For me, food plays a big role in Christmas festivities. My favourite part of this season is gathering all the people you love around a table piled with delicious meals and good wine. Here are a few foodie finds I would love to see under my Christmas tree, or on my table this year.
1. Black Bottle Whisky (R260 for 750ml, good liquor stores). This is a gem. You’ll catch fresh and floral notes on the nose with whiffs of new-sawn oak and a hint of smoke, and a silky palate with delicate smoky flavours balanced by sweet oak and honey, with a spicy finish. Black Bottle has returned to their roots, resurrecting the original whisky created in 1879. They’ve brought back the distinctive black bottle after a break of a century, a design that has been inspired by a black bottle found in the company archives that dates back to 1906 and they’ve also revised the recipe to bring it in line with the original created in Aberdeen by Gordon Graham and his brothers, Charles and David, 135 years ago. The whisky won the World’s Best Relaunch Award at this year’s World Whisky Design Awards following its debut in Scotland a few months ago. It’s super yum.
WIN: One 9Lives reader will win a bottle Black Bottle Whisky worth R260! To enter, answer the question: In which year was Black Bottle originally created? Send Black Bottle, your name and answer to admin@9lives.co.za. Competition closes 10 December. For terms & conditions, click here.
2. Jamie’s Comfort Food by Jamie Oliver (R390, penguinbooks.co.za). I look forward to a new Jamie cook book like others wait for the latest fashion line from Louis Vuitton to arrive. This one is right in line with the Christmas season mentality – a collection of 100 comfort food recipes inspired by everything from childhood memories to the changing of the seasons, and taking into account the guilty pleasures and sweet indulgences that everyone enjoys.
3. Woolworths All Butter Shortbread (R79,95 for 500g, woolworths.co.za). One of my personal favourites. This all butter shortbread is made for Woolies by one of Cape Town’s oldest bakeries using their traditional recipe. It’s so good – light and melt-in-your-mouth with a rich, caramel-butter flavour. Mmm.
4. Crabtree & Evelyn Spiced Fudge Musical Tin (R350 for 200g, crabtree-evelyn.co.za). Such a cute gift, with individually wrapped pieces of English Christmas spiced fudge packed with raisins, glace cherries and festive spices housed in a collectable tin that plays a delightful tune.
5. Mullineux Syrah 2012 (R240, mullineuxwines.com). Buy it as a gift or for the opening act on your festive table. This perfumed Syrah has notes of black pepper, refined black fruit, smoke and herbs. The palate is full bodied and spicy, with a silky texture and a balanced natural acidity. The finish is fresh and surprisingly long and supple. This wine will greatly benefit from decanting if you plan to drink it within the first 3-5 years of bottling.
6. Le Creuset 29cm Signature Oval Cast Iron Casserole in Palm (R2 840, lecreuset.co.za). If you want to buy your ambitious cook something special, this is always a win. These cast iron casseroles from Le Creuset are a dream, evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture. They also have ergonomic handles and an advanced interior enamel that resists chipping and cleans easily, as well as built-in lid stabilizers to provide a secure, no-slide fit. And best of all: Lifetime guarantee. Use it for a stew on the stove or for a slow roast in the oven.
7. Cooked in the Karoo by Justin Bonello (R330, penguinbooks.co.za). This one is great for those who have a passion for South African heritage and culture. Justin Bonello and his crew went on a two-year journey to rediscover the pulse of the Karoo and the people; to walk in their shoes, to cook with them and to tell their stories. Experience their incredible hospitality, witness their daily struggle to survive and taste the delicious dishes rooted in their kitchens.
8. Woolworths Cherry Cenoa Cake (R99,95 for 700g, woolworths.co.za). I love Christmas cake. My dad and I stand alone on this one in our family, but we stand firm: The season isn’t complete without fruitcake. This Cherry genoa from Woolies is crammed with 38% plum glacé cheries, juicy raisins and candied citrus peel, topped with a roasted nuts and cherries. It contains no alcohol.
9. League of Beers Taste Belgium Gift Pack (R299, yuppiechef.com). For the beer fanatic in your family. This gift pack includes four of the best beers from Belgium, a Duvel Blonde, a Maredsous Tripel, a La Chouffe Blond Ale and a Liefmans Fruitesse, and comes in a neat presentation box.
10. Crabtree & Evelyn Spiced Tea (R300 for 100g, crabtree-evelyn.co.za). Fine loose-leaf black tea with warming winter spices including cinnamon, cloves and ginger, presented in a festive design tea caddy. Beautiful.
Merry merry!
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