Christmas Recipe from Angie

I love entertaining at this time of year, I am a great one for everyone setting around the table enjoying a lovely home cooked meal, This year I am looking forward to it even more, While working at Alligator Pear, I have bought myself a lovely selection of items to decorate my Christmas table and make it look even more special that previous years….

I love to take inspiration from items at the shop and use them in my own home, by getting just a few sprigs of bay and holly I know I can make my dining table look like something out of a magazine article.. I just love the Emma Bridgewater’s glassware, it look so lovely mixed in with some antique silver looking candle holders and some sparkling festive baubles… who says you have to just adorn your tree with these beautiful glass objects. I love them just scattered around the table, all different sizes and styles…
I also love to use the smaller tree decorations as table presents, hand tied to your guests napkins they can enjoy these items in there own home for years to come.

If you’re anything like me
you’re bound to have turkey coming out your ears after Christmas… What I love to do with my leftovers is make a Turkey frittata, this recipe tells you how to make a quick frittata - and it uses up all your turkey and trimming leftovers.

Prep time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 10 mins
Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 4

• 350g (12oz) leftover vegetables such as roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots or sprouts
• 175g (6oz) leftover turkey, a mixture of brown and white
• 30ml (2tbsp) vegetable oil
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 50g (2oz) leftover stuffing, crumbled
• Handful of parsley to garnish

1) Heat a large non-stick frying pan. Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces no bigger than 2cm. Tear or slice the turkey into bite-sized chunks.
2) Add the oil to the hot pan, then the vegetables and turkey. Sauté over a medium heat for 3-4 mins or until the vegetables begin to crisp and are piping hot. Crumble in the stuffing.
3) Beat the eggs with salt and pepper, then pour into the pan. Stir gently for about 1 min or until most of the egg has set. Shake the pan to level the surface and cook for 3 mins until the base is golden and top almost set.
4) Pop under a hot grill and cook for 1 min or until the top has set. Scatter over the parsley and serve hot in wedges with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

I hope you have a great Christmas and that your Christmas Table shines as bright as mine this year…

Angie

xxxx

David's Christmas Blog

Christmas is fast approaching and as always I am never quite ready, I love working at Alligator Pear as I know I can always get something to suit everyone on my list, From Mum, Dad and even brother in law.

Its so exciting to see the new stock coming in and boy does it come in, we seem to have four to five deliverers a day.. so there is always something new to see when ever you visit.

I just love some of the ranges we have at the moment, one is the men’s Johnson’s scarves, they are so soft and a lovely selection of colours they can be worn heading to the office or just out at the weekend!

Other products that spring to mind as great gifts are Kemp Aromatherapy Treatments’ Bubble-Bath-Melts, they come beautifully packaged and would be a great gift to take with you when invited to Christmas parties.

Lily Flame Candles are another gift on my list, they smell amazing, and their Christmas range will make your friends and families’ homes smell great. With up to 35 hours of burning time this gift will remind them of you whenever they light it.

My favourite scent is called Festive Cheer, it smells of Chocolate, Gingerbread, tangerines and nuts, it is so good I could eat it!!

I find it so hard to give some of these lovely things away as gifts!

While in this recession homemade gifts can sometimes be even better than shop bought gifts. Here at the shop we have a book called ‘Christmas Treats’. Why not make your family some lovely treats and package them in an Emma Bridgewater ‘Robin’ bowl beautifully wrapped in cellophane. Not only will this gift look amazing but its going to taste so yummy. Imagine their faces on Christmas day once they know you have taken the time to hand make part of their gift..

This is something I will give as a gift this year, filling the bowl with Christmas muffins, a recipe I love to make at Christmas.

Ingredients

* 1 3/4 cups Plain flour

* 1/2-cup brown sugar

* 1/2-cup brandy or sherry

* 1 cup of dried mixed fruit

* 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped

* 1/2 cup of glace cherries (if large chop in half)

* 2 tsp cinnamon

* 4 tsp baking powder

* 1/2 tsp salt

* 2 eggs, lightly beaten

* 1-cup milk

* 125g of butter, melted

1) Soak the mixed fruit in brandy or sherry for at least 2 hours or overnight if you are so inclined (like Mum).

2) Preheat the oven to 200°C . Prepare 12 muffin tins by brushing the bases with oil or lining with paper cases.

3) Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt into a bowl and stir in the sugar, nutsand cherries.

4) Mix the egg, butter and milk in another bowl. Stir in the fruit and brandy.

5) Pour the egg mixture into the flour mix and fold in with a fork. Do not over mix.. it has to be JUST mixed.

6) Spoon the mixture into the tins. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes.

They are ready when a skewer comes out clean.

7) Place muffins on a wire rack to cool.

