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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD| Whiskey is a drink that divides people. Not in the literal sense - when friends gather together to enjoy a dram of a good whiskey, it encourages conviviality and a good feeling. No, what divides people is talking about whiskey, specifically the different kinds, the good and the bad, the technicalities of what even constitutes a whiskey. In fact, as we’ll come to see, even the spelling of the word can lead to differences of opinion.

Below, we’ll approach some of the different kinds of whiskey from the point of view of a beginner and show what the differences are, which whiskeys will work for whom, and where the different types come from. Learning something about these differences may help you when discussing whiskey with someone whose opinions may differ from yours. 

whiskey

Scotch Whisky
As you will have noticed, Scottish versions of the beverage carry the name “whisky”, without the “E” that is usually included in the word when it comes from another country. The word is from a Gaelic translation literally meaning “water of life”, and when transliterated by Scotch distillers, “whisky” was how it was spelt. It’s not just the spelling that differs, though. Typically, whisky is made from malted barley and aged in oak casks, ideally for no fewer than three years. Whether a single or blended malt, single or blended grain, or simply a blended whisky, the Scottish form of the drink has an earthy, smoky flavour seen by many as the ultimate version.

Irish Whiskey
Known for having a smoother finish than Scotch whiskies, the Irish form of whiskey is often made from a yeast-fermented grain mash or a blend of cereals. Like its Scottish counterpart, Irish whiskey is also aged in wooden barrels, though no specific wood is prioritised. The ageing process lasts at least three years, and Irish whiskey can best be differentiated from its neighbour across the sea by the absence of that tell-tale peaty, aromatic tone. Irish whiskey is produced all over the island of Ireland.

Bourbon Whiskey
The most famous form of whiskey produced in the United States, bourbon looks and tastes markedly different from its Celtic cousins - you’ll recognise it by its fiery red colouring and its sweeter taste. The production method is different too - Bourbon is made mostly from corn and fermented in charred oak casks, ageing for up to ten years. Many people believe that Jack Daniels is the most famous bourbon, but it isn’t - it’s actually a…

Tennessee Whiskey
Similar in many ways to bourbon, the big difference with Tennessee whiskey is that it is steeped in charcoal before it is allowed into the casks for fermentation. This allows it a smokier, almost treacly taste which will be familiar to many drinkers.

Rye Whiskey
The alternative to corn-derived whiskeys, this kind is produced using a mash of no less than 51% rye along with other grains before ageing in charred barrels for no less than two years. The different production method bestows upon it a taste that can variously be described as “fruity” or “piquant”.

There are, of course, other sources for whiskey, but these are the main ones exported worldwide. Which you prefer is a matter of personal taste, although Scotch is generally favoured by the connoisseur thanks to its more complex flavour profile.

Do you like to drink whiskey? What is your favourite type?
10:00 No comments
AD| Wondering where to eat in Dublin, Ireland? Whether you currently live in Dublin or are planning a trip there, look no further! The restaurant industry is constantly growing, where you're likely to fine new restaurants popping up almost every other week. Not only is Dublin a warm and welcoming city packed with beautiful views and scenery, it's restaurant and dining scene is pretty special too!

When it comes to dining out, Ireland is so diverse with what it has to offer food and drink wise. Packed with restaurants varying in cuisines from Indian to Italian to American, as well as many restaurants offering some traditional Irish dishes. From budget-friendly to Michelin restaurants, Ireland has some great foodie spots, making it incredibly affordable and a great place to go for all price ranges.

RESTAURANT TABLE

Whether you're on the lookout for an amazing restaurant for a family get-together, a birthday party, you're looking for a private group dining location for a special occasion or just want somewhere new to try, here are some great restaurants to visit!

Clanbrassil House
Clanbrassil House is a small, casual restaurant located on the ground floor of an old restored house in Dublin. The Clanbrassil House kitchen boasts an array of menu options, focussing on seasonal small plates, using some of the best produce from the country, cooked over a wood-fired grill. This restaurant shares some of the most simple yet locally sourced homemade Irish dishes you'll find in Dublin.

