A rather tastefully designed biscuit tin; stylish enough to lift it from the ‘naff’ and ‘tacky’ even with the addition of a wind up musical box that plays ‘God Save The Queen’.

Inside this glorious tin is a generous helping of an entirely new Fortnum’s biscuit, invented especially to celebrate our monarch’s Diamond Jubilee. Made with Cornish clotted cream, each digestive is half-dipped in dark chocolate and embossed with the Fortnum’s logo. The elegant tin is decorated with a parade of royal beasts, all dancing in jubilation – and if you wind the key in its base, it will play ‘God Save the Queen’. A deliciously royal experience.

The Jubilee Muscial Biscuit Tin is available from Fortnum & Mason for £12.95

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Weeton’s of Harrogate is launching an historical hunt for the original carving implements used at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Ox Roasting on the Stray – an event that the award-winning farm shop is painstakingly re-creating for the Diamond Jubilee weekend in June.

Weeton’s – and the Jubilee Committee – are calling for help to find 10 of the original 13 missing carving sets for a Jubilee roasting re-enactment, which first took place on the Stray in 1887.

The spectacular ox roasting and carving, which celebrated Queen Victoria’s Jubilee year, was originally performed with the 13 carving cutlery sets, and although two of the sets now reside in the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate – and a set is owned by local historian and Freeman of the Borough, Malcolm Neesam – the location of 10 of the sets still remains a mystery.

“We want our Jubilee ox roasting to have all the pomp and ceremony of the original occasion and finding the specially commissioned knives and forks that were used at the Victorian event will ensure we can rise – and roast – to the occasion!” says Weeton’s operations director Jo Loftus.

While the blades of the carving knives are made from steel, the handles are fashioned from carved bone, with Neesam’s set inscribed with the words: “Specially made to carve the Jubilee ox, roasted on Harrogate Stray, June 21st 1887”.

In honour of this summer’s Diamond Jubilee event, Weeton’s will be donating an ox from its own herd of Red Polls, which has its own ‘royal connections’, as one of the herd is the offspring of Appleton Fourpence, who came from the Sandringham estate – the country retreat of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Queen has already given permission for a fire pit to be dug in the Stray – land that remains in the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster – and plans are afoot for Jeremy Ravenshaw Fowler, top BBQ chef and grill master to mastermind all the cooking.

And while inventor, philanthropist and former Harrogate Mayor, Samson Fox, who donated the original ox and commissioned the 13 carving sets at his factory, The Leeds Forge, was master of ceremonies at the first roasting, in June, his mantle will be taken on by a Cabinet Member of Harrogate Borough Council.

The main spectacular will take place on Sunday 3 June, when the Mayor of Harrogate Borough lights the pit and a symbolic papier-mâché ox is set on fire. Revellers will then be able to tuck into delicious beef rolls from the real roasting, which Weeton’s will be selling directly on the Stray. All proceeds from the event will be going to St Michaels Hospice.

Tickets to the event, and for the food, will be on sale at Weeton’s and Harrogate Tourist Information Centre from early May. For more information call 01423 507 100.

So can you carve your place in history by discovering Harrogate’s hidden treasures?

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It’s time to discover Wagon Wheels again! The iconic, much-loved biscuit brand is revealing a new and improved recipe, tasty limited-edition Caramel flavour, an exciting new look and a new mysterious advertising campaign.

From nostalgic memories of the famous ‘Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’’ ads, to the unique and out of this world marshmallow centre – everyone has a reason to love Wagon Wheels. For more than 60 years, we’ve had to ‘grin to get it in’ and now it’s time for the new generation of young biscuit lovers to discover the secrets within the Wagon Wheel.

The new and improved Wagon Wheels is truly ‘choccy, crunchy and marshmallowy’ and joining the existing Original and Jammie range, is a satisfying new Caramel flavour. Whilst on the outside, Wagon Wheels are sporting an adventurous new look, so there’s never been a better time to devour a Wagon Wheel.

