on the high street. 15 years on they have successfully accomplished this mission, with a successful website and even Hotel Chocolat stores appearing on High Streets.

I first came across Hotel Chocolat when my Mother-In-Law sent me a sampling box and I was immediately impressed by the quality of the chocolate. I'm a big fan of dark chocolate and their dark chocolate really is gorgeous!

So I was very excited when the Sleekster Classic Christmas Selection appeared through the door. My first impression was how Christmassy the box looked. As you would expect it looked high quality, inviting and festive. Naturally we didn't sit around long admiring the box, we HAD to dig into the contents....

Well we most definitely weren't disappointed. Even the chocolates looked festive (all 28 of them) and since there are two of most flavours you wont find yourself fighting with your other half over who gets what!

With flavours ranging from gingerbread, cherry florentines, cinnamon, rum, chilli, mulled wine and praline there's something for everyone! I have to say that I loved all of the flavours and they all felt and tasted very festive. The menu card clearly explains the chocolates that contain alcohol and how strong you can expect that alcohol to taste - a great idea and very accurate.

All in all we LOVED this selection of chocolates and I would certainly not be disappointed if I found this lovely box under the tree on Christmas Day.......the only thing is I might have to share them with all the family!

The Sleekster Classic Christmas Selection is available from the Hotel Chocolat website for £22.....buy three or more and get them for £20 each.

For the full range of Hotel Chocolat's Chocolate Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers visit their website. You can also find out more about Hotel Chocolat on their Facebook page or by following them on Twitter (@HotelChocolat).

A sample box of chocolates was received for the purposes of this review. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Pink Sumo Review, Discount and *Giveaway* - CLOSED

I recently received a tweet about a company called Pink Sumo. I'd never heard of them before so I popped over to their website to take a look. I have to say I was impressed, they have a huge range of gifts, from the novelty and quirky to the useful and what's more it's all quite reasonably priced!

Pink Sumo have been in business for two years and is a growing family business. They know that in these hard financial times we still all want to buy gifts but need to watch the pennies so they've made it their mission to help you find a present that is cool, unique and doesn't break the bank!

I was lucky enough to be offered my pick of the Pink Sumo website and was sent a box full of lovely goodies! Let me share them with you.

Like Mug Tea or Coffee -  £5.99

I'm sure we all know someone who loves their cuppas and Facebook equally! I'm more of a Twitter girl myself but I do spend my fair share of time on Facebook with a cup of coffee in my hand so I love this mug. It would make a great Christmas gift, is nice quality and is only £5.99.....a secret Santa present perhaps?

MonKeys Set - £3.99

I'm sure I'm not alone in having so many keys that it takes ages to find the right one! Well not anymore! I've now customised my keys with MonKeys so there's no standing out in the pouring rain trying to find the front door key any more. I love these, they are so cute, fun and at £3.99 for six they wont break the bank!

T-Shirt Graffiti Pens - £4.99

I saw these graffiti pens and fell in love! What a fun, fabulous and cheap way to brighten up old clothes..or customise new ones. Next time you have a party/event where personalised tshirts are on the go, why not save some money and have some fun creating your own? I really do think this is a great gift....for kids and adults alike!

Friendship Bracelet Kit - £8.95

When we were kids we used to LOVE making Friendship Bracelets. Although I have to say we weren't as sophisticated as this kit - we just used scraps of wool! How I would have loved this kit as a child. It comes with a full colour book which gives instructions on how to make 5 patterns, 12 different coloured threads and coloured safety pins to help keep it all in place as you create your bracelet. Again this would make a great Christmas present and I'm sure it would keep kids entertained for hours!

So there you have it, the contents of my Pink Sumo box - how lucky am I? Well Pink Sumo have TWO treats for Rhoda Reviews readers today!

The first is a..

DISCOUNT CODE!!!!!!

Yeup, Rhoda Reviews readers can claim a 15% discount on the Pink Sumo website by entering the code rhodareviews at the checkout! Perfect for helping you with your Christmas shopping!

Pink Sumo are also offering Rhoda Reviews readers the chance to win a mystery box of gifts worth £50!!!! I think you'll agree this is a fab prize! To enter just complete the entry form below but PLEASE make sure you read the instructions properly!