Keshk Cafe
For those who love flavours of the Middle East, Keshk Cafe is the perfect dining location for those wanting something healthy, fresh and charcoal grilled to perfection. This restaurant-style modern cafe serves up some of the most delicious Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine, with the main influence from an array of Egyptian, Greek and Turkish dishes, there is always something for everyone.

Chapter One
If you're looking for the ultimate elegant fine dining experience, Chapter One is a restaurant to seriously consider. This luxury one-Michelin-star restaurant highlights some of the most delicious international style cuisine, focusing on a simple cooking style with a strong French influence. Combining this with some Irish authenticity through the use of locally grown organic and artisan produce, it's a match made in heaven.

Fade Street Social
Fade Street Social boasts two spacious dining rooms, a cocktail bar and rooftop terrace all in one building, making it a great location for a group dining situation. The menu is super diverse and exciting, bursting with flavours of contemporary Irish/European cuisine, offering a range of original, interesting small plates perfect for sharing.

Banyi Japanese Dining
If you're looking for something a little different, Banyi is one of the finest Japanese & Sushi premium dining restaurants in Dublin. A traditional Asian restaurant serving amazing sushi and whole range of Japanese dishes is a perfect dining location for those who want to try something new or share different dishes between small groups. Whether you opt for an afternoon or evening visit, Banyi has a menu to suit diners throughout the day.

Have you visited Dublin, Ireland before? What are your favourite restaurants and styles of cuisine?
10:00 No comments

AD - GIFTED | If your favourite thing about Easter is the chocolate, this post is perfect for you and you may want to keep reading!

Before we get onto the chocolate, it's important to look at the story behind Easter as it is the one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar. This holiday is simply commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and celebrated with meaningful traditions such as sunrise services and Easter lilies. As well as these, there are some other traditions that have been incorporated into this holiday, with things such as the Easter bunny and giving Easter eggs.


If you're looking for luxury Easter eggs or even Easter hampers for the whole family, Hotel Chocolat is definitely worth checking out for your next Easter egg delivery for your nearest and dearest. You simply wont be disappointed! The founders of Hotel Chocolat wanted to make the start of a revolution in British chocolate, and were on a mission to make chocolate exciting again, and that's exactly what they have done. With plenty of Vegan Easter eggs, luxury Easter eggs, personalised Easter eggs and even Easter hampers, there's so much choice, it'll be tough to decide to to get. With delicious Easter eggs and Easter themed treats suitable for the whole family, with amazing flavours and incredible designs at an affordable price, what more could you want?

FOR THE CHILDREN

Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs

Hotel Chocolat offer a great variety of Easter eggs and sweet treats, perfect for the little ones in your family. The ideas and designs that are aimed towards a younger audience are simply sensational and add a sense of fun into the Easter celebrations. Whether you're looking for Easter eggs for your own children, younger brothers/sisters, or your nieces/and nephews, the products featured here would make amazing Easter gifts. 

Firstly, the Elizapeck Hollow with Tiddly Pot* is the perfect duo gift that any child would absolutely love. This boxed Easter egg features a hollow caramel-milk chocolate chick on top of a pot of mini milk chocolate drops. This adorable chocolate chick was "originally sketched, painted, then hand-carved to create this exclusive treat" - simply amazing! It's not your average Easter egg, it's just cuter and a lot more fun!

If you're on the look out for a couple of smaller gifts, Hotel Chocolate also offer products perfect for that. The Elizapeck Tiddly Pot - 40% Milk Chocolate* is the ultimate chocolate snack for on-the-go and definitely an essential for when there's a chocolate craving. Although small in size, our drops are big in flavour consisting of 40% milk chocolate. Another chocolate treat is the Egg on Toast Lick*. This is a super fun themed Easter treat that is bound to be a winner. A 40% milk chocolate Easter lolly, with a white-chocolate egg that will bring a smile to anyone's face, and is a great alternative to a traditional Easter egg. A child friendly snack that wont cause any mess and you won’t end up with sticky fingers!