The new Wagon Wheels will be on shelves this month, in all major supermarkets, selected independent and convenience stores across the UK.

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Rod and Ben’s Soup Club has voted two delicious NEW soup flavours on to the line-up of summer soups, which will be available from May 1st. A dozen members of its “Brotherhood of Broth” spent hours putting soups through their paces on Rod and Ben’s organic Devon farm near Exeter – and were ultimately bowled over by two exciting new Thai soups: Thai Chicken and Thai Vegetable, which will join the ranks of seasonal summer favourites such as Gazpacho, Tomato and Basil, Pea and Mint and Courgette and Tomato.

Rod Hall, Rod and Ben’s owner, whose 100% natural organic soups have won a host of Great Taste Awards, says:

“Thai soups are a new departure for us but as soon as the Soup Club tasted the two new contenders everyone was adamant that they had to be part of the Rod and Ben’s Summer Soup range. Thai flavours are light and delicious and lend themselves perfectly to a light summer soup – and who can argue with the decision of the Brotherhood of Broth?!”

Wheat and gluten-free, and sometimes dairy-free, the summer soup range is made using simple recipes so that the ingredient’s integrity – colour, flavour and texture – is preserved. The summer full line-up includes:

• NEW Thai Vegetable – wheat and gluten-free
• NEW Thai Chicken – wheat and gluten-free
• Carrot and Coriander – wheat and gluten-free
• NEW Gazpacho – dairy-free
• Tomato and Basil – wheat, gluten and dairy-free
• Pea and Mint – wheat and gluten-free
• Haddock Chowder – wheat and gluten-free
• Chicken and Vegetable – wheat and gluten-free
• Each month there is a soup of the month – a great way to taste the seasons!

Rod and Ben’s Summer Soup 2012 range is available from May 1st – October 1st from independent retailers (including Abel and Cole, Riverford, Planet Organic stores, Union Market, Selfridges and As Nature Intended), delicatessens and farm shops all around the country, South West Morrison’s stores and by mail order via www.rodandbens.com. Pots are 600g and have a RRP of £3.49 – £3.99.

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To eat is to enjoy… this years Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg, the Rocky Road to Caramel. Twelve delicious mixed chocolates encased in an extra thick shell.

Both half-shells are cast in our mellow 40% milk chocolate, with one half-shell studded with crispy puffed rice, cookies and chocolate chunks. The other half-shell with a layer of caramel chocolate over a base of milk chocolate. And inside the dreaminess continues – with praline with cookies, liquid caramel and silky smooth milk chocolate ganache along with solid bunnies and chicks cast in milk and caramel chocolate and more.

The Hotel Chocolat Rocky Road to Caramel Easter Egg is £26.

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After the sensational success of Heinz Tomato Ketchup with Balsamic Vinegar, Heinz is delighted to announce the launch of a delicious second limited edition, Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Indian Spices. Combining one of the most loved flavours in Great Britain, the original and best taste of Heinz Tomato Ketchup with a blend of Indian spices the new sauce contains a tantalising mix of cumin, coriander and cinnamon whilst still maintaining the much loved sun-ripened tomato flavour – as always with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Indian Spices is designed to liven up British taste buds and meals and goes perfectly with chicken dishes as well as adding a satisfying twist to the UK’s favourite chip dipping sauce.

Only 1 million and 57 bottles of the limited edition sauce are being made and once sold out Heinz has no plans to continue producing the range.

The limited edition Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Indian Spices is set to be the next store cupboard essential and will maintain the iconic Heinz glass bottle with a spirited new orange label to bring a touch of India to all British dinner tables. Heinz Brand Manager Lucy Clark comments: “Building on the success of the famous Heinz Tomato Ketchup with Balsamic Vinegar first-ever grocery sale on Facebook, and knowing the nation’s passion for Indian food we anticipate that Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Indian Spices will be a huge hit across the UK. Authentic Indian spices have been used to bring a twist to the traditional Heinz Tomato Ketchup recipe, whilst a vibrant orange and gold label with elephant motif give it a clearly different look from our traditional label.”

