Before we know it, the clocks will turn back, and those long dark evenings will be upon us. This is the perfect time for getting together with friends and sharing food, and Pizza is instantly called to mind. The only thing that spoils this image according to my wife, is the sight of me hacking slices out of what had once been a perfectly round pizza.

The stylish NEW Microplane Professional Pizza Wheel with Dough Docker is designed for performance and versatility, by featuring a large, ultra-sharp, double-bevelled stainless steel blade – perfectly balanced for precision cutting and long-lasting durability.

Its ergonomic weight and shape naturally guide your hand forward (even mine), creating a smooth, intuitive slicing motion. The generous blade diameter glides effortlessly through more than just pizza – it’s equally adept at slicing tortillas, flatbreads, quesadillas, brownies, quiche, and even crafting delicate pastry lattices for pies. Use the dough docker to prick pastry for quiche and flans. The ergonomic, non-slip, soft-touch handle – which can be used equally well with either hand – includes a smart finger guard between the handle and blade for safety and comfort when directing the wheel.

The pizza wheel is finely balanced with a pleasing weight, fellow keen cooks will know what I mean, and in my case the utensil that I reach for first. The blade’s long-lasting sharpness effortlessly and precisely cuts through even molten mozzarella and other toppings such as salami, Parma ham, pepperoni and mushrooms, without ripping or tearing, for the perfect slice, every time.

This would make the perfect Christmas or birthday gift for the chef in your life but as we enter the perfect season for sharing Pizza, why wait?

Microplane Professional Pizza Wheel with dough docker RRP £29.95 from Selfridges

With the arrival of Autumn comes cooler temperatures, darker evenings, and my wife starts looking at the central heating, but there is another seasonal thing to look forward to, and that is the programme of the London Philharmonic Orchestra that takes place at the Festival Hall in London.

Clearly, I was not alone in thinking like this, as the hall was almost filled to capacity, and there was a palpable sense of anticipation, as the lights were dimmed and the conductor, Edward Gardner took to the stage.

The first piece, called ‘Ringed by a Flat Horizon’, a complex piece written in 1980, was composed by the Festival Hall’s Composer in residence, Sir George Benjamin, and was inspired by lines taken from T S Eliot’s epic poem, the Waste Land. The fifth and final section, ‘What the Thunder Said’. I have to confess that it was not to my taste, I found it a little jarring, but what do I know? I am an old fuddy duddy, and musical history is littered with critics eating their words a few years later.

The highlight of the evening had to be Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, and we were treated to the playing of acclaimed pianist, Yefim Bronfman, and what a treat it was. From the opening notes it was clear that we were in good hands, and the London Philharmonic were on top form.

The piano grabbed our attention and didn’t let go, we were in the presence of a master, the music both joyous and divine. The Adagio was simply glorious, calming and swept the audience away.

I wondered if the LPO had missed us as much as we missed them?

As if the Emperor Concerto wasn’t enough and following unceasing applause the audience were given an encore, where Bronfman gave us a virtuosa solo performance that held us entranced. The audience responded with applause that threatened never to end. What an evening, and we still had the second half to come. Truly LPO you are spoiling us.

After the interval we resumed our seats happily sated from what we had heard, and we settled down to listen to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 5 in E Minor, Op 64.

Four movements, each thrilling, this was a piece that I was not familiar with, although there is something about Tchaikovsky that is unmistakeable from the ballets that have used his music.

In the first movement, sombre gravitas at the outset becoming more joyful, with building urgency, then lulled, then building again to a crescendo, the massed strings magnificent under Gardner’s taut conducting. The second movement, brooding and haunting pierced by the woodwind held us spellbound in our seats with its melancholy and tenderness, then building and building until the music filled the auditorium. Surely this was what the Festival Hall was built for? The third, movement felt like the music of the ballroom, tripping, as the piercing notes of the violins and the rich deep sounds of the viola combined in haunting melody.

The final movement provided a magnificent finish that was met by the audience, cheering, clapping and stamping their feet. What an evening it had been.

