Christmas Gift List For Baby

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Frostie

Not much is more adorable than a baby. Okay, they can’t talk properly, or do much of anything, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get a cute present. It may be more for mummy and daddy, but here are some great ideas.

Reindeer Hooded Towel From www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

An adorable towel, ideal for post-bath cuddles this Christmas. A supersoft Christmas hooded towel with fun antlers and a reindeer face, perfect for wrapping up after a bath. 100% Cotton, £14.00. We absolutely love this. It feels super soft and is so cute. Top marks.

Illustries Baby Books

We absolutely adore these baby books from Illustries are an innovative company that creates a unique collection of luxury and bespoke coffee table books and artwork to capture every important detail of milestone life moments through interviews, photography, story-telling and design-led creativity. Reflecting the Illustries’ ethos of designing and delivering beautifully collated individualised keepsakes with a style-savvy twist, the ‘Hey Baby!’ journals offer a contemporary take on traditional baby books to capture the early years of parenthood. In addition and destined to become a stylish must-have accessory for proud parents and grandparents alike, the soon to be launched ‘Hey Baby Brag Book’ is equally as charming and cute as its baby journal sibling.

Small enough to fit snugly into a handbag, man-bag or pocket, the brag book is a cute and convenient baby album to share baby snaps on the go. Designed in the iconic Illustries contemporary style and matching it’s bigger brothers and sisters, the Baby Books, the perfectly petite albums hold up to seven classic 4×6” photographs (or additional smaller photos) alongside beautifully-designed pages dedicated to the all-important little person details, including birthdate. The Baby Brag Book is available as a portrait, hardcover album with accordion-style pages printed on heavy matt uncoated paper and finished with an elegant ribbon tie. In a choice of two on-trend colours; coral pink for girls and duck-egg blue for boys.The Baby Book by Illustries is available here.and Mini Baby Photo Album and Brag Book.

Little Butterfly Dewdrops at Dawn Body Lotion.

This body lotion for baby smells amazing and is 100% certified organic ingredients. Suitable for newborns and those with sensitive and eczema prone skin. With cucumber seed oil, cocoa butter and oat kernel extract, it is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. Free of mineral oil, paraffin, paragons, silicones, SLS, DEA, TEA, PEGs or artificial fragrance. Great for baby and for mum to borrow. From notonthehighstreet.com

Reindeer Onesie From www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

This is so cute and adorable we can barely take it. A great alternative to a dressing gown, this adorable reindeer onesie has a fleecy outer and is lined in soft cotton jersey. Sizes up to and including 18-24 months have popper leg opening for easy nappy changing. Sizes over 18-24 months have zip opening. It is machine washable and is super cosy. http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+reindeer-onesie-in-pyjamas-robes-and-slippers+d2626

Blade & Rose Leggings.

We love these Blade & Rose Robot leggings.So cute. Britain’s iconic children’s clothing brand, Blade & Rose has a new Autumn/Winter collection of adorable trendsetting leggings and accessories for babies and toddlers. Made from top quality fabric that is durable, these precious leggings are perfect for mini fashionistas whilst kind to their delicate skin. All leggings can be paired with matching socks, bibs and hats. Available in sizes 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, RRP £10.00 http://www.bladeandrose.co.uk/ and here.

Comotomo Baby Bottle

This is hugely popular with our babies and mums. It makes a great gift. The award winning and revolutionary Comotomo baby bottle is the ultimate practical gift for new parents this Christmas. Specifically designed to provide the closest thing to breastfeeding in a bottle, the unique design features two essential antic-colic vents. The ‘mummy inspired and baby approved’ Comotomo bottle range is dishwasher, microwave, boiling water and steriliser safe making it easy use. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle is available here.