Heinz Tomato Ketchup has for many years been heralded as one of the world’s most recognisable brands. It sells more than 80 million bottles* each year across the UK alone and in total around 650 million bottles and 11 billion sachets across six continents making it the world’s favourite ketchup.

For an Indian twist on everyone’s favourite sauce, it simply has to be Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Indian Spices. For more information visit the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Facebook site. http://www.facebook.com/HeinzKetchupUK.

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Southern Comfort knows a little bit about blending flavours. The fruit and spice flavours of Southern Comfort Original have been merrily mixing with the taste of whiskey since M.W. Heron created Southern Comfort in 1874. With the addition of Southern Comfort Lime, they are ensuring this great heritage is alive and well.

Southern Comfort Lime, a delicious new product from Southern Comfort, uses the great ol’ flavour of Southern Comfort infused with the refreshing taste of lime. All you have to do is add a splash of lemonade, a few cubes of ice and you are set to enjoy with friends.

Don’t take our word for it though; Giles Looker, Soulshakers mixologist extraordinaire says,

“Southern Comfort Lime is a unique blend of premium lime flavours creating a truly refreshing drink. Take it on the rocks for a real zing or with a splash of lemonade for a laid back taste of the unexpected. Southern Comfort is all about uncomplicated delicious flavours and new Southern Comfort Lime is the perfect addition.”

So what’s stopping you? Grab your mates, and enjoy a glass of Southern Comfort Lime and Lemonade, a serve born straight outta the Deep South.

Southern Comfort Lime is available from Asda at RRP £14.99. For more information about Southern Comfort Lime or upcoming Southern Comfort events and competitions, head to Facebook.com/SouthernComfortUK

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A Sheering farmer who has just launched his dream business harvesting, pressing and producing extra virgin rapeseed oil – ‘Duchess Oil’- has already found local partner outlets, including renowned restaurants and is now setting his sights on expansion nationally.

Oscar Harding, 22, is the 6th generation to tend his family’s mixed farm in Sheering, Essex. He has always been passionate about the environmental aspects of farming, such as putting up owl boxes and creating otter holts – but is acutely aware of the farm’s commercial need to diversify, sustainably.

During his school years, during which he was diagnosed with dyslexia, Oscar describes himself as having been a ‘challenge’ academically. It was when he left full-time education that he realised, “Having dyslexia didn’t matter in life, just school – it was more a matter of following through on some of the ideas that I was forever coming up with”.

Oscar’s light bulb moment popped into his head whilst he was annually harvesting Oil Seed Rape last year.

As soon as he’d finished drilling and rolling, Oscar presented an oil producer with his idea for Duchess Oil and that was it! Duchess Oil’s first batch of 1000 bottles was created in November 2011.

“Natural Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil is extracted using a traditional cold press method, preserving all the natural goodness and taste in the process,” explains Oscar. “High in Omega 3, containing high levels of Vitamin E and half the saturated fat of Olive Oil, I knew Rapeseed Oil can reportedly contribute to cutting levels of bad cholesterol in the body – it was then a question of trialling the concept and educating the market of the product’s benefits.”

With its subtle, nutty taste, Rapeseed Oil is brilliantly versatile in the kitchen as it lends itself seamlessly to dressings, fish and pestos, but can also just be drizzled over bread as a tasty alternative to butter. It is also a healthy substitute to margarine when baking cakes, puddings and biscuits. With a high smoke point of around 220°C, it can be used to roast potatoes or in stir-fries,” Oscar enthuses.

All this knowledge has certainly not been lost on a number of eateries and food outlets in his local area, including Michelin guide restaurants, cafes, butchers, health food shops and local farmer’s markets where Oscar has trialled and successfully sold Duchess Oil to a repeat customer base.