If you are looking for a gift for the music lover in your life, I can recommend an evening at the Royal Festival Hall.

Let’s look at the kindle edition: The Carlswick Affair S L Beaumont – it is the first of the Carlswick Mysteries – a series full of intrigue, secrets and suspense – of lost masterpieces and buried truths: when Stephanie Cooper investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding her great aunt’s death, she discovers a painting thought stolen by the Nazis and destroyed during WWII, hanging in the home of the intriguing James Knox, guitarist with indie band, The Fury.

As Stephanie delves deeper into this mystery she begins to uncover the secrets and deceptions of a previous generation. Gossip in Carlswick village about a tragic wartime romance is mingled with whispers of clandestine visitors, art smuggling and perhaps, collaboration with the Nazis. But as she closes in on the truth of what happened all those years earlier, Stephanie realises that someone does not want her to discover the truth about her family’s past and that someone may kill to stop her.

Available here @ £0.99 for a limited time.

Past Rites by Claire Stibbe Volume 3 Kindle Edition (The Detective Temeke Crime Series) is another whopper.

Lies can bury the past. But some secrets refuse to stay dead. Four years after the suicide (or was it?) of Alice Delgado, daughter of one of Albuquerque’s top racing drivers, her younger sister Lily vanishes. When two of Lily’s classmates are found dead, our super dooper Detectives David Temeke and Malin Santiago are pulled into a chilling case that leads them to an elite boarding school on the banks of the Rio Grande

There, behind a façade of privilege and silence, they uncover whispers of occult rituals and a mysterious ancient book – clues that ignite a disturbing chain of events and unravel long-buried truths. As tensions mount within the department and the body count rises, Temeke and Santiago must race to stop a killer before another young life is lost. Another page turner.

Available here: @ £1.99 for a limited period.

Heavens the excitement keeps building. Now for…

The Vatican Secret: A totally gripping and explosive action thriller (A Marco Venetti Thriller) by Peter Hogenkamp Kindle Edition.There is a nuclear weapon in the hands of the Vatican City’s deadliest enemy. And time is running out to stop the attack …

Marco Venetti, the only man the Pope trusts, is on the hunt for a traitor. He is willing to do anything to protect the church, and the man at its heart. Even if it means getting blood on his hands … But when Marco finds him, the traitor reveals terrifying new information: the name of a Russian mafioso with a grudge against the Vatican and possession of a nuclear bomb. If Marco doesn’t work with him, the consequences will be deadly.

To prevent it, Marco must enter a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that will take him across the continent on land and by sea. With time running out, he will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Because the secrets inside the Vatican may be the deadliest threat of all. And only Marco can restore honour to the church, by any means necessary… And yes, another page turner. We’re being spoiled.

Available here: @ £0.99 for a limited time – go for it. Well, at these limited time prices buy them all.

I remember when I was a girl (back in the ‘olden days’ according to my grandkids), my lovely Mum would stand for ages over the hob making fudge. It was a long process, as the simple pure ingredients – condensed milk, sugar and butter – had to be stirred continuously until the mixture reached the correct temperature for the fudge to form. And then she had to keep stirring until a little of the mixture, when dropped into iced water, created a soft ball, meaning that the fudge was ready. At that point she’d remove the pan from the heat and beat the mixture for five to ten minutes, to make a fabulous crumbly fudge. After all that stirring and beating her hard work was almost done. She just had to pour the mixture into a container to set and then guard the (still very hot) fudge from small people sneaking into the kitchen trying to steal the heavenly sweet before it had cooled. We risked burnt tongues but we didn’t care. Finally the whole family would sit by the open fire (yes I am that old) and watch the black and white television and tuck into far too much indescribably delicious home-made fudge.

So many of these simple pleasures and good food, made with love have disappeared, so I was thrilled to discover Fudge Kitchen.

