Christmas Mince Strudel with Brandy Cream

"St" Nick (Pret's very own Patron Saint of cookery)  has been in the kitchen knocking up a few recipes for the season. This is his latest culinary creation, perfect for Christmas Dinner parties. He says it’s  not difficult to impress in the kitchen if you use a few fabulous ingredients and have a trick or two up your sleeve. Well tricky Nicky has created a truly delectable dessert from 5 simple ingredients.

This recipe Serves 4-6 people (depending on how hungry you are).




Ingredients for the strudel

350g mincemeat
1 large apple, cored and cut into small pieces
100g melted butter
1 tbs brown sugar
6 sheets readymade filo pastry

Ingredients for the brandy cream

200ml double cream
2 tbs icing sugar
1 tbs brandy

Directions

1. Heat the oven to gas mark 5/190c/375f.
2. Paint each sheet of filo pastry with melted butter and layer on top of each other.
3. Spread the mincemeat out on top of the filo pastry  leaving a little overlap of pastry at each end.
4. Sprinkle with the apple and the brown sugar.
5. Roll the strudel up from the end and place on a baking tray.
6. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
7. To make the brandy cream whip the cream with the sugar until it starts to thicken and then stir in the brandy.

Serve the warm mincemeat strudel immediately with the fresh brandy cream. Invite round some friends and enjoy this little slice of Christmas.

Gareth Pugh at M•A•C

Gareth Pugh at M•A•C

London-based style subversive Gareth Pugh infuses his shadowy, esoteric vision into an exclusive collection for M•A•C at The Exchange. Shades, accessories and design - as stylistically daring as his reputation!

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Pigment

A limited edition Pigment exclusively shaded by Gareth Pugh for M•A•C.

The square jar and black outer packaging features the collection's marque.

£24.50

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Metal X Cream Shadow

Gareth Pugh's futuristic vision takes on a striking metallic shine. On the skin, this creamy powder formula melts into a vibrant liquid metal finish. The designer's signature style is articulated in the black compact. Limited edition.

£24.50

Flight Lash

A limited-edition lash designed to amplify the geometric intensity of Gareth Pugh for M•A•C.

Highly sculptured, this dense, dark, triangle-shaped lash is designed for stylish drama.

£18.00

Studio Fix Boldblack Lash

Fashion flower girls' confidence stems from petal-light lashes that sprout dramatically with a new Mascara that's intensely carbon. A high-coverage, long-lasting formula matched with a molded brush.

Get lashes that are blacker than black!

£13.50

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Technakhol Liner

Gareth Pugh knows the power of bold. Soft enough to smoke the eye, firm enough to define a line, Technakohl Liner is the perfect fit for his vision. Stylishly presented in the glossy black of the collection. Limited edition.

 £16.50

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Lipstick

A limited-edition lipstick in a shade reflecting Pugh's trademark drama. His impeccable high style is evoked by the lipstick's glossy black square casing and signature marque.

£20.50

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Lipglass

Unconventionally shaded, pearl infused, as deliciously cultish and fascinating as any Gareth Pugh design. A square vial with sculpted glossy/matte black cap and the collection's signature detail adds to the impact.

£19.00

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Powderblush

Keying into the look of Gareth Pugh for M•A•C, this shade of mid-tone nude offers a paler yet profound approach to cheek definition. The defining touch makes this so stylishly Pugh - a dramatically chic square black compact.

£26.00

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Beauty Powder

A shade as soft and enigmatic as its name - Elude. The black compact, a juxtaposition of matte and shine with the collection's signature marque on the lid. On the powder's surface, an intricate mix of patterns.

This is form, content & beauty, Pugh-style.

£44.00

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Nail Lacquer

Shade and finish, this limited-edition Nail Lacquer sums up the entire sub-culture mood of Gareth Pugh for M•A•C. The square glass bottle features the collection's signature marque. Limited edition.

£19.00

Square Handled Buffer Brush

Dense, extra-soft; this ultra-full, dome shaped Powder Brush adds polish to all Powder and Pigment applications. The glossy black short handle with the collection's signature matte marque is distinctly and stylishly Gareth Pugh! Limited edition.