I hope you have a very lovely Christmas

David

The Ultimate Gift Guide

Here Alligator Pear we know how hard it is to find that special gift for the ones you love. To help you we are compiling a list to help you on your way to a truly magical Christmas

For Him

Dad

This brilliant BBQ accessory is actually a twin-pronged fork fashioned to resemble a musketeer-style sword. It even comes with a cut-out cardboard mask so you can spear treacherous chicken thighs and impale all the king's hot dogs without revealing your true identity.


Uncle

Emergency Break Glass Money Box
Add coins at your own risk: only by smashing the glass can they be retrieved. As you watch your money literally build up, you will be torn between the desire to save more or cash in. With money rapidly disappearing into plastic cards and online transactions, the physical presence of ‘In Case of Emergency' money box will make you think more carefully before you decide to splash out.



Grandad

Bridge 100 Classic Problems Declare or Defend
There is a saying, there are two sides to every argument. Many books on bridge have been written, and most of them concentrate on declarer play, opening leads or defence. Very few books feature both declarer and defender problems, making "Declare or Defend?", a most interesting and very useful book if you want to challenge your bridge-playing knowledge or if you want to improve your game. There are 100 taxing bridge puzzles, all with full commentary and comprehensive answers and explanation.


Brother

Chips without ketchup? Hotdogs without mustard?

It doesn’t bear thinking about. Now man’s favourite comfort foods have been given their own specialist kitchen tackle…the Condiment Gun! Greasy spoons, BBQs and Saturday night TV dinners beware - nosh-time is about to get a whole lot more fun!
Fill one of the two squeezy cartridges provided in the pack with your favourite sauce, load it into the barrel of the gun and snap the chamber shut.

Now it’s time to kick open your saloon door, pull the trigger and squirt sauce till the sun goes down.
Beef burgers, fry-ups and the Great British banger have never tasted so good!


For Her

Sister

London chunky charm bracelet
Add a little bit of charm to your sister’s style with this London inspired bracelet, by Martine Wester


Mum

This Bluebell Stone Handbag is a cute shoulder bag in purple faux leather, and great for those Christmas parties
With fabulous ruffle design and bow front detail this bag is beautifully made in high quality faux leather.






Auntie

Diamante oval buckle
This oval crystal buckle adds just enough sparkle to your auntie’s look.



Granny

Ideal for the Christmas season, The Holly and The Ivy makes a fabulous mealtime accessory at festive occasions from dinner parties to informal get-togethers.
This Footed Cake Plate beautifully presents a Christmas cake.


For Children

0-2

Jellycat 'Farm Tails' soft book
This book will help keep your little ones entertained all day. It's finished in bright rainbow colours to help stimulate your child’s senses.

Each page features friendly Farm animals and their tails are all sticking outside of the book so that your little one can discover the different textures that they're finished in. The cover of the book crinkles, and the front cover also neighs when pressed. There's a Velcro loop on the spine so that you can attach it where it's needed the most.

Perfect for entertaining your little one, and you too!

3-5 Girls

Chimp & Zee -- Little Mermaids Game
It's time to get your mermaid ready for the magical mermaid party! Choose one of the mirrors that will show which girl you have to change. Spin the spinner and place the corresponding piece on your mirror, making some fun fashion choices along the way. The first player to collect the seven pieces needed to complete their mermaid mirror wins.





5-10 girls

Ladybird Make And Do Book Box Set

Nicely boxed set of three classic Ladybird books from the 60s and 70s. Each book contains a wealth of ideas and instructions complemented by the familiar, nostalgic illustrations. 'Things to Make' includes all manner of quick craft and science activities, perfect to fill a rainy afternoon. Lots of brilliant techniques and riddles are demonstrated using household items and playing cards in 'Tricks and Magic'. 'Easy-to-make Puppets' gives instructions for making the simplest finger puppets through to more complex marionettes and even some suggestions on staging and performing a show.


3-5 - Boys

Chimp & Zee Pesky Pirates Board Game
Fill your pirate chest with the most treasure! Great fun for kids and parents. Help your child learn through play with this game that's easy to set up.
Start playing in just a few minutes and everyone has a chance to win. Only takes ten minutes to play and is great fun even when it's not your turn. Helps to teach about counting, collecting, imagination, comparison and interaction


5-10 boys

Table Top Ping-Pong

These two mini bats and ball are easily carried in a bag or deep pocket, so spontaneous games of table tennis can take place wherever the fancy takes you.
The possible locations are numerous and really only limited by imagination: so long as there is a hard and relatively flat surface, Ping Pong is a possibility.
The bats are durable and all components are strikingly coloured, so should be easier to trace when play becomes a little too enthusiastic!

