Thank goodness for lounging last week there will be no such liberties today. I am full of purpose with a double shot expresso and my Christmas lists in front of me... lets get on track with less than a month to go. But how can I not be caught up by the Christmas train at the Larder where all are definitely on board.
To explain, when I arrived here this morning I was greeted by the most amazing Christmas cheese cake decorated with beautiful festive mice Elves. A creative inspiration ready for the Corbridge Christmas Tree Festival. I want one as a centre-piece but won't add it to my list just yet.
I had come into the Larder to show off my Christmas cake success, using the Larder cake mix bought last week. While not a patch on Wendy's cake mine is not a bad effort, don't you agree? It is all in the mix. I am now on a cake decorating mission, good job there is tasty apricot jam, marzipan and icing here for that task. If you make a cake or, simply decorate one of the delicious Harrogate cake's available here pop a photo of your marvel into the shop to win a Larder gift voucher before Christmas. I will keep you posted with my artistic efforts next week.
With all this talk of cake and cheese, and sitting in the Larder with its well stocked cheese counter, I just can't ignore the great cheese and and fruit cake conundrum. I mean at Christmas do you or don't you serve the two together? And if you do what is the most appropriate cheese for the job? I have tried this combination but only ever with a Wensleydale, I got thinking are there alternatives? After 5 minutes with an incredibly knowledgeable cafe clientele and Wendy apparently if you are going to be daring with your Christmas cake accompaniment you should try a Hawes Wensleydale, a Coquetdale, or a good crumbly Richard III Lancashire washed down with a cheeky port, or sherry (but not Brandy).
I have to admit I am a traditional after dinner stinky blue lover (on crackers not cake). I am pleased to hear that the Larder is restocking its Colston Basset Stilton and, my all time favourite, Societe Roquefort. I had better get in quick before those Christmas mice elves get to it first again.
Taking a good wonder around the shop it is now filled with many great stocking fillers and present ideas. My girls will love the chocolate star lollies, (I am going to work them into my Christmas table), a Scotch Pie making kit would be perfect for Dad and I wouldn't mind a Haggis making kit or Camembert baker... what is the etiquette on buying gifts for yourself? I figure its allowed (that's one of my list!).
What would be truly wonderful is to give or receive one of the Larder's Christmas boxes or Hampers. I can imagine all mums would love the chocolate and Prosecco box, all dads the crisps and ale box, granny would be delighted with tea and jams but to have a bespoke hamper filled with tasty goodies ....then that would be Christmas. If this sounds perfect, and it is a lovely gift, pop in and speak to the team.
Right the coffee is finished, it has again been a very friendly morning here in the Larder. Its got me totally "festive focused" and I can't wait to build on that next week at Corbridge Carols and Christmas shopping night where I will be savouring the Larder's winter warmer being served in the Market Square - see you there.