For a leisurely late morning breakfast.
Nothing beats a leisurely late morning breakfast when you’ve got all the time in the world to enjoy it.
Good coffee, home bakes, quality preserves and a cheeky glass of… Prosecco?!
This is what my husband and I indulged in the other day.
The nature of my husband’s work means he leaves the house at silly o’clock in the morning, but he’s usually home by lunch. The nature of my work (and I’m not complaining, honest!) means I usually spend more time writing about food these days than I do cooking and eating it.
My poor husband is left to fend for himself, foraging in the fridge when he gets home, while I’m busy frantically typing away trying to meet deadlines.
I surprised him the other day, however, with a house filled with the warming scent of freshly baked spiced apple muffins and a table laid out, complete with a freshly ironed white table cloth and napkins, and the contents of a Harvey Nichols ‘Rise & Shine’ breakfast hamper.
Hamper contents:
1 x 227 gram tin of Fairtrade Harvey Nichols own blend of coffee, hand crafted and drum roasted in the UK to produce a special medium to full bodied filter coffee with smooth chocolate undertones.
1 x 125 gram tin of carefully selected blend of Indian and Ceylon loose leaf teas producing a bright, flavoursome, highly drinkable English Breakfast Tea.
2 x quirky French porcelain Harvey Nichols mugs; one featuring the iconic Harvey Nichols Cantucci men and the other surfers. These are dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer safe.
1 x 250 gram jar of Hungarian acacia honey complete with honeycomb. Light and delicately flavoured this sweet honey looks beautiful on the table with its honeycomb.
1 x 340 gram strawberry preserves made in small handmade batches using whole fruit to a traditional recipe nearly 100 years old.
1 x 340 gram gooseberry preserves. Made with whole gooseberries to produce a fruity and slightly tart preserve ideal with pastries, cakes or toast.
1 perfectly sized half bottle (375 ml) of Valdobbiadene Prosecco. Their website describes it as “Fabulously fruity, it is bursting with flavours of pear, red apple and ripe peach all set against a subtle mineral charged backdrop.”
I couldn’t very well serve toast with the contents of this lovely hamper, so I adapted a spiced apple muffin I found in an old Canadian leaflet in my cookery binder.
We thought it made a rather fantastic late breakfast with the low autumn Shetland sun shining through the window casting a golden hue over everything. I ignored the deadlines for awhile and we sat there indulging in good food and good conversation.
“Elizabeth, sometimes I really love your job” – my dear husband, while sipping Prosecco and spooning honey over his freshly baked muffin.
The honey was an absolutely gorgeous treat and complimented the spiced apple muffins perfectly while the Prosecco… well, if I have to be honest I do believe this was the first time I’d ever tried Prosecco and I love it! Lightly fruity and bubbly it too paired well with the spiced apple muffins. We both preferred the gooseberry preserve with the home bake, but the strawberry one was nice and not overly sweet either.
The Fairtrade coffee blend is rather fantastic as well. I’ve been sipping a cup (from my lovely new grumpy men mug!) while I’ve been typing this post. We haven’t tried the tea yet, not being big tea drinkers, but I should expect it would live up to the quality of the rest of the hamper contents.
The hamper itself arrived at my rural island home fairly quickly after dispatch, well packaged in a gorgeous red box filled with compostable filling. I’m keeping the box itself for storage as it’s so pretty!
This Harvey Nichols Rise & Shine gift hamper is the kind of thing you would never buy for yourself (ok, I would never buy it for us) but it’s just the right sort of thing you might like to treat your friends or family to; those people you know who love to sit and indulge in long, slow breakfasts.
Harvey Nichols have quite a wide range of Christmas Hampers on offer, from this lower budget one (which is still rather dear at £65) to the more extravagant Ultimate Indulgence Hamper which would set you back a whopping £2,000 (if anyone fancies buying this for me I’d be eternally grateful!).
To find out more visit their website. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook.
Spiced Apple Muffins
Ingredients
For the muffin batter
- 330 grams plain flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 115 grams caster sugar
- 150 grams apple peeled and finely chopped
- 75 grams butter melted
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 225 ml full fat milk
For the topping
- 2 tbsp dark brown soft sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 C/ 400 F and lightly grease 12 muffin tin holes (or line with paper cases)
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Stir in the caster sugar and add the chopped apple pieces.
- Combine milk, beaten egg and melted butter in a measuring jug.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold until just combined.
- Spoon into the prepared tins so that they are 3/4 full.
- Combine brown sugar and spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the muffin batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until risen and golden. A skewer, inserted in the centre of a muffin, will come out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Eat warm with jam and honey.
