Valentines - Say It With Harrods

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Valentines - Say It With Harrods

I’m quite a fan of Shakespeare; he was a clever, lyrical kind of chap with a knack for saying all things romantic that most of us mere mortals have failed to possess, but I’m afraid that on one key point Willy and I disagree; music the food of love? No! Everyone knows that the real food of love is... well... food, and Harrods is just the place to find it.

This year for Valentine’s Day Harrods have launched a wealth of sweet treats and foodie indulgences to tickle every taste bud and woo the hearts of many a lover. But, although Harrods always says exclusive, it needn’t equate to expensive and while you could shell out for a fabulous £150 hamper to set a truly romantic scene, you can also find a selection of gorgeous little edible gifts for between £5 and £20. So, if your relationship hasn’t quite reached the declaration stage, your pockets are feeling pinched, you’ve been eyeing someone up in the office for ages, or you just want to treat yourself, we’ve put together a little list of some of the more affordable, but nonetheless delectable, delicacies on offer in that famous Knightsbridge Food Hall for the month of February.

I think I kinda like ya...

Harrods Fondant Hearts (£3.95)  – No, your eye’s do not deceive you; this lovely little cake really is only £3.95 and will make a fantastic ice-breaker if you’ve been trying to pluck up the courage to ask someone out. Beautifully presented and topped with a sprinkle of edible glitter this wonderfully light melt-in-the-mouth piece of patisserie perfection is sure to melt the heart of any could-be Valentine. Made exclusively for Harrods by those masters of baking at The Cake Store, you’ll not find a better way to grab a girls (or boys) attention.

Blueberry Hill Biscuit Cakes (£5.95) – Aside from the fact that this combines two of my favourite foods (biscuit and cake! What more could a girl want?), these little boxes of goodness represent something rather rare; an independent British company initiated within the last two years that is doing somewhat well for itself. Launched in 2010 by two university friends, Blueberry Hill creates scrumptious eatables of all shapes and sizes, and these Chocolate and Vanilla Heart Biscuits are a perfect example of their craft. Wonderfully decorated, mouth-wateringly tasty and big enough to share... Should you be that way inclined.

Dinner for two?

Epicerie Lion Cake/Rice Pudding Mix (£9.50/£7.50) – If you’re treating your lover to a home-cooked meal, these great little kits are a fantastic way to add a touch of epicurean excellence to the proceedings. With Sweet Love Cake Mix, Roses of Love Rice Pudding and Sweet Rice Pudding Violets to choose from you should be able to find something to suit your tastes. The kits are created from top quality (organic in the case of the cake) ingredients and simple, easy-to-follow instructions, so all you need to add is a little time and a little love to produce a wonderful tea time treat or a delicately flavoured dessert.

...Melt... For You Chocolates (£15.50) – Handmade in the heart of Nottinghill, Melt chocolates are the perfect after-dinner (or before dinner, after breakfast, instead of lunch, elevensies, afternoon tea, midnight snack...) indulgence. I’ve really not much liked chocolate for the last few years, but Melt has managed to convince me of the error of my ways. In the first, a Salted Feuillantine, silky smooth and creamy chocolate lovingly embraces fine French wafer, while a dash of sea salt sets the whole thing off to perfection, while the second perfectly complements the flavour combination with a lightly salted hazelnut praline. The price may seem rather on the expensive side for a box of eight chocolates, but beautifully presented as they are, as soon as the first passes your lips you’ll soon see that it’s the best £15 you’ve ever spent.

Take Me, I’m yours...

Harrods Handmade Chocolate Heart (£21.50) – Can there be anything more suggestive and romantic than giving away your heart in a box? Admittedly, written like that it sounds a little creepy, but the Harrods couverture heart is a stunning piece of artwork which looks almost too good to eat. Couverture chocolate is made with an average of 32-39% extra cocoa butter than ordinary chocolate (minimum 67% cocoa solids in this case) and is tempered to achieve a high sheen and satisfying snap, so this one is for the real dark chocolate lover. Finished with an impressive deep ruby polished Shellac lacquer and filled with a selection of chocolate hearts, this is a gift that says it all for you.

All of the items in this piece and much much more can be found in the Harrods Food Hall, Knightsbridge, and a small selection is available online from www.Harrods.com. 

© Purple Piccadelloes