Fudge Kitchen started life in the 1980s, when Sian Holt accepted a challenge from an American fudge-maker called Jim. He’d been told that Blackpool, England was a perfect place to sell fudge. He couldn’t leave America himself, so he asked Sian if she’d set up a shop. He shipped a complete fudge shop by container, along with a man to teach her how to make it. Sian caught a train to Blackpool and her future as a fudge-maker began. Forty years later her team are still making unique fudge in small batches using mainly natural ingredients, locally-sourced where possible.

It has fallen on me to taste three of their fudges on your behalf (you’re welcome) – Sea Salted Caramel, Specaloos and Chocolate Orange. I’m a sucker for salted caramel at the best of times and this fudge is simply delicious – slightly crumbly, just like my mother’s, with subtle caramel vibes, presented attractively with small chocolate decorations. Specaloos (named after Belgian spiced shortbread – I didn’t know either) was another crumbly fudge but enhanced with warm spices – this was probably my favourite. Finally Chocolate Orange – a creamy consistency chocolate fudge blended with orange – what’s not to like?

With Christmas hurtling towards us I must direct you to Fudge Kitchen’s attractive range of gifts – your friends and family will love you forever.

From the Christmas Trio Fudges Slider – beautifully packaged, with one of each of the above fudges at just £3.90 to Festive Fudge Selection 9 Piece (from £12.50), to their Signature Selection 25 Piece (from £30 for someone really special), there really is a gift to thrill anyone on your Christmas list. Final order dates are 22nd December.

And of course, don’t forget to treat yourself too. Merry Christmas to me.

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

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

Caravaggio_ Landscape. (Caravaggio is in cinemas from 11th November 2025)

Full disclosure, I am the person who some years ago needed a euro, in order to have a Caravaggio painting illuminated in a darkened church in Rome, and asked for change from the person seated outside a church, hoping to receive a few coins from worshippers and art lovers alike.

I tell you this, so that you understand I am predisposed to look kindly on anything that sheds light on one of history’s most brilliant, complex and controversial figures. However, it also makes me a harsh critic of anyone who does not treat the subject with the reverence it deserves.

I need not have worried, this dramatic biography of mystery, intrigue, beauty, passion, murder shines a new light on Caravaggio.

Five years in production, Film Caraggio is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time – Caravaggio. Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance, this beautiful new film reveals Caravaggio as never before.

Caravaggio, David with the Head of Goliath 1609-10 (Caravaggio is in cinemas from 11th November 2025)

Multi-award-winning filmmakers David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky delve into the hidden narratives of Caravaggio’s life, piecing together clues embedded within his incredible art. The intriguing self-depictions within his works — sometimes disguised, sometimes in plain sight — offer a rare window into his psyche and personal struggles.

Whenever I have seen a work by Caravaggio, something was missing. Maybe the lighting? The chance to step back and fully appreciate the work rather than been jostled by crowds, or perhaps not understanding all of the composition, and sometimes I feel that the experience would be perfect with the right music.

Fear not, the film gets all that right, and more besides.

Caravaggio’s masterpieces are some of art’s most instantly recognisable works. No one else uses his signature blend of dramatic light, intense naturalism and bold, striking figures. His incredible paintings have captivated audiences for centuries. But there lies a deeper mystery. One that still beckons us to explore. Religious subjects, bathed in divine light, draw in the viewer, but with the aid of knowledgeable art historians, further layers of understanding are revealed. The dynamic explosions of colour must look incredible on the big screen (I have only seen it on my laptop so far.) and the big screen is where this film should be seen, in the cinema.

The film opts for a slow reveal of the composition of each painting, so the viewer is not distracted by other elements contained in the painting. The blackened feet of some of the subjects draw the eye, reminding the viewer that these are real subjects and that Caravaggio’s use of light reveal the visceral emotions of those depicted.

The music accompanying some of the pictures is Allegri’s Miserere, and if you are not familiar with it, I recommend that you download it immediately. I never want to see another Caravaggio, without this playing in my ears. What do these masterpieces reveal about the man behind the brush? You will have to watch the film to explore the intriguing clues that help us to finally understand the life – and death of this remarkable man.