Wishbone Baby Thermometer

Smart and easy-to-use, this is a brilliant little gadget. The brand new Wishbone Baby Thermometer makes a great gift stocking filler for new parents. It is the first non-contact thermometer that works with smart phones;. Wishbone Baby Thermometer’s has a unique Y-shape which provides the perfect angle for digital temperature reading, and it’s compact design is the ideal size for travelling or keeping on you at all times. It’s the only smart thermometer that is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. RRP £34.99 available on Mothercare.co.uk

Babybjorn Baby Carrier WE

A great gift for any parent, giving them freedom to carry baby around without hassle. No new parent’s kit is complete without a BabyBjörn Baby Carrier We, and this new baby carrier it is perfect ‘treat gift’ for a new mum or dad this Christmas.The BabyBjörn Baby Carrier We is one of a “new generation of baby carriers” and is suitable from birth all the way to three years old; carry your baby on your front close to your heart, and when they are one year old you can carry them on your back , turning the carrier with one simple movement. BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier WE is available here.

Reindeer Mittens From Jojo Maman Bébé

These reindeer mittens are just adorable. Perfect for the festive season. Machine washable with a flexible fit, there is also a matching hat. From jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Comotomo Teether

This teether was a huge hit with Frostie babies. Easy for them to hold and chew on. It has a smart, unique design that babies love. Mimics baby fingers perfectly, and we know how babies love to chew on fingers. Just long enough to reach the back molars, but short enough to prevent choking. They are easy to grab and hold. Made them with a medical grade silicone and heat resistant, so when it comes to cleaning time, just sterilising them in boiling water and you’re good to go!

Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether is available here.

Christmas Gift List For Him

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Frostie

Whether he is your lover, your boyfriend or your husband, the man in your life always deserves a treat. No more so than at Christmas. We have put together our list of the top picks for the man in your life. You can’t go wrong with these beauties….

Leitz Complete Smart Traveller Messenger Bag has the distinctive Leitz Complete design with green inside and elegant black material outside. It is designed to carry 15.6 inch laptops or ultrabooks, 10 inch tablets, eBook readers, smartphones and A4 document or folders. Made from lightweight, robust polyester, it can be carried using the genuine leather padded handle or the adjustable shoulder strap. It can also be fixed on your airport trolley, ideal for the frequent traveller. The laptop pocket is padded with soft fleece lining to protect the device screen and surfaces. Leitz Complete Smart Traveller Messenger Bag is available here.

Bulldog Skincare

Great skincare for men. A Bulldog’s not just for Christmas…but it’s a great start. Award winning men’s skincare brand Bulldog Skincare For Men has launched five new gift sets that will bring seasonal cheer to the man in your life on Christmas day and beyond. The new gift collection, which will be available across Boots, Tesco.co.uk and Sainsbury’s stores, offers a choice of stocking fillers, secret Santa gifts and ‘proper presents’.

Bulldog’s ‘Man Up’ Money Tin (RRP £6, Boots.com) is easily the go to choice for secret Santa present giving. This budget friendly gift consists of a limited edition money tin and Bulldog’s award winning Sensitive Moisturiser.

The ‘Man’s Best Friend’ Duo Set (RRP £10, Sainsbury’s and Tesco) is the perfect gift for those looking to embrace the world of men’s skincare. This duo set contains a Bulldog Original Face Wash and Original Moisturiser in a collectable tin to help deliver a straightforward two-step skincare regime.

Bulldog ‘Man Up’ Money Tin, RRP £6, Boots

Limited Edition Money Tin and Bulldog Sensitive Moisturiser (100ml)

Bulldog ‘Man’s Best Friend’ Duo Set, RRP £10, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Collectable Tin, Bulldog Original Face Wash (150ml) and Original Moisturiser (100ml)

Rekorderlig Gift Set

Rekorderlig cider have just unveiled their all year round premium gift set which includes a cool bag, two branded half pint glasses and two 330ml bottles of Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime. This is a brilliant gift and the cider is superb. The glasses and cool bag are also great and can be reused. A wonderful gift.

The gift pack can be bought now in Sainsburys.co.uk nationwide, RRP £15.

Jockey Underwear.

