The hugely talented professional wildlife painter Robbie Graham is exhibiting now at 44 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6AR until 27 December
Robbie Graham has a passion for nature and wildlife conservation which shows in his beautiful framed and unframed canvas and paper prints which are available in many sizes.
WIN a selection of gorgeous, on-trend copper homeware from Steamer Trading Cookshop...
Steamer Trading Cookshop is a family-owned and family-run business based in Lewes, East Sussex, selling an outstanding range of top quality cookware, kitchen gadgets and tableware from world-leading homeware brands. The company prides itself on outstanding customer care, thanks to its friendly and expertly trained staff who are always on hand to offer a demonstration or answer questions. Steamer Trading has stores nationwide, with many in the counties of Sussex, Kent and Surrey. As well as offering online sales at www.steamer.co.uk the company also offers a click and collect service for extra customer convenience.
Steamer Trading have a rainbow of stunning, top quality kitchen electrical items from coffee machines, juicers, blenders, food mixers and processors, toasters, kettles, sous vide machines, hand blenders and so much more. In addition to well known brands, steamer Trading also prides itself on finding those 'extra special' items from new and upcoming companies. This Christmas the trend is very much the gorgeous lustre of copper - in many different guises. To celebrate this we are offering one lucky winner the chance to win all of the glorious copper items in this picture, plus a few additional surprises!
The prize includes: four copper mugs; four copper shot glasses (two sets of two); bamboo bowls with copper coating, large (shown) and small (not shown), a slate with copper serving bowl, copper water jug, storage jar (shown) and two storage jars (not shown).
For your chance to win this hand-picked selection of copperware, just answer this question: 'Where is Steamer Trading based?'
Enter your answer with your contact details on this blog post, in the online form at www.wealdentimes.co.uk/competition or post to: The Steamer Trading Competition, Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 14 December 2015.
There is no cash alternative and the prize must be taken before 31 March 2017. All entrants details will be passed on to Steamer Trading and Wealden Times Events. Please let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on.
We love a good bathroom here at WT. They're a place to relax, unwind, or prepare for the day ahead, and we have come across some real beauties in our time. Here are a few of our top picks...
Monochrome Home...
This stunning bath is set in the corner of a master bedroom, in a double aspect alcove, overlooking the garden. Subtle intimacy has been created by a delicate muslin curtain covering one wall. Read the full feature here...
Always in Style...
This bathroom sports a great black steel-riveted bateau bath, found on eBay and black and white mosaic tile flooring from Tile Design in St Leonards. The delicate driftwood table by the bath came from French Connection Home. Read the full feature here...
All in Place...
The design philosophy in this house as far as bathrooms are concerned, is to go for a high quality centrepiece. All the baths, showers and taps are form C.P. Hart. The accessories and furnishings are bargain buys. The shower tiles are form Walls & Floors and the graphite marble floor tiles are from eBay.
The Christmas House...
Moving away from the contemporary, there is a totally different feel in this house. With a reinforced floor to support it, this original bath tub has a lead lining and is gently illuminated by candle light, tucked away in amongst the wood paneling around the room.
An Elegant Escape...
We love this pair of Moorish mirrors hanging above the sinks. This bathroom also feature a beautiful deep bath and glass walled wet room shower. The French doors lead into a pretty patio area with stunning views of the gardens.
After the numerous parties, get togethers and gatherings of Christmas and New Year, it can leave our homes looking tired, in need of a little love, and dare I say it, untidy?! So here are a few hints to getting your abode back in tip top shape for the coming year.
1. Kitchen
Use every tiny little bit of space. By keeping surfaces clear, it will give the impression of an ever tidy kitchen. The inside of cupboard doors is often wasted space, so by popping up a couple of small shelving units, smaller items can be stored easily. Even if your kitchen is small or an odd shape, shelves and hooks are so simple to use which means you have more space to prepare food!
2. Your Bedroom
Neat and tidy doesn't have to mean dull; hat boxes, trunks, suitcases are all great alternatives to using plastic storage containers to keep your bits and bobs tucked away and tidy, but still looking nice! You could buy them from an auction, junk shop or antiques fair and keep them looking rustic and battered. Or maybe give them a lick of paint, a bit of decoupage or a reupholster!
