Christmas Supplement STAY IN TOUCH
GIFT IDEAS GIFT HUNTING CAN BE STRESSFUL, BUT NOT WITH TSM
YOUR FULL GUIDE TO
CHRISTMAS 2012
A VERY UNI CHRISTMAS A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR YOU AND YOUR MATES
ADAM JONES Co-founder
ROSS WILKES Co-founder
The Student Magazine launched its first edition in November 2010 and has grown bigger ever since, thanks to its wonderful readers. Dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news and features, you’ll be sure to find something you love in the latest edition. We always welcome contributions from readers, so if there’s something you want to see published in The Student Magazine, be sure to drop us an email: contributions @thestudentmagazine.co.uk
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THE STUDENT MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS 2012
C HRISTMAS
S PECIAL EDITION LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERS I for one have no idea where this year’s gone; it seems to have flown by! And with that, Christmas is here once again. No need to worry about gifts, though, because we’ve scoured the internet and searched the shops to find the gifts we’d love to give this Christmas. Along the way we’ve discovered some excellent designers whom you’re certain to hear a lot more about in the future! But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy browsing our special Christmas issue and I wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Adam
C HRISTMAS
S PECIAL EDITION 06 08 10 12 14 17 17 18
TOP CHRISTMAS MOVIES BOX-SET IDEAS WISH LIST - IPHONE HORN MANGO BIKE WHAT’S ON THE BOX? THE XX COEXIST GABRIELLE APLIN UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFTS
20 22 24 26 27 30 32
GIFTS FOR HIM GIFTS FOR HER GIFTS FROM FIREBOX FEED A FAMILY A VERY UNI CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES WHERE TO GO SHOPPING
CHRISTMAS MOVIES The perfect Christmas scene in It’s A Wonderful Life
OUR TOP 10 CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF ALL TIME There are certain movies that you just have to watch at Christmas. The kind of movie which makes the whole family huddle round the TV. Well, we’ve compiled our own top 10 Christmas movies ever! In at number 1 is Scrooged - an adaptation of A Christmas Carol in which cold-hearted Bill Murray learns to true meaning of Christmas. With these movies in your collection, you won’t be stuck for things to do this Christmas! 1. Scrooged (1988) 2. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) 3. Miracle On 34th Street (1947) 4. The Snowman (1982) 5. Miracle On 34th Street (1947) 6. Elf (2003) 7. A Christmas Carol (1951) 8. Die Hard (1988) 9. Gremlins (1984) 10. Jingle All The Way (1996)
The Big Bang Theory Box-Set Following Leonard and Sheldon - best friends, technological wizards and physicist geniuses - you can’t help but love The Big Bang Theory. Their socially awkward statuses mean they strike unlikely relationships with Penny, the girl who lives across the hall. Filled with laughs, you can’t go wrong with this gift that is nothing short of genius!
CSI: Miami Box-Set The last ever season came to an end recently, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have Horatio in your life. Whether it’s for you, or that person you know who loves US crime dramas, the complete season 9 box set would make the perfect gift this Christmas.
The Mentalist Box-Set Played by Simon Baker, Patrick Jane is everyone’s favourite consultant, with an incredible track record for solving the most serious crimes with his razor-sharp observation skills. Then there’s Teresa Gibson (Robin Tunney) who is the no-nonsense team leader at the CBI. The unlikely pairing work well together, and there’s always that unspoken love story between the two.
Celebrity Juice Too Juicy For TV 2 Here it is, the long-awaited sequel to the prequel with lots of extra unseen footage and extra juicy stuff that was just too naughty for the telly. Guests include Ant & Dec, Tulisa, Olly Murs, Gino D’Acampo, Dermot O-Leary, Mel B, Emma Bunton, Paddy McGuiness, Chris Moyles, Gok Wan and loads of other people. It really is a bang tidy DVD! Oooooooosh!
Michael McIntyre Showtime You wouldn’t think it was possible for Michael McIntyre to get any better, but in Showtime, he manages it! Recorded during his breath-taking 10-night run at London’s O2 and part of his 71-date arena tour, the top comedian raises the bar once more, using his relentless energy to have his crowds roaring with laughter.
