Food for thought

Thinking of starting the New Year by learning a new skill? A fantastic series of cookbooks will teach you how to cook from scratch or help you brush up on your cooking skills for 2010.
The James McIntosh Series of four small yet comprehensive cookbooks is the perfect accessory to teaching yourself all the basics of cookery this New Year. The pocket sized guides to cookery are priced at £4.99 each, with 4 books in the series: mix., dinner, veg and cake.
Most importantly, the books place emphasis on the importance of good quality, fresh food – you can ditch the microwave meals and learn how to cook delicious, wholesome meals! The books won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in July 2009 for their practical and easy yet innovative approach.
Available to buy now from www.amazon.co.uk and all good bookstores.

A WINE club with a difference, GrowYourWine.com promises to take wine-lovers on a journey through the entire production cycle of their very own vintage wine. Allowing members to track the progress of their vines online and to take part in the grape harvest in the Vendée region between Nantes and La Rochelle, a GrowYourWine membership makes the ideal Christmas gift.

The Connoisseur’s Membership includes:

Rental of a row of 12 vines at one of Cottage des Ajonc’s vineyards for a year.

12 bottles of wine (red, white or rosé) with customised labels produced from your own vines delivered to your door or collected directly at the vineyard.

Great with roast chicken or any fowl, why not try this recipe sent in to Food For Thought for a home-made stuffing and gravy, perfect for a Christmas turkey. Add some dried fruit or sausage meat for a real festive feel.