Radiance Recommends - Festive Drinks

by Clare Ward,

With the party season in full swing you can feel a lot of pressure to have a drink. However with the ever-growing number of non-alcoholic drinks there are some phenomenal alternatives that won't leave you feeling worse for wear. 

Mother Root a modern take on a traditional switchel (an old-fashioned tonic typically made with ginger, apple cider vinegar, a natural sweetener, and citrus fruit). One of my all time favourites, the original ginger flavour is perfect mixed with sparkling water over ice. A grown up aperitf with added health benefits.

Wild Life Botanicals - a low alcohol (0.5%) English sparkling wine from the co-founder of Cornish Sea Salt. It's infused with eight active vitamins and minerals and five fabulous botanicals; Lemon Balm, Damask Rose, Ashwagandha, Rosemary and Damiana, giving it the tagline of #BubblesWithBenefits.

HOLOS Kombucha - so many delicious kombucha blends to pick from, it's hard to choose one! Authentically brewed in Sussex and supporting victims of modern slavery, this brand is doing good whilst tasting delicious.  We love the Basil & Mint and the Sparkling Oolong. 

GO Kombucha - one of the original kombucha brands in the UK; made using traditional methods and spring water from the well in their Sussex vineyard. The Komsecco is the Champagne-esq option, and they have a wide range of different types of tea bases to choose from, ranging from light and tangy to deep and earthy. 

Pentire Adrift I had the pleasure of tasting this on holiday over the summer.  A refreshing alcohol free spirit to mix with tonic, perfect when you want a pre-dinner drink.

Thomson & Scott Organic Noughty Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé - made with a Tempranillo grape from Spain. It's certified organic, vegan and halal, and with 4g of sugar per 100ml, it has almost half the sugar content of other non-alcoholic sparkling wines.

If you're looking for an easy drink to make yourself then we'd recommend 1 bottle of sparkling water (we like Harrogate), lots of thin slices of cucumber, juice of half a lime squeezed in and then two sprigs of rosemary. Add ice, stir and you're ready to go.  

 


Christmas Gift Guide

by Olivia Cartwright, , link
 
Chirstmas is on the horizon and this year we are striving to do things a little differently. We want to practice mindful gifting, taking care and consideration over each purchase not only for the benefit of the recipient but also in the interest of the planet. 
 
Christmas can be a season of tremedous waste so we also wanted to explore some different ways to gift. Whether you choose to opt for a gift voucher so your loved one can pick something they truely love or an activity you can share together, there are some really exciting and unusual ideas on our list! We have largely focusse on classes and workshops this year as a zero waste gift but also included some thoughtful gift ideas too. 
 
Calligraphy course with Kate Ridyard - I have done a taster class with Kate and was so impressed. Kate is the resident calligrapher at Petersham Nurseries and she is such a delight. Having a hobby like calligraphy is a very theraputic practice and such a great skill to have. Whether you opt for a one off taster session or sign someone up for have weekly courses it’s the kind of unusual gift idea that anyone would love to recieve.
 
Silver Linings Live - We collaberated with the incredible Silver Linings for our Mindful Movement cleanse and haven’t been able to live without their virtual classes ever since. A subsription to their live portal is just £365 for 365 days. Their classes have everything from high energy workouts to relaxing yoga sessions from the comfort of your own home. It’s a great gift idea for the active friend in your life or someone looking to get into exercise in the new year.
 
Fermentation classes - Nena Foster is a great natural chef specialising in online cookery and fermentation. Her fermentation and gut health masterclass would make such a unique gift for someone with an interest in gut health. It sparked such a passion in us and made the process so much less scary and accessible.  
 
Therapie Roques O'Neil - We love everything from Therapie Roques O’Neil. Our top picks would be Cherish Skin Repair Elixir (the most delicious body oil), Slumber Pillow Spray and Protect Bath Oil. The incredible founder, Michelle, is also running monthly micro retreat days in 2023, which we will definitely be booking a spot on.
 
Yogi Bare yoga mat - Once you’ve tried these yoga mats you won’t look back. Made with extreme grip, you can really downward dog with ease. Great for yoga or workout enthusiasts alike. 
 
Atypical Thing Jewellery - Can you even write a gift guide without including a piece of jewellry?! We Are Earth has a great selection here. Their handmade necklaces are crafted using recycled silver and gold making them a really great eco friendly option.
 
Willow Crossley Floral Workshops - This is a great present idea for the budding (pun intented) florist in your life. Willow has a consistent stream of workshops in the UK as well as through her online masterclasses, so theres a workshop for all schedules, locations and budgets.
 
Radiance gift voucher - This is the perfect gift for someone priortising their health in 2023. Our vouchers have a 1 year expiry date so whether they want to start the year with their best foot forward and begin with a nourishing cleanse or keep it for later it’s a lovely present to receive. Available for any value, and handwritten with care.
 
 
 

Spicy Peanut & Butternut Squash Soup

by Olivia Cartwright, , link

Ingredients

2 Butternut Squash
1 Large Bulb of Garlic
6 Spring Onions
5cm Knob of Ginger
1 Scotch Bonnet Chilli
500ml Vegetable Stock
125g Smooth Peanut Butter
6 Tbsp Coconut Yoghurt
Handful of Roasted Peanuts
Handful of Fresh Coriander
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

Method

This recipe serves 4.

  1. Heat your oven to 200°C.
  2. Cut your squashes in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the flesh into large wedges 3cm thick.
  3. Pop onto a baking tray and drizzle your squash with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for 30 mins until beginning to soften.
  4. Meanwhile, wrap your bulb of garlic in foil and pop this on the lowest shelf of your oven to roast for 40 mins.
  5. Chop your spring onions and ginger into large chunks. Slice your scotch bonnet in half and scoop out the seeds.
  6. After the 30 mins has elapsed, remove your tray from the oven and add your spring onions, 1/2 your scotch bonnet and ginger. Return to the oven for another 20 mins, by which time your veg should be nice and caramelised.
  7. When your garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the flesh out of its skin by pressing a knife on top. Discard the skin. 
  8. Tip all your veg into a large saucepan and add your vegetable stock, roasted garlic pulp, peanut butter and 4 tbsp of your coconut yoghurt. Whizz to a smooth consistency with a stick blender.
  9. Season your soup to taste - it might need a little salt and pepper.
  10. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut yoghurt, chopped peanuts and coriander. Serve and enjoy!


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