The Inbetweeners Box Set Following four friends - Will, Simon, Neil and Jay as they make their way through sixth form with their hormones running riot. With Will constantly trying to raise the group’s social standing, Simon attempting to woo schoolmate Carli, Neil seemingly more like a pet than a friend and sex-pest Jay bragging about his imaginary sexual experiences, this series 1-3 box set will have you in stitches.
Ceramic iPhone Horn Amplifier
Wish List...
At first glance you’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve rewound a century, but if you look a little closer, you’ll realise that what you’re seeing is a super-chic way to amplify sound without electricity. Yes, in theory, that is old-fashioned, but combined with stylish design and an iPhone, this is minimalistic product design at its peak. This truly is the ideal gift for any techno geek.
Build Your Own
MANGO BIKE R O F T F I G T C E F THE PER RISTMAS CH
BOND IS BACK WITH...
SKYFALL
SEE IT FROM: October 26th WHO’S IN IT: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes James Bond is back in what is rumoured to be the biggest Bond ever! The extremely impressive cast, directed by Sam Mendes, goes all over the world – from China to Turkey – as MI6 comes under attack with Bond dispatched to destroy the threat, no matter what the cost. IF YOU LIKED: Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, SKYFALL is certainly for you!
You might have seen Mango Bikes on BBC Three series, Be Your Own Boss, vying for investment from Innocent co-founder, Richard Reed. They gained a £50,000 investment from the likeable entrepreneur and have developed their company much further since. Enough about that, though; let’s talk about their wonderful bicycles! Offering a unique experience, you get to customise your own single-speed bike, perfect for those leisurely cycles to the shops, or even to college or university. Check them out and build your own bike (or get a gift card for someone special) here: www.mangobikes.co.uk
OUR PICK OF FESTIVE TELLY
Restless
BBC One
Imagine your feelings when you discover everything in life you thought was solid and certain turns out to be an incredibly complicated lie. That’s the situation Ruth Gilmartin is faced with in 1976 when her mother Sally suddenly tells her she’s been living a double life. She isn’t respectable Sally Gilmartin, but in fact Eva Delectorskaya – a spy for the British Secret Service who has been on the run for the last 30 years. The beautiful Russian émigrée’s story begins in 1939 Paris, when alluring Englishman Lucas Romer recruits her for the British Secret Service, training her to become the perfect spy, triggering a love affair. But when a crucial mission in the USA collapses, Eva finds herself in terrible, fatal jeopardy, knowing her only option is to run and hide…forever. Once a spy, always a spy. Nobody can be trusted.
But now, 30 years on, Sally yearns to end her restless years and the only person capable of bringing this about is former lover and spymaster, Lucas – now Baron Mansfield of Hampton Cleeve. The only person she can now rely on is her daughter, Ruth, but as the final chapter of this epic story of love, betrayal and duplicity draws to a close, who will pay the greatest price?
Dr Who BBC One It’s Christmas Eve 1892 and the falling snow sets the scene of a fairytale, but that soon becomes a nightmare when a chilling menace threatens Earth. In response, unorthodox young governess, Clara, calls on the Doctor for help. But he’s in mourning, he’s reclusive and determined to stay away from the problems the universe is faced with. But will the Doctor really abandon humankind, or will he fight to save the world from the icy clutches of the mysterious menace?
Loving Miss Hatto BBC One In post-war 1950s, William Barrington-Coupe – a young chancer – is working at music publishers, but he has big ambitions to become a classical music impresario. One day, while he’s delivering music to an orchestra, Barrie is stunned by a young pianists playing, and in that one moment, his life will change as he’s found his first client, wife and future in young pianist, Joyce Hatto. Barrie sets about turning Joyce into a classical star, and things go well to start with, before fate intervenes, making them realise they’re lacking what it takes to make it. So they move to Hertfordshire to live a normal life.
The Royle Family BBC One It wouldn’t be Christmas without The Royle Family, and once again, it doesn’t disappoint. Barbara’s gone overboard with the presents after spending a whole two hours in Poundland. A new neighbour moves onto the street, but will she be welcome on the sofa? Dave reveals his idea which he intends to pitch on Dragons’ Den, but will it make them rich? Joe is looking for love and places an ad in the Lonely Hearts column – “Vacant Lady Wanted”, who could resist?
Then, decades on in 2002, fate once again intervenes and Barrie is given the chance to revive Joyce’s career, despite her being in her seventies and suffering from terminal cancer. Over the following years, Joyce is being dubbed “the greatest living pianist that almost no one has ever heard of”. But there’s a twist to this love story; six months after Joyce’s death, many of her recordings are discovered to be those of other pianists. Joyce and Barrie has pulled off the greatest hoax in classical music.
