Our pick of some of our favourite retailers and producers this month
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The pies have it
What is Christmas without a mince pie or five? These beauties at PureKnead are sublime; handmade with homemade mincemeat and a must addition to your table this Christmas. PureKnead, 38 Dean Street, Newcastle, NE1 1PG, tel 0191 230 5857 and 111 Park View Whitley Bay, NE26 3RH, tel 07964 864 181, www.pure-knead.co.uk
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Needles and pinnies
Handmade in Northumberland from 100% natural fabrics, many of them repurposed, Greenpinnies reversible Japanese-style cross-back aprons make for a gorgeous and unique gift. More information at
www.greenpinnies.co.uk
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The crème of the crop
Add a taste of Spain to your dishes this Christmas with this delicious balsamic crème from Spain. It’s available in fig or truffle at La Casa Spanish deli and wine shop at the Grainger Market and via Grainger Delivery. La Casa, Grainger Market, Newcastle, NE1 5QG, tel 07594 793 494, shop.graingerdelivery.com
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For the chop
Hoardweel Wagyu, pork and lamb is grass-fed and raised for its sublime taste and texture on land on the Scottish border. Among the range at the online shop, these Berkshire pork chops produce some of the best crackling you’ll ever try. £8 for a pack of 2 at www.hoardweelwagyu.co.uk
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Take the cake
Add sparkle to your table with vintage glass cake stands – perfect not just for cakes, but for displaying pavlova, jelly, sweets, truffles and more. They’re also a lovely gift. From £16 at RE Bishops Yard, Main Street, Corbridge, NE45 5LA, tel 01434 634 567, www.re-foundobjects.com
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Just the tonic
Knitsley Farm Shop is packed with fantastic gift ideas, not least a selection of treats from Pitwheel craft gin distillery in Co Durham. Flavours from Pitwheel include classic, orange and ginger, original spiced and raspberry and vanilla. Knitsley Farm Shop and café, East Knitsley Grange Farm Knitsley, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 9EW, tel 01207 592 059, www.knitsleyfarmshop.co.uk
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Cheesy does it
Boost your continental cheese tasting activity with the always-superb selection at Carruthers & Kent. Occelli is an outstanding cow and goat combination from Italy, and there is a trio of artisan Swiss by Jumi from the Valley of Emmenthal. Carruthers & Kent, 3A Elmfield Rd, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 4AY, tel 0191 213 1818, www.carruthersandkent.com
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Spice up your life
This selection of treats from the Cook House larder is one of a range of cooks’ boxes. This one contains tarragon-infused vinegar, dill-infused olive oil, smoked demerera sugar, dukkah salt, and crispy chilli oil. £29.50 at www.cookhouse.org
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Comfort and joy
We love a bowl of creamy rice pudding homemade the traditional way from the Brocksbushes range of sweet and savoury dishes at the farm shop. This rice pudding is in two sizes, priced £2.25 and £3.25 per serving. Brocksbushes, Styford Roundabout, Stocksfield, NE43 7UB, tel 01434 633 100, www.brocksbushes.co.uk