3. Living Room
If you're a book lover like WF's James, then why not make a feature of them? Invisible book shelves are a more interesting way of displaying your prized possessions, leaves you with more floor space and they're still easily accessible next time you want to snuggle up with a page turner, or a copy of Wealden Times! Under seat storage is particularly useful for larger, bulky items that aren't used all year round, like jumpers, quilts and spare linen.
4. The Kids' Bedroom
Bunk beds are the perfect option if you have more than one child to a room. They're good fun and leave more floor space to play on. Having a higher bed with drawer space underneath is also a a great choice, especially if room for other pieces of furniture is limited.
5. Bathroom
The space under the sink is often wasted, but can be used for storing cleaning products, or lotions and potions, which keeps window sills clear, making it easier to clean! Small sets of drawers are incredibly useful for keeping small items in as well, such as hair grips, combs and make up. By rolling up towels, they can be squeezed into smaller spaces, and still grabbed easily when needed.
WT's Helen has come up with a little list of of the health and beauty products she would love to see under her tree this Christmas... 1. Peppermint foot balm and citrus nail balm by Gwdihw (Goody hoo) These little pots of joy are a must have for soft cuticles and pampered tootsies. With natural ingredients including beeswax, sweet almond and coconut oil, they're ideal for all skin types and great stocking fillers. They come in a handy metal pot ideal for popping in a hand bag to make it easy to apply throughout a chilly day. They're a real hoot! www.gwdihwbalm.co.uk 2. Ultimate face cream from BeeInspired
This rich and indulgent face cream is delicately perfumed with bergamot, sandalwood and pine, three of my favourite woody essential oils. They are also made in combinations of Jasmine and rose and geranium and orange, as well as fragrance free for really sensitive skin. One pump of this little pot is enough to moisturise and treat your whole face and neck to a DIY facial, leaving it feeling fresh, supple and peachy. The husband and wife team at Bee Inspired keep their own bees, use their own bees wax and make everything from scratch, truly embracing natural health. £12.50
3. Wool fat shampoo and shower gel by Romney Marsh Wools
This shampoo and shower gel is packed full of lanolin, a fat that naturally occurs in wool. The amazing team at Romney Marsh Wools have had their flocks of sheep for six generations and intend on utilising and demonstrating the variety of products and benefits that British wool can bring. This junk free shampoo and shower gel is guaranteed to keep skin soft and hydrated throughout winter and beyond. It feels foamy and luxurious on the hair and skin, leaving it feeling clean and nourished. It's preservative free and isn't tested on animals. Perfect! £6.00 each http://www.wealdenfairs.com/romneymarshwools
4. Earl Grey Tea flavoured lip balm by Sweet Cecily
With totally natural ingredients and fragrant bergamot oil, this lip balm is definitely on my list of Christmas treats! As a tea lover, it means I can have that spicy, floral smell all day long. A little goes a long way with this little pot of herbal goodness and it keeps my lips soft and moisturised for hours. The packageing is delightful and is an absolute necessity for any make up bag. At only £2.95 we have a bargain on our hands! www.sweetcecilys.com
5. Blue Dachshund sleep pillow by Olio of Oxney
This scented sleep pillow uses lavender from Provence to create the perfect addition to a goodnight routine, especially during the busy festive season! The high essential oil content means a strong, long lasting aroma. Take a fewdeep breaths and relax into the best beauty sleep you'll ever have! £12.95
This selection of Christmas canapés can be prepared in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about on the day. They are designed to be simple, yet delicious, with a homemade touch...
1. Brie and Cranberry Bites
Recipe: Jo Arnell ● Image: David Merewether
Prep time: ●Cooking time: ● Total time: ● Serves:4
You will need:
● 1 packready rolled puff pastry (don't make your own - it's Christmas) ●150gBrie dash of milk for brushing onto pastry ● sprinkle of thyme or oregano to garnish (optional)
Method:
1. Cut the pastry into small rectangles, approx. 3x4cm (bite sized). Lay on a greased baking sheet and brush with milk.
2. Bake for 10 minutes in a pre-heated oven (gas 6/200°C). These can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.
