I’m so old that I can remember when advent calendars were a simple Christmas scene on an A4 piece of cardboard, covered in glitter with cut-out numbered doors, and a cute picture behind each door. My brother and I had such pleasure opening a new door each day, admiring the revealed picture and counting one day closer to Christmas. When my children were young, the calendars started to contain chocolate treats. This seemed so wrong, and I’d hunt for chocolate-free calendars for my kids. I’m not convinced they totally bought into this deprivation, but I wanted them to enjoy the simple pleasure I had experienced, without need for chocolate.

However, that was all a long time ago and I admit to having totally given in to temptation with The 12 days Of Tracklements. Chocolate is one thing, but a different jar of Tracklements unique and delicious condiments behind each door is simply irresistible.

Tracklements, a Wiltshire-based family company, create quality food, using simple, honest ingredients. Their products are made by hand in small batches, using traditional and modern recipes and many locally-sourced ingredients and they have an incredible and innovative range of products. I’m gradually working through them all – it’s a challenge but, oh, so worth it.

So how perfect is their 12-jar The 12 days Of Tracklements? An attractive box containing a different yummy jar to tuck into every day until Christmas – just open the door. Let me enjoy the recollection for just a moment as I run through the selection:

Chutneys: Apricot & Ginger, and Tomato & Chilli; Ketchups: Proper Tomato and Sweet Mustard; Strong English, and Robust Wholegrain Mustard; Quintessential Brown Sauce and Caramelised Onion Marmalade; Strong Horseradish Cream, Rich & Creamy Mayonnaise, Sticky Fig Relishand finally Chilli & Red Pepper Relish.

I can verify that each one of these is absolutely heavenly (yes, OK, I admit to having already opened each door and I’ve tried them all) but after much deliberation I’ve chosen two favourites. Proper Tomato Ketchup – perfectly named as this is how tomato ketchup should taste. Over half the ketchup is pure tomato purée, creating a deep flavour-rich thick ketchup, with raw cane sugar, spirit vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt, cloves, allspice and black pepper. As with the other jars, simple pure ingredients for a perfect condiment. It tastes so different from the usual supermarket offerings. Firstly it actually tastes of tomatoes, but the subtle spices turn it into something very special.

My next favourite is the Apricot and Ginger Chutney. Chutney is such a traditional English condiment – perfect with cheese, and as with all Tracklements foods, uses only natural ingredients. Apricots comprise a third of the chutney, mixed with apples, cider vinegar, raw cane sugar, sultanas, ginger, sea salt, garlic and chillies. The bite of the ginger and chillies really complements the natural sweetness of the fruits. I love ginger anyway and the combination is truly delicious.

So if you’re looking for a gift for a special friend, or you just want to treat yourself (and why not?) do grab The 12 days Of Tracklements at just £25 from the website (Gluten free and vegetarian). Also available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide – this makes an attractive and delicious present for anyone. The challenge is waiting until advent to open the doors.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

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Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.