I have always liked Sourdough, particularly that slightly sharp yeasty taste that sets it aside from other types of bread. However, I have to confess that until now I have always thought that all Sourdough tasted the same.

How wrong could I have been? Jason’s Sourdough is beyond delicious, but don’t for a minute think that I took his word for it.

Oh no, nothing is too much trouble for the readers of Frost Magazine. First of course, I had to try it toasted. Initially, slathered in so much butter that it refused to accept any more, other than as a trowelled layer. So,obviously this was beyond delicious, but was that due to the butter or was the bread really that tasty?

On with the experiment and the addition of marmite which I realise divides the nation but to those with the finest of taste buds this took the bread to another level.

Tirelessly (and on another day) we tried it with Marmalade and also with Honey and by now I was sold on Jason’s Sourdough which tasted just as fresh on day 2 as it had when it first arrived.

That wasn’t the end of my commitment to you dear reader. Oh no. I then made French Toast or as some will have it Eggy bread, not the fabulous recipe that Jason has on his website but a far simpler version, and I can report that this was still a dish made in heaven, undoubtedly aided by the regularly sliced pieces of Sourdough.

Now, I have tried cutting a loaf, and it is fair to say that I have mixed success, usually some are cut to perfect proportions, but mostly as Goldilocks might have said, too thin or too thick. The ones delivered are perfect to fit in the toaster, under the grill, on the griddle and yes in the frying pan, the latter to make the yummy French toast.

Apparently it is the sprouted spelt grains that are soaked in the famous Jason’s Sourdough culture, before being added to the final dough that lends an added extra resulting in such a delicious flavoursome bread.

The loaf brings all the deliciousness that Jason’s is famous for, alongside the health benefits associated with Sprouted grains, such as gut-health properties and high nutritional content.

Jason’s Sourdough is slow proved over twenty-four-hours, typical of artisanal sourdough, delivering that special and unique flavour that the loaves are famous for. All Jason’s breads, and there is a complete range, are free from any added sugars or nasties – perfect for those looking for great tasting bread made up of minimal ingredients.

 Jason’s Sourdough Straight Up – The Great White, and Superb Sprouted Grains (450g) are available in most good Supermarkets online & in store including Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Tesco.

It’s 1984. Patricia Vickers returns like a phantom to deliver an unwelcome revelation. Jayne Thornhill is reminded of those spiteful 1960s’ schooldays: bullying, Charlie the skeleton, séances, strip poker and sexual encounters with the school’s handymen. Jayne’s confessions have now been whitewashed from lavatory walls, only to be unearthed in a third school friend’s 1969 diary. A cloud of sadness is cast over the three women’s lives and only by revealing their own stories in later life can they move the stubborn hands of the undertaker’s clock forward. In doing so, something shockingly out of line is revealed …

Beginning in the 1960s the structure’s foundations are securely laid, and it proceeds to be mapped with fulsome use of  letters and diary entries by the main characters Jayne, Patricia, Rachel Shelly, Danny and Benji, all of whom are linked, rather than bonded together by tragedy.  The varying points of view, melded with time travel (from 1969 to 2020) are nonetheless  tracked, and revealed.

Shakespeare’s Clock’s raison d’etre is to expose the intricacies of bullying, relevant  in an age when bullying – ranging from face to face to anonymous trolling on social media give  pause for thought.  Wickedness, weakness, duplicitity, and almost collusion are revealed. Where does bullying end, and collusion begin? Well, that’s a question to ponder.

I found the book rather hard to get into, but in due course it became engaging and relevant.

Jan Moran Neil’s previous works include the award-winning ‘Death by Pythagoras’ for BBC Writers and broadcast on Radio 4 and her winning sonnet ‘Silver Surfing’ at Bloomsbury Publishing. She teaches creative writing and is the founder of Creative Ink for Writers and Actors, and Creative Ink for Young Writers.

Shakespeare’s Clock by Jan Moran Neil  is available :  here

I am one of those people who absolutely adore the festive season , I love shopping for gifts and thinking about what each person would like, what would put a smile on their face. However there is one member of my family who is always so difficult to buy for because they have practically everything and I know I am not alone in this situation. So whether this is your other half, your parents, siblings, in laws, – well you get the picture. Then buckle up because I have put together a gift guide to help you out.

Naturally the first gift that I think of is books, I have one for almost every family member: Dragon World by Tamara Macfarlane is the perfect book for a budding bookworm  who enjoys magical stories.

I love Family Comforts by Rebecca Wilson, I can say these recipes are simple, easy to follow , delicious crowd pleasers and as the title suggests, comfort food.     Nature’s Treasures by Ben Hoare is ideal for the curious young mind.

Micro Life by Chris Packham is an utterly fascinating look into life under the microscope, interesting and beautifully illustrated. And finally, Be Kind by Rosie Nixon. This book is full of self care and self love, relaxation and calming techniques, perfect for the one who needs a big comforting hug.

Another category is self care. I have to say that the past year has really opened my eyes to the benefits of self care, it’s not selfish, it doesn’t make you lazy nor should you feel guilty about taking some ‘me time’ so these gifts can either be for yourself or for a family member.

Hair syrup, www.hairsyrup.co.uk This is a brand I found in TikTok and I am so glad I did, they make pre wash hair syrups, a delectable and conditioning buttercream, as well as other hair care products.

Bee bald www.beebald.co.uk A incredible skincare regime for him. Complete with 5 different products that will give him a smooth, burn free finish every time.

Beauty Pro www.beautypro.com is a favourite of mine. I have tried a range of their masks and they are amazing, a huge selection to choose from depending on the recipient which will leave them feeling like a million pounds.

And finally, The Holistic Mummy www.theholisticmummy.co.uk I have shopped from this lovely lady for myself and for others. She is incredibly knowledgeable about aromatherapy and is more than happy to help you select the perfect gift, I personally love her pulse point rollers and always have one in my handbag.

I have personally tried or read each gift that I have recommended and I hope that you have found some inspiration in this year’s gift guide for my favourite time of the year.