Ralphs food market

You’ll probably have worked out that the grand feast is essentially a theatrical build-up. Festive drinks are followed by little teasers, a few bites to whet the appetite, but not too much: you need to leave room for the main act. Cheeseboards are, for me, a thing of the past, if only for the fact that I can’t help but go back for more, so now I replace the cheese with just a few rich snacks (you’ll note butter features everywhere this week) to kick-start the party with just the right degree of plenty. This year, I’m making salty anchovy crostinis and the most indulgent hush puppies, and later, because even dessert needs a pre-dessert, a chocolate salami for the final, dramatic close. Anchovy, lime and chilli butter crostini (pictured above) This is a great little festive snack to hand around at a party, together with your favourite sparkling wine. The butter is quite rich, so two soldiers per person are more than enough. Prep 15 min10 min12, to serve 6 7 … [Read more...] about Christmas snacks: Yotam Ottolenghi’s festive party-food recipes

A £15m stately home has gone back on the market for a cut-price £2.5million after it was burnt to the ground in a suspected arson attack. Grade I listed Parnham House, near Beaminster, Dorset, is now just a charred shell of the magnificent mansion it once was following the fire in April 2017. The ruins of Parnham House (pictured) after it was burnt down in a suspected arson attack.  Its owner, Austrian-born financier Michael Treichl, bought the Grade I listed mansion in Dorset in 2001 for £4million Parnham House near Beaminster, Dorset, pictured burning down in April 2017. After Mr Treichi was arrested on suspicion of arson he fled to Geneva, where he died in a suspected suicide two months later  Its owner, Austrian-born financier Michael Treichl, bought Grade I-listed Parnham in Dorset in 2001 for £4million. He spent £10million restoring the building before it mysteriously burnt down — and police accused him of starting the blaze. After Mr … [Read more...] about Charred remains of a £15m stately home burned to the ground in a suspected arson attack go back on the market for a cut-price £2.5m after mystery buyer’s purchase fell through

Nostalgia for the traditional High Streets of yesteryear is at its height during the festive season. Even those too young to remember when these thoroughfares were the shopping and social heart of their communities can feel regret at their demise. Yet, despite the burden of business rates and the rise of online retailing, some high streets still bustle with Christmas customers. Vibrant: Shops and restaurants line Burford High Street in the Cotswolds Burford in the Cotswolds and Marylebone High Street in London are two prominent examples of the magic a mix of moneyed residents and free-spending tourists can create. But elsewhere, committed traders and supportive locals can ensure a High Street remains a thriving hub that supplies the essentials and the luxuries, plus the chance to eat out simply, or in style. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next What will a Tory government mean for your money? A tax cut,... 'An adrenaline shot for the property market': Election... House sales … [Read more...] about Lure of the High Street: Traditional town centres with bakeries, butchers, markets and independent shops are attracting a new wave of buyers

Forget vending machines, PepsiCo is testing a way to bring snacks directly to college students. The firm says it will start making deliveries with self-driving robots at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.  Students will be able to order Baked Lay's, SunChips or Bubly sparkling water on an app, and then meet the six-wheeled robot at more than 50 locations on campus. Scroll down for video  The Snackbots: PepsiCo says it will start making snack deliveries with the robots on Thursday. Students will be able to order Baked Lay's, SunChips or Bubly sparkling water on an app, and then meet the six-wheeled robot at more than 50 locations on campus. The firm says it has chosen a range of healthy snack for the experiment, including Smartfood Delight, Baked Lay's, SunChips, Pure Leaf Tea, bubly, LIFEWTR and Starbucks Cold Brew. 'We're thrilled to welcome snackbot to our campus, along with its convenient and nourishing options,' said Matt Camino, Director of … [Read more...] about Meet the SNACKBOT: PepsiCo tests self-driving robot snack delivery service for students (but says it will only deliver healthy foods)

Panforte, if you’re not acquainted, hails from Tuscany and is the Queen of Treats. Imagine this: golden roast almonds and hazelnuts nuzzling up to the finest dried fruits, from dried cherries to dates, citrus fruit and ginger, all tickled by cardamom and cinnamon, wrapped up in dark chocolate and bound together with syrup. The result is an impossibly addictive, deeply chewy and crunchy centrepiece somewhere between a fruitcake and the crisp edges of a brownie. And very much deserving of a place on Christmas Day. Chocolate panforte Have a slice with coffee in the afternoon, or with brandy or sweet wine after a meal. Larger wedges, wrapped well, also make lovely Christmas gifts. Wrapped in parchment and kept in an airtight container, panforte will keep for about a month. Prep 15 min40 min16 125 whole almonds125g blanched whole hazelnuts 130g medjool dates, stoned (100g net weight) 125g crystallised ginger 150g dried cherries50g candied citrus peel, diced into ½cm pieces 200g … [Read more...] about Meera Sodha’s Christmas recipe for vegan chocolate panforte