Good luck!!

For more information about Pink Sumo and their range of gifts visit their website, follow them on Twitter (@PinkSumo) or "like" them on Facebook.

A box of goodies from Pink Sumo was received for the purposes of this review. Thank you to Pink Sumo for providing the prizes for this giveaway. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Far Far Away Books Review & *Giveaway* - CLOSED

I've been a bit quiet recently but I do still have some fantastic giveaways lined up for you - it's just the problem of getting my mind and body cooperating long enough to write about them!

Today I have a gorgeous bundle of books from Far Far Away Books to give away.

I was sent a bundle of these books to review for myself and I'm very impressed with them. I was immediately taken with The Three Little Pigs... Retold and Illustrated by Little Red Riding Hood. A beautifully illustrated and high quality first edition hardback with a twist on the traditional story. I gave it to Jonny to read for his bedtime story and he loves it! It's aimed at children aged 2 - 5 years and was only launched in the UK last month. It would make a fabulous Christmas present....it's just a shame that I'm about 23 years too old!!

Among the books I was sent was also Rabbitwood, another beautifully illustrated, linen-bound high quality hardback. A story of the oldest rabbit family in the world - The Hobblestones - and of the unlikely friendship between the eldest of the clan and a fox. This is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a child!

The lovely people at Far Far Away are offering Rhoda Reviews readers the chance to get their hands on a bundle of their fabulous books! To be in with a chance of winning just complete the entry form below - remember to read the instructions carefully!





Not only do Far Far Away books produce fabulous, traditional stories but they also care about the environment. For every book that is sold Far Far Away will plant a tree! Personally I love this, it's such a fantastic idea and adds to the beauty of these books.

Far Far Away books are available from all good bookshops and www.farfarawaybooks.com.

Five books were received for the purposes of this review. Thank you to Far Far Away for providing the prize for this giveaway. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Reading Chest *Giveaway* - CLOSED

Today I have another fantastic Blogiversary giveaway for you....I think you're going to love it!!

Christmas is quickly approaching and although I've got about half of our presents sorted I'm on the look out for some "different" ideas. You know the kind I mean, the ones where people open them and say "wow what a great idea".

Well I was recently sent an email about a company called Reading Chest and I heard myself utter those very words.

Reading Chest is the UK's first through-the-post book rental service that specialises in reading material for children from ages 4 to 9 years. It is based on reading schemes used in UK schools and works in a similar way to DVD rental services.

We are huge fans of reading and I love giving books as gifts, but all too often with children they only read them once or grow out of them quickly. I really like the idea of the Reading Chest as you can give a subscription as a gift.

How does it work? Well you first of all decide on the subscription you would like. These are available in bronze (up to 6 books a month), silver (up to 12 books a month & multiple reading lists) and gold (unlimited supply of books and multiple book lists). Each subscription is available for a 3 month, 6 month or 12 month subscription.

Once you've signed up you simply set up your preferences (e.g. children's reading level, fiction, non-fiction) to create a book list for your child. Then sit back and wait for your first delivery of books to appear! Once you've finished with the books you just send them back in the pre-paid envelope, then wait for the next batch to appear.

It's actually really simple and easy to use. For more information on how it works check out the Reading Chest website. The thing to note is that there are no due dates and no late fees - great for Mums!

Each 3 month subscription comes complete with a book bag, reward chart, stickers and a choice of book to keep! There are also certificates to download on the website and your child can try their hand at being a critic by submitting their review to the website!

The lovely people at Reading Chest have offered Rhoda Reviews readers the chance to get their hands on a 3 month subscription! To be in with a chance of winning just complete the Rafflecopter form below. Please remember to read the instructions for the blog post section so you know what to do. Thanks.





Good luck!!

For more information about Reading Chest or to purchase a subscription visit their website. Prices start at £25 for a three month subscription.

Thank you to Reading Chest for providing the prize for this giveaway. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Raising Money For The ME Association

Last month I blogged for the first time about my life with M.E. (you can find my post here). I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response this post received - thank you all for taking the time to read, comment, tweet, email and text about it. I can't begin to explain how much it means to me!

We received an email the other day from a good friend of ours, Fraser. Fraser is running a 15k in Washington DC next month and asked if he could run in aid of the ME Association. I have to say that I just burst into tears when I read his email - what a fabulous friend! Of course my response was YES!

