Hello! I'm back after a fair amount of time away from blogging. I've been "concentrating" on re-focusing my career which has now led me into Food & Drink PR. As you can imagine the hundreds of recipes accompanied by utterly sumptuous and mouthwatering photography that we have on file at work, is more than enough to stir ones creative juices in the kitchen.. Now now, there's no need to go all Nigella but I have been compelled to make a start or at least a first attempt at a culinary adventure.
So here you have it. I present to you, my fools guide to Easy Peasy Mince Pies:
An insight into my history within the kitchen would probably consist of 1/2 paragraphs whilst I was at university dishing up "repas gastrominique" (Spag Bol and Chili Con Carne if you were lucky!), so this has got to be a first.
We are two weeks away from Christmas so what could be better than a warm mince pie! Especially when it only takes 20mins max!
Cheats Easy Peasy Mince Pies
Ingredients
Jus-Rol ready made sweet shortcrust pastry
Jar of ready made mince-meat (I used Waitrose's Cranberry & Port Mincemeat)
Drop of milk to glaze
Caster sugar for decoration
That is it.. Completely it - which is most certainly a good thing considering my experience!
1) First things first, pre-heat the oven to 180C
2) Roll your pastry out so it is around half a cm thick and use a pastry cutter to mark out around 8 large bases (7cm diameter) and 8 smaller tops. (5cm diameter). More if you can, I found that the pastry didn't go any further..
3) Place the large bases in a bun tray. Don't forget to grease beforehand or the pastry will stick once cooked!
4) Take a heaped teaspoon of the mincemeat and pop directly in the middle of each of the large bases
5) Once this is done, take the smaller pastry cut outs and lay one of these on top of the filled pastry bases.
6) Glaze the covered mince pies with a touch of milk and sprinkle the caster sugar over the top. This creates a lovely crunchy crust!
7) Ready to go in the oven for around 12/15 minutes and et voila!
A select few of the hot tracks that I've found recently but there are plenty more to come. Here are just a few that I am currently raving about (no pun intended).. A bit thrown together but there are some corkers in there, i promise.
Funky summer riddims from someone I stumbled across around a year ago, Karma Kid, formerly known as 'Titch'. For a young producer, this guy seriously know what he's up to - as far as I'm concerned. Loving the samples and swung bassline..
Fresh garage, please? Can't get much fresher than this:
So the original was incredible, but Zinc adds much more to it than that - I am really quite surprised and impressed. It certainly wasn't what I was expecting whilst skimming through YouTube. A really funky vibe to it whilst holding on to those chunky basslines associated with Zinc.
One of my favourites this month, no justification needed:
I've plenty of things to post about this month, however, since it's been one of those weekends, I will just stick to the usual of posting up my latest and greatest hot tracks of this month. Enjoy! LB x
What happens when three of your favourite artists collaborate together to compose one of the most beautiful tracks that you've heard in a while? This happens:
One of my favourite bits about this tune, is not only does it combine the natural styles of all three artists (Burial, Four Tet and Thom Yorke) but as the song develops it builds and builds whilst still being industrial and progressive - ending in a percussion breakdown. The piano riff sends shivers up my spine, but that is totally up my street so no wonder I'm a little biased! You could say that it's not a song of epic proportions since Burial and Four Tet are extremely similar in their producing styles however, I really enjoy the lush melodies and I reckon this could be a collaboration we will be seeing more of in the future!
For fans of: MUSIC - or James Blake, Zero 7 and Bonobo
Nathan C & Danny Dove: Up and coming house producers come together to form this bad boy - watch out for the 2nd drop, it certainly took me by surprise. For fans of: Laidback Luke, Eric Prydz and Daft Punk
Something has got to be said for British producers, especially when they make crazy songs like this. The riff reminds me strongly of Daft Punk but that can be totally overlooked once the bass kicks in. I literally fell upon these two last year, when they released 'Clubbed to Death' - another club banger! Whilst it may not take your breath away, I was pretty impressed by this.. I can certainly say that I am very jealous I shan't be seeing them at MWC - especially if this is what they're pulling out the bag beforehand!!!
Nicolas Jaar: Although not terribly new, Nicolas Jaar is certainly a must for any easy chill-out playlist. Out of New York, but quickly relocating to Chile, Jaar has had a diverse range of influences which definitely come through in his music. All his tracks sit firmly in the downtempo genre, yet he manages to avoid the trap that most ambient artists suffer and has made them all very different. I discovered this gem of his which is a lovely interpretation of the original. Jaar's style, whilst not unique, combines rolling deep basslines with mellow tribal treble to keep all his tracks in your top 5 chill out songs. For fans of: Stimming, Max Cooper and Paul Hazendonk.
Jose James: Alright so I appreciate I am most probably in a chilled mood at the moment since the majority of this round up has been made up of easy-going tunes, but this is another man that has been overlooked by many and shouldn't be forgotten! A helping hand from Joy Orbison quite simply ticks all the boxes for me. I love the broken beats added together with the summery vox on top, its a beaut - but saying this, although I hate to criticise.. it is an awful lot like his previous work. However, if your fan - like me - then this should whet your Joy Orbison appetite! For fans of: JOY ORBISON basically.
I Heart Hiroshima: Slightly sadistic, but I felt this was an extremely ironic way to end my music picks. Here is 'I Heart Hiroshima' with 'Shakeytown' - need I say more?
Its been a while since my last post, but I am feeling confident that I can offer up some tasty new tunes that you may or may not have heard before - just a few of the things I've been enjoying this month. Again, it will be rather an eclectic mix so get ready!
Stimming:soft downtempo beats with a latin vibe to spice it up somewhat, rather minimal tech in style - so not one for those who get bored easily. However, personally.. its a keeper!
Martin Stimming is an artist which I have most definitely have picked to watch next season, albeit the majority of his other tracks falling short of the one I've picked out below. His collaborations with the likes of Solomun and H.O.S.H are so-so, more experimental than anything else but we shall see what happens next!
Paul Kalkbrenner: more downtempo melodic beats combined with hard-hitting basslines that wholly sum up Kalkbrenner's style and detail his 15 years of experience within the industry. Infamous vocals that I am sure have been sampled again and again. This track is a must for any chill-out playlist!! For fans of: Zero 7, Bonobo and Moby.
A techno legend in his own right, Kalkbrenner still hits the spot after a heavy night out on the razz. Still not having watched 'Berlin Calling' (it's on my things to do for next month), I probably dont get as much out of listening to this song which I believe is heavily used throughout the movie - but a tune to cleanse ones soul nonetheless...
Darwin Deez feat Das Racist:low slung hip-hop with lyrics that will make even your granny blush (hold on for Deez's entrance at 1.30 in)! These beats wouldn't go amiss in a apres ski bar way up in the French mountains. For fans of: Jurassic 5, Dr Dre and Beardyman
The majority of people who have probably heard of Darwin Deez, associate him with his one hit wonder of last year, Radar Detector (well worth a listen too). However, it seems that he is exploring other avenues by collaborating with Das Racist on this tune and I am absolutely loving it! Deez, renowned for his kooky style, unkempt haircuts and simply downright weird videos has stepped away from the sickly sweet candyfloss indie that he was making last year and showcases his real rhyming talent (what a relief!!)
Hell I'll even put it in since it is really catchy and plus, the video is a MUST to watch (simply for Deez's dancing.. it is rather "out there")
Ellie Golding (Alan Braxe remix):feel good vibes of summer throughout and even though it may be just another of "THOSE" Ellie Golding remixes, it certainly makes my day. Be warned, the first section of this tune can get rather annoying but just wait for it, its definitely worth it!
You can hear Braxe throughout this tune; he has really taken this song and made it his own. Majority of his previous work has been with Fred Falke so, this is one of the very few times I've ever really heard him on his own - his style hasn't changed one little bit. However, there is no doubt in the fact that without Golding's serene vocals, this tune would be absolutely nothing. A unique take on the original.
Boy & Bear:Happy go-lucky indie which you simply can't help but dance along to. Honestly, I think it's hard to find a fault with any of their songs. They are all fused with rich melodies and harmonies that are complemented by the warm sound of acoustic guitars and a banjo for good measure. For fans of: Mumford and Sons, Noah and the Whale and Jack Johnson (at times).
So many great bands have come out of Australia and following in their footsteps are Boy & Bear, who recently supported Mumford and Sons on their Australian tour. Having formed in 2009, its early days for the five aussies but with voices like theirs, I am sure it won't be long until they are over on our shores! I found it very difficult to choose my fave tune to post up however was seriously impressed by this acoustic set - for something a little more upbeat check out 'Rabbit Song' or their cover of 'Fall at Your Feet by Crowded House'.
Adrian Lux: reminds me distinctly of Deadmau5 however, I think that gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Theres no surprise that this chappy is a young swede after listening to his stuff. I rather like this tune, a bit of a guilty pleasure shall we say! I've had a quick look for more songs from him but none of them seem to be quite as good as this track:
Anyway, thats all for this month. I shall keep my eyes and ears open for what's coming up next month. Thanks for reading as always and here are two of my top faves that need absolutely NO introduction, just to finish off:
These guys totally deserve a post all to themselves.. I stumbled upon them well before even The Telegraph picked up on it - and thats saying something!
Released early 2010, 'Pumped Up Kicks' holds far more significance for me than just your regular feel-good summer tune. I am a Foster The People advocate, and with new release, 'Helena Beat', it seems I will be for much more to come. So now, time to spread the love - give it a go..
You can find their new ep on iTunes, check their website www.fosterthepeople.com, befriend them on facebook, or add them on twitter - @fosterthepeople
Having been inspired by my lovely friends at Seedy Sonics (check their blog if you love finding new music: Seedy Sonics Blog), I have decided to take it upon myself to find some new tunes to lighten up the January blues. Bear with me, music reviews are completely new to me - however, I know what I like.. and I think you'll like it too!
Edu Imbernon:easily loveable tribal/tech-house dj with a unique style and ultimate remixes of classic tunes, namely 'Pet Shop Boys - Calypso Soul'. DEFINITELY one to watch in 2011 - I can guarantee Ibiza will lap him up. For fans of: Nic Fanciulli, Ramon Tapia, Reboot and 2000 and One.
2010 was a great year for youngster, Edu Imbernon. At only 20, he is already hitting the dance scene, hard, with fantastic remixes of classic tunes from 'The XX', collaborations with Coyu and he was even the youngest DJ to have a number 1 on Beatport!! Heres my fave: 'Crystallised (edu imbernon remix) by The XX' (however, his tune 'Burn Myself' and remix of 'Butch - Life' are both wicked)
Claudia Georgette:indie rock artist with satirical lyrics about general London living - tongue firmly in cheek. Great if you fancy a giggle. For fans of, Mumford and Sons, Noah and the Whale and Kate Nash.
Expect big things from her this year, especially after her appearance at 'The Secret Garden Party' this summer - from which she received a whole load of fantastic reviews. Not only are her songs hilarious but the lyrics certainly ring true on many levels. Heres my fave: 'Signet Ring'
Natty: North London reggae artist, with a lust for life - despite hitting on hard times. For fans of: Damien Marley, Skinnyman and I'd even go as far to say.. The Kooks..
I first discovered Natty earlier this year, and it honestly made my day. His upbeat tunes are music to my ears, and I can't help but smile. Finally he's been getting some recognition after supporting Adele on her UK tour. Check out 'Badman':... (fancy something a little more relaxing, then 'July' is definitely another on my hit list)
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: or TEED for short. Quirky electro DJ, producing some of the best lush hooks mixed with electro-tech basslines. Great sunday listening after a heavy Saturday night. For fans of: Aeroplane, Bonobo and Tensnake.
I have become quite fond of this young chappy, "Orlando Dinosaur" hailing from Oxford, as he is all the rage on the DataTransmission round-ups with Ben Gomori. Seeing him live is quite an experience I hear, as he has taken to donning a real Dinosaur outfit whilst he DJ's - although I wasn't lucky enough to see that when I saw him supporting Annie Mac in Oxford last October. I can bet Mr Dinosaur will have a very busy 2011! Here's "Garden":
Juno Watt:an interesting mix of dirty, industrial beats with synthesized tones make Juno Watt one to watch in 2011. This youngster has hopes to set foot into the overated world of Dubstep (lets hope he sticks to his guns).. For fans of: Boys Noize, Digitalism and other filthy filthy artists..
An unusual choice for me, as I'm not particularly partial to raw beats but this tune has definitely grown on me. I am eagerly awaiting his solo release, "No Chances", as I've only heard his remixes so far - but I have been impressed. Turn it up!! - "King Charles - Love Lust (Juno Watt remix)"
Ok so I hope that has fulfilled your January needs - its certainly been an interesting journey throughout the different genres but enjoyable nonetheless.. Back next week