FOR THE TEENAGERS

Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs

As well as Easter eggs, Hotel Chocolat also offer a selection of Easter hampers designed to share and are suitable for the whole family, but they are also a great option to buy and share amongst your friends/family. One of my favourites from the site is the Easter Family Favourites Collection*, featuring a great selection of chocolate treats, perfect for any teenager in your family. The 40% Milk Chocolate Easter Egg* would be a firm favourite of mine. This Easter egg has a naturally-coloured decorative yolk, and features right amount of sugar and cream to make this a decadent treat but without detracting from the rich cocoa flavours. 

A slightly more special, yet fun item is the Chocolate Spread Easter Sandwich*. Made with 40% milk praline half-eggs sandwiched with 50% milk chocolate, it's not your average egg-sandwich! To finish off the perfect Easter treat for the teenagers are these adorable White Chocolate City Bunnies*. These 16 little bunnies are the perfect snack-sized chocolate that are deliciously creamy, with a sweet and velvety texture.

FOR THE ADULTS

Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs

Hotel Chocolat also offer luxury Easter eggs and treats suitable for adults. The packaging looks more grown up and has that sophisticated feel to it. Starting with the 16 Milk Chocolate City Bunnies*, perfect for sharing if you're gifting this to parents or couples. The Salted Caramel Easter Egg* is one of the most gorgeous looking Easter eggs I have ever seen, and the combination of milk chocolate and salted caramel is a match made in heaven! Make your Easter egg gift stand out, not only with the incredible flavour combination, but with this sleek and contemporary design.

Finally, The Happy Easter H-Box*; an Easter gift box brimming with 15 chocolate tiddly eggs, perfect for those who aren't fussy and love to try new flavours. This is a truly special gift for your parents/grand-parents, with flavours ranging from sumptuous caramel to a tipsy fruit cake, from Champagne to strawberries & cream, this is an ideal luxury Easter egg treat for your special loved ones!

If you're looking to treat yourself, your family or someone special this Easter, Hotel Chocolat is the place to be! Offering a delicious range of Vegan Easter eggs, luxury Easter eggs, Easter hampers and even personalised Easter eggs, whatever you choose, it's definitely going to be a great chocolate surprise. Be quick and get your Easter egg delivery now!

What are your favourite Easter eggs? Have you checked out Hotel Chocolat?

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With my first recipe post of 2021, I wanted to start focusing on sharing some of my favourite, "healthier" recipes to help inspire those looking to try out new things. With the start of the new year, many of us are looking to change our lifestyle habits, change our diets and improve the way we eat. Rather than making drastic changes to our diets, smaller and more maintainable adjustments can be better overall, as we are more likely to stick to them and they are a more sustainable way of living. Something I'd like to focus more on in 2021 is creating new recipes and using new ingredients in order to branch out my culinary skills and to try new foods. 

Luckily for me, I'm not very fussy when it comes to trying new things and there isn't many foods that I actually don't like, so it's extremely easy for me to find a new recipe and follow it. But for this post, I wanted to share a favourite of mine for when you're lacking inspiration and want to make something super quick, doesn't require many ingredients and is pretty tasty too! 

For me, avocado toast is a great alternative snack for when you're in a hurry or struggling for new ideas come breakfast or lunch time. If you need your meal ready in under 10 minutes, this is your go-to recipe for sure! There's so many options for additional toppings, you'll be spoilt for choice. Sometimes I like to have it plain as shown in this recipe post, other times I can enjoy it with smoked salmon and boiled eggs, with chargrilled vegetables and balsamic glaze, but you can make it over and over again, and the recipe will never always have to be the same. If you're looking for a super quick and easy healthy snack option, look no further. Bursting with flavour, give this lightly spiced and super garlicky Avocado And Feta Toast a try and tell me what you think!