Delighted with the customer feedback, in terms of both taste and efficacy, and armed with an understanding of the retail value per bottle, the young farmpreneur has found a perfect like-minded partner to increase production and is now setting his sights nationally. “The possibilities are endless – I’m very excited by the prospect of championing an authentic British product which can challenge the market for olive oil domestically and internationally,” enthuses Oscar.

Duchess Oil can currently be purchased via the website at www.duchessoil.com
Prices are as follows:
250ml – £3.00
500ml – £5.00

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Visitors to this year’s BBC Good Food Show Spring will be among the first to taste a new luxury nut-flavoured ice cream that’s staking its claim to be Britain’s best ever.

Taywell’s Kent Cobnut ice cream is hand-made by blending crushed end-of-season Kent-grown cobnuts (the tastiest) with the finest British milk and cream.

The new ice cream flavour will be making its public debut at the BBC Good Food Show Spring, which takes place at the Bluewater shopping centre from 12-15 April. Kent-based Taywell, the UK’s premier artisan ice cream and sorbet maker, will be exhibiting on stand PK7 at the event.

Taywell’s boss Alastair Jessel said: “We think our new Kent Cobnut ice cream is going to be a massive hit with ice cream lovers. We already make Hazelnut and Pistachio ice cream and they’re really popular. But our Kent Cobnut is the best nut flavoured ice cream I’ve ever tasted. We reckon it could even be the best nut ice cream in the country!”

Taywell Ice Creams are handmade in Kent from pure Wealden milk and cream and the freshest fruit and ingredients. They contain no added preservatives or ‘e’ numbers, no artificial additives, colours, stabilisers, no milk powder or reconstituted whey and no GM products. Taywell Ice Creams and Sorbets are available from leading food shops and restaurants in London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey, nationwide from Costco stores and to order online at: www.taywell.co.uk for delivery across London and the Home Counties.

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FoodLovers Britain is delighted to announce the arrival in Harrods of the first producer under the FoodLovers Approved banner. The honour goes to Blueberry Hill Cakes for their hand-made and hand-decorated biscuits, an innovative and highly decorative part of Harrods Valentine’s Day Collection. They are on sale in the prestigious food hall now.

As a fully vetted FoodLovers Approved member, London-based Blueberry Hill benefited from the retail introduction scheme that FoodLovers operates as just one of their many membership services.

Overseen by Henrietta Green, FoodLovers champions quality local and regional producers and services the promotional, marketing and sales interests of its 200+ local and regional producer members.

Blueberry Hill Cakes, owned by Ella Fletcher and Rachel Reynolds, was established in 2010 as specialist home-bakers – making cakes, biscuits and even arranging afternoon teas delivered directly to the door.

Henrietta said, “This is a huge opportunity for Blueberry Hill Cakes. I’m delighted that Harrods are stocking these Valentine’s Day treats. Ella and Rachel have shown drive, passion and creativity. As FoodLovers Approved, you can be certain they offer quality and an element of local and regional sourcing, so it is fitting for them to be stocked in one of the world’s most prestigious stores.”

Rachel Reynolds said, “Selling our products in Harrods is a dream come true. We have worked closely with Harrods and Henrietta at FoodLovers to come up with a range perfect for the Harrods customer and are so excited to see our biscuits on the shelves! We are busy baking for Valentines and developing new ranges for later in the year to mark other key events.”

Blueberry Hill Cakes at Harrods
Jar of Heart Shaped Shortbread and Chocolate Biscuits £8.95
Heart Shaped Shortbread Biscuit filled with Strawberry & Champagne Jam £5.95
Heart Shaped Lemon Biscuit filled with Lemon Curd £5.95
Heart Shaped Chocolate Biscuit with a Pink Marshmallow Filling £5.95

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