Linking up with Laura over at I’d Much Rather Bake Than… and her fab Biscuit Barrel challenge. This month the theme is ‘Winter warmers’. I am also linking up with #recipeoftheweek by Emily at A Mummy Too and Tea Time Treats co-hosted by Karen over at Lavender & Lovage and Janie at Hedgecombers.
OTHER SPICED BAKES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Green Apple Fruit Cake and Pear & Ginger Muffins by Jacqueline
Spiced Apple Spelt Cake by Nazima
Bear Paws – Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies by Elizabeth
Spiced Apple, Plum & Red Wine Crumble by Emily
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Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary was sent a Harvey Nichols Rise & Shine Breakfast Hamper for review. All opinions expressed are our own. This is not a paid post.
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Paul Wilson says
January 24, 2015 at 1:45 amI’ve still got plenty of apples left – this would work well.
Tracey Peach says
January 20, 2015 at 12:32 pmI have such a sweet tooth these look fab
Annaloa Hilmarsdotti says
January 16, 2015 at 11:32 pmI just love the idea of spiced apple muffins.
Danielle.a says
January 10, 2015 at 10:44 amWow they look yummy. Wish I was a better cook to make them
Paul Wilson says
January 8, 2015 at 9:25 amLook so tasty.
Janie says
December 1, 2014 at 8:07 amYum, Yum, Yum! Thanks so much for sharing with Tea Time Treats 🙂
Janie x
Pam Francis Gregory says
November 18, 2014 at 10:21 pmLove the look of these muffins – Making my mouth water!!
anna @ annamayeveryday says
November 18, 2014 at 5:27 pmWhat a great breakfast, spiced muffins and prosecco! Well done you for taking the time, we should all take the time to enjoy life like this more often!
Jen @ Blue Kitchen Bakes says
November 12, 2014 at 8:05 pmOooh those look like the best breakfast muffins and what a fabulous hamper. I think I could quite happily start the day with a spiced apple muffin and a glass of Prosecco 😀
Emily says
November 12, 2014 at 10:29 amThey look so good and that shot with the drizzle of honey is beyond swoonworthy.
Pam Francis Gregory says
November 10, 2014 at 6:53 pmThese look amazing!
Colette B says
November 9, 2014 at 8:41 pmI have immense breakfast envy!! I love gooseberries so that sounds particularly appealing to me!
Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested this week x
Winnie says
November 8, 2014 at 11:57 pmThese muffins look fantastic!!
My family can’t never refuse desserts with apples 🙂
Sam Williams says
November 8, 2014 at 3:37 pmYour apple muffins look delicious
DANIELLE VEDMORE says
November 7, 2014 at 10:35 pmOoooh yummy! Perfect for A/W. And I agree about the prosecco 🙂
Sheila Reeves says
November 7, 2014 at 10:47 amThose muffins look as good, if not better than the hamper! Thanks for sharing the recipe, it’s going into my “want to try” folder
kellie@foodtoglow says
November 5, 2014 at 9:40 pmWhat an awesome thing to review – lucky you! I live rather too close to Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh and can sometimes be found mooching around the food hall. I do like the quality of everything of their own brand that I have tried so I know that their hampers would be fabulous. I have the old men mugs and the young child with the chocolate smeared face espresso cups! Apparently the child is one of the original owner’s sons, who is now a young man. Probably an embarrassed young man now.
joiedevivrebypia says
November 5, 2014 at 8:40 amWow, these look yummy! Perfect for a relaxed breakfast and I just love these autumn-y spices you used 🙂
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:53 pmThank you 🙂
Kate @ Veggie Desserts says
November 4, 2014 at 11:01 pmWhat I wouldn’t give to have a leisurely morning in bed with that hamper! I might even share with my husband if he’s lucky! Your muffins sound divine, too mmmmm
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:53 pmIt was a rather extravagant lunch – next time I’m not so sure I’d share either 😀
Katherine GG says
November 4, 2014 at 8:45 pmThose Spiced Apple Muffins look gorgeous. I love anything with cinnamon so I’ll be trying this recipe for sure!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:52 pmLet me know what you think of it if you do!
Heather Haigh says
November 4, 2014 at 5:26 pmOh those look and sound fabulous, spices and apples and a sweet crunchy topping – oh yes!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:52 pmThanks Heather 🙂 I used extra dark brown sugar to give it that lovely brown top 🙂
VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says
November 4, 2014 at 3:12 pmThat hamper would make a perfect Christmas present. I wouldn’t mind if I got given it as a pressie myself 😉 Stopping by from #triedtested
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:51 pmIt really would! Such an indulgence 🙂
Jo of Jo's Kitchen says
November 4, 2014 at 1:46 pmWish someone would give me this hamper for Christmas. Looks amazing! 🙂 #TriedTested
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:19 pmIt’d make a fantastic gift – tell everyone you know and drop not-so-subtle hints!