Fraser

The ME Association is a charity who provide information, support and advice to people affected by M.E./CFS. They also fund and support research into this debilitating condition, as well as offering training and education.

Fraser at Our Wedding.

If you would like to make a donation to the ME Association and sponsor Fraser for his run please visit his Just Giving page. Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated particularly in these hard financial times.

Thank you.

Rhoda x

Get Ready For Christmas with Delicious Magazine

As it's mid-November (yes I know, it's really sneaked up on us this year hasn't it?) most people are turning their thoughts to Christmas. Personally I've bought about half of our presents so far which I'm quite pleased about but we haven't given any thought to food over the Christmas holidays.

I was recently sent a copy of the December edition of delicious magazine and it really is just bursting with ideas.

I love flicking through recipes and getting ideas, so I've been in my element reading the latest edition of delicious.

As well as having some normal, day-to-day recipes this edition focusses upon Christmas. With a host of suggestions from celebrity chefs, ideas for Christmas dinner for two as well as for a big family there's something for everyone in it.

My favourite features though are the ones that help to save you time, money and energy! Delicious have undertaken the "big Christmas taste test" where they have compared Christmas treats from all the leading supermarkets. They give their verdict on the best Christmas Cakes, Mince Pies, Mincemeat, Stollen, Panettone and Christmas pudding. There are quite a few surprises in there and it goes to show that sometimes the most expensive isn't necessarily the best!

Delicious have collated recipes with everything from bread sauce to pre-dinner cocktails, there's some fantastic looking dishes in there. More than that though they've highlighted those which can be prepared or even made ahead to save you time and energy on Christmas Day! There's even a list of timings for your Christmas Dinner so that you don't misjudge things. If you're looking to try something different this Christmas then I'd recommend you take a wee look at this, it will certainly help reduce the stress levels on the day!

My final favourite feature is their gift ideas. Delicious have selected their top gifts for cooks, as well as the best cook books of the year. If,  however, you want to make your own gifts this year they have even included a few recipes that can be made ahead and given as beautiful gifts - handmade and money saving, what could be better?

So there you have it, my favourite three features from the December edition of delicious magazine. Of course there are also a couple of fantastic competitions in the magazine too!

Delicious is available from all good newsagents and supermarkets for £3.60. It's bound to get you in the festive mood!

A sample copy of delicious magazine was received for the purposes of this review. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

A Day For Remembering

Today is a day for remembering. Remembering those who have fought for our country, those who still fight for our country. A day to remember those who have died and a day to remember those whose lives changed forever.

Image from weheartit.com

Since words fail me on this day I've chosen to share three of my favourite poems with you.

My first is so famous it requires no introduction.

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

My second is An Iolaire / The Iolaire by Iain Crichton Smith. On the 1st January 1919 300 men were heading home to the Isle of Lewis after 4 years at war on board the HMY Iolaire. Less than a mile from home the ship  got into trouble and sank. 205 young men who had survived WWI lost their lives within sight of their home island.

The Iolaire

Iain Crichton Smith

The green washed over them. I saw them when 
the New Year brought them home. It was a day
that orbed the horizon with an enigma.
It seemed that there were masts. It seemed that men
buzzed in the water round them. It seemed that fire
shone in the water which was thin and white
unravelling towards the shore. It seemed that I
touched my fixed hat which seemed to float and then
the sun illuminated fish and naval caps,
names of the vanished ships. In sloppy waves,
in the fat of water, they came floating home
bruising against their island. It is true
a minor error can inflict this death
that star is not responsible. It shone
over the puffy blouse, the flapping blue
trousers, the black boots. The seagulls swam
bonded to the water. Why not man?
The lights were lit last night, the tables creaked
with hoarded food. They willed the ship to port
in the New Year which would erase the old,
its errant voices, its unpractised tones.
Have we done ill, I ask? My sober hat
floated in the water, my fixed body
a simulacrum of the transient waste,
for everything was mobile, planks that swayed,
the keeling ship exploding and the splayed
cold insect bodies. I have seen your church
solid. This is not. The water pours
into the parting timbers where ache
above the globular eyes. The lsack heads turn
ringing the horizon without a sound
with mortal bells, a strange exuberant flower
unknown to our dry churchyards. I look up.
The sky begins to brighten as before,
remorseless amber, and the bruised blue grows
at the erupting edges. I have known you, God,
not as the playful one but as the black
thunderer from the hills. I kneel
and touch this dumb blonde head. My hand is scorched.
Its human quality confuses me.
I have not felt such hair so dear before
not seen such real eyes. I kneel from you.
This water soaks me. I am running with
its tart sharp joy. I am floating here
In my black uniform, I am embraced
by these green ignorant waters. I am calm 

