{"id":369203,"date":"2017-11-20T12:12:38","date_gmt":"2017-11-20T12:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/?p=369203"},"modified":"2017-11-20T16:45:46","modified_gmt":"2017-11-20T16:45:46","slug":"christmas-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/christmas-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Fed up with a frozen gateau? Christmas Trifle become tedious? This Christmas, Opies provides a one-step solution to revamp the repertoire of festive puddings \u2013 fruits with alcohol. Opies for Christmas, www.opiesfoods.com"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fed up with a frozen gateau? Christmas Trifle become tedious? This Christmas, Opies provides a one-step solution to revamp the repertoire of festive puddings \u2013 fruits with alcohol. Opies for Christmas,\u00a0www.opiesfoods.com<\/a><\/h3>\n

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FACEBOOK<\/a> | TWITTER<\/a><\/p>\n

New for 2017 – The \u2018spirit\u2019 of Christmas in a wide selection of fruits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fed up with a frozen gateau? Christmas Trifle become tedious? This Christmas, Opies provides a one-step solution to revamp the repertoire of festive puddings \u2013 fruits with alcohol.<\/p>\n

New for 2017 – two new varieties that will tempt the foodie trendsetters: Blackberries with Gin and Pears with Port.<\/p>\n

Christmas Gift ideas: Gifts for foodies, hamper gifts, stocking fillers, dinner party gifts and even an alternative gift for teachers!<\/p>\n

Available from Waitrose & Ocado \u00a38.99<\/p>\n

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Serving Suggestions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blackberries with Gin: Christmas cocktails such as Blackberry Bramble or Blackberry Basil Mojito. Serve with a stack of pancakes and fresh cream (or eat them straight from the jar!).<\/p>\n

Baby Pears with Port: easy take on classic poached pears. Spend less time in the kitchen and simply open a jar instead – you won\u2019t be disappointed.<\/p>\n

Also in the range & widely available: Christmas Fruits with Courvoisier, Stem Ginger with Famous Grouse, Peaches with Courvoisier, Apricots with Grand Marnier, Baby Pears with Amaretto, Black Cherries with Kirsch and Ginger with Teachers Whisky.<\/p>\n

Pickled Walnuts enjoying a food renaissance<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Opies who are the only commercial producer of Pickled Walnuts in the UK, for many people, having a jar in the cupboard makes their Christmas. It\u2019s a prerequisite. This Victorian delicacy is fast becoming a foodie must-have; especially at Christmas.<\/p>\n

New to the Pickled Walnut revival? Their soft texture may be something of a surprise. Please get in touch to try a sample.<\/p>\n

Available from: Sainsbury\u2019s, Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado and speciality independent stores 390g from \u00a32.49.<\/p>\n

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Opies Stem Ginger brings the ginger craze to the kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ginger is cool. Just ask Ed Sheeran and Rupert Grint. But ginger is causing a stir in other areas too: the kitchen.<\/p>\n

This Christmas use Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup and turn the customary Christmas Cake on its head with warmth and richness. Add a smidgen to shop-bought mincemeat, chop and add to stuffing mix for the perfect Roast Loin of Pork. Glaze a side of Roast Ham on Boxing. Don\u2019t forget about the syrup! Splash into Christmas drinks for an indulgent spiced mulled wine or fiery mojito.<\/p>\n

Available from: Tesco 350g RSP \u00a32.50 and Asda 280g RSP \u00a32.28.<\/p>\n

Opies help to avoid a Christmas Cocktail Catastrophe<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Manhattan minus the cherry is a no-no. Gin Fizz sans a slice of lemon? A disaster. Avoid embarrassing cocktail catastrophes at Christmas with Opies\u2019 Cocktail Cherries and Lemon Slices.<\/p>\n

Find the cherries in the preserves or pickle aisles in most major supermarkets, priced from \u00a31.48 for a 225g jar. The Lemon Slices should be there too \u00a31.40 for a 350g jar.<\/p>\n

Who are Opies \u2013 a British heritage brand<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Opies is one of the oldest family owned food firms in the UK with a rich heritage and the fifth generation Mr Opie at the helm! A brief history of Opies is attached (detailing how it started by Mr Bennett Opie in 1880 who left Cornwall with five pounds in his pocket through to present day).<\/p>\n

Avoid a Christmas Cocktail Catastrophe thanks to Opies<\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing better than dusting off the cocktail shaker to create your favourite concoctions, especially at an impromptu party. But a Manhattan minus the cherry is a no-no. Gin Fizz sans a slice of lemon? A disaster. As more and more of us prefer casual get-togethers at home it\u2019s important to avoid any embarrassing cocktail catastrophes this Christmas. It\u2019s then that Opies\u2019 Cocktail Cherries and Lemon Slices really come to the fore.<\/p>\n

The vibrant colour of the cherries helps to create a certain \u2018je ne sais quoi\u2019 to homemade cocktails. Try in a Singapore Sling, Shirley Temple or retro Pina Colada (don\u2019t forget the umbrella). Cheer up a glass of Prosecco on Christmas morning or, if you have a bottle of cheap fizz that you\u2019re unsure of a maraschino cherry makes it marvellous! It\u2019s all down to the best-grade fruits infused in a delicious, almondy, flavoured syrup that really makes the difference. Find them in the preserves or pickle aisles in most major supermarkets, priced from \u00a31.48 for a 225g jar.<\/p>\n

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Ensure guests have the best-dressed G&T without the hassle. Never forget the \u2018slice\u2019 again and keep a jar of Opies Lemons in the fridge. They\u2019re more convenient and there\u2019s less waste too. The lemons are already sliced so there\u2019s never been an easier way to garnish the glass. Festive lurgy taken hold? Bring out the jar, pop a few slices in a mug and steep in hot water (dash of whisky optional). Be Christmas-ready and pop a jar in your trolley and it\u2019ll be another thing ticked off the shopping list! RRP from \u00a31.40 for a 350g jar.<\/p>\n

Never again will you experience pre-party panic or have festive drinks failure.<\/p>\n

Snowbomb: A twist on a Jager Bomb
\nMistletoe Kiss: Made with Honey Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Creamed Coconut and Maraschino Cherry Liquor<\/p>\n

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Opies Stem Ginger brings the ginger craze to the kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ginger is cool. Just ask Ed Sheeran and Rupert Grint. But ginger is causing a stir in other areas too: the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Stem Ginger in Syrup is fast becoming a store-cupboard staple. These little balls of golden goodness are being used by home cooks to create cuisine with a spicy twist, especially at Christmas. Turn the customary Christmas Cake on its head to add warmth, richness and just the right amount of stickiness to the cake. Add a smidgen to shop-bought mincemeat to get family and friends murmuring in appreciation of your home-baked mince pies.<\/p>\n

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But it\u2019s not all about the sweet bakes. Many overlook its versatility in savoury dishes. Why not chop and add to stuffing mix for the perfect Roast Loin of Pork? There\u2019s nothing more impressive than a delicious side of Roast Ham on Boxing Day but a sticky ginger glaze takes it to the next level. Leftover turkey dilemma? Use ginger to make the best base for a tasty sweet and sour stir fry.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t forget about the syrup! Splash into Christmas drinks for an indulgent spiced mulled wine or fiery moreish mojito.<\/p>\n

Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup is available from Tesco 350g RSP \u00a32.50 and Asda 280g RSP \u00a32.28.<\/p>\n

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Pickled Walnuts enjoying a food renaissance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like Black Forest Gateau and Arctic Roll, another food on the crest of a renaissance are Pickled Walnuts. Thanks to their popularity amongst Chefs and guest appearances on the likes of MasterChef and Saturday Kitchen this Victorian delicacy is fast becoming a foodie must-have; especially at Christmas.<\/p>\n

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According to Opies who are the only commercial producer of Pickled Walnuts in the UK, for many people, having a jar in the cupboard makes their Christmas. It\u2019s a prerequisite. A festive seasonal supper without their favourite pickle is like scones without jam and cream. Serve as an appetising accompaniment to cold meats, cheese, antipasto and charcuterie or as a central feature to a stunning smorgasbord of tasty cold cuts. After Christmas, if there are any left, use them in pasta dishes or in warming stews and casseroles, especially with seasonal winter meats like lamb, pork and venison. For the Christmas diet detoxers, why not chop into salads or blitz with olive oil to make a flavoursome dressing?<\/p>\n

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New to the Pickled Walnut revival? Their soft texture may be something of a surprise. The nuts are picked from the trees at their absolute prime, whilst they are still green and before any shell has formed or the squirrels have invaded! Then it\u2019s onto the delicate, time-consuming preserving method. Cooked gently by hand, hand-prepared and then left to mature in a closely-guarded secret spiced malt vinegar recipe. The outcome of this lengthy labour-of-love is a jarred jewel of unique deliciousness, that so many can\u2019t live without.<\/p>\n

Opies Pickled Walnuts are available from Sainsbury\u2019s, Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado and speciality independent stores 390g from \u00a32.49.<\/p>\n

The Spirit of Christmas found in a wide selection of fruits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fed up with a frozen gateau? Has your Christmas Trifle become tedious? Are the family fed-up with the same old familiar desserts? This Christmas, Opies provides a one-step solution to revamp your repertoire of festive puddings \u2013 fruits with alcohol. This year the range includes two new varieties that will tempt the foodie trendsetters: Blackberries with Gin and Pears with Port.<\/p>\n

The new blackberry variety takes the most traditional English fruits, which are gently infused with one of the on-trend British spirits, London Dry Gin. Opies recommend using them as an ingredient for Christmas cocktails such as Blackberry Bramble or Blackberry Basil Mojito. If you fancy an indulgent start to Christmas morning, serve with a stack of pancakes and fresh cream. Delicious! If the mood takes you, you can always eat them straight from the jar!<\/p>\n