Jockey specialise in men’s underwear, swimwear and loungewear and have got a Christmas gift for every man in your life. We love their Boxer Trunk 3-Pack. (Item No: 17301733- £29.00 – £30.00). Another option is the Jockey Short Trunk (Item No 181322H- £18.00). Jockey’s underwear is top quality and has no irritating side seams. A hit with the Frostie men.

The Jockey International Collection offers stylish essentials for the well-dressed man. Seasonal colours and prints keep you on top of the trends. Jockey Underwear is available here.

I Love Colouring Christmas

A beautiful pocket-sized colouring book. Is the Christmas edition of the Pretty Pocket Colouring series. It is even partially foil covered for extra Christmas fun. Perfect for some relaxation. Bang on trend for the moment and great to help restore some calm during the stress of Christmas.

Gear4 StreetParty Wireless 3 speaker

We love these speakers which held up to our rigorous testing. Portable and sleek: they give a great all-round sound.

The new Gear4 StreetParty Wireless 3 portable speaker (available in black, white and silver) is ideal for music lovers looking for a sleek portable speaker that offers a rich all-round sound when out and about or in the home. The speaker features near field communication (NFC) pairing for ultimate ease of use and great stereo acoustics for outdoor or indoor use. Its lithium-ion battery offers up to eight hours of play back time, so it’s ideal for background music on a lazy Sunday or partying with friends into the night.

Gear4 Streetparty Wireless 3 is available here.

Derek Del Boy Trotter He Who Dares

A great, fun book from the classic TV show Only Fools and Horses. He Who Dares is available here.

The Label.Men 3-Step Grooming Kit.

This brilliant 3-Step Grooming Kit from label.men contains Scalp Purifying Shampoo, Grooming cream and a deconstructor. Sure to be a hit.

What will you get your loved one?

Christmas Gift List For Mum

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Frostie

Mums are amazing and deserve to be shown how much they are loved. With that in mind, here are a few top picks.

Totes Toasties Faux Fur Mule.

We love these slippers. Comfortable, super warm and fun.

Braun Face Cleansing Brush + Mini Epilator Beauty Edition.

This cleansing brush and epilator in one is innovative and brilliant, it really cleans skin, gets rid of hair and leaves your face brighter and smoother. This is a brilliant beauty product. We were very impressed.

Introducing the world’s first facial epilator and cleansing brush. Braun Face combines two facial treatments into one device: precise epilation of the finest hairs and gentle deep-pore cleansing. The facial epilator features a slim head with 10 micro-openings to capture even the finest hairs. The facial cleanser cleanses pore-deep to remove make-up and impurities up to 6X better than manual cleansing. Show the world the skin that you were meant to have with the Braun Face epilator and facial cleansing brush.

Braun Face Facial Epilator and Facial Cleansing Brush is available here.

Label.m Giles Moisturising Treatment Duo.

A great Shampoo and Conditioner gift set with a gothic design from Giles Deacon. Funky.

Includes treatment shampoo and moisturising conditioner.

Codorníu Cuvée Barcelona Brut.

There is a popular meme that says mummy drinks because you are bad, but sometimes it is because you give her a bottle of fizz and your presence is call for celebration, right? This cava from Codorníu is top notch. Trust us, we know our stuff.

Add some sparkle to your celebrations this Christmas with Codorníu Cuvée Barcelona Brut.

Beautifully bottled, indulgently rich and tantalizingly fruity, this cava is as perfect on a wish list as it is served with Christmas dinner, alongside Boxing Day nibbles or to drink at a festive party with friends.

Codorníu Cuvée Barcelona Brut is available at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose RRP £12.99. sainsburys.co.uk waitrose.co.uk

Christmas Gift List For Her

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Frostie

Top picks for the woman in your life.

McGuigan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

A luscious red wine full of red and blackberry fruit flavours. This Cabernet Sauvignon shows the distinctive cassis and blackcurrant fruits as well as a subtle herbaceous note that finishes with eucalyptus . Fine velvety tannins add to the finish. This wine is matched perfectly with a range of rich dishes including red meat stews or casseroles.