My final poem is also a well known Gaelic song. It was written in memory of Gordon MacPherson, a 21 year old from Argyll who lost his life in the Falklands War, in June 1982.

It's one of my favourite Gaelic songs, you can listen to is here under "Eist".

Nam Aonar Le Mo Smaointean 

(Alone With My Thoughts)

Nam aonar le mo smaointean
'S a' ghaoth tighinn bho thuath,
Grian òr-bhuidh' mar ghrìosaich
Cur teine air chuan;
Na caoraich sholt cho sàmhach
Len àl sa chnoc mhòr,
Ciaradh feasgair cur a glòir
Air faileas dubh le òr.

Na sabhalan fàs gun mullach
Na taighean bha làn,
An-diugh cho fuar 's cho falamh
Am fearann dol bàn;
Gun chrann ann, gun speal ann
Gun lìon ann, gun bhàt',
Èigheach cogaidh a thug bhuainn
Na balaich thuit sa bhlàr.

Ma chlaoidh sinne nàmhaid
An-dràst' faic prìs buaidh,
Cridhe màthar cràidhte
'S na gillean san uaigh;
Cha dèan cliù no onair
Treabhadh dhuinn no buain,
Cianail, falamh, sìth a' bhàis
Cha till na fir chaidh uainn.

Aig uaigh fhuar Mhic a' Phearsain
'S an sneachda air Peighinn Phùir,
Chluich a' phìob port thuiridh
Am peilear bhrag cruaidh;
An cogadh faoin nam Falklands
Thuit Gòrdan ro òg,
'N-uiridh, balach san sgoil àrd;
An-diugh, a bhàs ar leòn.

A' ghrian tha dol sìos oirnne
Air prèiridh cur blàiths,
Oidhche tha gar dùnadh
Dùsgadh do chàch;
Aig feasgar dorch ar cùrsa
Feith' dùsgadh là mhòir,
Ciaradh maidne cur a glòir
Air faileas dubh le òr.

Iain MacLeod

Image from weheartit.com

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old."

For The Fallen, Laurence Binyon

Leisure & Jo Pratt Recipes PLUS *Giveaway* - CLOSED

I think you have all gathered by now that I like my food! I used to love cooking and baking and I'm so determined that I'm going to get back to it very soon.

I'm one of those people that finds flicking through a recipe book relaxing....whenever I see a recipe book I can't help but pick it up and flick through it!

I was recently sent through some recipes by TV Chef Jo Pratt. Jo has joined forces with range cooker specialist Leisure to create a series of simple, yet delicious, recipes to inspire more people to cook and bake at home.

I've picked two of the recipes to share with you - I think these look fab and so tasty!

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Preparation time - 20 mins

Makes 12 (Easy)

Ingredients

• 250ml milk
• 50ml vegetable oil
• ½ tsp vanilla extract  
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 75g caster sugar                                                        
• 250g plain flour                                                         
• 3 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 200g blueberries

Streusel topping:

• 25g plain flour
• 2 tbsp Demerara sugar
• 15g cold butter
• you will also need a 12 hole muffin tin lined with 12 muffin cases

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/fan 180ºC fan oven/gas 6.

2. First of all, you need to prepare the streusel topping by rubbing together the flour, Demerara and butter until you have a crumble consistency.

3. To make the muffins mix together the wet ingredients (milk, oil, vanilla extract and beaten egg). 

4. Add the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Mix briefly, just enough to moisten the flour, giving you a lumpy batter. Keeping it slightly lumpy will ensure lighter muffins once cooked. Fold in the blueberries and then divide the mixture between the 12 muffin cases.

