There’s more to Valentine’s Day than chocolate! And I have rounded up some of the most scrumptious treats to help you woo your loved one – or just treat yourself.
Tracklements Chutneys
If you want to impress the cheese lover in your life this Valentine’s, make sure you have a constant supply of Tracklements chutneys in your cupboard! From sweet and zingy jellies to moreish chutneys and punchy jams, this is the only brand that will make your plate and palate sing. Originally founded in 1970 by William Tullberg after he stumbled across an old recipe for mustard, it has been the accompaniment of choice for half a century. From caramelised onion to green tomato chutney to chilli jam and sticky fig relish, Tracklements are a treat for Valentine’s and beyond.
Cheshire Cheese Company
I’m leaving heavy hints for Love Heart Trio or Cosy Night In Gift Box from the Cheshire Cheese Company, as in my house, cheese is God!
Compass Box Scotch Whisky
I’m a big fan of whisky-ginger so I love to keep a dram of whisky in my drinks cabinet. This year, I will be offering my lover a tot of Hedonism, the signature whisky from Compass Box, which looks good and tastes great! The British brand has a motto of ‘long live interesting’ and the four mini bottles that are available as a gift box definitely live up to the name – with Nectarosity (toasted oak and toffee), Crimson Cask (spicy and intense), Orchard House (crisp and fragrant) and The Peat Monster (smokey and complex), meaning there’s a Scotch for every occasion!
Divine Chocolate
You can’t compile a Valentine’s treats list without mentioning chocolate! The way to your lover’s heart? Even better is gifting chocolate with a conscience. Divine Chocolate was founded by a group of cocoa farmers in Ghana and is the only Fairtrade chocolate company co-owned by farmers to ensure they gain a share of the wealth they create.
Founded in 1998, the company offers a bean-to-bar approach to ensure each product has deliverable quality control which can be traced back to the co-operative from which it originated and is part of the reason it has so many loyal customers. From After Dinner wafer thins to 70% dark chocolate with ginger and orange to 38% milk chocolate with salted caramel, there is something for everyone’s sweet tooth.
Moth Cocktails
The ultimate dilemma is when you and your partner crave different cocktails. He’s in a G & T phase and you fancy a Marg or an Espresso Martini or even an Old Fashioned.
The answer my friends, is the six-pack of MOTH cocktails! Containing award-winning spirits and proper-strength measures, they are small and perfectly formed, so you can each get party ready without cracking open several bottles.
Joe & Seph’s
Picture the scene, you’re all cosy with a glass of wine and just about to snuggle up on the sofa with the other half ready to watch ‘He’s All That’ on Netflix, and you realise you need some tasty treats.
Let me introduce you to gourmet popcorn from Joe & Seph, which is handmade in England and air-popped for a truly magical taste sensation. Founded by Joe who began his love affair in the States, the flavours began to develop organically for a British audience and now you can get your teeth around everything from white chocolate and strawberry popcorn to a movie night selection or bites in a box!
Vergelegen Wines
South African wines are having a moment in my house, and this will no doubt extend to Valentine’s night! My winery of choice is the Vergelegen Estate in Western South Africa which has been producing fine wines since the 1700s. Translated as “situated far away”, it is the name known in Sauvignon, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect with that romantic meal you may be planning to cook. Or just enjoy it on its own.
Banhoek chilli oil
If you’re anything like me, you love to cook, and although this won’t win any prizes for the most romantic gift on the planet, Banhoek Chilli Oil is certainly a winner in my house as it goes with everything (and sometimes practical pressies are the best). Handcrafted in South Africa this subtle oil is not too spicy and is ideal to liven up midweek pasta, perfect to sprinkle on salads and a foolproof pizza crust dip.
Aperol
Add a bit of fizz to the occasion and bring out the Aperol for Valentine’s Day. Not only for summer, you can spritz up your love life at any time of year with a delicious take on the traditional Spritz. Impress your loved one by adding rosè prosecco and gin for a romantic and slightly sweeter cocktail, and garnish with a strawberry. Love will well and truly be in the air!
Sponge Brownies
It’s February – you’ve been going to the gym for a month, so you are totally allowed to treat yourself (and your lover) to a brownie; but I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill, shop-bought brownie – Sponge Brownies are meticulously hand-made and delivered direct to your home. It will be love at first bite if you order a box of our rich, gooey, utterly irresistible brownies which come in a range of flavours including golden caramel, Belgian chocolate, and chewy caramel pieces. I may very well ask you to be my Valentine!
Wild Knight
If your lover is a fan of spirits, he or she will thank you for a taster selection box from Wild Knight. The award-winning brand began with vodka and soon expanded to premium Boadicea Gin and Espresso Martini using single-estate coffee. If you’re not sure what they’d like – this is the perfect selection box!
Fitzbillies
Cakes will never go out of fashion, and you can always show how much you care with a moist slab of sugary goodness. However, you don’t have to make your own! Fitzbillies – the Cambridge bakers are renowned for their juicy Chelsea buns are available for home delivery, so you can wow your partner with a cup of tea and a nice slice, a breakfast hamper or a postable cupcake wherever you are in the UK.
Just Spices
This may not be the most romantic gift on the list, but if you’re preparing to wow your lover with a feast, these nifty kitchen essentials from Just Spices are a godsend. The brand was founded by three friends who liked to cook but were discouraged by the faff and expense of the minuscule amount of spices required in certain recipes.
With a goal of making cooking more convenient, Just Spices was born to help at-home chefs impress without breaking the bank. Now there are over 100 spice blends that are vegan-friendly, sugar-free and made from 100% natural ingredients. From the universal Egg Topper or delicious Coffee Kiss, your guests will appreciate your efforts too.
COX and Co
Chocolate to make you feel glowy inside! Founded by Gavin Cox, using beans from the Luker Chocolate Estate in Colombia, has resulted in Fair Trade chocolate that helps local communities. If you are your partner, love chocolate and want to scoff with a conscience, Cox & Co. guarantees all of their cacao is fully traceable, slave labour free and tastes incredible making it perfect for a guilt-free snack.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet x Perfect Moment
Something for the ski-bunny-whisky-lover! Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet is a rare release expertly crafted by Master Blender, Emma Walker. Available as a limited edition this season, it has been carefully blended to bring the flavours of Alpine winters and the warmth of a sweet, smouldering fire. If your partner likes to ski, they will appreciate the stylish Apres ski crossbody bag by Perfect Moment too!