TV always seems to be at its best at this time of year with brand new dramas, one-off festive shows, old classics, festive comedies, and even business shows! There really is something for everyone this Christmas. Nevertheless, if you want to watch some films over the holidays, we’ve compiled our top 10 best Christmas movies of all time! You Can find out what made our number one spot on page 6.
Dragons’ Den BBC Two Unusually, the Dragons are opening the doors to their den just for Christmas, but who can blame them? Our retail spend in 2011 was £40billion, £10billion more than in 2000, and at the time of year when entrepreneurs develop new ideas and innovative businesses, there’s big money to be made! Nine entrepreneurs representing six businesses will enter the den and pitch their festive ideas in the hope of securing a much-needed cash injection from the multimillionaires. In a change to the normal format, there will also be business insights into this interesting and unique trading period and the impact that has on entrepreneurs, as well as revealing the pitfalls of seasonal success.
REVIEWED
THE XX - COEXIST
Even if you’ve never heard of The xx, chances are you’ll have heard some of their music, which has provided the soundtrack to countless adverts and TV dramas over the last few years. Since they arrived on the scene in 2009, when they brought with them a truly unique sound, they have achieved success around the world, success which stretches far beyond their Mercury prize, success which is rarely so well-deserved. Coexist picks up where they left off, reintroducing the same, almost minimalist music we know and love. The barely-there ballad Angels, the steel pans of Reunion, the swirling sirens of Try, and the house piano of Swept Away create the some truly stunning results. At the same time, though, singles like Unfold and Missing carry a sound that quickly gets old, feeling creative only for the sake of creativity. Having said that, Coexist remains a beautifully touching album with a unique sound from a band with a hugely successful road stretching out before it.
GABRIELLE APLIN THE POWER OF LOVE When you think of Christmas adverts, there are some iconic ones, like the Coca Cola advert, but in recent years, John Lewis has created ad campaigns which truly communicate the message of Christmas. But even with the touching storylines, a powerful soundtrack is still required, and that’s where Gabrielle Aplin comes in. Aplin has bravely taken Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s classic and completely reworked it into an emotive ballad. We know all too well how difficult such a task is, but Aplin has made it look simply effortless. In fact, it’s so charming you’d be forgiven for thinking it had been taken from a classic Christmas movie. And with that in mind, it would be incredible to see this beautiful song secure this year’s Christmas number one, so how about it? Let’s give it a go! Download it here.
GIVE THE PERFECT GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS It’s officially Christmas time, so with that in mind, it’s time to get our shopping lists in order. To help, we’ve scoured the web and searched the shops to find the gifts we’d love to give!
Made By Maddox
You probably won’t have thought about buying a matchbox for anybody this Christmas, after all it’s just a matchbox, right? Wrong. Made By Maddox is a wonderful little company based in Berkshire, handcrafting truly beautiful gifts. The matchboxes themselves are made by a local carpenter before being primed, sanded and ready to be painted. Once each matchbox has been lovingly painted and has its image placed atop, it is carefully wrapped before being sent to its new home. If you show the boxes the same care and attention the producers have, it’s expected to last up to 100 years - now that’s a gift to be valued! If you want an even more personal box, you can have your own image put on top! Check out Made By Maddox here: www.madebymaddox.com
Alyssa Smith Jewellery When buying jewellery for somebody, there’s every possibility you’ll get it wrong, but with Alyssa Smith, it’s impossible to make a mistake.
many of whom have the way to go! donned her unique items on many occasions. The young designer was recently named one of the Alyssa’s celebrity fans 100 most creative and include Dragons’ Den star innovative new businesses Theo Paphitis and former The by the Smarta Awards, so Apprentice candidate expect to hear much more The multi-award-winning Melody Hossaini. about this up-and-coming designer handcrafts her designer in the future. stunning jewellery in her So if you want to get Hertfordshire studio, and has somebody a special gift that been noticed by many they’ll never forget, a unique You can check out Alyssa’s stunning collections here. celebrities along the way piece by Alyssa is certainly
Daniel Jones Chocolatier When you think of chocolate, Cadbury probably springs to mind immediately, which is understandable, but for a real chocolate experience, you need to try some handmade chocolate. After sourcing some of the world’s finest cacao beans, Daniel lovingly makes his delicious chocolates the traditional way.
being taken at every stage. There are also some unusual flavours to enjoy including the award-winning Tonka Bean bar, amongst Christmas specials like Gingerbread Crunch and Christmas Pudding. If it’s more regular flavours you’re after, Daniel also makes white, milk and dark bars.
