Christmas Gifts for you and from you!
The Winner of our Christmas Competition and Last minute gifts to last a lifetime
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Congratulations to the winner of our Kelly Bronze Christmas Turkey Competition
Congratulations, Christina Pendlebury—you’ve won a 5kg Christmas turkey from our friends at Kelly Bronze! 🎉 These are some of the finest turkeys in the land, raised wild and free, feasting on seasonal goodness.
Paul Kelly himself swears his award-winning turkeys are so flavorful they don’t need the usual brining or heaps of butter—and he’s right! Juicy, delicious, and utterly luxurious. Of course, I couldn’t resist adding my twist with 10 cloves of garlic (I do love garlic, and trust me this turns into a delicious and balanced marinade). The recipe will be in the next newsletter, so be sure you’re subscribed!
T’is the season! The most wonderful time of the year.
My Christmas wish came true—I’m back in London after nine wonderful years on the Sussex coast! Much more on that later, but for now, it’s all about festive treats—for you, your loved ones, and from me to you.
For me, Christmas isn’t about gifts; it’s about celebrating the birth of Christ and bringing people together. Yet, thoughtful gifting is a beautiful way to show love and care, especially in times when many are struggling or at times lonely. Even a gift to a stranger can provide the warmth of kindness and compassion.
This spirit of connection drives everything we do—from our cookery classes to our shared experiences, our cookery retreats across Africa and our community here. Warming hearts with bloody good food, enchanting stories, and the joy of togetherness—that’s the true magic of the season!
Thank you for participating, and a warm welcome to our new members! I’ve got some last minute gifts suggestions tucked below, including fabulous experiences to last a lifetime!
Last minute ideas for Christmas Gifts
For the enthusiastic cook
New cookery classes in London
We have a lot of fun at our cookery classes, I absolutely adore teaching and share glorious feasts with our community. I have missed teaching in London, where it all began and so happy to be back here with my brand new half day classes, a mix of a supperclub and cookery class, with a welcome of African afternoon tea, a spice masterclass, a masterclass and a feast afterwards. You are going to love it. Book your place and get in touch to pick a date, after which you can choose a particular region to cook from. Dates are open for now which much flexibility.
Book your place or choose a gift voucher to send to your loved ones. They can use the vouchers to book a class at a later date.
Africana Cookbook
A culinary adventure across Africa
Some of the best gifts aren’t things but memories—like cooking together, exploring Africa’s vibrant and varied markets, majestic mountains, deserts, beaches, and beyond.
At the heart of it all is Africana, my cookbook filled with stories and recipes to bring the magic home. Already have a copy? Perfect—time to dazzle your guests with fabulous recipes for the festive season! If not, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a gift that keeps giving. Only a few signed copies are available to go out now. Order by Friday December 20th to get yours in time for Christmas.
For The Traveler
One of the most extraordinary experiences I have dreamed into reality is our cookery retreats across Africa. Taking food lovers on culinary adventures where we immerse in the culture, meet the locals, cook, eat and are nurtured with the very best food. Our travels are curated through my experiences with lots of hidden gems. We have just returned from Morocco with glowing reviews from every single guest, 4 of whom are returning for another retreat in 2025 and one giving us 20 stars! Tanzania & Nairobi our new retreat is currently half full with only 5 spaces left. Book an experience of a lifetime for yourself, a loved one and you can even buy a gift voucher as part payment for someone else. See you somewhere in Africa!
For The Little or Big Ones
This beauty is by my amazing work wife, Bella, who’s been a big part of our London cookery classes and retreats. If you have travelled with us or joined our classes over the years, you most likely will have met her. Her little one, Zuri (who lovingly calls me “Aunty Tomato”), has co-designed a fun and creative fruit coloring book—perfect for kids and adults! It’s a delightful way to teach little ones about healthy eating and a relaxing escape for the grown-ups.
High in my wishlist are Bella’s amazing ebook of Vegan Recipes, her natural whipped butters and the incredible Rose & Frankincense Water. These would make for a great gift collection. Order by Friday December 20th to get yours in time for Christmas, or snag one later as a thoughtful gift anytime!
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Thank you for reading today’s newsletter. Share the sunshine with your family and friends who may enjoy it and receive treats as a ‘thank you’ from me.