£41.50

Gareth Pugh for M•A•C Makeup Bag

Dramatic, dark, edgy. Everyone will know it's a Gareth Pugh for M•A•C! Organised with loops on the inside. Glossy black with matte on the outside. The key accessory of the collection. 6"x6"x2". Limited edition.

£60.00

Why not challenge convention with this daring designer’s collection of futuristic shades infused with Gareth Pugh’s stylish subversion for Eyes, Lips, Face and Nails in custom couture packaging.

We dare you……

M•A•C

14 Cheapside, The Exchange, Nottingham, NG1 2HU

T: 0870 192 5265 W: www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Give the gift of art this Christmas

Castle Galleries Christmas Gift

 

 

Give the gift of art this Christmas

Castle Galleries are offering a free art-inspired gift worth £35 with every piece of art or sculpture purchased in the month of December. These wonderful pieces created by your favourite Castle Galleries' artists will make perfect presents or stocking fillers.

Brand new winter releases, including art from Paul Horton, Jeff Rowland and Peter Smith will be sure to raise a smile on even the coldest of days, and with Castle Galleries' portfolio of amazing artists you will be sure to find the ideal Christmas gift.

With darker evenings and mornings descending what better way to brighten up the long chilly winter days but with an exciting array of contemporary original and limited edition art, presents that will last a lifetime.

Don't forget to ask Castle Galleries friendly art advisors about the Art Card - this allows you to purchase beautiful art whilst spreading the cost, completely interest free.

Get it all wrapped up this Christmas and embrace the art of presenting the perfect festive gift from:

Castle Galleries
20-22 The Exchange
Nottingham
NG1 2DD
T: 0115 958 3883
W: www.castlegalleries.com

It’s Christmas….at Warehouse

It’s Christmas….at Warehouse

The Christmas Collection at The Exchange’s Warehouse store is a celebration of style, that’s sure to make you shine this Noel.

Young at heart yet grown up and glamorous with a sprinkling of attitude, there’s something for everyone to cut a dash during the cool winter days or the hot, event packed eves.

From party pieces through to directional daywear, with a nod to the new season for girls who are always looking forward, Warehouse is the ultimate style destination this December for the discerning fashionista.

So, embrace the party season and dress to impress at…….

Warehouse

10 Smithy Row

The Exchange

Nottingham

T: 0115 941 0458

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
http://www.warehouse.co.uk

 

Weston Scarves at Tutu

Weston Scarves at Tutu

Described by Vogue as ‘the most unexpected talent in British fashion’, Professor Richard Weston’s luxury silk satin scarves, inspired by the earth’s natural creations are now at the Exchange’s TUTU boutique. The unique designs are produced from high quality scans of precious stones and fossils, and the results are breathtaking.

So what on earth are you waiting for!

The coveted sumptuous scarves are already best-sellers in Liberty of London’s famous ‘Scarf Hall’ and famously featured in BBC2’s ‘Britain’s Next big Thing’, where Dragons’ Den Dragon and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis encouraged gifted designers to attempt to launch their designs with major stores. Weston Scarves proved to be the runaway hit of the series as the internationally famous Liberty of London recognized the potential of the Weston creation. 

“All the designs come directly from natural materials such as minerals, fossils and stones”, explains Professor Richard Weston. “The silk squares are the perfect vehicle for showing the intricate patterns and exquisite colours”.

138 x 138cm

 Weston Scarves retail at £165.

The following designs are available at Tutu:

Brazilian Agate,

Calcite,

Madagascan Agate,

Mexican ‘Smoky’ Fluorite

&

Obsidian

Weston Scarf designs are created using the intricate colour schemes derived from the beautiful natural shades and patterns prevalent in minerals, fossils and stones. Images that have formed over millions of years in the earth’s rocks, have now been transferred onto sensuous silk.

Worn as a scarf or draped on a luxury, leather bag, Weston Scarves are a striking and stunning addition to any chic and stylish wardrobe this season.