5. Scatter the streusel mixture over the top of each muffin and then place in the oven to cook for 20-25 minutes until they are golden. Once cooked, cool slightly before leaving to cool further on a wire rack.

PECAN PIE

Preparation time - 30 mins plus 20-30 mins resting time

Serves 8

For the pastry

·         150g plain flour

·         1 tablespoon caster sugar

·         a pinch of salt

·         100g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

For the filling

·         250g pecan halves

·         3 large eggs, beaten

·         125g golden syrup

·         175g soft brown sugar

·         3 tablespoons whisky or orange juice

·         40g unsalted butter, melted

·         1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·         you will also need a 23 to 24cm loose–bottomed tart tin

First of all, you will need to make the pastry. Place the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor or mixing bowl and blitz or rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of cold water and bind until it just comes together, adding a little more water if it is needed. Knead very lightly on a floured surface to form a smooth dough. Roll out and line the tart tin. Prick the base several times with a fork and chill in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200ºC/fan 180ºC fan oven/gas 6.

Line the chilled pastry case with a piece of greaseproof paper and fill with a layer of baking beans or rice. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove the paper, brush the base with a little of the beaten egg and cook for a further 5 minutes until the pastry is just becoming golden.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking the pastry, spread the pecan nuts on baking tray and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and leave to cool slightly.

Reduce the oven temperature to 160ºC/fan 140ºC/gas 2–3.

Roughly chop half the pecans and mix with all the rest of the filling ingredients, including the whole pecans. Pour and spread into the pastry case. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the centre is just set.

Serve warm with the extra-thick cream, clotted cream or ice cream, or cold with pouring cream.

PS…

If you don’t have time or prefer not to make your own pastry, use about 300g bought shortcrust pastry and sprinkle over 1-2 tablespoons of caster sugar while you roll it out to add a little sweetness.

I think you'll agree that these both look great! If this has whetted your appetite then pop over to the Leisure Recipe Gallery to view all the cookery demonstration videos in the collection.

As it's the first birthday of Rhoda Reviews, Leisure have kindly offered Rhoda Reviews readers the opportunity to win a set of Leisure oven gloves and a tea towel. There are five sets to give away. To enter just complete the Rafflecopter form below.

Good luck!!






For more information about Leisure range cookers visit their website. They also have a fab competition on their site to win a Leisure Range 100 Cooker, it closes on 5th December 2011. Worth a go!!

Thank you to Leisure for providing the prizes for this giveaway. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Need-2-Know Books Giveaway - CLOSED

It's time for the second of our blogiversary giveaways! Today the lovely people at Need-2-Know are offering Rhoda Reviews readers the chance to get their hands on a book of their choice.

Need-2-Know have a huge range of books on their website on a wide range of subjects. From parent issues to health issues, nutritional advice to emotional issues, there really is something for everyone.

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of their Student Cookbook to review.

I remember when I first left home for University I was given a few "student cookbooks" to take with me. They were pretty hard to follow and I never felt the recipes were particularly healthy, they focussed more on the easiness of recipes and cooking, rather than ensuring that meals were easy and healthy. To be honest I soon ditched the books and made do with what I already knew how to do.

I would have loved a book like the Student Cookbook from Need-2-Know. Not only do their recipes sound fantastic but they are easy to understand and well laid out. Each recipe comes with a breakdown of the nutritional value of the meal so you know exactly what you are eating!

The book is full of tips, including what you should stock your student kitchen with, cooking basics, recipes that can help to destress you or lift your mood. It's a great reference tool and although it's a while since I was a student I plan to use a lot of these recipes. After all in these hard financial times we are all trying to save money but maintain our health aren't we?

Need-2-Know have offered Rhoda Reviews readers the chance to win their choice of book from the Need-2-Know range.

To enter just complete the steps on the rafflecopter form below. PLEASE remember to read the instructions though so that your entry is valid!

Good luck!!

For more information about Need-2-Know books visit their website and follow them on Twitter (@need2knowbooks).

Thank you to Need-2-Know books for providing the prize for this giveaway. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinons expressed are entirely my own.

Tekkers Hoodie Giveaway - CLOSED

This month marks the first birthday of my blog (or blogiversary if you will). To celebrate the occasion we have some great giveaways lined up for you......starting today with this fantastic giveaway from Tekkers.

Tekkers is a cultural clothing brand with football at the centre of its gravity. Many of you will know how much I ADORE football so I'm very excited to be able to team up with Tekkers!

Tekkers was launched by Wayne Rooney's Sky One Street Striker co-presenter and former football ace Andy Ansah, who coined the term "Unbelievable Tekkers".

Andy Ansah on Soccer AM

Tekkers is a high quality brand that is hugely popular in the world of celebrities. Sporting legends such as Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo, Ashley Cole and Rory McIlroy are fans of the brand, but it's not only men...X Factor's Tulisa is also a fan! (click here to find out who else is wearing Tekkers)

One thing I love about this company is the fact that they really seem to care. They offer a 14-day no quibble returns policy. This really takes the stress out of things if you have chosen the wrong size or changed your mind!

I have to say that if you have a football fan in your life you should seriously consider a Tekkers product as their Christmas gift. Personally I would be delighted to wake up to a Tekkers hoodie underneath the Christmas tree. With items from t-shirts to bags, ladies vests to hoodies there's something for everyone. I'm actually really hoping that Santa is reading this post and might get the hint for Christmas!

I am extremely excited, and very jealous, to announce that Tekkers have offered Rhoda Reviews readers the chance to win one of their gorgeous hoodies worth £40.

To be in with a chance of winning simply complete the Rafflecopter form below. It's pretty self explanatory but please do contact me if you are having problems. You will need javascript enable to enter.

EDIT - Please remember to leave a blog comment too with your favourite item from Tekkers (see first entry).

For more information about Tekkers check out their website, follow them on Twitter (@OfficialTekkers) - they have comps! - and like them on Facebook.

Thank you to Tekkers for providing the prize for this giveaway. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Annabel's Kitchen DVD

Regular readers might remember that back in July we reviewed Annabel's Kitchen, the book that accompanies the CiTV series with the fabulous Annabel Karmel (missed it? check it out here).  Well today we have the pleasure of reviewing the Annabel's Kitchen DVD!

Award-winning children's food expert Annabel Karmel has teamed up with CiTV to bring nine of her best episodes from the TV series to DVD.  Karmel and her penguin helpers, Jimmy and Pearl, inspire children and adults alike to have fun in the kitchen and try new, healthy, foods!

Liz and Jonny were lucky enough to be sent a copy of the DVD....here's what they thought.

"Jonny loves cooking and penguins so Annabel Karmel has really hit the nail on the head with this one! Recipes are easy to follow and, as it’s Annabel, there are lots of healthy options. Jonny loves cooking and usually makes ‘in a fashion’ his own sandwiches and helps make the tea on a night time. We put a huge emphasis on eating as a family as often as possible, and if we can make it into an activity then all the better. Encouraging kids to cook and explore different fruits and vegetables (as well as cakes...) is so important and really does help them to eat a huge range of food.

The DVD itself is hilarious with singing cups cakes and other delights! Children’s TV writers really know how to capture the attention of their young audience; Jonny was cracking up with laughter when, to be honest, I couldn’t really see what he was laughing about (although maybe that says more about me than him...) The acting is questionable at times but then you wouldn’t really expect any less. I take my hat off to Annabel for giving it a go in order to promote healthy eating (although she is so thin I wonder whether she eats more than a carrot and two strawberries per day).

Annabel’s recipes are so easy to follow and she gives guidance all the way to tell you what vitamins and minerals are in certain foods and why we should eat them. The first episode, about penguins winning races, focused on food to give energy. It only lasted about ten minutes but within that time they had made two recipes. Other episodes include making party food (including a very cool watermelon pig), homemade ‘take-away’ food and lots more.

The DVD accompanies the recipe book of the same name so even the most kitchen-phobic parents can follow what to do, encouraging both parents and their little ‘darlings’ to give it a go. I will certainly be buying both the book and DVD for presents for years to come.

A very enjoyable DVD that encourages everyone to have a go. My favourite thing has to be the cauliflower sheep that crosses the screen between scenes. Each episode finishes with the penguins, helpers and penguins sitting at a table eating what they have made which sets such a good example to every family. There are follow up recipes and material on the DVD and internet. Well done Annabel Karmel!"