Avocado & Feta Toast Recipe

Prep time: 8 minutes               Cooking time: 2 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes                                   Serves: 1


Ingredients:
2 medium slices of bread
1 ripe avocado
dried chilli flakes
garlic granules
salt
black pepper
lemon juice
2 tbsp feta cheese
Olive Oil
Optional extras - smoked salmon, eggs, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives or chargrilled peppers

Avocado & Feta Toast Recipe

Method:
1. Cut your avocado in half and add into a small bowl. With a fork, slowly start to break the avocado down.
2. Sprinkle over the garlic granules, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon juice and mash until chunky.
You can also add a splash of oil olive too if you prefer it creamier.
3. Place your slices of bread in the toaster, cook until golden brown.
4. When toast is ready, spread avocado mixture over each slice. Add your optional extras here. 
5. Top your toasts with crumbled feta cheese.
Add a drizzle of Olive Oil, and an extra sprinkling of chilli flakes for that extra kick!

Avocado & Feta Toast Recipe

Enjoy your Avocado And Feta Toast!

What are you current go-to breakfast and lunch recipes?
10:00 1 comments

If you love soft, gooey, buttery golden cookies and creamy chocolate, you’ll be falling head over heels for these perfect Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies. With crispy edges and soft centres, these cookies are the ultimate sweet treat and ready in around 25 minutes.

Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies

 INGREDIENTS

115g Unsalted Butter, cubed
90g Brown Sugar
50g Caster Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 large Egg
210g Plain Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
12 Kinder Chocolate Bars

Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 180 C. Line two baking trays with baking paper and leave to one side.

Step 2 - In a large bowl, add the Butter, Brown Sugar and Caster Sugar. Beat using an electric beater until smooth and creamy. This step takes around 2 minutes to get the perfect consistency and to make sure everything is combined.

Step 3 - Crack in your egg and pour in your vanilla. Beat until fully combined.

Step 4- Add your Plain Flour and Baking Soda. Beat again until a soft cookie dough forms. Start very slowly as the flour can go everywhere if you're not careful!

Step 5 - Break in 9 of your Kinder Chocolate Bars and stir gently.

 Step 6 -Spoon 1.5 tablespoons of dough into small balls and place on the baking trays, leaving room for the cookies to flatten out. You will be able to make between 12 cookie balls with the mixture.

Step 7 -With the remaining 3 Kinder Bars, break these in half and place on top of each cookie ball.

Step 8 - Place in oven for 10-11 minutes, until golden brown on the edges. The cookies will look slightly undercooked, but once left to cool they harden up slightly, making the perfect soft and chewy texture.

Step 9 - Leave to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10 - Enjoy!

Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies

What are your favourite cookies to make?

10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | With Christmas only a few weeks away, it can be a difficult task of picking the perfect gifts for your friends and family, especially those people who are super hard to buy for, who have everything or don't ask for anything in particular. Say It With Champers is a personalised Champagne company and they have a vast range of themed designs covering all the popular occasions like birthday, engagement, wedding and also Christmas. This could be a very luxurious and show-stopping gift, that would be perfect to give to your loved ones, and you can even personalise it with a cute message too!

Say It With Champers Personalised Champagne Gifts

"Champagne is the drink of celebration so why not celebrate your Christmas in style with a personalised Champagne bottle marking the special day? There are two great designs to choose from, one has a more traditional feel, and the other is a fun label, so with our personalised Christmas labels there is something for everyone."

Say It With Champers Personalised Champagne Gifts

I opted for the Christmas Champagne Gift 02, featuring the blue personalised label. Stunning isn't it?! It features a very cute, festive yet simple design that I know a lot of my friends and family would love to receive as a gift. If you are looking for a unique Christmas present that is a refreshing change from everything else then this personalised gift could be the perfect choice for you! Not only does it look great and fit in with the festive spirit, but it has a fun and happy feel which is the perfect vibe when giving a Christmas gift. 

"Our Champagne is full of character, combining light, fresh, citrus fruit flavours. Lively bubbles with a well balanced tangy finish thanks to extended ageing before release."

Customise your personalised Champagne bottle now to make your perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones!