For more information about Daniel Jones Chocolatier, or to buy some incredibly tasty Like with most handmade products, there’s chocolate, just go to: a high level of quality, with the utmost care www.danieljoneschocolatier.com
FOR HIM
Content From RC HD Video Helicopter Budding pilots, secret agents and fans of small remote control helicopters, rejoice! The already very excellent Infrared Video Helicopter has been upgraded and fitted with some new tech to help a generation of fly-boys and girls keep an eye in the skies. This new 3-channel, radio controlled helicopter now packs a high definition camera, allowing you to shoot up to a minute of video, or hundreds of photos. Plus, once you return from your mission, you can easily download your footage from the interchangeable Micro SD card via the included micro USB cable or a micro SD card reader.
Micro Drone (Real Life UAV!) Significantly more stable than your average ‘copter, the Micro Drone features four rotors and automatic gyro control, meaning increased safety for cats, glassware and unsuspecting family members. Plus, you no longer need the military budget of a powerful western nation to afford one. Not content with fearlessly flying in a straight line, the Micro Drone is capable of some pretty outrageous aerial acrobatics – performing sharp turns and 360° flips in mid-air.
Bluetooth Gloves The name Bluetooth Gloves doesn’t give much away. ‘Sure’ you might be thinking, ‘they’re gloves that work with a touchscreen, that’s cool’. But prepare yourselves, because we’re through the looking glass here, people. Not only are these gloves comfy and warm (and totally touch-screen friendly), but they will wirelessly synch with your smartphone, turning your hand into a phone… that’s right. Just pull them on, press the ‘answer’ button and make the classic ‘phone hand’ shape. Now you’re talking.
Marvel Wallets With all those figure-hugging outfits, we’re not sure where your average superhero is meant to keep his cash. Think about it, they must need a bit of pocket money when they’re out and about – how are they meant to patrol the streets at night without the occasional bag of crisps? We’ll keep investigating this dilemma, but until we discover Wolverine’s down-the-front-of-your-trousers money pouch (and goodness knows how we’ll get out of that one alive) you’ll have to make do with Marvel Wallets. A brilliantlydetailed homage to everyone’s favourite crime-fighting heroes, these leather-effect wallets are emblazoned with a classic collage of their exploits.
Labrador T-Shirt This tee features the Labrador, one of man’s true best friends; great with kids, airports and the visually impaired. Representing a high point for the entire clothing industry; these t-shirts are the perfect union of high-quality, pre-shrunk garments and oversized images of animal’s faces.
Personalised Acton Figures Who is the secretive soul behind Batman’s cowl, Superman’s curl, and Wonder Woman’s enormous pants? Forget Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent and Diana Prince – now you can play the alter ego of everyone’s favourite comic book characters. And you don’t even need a convincing origin story. Thanks to Personalised Superhero Action Figures you can pop your own head on their buff shoulders. All you need are a couple of photos and some basic DIY skills. Indeed, this build-it-yourself kit is so simple even a befuddled Hulk could manage it.
FOR HER
Content From Hot Boots Be nice to your poor feet this winter and keep them off those cold floors with a pair of Hot Boots. The perfect footwear for padding around the house, these super soft slip-ons really are hot. And we’re not talking hot in the fashion-tastic sense; we’re talking hot in the warm up your tootsies sense. Simply pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes and the lavender-scented wheat grains within will keep them warm for up to an hour. Mmm… toasty slippers!
The Lazy Grow Leisure Suit
Scientists have long agreed that humans could be way more productive if we didn’t have to worry about wearing so many items of clothing. The daily challenge of putting together the perfect outfit is responsible for roughly 90% of the world’s problems. But what can we do? Here’s what! Looking like the lovechild of your favourite pair of tracksuit bottoms and an oversized hoody, the Lazy Grow Leisure Suit is the ultimate in relaxed, lounging, leisure wear. Guaranteed to give you that perfect ‘I don’t care about what you think about me’ vibe, even though you do. You so clearly do. We all do.
