It's the season of peace goodwill and scrumptious foodie gifts. Here are 10 must-haves for any gastronome this Christmas. By Humayun Hussain
From their Raspberry and Champagne Panna Cotta Terrine to their English Bramble Chutney, M&S are pulling out all the stops with a range of tempting Christmas goodies. One of their finest seasonal offerings, which would satisfy the naughtiest of gluttons, is the striking fruit and brandy infused Jewel Cake. Now you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Available at all M&S flagship stores.
www.marksandspencer.com
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without chocolates and award-winning patissier and chocolatier William Curley sells the best of them. With fans including such uber-chefs as Marco Pierre White, Curley provides an exquisite range of couture chocolates, with contemporary French and Japanese -style patisserie, and beautifully baked cakes and biscuits, all impressively presented. This year sees the launch of his Sake Truffle range, made with Jivara Lait 40% milk chocolate and Caraïbe 66% dark chocolate ganache, and Japanese Kuvota Sake – it's chocolate with a difference.
10 Paved Court, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1LZ (020 8332 3002)
32-34 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London,W1J 7QN (020 7495 0302)
John Lewis Food Hall, Oxford Street, London, W1A 1EX (020 7514 5321)
www.williamcurley.co.uk
More chocolate indulgence comes with the Chocolate Society's winter-warming flaked Valrhona drinking chocolate. Made with pure dark chocolate consisting of 70% cocoa solids, this deliciously indulgent drink can be used with milk, water, spices, alcohol or cream. Enjoy.
36 Elizabeth St, London, SW1W 9NZ (020 7259 9222)
www.chocolate.co.uk
Where better to go taste Italian food than Carluccio's. Their affordable and flavoursome Panforte comes from the city of Siena, in Italy. Its recipe dates back to the Middle Ages and is made with candied fruit, toasted almonds, honey and a mix of deliciously scented spices. Dusted with sugar and hand wrapped in brightly coloured paper, it's ideally served thinly sliced with a glass of Vin Santo or a cup of coffee.
Available at all Carluccio’s outlets.
www.carluccios.com
When it comes to high quality traditional food, it doesn't get any better than the name of Fortnum & Mason. Its food hall may not offer the eye-popping variety to equal Harrods, but it's still one to reckon with. From well-sourced fresh meat and poultry to goose foie gras with truffles to caviar, there is luxury here in spades. Yet the store's Christmas Trio captures its festive sprit perfectly, with a trio of tantalising good tidings which come in the form of spiced Christmas curd, marmalade and preserve.
181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER (020 7734 8040)
www.fortnumandmason.com
The countdown begins! From gift ideas to ideal recipes from 4Food chefs, we've got Christmas sorted
Cook up a yummy yule from breakfast to bedtime with Christmas recipes from Gordon
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