Olive Magazine December 2017

Gin makes me happy. And I know it makes a lot of you happy, too. And so when we were deciding on the presents we’d liked to give to friends and family for Christmas (like it or not, it’s coming), it had to feature. We’ve got a gift guide (including a very funky bottle to try) to suit all budgets this year. There are some really nifty things in there: from water bottles that filter any water – perfect for that teenager who’s planning an adventure next year – to an incredible jar of white chocolate, hazelnut and olive oil spread, as a little stocking or hamper filler. It’s genuinely one of the most delicious mouthfuls I’ve ever had and the team (not naming anyone… you know who you are)…

Mocha chocolate slab 20 MINUTES + SETTING I MAKES 500G SLAB I EASY white chocolate 400g 70% dark chocolate 100g coffee beans 2 tbsp • Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) a pan of simmering water. Melt the dark chocolate separately in the same way. Alternatively, heat the chocolates in separate glass bowls in the microwave in 20-second blasts on medium power until melted. • Line a baking tray with baking paper and pour the white chocolate into the centre. Use the back of a spoon to shape into a thick rectangle, about A5 size (approximately 21 x 15cm). Drizzle over the dark chocolate and swirl into the white chocolate using a teaspoon handle or similar, then scatter over the coffee beans. Put in the fridge to set. If…

SMOKED BLACK PUDDING The Great Taste Awards supreme champion, this smoked black pudding from butcher Hugh McGuire has a rich, delicate, crumbly texture. £2.75 per 100g, selfridges.com CHERRY MOLASSES A reduction of 100% Turkish sour cherry juice, this sweet and sharp syrup would be great as a base for cocktails or as a glaze for duck or lamb. £8.92/250g, arabicafoodandspice.com CINCO JOTAS ACORN-FED IBÉRICO HAM Rich acorn-fed jamón with an intense flavour. Warning – there will be fights over the last silky slither. £24/70g, cincojotas.co.uk VENCHI WHITE CHOCOLATE SPREAD Kinder Bueno meets Ferrero Rocher. This addictive spread can be put into cakes or eaten straight from the jar. One of the best products we’ve tasted. Ever. £7.50/300g, marksandspencer.com BAKERY SOURDOUGH BITES GAIL’s grown-up version of crispy cakes made with chocolate sourdough for extra crunch. £8.75/80g, gailsbread.co.uk PASTA DI ALDO TAGLIATELLE…

STYLISH TEA TOWELS Norwegian-designed, Parisian-inspired tea towel at your service – ooh la la! £9.95, todryfor.com CHEESE-MAKING KIT Everything you need to make mozzarella, ricotta, burrata, soft goat’s cheese and soft cow’s cheese – sounds gouda to us. £25, paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk TREE DECORATION This fun decoration – there’s also an aubergine, strawberry and avocado – will give Santa and those snowmen a run for their money this Christmas. From £5.25 each, paperchase.co.uk CAZCABEL HONEY AND COFFEE TEQUILAS Changing the game when it comes to premium tequila, choose between nectar-like honey or smooth, rich and expertly balanced coffee. Or have both. From £23.89/70cl, drinksupermarket.com KITCHEN UTENSILS BOOKEND Too many cookbooks, not enough space? Prop them up in style. £18, redcandy.co.uk MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE CUTTERS Dunking your brew just went up to the next level. £15, rubyloustreatco.co.uk AVOCADO SPOON REST For the avocado lover in your…

CRAZY GIN Crazy in looks but not flavour. With notes of turmeric, cumin and yogurt (yes, really), this lassi gin is cracking. £45/500ml, harveynichols.com BEER-MEAT-HOT LARGE GIFT BAG Heat things up with this selection of beers, hot sauces and spicy snacks, including fiery biltong and jalapeño sweet potato crisps. £48, cravedlondon.com WHISKY-FOR-ONE GIFT SET Classic single-malt Scotch whisky with contemporary drinking tot and stones. Make it extra special by adding someone’s initials to the box, too. £30, notanotherbill.co.uk MARCOLINI CHOCOLATE BOX Nutty praline chocolates with crisp shells and rich creamy centres. Luxury chocolates at their best. £39/360g, uk.marcolini.com THE PINEAPPLE BOX Bring the tropical vibes indoors. Pop the plant on a windowsill and watch it grow. £45, glut.co.uk PEAR WOOD BISCUIT ROLLER Up your baking game and make intricate designs in springerle and speculaas biscuits with the help of this pretty…

HALF-DAY BAKING COURSE Give the gift of knowledge with a voucher for a lesson with one of London’s top bakeries, and its latest cookbook. £90, breadahead.com RICHARD BRENDON TEAPOT Fine bone china with a striking art deco-inspired design; handmade in Stoke-on-Trent. £70, richardbrendon.com; harrods.com RARE TEA WOODEN ADVENT CALENDAR Start the gifting early with a rare loose-leaf tea for every day in December. £125, fortnumandmason.com JONATHAN ADLER COASTER SET Get ready for the New Year detox with these master cleanse coasters. £78, uk.jonathanadler.com CORAVIN MODEL TWO ELITE ROSE GOLD The ultimate wine geek accessory, in super-on-trend rose gold – keeping wine fresh since 2011. £279, harrods.com PIKAPLANT JAR COFFEE PLANT Not green-fingered? Don’t worry, this coffee plant has its own ecosystem, and so never needs watering. Genius! £59, padlifestyle.comp KITCHENAID COLD-BREW COFFEE MAKER Leave freshly ground coffee to steep overnight in cold water…