Design Your Own Fragrance Kit Why should celebs be the only ones who get to design their own fragrances? Besides, who wants to smell like Mariah Carey, Calum Best (yes, really) or Celine Dion? Not us. That’s why we’re loving the Design Your Own Fragrance Kit. As if you hadn’t guessed, this fabulous gift set allows you to create your very own unique fragrances. It’s just like being a professional perfumer, only you won’t have to adopt a comedy French accent or deal with bozo Apprentice candidates in order to produce olfactory compositions of the highest order.
Sound Asleep Pillow Listening to music in bed is a right pain – literally, because unless you’re lying on your back, earphones hurt. What’s more, in order to placate partners you have to listen to everything in a barely audible whisper. Step forward (can pillows walk?) the ingenious Sound Asleep Pillow. Ideal for headphone haters, telly addicts, insomniacs and anyone who enjoys dozing off to a few gentle Napalm Death lullabies, this wonderfully squishy pillow has a built-in speaker that can only be heard by the layabout with their noggin plonked on it. Simply plug your music source (iPod, radio, TV out) into the pillow’s 3.5mm stereo socket and you’re away. Bedmates will be none the wiser (unless you start singing along and drumming on the mattress).
Chocolate Bath Box Luxuriating in the bath is divine. Chocolate is heavenly. So just imagine the sensation of relaxing in a bath filled with the unmistakable aroma of chocolate. It’s easy with the Chocolate Bath Box. Disguised as a fancy box of chocs, this luxurious collection of fizzing bath melts will transport you to a heady world of chocolatey relaxation. And because the ‘chocs’ are handmade they look good enough to eat. Simply plop them in the tub and enjoy their to-die-for natural fragrances as your body is gently pampered and moisturised by natural cocoa butter and various essential oils.
Kuchi-Paku Penguin Animal Speaker Most pop stars are rubbish at lip-syncing, especially when they’re dancing. So thank goodness the Kuchi-Paku Penguin Animal Speaker has flapped its way into Firebox HQ to take this much-maligned art form to a whole new level of hilarity. A global craze in the making, this impossibly cute, batteryoperated soft toy is set to have owners and onlookers in stitches as it lip-syncs and boogies along to the music it hears. Squawk! It’s a bit like a birdy version of Britney minus the saucy outfits.
MUGS
Content From Self Stirring Mug
£11.99
In our merry travels around the globe we come across an awful lot of unnecessary bumpf. The kind of barmy gadget ideas that should never have made it out of the pub where they were first thought up, let alone allowed see the light of day. But occasionally we find something of this ilk that is so absolutely bonkers that you have to smile. And then buy one. And find it positively delightful to play with. It’s for this reason that we bring to your discerning eye the Self Stirring Mug. It’s brilliant! No, we don’t know why, but watching it swizz your morning brew into a hot swirling vortex at the touch of a button is guaranteed to cheer you up. Better yet, make an instant soup and watch in glee as your dehydrated croutons run laps around the rim. Ah, it’s the little things in life...
Hug A Mug
£10.99
Cupping a hot drink isn’t as easy as they make it look in the adverts, especially when the cup in question is a billion degrees celsius. And holding it by the handle simply isn’t as comforting. That’s why you need Hug A Mug. Thanks to dual-wall insulation and clever inlaid handprints, this stylish ceramic mug lets you hold piping hot drinks without burning your mitts. Handles? Who needs ‘em? Simply fill Hug A Mug with hot choc, tea, coffee, soup, noodles or whatever and enjoy the soft warmth generated by your steaming drink. It will even keep cold drinks cooler for longer because its insulated walls prevent hot hands from heating things up.
Camera Lens Mug
£14.99
Take a few tasty shots of espresso with the Camera Lens Mug. Designed to look and feel just like a regular camera lens, this detailed mug is great for the office or bringing the world into focus first thing in the morning. The flared lens-cap lid will stop any dust and fluff from falling into your cuppa and will keep the contents hot while it's sitting on your desk. It even doubles as a coaster. Or if you’re anything like us, a tactical biscuit holder. Now hold that smile... perfect!