Kim Carberry says
November 4, 2014 at 12:40 pmOh wow! That hamper looks amazing!! Those muffins look very tasty too x
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:19 pmIt really was an amazing hamper! Glad you like the look of the muffins too! 🙂
Nazima says
November 4, 2014 at 12:26 pmooh those muffins are very tempting and how lucky are you to have that hamper to review.
lovely pictures too
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:18 pmThanks Nazima 🙂 We were lucky the sun came out as it’s been dull and drizzly now for what seems like forever!
Mummy Melton says
November 4, 2014 at 12:17 pmyum the muffins look tasty. The hamper looks great, I’ve always wanted a nice christmas hamper but they are usually quite expensive #triedtested
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:17 pmThere are some more affordable ones out there, I’ve seen lately. I think shopping around is a good idea. This one is rather in the pricey range, but I reckon it’s well worth it for the treat.
Jan Bennett @GlugofOil says
November 4, 2014 at 12:09 pmOh WOW is all I have to say about these!!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:16 pmhaha, thanks Jan! 🙂
Katie Bryson says
November 4, 2014 at 11:54 amWhat a glorious breakfast it sounds like you both had… those muffins looks splendid! I adore prosecco – even more than champagne as it’s just so light and drinkable!!!! Hampers are such a luxury, but I love giving them as gifts to family and friends because it’s such an incredible treat 🙂
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:16 pmThanks Katie, yes it was rather lovely! I want to do it again now! I agree about the hampers being a great gift for loved ones. It’s nice to treat folk. 🙂
mama syder says
November 4, 2014 at 11:42 amI do love a nice hamper and I would be totally thrilled to receive this as a gift. Those muffins look divine!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:15 pmI’d love to receive a hamper like this as a gift – such a great indulgence for a friend or family member! Glad you like the look of the muffins 🙂
Johanna GGG says
November 4, 2014 at 11:31 amYou sound like you needed a nice brunch together – and the muffins sound great – nice bit of pampering
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:14 pmWe really did. We ought to do it more often, but there’s always so much to do… so little time..
Kate @ Family Fever says
November 4, 2014 at 11:13 amOh ym goodness, they sound amazing – perfect for this time of year! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:14 pmMy pleasure, thanks for hosting such a great linky!
Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault says
November 4, 2014 at 10:34 amI love spices in cake which is why I was eating Spiced Pumpkin Cake for breakfast. Well it would have been a shame to waste the slice I had cut in order to take a photo wouldn’t it?!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:10 pmMmm that sounds like a superb breakfast! I agree it would have been a shame to waste it 🙂
Jeanne Horak-Druiff says
November 4, 2014 at 10:33 amWhat a way to wake up! I do love me a good hamper, especially one with bubbles. And your post has reminded me that it has been WAY to long since I last baked muffins!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:09 pmI’ve never had a hamper with bubbles in it before – this was a rather lovely treat! I want to do it again 🙂
Julie's Family Kitchen says
November 3, 2014 at 11:03 pmI just love the sound of these muffins, perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast.
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:07 pmThanks Julie, they certainly are. There’s not much work involved making them either – great for a proper lazy morning!
Cat Culmer says
November 3, 2014 at 3:30 pmThat looks truly delicious! Can I please come to your house to eat?!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:07 pmHeehee, the door’s always open! 😀
tracey bowden says
November 3, 2014 at 3:26 pmThat hamper looks amazing but for the price tag that’s what I would expect! A bit out of my price range but still I would to receive one as a gift (please santa). Your spiced apple muffins have totally got my mouth watering and really want to give them a whirl despite being an awful cook but they sound and look sooo good
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:06 pmIt’s out of my price range too, but it’s such a fab idea for a gift! Glad you like the look of the muffins, they were rather scrummy!
Laura says
November 3, 2014 at 3:09 pmOhhhh these look so fantastic! I adore the swirly topping and can just imagine taking a huge bite of one fresh from the oven, not being able to wait until I got to the table and simply overnight in the kitchen until I finished it off. Thanks so much for sharing with the Biscuit Barrel!
Elizabeth says
November 5, 2014 at 2:04 pmThanks Laura 🙂 Thanks for hosting such a great, inspirational challenge to link up to!