To give you a taste of the kind of foods you can expect from this DVD I have included two of Annabel's recipes below - they look fantastic...and fun!

Fruity Fish Dip

You will need 

225g cream cheese

100g lemon curd

Half tsp lemon juice

Finely grated zest of half a lemon        

Decoration 

6 strawberries, thinly sliced 

1 blueberry 

2 slices kiwi fruit

Method

Beat together the cream cheese, lemon curd, lemon juice and zest.

Put in a round bowl and chill for 30 minutes.

Decorate with strawberry scales, kiwi fins and a blueberry as an eye.

Lamb Biryani

Information

Makes 4 to 6 portions

Cook time 20 minutes

Prep time 10 minutes

Not suitable for freezing

You will need

225g basmati rice

150g frozen peas 

2 tbsp oil 

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Half tsp garam masala 

Quarter tsp turmeric powder

25g raisins

25g butter 

1 tbsp mango chutney 

350g leftover cooked lamb, diced

Some flaked almonds (optional)

Method

Cook the rice in boiling salted water until tender and add the peas 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time then drain.

Meanwhile heat the oil in a saucepan, and sauté the onion and ginger until soft. Add the spices, raisins, butter, mango chutney and lamb and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir in the cooked rice and peas and sprinkle with the flaked almonds if using.

ENJOY!!


For more information about Annabel's Kitchen visit the website that accompanies the series. Further information about Annabel Karmel can be found on her website.


A sample DVD was received for the purposes of this review. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Zippo Candle Lighter Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who took to the time to enter the Zippo Candle Lighter Giveaway. I have absolutely loved reading all of your memories and thoughts on Hallowe'en - thank you for sharing!

The winner of the Zippo Candle Lighter, as selected by random.org, is ............

Paula (@yeolderockchick)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Please drop me an email (see top left of blog) with your details so we can get your prize sent out to you.

A huge thank you to Zippo for providing the prize for this giveaway.

If you weren't lucky enough to win, you could always treat yourself to a Zippo Candle Lighter (there's a really cute snowflake one, perfect for Christmas), available from the Zippo website with an RRP of £10.15.

Happy Birthday Pat DVD

This year has seen the 30th birthday of Pat Clifton. Who I hear you ask? Well none other than the loveable Postman Pat! As a child I used to love Postman Pat - I even had Postman Pat bed covers so I'm delighted to be involved in celebrating his birthday.

We are slightly late in wishing Pat a Happy Birthday, after all his birthday was in September....but none the less it is great to see the longest running animated TV series on the BBC reach this great milestone.

Liz, Jonny and Sophie were lucky enough to be sent a copy of the limited edition "Happy Birthday Pat" DVD to review. With 8 special episodes, as well as a free 15 track party CD, it certainly kept Jonny enthralled!

"This product was a saviour after five days of constant rain, freezing temperatures and illness. I loved Postman Pat as a child and it’s lovely to see my children enjoying it too! One of the best things is the episodes are a decent length so you can just chose one or two to watch at a time. Our favourite has to be the Greendale Rocket; Jonny now runs round the house pretending to be that train constantly.

Postman Pat is just pure, wholesome entertainment promoting a world you would want your child to grow up in. It promotes a setting in which the community is at the heart of everyone’s lives and everyone helps each other whenever they can. The number of friends I have who don’t even know their neighbours is astounding and a really sad reflection of society today. Any show that encourages children to have a sense of community, get to know the neighbours and help people out when they can is good in my book. Anyway, enough ranting about the trouble with society today. There’s all the usual stuff about making friends with your peer group and looking after each other too.

This is not the ‘Special Delivery Service’ up-dated version of Postman Pat and I like that. Jonny has watched both versions and is more than happy to watch either.   

The extra CD is fabulous – many hours have been spent dancing away (especially to the track with the Greendale Rocket on it!). How great that you can exercise before relaxing in front of the television. It’s like television without any guilt!"

This is a great DVD for Postman Pat fans and will offer hours of entertainment. On this birthday Pat announced that he will be starring in his first ever feature-film - Postman Pat: The Movie - You Know You're The One will hit the big screen in spring 2013...something to look forward to!

A sample DVD was received for the purposes of this review. No other reward, financial or otherwise, was received in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.