Channel 4 News Mug
£9.99
News Flash! We interrupt our regular broadcast to bring you this important update from the mighty Channel 4 News Team – led by everyone’s favourite classy TV anchorman. A shipment of mugs has arrived at the Firebox HQ, direct from San Dee-ah-go (which, for our non-German speaking customers, of course means 'a whale’s vagina')* and we love them more than a certain TV weatherman loves other household objects. Honestly, they’re kind of a big deal. Fill your Channel 4 News Team Mug with scotchy scotch scotch and attempt to wash down a whole wheel of cheese, or drown your sorrows after being told you look like a blueberry with bad hair. Even milk isn’t a bad choice, weather permitting of course. With this mug you can just drink it in, because it always goes down smooth.
Pac-Man Heat Changing Mug
£6.99
Hands up who loves Pac-Man? If you’re not reaching for the sky we can only assume you’re twiddling your joystick as you read. Because despite being thirty years old, Pac-Man is still the most addictive game in the world. Power pellets and glowing ghosties – what’s not to love? Wakkawakka! With this in mind we’re always on the lookout for Pac Man related products – and here’s a real humdinger. Officially licensed, the Pac-Man Heat Changing Mug is emblazoned with the legendary Pac-Man maze. But fill it with tea, coffee or any other hot liquid and the pellet-chomping icon appears, as if by magic, along with his ghostly pursuers and a whole heap of power pills. ‘Ulp!
Recharge Battery Mug
£9.99
Forget all that stuff about responsibility – with great power comes gadgets! Satnavs, mobiles, laptops… you name it. But when all of this power runs out, they all stop working. And the same goes for us too. So while you’re busy charging up your technobobbins, be sure to fuel up yourself with the Recharge Battery Mug. Printed in thermographic ink, the battery on the side of this magical mug turns green when you add hot water – going from completely sapped to full of life in seconds. As you drink your brew the green will slowly disappear, until, once again, you’re left with a dud – a handy visual cue for anyone passing your desk on the way to the kettle.
Feed a Family this Christmas Money can’t buy you love, but there are so many things it can do, like helping to feed your family after a crisis, as well as kick-starting the local economy. Instead of simply handing out food, Oxfam gives people food vouchers or cash, providing them with choice and a more varied diet. Their food couchers are exchanged with traders locally so they can support local producers and help bring normality back to people’s lives. If you want to give somebody a little something different this year, think about helping a suffering family survive. For more information, or to buy a pack, just hit the link.
A Very Uni Chris tmas Dinner Before you pack your bags and head back home for Christmas, you might want to celebrate Christmas with your mates. Yes, I’m talking about DOUBLE Christmas celebrations! One of the highlights of Christmas has to be the food, so if you’re doubling the festive celebrations, you’ll have to double the food, too. But you can never have too much of a good thing, eh? The only downside is that your mum won’t be there to do the cooking, but as most of your mates will be round, you can share the burden. And with us here to assist you, there won’t be much that can go wrong.
Let’s kick things off with the turkey! Now turkeys aren’t cheap, but get each of your mates to chip in and you’ll easily be able to afford one. (If you’re buying a frozen bird, put it in the fridge a few days before so it’s thoroughly defrosted) 1. Preheat the oven to gas 5 2. Remove the neck and giblets from inside the turkey 3. Place the turkey in a roasting tin, rub the skin with olive oil and wrap in tinfoil 4. Put the bird in the oven (you’ll have to work out the cooking time using the instructions on the packet) 5. Remove the foil for the last half-an-hour or so to get a crispy, golden skin 6. To make sure the bird’s fully cooked, poke the thickest part of the breast with a skewer – if the juices run clear, you’re ready to go! 7. To make the meat as tender as possible, let it stand for 10-15 mins before you start carving.
Roast Potatoes Possibly the most important thing on the plate; for an authentic festive feast, these must be just right! Preheat the oven to gas 6 Peel and quarter 1kg of potatoes (we’d recommend using Maris Piper) Put the spuds in a saucepan of boiling water for 2-3mins Meanwhile, put 100g of goose fat in a roasting tin and heat it up in the oven Drain the potatoes in a colander to rough up the edges slightly, then light dust them with flour Carefully place them in the hot fat, roast for 15mins before turning over and cook until they turn golden brown.
Roasted Autumn Vegetables Rather than panicking, trying to cook about ten things all at once, try this one dish recipe and take the stress out of Christmas cooking. When we say autumn veg, we’re talking carrots, parsnips, red onions and any other root vegetables you want to throw in there. Now there’s no step-by-step guide for this, simply cut the veg into strips, quarter the onions and combine them in a roasting tray. Lightly coat in olive oil and roast on gas 5 for around an hour, or until cooked to your satisfaction.
