Mums, not many people are as deserving of a good present. They put up with us, gave birth to us and love us no matter what. Where would we be without our mothers? Here is our top picks for this very special lady.
Cornishware Mug
Cornishware do these beautiful mugs which can be personalised and come in bespoke stripy boxes which make marvellous presents or stocking fillers. Last day of personalisation for Cornishware is 13th December for Christmas delivery. All products are exclusively online from Cornishware www.cornishware.co.uk
Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels
These look beautiful and smell divine. Perfect for stressed-out mums. The packaging looks great and these oils really work. 100% natural blends. The trio of bath and shower oils include Deep Relax with vetivert and camomile to help achieve deep relaxation and a peaceful night’s sleep, De-Stress Mind with frankincense and rosemary to clear a hectic mind and focus the thoughts and Revive Morning to invigorate and awaken body and mind.
Available from feelunique.com, aromatherapyassociates.com and lookfantastic.com
Silver Orchid Silver Elephant Ring Holder
One of our editors favourite things EVER. This silver plated baby elephant is a great place to keep your rings as an elephant never forgets. Has strikingly beautiful blue diamante eyes. From orchid-designs.co.uk
Mitoq Power Antioxidant Rejuvenation
MitoQ Power Antioxidant Rejuvenation contains only 8 ingredients and is purportedly 1,000 times stronger than coenzyme Q10, MitoQ’s signature molecule is said to revive skin cells and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. We have been trying it and it really works. We love it.
From http://www.mitoq.com
Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Channel 4 TV presenter and food producer Jimmy Doherty, has teamed up with South Africa’s award winning wine, Nederburg, for their new campaign, sharing his passion for quality produce. He has tips for cooking with wine below so you can also cook for mum. Nederburg also share their wine tips.
Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, £8.99
Aromas of blackcurrants and cherries with violets and nuances of vanilla oak spice in the background.
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its depth of flavour and aroma. It’s excellent served with heart-warming roast lamb, coq au vin, red meat steak, venison, mature cheese and pizza and pasta dishes.
Nederburg’s top wine tips
Only chill white wine, like Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Chardonnay, before you plan to drink it as extended storage in the fridge will affect its taste and aroma.
The quickest way to chill a white wine is in iced water, which only takes 30 minutes versus 2 hours in the fridge.
Always give a bottle of quality red wine, like Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Shiraz, time to breathe. If you can’t wait, decant it into a glass jug first to give it chance to mix with the oxygen in the air to release the flavours.
The correct measure to pour for all wines is a third of the glass; this gives the wine room to swirl in the glass, allowing the flavours to develop.
When pairing wine with cheese, think balance – strong wine, strong cheese. The Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is great with cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda.
Jimmy’s tips on how to use wine in cooking
Cooking with wine can add depth and flavour so try these simple recipes for your dinner.
Red wine gravy
Ingredients:
6 onions, peeled and chopped
700ml red wine (Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon works well)
560ml hot water
2 beef stock cubes
Freshly ground black pepper
Method:
Place the chopped onions and red wine in a large saucepan
Bring to the boil and cook uncovered until reduced by two-thirds, around 20 minutes
Cooking it down in this way reduces the acidity and intensifies the flavour
Add the hot water to the reduced wine, add the stock cubes and stir well until thoroughly dissolved
Simmer, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the gravy thickens
Season to taste
Salad dressing
Ingredients
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Dash of white wine (Winemaster’s Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Method:
In a small bowl or jam jar, whisk the balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and white wine
Season with salt and pepper.
What will you get your mum?
Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve NV is one of the best bottles of champagne on the market. Made with fruit from only the prime vineyards throughout Champagne, this is the signature cuvée of Champagne Taittinger. A blend of Chardonnay wines (40%) and Pinot wines (60%) from 30 to 50 different vineyards and matured to perfection. Elegant and delicately golden with sweet biscuit and brioche notes, this Champagne has peach and acacia notes on the nose. It is beautiful and well-balanced. It is aged for three to four years in the cellars. Crisp and perfectly matured.