RRP: £9.99 (Tesco.co.uk, ASDA.com)

McGuigan The Shortlist Shiraz

A classic fruit driven Barossa Valley shiraz, this wine displays ripe mulberry and plum characteristics. The conscious integrations of oak results in subtle vanilla and spice. This wine has youthful, grippy tannins and will develop in the bottle for the next 10 years. Matched perfectly with red meat dishes such as glazed beef short ribs.

RRP: £14.99 (MajesticWines.co,uk)

We tried both wines and they are first class.

Body Butter and Candles from Shea. A small family run business that specialise in creating handmade natural products including body butters, hair care and scented soy wax candles.

All Shea Innocence candles have been hand poured using natural soy wax providing a clean burn and long lasting fragrance. Shea Innocence candles are free form GMM, pesticides and herbicides. They also make brilliant body butter. We tried all of the following: Nourishing Body Butter with Lavender & Orange, Triple Butter Whip – Mango, Grapefruit & Orange, Body Butter – Mums to Be & New Mums (Unscented) and Mandarin Body Butter – Little Ones. Body butter is £10.95 and candles are £6-18.00. Highly recommended on quality. They smell great too.

http://www.sheainnocence.com/

Adult Colouring Books are the in thing at the moment. Taking time out and staying away from technology is relaxing and essential for health. Quercus Books are publishing 4 gorgeous, small, paperback-format colouring books in a series called ‘The Little Book of Colouring’. Their small size is unique and handy both for carrying with you as well as curling up on the sofa, while the brief affirmations on every page provide the perfect opportunity for colouring fans to focus their minds and step away from the hectic pressures of day-to-day life.

Adult Colouring Book available here

Divoom Voombox Ongo. We tested this great speaker, it really is water resistant and weather proof. Perfect for taking anywhere, give the woman in your life the chance to get her groove on when on the move. Perfect for picnics and outdoor parties too.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to listen to music while out and about, the Divoom Voombox Ongo comes with a bike mount and is water resistant and shockproof. Its compact size offers impressive sound with a passive subwoofer and two 1.5inch drivers, and offers a built-in speakerphone solution to make calls while on the move. The Voombox Ongo is available in a range of colours and is perfect for use around the campfire this summer.

Divoom Voombox Outdoor Speaker is available here.

Thomas Dakin Gin

This brilliant gin includes 11 botanicals including horseradish and the gun-metal grey bottle is superb. Thomas Dakin Gin is a classic style London Dry Gin which takes its name from the forefather of English gin, Thomas Dakin, who created the world’s first quality gin in 1761 in the North West of England.

Nose: Juniper perfumed notes upfront with sweet orange and citrus aromas and a hint of red cole botanical at the end.

Taste: Smooth, intense and piquant which softens, leaving a sweet citrus and savoury taste.

Finish : Medium to long lingering finish.
Thomas Dakin Gin is a juniper-led classic style gin with sweet orange and citrus notes and a pepper and savoury finish, thanks to the cubeb berries and red cole. We love it: a superior gin that tastes sublime.

Thomas Dakin Signature Serve
Tom & Tonic
50ml Thomas Dakin Gin
125ml good quality tonic water
Orange peel
Sprig of fresh Coriander

Pour the gin over a full glass of ice and pour over the tonic water. Twist a 5 cm strip of the orange peel onto the top and garnish with a sprig of coriander.

Thomas Dakin Gin is available in Harvey Nichols and Booths.

Babyliss Hairdryer Twilight Shimmer Set from Lloyds Pharmacy. We absolutely love this. The hairdryer is excellent and it comes with a sparkly bag and some hair clips.

The BaByliss Twilight Shimmer 2000W dryer set features a lightweight and compact dryer with the drying performance of a regular sized hairdryer. Includes a concentrator nozzle and 2 sectioning clips to make styling easy. The pretty sequinned pouch is perfect for cosmetics.