For a simple Christmas party crowd-pleaser Opies have created a quick and easy take on classic poached pears. Spend less time in the kitchen and simply open a jar instead – you won\u2019t be disappointed. Marinated with a young ruby port which, thanks to the port\u2019s strong fruit flavour complements the Pears perfectly, these are exquisite served with cream or vanilla ice cream. Who would have thought making a dessert could be so easy!<\/p>\n

Opies\u2019 extensive range of preserved fruits with alcohol will turn simple sweets into magnificent creations in minutes. As well as the Blackberries with Gin and Pears with Port the Opies\u2019 range comprises Christmas Fruits with Courvoisier, Stem Ginger with Famous Grouse, Peaches with Courvoisier, Apricots with Grand Marnier, Baby Pears with Amaretto, Black Cherries with Kirsch and Ginger with Teachers Whisky. These store cupboard Christmas stalwarts provide a quick catering solution when served with meringue, cream or ice cream. Why not try making a boozy Boxing Day Trifle this year? There\u2019s nothing better than trifle sponge soaked with Gin or Kirsch accompanied by fruit marinated in the same spirit. If you\u2019re stuck for Christmas gift ideas for foodie friends, Opies fruits with alcohol make great stocking fillers or small hamper gifts too.<\/p>\n

The new Blackberries with Gin and Pears with Port will be exclusively available at Waitrose and Ocado. RRP \u00a311.99.<\/p>\n

Bennett Opie Limited<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nIn 1880, young Cornishman Bennett Opie set off to make his fortune in London with just a few pounds in his pocket. He started by selling eggs and bacon and gradually, with the help of his two brothers, successfully built the business even receiving a Royal Warrant for supplying the Royal Household. In 1912 Bennett Opie was joined by his son William and it was at this time that Bennett Opie Limited was founded.
\nWilliam Opie had great foresight. When supplies of fresh eggs were limited during the First World War he recognised the opportunity to manufacture and supply liquid eggs to the bakery trade. It was following a trip to France that he spotted an opportunity to diversify into preserving cherries and was keen to provide a less expensive alternative to the popular but pricy French brands. In 1929, the company relocated to Sittingbourne, Kent \u2013 the heart of Kent\u2019s cherry-growing region. The site, which is close to King Henry VIII\u2019s cherry orchards, benefits from natural springs; the water from which is still used today. This move marked the start of a growing range of preserves and pickles.<\/p>\n

Today, the Opies brand includes a wide selection of cocktail products which still includes Cocktail Cherries along with Sliced Lemons, Cocktail Onions and Cocktail Gherkins. The Opies retail range is particularly strong in the home-baking sector, packing ginger for the majority of the major supermarkets as well as Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup and Crystallised Ginger. In keeping with the heritage and provenance of the brand, Opies range extends to traditional chutneys, an extensive range of preserved fruits in alcohol and luxury fruit compotes.<\/p>\n

The signature line, however, is Pickled Walnuts, with Opies remaining the only commercial producer of this classic Victorian delicacy. Working with farmers across the UK and Europe, walnuts are picked whilst still green and before any shell has formed. They are then immediately preserved before being transported back to the factory where they are cooked, hand prepared and then preserved in a secret-recipe spiced vinegar.<\/p>\n

The Opies range is readily available from the major retailers across the UK and is also popular overseas, with the firm in receipt of the Queen\u2019s Award for Export.
\nToday the business is in its fifth generation, still owned by the Opie family, making it one of the oldest private family-owned food companies in the UK.
\nBennett Opie Limited is also the sole distributor for a selection of high-quality agency food brands that include Monin, Lingham\u2019s Chilli Sauce, Barry Norman Pickled Onions, Ferns Curry Pastes, Delice du Provence and Cl\u00e9ment Faugier chestnuts.<\/p>\n

\n– Opies has a wealth of archive material: from an insurance policy against First World War bomb damage to a set of old accounts.
\n– Press Visits to the head office at Sittingbourne are welcome, where journalists can have a behind the scenes tour and immerse themselves in Opies\u2019 history, view things like original cherry stoners, wooden clogs used by workers and bygone packaging.<\/p>\n

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Fed up with a frozen gateau? Christmas Trifle become tedious? This Christmas, Opies provides a one-step solution to revamp the repertoire of festive puddings \u2013 fruits with alcohol. Opies for Christmas,\u00a0www.opiesfoods.com FACEBOOK | TWITTER New for 2017 – The \u2018spirit\u2019 of Christmas in a wide selection of fruits Fed up with a frozen gateau? Christmas […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":369217,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[7831,11456,21271,21121,16726],"class_list":["post-369203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clubs","tag-christmas","tag-festive","tag-fruits","tag-opies","tag-repertoire"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369203"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369203\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/369217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}