Punch

PLUTONIUM PUNCH Well I know it's still only early September, but yesterday I saw the first hint of Christmas - cards, decorations and advent calenders for sale in a my local shopping arcade! I was rather surprised, as in more recent years the Christmas frenzy has usually begun in or around mid-August. Though as a child I loved Christmas (don't all children?), it's an event that these days I prefer to bypass as much as other people will let me, but sometimes I do get caught and find myself agreeing to spend at least part of Christmas Day around somebody else's house, and have to suffer the agonies of the damned, especially when there are noisy kids ...  Read the complete review

I've never been much of a drinker. For a start, I don't really like the taste of alcohol and secondly, I'm one of those poor unfortunates who gets drunk very easily. (One sniff of the barman's apron and you're likely to find me dancing naked on the nearest table!) However, I do like alcohol when it's served in hot drinks, especially at Christmas, and the following are my favourite winter warmers: Mulled Wine. This makes an ideal welcome drink at a winter party. To serve ten people you need: 1 bottle of red wine, preferably claret. Half a bottle of port - the cheaper the better Brown sugar to taste (which ...  Read the complete review

Let's face it we all drink and eat too much at christmas time, it is a reality of the season of goodwill to all men (too much goodwill to all men in most cases!). My family has always been known for throwing a good party and this tends to be especially true at christmas when everyone is much more in the party mood and you can be that little bit more creative in the things you organise. Organising a party can be a very daunting task as you want your guests to have a good time and it is therefore very important to get the ingredients right and well blended to ensure that everyone is happy and yet it as stress free as possible. One of the most important ...  Read the complete review

Now that the summer is coming or well at least trying to, the thoughts of BBQ's and parties outside are becoming very tempting to me. There is nothing better than to have a summer's evening filled with friends and family all standing around outside in the warm (positive thinking required) and drinking nice thirst quenchers and eating great food. Now that I have moved house and we have quite a lovely patio in the back garden, my mind as started to go into overdrive and I have already planned my first summer gathering for the end of June (you need to plan well in advance!) and I thought it would be a nice idea to serve something different than the usual, wine, ...  Read the complete review

When throwing a party for a lot of people it can become very expensive to try and provide lots of different beers and spirits, so I find that three or four large (and I do mean large)bowls of punch cost a lot less and have the desired effect, a real swinging party. Do take care though as it can be deceptively strong, and never let a child just eat the fruit that is in it as it soaks up a lot of alcohol. Always remember to provide a non alcoholic version as well for non drinkers or children. my two favourites are a Hot Cider Punch (alcoholic) and Cranberry and Pear sparkle (non alcoholic) For the Hot Cider punch you will need 4 ...  Read the complete review