Burt’s Bee The Natural Edit. (rep £29.99)

A great gift set from Burt’s Bee, contains a mix of their best products. Burt’s Bees naturally nourishing milk & honey body lotion for super soft skin, Burt’s Bees shea Butter hand repair cream for those hard working hands, Burt’s Bees coconut foot cream for dancing feet and a duo of 100% natural lip care and colour products – perfect for mistletoe ready lips! All of the products are great, making this a wonderful present.

Burt’s Bees The Natural Edit, Gift Set is available here.

How To Speak Emoji

A great, humorous book. Who hasn’t wondered what a certain emoji someone has sent you means? A great gift to make someone fluent.

How to Speak Emoji is available here.

Label.m Fashion Fix The Bardot Beehive.

The Bardot Beehive Fashion Fix comes with everything you need for this iconic hairstyle.This is a great, unique gift.

Professional Haircare brand label.m has taken its catwalk inspired hair- up, in-salon service, label.m Fashion Fix and created the perfect DIY Kit for clients to enjoy at home for the party season.

With a choice of two of the most requested Fashion Fix styles – The Bardot Beehive and Nouveau Knot, each kit includes the key label.m Create and Complete products, Hair Up Brush and accessories. Also there’s a comprehensive step-by-step for re-creating the look with fool- proof results!

‘Retro inspired 80’s pony’ label.m Bardot Beehive Fashion Fix Kit RRP £27.45

The Kit contains: label.m Volume Mousse, label.m Texturising Volume Spray, label.m Session Hair Up Brush, label.m u-pin Straight Black 50mm, label.m Kirby Grip Straight Black 70mm & label.m No Pull Braiding Bands Black 15mm.

Candles are always a perfect gift. We love Rathbornes Cedar, Cloves & Ambergris and the limited edition Charles Farris VII Pinetum Pine, Fir, Balsam & Cinnamon. They both smell amazing and look great.

A demonstration in luxury hand-crafted work, Rathbornes is officially the oldest candle brand in the world. Created and crafted with love in Dublin for over 500 years; the hand-poured wax candles are infused with the highest quality natural essential oils, tested to ensure optimum scent distribution and burn time.

The new ‘Beyond the Pale’ collection is inspired by the Irish saying which refers to the wild countryside beyond the city parameters or ‘pale’. This new range is comprised of six uniquely formulated scents that encapsulate the romance of the Irish landscape with a luxurious and modern edge.

Travel size- single wick candle, burns for 20 hours, £16

Classic size- two wick candle, burns for 50 hours, £30

Luxury size- four wick candle, burns for 60 hours, £46

From Fenwicks & Brown Thomas, Dublin

www.rathbornes1488.com

Steeped in a heritage that dates back to 1845, Charles Farris scented candles still use the same traditional methods from the Victorian era to make the best candles for modern day- slow burning, long lasting and of the highest quality.

By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, this historic London brand has become the gold standard in quality candle-making. Using 170 years of experience, Charles Farris has now created a range of seven premium scented candles and reed diffusers, specifically for use at home. Working with master blenders to create unique and beautiful scents, the candles have been crafted using traditional techniques, the highest quality ingredients and are encased in artesian hand-finished glass.

The essential oils used come from the finest sources and are infused in the signature wax and hand-poured in a time-honoured fashion that pays tribute to the Charles Farris legacy.

30cl candles- £30

Reed diffusers- £32

Stockists include Fenwicks, Heals, Fortum & Mason

www.charlesfarris.co.uk

Christmas In July

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

Yes you did read this right I did just mention Christmas in July. Oddly enough it was rather fantastic to see all the things that will be on most people’s shopping lists 6 months ahead of schedule. Stacks and stacks of ideas for all the family where in abundance at this particular event. Most high street shops have been doing these events throughout July for press and bloggers. The main product launch that held my excitement was from ComptoirLibanais.com You must know them…The amazing Lebanese restaurants from around London. If you visit Sloane Square or Westfield you will know the place. If you haven’t tried their fabulous fare before…well it’s a total must. Not happy with just an incredibly wonderful cookbook they have just developed a range of Crockery and kitchenware. All in keeping with the vibrant and pretty Lebanese theme. Dining won’t be the same again with this brilliant range. They sell it throughout their restaurants and are looking for retailers to take on this pretty line. The items start from just £3 up to £40 for their impressive stoneware.