Have you heard of Say It With Champers before? Who would you gift this to?
10:30 No comments
AD - GIFTED | Whether you a fan of Cappuccinos, Lattes, or Mochas, there's just something so energizing and refreshing about having a cup of coffee in the morning, especially if you haven't had the best night's sleep. Instead of having your daily fix from Starbucks, Costa or any other coffee shop, wouldn't it be nice to have luxurious and gourmet coffee delivered to your door? Well with Blue Box Coffee, you can do just that! Blue Coffee Box was born in 2017 as a speciality subscription for devoted coffee lovers.

"Handpicked speciality arabica gourmet coffee from 22 countries, selected for your taste preference, freshly hand-roasted in the UK, and delivered in a sleek, letterbox friendly box with origin and tasting notes."

Blue Coffee Box Subscription

I was kindly gifted one of the luxury coffee subscription boxes* from Blue Coffee Box which features two full-size bags of coffee* in a signature presentation box, and leaflets about what coffee I had received with details of the source of the product. An interesting and thoughtful touch so you can read about the origins of the products in your box! From the moment I received my box in the post, the aroma of fresh coffee hit me straight away, and I hadn't even opened my parcel yet. If you have any coffee lover friends or family members, this would make a great gift! You can receive the coffee with whole beans, or have it prepared for a cafetiere, dripper, aero press or espresso - whichever works for you!

Blue Coffee Box Subscription

"Once your taste buds have experienced gourmet coffee, they won't want anything else."

I received coffees from Brazil and Ethiopia which definitely makes a change from your standard shop bought instant coffee. The Brazilian coffee is produced by the Posses community in the Minas Gerais region. Featuring sweet nutty flavour and chocolatey notes, this coffee is simply delicious! The perfect choice if you prefer a more simple coffee flavour but with a delicious aroma. 

The Ethiopian coffee is produced on a private farm in the Yirgacheffe region by Israel Degfa. The coffee features unique flavours of Blueberry and Palma Violets, making it very unusual but very aromatic and flavoursome - if you want to try something new and interesting, this coffee is a must have!

What are your favourite coffee flavours?

15:56 1 comments
AD| Take a trip to Spain without leaving your kitchen! Spanish food is one of my favourite cuisines to recreate at home because of the amazing flavours and vibrant colours found in every single recipe, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Perello Gordal Pitted Olives

For a few little pre-dinner snacks, these Perello Gordal Pitted Olives* are perfect. Gordal olives are one of the finest Spanish olives – bright green, plump and crisp. These Gordal olives are canned in brine with Guindilla chilli – giving the olives a little kick. 

Torres Black Truffle crisps

Torres Black Truffle crisps* are also a great alternative when looking for some snack ideas. These luxury crisps pack an intense black truffle punch and will leave your guests wanting more and more. Either eat the crisps by themselves, with dips or as part of a meat/cheese platter.

pan con tomate

Pan con Tomate is a small starter type dish and for something with so few ingredients – just toasted bread slices, tomatoes, garlic, salt and loads of olive oil – it’s absolutely delicious and so easy to make at home.

Gambas al Ajillo

Gambas al Ajillo - Another quick and easy dish that you can have made in minutes and will be a great success with your guests. The key ingredients here are prawns, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and chilli flakes. The combination of all these flavours are to die for! I would simply serve them alone with some fresh crusty bread.

seafood paella

Last but not least, the real star of the show, we have Paella, which is perhaps one of the most famous Spanish foods in the world. It's definitely one of the first that would come to mind when thinking about Spanish cuisine. I opted to make a Seafood version with prawns, squid and mussels, but you could probably use any meat, fish or vegetables that you prefer. I also added chorizo, garlic, onions, peppers, peas, sweetcorn and green beans to make this dish super colourful. This type of dish is perfect for a dinner party as it's great to make in bulk and can allow all your guests to dig in to one big pan of food!

la chinata smoked paprika

This distinctive sweet Smoked Paprika* was the perfect addition whilst making my delicious Seafood Paella. Introducing rich colour and flavour to the paella, as well as adding a warm smoky heat which really complemented the chorizo in the dish.

What are your favourite Spanish recipes? Have you heard about Sous Chef before?

ad* | items marked with a * have been gifted by Sous Chef for review purposes
14:22 1 comments
With the cold winter nights settling in, there's nothing better than getting into some cosy pyjamas and cooking something quick for dinner. For me, Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, easy to make, and you can mix it with absolutely anything and be onto a winner of a dish. I've decided to put together a delicious recipe combining chicken, green pesto, broccoli and pasta, for the ultimate dish!

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients; (serves 2)

1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 Chicken Breasts, chopped
Parmesan Cheese
3 tbsp Green Pesto
Salt and Pepper
150g Fusilli Pasta
Frozen Broccoli Florets

Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta

1. Start by adding boiling water, Fusilli pasta and salt to a large pot, and cook according to package directions. I used quick cook pasta, so this took just 5 minutes.

2. Add the broccoli to the pot once the pasta is nearly finished cooking, to simply warm through the broccoli. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

3. Pour 1 tbsp oil into a large pan. Add the garlic, salt and pepper, and cook for just a few seconds then add the sliced chicken. 

4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minute or until browned.

5. Next add the Parmesan, pesto, and a splash of water to help create a thick sauce. 

6. Simmer mixture for 2-3 minutes. 

7. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir until fully combined. 

8. Remove from heat, serve up and garnish with more Parmesan if desired..

Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This easy dish comes together in under 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner! 

What are your favourite pasta recipes?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | These are not your boring old brownies…they are loaded with delicious popcorn, luxurious white chocolate and a splash of rich dark chocolate to give it a fun twist on the classic recipe. Popcorn and brownies might sound like an odd combination, but after reading this post, you'll definitely be off to the kitchen to whip some up!

Double Chocolate Berry-Licious Popcorn Brownie Cake

I was kindly sent the popcorn* for this recipe post from The Popcorn Shed. They offer a wide selection of gourmet popcorn, including flavours such as Pecan Pie, Salted Caramel and Say Cheese, to name a few. For this recipe, I opted for the Berry-licious flavour, a magical mixture of fruity tart raspberry and indulgent smooth rich dark chocolate. Whether it's nuts, chocolate, or fruit, their tasty treats are so much more than just popcorn.

Double Chocolate Berry-Licious Popcorn Brownie Cake

You will need...

1 Chocolate Cake Mix (I used one from ALDI)
1 packet of Popcorn - (I used Popcorn Shed*)
1 bar of Dark Chocolate
1 bar of White Chocolate
Cold Water
Vegetable Oil
2 tsp of Butter 

Double Chocolate Berry-Licious Popcorn Brownie Cake
Double Chocolate Berry-Licious Popcorn Brownie Cake

 Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line your baking tray with greaseproof paper.

 Step 2  - Add the brownie cake mix to a large bowl and pour in the water, oil, melted butter and a splash of milk. Mix well with a whisk.

Step 3 - Break up 3/4 of both the white chocolate and dark chocolate into small chunks. Fold these into your brownie mix and stir.

Step 4 - Pour half the brownie mixture into your prepared cake tin. Sprinkle in a handful of the popcorn, and cover with the rest of the brownie mix. Then press in a few pieces of popcorn into the top of your brownie. Then you are ready for the oven!

Step 5 - Cook the brownie cake for around 40 - 50 minutes. You can test your brownies are ready if you press a skewer or knife into it. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready!

Step 6 - Once out of the oven, leave to cool for around 30 minutes before. Once cooled, I topped my brownie cake with some melted chocolate and extra popcorn!

Double Chocolate Berry-Licious Popcorn Brownie Cake

This brownie cake was SERIOUSLY GOOD. All kinds of textures to get your mouth watering.. crunchy popcorn, oozing chocolate chunks and a moist sponge. The Popcorn Shed Berry-licious popcorn was seriously good! The fruity raspberry flavour really stood out and helped contrast the flavours of the chocolate. I think the Salted Caramel popcorn would be a great alternative to use in the brownies!

You can view the full range of Popcorn Shed popcorn here.

