We have a working theory in the office – all the best things in life start with a C…
Chocolate
From a humble bar of Dairy Milk to the mastery of the esteemed Belgian makers, Chocolate is never not desirable. Its unique mouth-feel plays a large part in the appeal; soothing, encompassing, sweet and just a little bit sinful. The wonderful specimens produced by Dragon’s Den stars russellandatwell.com ticks another ‘C’ box as each batch contains fresh Cream, meaning it needs to be kept in the fridge. Hardly a hardship when the taste payoff is so meltingly moreish.
Cashmere
If we had our way, we’d be smothered in Cashmere head-to-toe from November through to March, Even better, Cashmere with a Conscious. Recycled cashmere is widely available and if not recycled, ensure you are buying from somewhere which has an ethical design ethos. This Cosy beauty from the commendably conscious chintiandparker.com gets the message across with added style and joie de vivre.
Coffee
Memorable quotes about the unique joy of Coffee are legion but in the autumnal months, it is this by Antony Trollope which speaks most compellingly to our souls; ““What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?”. Coffee snobs may insist on single estate and fret about water temperature and we respect them for that, but equally, making good coffee shouldn’t be a chore. Fill up your Cafetiere with a great ethical blend (like perkyblenders.com) who source sustainably from independent farmers and also use recyclable packaging.
Candles
Specifically, scented Candles. Natural scents are a must, as is natural wax – no nasty carcinogens, please. Whilst the summer months call for light, crisp florals, an autumn/winter candle needs to evoke warmth through judicious use of spice-rich, smoky notes. We are currently obsessed with skandinavisk.com, the Swedish B Corp beauty brand who have just launched a seasonal pair; Takka (from the Swedish for fireplace) and Nordyls (Northern Lights) with its intense otherworldly fragrance accord, all magic and mystery.
Cocktails
Or even better, a Cocktail served in a Coupe glass garnished with a maraschino Cherry. That said, a pina Colada is never not a pleasure (but should generally be restricted to just the one). We love a warming bourbon-based drink at this time of year and have been enjoying experimenting with recipes from Kentucky Owl and their new Wiseman Bourbon; all soft wheat and spicy rye notes. Try it in a Manhattan (pictured) for Mad Men glamour vibes or mixed with soda and a dash of cherry bitters, garnished with lemon peel, poured into a highball glass.
Cheese
Now that decent vegan and vegetarian options are available, we no longer need to qualify our firmly held conviction that – to paraphrase Pepys – a person who has bored of cheese has bored of life. We would like to make a cheese-related joke here, but that would be cheesy, right? Sorry! The tangy, creaminess of it…yum. What is a meal worth if it doesn’t end in a cheeseboard? Once again, no judgement here; be it Babybel or Brie, if it’s cheese we are here for it. That said, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds both have outstanding makers, and at OX we love to support local. Try simonweaverorganic.co.uk selection (for real indulgence we recommend the Truffle Gloucester –*chef’s kiss*.)
Champagne
Not to denigrate Cremant, Cava – ok, at a push Prosecco – or any of the excellent English Sparkling Wines that the discerning drinker should be aware of, but let’s hand it to the French region for defining a genre and creating the definitive celebratory drink. Cheers to that and bring on the party season.
*Eagle-eyed readers will mention we haven’t yet used the ultimate C-word. Shhh, that will come next month.