3. Thinly slice the Brie into pieces just smaller than the pastry rectangles
4. Remove pastry from the oven and cool.
5. Top with Brie slices and place under a hot grill for 30-60 seconds until just melted - watch closely!
6. Top with half a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and serve warm.
For the Cranberry Sauce...
● 200gfresh cranberries ● grated zest and juice of an orange ● 100gmuscovado sugar (or to taste, depending on how tart you like it) ● ½ tspginger ● ½ tspcinnamon
Method:
1. Put all the ingredients into a pan and cook over a low heat, stirring gently until the berries begin to break up a little and the sugar is dissolved.
2. Let the sauce bubble for 5 minutes or so, then cool and use. This will keep in the fridge for a week, or longer in the freezer.
1. Peel and cut butternut squash into cubes, then roast in a little oil together with the sugar and five spice mix, allow to cool.
2. Finely chop the chilli and the chestnuts, and mash together with the butternut squash and ginger.
3. Roll out the puff pastry into long thin strips and place a little of the mixture in the centre of the puff pastry, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and fold over to form a roll.
4. Brush lightly with egg wash before placing in the oven to cook, until golden brown.
3. Pheasant and Prune in Parma Ham
Recipe: Tony Boyle ● Image: David Merewether
● Make approximately 12 canapés ●
You will need:
●
1Pheasant Breast
●
1 tspRedcurrant Jelly
●
2 RashersStreaky Bacondiced
●
25gChopped Prunes
●
¼Onionfinely chopped
●
1 tspChoppedTarragon
●
1 CloveofGarliccrushed
●
6 SlicesParma Ham
●
150mlRed Wine
Method:
1. Using a little oil, cook onion and bacon in a saucepan until onion is soft.
2. Add red wine, redcurrant jelly, prunes, garlic, tarragon and pheasant breast, cover and poach gently for20 minutes.
3. Remove pheasant and chop into small pieces while reducing the liquid until thick and sticky.
4. Return the pheasant to the saucepan, add seasoning to taste and leave to cool.
5. Slice the Parma ham in half lengthways, place a small amount of the cooled pheasant mixture onto each piece of Parma ham, then roll up to form a bite-sized canapé.
6. Warm in the oven before serving.
4. Mini Meringues
Recipe: Caroline Cowan ● Image: David Merewether
● serves 20 ● preparation time 30 mins ● cooking time approx 25 mins
You will need:
● 2 egg whites ● 125g caster sugar ● 1/2 tsp vanilla extract ● fruit of your choice
Method
1. Preheat oven to 120C.
2. Put the egg whites in a large bowl and whisk until the meringue holds soft peaks
3. Add the sugar a teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition. Continue whisking until the whites are stiff and glossy. Fold in vanilla extract.
4. Using the tip of 2 teaspoons place small teaspoon-sized amounts of meringue on to a baking sheet about 2.5cm apart.
5. Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Cool in the oven.
6. Decorate with whipped double cream and fruit of your choice. We opted for fresh figs and clementines.
5. Almond Nut Brittle with Orange Zest
Words: Nicki Trench ● Image: David Merewether
You will need:
● 200 g (7 oz) whole almonds, blanched ● 450 g (14 oz)granulated sugar ● 2 tbspgolden syrup ● 100 g (3½ oz) flaked almonds ● finely grated zest of 1 orange
Method:1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. 2. Spread the whole almonds in a 23 cm (9 in) square baking tin, lined with baking parchment. Gently roast in the oven for approximately 10 minutes or until they are light golden. Set aside. 3. Put the sugar and golden syrup in a heavy-based saucepan and heat over a low heat until all the sugar has dissolved and reaches the soft-crack stage, 132°C (270°F) on a sugar thermometer, stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and stir in the flaked almonds and orange zest. 4. Pour the sugar syrup into the baking tin and flatten slightly with a metal spoon. Leave to cool. 5. When the brittle is completely solid, turn it out onto a work surface or chopping board and break it up into shards using a small hammer or rolling pin. Store in an airtight container.
For more recipes and festive cooking inspiration, have a look here!