Gardening has always been one of my great passions. I just love spending time sowing seeds and seeing the fruits of my labour flourish.. Here at Alligator Pear we cater for the garden all year round, so no matter what the weather is going to be like you know you can always pick up some goodies to get your garden in tip top shape.. One of the products that I have found to be a saviour in the garden is Wild and Wolf’s ‘Celia Birtwell’ Kneeler. Not only does it save your knees from the hard cold ground but it also looks so pretty.

It makes such an amazing gift. In fact everything in the Celia Birtwell range makes a great gift, and there is something for novices to experienced gardeners.

Another product I would recommend to anyone coming in store is the book ‘A year in the garden’. This book is a must for planning projects throughout the year. The book covers new planting, propagation, pruning, lawn care, pond care and every aspect of garden maintenance. With this book you can make sure that your garden always looks good.

Before the end of October, plant bulbs for next year except for tulips, which if planted in November have less risk of developing a virus. The damp atmosphere provides ideal conditions to carry out all lawn work, either creating new lawns or repairing, aerating and scarifying existing ones.


About now you need to start thinking about cutting old foliage right back to the ground and remove any debris. Always in my pocket are the Alan Titchmarch Folding Pocket Secateurs. Normal secateurs are awkward and even dangerous to keep in your pocket. These tough but lightweight secateurs quickly fold down to just 9 x 3cm with no pointed edges, so they can be kept in your pocket at all times, ready for use.
Hidden in the handles are a garden knife, mini saw, weeder and handy-tool making this an essential gift for all gardeners.

Herbaceous perennials can be tidied up for winter, unless the old flowers or seed-heads are deemed attractive in their own right. (Birds may also benefit from this decision)

Whilst on the subject of birds, this feeding bell in blue and white ceramic keeps the included seed dumpling free from the elements, while attracting many beautiful birds to your garden.
Bird lovers can also enjoy a nice cup of tea out of the Emma Bridgewater bird range mug , while naming the species that fly past..!

How many can you see in your garden?

Have a lovely October,

Lin

Grow your Own!

With more and more people turning to growing their own fruit and vegetables, here at Alligator Pear we have brought in fabulous new products to help make this new way of living fun for all the family. One that I found useful when ‘growing your own’ is the cleverly designed Organic Vegetable Planner. Simply align the arrow to the desired vegetable and the dial will tell you all the information you need to know to grow them, such as the most suitable soil, how to plant or sow the seeds, and the best times to sow and harvest.

Another product, I wish I had owned when I started my allotment was the Kitchen Garden Box. You can learn how to collect, store, use, and replant seeds of your favourite vegetables, from squash and cucumbers to peppers, peas, and tomatoes. Also included are Mike McGrath’s simple step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and delicious recipes.

As we say goodbye to Summer and welcome Autumn and the winter months, now is a great time to start harvesting some of the fruits that have been grown in your own gardens and allotments.

I just love some of the vintage inspired gifts we have coming into the shop. One is a beautiful candle which is hand poured into a ceramic jam jar with a doily top.

After seeing these it set me thinking that I should start making some delicious jams from my own allotment. After all the wet weather we have had I find that my raspberry and blueberry bushes have had the best yield since I started. Therefore I thought I would share one of my favourite jam recipes that has never failed to impress both my friends and family.

Takes 30 minutes to make, plus 1 hour cooling and 15 minutes for sterilising jars

Ingredients

• 500g Blueberries
• 500g Raspberries
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• 1kg jam sugar
  

Method

1. Put the blueberries and raspberries into a preserving or large pan with the lemon juice and 100ml water. Place over a medium heat and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, until tender and reduced
2. Pop a couple of saucers into the freezer to chill. Add the sugar to the pan and cook, stirring to dissolve. Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Put a teaspoonful of jam onto a chilled saucer for 1 minute. Drag your finger lightly over the jam. If it wrinkles, it has reached setting point; if it doesn’t, boil for a couple more minutes, then turn off the heat and try again with another chilled saucer. Set aside to cool for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. To sterilise the jars and lids, clean and upturn them – lids off – on a baking sheet. Put in the oven for 15 minutes. Stir the jam, then ladle into each jar, seal and label.

Jam sugar has added pectin, which guarantees a good set. Store unopened for 6 months. Refrigerate once opened.

You will need a 3-4 500ml jam jars with tight-fitting lids and some gorgeous labels, I use ones that we have for sale in the shop, they are inspired by delicious home-grown produce and turn your jams in to the perfect gift.

I hope you enjoy eating this jam as much as you have enjoyed making it!

Aileen

(Manager)

Next time………

Lyn will be bringing you up to date with all the latest gardening books and products and David will show you the fabulous cupcake wedding cake he made using a recipe in the fastest selling cupcake book of all time…