The lovely new range from CarolineGardener.com normally known for her greetings cards was so pretty. Delightful coin purses to an amazing new range of leather handbags and purses.

The new and amazing debut collection is made up of creations that Caroline would like to actually own herself, with prices that won’t break the bank. I’m all for that! They are stunning and so exquisite you will be adding more than one to any bag collection. The fabulous and fashionable collection are made up of handbags, wallets, tote bags, coin purses and pouches, all for under £300. With style and quality being everything to Caroline this range would make anyone happy this christmas.

I spied the Spanish cured meats from Viandasde Salamanca. And went in for a tasty nibble. Their range of high quality hams, sausages and deli goods are to die for. A fab gift for a foodie.

Karma cola was exceptional and blooming tasty to say the least. The cola knocked spots off a well known brand! Those clever people believe that your fizzy drinks should not only taste great but also should be good for the land and the people that help to grow the ingredients. Nowhere else will you find a fizzy drink that’s actually really rather good for you! All their drinks are made form organic and fair trade sources with good sugars. No evil ingredients in these delicious drinks. Find them at www.Karmacola.co.uk

Then lastly the fantastic range from WhiskHampers.co.uk had all my Christmas gifts wrapped up! The coffee, gin and whiskey lovers in the family will be sorted and a self gift of tea for me! You can’t go Christmas shopping and not self gift now it’s an unwritten rule didn’t you know! One of the reasons Christmas is so good you can hide all the evidence!!

What have you in mind for gifts now that I have given you a few ideas? Yes I know its early but this way you might actually be able to enjoy the Christmas sales if all your shopping is done in the next few months. I know what I will be getting everyone for their stockings. I just hope my friends and family don’t read this as that would give it alway totally!

CobWebKnits Lamb Newborn Baby Hat Review

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

When we saw the CobWebKnits baby hats we could not help but melt a little. Not only are they so small, they are also just super-cute. They are machine washable soft acrylic yarn that is soft to the touch and won’t irritate baby’s skin. Being machine washable at 40 C they are practical too and dry quickly. These hats are adorable and of the highest quality. I was very impressed by the hat, the quick delivery and the presentation.

Each product is handmade in their Welsh studio where they also make beautiful knitwear and clothing. Every attention is paid to each item which is lovingly handmade with the wearer in mind. From start to finish Su from CobWebKnits is responsible for its production and presentation, ensuring that it will be of the highest quality and stylishly packed for the customer. Unlike some other companies offering handmade products delivery is quick – within 1-3 working days.

The hats are available on their website, Beatrix Potter’s Nursery Shop in Lake Windemere and the Historic Royal Palaces (including the Tower of London) as well as other boutiques around the country. They can include a gift message free of charge and delivery is quick.

Service is great too. Frost Loves….

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Frostie

Mother’s Day is on the 15th of March this year and It is time to spoil the most important women in your life. Here is our handy guide to gift-buying for Mother’s Day.

Ringtons loose tea and infuser gift box

We love this. The tea is absolutely amazing and the infuser is easy to use and looks great.

The fantastically presented loose tea infuser sets come in a stylish Ringtons cream and gold gift box, decorated with the famous Ringtons crest. The sets include a Ringtons tea infuser – a simple device designed to take the fuss out of preparing loose tea and bring out the full flavour of the leaves – and three full size packet of expertly selected loose teas as well as three x 30g sample blends.

The Luxury Great British Tea Infuser Gift Box (top image) • £22.99

Includes: Traditional English Breakfast loose tea (125g), Afternoon Blend loose tea (125g), and Classic 1907 loose tea (125g), and 3 x 30g samples.

The Luxury Taste the Exotic Tea Fuser Gift Box

• £22.99

Includes: Bird of Paradise loose tea (50g), Samavor Orange Spice loose tea (125g), and Mint Marrakech loose tea (125g), and 3 x 30g samples.

The Ringtons Signature loose teas featured and Ringtons gift boxes are available via mail order at www.ringtons.co.uk or via customer care on Freephone 0800 052 2440.

Some Flowers.

Try The Fantastic ‘Summer Memories’ Bouquet – Fresh Flowers with free Delivery

The Notebook on DVD

Mother And Daughter Message Bangle from notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Thank You Print by Rosie Robins from notonthehighstreet.com

Mum’s Measure Wine Glass by Becky Broome from notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Family Tree Cushion by A Type Of Design from notonthehighstreet.com

Cocktails are always a good idea….

Quintessentially Vodka Rhubarb Rickey

35ml Quintessentially Vodka

12.5ml Rhubarb liqueur / syrup

12.5ml Fresh lime

Soda (top up)

Method: place the Quintessentially Vodka, rhubarb syrup and fresh lime in a tall glass, adding ice and a spritz of soda.

To finish, stir a few times before adding a wedge of lime.

What will you be doing for your mother?

Romantic Food Ideas For Valentine’s: Queen of Tarts

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Frostie

The perfect savoury starter developed from the Good Housekeeping Institute’s famous Triple-Tested recipes, a team of expert GHI chefs have created and tested this dish to ensure it satisfies every time.

Queen of Tarts

Hands-on time: 15min

Cooking time: 25min

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the puff pastry:

225g (8oz) strong white bread flour
225g (8oz) butter, chilled
1tbsp lemon juice

For the filling:

300g (11oz) light cream cheese
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
2tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
200g (7oz) pack hot-smoked or smoked salmon, skinned and flaked
4 spring onions, finely sliced

Method:

Sift the flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt. Dice 50g (2oz) of the butter. Flatten the rest into a 2.5cm (1in) thick slab.
Rub the diced butter into the flour. Then, using a knife, stir in the lemon juice and about 280ml (9½fl oz) cold water to make soft, elastic dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cut a cross through half the depth.
Open out the ‘flaps’ and roll out the dough, keeping the centre four times as thick as the flaps.
Put the slab of butter in the centre and fold the flaps over it. Gently roll out to make a rectangle measuring 40.5 x 20.5cm (16 x 8in). Mark off three equal sections from top to bottom. Fold the bottom third of the pastry up over the middle, and the top third down. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30min (or freeze for 5-10min).
Repeat the rolling, resting and turning four more times, ensuring the folded edges are to the sides each time.
To make the tarts, preheat oven 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Unroll puff pastry and cut or stamp out six individual-sized heart shapes, about 9cm (3½in) diameter. Arrange hearts on baking sheets, spacing a little apart. Score a border 1cm (½in) from the edge of each heart. Use a fork to prick pastry well inside the border.
Bake pastry hearts until golden and risen – about 20-25min. Remove from oven and use the back of a spoon to press down the pastry carefully inside the border to make room for the filling. Cool completely, then tip/scrape out any loose crumbs from the cases (so they won’t get into the filling).
To make filling, mix together cream cheese, most of the lemon zest and dill, and some seasoning (if mixture is too thick, loosen with a little milk). Spoon into cooled tarts, level gently, then top with the flaked salmon and spring onions. Scatter over the remaining lemon zest and dill, and some freshly grated black pepper. Serve.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Tag Archives: ideas

Christmas Gift List For Baby

Christmas Gift List For Him

Christmas Gift List For Mum

Christmas Gift List For Her

Christmas In July

CobWebKnits Lamb Newborn Baby Hat Review

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Romantic Food Ideas For Valentine’s: Queen of Tarts

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