Professor Richard Weston is an award-winning designer, architect, author and media personality. His fascination with ‘designs’ hidden in many natural materials goes back to his graduate work in ecological landscape design at the University of Pennsylvania. Using high resolution scanners, he has made the world’s largest collection of digital images of the ‘insides’ of the earth beneath our feet and these are being used to create everything from fashion shows to huge artworks at the 2012 Olympic Village in London, from building facades to iPhone covers, from exquisite rugs to, of course, the best-selling Weston Scarves, now available at TUTU, Nottingham.

An independent style destination since 1989, TUTU houses the cream of current designer collections.

So wrap it up this season with a chic silk satin Weston Scarf at……

TUTU

1 The Exchange

Nottingham

NG1 2DD

T: 0115 947 0189

Christmas Feast at Pret A Manger

Christmas Feast at Pret A Manger

The Christmas Lunch is back!

The Pret Chefs have got all wrapped up in the spirit of the season, with a whole new Christmas Menu served up to enjoy at The Exchange’s Pret A Manger, and there are festive, feast treats galore!

Over the years the Pret A Manger Christmas sandwich has generated a following of avid fans and there are many reasons why. Surely it doesn’t get any more classic than this: turkey, stuffing, crispy onions, cranberry sauce and leaf spinach on granary bread. The best bits of Christmas in a box (and not a Brussel sprout in sight).

If you’re not in the mood for a ‘poultry’ lunch, at Pret you don’t have to  rely on turkey for a wonderful Christmassy feast. You can gobble the Christmas brie and cranberry option, think slices of creamy brie, cranberry sauce and crunchy pistachio nuts, with salad leaves on granary  bread.

There’s also a rather fishy offering, with the delicious Smoked Salmon and Prawn on Artisan.

For the sweet tooth, how about ther yummy:

Handmade Mince Pies,

Hansel the Gingerbread Snowman

or

Handmade Crimble Crumble Bar

Not only can you enjoy a truly scrumptious feast at Pret A Manger this festive season, but 25p from every Christmas sandwich sold will be donated to Help The Homeless, so you too can be a little helper this Noel.

Pret A Manger believe in good natural food. Avoiding preservatives and obscure chemicals is sacred to the brand. Pret’s sandwiches are freshly made throughout the day in The Exchange’s Pret A Manger kitchen. Quality and taste is crucial……..naturally!

So eat, drink and hurry, ‘cos it’s a Christmas cracker at……..

Pret A Manger

The Exchange

10 High Street
Nottingham
NG1 2ET
T: 020 7932 5290

W: http://www.pret.com/

Light Up at Crabtree & Evelyn

Light Up at Crabtree & Evelyn

Introducing the Limited Edition Noël 25^th Anniversary Scented Candle

There’s plenty to wax lyrical about at Crabtree and Evelyn this festive season as celebrations are in full swing with the launch of a limited edition candle, a distinctively designed and delightfully scented keepsake that pays homage to the much loved Noël range. A fabulous favourite that has been filling homes with its joyous, Christmas fragrance for 25 years.

This three-wick limited edition Noël 25^th Anniversary Scented Candle features a beautiful silver and gold paisley pattern, an historic decorative design prominent throughout past centuries. It’s the perfect addition to any stylish home this Christmas.

Priced at just  £30.

• Long-lasting and clean-burning

• Made with paraffin wax blend

• Adds warmth and light to the season

• Approximately 50 hours of total burn time

Crabtree & Evelyn’s stunning Limited Edition Noël 25^th Anniversary Candle has a beautiful festive fragrant medley of fresh evergreens, bayberry, ripe cranberry, zesty orange, persimmon, and warm notes of cinnamon and star anise.

With a fabulous array of Christmas gift sets also now in store, there’s every reason to take a step into Crabtree & Evelyn and add a touch of scent to the chicest of stockings this Noël.

Crabtree & Evelyn

The Exchange

8 High Street

 Nottingham

T: 0115 958 64544
 www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk