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‘Go on treat yourself!’

Words we all love to hear and we don’t need to be asked twice when it comes to these St Ives favourites.

 

Shot of coupe cocktail glass with orange marmalade cock and St Ives Blood Orange Gin bottle

 

First up we will be sipping a few ‘Marmalade Martinis’ courtesy of St Ives Liquor Co. using their Blood Orange Gin.   With subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg balanced by safflower blossom and hedgerow rose hips this bold, bittersweet Blood Orange Gin is definitely a festive tipple.  You can either taste this fruity number at The Searooms on the harbour front or buy your own bottle and make some up at home.  Here’s how to do it:

Place the following in a Boston shaker – 50ml of St Ives Gin Blood Orange, 15ml of dry vermouth, 15ml of lemon juice, 15ml of simple syrup, ice and a heaped teaspoon of good marmalade (SILCo make their own!).  Shake until ice cold.  Double strain into a coupe glass.  Drink.  Repeat until merry.  Ho ho ho

 

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Living by the sea we will start any feast with some salty seafood.  Matthew Stevens and Son have been established in St Ives since 1945.  When buying your marine treats from this local fishmongers you are in good company as they supply Jamie Oliver, Rick Stein and many top chefs around Cornwall and further afield.

How about a fresh salmon, possibly wrapped in pastry, as an alternative to the usual bird for your pescetarians or as a lighter meal on Christmas Eve.  Prawns, scallops or smoked salmon make a great starter.  Who doesn’t love an old school prawn cocktail and smoked salmon on brown bread with a twist of black pepper and a squeeze of lemon goes great with a glass of fizz for brunch or a canapé.

 

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Of course, no festive sideboard is complete without a mound of cheese and why not make a cake of it courtesy of Cheese on Coast from Fore Street, St Ives.  Either pick one of their ready made ‘Cheese Cakes’ or choose from their selection of over 30 small batch artisan cheeses from Cornwall, the South West and continental Europe.  All are available for collection or can be delivered by post.

We would pair this we an excellent apple & date chutney from The Cornish Deli who make their own on the premises and a Quinta do Infantado LBV from Scarlet Wines.  Ruby in colour with black fruit and spices on the nose this would also make a great present for your hosts over the festive period.

 

Finally, we’re sure everyone will be indulging in a little chocolate and we are lucky to have a great chocolate shop and workshop in St Ives that has now moved to larger premises – I Should Coco.  Their personalised chocolate medallions are handmade and look great on the tree and with choices of white, milk and dark chocolate who wouldn’t!

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Happy Indulging from us all!