Dear Santa...

There was a time when Christmas stockings were filled with the simple pleasures in life. Along with a few little itsy-bitsy things and a little bar of chocolate, there would be a shiny penny, some nuts, a satsuma and down in the bottom corner, a polished apple.

These days, if the apples and oranges aren't left out from the start, then they are quickly  hidden by the recipient, back in the household friut bowl (or waste bin if there isn't one) whilst the chocolate is stuffed and the myriad of nothings are discarded one by one.

So, it was interesting to observe recently, a young lad (seemingly under the supervising gaze of Santa) endeavouring to do a trade in another old-style, sugary apple treat: toffee apples.

Could it be seen here then, that someone was so completely enamoured that their secret Christmas list to Santa was stated very publicly? Top of the column - toffee apples!





However, unlike stocking fillers of the past, I doubt toffee apples will feature at the top of many 'Dear Santa' lists. It will be Apples of a very different kind that are desired now.

Butcher of Repute

During a very enjoyable stay with friends out in Shropshire this weekend, I was introduced to their local butcher and his products.

Pork pies, pasties and meat pies were tantalisingly displayed in a festive window, and judging by the queue trailing way out into the street, the reputation of this butcher is clearly second to none. If the leg of lamb we had for Sunday dinner today was anything to go by, then the taste of these other meat products will equal their stunning mouth-watering looks.

Sadly, I can only take it on good authority from our hosts and my better half, that the pork pies are to die for! As beautiful as they look, the pastry is the big barrier to me being able to enjoy these delicious products. I just imagine as I sit and watch others enjoying these delights that I once used to be able to enjoy. However, what is wonderful is that an independent retailer is still able to satisfy his customers, and long may it continue.