To get the full effect, one needs to sit in a darkened cinema and revel in Caravaggio’s brilliance.

Caravaggio is in cinemas from 11th November 2025

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

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

Brian the founder of Daft as a Brush, Edith Bradley, Marion and Bob Taylor,.

No sooner had the decision been made than Marion and Bob, central to the Columbia Community Association team, promptly set about advertising the event online and contacting local businesses etc.

The Brady Bunch, as she calls them, rallied round in abundance. Marion and Bob also visited Daft as a Brush headquarters where they met the amazing Brian Burnie, founder of this fantastic charity after Cancer struck his wife. Her story, thank goodness, was a success and she overcame this traumatic ordeal. As a result of this Brian told Marion he realized that possessions mean little when your health is at stake and decided to sell his £16 million mansion and all his wares and created Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care. The charity covers Durham, North and South Tyneside and Northumberland and to date 80,000 patients have benefited from this free service.

The charity is run by volunteers who transport cancer patients to and from hospital and frequently stay with them throughout their treatment. Brian’s dream, he said, ‘Is to increase the number who can use the service to 100,000, however, to accommodate this it is essential to fund-raise to make this happen.’

No sooner said than done: the CCA team had raffles and sold Daft as a Brush memorabilia, arm bands, badges, car air fresheners, car window stickers for £1 and sturdy cotton bags for £3.00. The community baked cakes, companies donated cakes and pastries, a necessity for the diabetics, we did not want to leave anyone out.

Local people and ex patriots of Brady Square travelled to be part of the fund-raising day though Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine editor, and with roots firmly embedded in Brady Square, had Covid so had to miss the fun. She was not happy, everyone. Really she was not. Duck!

The tables were set and were spectacular, it was all so scrumptious. How could anyone resist when these delicious cream cakes were shouting “Eat Me” so eat me they did. They also provided boxes for the folks to take the delicacies home with them.

Andy Hayes, a friend to CCA, and a volunteer himself arrived in one of the Ambulances and Marion’s dear friend Brian Mason adorned the building with Daft as a Brush signage.

Local businesses put collection buckets in their premises, and everyone was thrilled to be involved, and of course, the raffle helped things to tick along.

The total raised by this amazing community was… believe it or not… £1,200.

The last thing for Marion to do was to liaise with Daft as a Brush for the cheque photoshoot.

“Smile everyone you are simply the best.”

‘Indeed you all are,’ says Margaret Graham, editor, now back on her feet, and cross about missing such a lovely day. .

Few things are more likely to strike fear in the heart of most cooks, than the words, ‘I’ve invited a vegan to dinner.’

And equally from the other side, there is nothing worse than being invited to dinner as a vegan, and watching everyone tuck into delicious food whilst pretending to be excited by a fruit salad.

Of course these are extreme examples, and all hosts would wish to be more adventurous in the kitchen, but where to start?

Fortunately, Danielle Maupertuis has the answer, for puddings at least, with her latest recipe book. ‘Vegans deserve better than a Fruit Salad.’

Maupertuis is an award-winning Belgian pastry chef who writes as though she was a talented friend, standing behind you in your own kitchen. The recipes are written in an easily understood fashion, offering advice as and when you need it.

This recipe book is divided into sections, Cheesecakes, Chocolate Desserts. English Classics with a Modern Twist, Tarts Cakes and Gateaux, Mini cakes and Petit Fours, Festive Desserts and finally Basics, which covers Creams, Mousses, Pastries, Sponges, finishing with a section on Ingredients and equipment.

What I particularly liked about this recipe book was that nothing seemed off limits, no rare ingredients, recipes not overly complicated, and yet each one mouth-watering and impresive.

This recipe book, containing over 70 recipes, would make an Ideal Christmas or birthday gift, not just for vegans, but also for cooks like me, who wish to extend their range.

‘Vegans deserve Better than a Fruit Salad,’ by Danielle Maupertuis, £11.99.