What are your favourite recipes for brownies? Have you tried Popcorn Shed popcorn before?
09:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | We all love a cup of tea now and again. But sometimes you might want to switch things up and pick a new flavour tea to try. That's where Shibui Tea come to the rescue! If you've not heard of Shibui Tea before, here's a brief overview. Shibui Tea are a family run business with over 35 years of experience. The company have their head offices split between the UK and Canada. With two brothers who run the operation - John in the UK and Paul in Canada. With a large range of loose leaf tea with flavours to suit all palates, from premium classics through to fun and modern concepts. The companies teas are sourced from all over the world, primarily from China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Taiwan. 

Shibui Tea

"Shibui is a Japanese word which has no direct translation into English. It is a way of describing something which appears simple but has actually an underlying complex nature. We feel that this sums up our perception of tea perfectly. Tea is just tea, surely? Ah – but look into it in a bit more detail and it’s a lot more complicated than that!"

Shibui Tea

 I was kindly gifted a selection of their Tea Pyramids* in a variety of delicious flavours. The tea bags are made from a biodegradable corn starch and contain no plastic. The tags are sealed to the bags using an ultrasonic method so no glue is used. The wrapper that the tea bags come in inside the tube looks like it's made from plastic but it's actually made from a clever material called Natureflex - this is made from wood pulp and is compostable and biodegradable. Super environmentally friendly!

Shibui Tea

- English Breakfast -
Everyone loves a good cup of tea, and English Breakfast tea is definitely a winner with everyone. You just cannot go wrong with it!
Brewing: 3-4 minutes at approx. 100°C

- Matcha & Sencha -
This flavour has a really strong green tea scent with a hint of sweetness. It smells very earthy and natural.
Brewing: 3-4 minutes at approx. 80°C

- Earl Grey -
On first impressions, this Earl Grey tea has a very warm and earthy smell to it. With a blend of rich Assam and Ceylon black teas flavoured with citrussy bergamot, it's definitely a tea for the more adventurous and those who like their cuppa a little bit stronger. 
Brewing: 3-4 minutes at approx. 100°C

- Rooibos & Orange -
A zesty tea blend of organic South African rooibos with refreshing citrus fruit flavours. It definitely has hints of juicy oranges that really bring this tea to life. This tea is full of sweetness and bursting with fruity flavours.
Brewing: 5 minutes at approx. 100°C

Shibui Tea

- Chocolate & Ginger -
 With a delicious blend of warming ginger and rich chocolate, this combination sounds very odd to be made into tea, but it definitely makes a great drink! You get just the right balance between the warming ginger and the rich, velvety chocolate.
Brewing: 5 minutes at approx. 100°C

- Tropical Green -
If you're a lover of fruit flavoured teas, this one's for you. Bursting with fresh, fruity aromas, this tropical green tea is packed with juicy pineapple and peach.
Brewing: 3-4 minutes at approx. 80°C

- Mulled Spice -
All the Christmassy feels with this cup of tea. With fragrant hints of berries, orange, cinnamon and clove, it has a very deep sweet and warming scent making it a perfect flavour tea for a cold winter's night.
Brewing: 3-4 minutes at approx. 100°C

- Gingerbread-
With a warming scent of gingerbread, this tea has such spicy yet sweet notes to it. You can really smell the ginger coming through with some fruity hints.
Brewing: 5 minutes at approx. 100°C

Apart from a good cup of English Breakfast Tea, my favourites from the selection of teas was definitely the Tropical Green and the Rooibos & Orange. I love fruit teas and think they make a great alternative from the traditional cuppa!

By visiting Shibui Tea online, you can browse and choose from over 200 teas!

Have you tried Shibui Tea? What are your favourite flavours of tea?
09:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | Looking for a Valentine's Day treat to gift to someone special? Take a look at these delicious offerings that I was kindly gifted from Thomas Fudge's that are bound to excite your sweet-toothed loved ones.

Thomas Fudge's Bakery

"Thomas Fudge founded his remarkable bakery back in 1916. From the beginning, local sourcing and artisan craftsmanship has always been a real focus for Thomas Fudge's and remarkable baking remains at the heart of everything we do with recipes passed down from generation to generation. To this day we still slowly bake our tasty treats in batches. We're very proud to have retained many years of knowledge and expertise in our bakers."

