Macky's food news from around Oxfordshire

  • Rick Stein is returning to Oxford’s Waterstones to sign copies of his new cookbook India, which accompanies the series currently running on BBC2. Meet the famous celebrity chef in person on Wednesday and hear about his journeys around India. For more details call 01865 790212.

 

  • I know that Marie-Antoinette didn’t really say, ‘let them eat cake’ but it seems a pretty good excuse for us to enjoy some delicious French cake and patisserie on Bastille Day anyway. To celebrate the French national holiday on Tuesday, Maison Blanc, in St Giles, has created a delectable new gâteaux selection inspired by the last queen of France: five ultra-chic, lighter-than-light flavoured sponges with scandalously creamy fillings and toppings, including a Forêt-Noire Gâteau – rich chocolate sponge layered with raspberry compote and Chantilly cream; a Gâteau Exotique – passion fruit sponge with sweet berry compote and a lemon cream cheese frosting; and the Banoffee Gâteau – banana sponge with toffee caramel frosting. Priced at £3.59 a slice to eat in, and £2.99 to eat out. Vive la Republic!

 

  • They may be the UK’s largest producer of luxury fudge and be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, but there is nothing establishment about Fudge Kitchen on Broad Street, with trailblazing new products such as The Three Amigos: three chilli chocolate drinking fudges, each packing an increasing punch. The chilli choice is yours... will it be a hint or a hit?

Another new concept from Fudge Kitchen is the new Pudding Selection – a tribute to British puds; from the uncannily recreated apple crumble to sticky toffee pudding, cherry Bakewell and pecan pie in fudge form. Available through fudgekitchen.co.uk or in store.

  • If you want to know where to eat and what to expect food-wise, then buy the new recipe book/fine dining guide: Relish Cotswolds and Oxfordshire which lists many new and exclusive restaurants and recipes from the very best places to eat in the region.

Featuring numerous local restaurants from Le Manoir to The Nut Tree it’s the perfect coffee book tome, although if you can cook each dish, you’ll warrant a place in it yourself. Priced £20 and available online at relish publications.co.uk

  • You’ve got to love this new caper from Cadbury Dairy Milk, a new website allowing you to make your own personalised bars. The permanent website launched earlier this year means you can add personalised names etc. To spread the cheer, simply log on to joyvillemade.com and try your hand at making and sharing chocolate. What are you waiting for?