Pigs in Blankets Christmas dinner isn’t complete without the classic pigs in blankets, so here’s how you do them. Preheat the oven to gas 6 Lay out some rashers of streaky bacon on a board Rap each around a chipolata Place onto a lightly oiled tray and cook for 15 mins, before turning and cooking for a further 15 mins
Stuffing and Gravy Luckily for you, we’re not going to tell you to make these from scratch (leave that for the family Christmas dinner). Instead, just buy some stuffing mix that just requires you to add water, and gravy granules which require just as little effort. All you have to do here is follow the instructions on the box! Well then, that’s everything cooked! All you have to do now is serve it to your (presumably stunned) guests and enjoy a Uni Christmas.
GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES Let’s get started!
You’ll need:
1. Preheat oven to gas 5 150g butter 2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy 150g soft brown sugar 3. Sift the flour together with the spices 150g self-raising flour 4. Add 1 egg at a time to the creamed mix, gradually 3 eggs adding flour to stop the mix curdling. Finally stir in the 1tsp ground ginger milk ½tsp ground cinnamon 5. Place 12 cupcake cases in a tray and divide the Pinch freshly grated nutmeg mixture between them 1tbsp milk 6. Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden & springy to the For the frosting: touch. Place the baked cakes on a wire rack to cool 200g butter 7. While the cupcakes cool, let’s make the frosting! First, 200g icing sugar melt 50g butter in a pan with the brown sugar. Add 2 50g brown sugar tbsp milk and stir to form a thick glossy sauce. Leave to 3tbsp milk cool Pinch ground cinnamon 8. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth then begin to sift in the icing sugar, stirring as you go. add the cooled toffee sauce and stir to incorporate. The frosting should be light and creamy. 9. Put the frosting in a piping bag and decorate your cupcakes. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon to serve.
The best destinations for Christmas shopping These days shopping online is a great time-saver, you might even be able to find some superb bargains. But when you want your gifts to have a personal touch, there’s nothing quite like finding a fantastic Christmas market. Not only will you find some truly unique gifts, you’ll also be able to soak up the festive atmosphere with other shoppers, talk to the stallholders about their wares and try some fantastically festive food and drink. We’ve put together a list of the best Christmas markets in the UK, so go and check them out!
Bath Christmas Market Set in the centre of one of the most beautiful cities is one of the largest festive events in the UK. OPEN FROM NOV 22nd to DEC 9th 2012 Lincoln Christmas Market The medieval square between the Norman castle and gothic cathedral provides the perfect backdrop for Lincoln’s Christmas market. OPEN FROM DEC 6th to DEC 9th 2012 Glasgow Christmas Continental Market Attracting traders from across the world, Glasgow’s Christmas Market can be found on St. Enoch Square. OPEN FROM NOV 16th to DEC 23rd 2012 Chester Victorian Christmas Market With events and parades taking place throughout December, Chester’s Victorian Christmas Market can be found in from of the Town Hall. OPEN FROM NOV 22nd to DEC 24th 2012 Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland This is an exciting new event set on the outskirts of the beautiful city of York. OPEN FROM NOV 24th to JAN 6th 2013 Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair Browse over 180 stalls in the heart of the bustling city as a traditional German village pops up in the centre of Birmingham over Christmas. OPEN FROM NOV 15th to DEC 22nd 2012 Manchester Christmas Market Winding its way through the streets of Manchester is the city’s award-winning Christmas Market. OPEN FROM NOV 17th to DEC 12th 2012 Isle of Wight Christmas Market The island’s first Festival of Christmas has to be worth a visit! OPEN FROM DEC 1st to DEC 23rd 2012 Belfast Christmas Market Absorbing the traditional continental atmosphere in Belfast, you can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit. OPEN FROM NOV 17th to DEC 20th 2012 Southbank Centre Christmas Market Between the London Eye and Waterloo Bridge will be 80 wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts which are just perfect for Christmas. OPEN FROM NOV 16th to Dec 24th 2012 La Fete de Noue In Jersey you’ll experience bespoke Christmas Markets, exciting entertainment and classic festive films. OPEN FROM NOV 24th to JAN 6th 2012
Merry Christmas From all at TSM