Thomas Fudge's Bakery
FABULOUS MILK CHOCOLATE FLORENTINES*

 A delightful fusion of fruit, almonds, hazelnuts and sticky caramel, coated in a thick layer of creamy Belgian milk chocolate is what makes these Florentines a cut above the rest. These Florentines had such a sweet, buttery flavour that was beautifully complimented by dried fruit and crunchy nuts. With a crunchy and chewy consistency, and a super mouth-watering taste, these milk chocolate Florentines will have any sweet lover going head over heels.

Thomas Fudge's Bakery
BEAUTEOUS WHITE CHOCOLATE & ZESTY LEMON BLISSCUITS*/ 6 pack 

These deliciously zingy lemon flavoured biscuits, dunked in thick, creamy Belgian white chocolate make the perfect flavour combination. A nice crunchy shortbread style biscuit, coated in rich, velvety chocolate. The perfect biscuit to enjoy with your afternoon cup of tea! As soon as you open the packet, you're hit with a fresh and juicy burst of sweet lemon, and the warming sweet scent of white chocolate. It's simply a match made in heaven!

Have you heard of Thomas Fudge's before? What flavour from their range would be your favourite?
09:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | When it comes to Valentine's Day, finding the perfect git can be really hard, but if your partner has a super sweet tooth, Lir Chocolates could be the perfect place to look. Lir was created in Dublin in 1987 by Connie Doody and Mary White and began on Connie’s kitchen table with a food mixer and a bowl. Those early days instilled a spirit of creativity and attention to detail that are still integral to Lir Chocolates today.

Lir Chocolates

To mark Lir's 30th birthday celebrations, they have created the beautiful Discovery Collection* which I was kindly gifted. Wrapped in rose gold, delicate pink hues, the packaging alone is simply stunning. The Discovery Collection showcases eight exotic and creative flavours that will excite your taste buds. This new range brings together Lir’s delicious chocolate exteriors with mouth-watering exotic centres, such as Persian lime oil, Spanish pistachio and vanilla from Tahiti in the South Pacific. 

Lir Chocolates

"We are constantly exploring, constantly experimenting, and constantly pushing back the boundaries of what is possible at the hands of the modern chocolatier."

Lir Chocolates

With 16 decadent chocolates in eight luxurious flavours, this is definitely the perfect selection box to gift this Valentine’s Day.

Persian Lime Truffle - A surprising black and white combination of rich dark chocolate and white chocolate truffle infused with Persian lime oil.

Dark Chocolate Torte - Vanilla from the South Pacific is set within a crisp dark chocolate shell in this rich intense dark chocolate torte.

Chewy Pecan Caramel - Just wait for the generous covering of creamy milk chocolate to dissolve to reveal a chewy caramel centre with crunchy salted pecan nuts.

Hazelnut Gianduja - A creamy white chocolate exterior slowly and teasingly dissolves to reveal the beautifully smooth taste of a hazelnut praline.

Lir Chocolates

Cinnamon & Raisin Cream - Exquisite Belgian white chocolate ganache, infused with aromatic and warm cinnamon, juicy raisins and velvety Irish cream liqueur.

Coffee Crunch - Delve beneath our blonde chocolate to find a deeply creamy white filling with coffee and caramelised cocoa nibs.

Irish Sea Salted Caramel - Two worlds collide delightfully when Irish Atlantic sea-salted caramel combines with Tahitian vanilla in crisp dark chocolate.

Raspberry & Pistachio Duo - An intense explosion of taste from a fusion of fruity raspberry compote with Spanish pistachio paste hidden in creamy milk chocolate.

Lir Chocolates

These chocolates are seriously unreal. A collection of handcrafted gems created to surprise and delight, and they definitely did that. They are like nothing I have ever tasted before. All the flavours were spot on, so fresh and such high quality - I couldn't even pick a favourite as they were all SO good!

Have you heard of Lir Chocolates before? What flavour from their Discovery Collection would be your favourite?
09:00 No comments
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